TAKE HEED
Suggested Reading: Luke 20-21
(click scripture link to read online)
In the Western Wall tunnel of Jerusalem is this model of the Second Temple with Antonia Fortress in the back left.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Luke 20:25
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Today’s reading concludes with, “take heed.” Here is Jesus’ conclusion to almost 100 verses of teaching, “Watch therefore and pray always.” This blog can help us do that! We learn from the happenings here that when someone argues with Jesus, they don’t win the argument. The “coin” is a case in point. The Jews were groaning under the heel of Rome. Jesus’ answer to the tax question was simple, yet profound. Today, we struggle with our responsibilities to government and to God. We use money printed or minted by government, yet, our ultimate values are not government actions, but God Himself. God will put the final period on the history books of this age. Back in 1948 Billy Graham said, “For the first time in over 2000 years, Jerusalem is ruled by Jews. The time of the Gentiles is over” (21:24). Soon we will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (21:27).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, here I am. I’m determined to “take heed.” By Your grace, I believe that at Your return, I will “escape all these things that will come to pass.” Please help me to be prepared at any moment to welcome Your coming. Please give me the gift of diligence, consistency, and purity so that, because of Your forgiveness of my sin, I’ll be ready! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I remember an old preacher saying, regarding the seven husbands who married the woman in Jesus’ story, “They thought by the inch, spoke by the yard, and should be moved by the foot.” He made his point. In order to think thoroughly about these teachings, I’ve read chapters 20 & 21 twice and some portions three times in the last hour. Of course, I’ve read these Words before. I’ve even taught through the entire book of Luke at a Bible Camp recently. Nevertheless, I’ve had fresh insight from the Holy Spirit today, such as from Luke 21:34… I am not weighed down with carousing and drunkenness, but I confess that I struggle with the cares of this life, particularly since the Spring when the cancer specialist gave me his report. Should God agree with the doctor’s conclusions and take me home (what assurance!), I’m doing all I can to prepare so that Norma-Jean will not have to worry financially. At the same time, I listen to a CD every day that has all the Bible verses about Divine healing on it. Faith for my healing is rising in my mind and heart. Thanks for your prayers.
Yours for a more perfect understanding of God’s Word,
David
Although our daily tasks may divert our single focus on the Lord for a time, I always try to be mindful of the Lord knowing that He alone is in my heart as I go about my daily tasks. By keeping the Lord in sight, I can’t go wrong for He is our eternal destiny. The Lord will uphold us by the power of his mighty hand! Even now, I pray for you David, may God sustain your energy and faith, renew your health and bless you with the sound assurance that you are His child in whom He eternally cares. Amen.
You have served the Lord so mightily, David, to lead others to Christ so they might be saved. Even as you are dealing with cancer, you are still giving with this daily blog and guide through the bible. Not thinking of yourself–but others!
I pray along with Scott, and everyone else, that our heavenly Father pours out His healing power to put your cancer into remission, sustain your health, and keep you here for many more years to come!
My father had a heart attack at the age of 52. Up until that time I had a turbulent relationship with him. He was told he would not survive for long, due to the nature of his attack. He lived ten more years. Those years restored our relationship and my love and respect for him. Sometimes I wish I knew (at a profound level ) the realization of the briefness of life here. We are so much more than flesh and chemistry! I pray for you right now David and will always be thankful for your spirit and testimony for Christ.
David I to pray with all the others that our Lord God will spare you and let you stay with us here for years to come but if HE thinks you have done all you can for us here on earth, I pray you will be forever watching over us and reminding us to keep our eyes on God. I need a little reminder from time to time as I tend to stray. In Jesus name I pray for your health and well being.
David,Thankyou for your transparency and authenticity. I pray for peace, joy, strength and healing. One day at a time knowing God is carrying you and has your life in the palm of His hand.
David… as you know …Our Lord is the same Healing God of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow…. we know He is the Great I Am…. as we both wait for His Healing….as we continue to do what He has called us to do…. His will be Done….for us its a Win / Win….
Out of Body Present with the Lord…. as i too pray Lord keep me ready for that final moment here on earth as i step out into the next season…Heading Home….praying for you David as we Journey …breath by breath….He is Sovereign….
Good morning, David. I identify with you, in a small way, regarding the cancer. I had a small malignant growth removed a couple of years ago from the tear duct in my right eye and, by the grace of God, it has not retuned although I still have periodic checks done by an Oncologist in Vancouver. I also have contracted Diabetes ( totally self induced and only myself to blame ) I am managing it with medication and a lifestyle change ( to some degree ). I also pray that our merciful Savior touch you, David, with His healing hand. Billy Graham has been blessed by a long life and so will you! I wish you a blessed and enjoyable day! Take care.
As my previous comment was rather lengthy, I decided to include this info. in a seperate comment. Last evening, I took a tour, here in Nanaimo, of a replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle, set up by a traveling group of people from Oklahoma ( Messiah’s Mansion ) It was sponsored by the local 7th day Adventist church. A lot of controversy surrounding all of this. I’ve researched it, to some degree, on line and, Christians are warned to exercise caution!? Anyone care to comment? David?
Hi David, Our scripture today is very sobering. If we are not in a place of peace and rest in the Lord it can be very worrying, however l thank Abba for his Word. This has helped me many times when life became overwhelming, When in a fix “Philippians 4 verses 6,7 : Be anxious for nothing,but in everything by prayer and supplication,with thanksgiving,let your request be known to God; and the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding,will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Every time l quote this in my emergency it never fails to bring me into total rest. What an amazing,faithful,loving ,caring Heavenly daddy we serve.You and Norma Jean are on our fridge door to remind us to pray for you often.l cut out your pictures from the Crossroads Compass magazine .We have all kinds of photos of our family members posted there too. We love you lots.
“And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Love is in the driver’s seat and perfect love casts out fear a cause of worry. Faith prevails, thanks be to God. Wealth or the pursuit of it can hinder our trust in God for money and possessions can not truly satisfy the human soul. Solomon tried and was left empty. Only God can establish our self worth and fulfill our deepest longings. Our relationship with Him makes us alive to His love, aware of life’s purpose, and filled with inner peace. Unlike money, God will never disappear, be taken away or lose His value. Money has never yet made anyone rich. Money may appeal to rule in world economy, but definitely left in the dust in God’s economy. To His faithfulness we are a testament. God’s faithful Love abides forever!
Dear David: You put me to shame by your diligence and your faithfulness, but over time i am slowly becoming convinced that I must change. I desire to learn despite my lack of disipline. God bless you and heal you, In Jesus’ name.
Dear David,
God is so faithful in giving us all that we need especially in hard times when we could easily be discouraged. In unwavering faith, though our bodies are perishing we are made strong in His word. I have health issues of my own and am so happy to have a great and loving Father who cares for me and in whom I can put my trust. I pray for your complete healing in Jesus name. Is it possible to purchase the cd you mentioned in today’s blog, encouragement in listening to verses on healing. Thank you.
Our prayers are with you David and your family. From experience we know how cancer can “weigh” us down, but God is so faithful. He is with us as we travel the cancer journey!!
Thank-you for the words you share with us each day. I pray that we will beable to enjoy your blog for many years to come. God Bless you and your family. I also pray that God fills your mind and heart with abundant faith for your healing.
Dear David, May the Lord cover you with his feathers and under his wings you find refuge . You and all you’re family are in my daily prayer.
God bless you
These are normal and very practical concerns in my thinking. I have been watching you on television for years and your faith has always appeared to be strong. And it is amazing to me to see your faith is still strong now as you are dealing with health issues. God bless! See you in writing : )
Dear David: Happy belated anniversary to you and Norma Jean.
I can identify with you in many ways [getting up at 4:00 am is not one of them] but I am 76 years old and have been married to Ken for 54 years. Last September I was diagnosed with cancer, [uterine and ovarian] plus we’ve had two car accidents. One in November just before I started chemo and another one just a couple of weeks ago. Though all of this God keeps telling me He has more for me to do. I have met so many others to whom I can witness and pray. We are so blessed that we were not injured [Ken had a cracked rib in the first one] and we are surrounded by loving family and freinds.
We also visited the tabernacle in August. Wonderful experience.
Be encouraged, David your work is not finished here and I pray God will give you strength each day as you continue to serve Him. Love and prayers.
Shalom Precious Brother David.
Recently I was at a bible study in Cornwall and the question was asked “WHO HAVE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH THAT SHOWED A LIFE DEVOTED TO PRAY AND ANSWERS TO PRAYER. IMMEDIATELY YOUR NAME AND THE NAME OF YOUR PRECIOUS WIFE NORMA JEAN CAME TO MY MIND. I SHARED THAT AS A YOUNG CHRISTIAN I WAS INTRODUCED TO 100 HUNTLEY AND HOW IT CHANGED AND PROMOTED CHRIST IN MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I REMEMBER WONDERING WHY DAVID HAD PUFFY EYES AND I HEARD THIS “HE PRAYS WITHOUT CEASING.” I now totally understand those puffy eyes.
JUST THIS WEEKEND I HAD A DREAM AND GUESS WHO WAS IN THE DREAM? YOU WERE. I WAS RUNNING A FARM WHERE I WOULD CARE FOR ORPHANS AND THE LOST. FEEDING THEM, CLOTHING THEM AND TRAINING THEM TO WORK. SHARING GOD’S LOVE WITH THEM.
AS WE CAME TO THE TABLE TO EAT IN THE FARM YARD WE COULD SEE IN THE DISTANCE A FIGURE OF A MAN COMING TOWARDS US.
AS HE CAME CLOSER WE SAW THAT IT WAS YOU.
YOU WERE WEARY AND HUNGRY. WE GOT YOU A CHAIR AND OFFERED YOU FOOD. YOU ACCEPTED. YOU RESTED. WHEN I LOOKED CLOSELY I SAW THAT YOU WERE AS A YOUNG MAN WITH THE CLEAREST DEEPEST BLUE EYES IN WHICH I SAW HEAVEN. SO MUCH LIFE WAS EVIDENT.
I COULD NOT TAKE MY EYES OFF YOUR EYES. I CAN STILL SEE THEM AS
I WRITE THIS EMAIL.
AS I CAME CLOSER TO YOU I STRETCHED MY HANDS OUT TOWARDS YOUR EYES AND THESE WORDS CAME OUT OF MY MOUTH….I SEE YOU HAVING DREAMS AND VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE. GREAT DREAMS AND VISIONS FROM THE LORD. THEN I AWOKE.
I SHARED THIS DREAM WITH A DEAR FRIEND IN MARYHILL WHO I WAS VISITING WITH THIS PAST SUNDAY. SHE WROTE TO TELL ME SHE WENT ON YOUR SITE YESTERDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME AND SHARED WHAT YOU WROTE SEPTEMBER 24TH.
I WAS AWARE THAT YOU HAD A HEALTH ISSUE AND HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU AND WILL CONTINUE.
I MUST TELL YOU BROTHER DAVID THAT YOUR DREAMS AND VISION HAVE AFFECTED OUR FAMILY’S LIFE. MANY VISITS TO 100 HUNTLEY, LADIES EVENTS WITH NORMA JEAN AND THE OTHER LADIES AND MANY CIRCLE SQUARE CAMP VACATIONS FOR OUR SONS . WE ALWAYS TOOK PART IN THE CLOSING DAY EVENTS AT THE CAMPS IN KITCHENER AND ARDEN.THE LORD USED YOU MIGHTILY IN OUR LIVES AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR THAT. THANKS YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR OBEDIENCE AND SACRIFICE.
WHATEVER THE LORD HAS IN STORE IT IS GOOD.
MAY GRACE, PEACE, MERCY AND HIS WONDERFUL LOVE BE YOUR DAILY PORTION.
I ALWAYS STAND AMAZED BY HIS WONDERS , BONNIE JUDE 21 HEB. 12:2
THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LISTEN. GOD BLESS YOU! 3JOHN2
and many years of CIrcle Square camp for mour children.
y caDAVID MAINSE
Hello David, I was especially touched by your blog yesterday(Sorry, I was unable to get to you) when you talked about your care. I identify with you as I have also listened to a CD of healing verses and you encourage me not to give up. I pray for you too David that you will be completely healed in Jesus Name and for His Glory!