BLESSING GOD!!! AMEN!!! (the last 3 words of Luke)

Today’s Reading: Luke 24 

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

This is the exterior of Saint Lazarus Church built just 50 metres from where Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus. Special thanks to Reynold Mainse for two years of photographs. He spent over three months in the lands of the Bible just to bless us with his profession. He is also an ordained minister of Jesus Christ. The cost of his travels were covered apart from any offerings sent to the Crossroads charity. These photographs are a gift of love to Jesus and to us. “Thank you, David Reynold!”

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

Key Verse: Luke 24:47

… and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

What was Luke’s reason for writing his Gospel? Here it is! “That you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed!” (Luke 1:4). Amen!!! Luke had two whole years to travel in the footsteps of Jesus. He was an assistant to the Apostle Paul, and Paul spent two years as a prisoner in Caesarea under the authority of two Roman Governors, Felix and Festus, as well as under King Agrippa (Luke was also writing a major portion of the book of Acts during those years…read Acts 23:23 to Acts 26:32). Luke’s writing style in his Gospel is obviously the result of personal interviews with people such as Mary, family members of the Bethlehem shepherds, several of the Apostles, perhaps Zacchaeus, people who participated in the celebration on Palm Sunday, Jewish religious leaders who later came to faith in Jesus as their Messiah (Acts 6:7), and the women who first visited Jesus’ empty tomb. Just imagine Luke trying to write down the stories of many of the approximately 500 people who saw the risen Jesus!!! (1 Corinthians 15:1-6).

Now, here comes the orders to all of us from Almighty God, the risen Christ! Preach (this includes one-to-one personal witness…probably the most effective way of preaching) “TO ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM!!!” True Christians have no alternative but to proclaim to one and all by direct witness, by public preaching, and by sacrificial giving so others can share the Gospel in person or by the media (TV, radio, print, the world wide web, billboards, etc. etc.). Let’s do it together!!! Ready! Set! Go!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I join the prophet Isaiah who wrote so very much about a person who could be no one other than Jesus of Nazareth (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, chapter 53), and I say to You in answer to Your question recorded in Isaiah 6:8, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? …’HERE AM I, SEND ME!!!'” I’m available now, today, and every day until I die or until You return in glory and the work is done! I pray for the grace of total obedience to Your will for my life. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I know, first hand, the interview style of writing. It has been my privilege, since 1962, to interview approximately 15,000 people. This is why I can assert with certainty that Luke interviewed the people who told him the facts of the life of Jesus! I have 100% confidence in these many eyewitness accounts. Of course there will always be slight variations in the way witnesses see an event. Take a court of law for example. People look at things from different angles and choose to emphasize certain elements over others. If their testimonies were identical, it would prove collusion and would destroy the credibility of the witnesses. This explains why the four Evangelists sometimes recorded different views and memories of the same events…yet there are no contradictions. Put all the testimonies of the Gospels together and we have the fullest possible description of what really happened!

Yours for never, never, never keeping the Good News of Jesus to ourselves!

David

Inside the Saint Lazarus Church is a beautiful mosaic of Lazarus coming forth from his tomb. I’ve spent time in that tomb. “LAZARE VENI FORAS” is Latin for “Lazarus come forth!” This event is recorded in John 11:44-45, “And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him and let him go.’ Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary (sister of Lazarus), and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.” The “Mishna” (minutes of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jewish leaders) records the arrest notice of Jesus of Nazareth, but nowhere in the official records of religious or secular governing powers are there any denials of the mighty acts of Jesus. Jesus is the most thoroughly documented figure in all of ancient history!!!

Just beside Saint Lazarus Church is an ancient building with a very large wine and olive press. It’s interesting how this wine press is in the shape of a cross. As the operator would press down, the olive wood screw would turn.

GO! AMEN!!!

Today’s Reading: Mark 16 

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

The Garden Tomb is hewn out of the rock and was unearthed in 1867. It is considered by many to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Inside the tomb, you can see how at one end the rock was carved out extra long to make room for a taller man than perhaps for which it was orignally made. There is a tradition that says that Jesus was 6 feet tall. In today’s reading it says that the three women, upon “Entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting in the right side; and they were alarmed” (Mark 16:5). Let us use our imaginations as we look at this photograph. The young man said, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place here they laid Him” (Mark 16:6).

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

Key Verses: Mark:16:15 & 16:20

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”  …And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. AMEN!!!

All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, end with “AMEN!!!” The exclamation points are a way for us to shout in print. The word “Amen” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “TRUTH” and “CERTAINTY.” It does not mean that our prayer is finished. It means “GO FOR IT” and “MAKE THE TRUTH HAPPEN!”

For whatever reason some of the ancient manuscripts end Mark’s Gospel at verse 8. The majority include verses 9 to 20. It’s hard to imagine Mark ending his record, most of which it is assumed he received as dictation from Peter, with the words of verse 8, “And they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.” It would make no sense whatsoever. Beware of those who want an escape from these last verses and therefore jump to the conclusion that Peter, and probably Mark, did not hear Jesus say, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (6:15-16)! Jesus said this! I believe this! By God’s call, grace and empowerment we must obey the King of the Cosmos!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord God, here I am…send me, and if I am not directly called to be there in Afganistan or Uganda, or other places, I commit to pray for those who are preaching everywhere in obedience to Your direct order! I also commit to support, sacrificially, those who are faithfully and diligently, day and night, going into all the world! Without my financial support for world missions they cannot obey You. With my giving I am there with them. We are a team. I pray with a sense of urgency because the time is limited for us to accomplish Your plan. In the Name of the One Who promised to be “working with them,” Jesus, the risen Saviour, Lord, and King! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS

I’m thanking those who have helped me in this blog as we complete these final four days before we start our two-year journey through the Bible all over again on June 3rd. A big thanks to all who have encouraged me with your prayers and responses to the blog. The Holy Spirit and you have kept me going since June 3, 2012, seven days a week, without missing even one day. That seems to me to be a miracle. After all, I’m supposed to be retired. Retired? No way!! If anything I’m re-fired!! I have more enthusiasm and energy to serve God than I’ve had since I stepped away from senior leadership in Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. (click here to learn what some of the ways are in which we’ve sought to obey the “go into all the world” command of Jesus in the past, what’s happening now, and the vision for the future). After all, Jesus promised to work with us! This is God’s great success story of establishing His Kingdom here on earth!

Yours for doing what it takes, giving whatever it takes, and backing it all with strong prayer!

David

P.S. My son Ron interviewed Norma-Jean and me on 100 Huntley Street in the spring of 2012 following my diagnosis of MDS acute leukemia and the news that it was incurable. According to the doctors, I was to have departed this life in March of 2014, but God must have wanted me to continue this blog! Here’s that video with a surprise visitor who came on set just to pray for my healing (click here).

GO

Today’s Reading: Matthew 28 

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

The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb which was unearthed in 1867 and has subsequently been considered by many Christians to be a possible site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Could this be the place where the stone of which today’s reading speaks, “Was rolled back from the door, and (the angel) sat on it”? The groove in which a stone could be rolled is still there, but the stone is no longer there, as it was likely used in construction elsewhere. The angel said, “He is not here; for He is risen as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay!”

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

Key Verses: Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

Today is the first day of a four-day series in which we will consider the final chapter and the final verse of each of the four Gospels. On June 3rd, God willing, we will re-start our two-year journey through the entire Bible once again. Please keep on keeping on!!! “Consistency, thou art a rare jewel” is a statement often attributed to William Shakespeare. Wherever it came from doesn’t matter. What does matter is that it is true! We can be sure that the latest “Man of the century,” Winston Churchill, said, “Never, never, never give up!!!”

Matthew begins with, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Messiah), the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1), and he ends with our key verses, which is clear that the Person to which Matthew introduces us is also One with “The Father” and “The Holy Spirit.” He is the Eternal Son of God!!! And this is where we come into the picture! Our job is to “Go (‘you’ is understood) and make disciples (Hebrew talmudim – school children in Israel today are called ‘Talmudim’) of all the nations.” We who believe and take our commitment to Jesus with utmost sincerity have no other choice. We MUST do this, “baptizing them,” “teaching them” as Jesus in His final Words said, “TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU!” Matthew recorded the commands of Jesus. Therefore, as we start our daily readings in Matthew on June 3rd, we’ll find out in a fresh way what those commands were, so we can daily bring ourselves under the rule of the Ruler of the cosmos. Does that seem important to us? Yes! Yes! and Yes!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I am absolutely committed to carrying out Your direct orders. You are my Sovereign Lord. I place myself completely under Your command. I pray for the courage and willingness to sacrifice my life for Your cause. You have stated, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” You, my King, are right here with me! There is, therefore, “NO FEAR!” May I make disciples directly, and indirectly may I support those who are doing this in places and in ways where I cannot be. I obey your command to “GO!” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My Father obeyed Jesus’ command to “Go!” He travelled to Egypt from Canada in 1922. My mother joined him in 1924, and they were married there. Together they obeyed Jesus’ command, and while mother taught music and preached the Gospel to women’s groups, father preached evangelistic missions and baptized many “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” I arrived in 1936 here in Canada. Because of the events leading up to World War II and during the war, Dad had to remain in Egypt and was separated from his family, with no possibility of being reunited with us, from 1938 through until December of 1944. The command to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” is in my DNA. I must serve my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ! My mother died in 1949, Dad returned to Egypt and my older sisters and I remained here for our education. It was in 1952, as a 16-year-old, that I carried my ailing father in my arms out of an airplane at the Ottawa airport. He was not the big and strong man I had known. He had poured out his life in obedience to those final Words of Matthew’s Gospel. God restored his health. He served as a Pastor, a college president, and as a strong supporter of world missions until 1972, when God called him higher. It was probably around 1970 when he said to me, after watching me and my guests witness for Jesus on a Toronto TV station, “David, it seems that your call from God is to reach the whole world with the message of Jesus!” I wept and asked him to pray over me, which he did!

Yours with assurance that there are thousands of us who will do the same!!!

David

P.S. I want to thank Jim and Kathy Cantelon for allowing me to use on my blog their commentaries on the book of Revelation.  I’m attaching the last interview that Jim did with me for the 100 Huntley Street daily TV show. It was on air in the Spring of 2012, leading up to our 50th anniversary on television. I did not look too healthy in that interview (click here for part one of the Jim Cantelon interview, and here for part two). My condition was diagnosed in March of 2012 as MDS acute Leukaemia, and I was given two years to live. My wonderful oncologist, who discontinued chemo because positive results were not evident, said in January 2014, “Jaw dropping remarkable” and gave me permission to quote him. Anyway, here we are May 30th, 2016, and the Lord still has me here for some reason…one reason being that I will begin a daily two-minute video version of my 100words.ca blog (called a “vlog”). It will be aired on 100 Huntley Street and YES TV, as well as posted online. It can be streamed through the Crossroads/100 Huntley Street streaming service  called “The Castle.” HERE is a link. As long as God gives me health and strength, I have no plans to just sit around and twiddle my thumbs!

I, JESUS

Today’s Reading: Revelation 22 

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

Underground rivers surface at Caesarea Philippi in northern Israel. This is one of the sources of the Jordan River. It was here that the Apostle Peter began to, as today’s reading says, drink “of the water of life freely.” Here Peter’s thirst was quenched as he confessed to Jesus, “You are the Christ (Messiah), Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). One of the reasons for this blog is to encourage people everywhere to do as God’s final invitation in the Bible says, “Let him (or her) who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17b)!!!”

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

Key Verse: Revelation 22:12

And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

Bernard of Clairvaux wrote:

“Jesus the very thought of Thee

With Sweetness fills my breast,

But sweeter far Thy face to see,

And in Thy presence rest!

Jesus our only joy be Thou

As Thou our prize wilt be:

Jesus, be Thou our glory now,

And through eternity.”

This concluding chapter of Revelation is one of invitation. After giving a few more details about the new Jerusalem (verses 1-5), the vision crystalizes into the expectation of Christ’s return (verses 7, 12, 20) and the awesome offer to “whoever wishes” to “take the free gift of the water of life” (verse 17). It is a great invitation, and it is still possible to say “Yes” to God.

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” is the climactic statement of all Scripture. God has invited you! God has invited me! We can come to the wedding banquet. We can come to the new Jerusalem.

We can come because the Lord Jesus is coming…soon! The whole impetus of Revelation, and of history, is focused on that coming. His re-entry into space and time is the absolute pinnacle of the Church’s great hope.

As I wrote in my book, Theology for Non-Theologians,

“Suddenly the most sublime words of all come rolling out of the heavenlies. A divine invitation just for you…the whole point of the Bible suddenly becomes clear. A cry from deep within the heart explodes out on us, ‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’”

Indeed, “Thou our prize wilt be…”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I have heard Your invitation to drink of that “pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” I am drinking now as I meditate on today’s reading. I am experiencing an inner “washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26b). It is an absolute necessity for life that I drink from Your “pure river” every day, without fail. I pray that I will not dehydrate spiritually, becoming a shrivelled up soul who fails to keep on drinking consistently! I ask for this blessing in the Name of Jesus Who cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37, 38). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I have two supplemental readings to suggest. Is it possible for a 21st century person to enter the mind space of Jewish people, who for over 600 years had been waiting for the Messiah (Ezekiel’s time to the time of Jesus)? I’ve tried to imagine the people who were worshipping God in the Temple and hearing the priests read the required Scripture on “The great day of the feast.” Read Ezekiel 47:1-12. Then read what Jesus did and said. He would have interrupted the liturgy with His loud cry! Read John 7:37-39! The priest had read of the living waters flowing out from under the doors of the Temple, and to the Jewish mind there was no mistaking the fact that Jesus, Himself, claimed to be those very waters prophesied about by Ezekiel.

Revelation 22:17a says, “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘COME!'” That’s us. We, who believe in Jesus, are His bride! Make no mistake, you and I are to offer, in the power of the Spirit, that greatest invitation ever heard by human ears. Let’s get to it!!! Amen???

Also I cannot finish my personal words about the last chapter in the New Testament without referring to the last words of the Old Testament. In Malachi 4:6b God says, “Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse!” God did strike the earth with a curse. But it is written in Galatians 3:13, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’ – see Deuteronomy 21:23). Because of the cross (the tree), the New Testament ends with the words of Jesus, “Surely I am coming quickly!” and we can respond, “Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!!!” And John gives us his final benediction, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) be with you all. Amen!!!” (the last two verses of the Bible).

Yours because it’s all about Jesus Who said, “I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16b),

David

P.S. My most heartfelt thanks to all who have helped me complete this two-year journey through the Bible. Today is my son Ron’s birthday. He has formatted each day’s blog and I’ve simply filled in the blanks. Ann, Ron’s wife, has read each blog before it is posted for accuracy, punctuation, etc. It’s also their daughter, Andrea Patterson’s birthday. She has recently obtained her PhD in bio-medial research, specializing in the field of cancer research and immunology, particularly in blood-related cancers. Happy birthdays from a very proud Dad, Grandfather, and from my sweetheart Norma-Jean, a proud Mom and Grandmother.

Over the next four days, until we start the next two-year reading period, I’ll be thanking others by name who have helped. The biggest thanks goes to God and to His people who’ve participated, reading with me daily for two whole years (or who have started along the way). Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!

Several large reservoirs contain water from snow-capped Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the Middle East. The sources of the Jordan flow from underground streams that come from this mountain. On one occasion I travelled by a ski lift to the top. The borders of Syria, Lebanon and Israel converge there. I witnessed an amazing sight. Just for fun the soldiers were exchanging snowballs across the border. They were all enjoying the fun in very good humour.

THE HOLY CITY

Today’s Reading: Revelation 21 

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

The city skyline of Toronto. There are many great cities on earth, but the city known as the New Jerusalem mentioned in today’s reading will be constructed in Heaven. There is no place on earth where it could settle down. Therefore, it must be a great satellite in stationary orbit above the earth; the closest point to it here on earth would be Jerusalem. I am a private pilot and on one occasion I was flying at the correct altitude past the Toronto shoreline when I looked up and there above me was a man working on the world’s highest free standing tower seen on the skyline above. It was unnerving to say the least. Just imagine how bewildering it will be when by God’s grace we first see the New Jerusalem.

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

Key Verse: Revelation 21:3-4

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

Suddenly, there is great excitement as the Lord declares, “I am making everything new!” The old heaven and earth give way to “a new heaven and a new earth” (verse 1). And, somehow suspended between the two, the “New Jerusalem” appears.

This new city is called “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” (verse 9). It has huge dimensions (a 1,400 mile cube! That’s 27,440,000 cubic miles!) and it is overwhelmingly beautiful (verses 11-21). It is always daytime there, and there’s no temple, for God and the Lamb are its Light and its Temple (verses 22-25).

The new Jerusalem, as mentioned above, is somehow “suspended” between the new heaven and the new earth, for the “nations…and the kings of the earth” have access to it – they “bring their splendor into it” (verse 24). These gentiles must be those from every nation (7:9 – including their leaders) who have embraced Christ and “whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (verse 27).

It’s an exciting prospect. Life will be made new. And we will be fit to live both in the new Jerusalem and on the new earth. There will be no more sin, no more sorrow, and no more pollution. In a very real sense, it will be “heaven on earth”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Your Word reveals that sin will not be present in the “New Jerusalem!” Thank You that John also wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “God be merciful to me a sinner” is a prayer that Jesus guaranteed makes me right before You! I pray this to You, O Lord! And I thank You that You allow a forgiven sinner to participate in Your ultimate and final victory over all evil. Through my Saviour and Lord I pray! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In yesterday’s reading I said that I would comment on the books other than the “Book of Life” which are also opened at the “Great White Throne” of judgment where all the dead of all time whose names are not in that “Book of Life” are arraigned (Revelation 20:12). I may be wrong but I believe that as well as a record of the “works” proving sins against God, the books of the Bible may be on display. There are many questions that I have for which I believe I will receive an answer someday. In the meantime, I’m so glad that I am not anyone’s judge. God is the only truly righteous and just Judge. I back off from judgment and leave it all totally with God.

Jim and Kathy wrote about the New Jerusalem being “somehow suspended between the new heaven and the new earth.” I suppose it will be like the moon, held in place by the earth’s gravity. On one occasion I calculated that if there was a floor upward every mile, there would be enough room for everyone who ever lived to have an acre each. That’s 1,400 to 1,500 miles high as well as almost 1,500 miles on each side.That’s the distance from London, England, to Moscow, Russia. Just imagine the challenge John had in describing what he saw. Like my Dad often said to me, “David, just wait and see for yourself.” By God’s grace I believe I’ll do just that!

Yours for complete confidence in humbly trusting in God!

David

P.S. Tomorrow’s reading is the final chapter in the Bible. I’m a little sad that we are through God’s books already. But I’m also very excited that we’ll start again June 3rd in Matthew then move to Genesis, and so on. Until then, God willing, I’ll direct our attention to portions of Scripture I have selected for extra emphasis. Please, please stay with me as faithful partners in consistently reading God’s Word. Ours is the only two-year reading program I’ve come across. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You, for your loyalty and support!!!

THE BOOK OF LIFE

Today’s Reading: Revelation 20 

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

The sun sets over Jerusalem and the Golden Gate, also known as the Eastern Gate. Jesus will one day return to the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives through this gate, which was sealed in an attempt to prevent this from happening by the Turkish Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1541.

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

Key Verse: Revelation 20:10

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

When the beast and his prophet were thrown into the fiery lake, the rule of Antichrist ended. Now John’s ongoing vision is about to show how the “dragon,” Satan himself, meets a similar fate.

The star-angel (of 9:1), who holds the key to the Abyss, seizes the dragon and chains him for a thousand years in the Abyss. Then the martyrs, who had died refusing to receive the mark of the beast, are resurrected and they reign with Christ on the earth for that millennium. John refers to this resurrection as “the first resurrection” (verse 5).

After the thousand years has passed, Satan is released from the Abyss for a short time – but in that brief period he is able to incite the nations (symbolized by “Gog and Magog” of verse 8 ) to “surround the camp of God’s people” in Jerusalem (“the city He loves” verse 9). But it’s too late – Satan and the nations are defeated by supernatural fire (verse 9c). Then he is thrown into the fiery lake forever.

Satan’s destruction is followed by the “great white throne” judgment, when each person is “judged according to what he [has] done” (verse 13). All whose names are not “written in the Book of Life” are “thrown into the lake of fire” (verse 15). This is called “the second death” (verse 14).

The stage is now set for God to do what He has always planned to do – to create a new heaven and a new earth where God Himself will live with His people.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for many, many more names to be written in Your Book of Life. Fill me with a passion for doing my part as a soul winner. May I share today in the spirit of prophecy “The testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10b). I pray for all true Evangelists and soul-winning Pastors that they will share more boldly than ever to the world the saving message of Jesus Christ. I pray for grace to support their work with my tithes to my local church, and with offerings over and above that in support of soul-winning ministries, such as Crossroads Christian Communications and other ministries which are helping to write new names in the “Book of Life!” I pray for wisdom to give to those who will not squander my offering on expensive lifestyles and ineffective projects, but will spend the funds entrusted to them for the maximum results in new names written down in Your “Book of Life!” In Jesus’ Name I fervently ask You, Almighty God! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS

The “lake of fire” is found three times in Revelation 20! This is an emphasis I cannot miss. I cry out to God for the salvation of precious never-dying souls. I believe that by God’s grace alone I am saved and my name is written in “The Book of Life.” I ask myself, “Is there more I can do to win people to Jesus?” I’m convinced that the most selfish thing I could ever do is to keep the Good News of Jesus to myself.

Today’s reading also mentions “Gog and Magog” and many nations whose armies will surround Jerusalem and will seek to destroy the people of God everywhere. If time permits, I suggest reading Ezekiel 38:1 to 39:16. The process for burying the remains of the armies of the allied nations sounds very much like the land may be contaminated by the leftover effects of the weapons used in the war, as it takes seven months to cleanse the land.

Here’s one final question. Besides “The Book of Life” that contains the names of those who are saved, there are other “Books” which were opened. What are these books? God willing, I’ll write tomorrow about what I think they are (Revelation 20:12a).

Yours for helping at least one more person to faith in Jesus alone for their eternal life!!!

David

On June 3rd we start our next two years of journeying through the Scriptures. Click here for a video about the original inspiration for this blog and for the reason for two years rather than the standard one-year program. I ask for your help in bringing many others into the discipline of daily Bible reading. Become a 100words.ca blog promoter! Maybe you can spread the word via Facebook or in person to your friends and neighbours.

KING OF KINGS

Today’s Reading: Revelation 19 

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

The Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun is the Armored Corps’ Memorial Site. The memorial is surrounded by tanks used and captured in Israeli wars. The centrepiece of the Armored Corps is the Wall of Names on which are inscribed the names of all 4,965 fallen soldiers of the Armored Corps from all of modern Israel’s wars. This location is also the site of the Biblical battles of Joshua against the Amorite kings; in the book of Joshua it says: “Sun, stand still upon Giv’on; and moon, in the valley of Ayalon” (Joshua 10:12). In today’s reading we find that the warrior King, Prince of Peace, has a Name written which “No one knew except Himself!” Let us not forget that Jesus was born and lived as a Jew, and that all His disciples and thousands of the early church believers were all Jewish.

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

Key Verse: Revelation 19:10c

For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

Chapter 19 opens with two hymns. One is sung by “great multitude[s] in heaven” praising God for the destruction of “the great prostitute” (verses 1-5). The other is also sung by “a great multitude” to the “Lamb…and His bride” (verses 6-10). Then, after the angelic guide proclaims that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (verse 10c), the chapter describes the Christ of the Last Days.

John sees Him as a Rider on a “white horse” and His name is “Faithful and True.” His robe is “dipped in blood” and the name that emerges (as John looks at the robe) is “Word of God.” He makes war with “justice” as His motive, and He “strikes down the nations.” His warfare is marked with an intimidating and irresistible “fury” that has its source in “the wrath of God Almighty.” His name is even more than “Faithful and true” and “Word of God” – it is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (verses 11-16).

The chapter concludes with the beast and the false prophet being “thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur” (verse 20). The kings of the earth and all their armies who dared to war against the Lamb in the battle “are killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse” (verse 21).

Jesus the Lamb is Jesus the King. He is Lord of lords, and all power and authority belong to Him. No one, not even the beast, can resist His fury. But everyone whose name is written in the Book of Life will rest in His Love.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Almighty God, I pray for the grace of New Testament prophecy. May I faithfully tell others of “The testimony of Jesus!” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. The golden rule of understanding the Bible is to “Let the Bible interpret the Bible!” Today’s key verse is an example of that. The Apostle Peter preached on the birthday of the Church, the day of Pentecost, from a text found in Joel 2:28-29. When the 120 believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, they spilled out onto the streets of Jerusalem speaking about “the wonderful works of God” in the languages which the people, who had gathered from all over the world, could understand. This was “the spirit of prophecy!” Peter answered the question, “Whatever could this mean?” Your sons, daughters, young men, old men, male and female servants will have God’s Spirit poured out on them and “they shall prophesy!” The primary and continual sign of keeping filled with God’s Spirit is “Prophecy!” I’ll repeat this again for emphasis. The ongoing evidence of being filled with God’s Spirit is to consistently witness to others of the Person and work of Jesus. Let no one claim to be filled with God’s Spirit if they do not consistently testify of Jesus so that “Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved!” (Read Acts 2:1-24 as the first example of the true nature of New Testament prophecy). Jesus is “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!!!” Here was Peter, who, just 50 days earlier, denied Jesus three times. He could not even witness to a waitress who suggested that she saw him in Jesus’ company. Now he is bold, fearless, and very public in giving “The testimony of Jesus!”

Yours for winning the whole world to the One called “Faithful and True,” Who will come “clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called, ‘The Word of God!'” Revelation 19:13),

David

Here are some of the names of fallen Jewish Israeli soldiers at the Yad Lashiryon Memorial. These people died in fulfillment of the many prophecies of the Bible predicting the establishment of a state called Israel once again in preparation for the rule of the Messiah. The Bible says that Jesus, the Messiah, is coming again and that He “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20b). The battle in which Jesus gave His life for our “Peace” was fought and won through the resurrection out from among the dead. Let us make His Name known to the whole world!

WHO IS BILLY GRAHAM? (a waitress asked me this question)

Today’s Reading: Revelation 18 

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

This is a view from high up in the Roman Col0sseum looking towards the Arch of Constantine. It is one of the triumphal arches in Rome. This one is situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. It is probable that the Christians who read or heard the “Revelation” believed that Rome was the manifestation of the ancient tower of Babel and the city which grew around it, Babylon (Revelation 18:2a).

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

Key Verse: Revelation 18:17a

For in one hour such great riches came to nothing…

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

In this chapter we read of two angels shouting poetically over the “fallen” earthly kingdom of Rome. The first angel speaks in verses 1-20 and the second in verses 21-24. They express the lament of sailors, sea captains, merchants, workmen, and all “the world’s great men.” They also express the joy of “saints and apostles and prophets.” The truth of 11:15 is symbolized in the fall of Rome – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ” (KJV). The Lamb has conquered! And great is the fall of any and all kingdoms outside of His rule.

Recent events (I write this in the summer of 1991) have made the suddenness of the fall of earth’s kingdoms appear less shocking. Over the course of the past 36 months, we have seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the destruction of the Iron Curtain, the end of the Warsaw Pact, and, most recently, the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Most surprising of all was the demise of the Soviet Communist Party in less than one hour! President Gorbachev simply signed its death warrant with one stroke of a pen.

We have entered an era of instant wars and instant victories. Things have speeded up to an almost breakneck pace. No longer does it seem impossible, nor improbable, that kingdoms and “kings” rise and fall in “an hour” (verse 17).

We who believe in the return of the Lord had better “lift up our heads – for our redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Almighty God, as I read Revelation 18 I am in awe of the messages of Your angels, and of John’s recording of what he saw and heard. I pray for my mind to comprehend, and for wisdom to interpret these words correctly and to apply them to my personal life. I surrender voluntarily to Your purpose for my life. I ask this in the Name of the One who always, without fail, fulfilled Your purpose, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus the Messiah (Christ in Greek). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The other morning I stopped at a local restaurant for breakfast and the waitress, a lovely and efficient young lady in her early twenties, asked me what I did. I mentioned that I had had the honour to interview thousands of people for national television in Canada. She asked, “Who was the most famous person you interviewed?” She had told me on another occasion that she was a Baptist, so I thought of the great evangelist who is a Baptist minister, and answered, “Billy Graham.” Then she said, “Who’s he?”

It is a fact that the human family is in big trouble if we rely on past ministries, even those as powerful as that as Billy Graham. We must pray fervently that God will raise up in this second decade of the 21st century strong prophetic voices, not necessarily a big name, but millions of us (tomorrow’s reading will explain “the spirit of prophecy”). Will Graham, Billy’s grandson, asked his grandfather what he would do differently if he had his life to live over again. Billy answered, “I would pray more, and read my Bible more!” To me this is just another reason to continue strongly to encourage prayer and reading God’s Word, as proposed by this blog, which starts its second two-year journey through the Bible on June 3rd. I would consider it a great honour if some of God’s people would stay with me for more fresh bread taken out of the oven and posted at 6 a.m.

Yours for taking more time (the earlier the better, before the phone starts to ring, etc.) in God’s Word and in prayer,

David

There is a remote chance that someone reading this does not know of Billy Graham. Here’s a link to tell us about Billy. And here is a tribute to him from 100 Huntley Street on his 95th birthday in 2013 (hosted by my son Ron and his wife Ann).

The view looking north across the Agora in Rome. The monument to Victor Emmanuel, the king that unified Italy, is seen on the horizon. As pointed out in today’s reading, man’s kingdoms are temporary and with the weapons of modern warfare can be destroyed in one hour.

THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, DRUNK WITH BLOOD

Today’s Reading: Revelation 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 is a spectacular view of the Colosseum in Rome as you walk on the Via Sacra Road from the Agora and Arch of Titus. The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone, it was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world. It is thought that the early Christians, who were under intense persecution from the Roman authorities, considered “The mother of harlots” to be the city of Rome (Rev. 17:5).

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

Key Verse: Revelation 17:17

For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

I think it should be pretty clear to you by now that apocalyptic literature with its “picture language” is not too concerned about logic, consistency, and precision. This shouldn’t trouble us – rather, it should challenge us. Literally thousands of authors have taken up the challenge, and no two agree totally on every point of interpretation.

This chapter, however, begins a section dealing with the fall of “Babylon the Great” (concluding in 19:10). There are seven visions, and each refers to the fall of the cult of Roma, the deified personification of Rome (verse 18). “Babylon” is the proto-type for Rome, an empire that, in John’s day, had extended to Asia and the East. The “worship” of Roma was introduced to these areas so that the Empire became, in fact, a state cult. The Roman ruler Octavian, for example, built temples to “Dea Roma” and “Dious Julius” at Ephesus and Nicea, and to Roma and himself in Pergamum and Nicomedia. The belief in “Roma aeterna” (eternal Rome) was cultivated so that “Roma” became a living, breathing deity in the eyes of the world at that time.

John’s vision reaches far beyond the historical realities of his day, however, and chapter 17 is the first chapter where we see a clear attempt on the part of the angelic guide to “explain” what is going on (verse 7). Even though a lot of room is still left for interpretation, we at least see beyond the physical incongruities of multi-headed beasts, horns, bowls, and cups.

John sees a “great prostitute” sitting “on many waters” (verse 1), “on seven hills” (verse 9), and on a “scarlet beast” (verse 3). So, she “sits” on three things at the same time, is dressed elegantly (verse 4a), but is full of “abominable things” and “adulteries” (verse 4c). She is guilty of martyring “the saints” (verse 6).

The beast on which she sits “once was, and now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss” (verse 8), and has seven heads, one of which is himself (verse 11). These heads are all “kings” (who are at the same time “hills” – verse 9). Five of them have already “fallen” (verse 10a), one is “presently” alive (in John’s time), and the remaining king is to come at some future day but will reign only “for a little while” (verse 10c).

The beast also has ten horns, and these are future kings “who have not yet received a kingdom” (verse 12a) but eventually will reign “for an hour” (verse 12b). They work in conjunction with the beast and will do so at the very end of history, when they will “make war against the Lamb” (verse 14a). After losing to the Lamb, their final act will be to “ruin” the prostitute and “leave her naked” (verse 16).

There are two encouraging things to notice: 1. Those whose names are “written in the book of life” (verse 8 ) will not be “astonished” nor will they be conquered by the beast (verse 14c); and 2. Even while these last-day, evil forces do their foul deeds, they will be accomplishing God’s purposes (verse 17a). God is Sovereign. Everything is under His control.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for those today who are suffering torture and death at the hands of people who are possessed by the spirit of anti-Christ. Please give Your people great grace. Fill them with love for their tormenters, the same love demonstrated by Jesus for those who nailed Him to the Cross. Bring deliverance as You did for Peter in prison in Jerusalem, and for Paul and Silas in prison in Philippi. I pray for grace to stand firm in the face of any threats I may face in my lifetime. In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Several years ago I travelled to Kosovo to spend time with Canadian troops who were there on a peace-keeping mission. I was so very proud of our men and women. After their regular shift of doing such tasks as clearing explosives from the roads, they would go out into the community to volunteer in rebuilding homes, schools, etc., which had been destroyed in war. On Sunday I travelled with a van load of soldiers to church in Pristina, Kosovo’s capital city. We did not film the following in case we would further complicate this tragic yet wonderful happening. I saw tears in soldiers’ eyes as a girl of about 19 gave her testimony. Her face was black and blue and had obviously bled from facial wounds. But her face was also shining with joy as she told the story of her Muslim father beating her because she had insisted that she believed in Jesus as her Saviour and God. He said that if she went back to that church he would beat her again. Here she was, boldly confessing Jesus! (click here for a video from the Kosovo trip). It’s long so please watch even a part of it. You may want to fast forward from time to time. This was sent to the troops in Kosovo and to every military base in Canada.

The Apostle Peter, who was put to death by crucifixion in Rome, wrote some words about persecution. Read 1 Peter 4:12-19.

Yours for experiencing the courage and strength found in daily reading of the Bible,

David

This is one of the walking paths inside Rome’s Colosseum.

THE CUP

Today’s Reading: Revelation 16 

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

Southeast of Haifa lies Mt. Carmel, a promontory rich in Biblical history. As you stand on its peak looking east, you can see the fertile plains of the Jezreel Valley. The book of Revelation also identifies this area, Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), as the place where the final battle of Armageddon will be fought. It was also on this mountain that Elijah the Prophet confronted the priests of Baal (1 Kings 18).

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

Key Verse: Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters saying:

“You are righteous, O Lord,

The One who is and who was and who is to be,

Because You have judged these things…”

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

In this chapter we see the anger of God at sin and the demands of His justice. Seven angels “pour out” the contents of the “seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God” (15:7). The first bowl brings a plague of ulcers upon “the people who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image” (verse 2). The second bowl befouls the sea (verse 3) while the third bowl pollutes the fresh water (verse 4). The fourth bowl affects the sun so that the earth’s residents are “seared by the intense heat” (verse 9), and the fifth bowl plunges “the throne of the beast, and his kingdom” into darkness (verse 10). The sixth bowl dries up the Euphrates River and releases three evil spirits who gather “the kings of the whole world…for battle on the great day of God” at the valley of Megiddo (verses 12-16). The final bowl precipitates a great cataclysm culminating in a huge earthquake and violent hail storm (verses 16-21).

All of this comes from God Himself. And the people “curse” Him because of it (verses 9-10). There’s something in human nature that resents superior power, even when it comes from God, who is the ultimate Power. We each can choose to submit or rebel.

One of the most significant messages of the book of Revelation is that God will ultimately manifest His holiness and punish all unholiness. In the context of this chapter, we can clearly see that all this wrath and destruction could have been prevented – but sinful mankind “refused to repent of what they had done” (verse 11b). God will go to almost any length to impress on us our need to turn away from sin. But if we refuse, we’ll suffer the consequences.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God Almighty, as I read Revelation 16 I’m hearing clearly Your message: “You are righteous, O Lord” (16:4a), and I am a sinner. Therefore, I repent! Grant me the grace to live in a state of repentance. I pray for a constant awareness of Your holy presence, so that I may, as You said, Lord Jesus, in 16:15, be blessed by watching for Your coming again, and by keeping the garments of Your righteousness as my clothing. In Your Name, I pray, dear Jesus. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a new believer in Jesus as my Saviour and Lord, I thought long and hard about the reason for the suffering and death of Christ. For example, when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, “Father, if it is Your will, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will but Yours be done,” what was in the cup? The answer came from Revelation 16:19b and from other Scriptures…”The cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath!” God’s anger against all that hurts and destroys those He has created and loves was in that cup. I ask myself, “How can I get my mind around this eternal truth?” Over the years I’ve read the words from Isaiah again and again, “The cup of His fury” and “The cup of My fury” (Isaiah 51). I would urge us all, as I have done this morning, to read again Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12. I read this and weep, throwing myself on the mercies of God and confident in God’s promise that “He [Jesus] has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4a), and that “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Yours for giving our lives in a fresh commitment to Jesus every day,

David

Looking west from Mount Carmel towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Jim and Kathy Cantelon. I appreciate that they’ve allowed me to use their Revelation commentary, which Crossroads originally published in the “Day Unto Day” devotional series in the early nineties.