GOVERNMENT
Today’s Reading: Romans 13
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 Temple of Hephaestus, also known as the Hephaisteion, or earlier as the Theseion, is a well-preserved Greek temple; it remains standing largely as built. The temple was officially inaugurated in 416-415 BC. It is a Doric peripteral temple, and is located at the north-west side of the Agora of Athens, on top of the Agoraios Kolonos hill. From the 7th century until 1834, it served as the Greek Orthodox church of St. George Akamates.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Not only does Paul not advocate the overthrow of the government, he actually tells us to be good subjects. Caesar, the Emperor, was the focus of the official “religion.” Social concerns, such as human rights, were unheard of. Paul was following the Lord Jesus, who said when asked about paying taxes, “Render, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” (Matthew 22:21a). The state and man’s religion have gone hand-in-hand throughout most of human history. Imposing buildings, such as the one pictured above, have been created to impress the people with the authority of the state and the state religion. Those early believers in Jesus were meeting in their homes, not in magnificent temples. Paul taught that their power was in “love”, not in revolution or in political activism. Loving is not optional for the follower of Christ. It is a debt that we must pay. No wonder thousands of Jews, Greeks, and Romans believed in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, please remind me daily of my debt of love. It’s payback time. You have loved me and I need to love You and others in return. Please show me the practical ways to express love today. I pray this, dear Jesus, expecting Your Holy Spirit to motivate me. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I have a grandson-in-law who is a police officer. I pray for his safety each morning. He is responsible for three of my great-grandchildren. The other day, he and his partner made a major drug bust. We could agree that he was acting, as Paul wrote, “as God’s minister to you for good” (Romans 13:4a).
I received an e-mail recently which is a positive example of one way to influence government decisions. It was from Pastor Wally Magdangal, who was reflecting on our past involvement with him. It was in 1992, just days before Christmas, that I received a fax from Amnesty International that Pastor Magdangal was about to be executed by the Saudi authorities for the crime of baptizing Muslims into the Christian faith. While we were live on air with 100 Huntley Street across the continent, I was able to reach, by telephone, the Saudi Ambassador at his embassy in Ottawa. I read the fax on national television and, of course, he denied that his country would do any such thing. Thank God, the pastor was released on Christmas Eve and was on a flight back to his home in the Philippines Christmas Day. Here’s a quote from Wally’s e-mail. “You appealed for my life and freedom back in December of 1992. I am alive today and serving THE LORD JESUS CHRIST because of Christians like you who prayed for me and advocated for my release from the death sentence in Saudi Arabia.” All who gave financially to pay for the TV airtime, and even the long distance phone call, have a part in Wally’s release. Most days my “do what is good” is a little, unnoticed thing; but God takes notice, and that’s what counts.
Yours for loving one another,
David
P.S. In yesterday’s blog I mentioned that something special happened to me three years ago today. Following a time of fasting and prayer, which ended with the Sunday evening service, I went to sleep as usual. At exactly 4 a.m. Monday I was awakened abruptly. I know that the Lord downloaded His call to do this blog. It happened again the same way two months later. On the digital clock it read “4:00 a.m.” … the Lord was reconfirming to me the start date of Sunday, June 3rd, 2012, the day after our 50th anniversary on television (you can click here to find out more details from the “About 100 Words” section of my blog).
Thanks, David, for sharing the message about Pastor Wally Magdangal–a wonderful example that shows the power of God being spread to save–this time, in the literal sense–all because believers gave financially to support the ministry! Amen!!! Today’s message by Paul links so well with the example you gave, David. It is out of love that we give, and out of our blind faith and belief in God, our Jehovah Jirah, that our destinies based on love are determined, for one another.
‘Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.’ Rom 13:8-10
Love has touched my heart deeply, this cold morning. May it warm each and every one of you! Thank You, Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to the sanctity of the Holy Spirit!! Amen!!
Amen!
… and this blog has been a life changing blessing to countless followers. Praise God and thank you David Mainse for your faithfulness in sending this to us each and every morning!!
Amen
Yes, thank-you from me too!
Amen, thank you David!
We pay our taxes to our government which hopefully goes to the good of our fellow man. The more we make, the more they take. When we read of corruption and waste in our government, being a cheerful giver doesn’t sit well.
Still, how blessed are we to live in a country such as Canada. I was born here and thank my heavenly Father I wasn’t born a citizen of Saudi Arabia or the like.
Enjoy 100 Huntley St. when I can watch it. Great guests and words of encouragement. Thanks so much Rev. Mainse et al.
God bless.
Lynda you have no idea of the corruption in our government not only does our government not have any morals I’m afraid the “stench” of lies/deciet/corruption; outright disrespect for children, the elderly, those from different countries…….. reaches the nostrils of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! I can’t imagine what He must be thinking! I went to an accountant a XChristian guy and asked how can I make my taxes work the best and he advised giving to charitable groups in my own area, give enough to offset the taxes and that is what I do. I mentioned once before someone said they give as far as their fingers can reach and that meant to the tip of their fingers, which they shared they give only to those that are close, those they can see what they are doing and ask questions, give locally….anyway forgive me I get very worked about this subject, I have spoken to people working in far away places and we hear how Canada has sent billlions of $$$$$$$$$ IN AID, but the problem is that hardly any olf that money gets to where it should be going….lots of problems…..be wise
Amen!
Though I haven’t taken the time to do so before, I want also to say a big thankyou to David for his commitment to this blog each day. I have been a fan of Huntley st for years , actually we were there as part of the studio audience back in the 80’s and got a parking ticket while there, ha ha. I appreciate the godly example David gives daily in his blog. The topic today of submission to authority has in the recent past been a challenge, as I endured under a management that at times was illogical and contradictory to good practice. I struggled to make an appeal in regards to a couple of the most concerning issues. I praise God for the promise of Is 54:17, because reason prevailed. Thanks again for encouraging us each day David!
I’m glad God woke you that morning at 4:00am. This blog has made a huge difference in my life, and no doubt in the lives of many others. Thanks for listening to God’s call, David.
Thank you David Mainse for your faithfulness and obedience to the Holy Spirit to bring us this blog!! and for your family that assist in putting it together.
Also for sharing about the Power of Prayer, in the release of Pastor Wally Magdangal!!
I liked what you wrote “Those earlier believers met in homes not in magnificent temples. Paul taught that their Power was in “love” not in revolution or in political activism. Loving is not optional for the follower of Christ.”
In China and many of the Eastern countries, believers meet in homes, where many have received Jesus Christ as their Savior.
In John 15:17 Jesus said “These things I command you, that you love one another.”
I believe love is an action. Without You Jesus, I can do nothing, but in You and through You, love is extended to others; and love for one another.
In Him we bear fruit…we are a living fruit bearing tree…we are not an ornament covered dead Christmas tree.
Yes, Mr. Mainse, thank you for this daily blog. I am learning much.
Let us please pray for the salvation of our loved ones and that they will break free from any addictions they may have, Let us claim this prayer for them,
in Jesus powerful name. Amen !
Thank you Lord !
Diane 🙂
Yes let’s pray for salvation for our loved one’s it is important
Thank you David for giving us fresh bread in the morning it is a blessing
Lianne Hogg
Thanking you with all the rest of the saints, David–for your faithfulness in listening to the Holy Spirit and posting this blog, everyday! Your blog has been such an incredible blessing! Amen!