THE COVENANT
Today’s Reading: Genesis 16-17
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This spectacular view looking across from the Mount of Olives toward the Eastern Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem is taken from the Dominus Flevit (Latin for “the Lord wept”) Church which is built on the traditional spot where Jesus wept over the city (John 11:35).
Key Verse: Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless…”
Chapter 17 contains the articles of the covenant between God, on the first part, and Abram, on the second part. A covenant is the most legally binding agreement into which two parties can enter. This covenant was sealed with blood, Abram’s in circumcision and God’s in the shed Blood of Jesus. Our key verse provides the introduction to the long-range purpose of the covenant. It is a covenant of grace, which God continues to implement for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In making Himself known as “Almighty God,” we are told what we may expect God to be to us; namely, God Who is Enough: an all-sufficient God. Our part is to walk in integrity. God, as recorded in 1 Samuel 2:30, tells us, “Those who honour Me, I will honour”!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I am blameless in Your eyes because of the blood of “Immanuel,” “God with us.” Father, I am confident that according to Your Word, “The Blood of Jesus Christ, His [God’s] Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Thank You for initiating the covenant, and thank You for the grace You’ve given me to say “Yes” in response. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Yesterday I introduced my son, Reynold, who provides pictures each day which he photographed in Israel. I’ll never forget the afternoon when, in our rec room, God baptized him with the Holy Spirit. This was a powerful encounter with God which he experienced at eight years of age. God did Acts 2:4 (please it look up) after school that day before I arrived home from work. Just as I entered the room, I saw him holding up a kleenex tissue and saying, “Lord Jesus, You’ve made me whiter than this kleenex by Your Blood.” This was also the first long sentence I had ever heard him make without his usual stutter. His public school teacher called us the next day to ask, “What has happened to Reynold?” His whole life was transformed by an act of God. God initiated a similar encounter with Himself for me when I was 16. God said “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28). Peter quoted this in his message on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17).
Yours because of God’s covenant!
David
As the scripture says, the Lord desires followers who live faithfully, who serve faithfully and will obey faithfully. The key is ‘faith’. In Hebrews 10:38 it states “My righteous ones (just), shall live by faith)” …. and so the Lord creates the precedent or standard by which His people should live. For even this ‘faith’ is a gift from God, nothing is created by ourselves, for it is the Holy Spirit that speaks unto our heart and teaches the mind. Titus 3:5 states ” He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” So, let’s be true to the Lord, keeping our thoughts and mind on the things of the Lord and always keeping Jesus in focus, that we might always faithfully walk before Him..
Amen!
Praise God, enjoyed the testimony of Reynold’s Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit yesterday in church. Time of healing, restoration and move of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
Is physical circumcision for our generation still required now? There are a lot of people now who say it is not advised and yet the scripture seems to indicate otherwise. (just wondering).
I was listening to Gloria Gaither’s hymn, “I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven”, and wrote this
I am Forgiven
I am forgiven, no charge can be laid.
I am forgiven, my debt has been paid.
Jesus paid it all, when He died on Calvary,
He arose from the dead, and now I go free.
I may add other verses later.
God Bless you all today and every day.
Amen, Mary!
Amen to the scripture readings, beautiful photo with caption from Reynold, and testimony when he was baptized in the Holy Spirit as a young lad. Dear God, our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to the sanctity of the Holy Spirit, we hold up our dear mentor, David Mainse to You, and ask that You breathe healing strength and life into him. Give him the rest he needs to feel well this summer, dear Lord. Cleanse him with Your precious blood and wash away any impurities in his body. Restore and redeem him with Your healing touch. In Jesus’ precious Name, we pray, amen, amen, and amen. We love you, David!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me, Elizabeth Jean Ruiz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLP_Qv2sQSo (AWESOME FAITH!!!)
I wasn’t going to post this in my message, but after I listened to this link for the song, I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me, I decided to include it. This song was going through my head, this morning, after having a disappointing day, yesterday. I was down at the lake earlier than usual for my 7 am swim with the mermaids, this morning, just sitting on the bench and watching the waves. I remained immersed by yesterday’s discouragement prior to the huge work out in the waves, which I continued to feel for the entire first half of our 1.2 kg swim. But that song kept going through my head. “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.” And on the return swim, I was suddenly overcome with an unspeakable feeling of joy. It was so delightful as God said to me “enjoy this moment, child–relish in the waves, the beaming sun, and the glory of the morning– because you can. I have given it to you as a gift. Take from it and enjoy.” And I did! I was reminded how truly blessed I am! What could be better than that? When I arrived home, I listened to several links that came up when I searched for the song. And this one spoke true to my heart. I second your sentiments, Elizabeth Jean Ruiz. Thank you for sharing your wonderfully inspiring video! God bless you, and all the saints of the Living God! What a wonderful day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen!
Dear Lord God,
Thank You.
For this blog, for Your Word, for all those faithful ones who went before us, who go before us, who go with us. May we also be faithful, so others will see You in our lives too, and be encouraged and built up in their faith in You. Please help us to live in Your Spirit and in Your plans for us. Please strengthen all Your people today, and bring more into Your Kingdom today.
In Jesus’ mighty name, amen
Amen
Amen Rob!
Pastor David.. always appreciate your input into this blog each morning and for the guidance you give us. What a blessing and joy to you and Norma-Jean when your son Reynold committed his life to Jesus and was also baptized in the Holy Spirit!! Thank you for sharing that story!
Thank you for the spectacular photo Reynold!!
would you pray for me yesterday I had several seizures . I went to the emergency
, and they said no stitches . I was waiting along time before the doctors, and nurses
told me to come home. Thank you I would appreciate your prayers.
Lianne Hogg
Oh Lord God, all merciful and powerful Healer and Great Physician, we bring our dear sister-in-Christ, Lianne, before You. Lord, You know all her needs. Comfort her with Your reassuring steadiness that she has overcome and is healed in Your Mighty Name–Jehovah Rapha–the Lord our Healer. We cast out her seizures and bury them in the past so that they recur no more. Lianne is filled with the Holy Spirit and every step she now takes is with strength and determination. We cover her in Your Precious Blood and our sacred prayers to anoint her and protect her. In Jesus’ mighty Name, amen, amen, and amen.
Amen…I agree in prayer for Lianne!!
Amen Beverlee for Sister Lianne.
Amen…. I pray for God’s healing touch as well for Lianne!