WHO’S WHO IN GOD’S BOOKS!
Suggested Reading: Psalms 119:1-72
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
A woman takes time to meditate on the cityscape of Athens from the Acropolis. In Athens, the Apostle Paul quoted "Certain of your own poets." He was a well-educated man with a brilliant mind. Paul's next stop was Corinth, where history tells us there were at least 5000 prostitutes who served thousands of sailors who spent about a week each in Corinth. To the people of Corinth Paul wrote, "I determined to know nothing among you except Christ Jesus, and Him crucified!" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul spent three years there and eventually Corinth was transformed. It's this message that has transformed the native communities of Northern Quebec (I'll tell that story below). The Cree people own the airline, "Creebec Air," and thus can police and destroy the source of much trouble...alcohol consumption has been reduced to almost zero. A statement I've made often here on this blog is, "Jesus changes everything!"
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Psalm 119:9, 50
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
…This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
Here we go into the Bible’s longest chapter, 176 verses, three days for the blog!
It is a perfect acrostic, having 22 stanzas of 8 verses each,1 stanza for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Amazing! Every verse with the exception of verses 90 and 122 mentions the Word of God or one of its ten synonyms. e.g. precepts, statutes, etc. The message here for us is unmistakeable! What we are doing in our two-year journey in this blog is of ultimate importance!!!
The question asked in our key verse about cleansing our ways is answered by the Scriptures. Psalm 119:11 assures us that if we hide God’s Word in our hearts (not just our heads) we will be kept from sinning against God! A New Testament statement in this regard is Ephesians 5:25-27 where we are told that we are cleansed by the “washing of water by the Word!” We are having our daily heart, soul and spirit bath right now as we read the “Word of God” here on 100words.ca! Amen!!!
Tomorrow, God willing, we will consider the way President Abraham Lincoln applied the Psalms to his life and presidency.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
O God, You have provided for washing in the pure water of the artesian spring of Your Word. I pray for the grace to be consistent in having a daily shower in the living water of Your testimonies, Your ordinances, Your judgements, Your law, Your precepts, Your statutes, YOUR WORD!!! I ask these blessings in the Name of the One who in Himself is “the Living Word,” Christ Jesus!!! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Ancient Athens is known as the intellectual, educational centre of the ancient world. I’ve discovered that during the first centuries, many Greek philosophers studied the Hebrew writers and discovered ultimate truth through God’s Word. I’ve often made the statement, “Never confuse education with intelligence.” Yesterday I wrote (click here for yesterday’s blog) that today I would tell a story of Grand Chief Billy Diamond of the northern Quebec Cree Nation. He did not have a long formal education (he attended one of the infamous residential schools), but the former Minister of Indian Affairs, Labour, and Health, the Hon. John C Munroe, told me that in governmental negotiations, Billy Diamomd was the most intelligent man he had ever met! I took John with me to Northern Quebec after he had left politics, and here’s what happened. This former Indian Affairs Minister walked around the town of Waskagenish in astonishment. He said, “The last time I was here, this was a totally disfunctional community because of the abuse of alcohol. At 30 below zero there were blankets stuffed in where windows had once been, the children were outside without proper clothing.” He asked, “What has happened here? Now, every home is properly cared for and there are many new homes, beautifully painted. The children are dressed warmly (it was early March). There are shiny snowmobiles.” John’s jaw dropped open several times. I showed him the new factory where they were making the large fibre glass Hudson Bay Canoes which they sold to the Japanese fishermen for their ocean voyages, etc., etc. That night I took this former 1960’s, 70’s and early 80’s government Minister to Church. When Billy Diamond made the call to receive Jesus as Saviour and make Him Lord, the first one at the altar was the Hon. John Munroe. John was struggling with difficult issues in his own life at the time. All the members of the Band council gathered around him, laying their hands on him and welcoming him into the new life in Christ, which had transformed their lives and the entire community. I was the preacher at John’s funeral several years ago now. “Who’s Who” of the Liberal Party filled the front pews. I told this story! Prime Minister Jean Chretien honoured John by naming the Hamilton, Ontario, airport “The John C. Monroe International Airport.” Grand Chief Diamond acknowledged boldly everywhere he went that “Jesus is my Chief!” Billy would call me regularly. He always had a quote for me from “the Word of God,” the source of his wisdom! I’m confident that John and Billy are there now in the immediate presence of the God they served and loved.
Yours for the glory of the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Billy and John! Some of those in God’s Who’s Who books!
David
P.S. Sorry… I couldn’t begin to tell that story in 100 words..;.
The view of Athens from the Acropolis towards the southwest. The Saronic Gulf of the Mediterranean Sea can be seen in the distance. Under the shadow of the Acropolis where the ruins of the Parthenon sits, the Apostle Paul spoke on Mars Hill. There he declared to the Athenian parliamentarians the same Jesus that transformed a Northern Quebec community, its leaders, and also the heart of a former federal Minister of Indian Affairs. Read Acts 17:16-34.
I am glad you are not always at 100 words as you have so much to share. I like your stories as they help me in my daily walk.. Have a great day, David M and bloggers.
Beautiful story!!! Thank you David for
sharing personal experiences with us.
“God can do anything but fail”.
Perhaps 100 & 50 words, 50 being our bonus!! And, may all the words in scripture and your insight, reach our hearts, as was the case with John Monroe and Billy Diamond. After-all, scripture (as our Lord) is the only unchangeable facet we can turn to in our lives. In this, we can be steadfast and sure. Have a great day!
Thank you for your blog…they are a great blessing for me always…
I love the psalms and look forward to knowing the psalms in Abraham Lincoln’s life!
God bless your day today!
Thank you David and thank you Reynold. The words and pictures really work together. Often I print the pictures off and write the information provided on the backs of them and insert them in my Bible, in the appropriate spot. That way, when I go back to read again, I have a visual reminder and also something I can share with others.
Again thank you for doing this so faithfully. May God bless you.
Well it is a story well worth telling!!!!!! God bless yoy
David M, It is always to our benefit when you over 100 words, and we all appreciate knowing of the miracles God has done in the lives of others. It encourages us to look for God in our own lives. And find Him, for He is always there beside us. When my husband was in hospital for 9 days recently, I decided to rest in an adjustable bed we have, my shoulder pain was bad, and I thought I could get more comfortable. Well, I fell out of bed!!!! I had a great struggle to get up, at one point I thought it was impossible, but using my bad shoulder, I made it ! The struggle must have released a pinched nerve but now my arm is mostly pain free, althought I still have a tear.
Yes, I know it was of God and I give Him thanks every day. Another miracle, for all the doctors could do, was give me stronger medication which didn’t take away the pain. God is so good, He doesn’t give us more than we can bear, but provides a way of escape. Even if it is falling out of bed!
What an God honouring story in today’s blog, so appreciate reading those.
Sad to say, that this part of our history may not make it into our history books.
Blessings to all.
Every time I read your Blog I want to say ‘thank you’…your stories are so uplifting and thought provoking……..these blogs would make a nice book that we could read over and over……..have a saintly day………
I always love the stories from your life .Thank you David God Bless 🙂
A beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes.
Blessings to all 🙂
Diane 🙂
Thanks for all the testimonies. It increases our faith. Thanks for the Word daily, David!
“God has made the wisdom of men foolishness.” In Dubai they built the tallest buiding in the world. In Waskagenish, Cree humbly prayed to save a soul.
David .M. I love those personal testamonys ‘ they remind me were I came from
and Praise the Lord how HE works in each of our lives ….R…
Thanks for sharing a wonderful testimony, David.
Thank you for sharing David — I am positive not one who reads your blog mind the extra words. A beautiful story — who knew at the time it would be going out over the world wide web and touching so many hearts. How amazing is our LORD! Amen!
Thank you once again Pastor David for our blog and today’s story is a great testimony of our Great God and how He can tun things around. I am sure Billy Diamond and, John Monroe are having a wonderful time sharing and praising their Lord and SAviour,
P.s. Want to thank everyone who prayed for my family today. Praise God for two decisions that were made and only to His glory. The last decision will come late November, and I know our Saviour has that all worked out too.
It feels so comforting to know I can share with all of you. Blessings
Dear rev.David M
Thank you for today’s touching testimony. How amazing and fabulous is our Saviour, always there when we least expect it. Never be concerned that more than 100 words could be a problem; we treasure every life story that you share so generously with us.
Blessings to everyone!
xxxCarole