Wednesday, September 23, 2020

LOST AND FOUND

Today’s Reading: Luke 19

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

This is a model of the Temple from the time of Jesus, where it was situated on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Today, a Muslim mosque, known as the Dome of the Rock (seen in the background), is located on that same Temple Mount.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Luke 19:10

…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

Why did Jesus come to earth? To teach? To heal? To set a fine example? Yes, to all these things. But His top priority is to seek and to save all who are lost! He seeks for us by His Holy Spirit and by the power of His Word which is proclaimed in the Gospels and which we share every day (check out 100 Huntley Street – click here). His God-sized death on the cross is big enough to save all of us from eternal death. Jesus was seeking the lost from the beginning of His public ministry. He found some mending their nets, another at the tax collector’s desk, others going about their business in Galilee, Zacchaeus up a tree in Jericho, and now, He has found you and me. Jesus has not changed. The difference is that He seeks the lost through us. We cannot save anyone, but we can bring precious lost people to Jesus, pray with them, give them Jesus’ Word, and He will save them.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, I thank You for those who found me and introduced me to You. Thank You for Your Words of acceptance to me, “The one who comes to Me, I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). I believe Your Words and I know You cannot lie. You do not cast me out. Therefore, You receive me. Help me today, and every day, to do for others what was done for me. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a boy, the game known as “hide and seek” was a favourite. Can you remember the excitement of the search and the joy of discovering the hiding place of a friend. My first effort at serious seeking lost people involved creating a hockey team in the village of Haley’s Station in the Ottawa Valley, where my Dad was a minister. I was 17 then. The men created an outdoor rink every winter. I pulled together several boys and offered to buy hockey sweaters with the name “Haley’s Comets” splashed across them. We formed a league with three other small villages and played several games. My main motivation was not to win at hockey, but rather to win my friends to Christ. I arranged to take the team to the nearby city of Ottawa to hear Evangelist Hyman Appleman. That night they went forward and Jesus saved them as they believed His Words. The next Sunday, my Dad’s church had a row of teens sitting at the front, worshipping God. Since that time, my greatest thrill is in finding creative ways to bring the lost to Jesus.

Yours for sparking initiatives to help find the lost and introducing them to Jesus!

David

P.S. In this space for a few days, we’ve considered the historical accuracy of the Holy Bible. Here’s a story from an Israeli tour bus. Norma-Jean and I were leading 100 pilgrims for two weeks, walking and riding through the pages of the Bible. Our well-educated Jewish tour guide said that the story in Luke about the Roman census and taxation under the Governor of Syria could not be historically correct because Quirinius did not become Governor until eight years after the birth of Jesus. I immediately called from the bus on my cell phone Dr. Paul Maier, a PhD professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University. Dr. Maier is recognized by many news organizations as the world’s foremost expert on the first century. I put the tour guide on the phone and here’s what Dr. Maier said, “We know for a fact the Roman census of Gaul (France) took twenty years to complete. The census in the province of Syria, which included Palestine, probably took a similar amount of time, and indeed Quirinius was Governor of Syria when the census results were delivered to Caesar in Rome. The Romans dated their census taking from the time of completion. Therefore, Luke’s record is correct. The Jewish guide ate a little humble pie and admitted that Dr. Maier was right. There is no bad history in the Bible! Check out Dr. Maier on 100 Huntley Street from a few years back…here’s part one of a two part interview.

19 thoughts on “Wednesday, September 23, 2020

  1. A prayer for Doreen, this morning. May the Lord provide insight to your doctor and give you strength. Trust in Him. Psalm 23, A Psalm of David.

    The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
    He restores my soul.
    He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
    Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
    You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
    Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
    And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

    Thank you saints for your prayers for me; have been reading, just not posting; and praying for you, as well. A very good move is in the works, here, for November 1st (praise God!) and lots of medical things going on. We too, go up to Jerusalem, Lord! Indeed, we recognize the time of God’s coming to us. We too, hang on Your Words, dear God. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord. Oh, how He loves us so!! Amen.

    The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lam 3:25-26

    I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) Lyrics ~ Shane & Shane
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C3WQ1G1Uso

  2. Grateful for David’s prayer and message, this morning. We appreciate great teaching. Here is today’s post from Echoes of Eternity, Listening to the Father,
    Hal M. Helms, Sept 23:

    “My dear child, I have no delight in the suffering of My people. I allow it only for their eternal good. Blessed are those who turn to Me in their trouble, for I am a God of mercy and compassion. The valleys through which I call you to go need not frighten you. The shadows and darkness are only for a time. Let your faith grow strong when darkness comes. Faith will overcome where daylight cannot prevail. Suffering purges away the rank growth of self–if you let it do its work. There are two ways in which I turn it to good: by its pruning and by My healing. In both ways I bring blessing to My chosen ones.”

    Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.” Psalm 90:1-3

    PSALM 90 | Shane & Shane WOW!!! ❤️❤️❤️
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taS5tbvtMDU

  3. Amen.
    Thank you for posting this morning, Beverlee. It has been just what I needed this morning. I will listen later to your u tubes.
    I missed your posts, you are a great inspiration to me. Your love for God is amazing.
    I prayed for you , Doreen and the whole blog family.
    May God bless all readers deeply today.

  4. Dear Lord God, thank You for all Your wondrous creation and for Your Word through which You speak to us. Guide us, lead us, and help us to be good stewards of all You have given us. In Jesus’s name, amen

  5. Good to hear from you, Beverlee. Happy to hear of the “very good move” in the works for November 1. Whatever it is, we are excited for and with you. Continued prayers for you, as you face your medical situation.
    Praying also for Doreen. May all go well with your appointment today.
    Praying for everyone who has requested prayer. God bless you all! 🙏
    The Lord is near to all who trust in Him.

  6. Yes good to hear from you Beverlee and some good things are happening for you. God is faithful. Also prayers for you Doreen and your sister. Trust all goes well.

  7. You saints are just wonderful!! I have been missing you and eager to hear how Doreen does at her doctor’s, as well as her sister’s. The move to another location in Picton has fallen into place for November 1st and I am very excited about it. An odd weather day here, today. One hour it is cold, then quite hot; hope it keeps cooling off, though. God bless you, dear saints. 🌞

  8. Thank you all for your prayers for me. I went to Dr appointment (smooth, clear drive all the way). Found I lost another 3 pounds sine last week even though I tried hard to prevent loss. She sent me for more blood tests. I’m a little unwell @ the moment but she gave me a note saying “no signs of Covid19 “ Thankful. Not too well just now but appreciate the worship song, scripture, & your prayers so much. Thank you. Asking Him for direction for His plan for me. Maybe Assisted Living or what. Blessings all. You are a great group. Blessings on you Beverlee!

    • Doreen, those words ring through my ears. The past few weeks, my feelings were you needed someone caring for you. Sometimes when we expend so much energy caring for our loved ones, we neglect caring for ourselves and our energy becomes zapped. You need just as much TLC as your sister does. God bless you and continued prayers for you, dear one. 🙏

      • Praying that God will give you guidance and direction, Doreen as to what arrangements you need to make for your well being. “His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over you” !

  9. Lord Jesus, I was Lost; I’m so glad You found me. My prayer is for all those of my family who are lost, to be found:)
    The 23rd palm is one of my favorite: Our church family just completed it as our Sunday sermons. Thank you Beverlee for posting it.
    As a child, “Hide and Seek” was one game I enjoyed playing.
    Have a peaceful evening, saints of the Lord!

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