FREE WILL
Suggested Reading: Leviticus 22
(click scripture link to read online)
Just outside of Dan, Israel, a river makes it way from the mountains of Herman to the Galilee.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Leviticus 22:19
…you shall offer of your own free will a male without blemish from the cattle, from the sheep, or from the goats.
This reading begins with the requirement for the priests to separate themselves from the holy things. These were made from the offerings of silver and gold given by the people to God. When the gifts of God’s people are placed for service in our hands, we must be very circumspect in the way these gifts are used. We must never misuse those offerings or use them for our own purposes. In the New Testament, we understand the teaching of the priesthood of the believers (1 Peter 2:4-10). We, as believers, have a unique calling within the human family to take our place, representing others before God. We need to take this responsibility most seriously. Our key verse drives home the point that we must make our own offerings unto God, not just expect others to do this for us. In fact, we are to present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, You inspired me years ago to memorize Romans 12:1-2. As I repeat those verses before You, I ask that I will not be conformed to this world, but be transformed for this new day, by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. I pray through the Person and work of Jesus, the One who got it right 100% of the time. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Whether in a local congregation or in the ministry of Crossroads, I refused to handle the offerings myself which were given by people to God’s work. I sought strong and upright people for the various Boards, and they, in turn, appointed treasurers or chief financial officers whose responsibility it was to administer the offerings according to the budget approved by the Board. I well remember when I was interviewed live on Canada’s national television broadcaster, the CBC, back in 1978. The interviewer threw the charge at me of being wealthy from the offerings given to the ministry. I came prepared. I drew my T4 slip (the government approved form showing income) from my pocket and handed it to him. I said, ” I have the union booklet which determines what these fine camera operators here in your studio are paid. As you can see, I make less than they do.” He immediately changed the subject. I have sought, by the grace of God, to be most careful to “have a good testimony among those who are outside” (1 Timothy 3:7a). I have had great examples from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 3:1-13) and from other great men and women of God in my generation.
Yours for a “good testimony” to all people everywhere,
David
Lord, help us to live lives worthy of your Holy name. Help us to be beyond reproach that we don’t tarnish a faithful witness. Holy Spirit, nudge us and direct our paths into your wisdom and righteousness this day and always. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you, David, for reminding us how fallen we are when we follow men, but how risen and righteous we become when we follow, live by, and are transformed through the examples God set before us in His Word.
People who doubt the existence of Jesus Christ need only read your daily blog and experience the photographs to see where our Lord and Saviour walked the earth and performed miracle after miracle. He lives and reigns.
May a blessed and peaceful day, be yours!
Father God
May my attitude behavior and thoughts be acceptable in your sight today
in Jesus name amen
Lianne Hogg
Lord, your scripture tells us,
Accidentally hit post too early, as the above was unfinished. Thank you David for your faithfulness in writing this blog, which continues to be a source of inspiration and insight to me and countless others! Also, great picture today Reynold!
As I was reading your personal words, Reverand Mainse, it caused me to wonder how many other evangelists or ministries out there could project such a good and honest testimony as your’s! I really do “WONDER” about some of the ministries I follow; Mega churches, elaborate sets, etc. Dear Lord, please help me not to be judgemental but, my human makeup can’t help but wonder!? Unfortunately, that is the view of a good part of society today. That’s what makes it so hard for people like yourself. Then there is the other side of the coin, so to speak, ministries that provide most or all their materials free Gratis! May the saviour continue to inspire you, sir, have a blessed day.
It is so easy to copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but God has a much better plan for us. Thank you for that reminder today.
Blessings to you David, and to all my fellow followers of your blog.
Something the Lord gave me this am.
I thought that I would share it as well.
Lately I have been thinking that when I try to speak only of Jesus
To my friends, to my family they always seem to busy
To tired, to something.
I long to talk of Jesus
To speak His name
To worship
I dance, I worship at home
I read blogs, I read books, I watch 100 Huntley st, but I long to sing, to shout the name of Jesus.
The whole world seems to be hurting
From individuals to nations.
Yesterday a young girl committed suicide on line b/c
She had no one to talk to, to help her,
It was on the evening news and it broke my heart.
“There is no other name under heaven on earth”
It is all about Jesus
The refrain is high and constant
Escaping from our lips
Yeshua is on the move
Jesus is coming
Hallejah, our Lord is coming
In all His glory, our Soverign Lord
Our lips are encased with His precious blood
Only one name is shouted
Over and over again
Behold Jesus
Behold Yeshua
The precious ” Lamb of God”
There is no other name under heaven or earth
Only Jesus, only Yeshua
It began as a whisper, a sigh
A shout, now many are shouting
Jesus, Yeshua
The valley resounds
The name crashes mountains
Rolls down hills, dances on the wind
Jesus, Yeshua our beloved Lord
Our Lamb of God is coming
Jesus, Yeshua
We run to the name of the Lord and we are saved.
We run to the beloved Lamb of God
“It is the name of the Lord
That people run to
It is the name of the Lord,
Jesus, Yeshua
There is no other name”
When we lift up the name of Jesus
He has promised to draw all men unto Him
He does the drawing
His precious name
Dipped in blood
Redeems
His name alone
No other
Jesus, Yeshua
How I love that name
I pray that other young people will hear the name of Jesus
Know that He can be there when no other’s can
That He alone can come with a whisper, with a shout.
Like the band “Deliruous (sorry about the spelling)
They used to sing
I am not ashamed of the gospel
I am not ashamed of the one I love.
In their living room they used to sing, shout and dance
I love to sing, to dance in my living room
To worship the King of Kings
In reply to Mellany; beautiful and SO touching! Have you ever thought of starting your own blog? I’d read it! Praise God!
Thank u
I will pray about that.
Will u pray also
Mellany
Good for you, David. It was a privilege for me to work at Huntley St in Toronto on the telephones because of the high standard of the ministry which you set. God bless you
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name. Master, Savour, Jesus, like the fragance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim. Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away, but there’s something about that ‘Name’!