Tuesday, December 29, 2020

A HOLY PEOPLE

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 25-26

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).

 

People praying at the rock in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed all night before he was arrested. The church that now covers it is called the Church of All Nations.

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

 

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 26:19

…and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken.

 

We are a “holy people.” Believing in Jesus and following Him makes this a fact. Ephesians 2:21 calls us, “a holy temple.” To see how special we are in God’s eyes, read Ephesians 2:11-22.

Two practices stand out in today’s reading. First, the sandal and the kinsman redeemer. Note Deuteronomy 25:9 and then turn to a wonderful love story, Ruth chapter 4. Note verse 7 (click here). Second, paying the tithe, 10% of our increase. To read more about this practice, we may want to read Malachi 3:6-12. This last book in the Hebrew Scriptures has much to say about giving. The Greek Scriptures, our New Testament, speaks of giving in many places. The one that comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 16:2, where Paul encourages us to set aside our offerings on the first day of each week. It seems that the early believers in Jesus paid the tithe (they were all Jews) and then did much more in offerings above their tithe. Remember the words of Jesus to the rich young ruler. Jesus was asking for his all (Mark 10:17-22). Our question should not be, “How much should I give?” but, “How much of that which You, Lord, have given me should I use for myself?” Let’s meditate on that thought.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please give me the grace of disciplined consistency in listening to You as I read Your Word each day and in faithful fervency as I talk with You in my prayer time. May I see spiritual input in my life to be even more important than physical food and drink. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Because of the practice of giving produce to God, I asked my son, Reynold, for a garden picture. The Garden of Gethsemane was the place where Jesus gave everything back to His Father.

I find it interesting that throughout this present age, the age of the Church, a wide variety of giving practices has been employed. For example, my Father, Rev. Dr. Roy Mainse, in his ordination commitments, was not to own property personally. He was 40 when I was born in 1936, and he wrote that while his brothers received an inheritance, such as the family farm, he would not receive an inheritance. He was in the ministry (Methodist/Holiness Movement) and his needs were provided by the congregations, college, and missionary society which he served. During my time as a boy living at home, the residence, complete with old furniture from the 19th century, was provided. I remember the red-letter day when Dad came home with a new fridge. We actually owned it. Things changed along the way, and Dad and my step-mother owned a home when Dad retired. He passed away 42 years ago next month. I’m older now than he was when God took him home. He was removing the snow from his driveway and steps when his heart simply stopped. My memories of his total dedication to the cause of Christ are a motivation for me in my service to God and people.

Yours for learning how to give back to God that which He has given me,

David

11 thoughts on “Tuesday, December 29, 2020

  1. Since our church is closed,I just wrote a letter to our pastor along these same lines for distribution to the congregation quoting Malachi 3:6-12 and the need our church has to meet its worldly obligations.Most of us pass by our treasurer’s house each week or so which is a good oppertunity to drop off our tithes.There are some though who can only afford to give locally…
    I have several on my prayer list mentioned on this blog.Beverlee Kay is one regarding her back surgery.I pray that is why she is not on here lately and that she makes a speedy and complete recovery.(Still praying for Ann too.)May God bless

    • Thank you William for praying but there is a difference between worrying and praying. I have no idea when my surgery will be; could be 6 months or longer, for all I know. Things are backed up because of Covid. I have no answers. Do not be overly concerned. God is taking care of me. When I ask for prayer, just pray, then. There are a lot of people on the blog who need prayer and ask for it. I feel smothered when people worry about me and go past just praying. Too much attention being focused on me and I am a very independent person. May God bless you and keep you well into the New Year. Praying 2021 is better for everyone.

      God wants us to pray for everyone. First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 1 Timothy 2:1 ESV

  2. Praying for Beverlee as well William but she was here on the blog yesterday posting her great music selections. Also praying for the safety and availability of the vaccines we are expecting. Praying also that people will be vigilant in following the rules to try to get a handle on the proliferation and spread of Coronavirus, the Peace of Jerusalem, and the labourers on the fields everywhere in the world. May Father God bless, protect, and provide for them. In Jesus Name, Amen

  3. Father God, may the things we do match the things we say. Help us to do the things that please You. Bless all those who serve You, Father, and bring many more to You, we pray in Jesus’s name, amen

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