RISE UP

Today’s Reading: Numbers 10-11

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).

A replica of the Ark of the Covenant located at Timna National Park in Israel’s Jordan Valley.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now — if I have found favor in Your sight — and do not let me see my wretchedness!

Imagine how excited all the people were as…”They started out for the first time” (10:13). It is plain to see that the emotions they felt were not grounded in faith. Almost immediately they began to complain about the food. They remembered the menu back in Egypt, and they were not happy campers. Complaining always has a ripple effect. Now Moses is complaining to God. God has a solution as He always does. We need to read twice Numbers 11:16-30. Moses’ response was prophetic, “O that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them.” Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28) predicted this. Peter quoted Joel (Acts 2:14-21) to explain that God was now doing what Moses longed for. God put His Spirit upon the Lord’s people and they prophesied. What is New Testament prophecy? “The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy” (Revelation 19:10b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, John the Baptist said of You, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” I ask for today, and every day, that You will immerse me in Your Holy Spirit, and keep me submerged in the Spirit always so that I will constantly speak, “the testimony of Jesus.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I first became a Dad, I remember reading Numbers 11. There were two “dads” (I’m stretching it a bit here)…Eldad and Medad, who were home, and while they had responsibilities as elders, they had not made it to Moses’ meeting. Nevertheless, God put His Spirit upon them at home, just as He did on those who were in the tent of meeting. They prophesied (11:26) right where they were. I expect God’s Spirit to come upon me when I’m at a meeting, but also when I’m not. Moses was so depressed over the complaints of the people that he asked God to kill him. Then, he and Elijah (who also asked God to take him out of this life) showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration to strengthen Jesus who, in His humanity, needed the ministry of these men. If Jesus needed their company, so do I. I don’t actually expect Moses to show up. However, Moses’ words are showing up before me, and his words encourage me to press on.

Yours for uplifting messages from Moses, Peter, Elijah, and most of all from Jesus!

David

GUIDANCE

Today’s Reading: Numbers 8-9

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).

The Tabernacle of Moses replica was set up at Crossroads in Burlington, Ontario, for the summer of 2012. This is looking from just in front of the divide of the Holy of Holies through the Holy Place toward the Outer Courts. The Golden Lampstand is on the right, and the Table of Showbread on the left.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 9:15

Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening until morning it was above the tabernacle like the appearance of fire.

Our reading begins with the arrangement of the lamps so that they give maximum light in the Tabernacle. The lamps enabled them to see with their physical eyes. Guidance when it’s dark is provided this way; there was light like the appearance of fire above the Tabernacle at night (verse 9:15). There is an inner light described here (verse 9:8). Hearing from God brings insight. That inner light shines for us as we read God’s Word each day. For example, we can observe that the Levites are a type of Christ as they represent the people before God (verses 8:17-18). In the Bible, this is called “typology”. There are many examples of this illumination so that we may see Christ with greater understanding as we read the Old Testament. To show how this works in the light of our reading, I suggest you read now Romans 8:29 and Colossians 1:15-18. Jesus is revealed in this light as the Firstborn among God’s children and the Firstborn in all creation.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, please shine the Light of Your presence so that I may see You always. As we saw in our reading two days ago, You make Your face shine upon me. I love You Lord, and see both outwardly and inwardly that You love me. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

One of my favourite places to visit in Israel is the ruins of Caesarea, the place where Pontius Pilate had his seat of power as Roman Governor. Back in the 1960’s, when I first visited there, great sand dunes covered what we now can see. Through the centuries, sand from the Sahara Desert had blown into the sea and been transported from the south coast to the east coast. Then the winds blew the sand into piles along the shore. There were, for example, so-called scholars who claimed the story of Pilate was fiction. But then, in the 1970’s, as much of the sand was removed, a large stone was discovered with an engraving which revealed the accuracy of the Biblical account. To show this fact, I arranged for a replica of this stone to be displayed in our Expo ’86 Vancouver Pavilion of Promise. Later, as we opened the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, the same stone was displayed, along with replicas of many archaeological discoveries, all of which help us to see that if God’s Word is true as history, and it is, then it is also true when the Light of the World shows us eternal truth.

Yours, to help us “Walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:5-7),

David

AN OFFERING

Today’s Reading: Numbers 7

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Sheep grazing on the hillside by the Sea of Galilee. The Children of Israel brought all their sheep and other livestock with them from Egypt into their wilderness journey.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 7:1-3

Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, made an offering. And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered carts and twelve oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders, and for each one an ox; and they presented them before the tabernacle.

Today’s reading may make us wonder as to why it’s here. It is so repetitive. The gifts which the leaders of the tribes present to God at the dedication of the Tabernacle are listed 12 times over. Could a reason be to show generosity? Could another reason be to teach the children what it means to take responsibility as the heads of households? God instructs parents to show leadership, teaching, not only in word, but by example. If we, as parents, are givers, chances are that our children will also be givers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, You are the greatest Giver, and according to Your Word, You live in and through me. Please grant me the grace to channel Your Spirit of giving through me. In Your Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe that the most grievous evil in God’s sight is the slaughter of the precious little lives still in the womb. We have a granddaughter who entered Brisbane Australia as newborn when her parents were employed at our Expo ’88 Pavilion there. She came 13 weeks early. Today she has a heart for young girls and has developed an amazing curriculum for 11-13 year-old girls. Every life matters! (click here for Rachelle’s ministry, Princess 911).  In Canada and the USA, a little body like hers (at the time of her birth) can be ripped apart in the womb by cruel instruments of death and even crueler people. The main question for us is, “Who will be most committed to protecting these amazing new lives?”

Yours for the great joy of living,

David

BENEDICTION

Today’s Reading: Numbers 5-6

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In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in these caves in the region known as Qumran, next to the Dead Sea. The scrolls are a collection of 972 texts, consisting of Biblical manuscripts from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). It has been considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th Century. Many of the Scrolls date back to the first century and earlier. They attest to the accuracy of the Biblical text through the centuries.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Quarantine for communicable disease is an example of the care God had for His people. God gave instructions for physical blessings. Restitution for wrongs committed is an example of the social care God has for His people. God blesses His people by love and mercy, and because He cannot and will not tolerate sin, He makes provision for forgiveness through atonement. In this way He provides for restoration of relationships. “At-ONE-ment” is gained through restitution and a sacrifice for sin. Jesus provides all this for us through His life and death.

We might want to read an example of the “Nazirite vow” in Judges 13:5, the story of Sampson. Let us also consider giving someone today a benediction. The meaning of benediction is to “say a blessing.” Our key verses are magnificent words of blessing.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You promised that “When He the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth.” I’m reading from an English translation of Your Hebrew Bible. I have difficulty understanding all You are saying to me, Lord, so I ask for Your Holy Spirit to teach me. Thank You for speaking such a marvelous blessing over me as found in the key verses. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was honoured to be the Pastor of a wonderful congregation in the northern city of Sudbury. I was blessed to find the great strength of love and unity among the people. This strength produced in me a confidence that God could and would do big things in Sudbury. My predecessor was the late Rev. Homer Cantelon. His ministry produced that strength I experienced. I was thinking of him as I read the Sampson story. Homer was not only strong spiritually but also physically. I was told lots of stories such as Homer picking up one end of a Volkswagen beetle. The men were suitably impressed. At one time, Homer worked in the nickle mines after returning from Europe as a WWII veteran. A miner came to our church looking for Homer to perform the marriage of his son. He reflected back on his former workmate and said, “The men would tease Homer about his faith. Homer was so strong that he could’ve beaten them easily in a fight, but he was kind to them instead.” He then said, “Homer is the only real Christian who is a minister in Sudbury.” I explained that Homer had moved away and offered my services. Against his better judgement, he agreed for me to do the marriage. Later, the whole family gave their lives to Jesus. Thank You Jesus, and thank you Homer.

Yours to help us all “say a blessing” on others,

David

MINISTRY

Today’s Reading: Numbers 4

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In this replica of the Tabernacle of Moses, the High Priest worships in the Holy Place, just outside of the Holy of Holies.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 4:49

According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.

God has a job for everyone, the willing workers, and even those who are willing to let the self-starters with drive do it all. Sharing our time, our energies, and our resources with others in God’s work is absolutely essential. God, in His wisdom, wants each individual to serve, functioning as a member of the team, so that the burden is not carried by the few but by the many. The Tabernacle was the forerunner to the Church. In the Church, God calls people to serve (see Ephesians 4:11-16). Paul tells us about the leadership in the Church and also gives the reasons why we need those who are gifted by God in ministry. Check out also 1 Corinthians 12:28-31. None of us are left out. I particularly like God’s appointment of “Helps.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, show me that to which You have appointed me for this time of my life. I know that spending time daily with You and Your Word are definitely part of my appointment. Please show me what else You have for me today. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was about to turn 17 when I knew God was calling me into ministry. God did not give me any details. I thought about the word “ministry” and realized that it meant that I was simply to be a servant and to serve wherever and whenever the opportunity arose. It could be in the form of a request from others, or it could be at God’s initiative. It could be as a result of my own initiative as well. My job was to get busy. I’ve often come across people who are waiting for God to open doors. That’s never been my problem. I’ve seen open doors everywhere. I believe that every street corner is a ministry location. I don’t need to wait for a formal call to Pastor a Church, for example. On a Monday morning at 4 a.m. I committed to this blog. I’m not computer savvy, but I knew I could learn. Four months later, 100words.ca showed up. Thank you to those who have written blog comments encouraging me to continue. My job is not to answer questions, for that’s where God has put the ministry gifts in the local Church. Someone has that job and God has gifted that person to be a help.

Yours for all of us finding the job God has for each one of us,

David

FAMILIES

Today’s Reading: Numbers 3

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A Jewish man holds his Hebrew writings and prays at the Western “Wailing” Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 3:12

Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine.

Moses was a descendant of Levi, one of the sons of Jacob. Here, God commands Moses to separate the Levites from all of the other Children of Israel so they can be consecrated to Him for the service of the Tabernacle, and to represent God to the people and the people to God. God chose Moses when he was a tiny baby and gave him favour with Pharaoh’s daughter so that Moses was raised in the culture and learning of Egypt. God sent Moses into the wilderness for 40 more years of education and experience before he was ready to lead all the tribes out of Egypt.

In our key verse, God hints at His great plan of redemption. In this case, it is one Levite for each firstborn of all Israel; eventually, it was to be God’s Firstborn and only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for all mankind.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, just as You organized the Children of Israel, organize me and my descendants so that we may fulfill Your purpose. Please continue to do this for every family who seeks to follow Your will for their lives. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe God made a choice when my great-grandfather was converted in a Methodist revival. His Dad was a drunk who gambled away the farm and then disappeared from the scene, never to be found. The future of the Mainse side of my family was determined by an act of God in the salvation of Joseph Mainse. His sons, Allen, my grandfather, and Edward, my great-uncle, were known as great men of prayer. My Father, Roy, was called of God to preach and teach the Word of God. God separated me for His purpose. My children, Elaine and Bruce Stacey, Ellen and Nizar Shaheen, Reynold and Kathy Mainse, and Ron and Ann Mainse, all have the call of God on their lives.

Yours to emphasize that God is at work in your family too,

David

GOD AT THE CENTRE

Today’s Reading: Numbers 2

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At Timna Park, 20 miles north of Eilat, a life-sized replica of the Biblical Tabernacle has been constructed in the same area where the original Tabernacle may have stood. While no original materials (e.g., gold, silver, bronze) have been used in the replica, the model is accurate in every other way based upon the Biblical description.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 2:17

And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they shall move out, everyone in his place, by their standards.

What could’ve been a two-week journey became a forty-year time of testing, learning, rebelling, and finally conforming to God’s plan. We find parallels in our lives. Moses kept detailed records of people and events and was careful to journal all that happened. They had prepared for this while still in Egypt. Originally, the Children of Israel and Pharaoh thought this was to be just a camping trip for several days. Even if that had been the case, the logistics of moving over one million people required organizational genius. Their tents would’ve covered several square miles. What a sight it must have been. The Ark, the Tabernacle and the spiritual leaders were always at the centre. The way in which they were to travel and camp was a constant reminder that God was to occupy the central place in their lives.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask for Your help in organizing my life so that You are always at the centre. I desire You to be the focal point of my attention. Please grant me the grace to be conscious of Your presence 24/7. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As long as I can remember, God was honoured daily in our family life. My mother and sisters read to me from Hurlbut’s Stories of the Bible for Children (click here for an online version). I prayed every evening before bed, “Now I lay me down to sleep…” During the years of the Second World War, when my Dad was away, Mother led in daily Bible reading and prayer at the breakfast table. Dad arrived home in time for Christmas of 1944 and took over those duties. I never questioned that God was at the centre of our lives. Mother died when I was 12, and Dad and I were home alone a lot that year. He soldiered on with the same pattern of life. He also made lumpy porridge, and I tried not to complain. I would see his Bible open at the place where he was reading for his private devotions when I arrived downstairs each morning. The importance I place on this daily blog had its roots back there, I’m sure. I told one of my grandsons recently, “David Shaheen, if you were the only one reading my blog, I would get up early every morning and do it just for you.”

Yours, for God at the centre,

David

P.S. David Shaheen’s Dad, Rev. Nizar Shaheen, covers the world with the message of Jesus Christ in the Arabic language several times each day on satellite to home dishes, over the air, and on social media. His wife, our daughter Ellen, works alongside him in the Light for All Nations ministry. HERE is their website.

NUMBERING ISRAEL

Today’s Reading: Numbers 1

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This replica of the Tabernacle of Moses was set up behind the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, during the summer of 2012.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 1:50

…but you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, over all its furnishings, and over all things that belong to it; they shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they shall attend to it and camp around the tabernacle.

Here we are in Numbers. It’s a difficult book to read, but we need to stick with it. Completing the entire Bible in two years is a worthy goal. The first chapter initiates a census, from which comes the name of the book. Almost as soon as Mount Sinai is out of sight, the people begin to complain (Numbers 11). Even Moses’ brother and sister speak against his leadership (Numbers 13). Finally, the ultimate in faithlessness, the people refuse to move into the Promised Land, wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. At the book’s end, Israel is again numbered in preparation for acting on God’s promise (Numbers 26). Only two names appear in both numberings, Joshua and Caleb. There is more to come about these two heroes of obedience and faith. Israel developed two armies, one to stand before God and one before men…the Levites and all the others. These armies ensure the integrity of Israel, both spiritual and temporal.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I realize that I live in two worlds as did the Israelites. Grant me grace to faithfully execute my spiritual responsibilities, and from the strength received from You, to carry out my responsibilities to help ensure the integrity of my nation. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I accepted an invitation from Col. White of the Canadian Armed Services to address a gathering of Christian military personnel some years ago. That Sunday morning, I brought a message from God’s Word to both the Roman Catholic and the Protestant services. I noticed a Ukrainian Army Colonel sitting in the front pew of both services. Following the second service, he approached me and said, “If I could arrange for you to address our officer corp in Ukraine on the subject of having Padres or Chaplains in our military, would you come to us?” “Yes,” I responded. About two years later, under the sponsorship of the Military Christian Fellowship, Norma-Jean and I arrived in Kiev. At the opening banquet, I told the story of the army officer Cornelius (Acts 10) and made a toast to him. I suggested that he be honoured by their army. They rose, lifted their vodka-filled glasses, and I heard loud cries of “Da, Da, Yes, Yes.” It was a way to share the message of Jesus with officers who had been raised under official communist atheism.The gathering continued the next day with several speakers, as well as myself. Within two years, the Army of the Ukraine had Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist and Pentecostal Chaplains. Their concern militarily at that time was the presence of Islamic countries on their borders. They had been attacked by the Tartars over the centuries. They heard, received, and acted upon the message that they needed a spiritual army as well as earthly military might.

Yours for God and country,

David

PEACE

Today’s Reading: John 20-21

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).

A Nazareth Village family enjoying time with one another.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: John 20:19

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Jesus speaks “peace” three times to His disciples here. They were obviously in a state of great turmoil and fear. Jesus might have said, “Settle down, we’ve got some very practical matters to accomplish in the next 50 days.” After all, Jesus’ followers were very ordinary people. Peter and John came from two fishing families. Notice that John could not escape the competition motivation. He had to put in the Gospel that he beat Peter to the tomb. Of course, Mary Magdalene was first. She didn’t recognize Jesus until she heard His voice. We need to listen for Jesus. He’ll speak our names too. He has something unique to say to each one of us. He had a special message for Peter who had denied knowing Him three times. Three times He asked, “Do you love Me, Peter?” He had a message in the number of fish caught, 153. In Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value. The number 153 translates into “Ana Elohim = I am God.” The disciples had been to Hebrew school. They would have known exactly what Jesus was communicating. In our Bibles, let’s read again John 20:31. This is the reason for John to write. He was there in person when it happened!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, Help me to do that which You told Peter to do in today’s reading, “Feed My sheep,” and “Feed My lambs.” You know that I love You too. And help me, like John, to know my purpose in writing, speaking, and simply living the Gospel before others. May many more believe in You and have life in Your Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m simply a student. I’m hoping to learn more about God. In the Hebrew language, the word “disciple” is “talmudim,” and is what a kindergarten child in Israel is called today. Before moving from the weekly telecasts, Crossroads and Circle Square for children, to the daily telecast, 100 Huntley Street, I was begging God for guidance. I remember the spot on Highway 400, north of Toronto, where I heard the Lord say my name. He said to me so clearly I could never deny it, “David, I love you!” “Yes Lord,” I said, “What about specific guidance?” Again He said, “David, I love you!” I was so overcome that I had to pull over to the side of the road and sit there for a long time. I realized that the assurance of His love was all I needed. I was simply to go ahead, share my decisions with the Board of Directors for their approval, and His love would keep me on track to do His will.

Yours for “Life in His Name!”

David

FINISHED

Today’s Reading: John 19

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The view from the Garden Tomb area toward what many believe to be Golgotha, the Place of the Skull, where Jesus was crucified. You can see in the rock formation what looks to be a skull.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: John 19:30

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

For readers who’ve been with me since we began, you know that we’ve completed the first three books of the Bible and that we are about to start Numbers. We’ve read of hundreds of animal sacrifices (they were used for food as well) and now these three words, “It is finished.” We could view again the video posted here some days ago which showed that, after Jesus’ death, God no longer accepted the animal sacrifices presented in the Temple (click here to view). Jesus proclaimed from the Cross that His Sacrifice for the sins of the whole world was complete. In Chapter 19 alone, there are 20 references listed in my Thomas Nelson Study Bible which indicate fulfilled prophecy by Jesus as He hung on the Cross. No wonder that soon after His death, thousands of Jews would believe in Jesus as the final Sacrifice for sin. Jesus’ task in His suffering and death for sin was “finished,” but His triumph was not. As He told His disciples, after three days He would rise again. The victory celebration of His resurrection continues to this day. Amen! Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your “amazing grace,” as the hymn says, “that saved a wretch like me.” I sing that most beloved hymn now as I pray. Because of the fact that You finished Your Sacrifice, I know that I can add nothing to that Sacrifice by my own efforts. I simply accept that fact. Help me to share the finished work of the Cross with someone today. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In the early days of exercising the call of God to be a Pastor, I rejoiced in the growth of the congregation. Rather than counting attendance at the services, I would count the precious people who partook of the remembrance elements of the Body and Blood of Jesus. The reason the Apostle quoted Jesus saying, “This do in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), was because, “It is finished.” As I will shortly read Numbers, I keep this fact constantly in mind. Hallelujah!

Yours because “It is finished,”

David