THE CROWN

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 12

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

In Rome stands a national monument known as the Altar of the Fatherland, honouring Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. On top you can see a work of art depicting the goddess Victoria riding in a chariot behind quadrigas (four horses abreast). In today’s key verse, God shows his care for animals. The horse is one of God’s magnificent creations.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 12:10

A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Being a married man means that husbands need to appreciate Proverbs 12:4a. According to these words, men, our wives are our crowns! And they are “excellent,” as the proverb says! I have a small icon that Ron put on my computer screen that says “Dictionary.” When I look up “excellent” it means outstanding, exceptional, marvellous, wonderful, magnificent, etc. etc. Need I say more? Men, let’s make sure our wives read the blog today. If we notice that our wives are a little more romantic for the next while, this may be the reason!

Proverbs 12 deals with contrasts between several opposites — e.g. in the first verse, “knowledge” and “stupid.” The final contrast is shown between the truthful dealings of a righteous man and the deceit and lies of a wicked man. These paths are going in opposite directions. One leads to life and the other to death. The choice is ours to make as we stand at the crossroads of decision. Let us choose life!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I thank You for my spouse, the one with whom You made me one flesh. May I bless this special person every day in every way. I pray that I will learn valuable life lessons from the book of Proverbs. I ask for wisdom and knowledge in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I think that I’ve been on the verge of depression from time to time. The reason is a big heavy word, “ANXIETY!” According to Proverbs 12:25 this was caused, in my case, by my failure to trust God 100%! While depression can be caused by a disorder in the brain which needs to be treated by a qualified professional, my near depression was lifted again and again by, as that verse says, “A good word which makes it, the heart, glad!”

Yours for learning every day more and more of the ways of God,

David

I am standing in Bethlehem’s Manger Square as they prepare for the Christmas celebrations (2013). The Church of the Nativity is in the background. This is probably one of the tallest artificial Christmas trees in the world. They are just starting to decorate it.

A SWINE’S SNOUT

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 11

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Modern day Izmir, Turkey, is a major port on the Aegean Sea, off of the Mediterranean. The remains of Smyrna can be seen here. Jesus said about the church in Smyrna, “I know your works, tribulation and poverty, but you are rich!” (Revelation 2:9a). Jesus may have been thinking of the words in today’s reading, our key verses! (Proverbs 11:24-25).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 11:24-25

There is one who scatters, yet increases more;

And there is one who withholds more than is right,

But it leads to poverty.

The generous soul will be made rich,

And he who waters will also be watered himself.

It’s difficult to pick some of the wisdom contained here when all of these words are of equal importance. Nevertheless, let’s consider four proverbs.

(1) Verse #1 – God is concerned about the butcher who weighs out meat with a thumb on the scale. “A just weight” is God’s standard.

(2) Verse #14 – Do we want to make good and safe major decisions? Then don’t just take the advice of one person. Listen to several people. One person may or may not be trying to manipulate you into doing what they want, and not what is best.

(3) Verse #22 – “A swine’s snout” is so descriptive, particularly for Solomon, a Jew. Pigs are not kosher. “Discretion” is covered in our blog of November 17 (click here).

(4) Verse #30b – It is a wise thing to win souls to the Lord! But be assured that without wisdom in our approach, our body language, and our words, we’ll do more harm than good to the eternal souls of people, all of whom are of infinite value. Therefore, it would be good to read from James 1:5-8. Let’s go ahead and ask God for wisdom, and then win souls!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Father God, there is much wisdom in the chorus which I pray now: “Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me. And may I ever do my part to win that soul to Thee.” In and through the Person and work of Jesus, I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In leading the ministry of Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. for many years, I have valued highly the counsel of our Board of Directors and CCCI Executives. When I think of major decisions I’ve made, I must expand that to include others in the decision-making process, as Solomon wrote, “a multitude of counsellors.” That would include many of my fellow employees and many supporters in prayer and in the giving of financial offerings. Also, thinking of “a lovely woman,” I want to thank my wife, Norma-Jean, whose counsel has been wise, prayerful and loving. She has consistently shown “discretion.” My children and their spouses have given wise counsel. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! The leading of the Holy Spirit, the support of God’s people, and decisions made have brought CCCI to what it is today; I invite readers to check out the Crossroads website (click here).

Yours for reading the responses of a “Multitude of Counsellors” to this blog!

David

P.S. To post a comment, click on the “Comments” bubble to the right of the date at the top at 100words.ca.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 9-10

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The beautiful view looking from the balcony of the Beit Bracha guest house in Migdal (the hometown of Mary Magdalene), next to the Sea of Galilee. This Christian ministry house is run by CMJ (www.cmj-israel.org). Looking down on this restful garden the proclamation is clear. Every believer has the responsibility to share his or her faith, in person and in support of ministries who do share the faith!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 9:8-9

Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;

Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

In Proverbs 9 wisdom is personified as a woman who invites a guest into her house. Foolishness, similarly personified, does likewise. Wisdom and foolishness both presume the necessity of choice. Both invitations are heard and it is clear that the listener cannot have both! A choice must be made! The most urgent and pressing business in life: MAKING A CHOICE!!!

The second section of Proverbs begins with chapter 10. There are 375 proverbs to come. In the Hebrew language letters have numerical value. It’s interesting that the letters in Solomon’s name add up to 375. In this chapter the list of the rewards of the two people are opposites. The wise person receives many blessings; the unwise one reaps a harvest of sorrow and death.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You give such great blessings to those who live in Your wisdom! I pray that You will put a watch over my mouth so that, with Your Word and Your Spirit, I will communicate only that which will bring encouragement, life, love, knowledge, good food for the soul, strength, and wisdom. I come to You, Lord, in and through the Person who does all this and much much more, the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve just turned in my Bible to Hebrews 4:9-13 where I read about the Word of God being living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. In Nazareth Village there is a Roman two-edged sword from 2,000 years ago. I don’t think that any symbol does an adequate job of describing the power of God’s Word. I experienced that power as a boy in our family devotions. For example, I can’t begin to count the number of times I heard my father quote Proverbs 10:22. “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Never once did I think that Dad was talking about material possessions. He served for four years in a country circuit with two congregations, one in Haley’s Station and the other in Admaston, Ontario. We had a big garden with lots of vegetables and farmers would often bless us with a gift of meat. It seemed that we only needed money for gas for the car, and that cost about 20 cents a gallon. I knew we were “blessed” and “rich” in the things that were really important in life. Dad read the Scriptures out loud to us at breakfast and at supper. I got the message!!!

Yours for all God has for us,

David

P.S. I chose the key verses because giving “Instruction,” “Teaching,” which will result in “An increase in learning” is a primary purpose for this blog! Here are some of our fellow learners atop the famous mountain in Israel called Masada. The cable car that carried us up the mountain is behind us.

The Fortress of Masada rises from 1,300 feet below sea level to 100 feet above sea level. You can see the cable car wires on the left.

The cable car ride up Masada!

THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7-8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Jewish men and women pray at the Western Wall, the retaining wall of the Temple platform from Jesus’ time in the Old City of Jerusalem. In yesterday’s and today’s reading, we find the words, “Bind them on your heart and your fingers,” referring to your father’s words and God’s commands. This Orthodox Jew in the photo takes this literally and wraps a binding around his arm and fingers to emphasize his commitment. Notice the paper under the man’s hand. He has a written prayer that he will leave in the cracks between the stones. I have placed written prayers given to me by blog readers there. This is not a shortcut to God, but it does emphasize the fervency of the prayers offered.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 7:1-3

My son, keep my words,
And treasure my commands within you.
Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.
Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Think of just how we would react if we were about to get hit in the eye. Immediately, we must learn to put up our protective guard! The foolish young man described in our reading did not protect himself and the result is that he goes, “as an ox to the slaughter” (7:22a). What a graphic description of the end result of sin. A New Testament reading is James 1:14-16.

Proverbs 8 speaks to us of wisdom personified. The lens through which we see with insight is the Person of Jesus! Jesus referred to Himself as, “the Wisdom of God” (Luke 11:49). The Apostle Paul also refers to Jesus as “the Wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Unlike the seductive voice in the darkness, Wisdom’s voice speaks out in the daylight in public places (for Crossroads it’s through various media outlets), because God does not want any to perish. God has given us the job of proclaiming Wisdom. He longs to fill our “treasuries.” The Word says that “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!” (Luke 12:34 – Jesus, our Treasure).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for the Crossroads Family of Ministries and all who take their stand on the top of the high hill (TV transmitters, satellite uplinks, and the worldwide web). Lord Jesus, they are representing You at the place where the paths meet, the “crossroads” (Proverbs 8:2). Help me to support them with my prayers, with my finances, and by my words of encouragement! In the Name of the One who is front and centre at “Crossroads,” the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It was the Summer I turned 18. I was employed in the research lab at the Magnesium mine located at Haley’s Station, Ontario. A part of my job was to dispose of a red-hot core of thorium metal into the barrel marked for that purpose. As I did so the barrel exploded into my face. Someone had put titanium primary powder in the wrong barrel and it ignited. Parts of my face were burned to the extent that I had to spend several days in hospital having burned skin peeled off. Miraculously, my eyes were not damaged. The doctor said that my split second reaction to bring my gloved hands in front of my eyes saved them. To me it was obvious that God had a plan for my life and my time was not up yet! This experience comes to mind every time I read Proverbs 7:2. I also pray often to the Lord to “Keep me as the apple of Your eye” (Psalm 17:8a).

Yours for being as quick and careful to obey God’s Word as we are to protect the apple of our eyes,

David

Here are some of my friends at the ruins of Bet She’an (or Beth Shan), the city where King Saul’s body was hung on the wall by the Philistines after Israel’s defeat (1 Samuel 31:10). Saul was not careful to keep God’s commands and he brought disaster upon himself and his sons.

A LAMP AND A LIGHT

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

On display at the Convent of the Sisters of Zion in the Old City of Jerusalem on the Via Delarosa are several oil lamps from ancient times. During my last trip to Nazareth, every member of our group of 100 was given a lamp like the ones above by the people at the Nazareth Village. A wick came with the lamps, but we must fill the lamps with olive oil and light our lamps. Olive oil is the symbol of spiritual life! The Spirit of God is symbolized by fire. Let’s be energetic in shining our lights in the darkness of this world!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 6:6, 9

Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise…
How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?

Solomon encourages industry and hard work! He mocks the “sluggard” and tells us to learn from the “ant.” Discipline, diligence, perseverance and co-operation are all evident in the energetic work of an ant. The next person Solomon describes is one who is not slothful, but even worse. He devises evil. He busies himself with stirring up dissension and deception. Everything he does with his mouth, eyes, feet, and fingers (possibly referring to rude gestures) reflect the perversity of his heart. He sows discord and will reap calamity upon himself. God loves the sinner but hates sinful ways. Solomon lists these ways in the form of a numerical proverb. The six that are listed are a background for the seventh which is: “He sows discord!” The opposite of this is the prayer of Jesus found in John 17:20-26.

The oil and fire are a “Lamp” and a “Light” (Proverbs 6:23a)! God’s Spirit and His Word will keep us from the totally destructive activities of the last twelve verses of Proverbs chapter 6! Amen!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that by Your Spirit and by Your Word I will learn to not be slothful in the way I use my brief time here on earth. Grant the grace to me sufficient to keep me trusting You and obeying your Word! I pray for these mercies in the Name of the One who always obeyed You throughout eternity past, during His earthly life, and who will continue to obey You, Father God, throughout all eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7-9).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

[Note: This blog post was originally written November 19, 2015]

I’m at our daughter Elaine Stacey’s home just now. The spare room bed is exceptionally comfortable. It was a challenging decision this morning to “Rise from your [my] sleep.” The question is asked, “How long will you slumber?” In my final years as the daily host of the 100 Huntley Street daily live telecast, I would rise at 3:30 a.m. to prepare my heart and mind for the new day. It is said that it takes two weeks of constant repetition to form a habit, good or bad, and less than that to break a habit. I confess that now in my 80th year, I’m rising a little later. Nevertheless, the principles are the same. Discipline and regularity are vital to spiritual health.

In his autobiography, our new Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, tells the story of taking the Alpha Course at a church in his area. The 100 Huntley Street telecast introduced Alpha to Canada some years ago. Whether or not we voted for Mr. Trudeau’s political party, let’s remember to pray for him daily. “Pray for those in authority” is the clear instruction from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Yours to help us all “RISE and SHINE!”

David

P.S. The photo below is at the Nazareth Village in front of a 430 year old olive tree which we visited with friends. The Nazareth Village is an effort to recreate life as it may have been at the time when Jesus was a Child, a Teenager, and a working Man until He was 30 years old and began His public ministry.

In Nazareth Village with a shepherd.

THE BLESSED WATERS

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 4-5

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Hierapolis, the “Sacred City,” is located in present-day Pamukkale in south-central Turkey. In the first century it was part of the tri-city area of Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis. This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col. 4:13). Before AD 70, Phillip (either the apostle or the evangelist) moved to Hierapolis, where he was believed to have been martyred. The sun sets behind a tomb surrounded by a travertine hot spring fountain. Today’s reading speaks to us of “running water” “streams” and “fountains.” It’s about keeping clean!!!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.

In Proverbs 4 Solomon details the influence of his father, King David. David’s words were indeed retained in Solomon’s heart (4:4). When God asked Solomon what he wanted, he remembered his father’s words and asked for wisdom rather than riches, power, fame, etc. (1 Kings 4:29-30). We are in the midst of reading the proof that God gave Solomon his request…the “Book of Proverbs.” David had illustrated this gift of wisdom to his son by referring to the ancient practice in the marriage ceremony when the bride would put a wreath (crown of glory) upon the bridegroom’s head.

Proverbs 5 teaches divine wisdom in marriage faithfulness. Here is a strong warning to stay far from, and not even consider, sexual immorality. With an illustration of a fountain of water, Solomon shows that it is absolutely essential to remain faithful to one’s spouse. Lasting satisfaction and God’s blessing will come from honouring the marriage covenant. For a New Testament meditation see Matthew 15:15-20.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord God, I pray that my heart will be filled with Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I realize that whatever I put in my heart will affect every area of my life. May my heart be so full of You that there will be no room left for that which is not of You. I pray in the Name of the One “In Whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9)…Jesus. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As I sit at my laptop computer typing these words, I’m thinking of the modern proverb that arrived with the computer age, “garbage in – garbage out.” A former co-host on 100 Huntley Street television used to ask people if they had put their garbage out so that God could pick it up and dispose of it. He had practised as a clinical psychologist at one time in Toronto, so he knew, as a professional, the importance of getting the bad stuff out. The morning after I first heard him say this, I was driving at about 4:30 a.m., north on Jarvis Street, toward our studios at 100 Huntley Street. There, in front of me, stopping every few feet, was Toronto garbage truck #100!! I got the message loudly and clearly from God, “David, get the garbage out! Furthermore, live in such a way that you don’t put garbage into your heart in the first place.” Amen!!! Amen!!!

Yours, knowing that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [garbage]” (1 John 1:9),

David

P.S. Here’s a photo of the Jordan River and some brothers and sisters in Christ who were baptized in recognition of the fact that Jesus was baptized in this river by John the Baptist. Some were baptized for the first time in their lives and some were reconfirming their original baptism. What a happy time!!! Rev. Ron Mainse did the baptizing assisted by his son-in-law, Rev. Jason Patterson.

This is my granddaughter Elena and her husband Justin Gilmore.

W – K – D – U

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 2-3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

New waterways are being cut in Israel at the Dead Sea to advance the production of mineral collection. The countries of Israel and Jordan are finding “hidden treasures” (Proverbs 2:4b) in the area of the Dead Sea. Let us dig daily into the Holy Scriptures with this “digger blog” for the treasures of “wisdom” and “understanding”!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

In today’s reading, the word “UNDERSTANDING” is repeated 9 times. When someone is teaching a class, he or she may speak with greater volume to make an important point. In teaching by a written message, repetition is a shout! Pay attention! Synonyms for “understanding” are “insight” “comprehension” “perception” “discernment” and “know-how.” It’s what we stand on for the foundation of our lives.

The title for this blog is “W” – wisdom, “K” – knowledge, “D” – discretion, “U” – understanding. Consider the word DISCRETION. The thesaurus gives 41 synonyms; here are some of them. (1) Foresight (2) Prudence (3) Tact (4) Circumspection (5) Vigilance (6) Judiciousness (7) Good Sense!!! Some of the antonyms are (1) Carelessness (2) Disregard (3) Ignorance (4) Negligence (5) Indifference (6) Neglect (7) Poor decisions!!! Proverbs 3:21 teaches us to “Keep sound wisdom and DISCRETION.” And everybody said, “AMEN!!!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for W – K – D – U. I acknowledge You in every area of my life. Thank You for Your powerful promise to guide my every step! I place You at the top spot in my priorities. I commit my ways to You so that my ways will line up with Your ways. I pray this in the Name and in the Power of the One who always did Your will and followed Your ways, Jesus, my Saviour and Lord! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When my sons, David Reynold (our photographer for the photos up top) and Ronald Wesley (who formats this blog page so that I can fill in the blanks) were 17 & 15, I travelled to Alberta to visit them at the Circle Square Ranch where they were working that summer. I announced that a genuine “Big Foot” had been found a few miles from the ranch. They hopped in the car and we proceeded to a quarry about 10 miles away. To their surprise there was “Big Foot”…a giant digger with the capability to move in a walking motion on its two huge feet! (here is a photo of it I found online…note how small the worker is in comparison to Big Foot!). O.K. I was teasing them, but at the same time I wanted them to experience what was then the biggest earth, gravel, and stone excavator on earth! When I saw the photo which Reynold had chosen to represent digging into God’s Word, I thought of that time! READY, SET, GO! Let’s dig!!!

Yours for daily digging into God’s Word and mining Treasures,

David

WISDOM IN THE SQUARE

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 1

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

An Egyptian obelisk from ancient Heliopolis, Egypt, stands in the centre of the Piazza in Rome. Three sides of the obelisk were carved during the reign of Sety I and the fourth side under Rameses II. The obelisk, known as the Obelisk Flaminio, or the Popolo Obelisk, is the second oldest and one of the tallest obelisks in Rome (some 24 metres high, or 36 metres including its base platform). The obelisk was brought to Rome in 10 BC by order of Caesar Augustus. The book of Proverbs predates the erection of this obelisk by 1,000 years.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 1:10, 33

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent…But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.

PROVERBS — A guide book for Living! A proverb is a short sentence that conveys a moral truth. The motto and theme of this book is “THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM!” Historical records credit King Solomon with composing 3,000 proverbs. Here in the Book of Proverbs we have about 800 of them.

The fool does not fear God and disobeys Him! The wise person has the greatest respect for God and obeys Him! The fool will listen to sinners! The wise person will listen to God! In our daily blogs we are paying close attention to what God is saying to us through His Word! In today’s reading Wisdom is portrayed as a person who appears as a woman. Wisdom calls out to three types of people: (1) The naive who can easily be swayed to sin, (2) The scorners who mock the righteous, and (3) Fools who hate the truth and anything that has to do with God. These people can be saved from destruction by turning to God. However, there is a point which one can pass where there is no more “fear of the Lord” or reverence of God, and thus there is no hope of a turnaround!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask for wisdom to be constantly with me and in me. Through the man known as the brother of our Lord, James, I am assured that if I ask for wisdom, You will give it liberally and without reproach (James 1:5-7). I’m praying for this gift in the Name of the One “Who became for us Wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Norma-Jean and I did not know each other until she was 18 and I was 21, and we were raised in different Christian denominations, 300 miles apart. Nevertheless, we found that we had many things in common. We played tag, softball, attended a one-room public school, etc. We also had mothers who reminded us over and over of the serious negative consequences of being enticed by sinners to do the wrong thing. Both of our mothers died before we met. Mine of cancer when I was 12, and hers at the hand of a drunk driver when she was 17. We have vivid memories of our mothers quoting our key verse from the old King James version, “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”

The wisdom of Proverbs was the DNA of our culture a lifetime ago. Timothy Eaton, founder of the Canadian Eaton’s stores, would give a copy of the Book of Proverbs to each and every employee. Eaton would say, “This is our employee’s handbook. We live by these words.” No wonder one of the great Toronto Churches is called Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. The congregation always maintains a Bible-believing evangelical Pastor in the pulpit (click here for information on this great church).

Yours for WISDOM!!!

David

P.S. Here are some of our friends standing on Mt. Carmel, Israel. A sculptor has depicted the Prophet Elijah who confronted false prophets here.

BROTHER SLAVE!

Today’s Reading: Philemon

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Items displayed in an Israeli museum from the Roman occupation time period. Some of these items may have been used by a slave in serving his master. Slavery was a common social practice in the time of today’s reading.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Philemon 15-16

For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave — a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

This was written as a personal letter in Paul’s own handwriting, a one-to-one letter to his friend Philemon whom he led to Christ several years before (19b). The letter had to do with a runaway slave named Onesimus, who had belonged to Philemon, perhaps before Philemon had become a believer in Jesus Christ. Now, Paul has found Onesimus in Rome and led him to receive Jesus as his Saviour and Lord.

The content of this short letter reveals that Paul had a great love for each of these men, master and slave. He knows that the love of Jesus, which changes everything, will alter their relationship forever. They are now linked in the Holy Spirit as true brothers! We learn from this letter that God’s love in Christ is the only means whereby we find true freedom, ultimate respect for each other, and genuine love! In another letter, not to an individual but to us all, Paul writes, “In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3b). This is truly revolutionary!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, I thank You for Jesus, Your Son and my Saviour and Lord! He, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, is continuing the revolution in my life. I pray for grace to love others as Paul loved Philemon and Onesimus. I know that this is only possible by Your indwelling Holy Spirit. Fill me again, Holy Spirit, with the love of God, I pray fervently in the Name of the Person who loved all of us with a perfect love, Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Paul’s personal letter to Philemon has inspired me throughout 53+ years of television ministry. The highest number of personal letters I wrote in any one day was 50. Most days I would average 10 letters. I would record them on what was called a dictaphone, and my secretary, Valerie James Battaglia (now these indispensable people are called assistants), would transcribe them; I would sign them, and then they would be mailed. For some of my letters she would take shorthand and then type them. Ron just calculated for me what may be true, that I’ve written over 100,000 personal letters through the years. Just to think of this makes me feel very much fulfilled. One personal letter, the memory of which I cherish, was in answer to a 14-year-old boy named David Boyd from St. Catherines, Ontario. David wrote to me in the late sixties asking for our Crossroads Bible Correspondence Course, which we used to offer to new believers. I remember marking his examination paper and giving him 100%. Later, after years of study and ordination as a minister, he became Dean of Men at the Bible College from which I had graduated years before. He helped found a Bible College in Israel, and much more!

Yours for the joy of personal letters, phone calls, e-mails, texts, etc.,

David

P.S. Here is the world’s oldest city gate through which one can still walk. It’s in the wall of a 4,000-year-old Canaanite city, Ashkelon. It dates to the time of Abraham. Pictured in front of the gate are some of my friends from a past tour to Israel.

CHARACTER IN ACTION

Today’s Reading: TITUS 1-3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The Corinth Canal passageway was finally cut through the mainland in 1893 after several attempts dating back 2700 years ago. This canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. The canal is 6.4 kilometres (4.0 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base. Although the canal saves the 700-kilometre (430 mi) journey around the Peloponnese, it is too narrow for modern ocean freighters, as it can only accommodate ships of a width of up to 16.5 metres (54 ft) and a depth (bottom of ship) of 7.3 metres (24 ft).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Titus 3:1-2, 14

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men…And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful!

Titus is being instructed by Paul as he was establishing the church on the island of Crete.

Titus 1 – True Christianity was spreading throughout the land, but so was false teaching concerning the faith. Like weeds that encroach upon a newly seeded garden, so heresy was spreading. Therefore, Titus was to carefully screen and appoint well-qualified leaders. He was to rebuke sharply any who might use their position for “dishonest gain,” and those who “profess to know God, but in works they deny Him.”

Titus 2 – We are taught to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Titus 3 – There is one word in Titus 3:14 that stands out as the key to living a life pleasing to God! It’s the word, “LEARN!” I’ve just checked the Oxford dictionary and it says that “LEARN” means to acquire knowledge and skill, to become competent, to grasp, to master, to absorb, to assimilate, to digest, to study, to read up on, to be taught, etc. Let’s all commit to be life-long learners…especially regarding the Word of God!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will confess You before others, not only in my words, but in my every action. Teach me to say “NO” to all ungodliness, and may I LEARN to live an upright and godly life. Help me Lord, from minute to minute, to be consistent in the practical doing of Your Word, loving not only in word but in deed. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Our son Ron and daughter-in-“love” Ann post and check over my blog each day. Thanks so very much loved ones. Their daughter Andrea and their son-in-law Rev. Jason Patterson moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where God called them to plant a church. Titus was called of God to do the same thing in Crete. Paul’s advice for Crete will work in any place at any time. I ask my blog buddies to pray for Jason, Andrea, their daughter Jadice and son Declan (photo below), as they grow their newly-planted church. Their church website is HERE, and you can watch Jason’s sermons HERE. Thanks so very very much for your prayers for them!!!

Yours for being all God wants us to be and for doing all He wants us to do,

David