THE PREGNANT VIRGIN!
Today’s Reading Matthew 1-2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Nativity Church in Bethlehem built over the grotto where Jesus was born. On the ceilings hang chandeliers and on the walls are fragments of mosaic. This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. Originally built by Constantine’s mother in the 4th century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530’s. It was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim’s rule in 1009. The trapdoors in the floor reveal 4th-century floor mosaics from the Constantinian church.
Key Verse: Matthew 1:23
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name “Immanuel,” translated, “God with us.”
*God was with Joseph, who was instructed to marry Mary.
*God was with the Wise Men, who were told to bypass King Herod.
*God was with Mary and Joseph when they were told to seek refuge in Egypt.
When all is well, it’s easy to believe “God with us.” When there’s trouble, believe with child-like faith. Whether we feel like it or not, BELIEVE IT! IT’S A FACT!!! God is consistent. He is “IMMANUEL!!!” That kind of solid faith will release the love and provision of Immanuel into our lives and circumstances.
“Immanuel” Quotes:
“I am with you always.” – JESUS (Matthew 28:20)
“Abide in Me and I in you.” – JESUS (John 15:4)
“I will never leave you.” – GOD (Hebrews 13:5)
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
I thank You, God, that You are with me always. Please forgive me for my sin and wrong that I have done. I give my life to You for always. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
NOW, please tell someone about your prayer. Call toll-free in Canada and the U.S. at 1-866-273-4444 or email us at ministry@crossroads.ca.
100 Personal Words (plus a few more) from David Mainse:
Why 100? That number says to me “Immanuel.” I had been hosting a weekly TV show called Crossroads from 1962 to 1977 when I saw the building at 100 Huntley Street in Toronto. The sun was glinting off the stainless steel street number 100. Suddenly, I knew why (over the preceding weeks) when I would open my Bible at random, my eyes would fall on the number 100. For example, “100 fold” in Jesus’ parable of the sower, or the 100th verse of the 119th Psalm. Even page 100 in my Bible would show up. I knew that it was time to move from the weekly show to daily. My wife, Norma-Jean, was the producer of Crossroads and it took me several days before I ventured to tell her that I wanted to name the new show after the address of the studio in downtown Toronto. Now, over 10,000 daily shows later, approximately 17,000 people have shared their stories on TV. Millions of calls have come through to the 24/7 prayer lines. Many of these have personally experienced “Immanuel,” opening their minds to believe and their hearts to receive. Call and talk with God together with a prayer partner…a caring, loving, non-judgmental person. The phone number is 1-866-273-4444. If you should get a busy signal, try again.
Yours for sharing Immanuel with others,
David
P.S. Today also begins the new video version of my blog (a “blog”). It’s a 2-minute version which will air regularly on 100 Huntley Street and during breaks in the YES TV schedule. You can also watch it daily by clicking 100huntley.com/100words.
I have been on this daily journey since it’s inception in June 2012 so now am beginning 4th time of reading the bible though in 2 years. It has been a joy and pleasure. I do not post comments very often but know that I am part of this “family”. Thank you Ron and Ann for continuing this blog for us. God is faithful and God is Good ……. All the Time!! AMEN!!!
Amen Ruby. Have a Blessed Day everyone.
I just wanted to confirm that i’m continuing to read the blog. Thanks very much for reposting it on a daily basis, it still feels like fresh bread each day for me. It’s such a privilege for me to continue to learn and receive wisdom from this daily blog, it keeps me on track with my reading through the bible and I just love the photos! Thanks again Ron for posting it.
Praise the Lord, you are continuing David’s Blog. It has been a great help to me, to read through the Bible.
I remember when David & Norma Jean arrived from Toronto (via helicopter) with the “100” number that was on the building on Huntley Street!
Many thanks for 100words.ca – it is a true blessing. May God keep & strengthen all His people today, and be glorified and honoured throughout this world. And, Lord God, we pray for our leaders today. Please put Your favour on all those who will do Your will. We are not.going to surrender this country to the ungodly! In Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen Rob! Right on!!!
Amen Rob!
I agree with every statement above…”fresh bread” indeed.I’m well into my 3rd walk through the Bible.Thankl you,Rob,for that prayer and thank you to the Mainse family.God bless
Under God
One nation under God that denies Me,
Will fall apart and be devoured,
If you refuse my love that’s free,
As if I am something now soured.
Your enemies have delivered my warning,
Therefore turn back to find truth,
For the wolves only bring mourning
From the sacrifice of your youth.
Greed is now what too many now preach,
For the demon has reached within,
But you can still change to teach,
So the children may turn from sin.
If you allow the wolves in their power,
To consume with endless thirst,
Then you are guilty at this hour
In helping bringt about the worst.
So remove the wolves behind the crown,
For they are deeply entrenched,
And let them and their filth drown
As my laws are tightly clenched.
G W (Bill) Marshall / 09/11/2013
Always enjoy your poetry, William….Thank you!
Amen Rob.
I also would like to add my heart felt thanks to everyone responsible for keeping this blog going.
It’s a great help in keeping the discipline of Bible study. It’s also a medium by which we can share our insights and pray for one another. (And yes, Rob! Pray for our leaders. I especially ask for everyone’s prayers for Ontario as we head to the polls this week).
Thank you to all fellow bloggers who add to the richness of the content by posting your own thoughts.
May God richly bless all!
Amen Luisa, I will keep reading this daily blog 4th time around
as I have learned so much from it, thanks to the Mainse family.
Will remember to pray that our Lord’s Will be done for the right
leaders to be elected here in Ontario.
Thank you for doing this study again. I so appreciate it each day.
Amen Helen ,and Rob
I am continuing to. Thank you Ron, Ann and Renold
Lianne Hogg
This will be my third year with this daily manna…this blog. Thank you Ron and Ann for continuing with your Dad’s vision for reaching the need to reach God’s Word and for reaching the lost.!!
I’m in as well!
Thank you fellow bloggers for all your comments, I read them every day!
So grateful to David Mainse for all of his insight.
Most of all thank you Jesus for taking my place on the cross!