Thursday, April 14, 2022

FROM EVERLASTING

Today’s Reading: Micah 5-6

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

 

Manger Square in Bethlehem is just across the street from the Church of the Nativity, which is built over the spot where it is believed that Jesus was born. The Palestinian government has offices here. God has something to say to political authorities.

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

 

Key Verses: Micah 5:2, 6:8

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Whose goings forth are from of old,

From everlasting…

He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,

To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God?

 

The Bible scholars consulted by King Herod during the visit of the wise men had no trouble finding the scroll which contained the 700-year-old words of Micah and identifying the place of the birth of “the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting!” (literally the days of eternity). If the story of the birth of Jesus was not true, one would think that, with the amazing growth of the Jesus movement in Jerusalem, it would’ve brought official denials recorded in the Mishna (minutes of the Jewish ruling council which still exist today), from the priest/historian Josephus, or the Jewish teachers such as Gamaliel, grandson of the famous Rabbi Hillel; but there is no record which denies  the claims of the Apostles and others (read Matthew 2:1-12). Rabbi Saul, student of Gamaliel, who became the Apostle Paul, wrote, “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ [Messiah] our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh…” (Romans 1:1-6).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, thank You for what Peter called “The prophetic word made more sure, which you would do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19a). I pray that I will see with insight, with a new perception, and a clarity of understanding. May I reflect Your light into dark places today. I ask this in the Name of “the Light of the World,” Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve quoted often the words of our second key verse, but the most memorable time was on a phone call to former Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney. He had given me his private phone number sometime earlier, and I had never used it prior to this occasion. Now it was different. He had just lost a referendum on his formula to bring the French speaking province of Quebec into full partnership in the constitution of Canada. He had invested all his political capital and years of his time into the fulfillment of this vision. As I knelt in prayer that evening after the vote tally was in, I knew it was time to call him. Norma-Jean was beside me and she heard me say, “This is David Mainse. Is the Prime Minister in?” A lady said, “No, he’s at Meech Lake. He needs to talk to you, I’ll put you through.” A very discouraged Prime Minister said, “Hello.” His voice, always low, was lower than usual. When I told him who it was, he said, “I’m sitting here on the couch with my children. I’m reading them a story, thanks for calling.” In order to not keep him too long away from his children I got right to my point. I said, “I believe that God has a word for you. You’ve worked very hard to do what you believe is best for Canada. On behalf of all of us, thank you!” Then I shared the Word from the prophet Micah. I said, “Here’s all God expects of you: ‘What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?'” (Micah 6:8b). He thanked me for praying for him, his family and his government, and then we said goodbye. On a previous visit, he said that he and his wife, Mila, watched a 100 Huntley Street repeat most evenings around midnight. He laughed and said that I helped him sleep well.

Yours for the Word that God has for each person from His Book!

David

P.S. Below is Prime Minister Brian Mulroney receiving one the books on Canada’s spiritual heritage which Crossroads published. Because of the 100 Huntley Street Christian television ministry, I’ve had the honour to converse with all our Canadian Prime Ministers who have served our country over the last few decades (except for the very short term P.M. Kim Campbell).  I pray every morning for, as Paul writes, “All who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:2-4).

15 thoughts on “Thursday, April 14, 2022

  1. Amen to David’s prayer this morning. We used to sing a song,

    “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
    Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
    Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
    Keep me burning ’til the break of day.

    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna to the King of kings
    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna, to the King

    Make me a fisher of men, keep me seeking
    Make me a fisher of men, I pray
    Make me a fisher of men, keep me seeking
    Seeking souls ’til Jesus comes again

    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna to the King of kings
    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna, to the King

    Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising
    Give me joy in my heart, I pray
    Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising
    Keep me praising ’til the break of day

    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna to the King of kings
    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna, to the King

    Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
    Give me love in my heart, I pray
    Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
    Keep me serving ’til the break of day

    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna to the King of kings
    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna, to the King

    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna to the King of kings
    Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
    Sing hosanna, to the King”

    Songwriters: A. Sevison / C. Barny Robertson

  2. Amen… am praying along with everyone David’s prayer …. Oh Lord may we all reflect the beautiful light of Jesus in a greater way in this world.

    Thank you Heavenly Father for Good Friday, and then for Easther morning, thank you for the gift of life that You offer and give to us! Oh Lord we worship and adore You!

    Rob, I remember that song, brings back so many memories…one year a Sunday school teacher had all of us light and hold a small candle…so spoke to me and touched my heart…..thank you for posting it today!

  3. A memory from my childhood too! (Sing Hosanna). I think about the children who have not been able to sing (making memories) for over two years now. Scripture set to music is so valuable and memorable. Our church is having Easter Services on Zoom. Thank You Lord for Your amazing, sacrificial, Gift to us. Amen and amen.

  4. For the 14th from “Prayer Map of Canada”
    1.Pray for God’s kingdom to come in your neighbourhood, city or community, and in our nation. (Matt. 6:10)
    2. Pray for those who serve with denominations and Christian organizations in Canada – that God will bless their ministry and anoint them for effective service.

  5. Thanks Rob for posting that song. I love it. I immediately sang it. So good to hear it again. Brought memories back.
    May God bless you all richly today. Nice to hear from you Beverlee.

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