BELOVED ENEMY

Today’s Reading: Matthew 5 

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

To view a two-minute video version (“vlog”) of today’s blog, go to 100huntley.com/100words

The Mount of Beatitudes is located near the North Shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was in this area that Jesus delivered the longest recorded teaching we have on record, Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. The Church of the Beatitudes can be seen in the distance.

Key Verse: Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

“Love” and “Enemy” don’t fit together. Sue and be sued! Get even! That’s our world today. Jesus makes a demand which is humanly impossible. In verse 39, Jesus tells us that “Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” A while back at a meeting of our Crossroads U.S.A. Board, Rev. Albert Vaters commented on John 15:5, “Without Me you can do NOTHING.” He said that no matter how hard we try on our own, it is worth zero. But he assured us that “With God NOTHING will be IMPOSSIBLE.”

Jesus, the true Revolutionary, is “LOVE.” This is His DNA.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I invite You to live in me. Only You have lived 100% the words You taught us. I give myself to You. Because of You living in me, “NOTHING shall be IMPOSSIBLE.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It has never been hard for me to pray the prayer that Jesus said would make me right with God, “God be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The word “sin” originates as an archery term. It means missing the target. My aim, my focus, my prayer is to be like Jesus. Most of the time I miss the bullseye, but there are times when I am conscious that Jesus in me is helping me to hit the mark.

One day I met a young man named Gord at the YMCA. His face was buried in a paper bag. He was sniffing glue. He lifted his head just long enough to spit in my face. Amazingly I felt nothing but love for Gord. I’m 100% sure that was not just me. Jesus was living and loving from within.

In Christ’s love and service,

David

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Today’s Reading: Matthew 3-4

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

Sunrise over the Galilee. It’s a new day and a new beginning for 100words.ca. Now is the opportunity to begin with thousands of others this two-year journey through the world’s runaway bestseller, the Bible. I’ve proven that in the one-year journey, approximately 70% don’t complete reading every word in the Bible!!! But in the two-year commitment at least 70-75% actually succeed at the challenge of reading every word!!!

Key Verses: Matthew 3:14 & 4:19

“I have need to be baptised by You and are You coming to me?”… “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Later in Matthew 11:2-15 Jesus says, “There has not been one greater than John the Baptist.” Such a great man needed Jesus!

What was the evidence of John’s greatness?

(1) A great message! “Repent!” Turn from your own way and go God’s way (Matthew 3:2).

(2) Humility! He did not consider himself a great personality, just a “VOICE!” (Matthew 3:3).

(3) John recognized his own need. “I have need to be baptised by You” (Matthew 3:14).

John the Baptist, according to Luke’s Gospel, was named by an angel. His birth was prophesied in advance, and he was eventually beheaded because of his stand for Truth. What a great man! Yet he confessed to Jesus, “I need You.” THIS IS GREATNESS!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY: 

Jesus, John needed You, and I need You desperately! I’m confident that, as the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, “God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” I pray for the grace of Your daily supply! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Watching TV or reading newspapers, I have from time to time talked back to the screen toward the person whose troubles have just been exposed, “YOU NEED JESUS!” 

His timing may not be to our liking. I remember the singer Jimmy McDonald saying on the 100 Huntley Street TV show, that there are four ways God answers prayer:

1. NO (It’s not the best for you, at least at the present time).
2. GROW (We must change first in order to handle wisely the answer to our prayers).
3. SLOW (Circumstances must change first. God is committed to working within the free will of others).
4. GO (This is God’s “YES!” and we can expect results soon).
   

Listen very carefully and you will hear God’s answer.

Yours with much love,

David

P.S. Please commit to following along with me for the next 730 days, providing God gives the graces of continuity, consistency, and what I like to call, plain old sanctified stubbornness…the determination to “never, never, never give up!” Those five words made up the entire content of a school graduation speech made by the “Man of the Century” (20th), Winston Churchill!!!

THE PREGNANT VIRGIN!

Today’s Reading Matthew 1-2

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

The Nativity Church in Bethlehem built over the grotto where Jesus was born. On the ceilings hang chandeliers and on the walls are fragments of mosaic. This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. Originally built by Constantine’s mother in the 4th century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530’s. It was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim’s rule in 1009. The trapdoors in the floor reveal 4th-century floor mosaics from the Constantinian church.

Key Verse:  Matthew 1:23

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name “Immanuel,” translated, “God with us.”

*God was with Joseph, who was instructed to marry Mary.
*God was with the Wise Men, who were told to bypass King Herod.
*God was with Mary and Joseph when they were told to seek refuge in Egypt.

When all is well, it’s easy to believe “God with us.” When there’s trouble, believe with child-like faith. Whether we feel like it or not, BELIEVE IT! IT’S A FACT!!! God is consistent. He is “IMMANUEL!!!” That kind of solid faith will release the love and provision of Immanuel into our lives and circumstances.

“Immanuel” Quotes:

“I am with you always.” – JESUS (Matthew 28:20)

“Abide in Me and I in you.” – JESUS (John 15:4)

“I will never leave you.” – GOD (Hebrews 13:5)

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I thank You, God, that You are with me always. Please forgive me for my sin and wrong that I have done. I give my life to You for always. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

NOW, please tell someone about that prayer you just prayed to receive Jesus. Call our prayer line toll-free in Canada and the U.S. at 1-866-273-4444 or email us at ministry@crossroads.ca.

100 Personal Words (plus a few more) from David Mainse:

Why 100? That number says to me “Immanuel.” I had been hosting a weekly TV show called Crossroads from 1962 to 1977 when I saw the building at 100 Huntley Street in Toronto. The sun was glinting off the stainless steel street number 100. Suddenly, I knew why (over the preceding weeks) when I would open my Bible at random, my eyes would fall on the number 100. For example, “100 fold” in Jesus’ parable of the sower, or the 100th verse of the 119th Psalm. Even page 100 in my Bible would show up. I knew that it was time to move from the weekly show to daily. My wife, Norma-Jean, was the producer of Crossroads and it took me several days before I ventured to tell her that I wanted to name the new show after the address of the studio in downtown Toronto. Now, over 10,000 daily shows later, approximately 17,000 people have shared their stories on TV.  Millions of calls have come through to the 24/7 prayer lines. Many of these have personally experienced “Immanuel,” opening their minds to believe and their hearts to receive. Call and talk with God together with a prayer partner…a caring, loving, non-judgmental person. The phone number is 1-866-273-4444. If you should get a busy signal, try again. 

Yours for sharing Immanuel with others,

David

P.S. We also have a video version of my blog (a “blog”). It’s a 2-minute version which will air regularly during breaks in the YES TV schedule. You can also watch it daily on the Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” by clicking HERE.

SUNSET and SUNRISE (two more years, God willing!)

The Eastern Gate or “Golden Gate” of the Old City of Jerusalem, which leads to the Temple Mount. This photo was taken from the Mount of Olives at sunset. Could it be that the Messiah shall soon burst open this gate in order to enter the Temple area? Jesus entered through the Eastern Gate in His triumphal entry one week before His resurrection.

A Message from Ron Mainse:

My Father, David Mainse, went into the presence of his precious Saviour on the morning of September 25th, 2017, surrounded by his family, ending a 5-year battle with MDS acute leukemia. The Lord graciously extended his life 3 years beyond what the doctors initially predicted, allowing his family and friends to enjoy for a little longer his deep wisdom, caring heart and passionate encouragement. A memorial website has been created for Dad at davidmainse.com, which includes a link to view his “Celebration of Life” service.

We want to continue to keep Dad’s words alive through his daily “100Words.ca” blog, so my wife Ann and I will continue to update and post Dad’s commentary, prayer, and personal words from his previous years’ postings…as an ongoing legacy to our precious Father. We are honoured to be carrying this daily torch for Dad!

Now, here are Dad’s words from June 3rd, 2016…

For those just joining us, today we start another exciting 730 days in our TWO-YEAR journey throughout the Bible. My name is David Charles Mainse, born August 13th 1936, in Quebec, Canada. If you’re new to this blog and just might possibly be interested in viewing a brief video where I describe what “100words.ca” is all about…click here.

So, I’m now 79 years old. This new two-year plan shows that I’m an incurable optimist (because in 2012, the doctors gave me two years to live). You can tell a lot about the company you’re keeping when you are sharing a coffee. Someone may say, “Is there any milk in that jug?” The one who says “pass the cream please” is me!

Yesterday was the birthday of the TV ministry of Crossroads (started June 2, 1962). I’m excited to report that it is “HAPPY!” I’m honoured, along with my wife, Norma-Jean, to be the Founders. I can report good things about Crossroads. I expect to report in this blog, God willing, from time to time on the vision, the persons God has called to lead, and the results of the Good works of a ministry that is supported by God’s people. “Happy Birthday, God bless you!!!”

Now, here’s the plan for this blog:

1. Beginning today, God willing, I’ll present to you fresh bread on this two-year journey through the WORLD’S OLDEST BOOK, STILL THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLER – – THE BIBLE. We will start in the New Testament, go to the Old Testament, back to the New and then back again to the Old. To start, I suggest joining me in reading St. Matthew’s Gospel chapters 1 & 2… a good place to start, THE CHRISTMAS STORY. In the 1970s, I led a “Through-the-Bible-in-One-Year” program. Unfortunately, when we reached Leviticus, Numbers or Deuteronomy, more than half dropped out! After much prayer, I believe I heard from God to extend the reading to two years. This change, along with the New to the Old and back again approach, reversed the drop-out rate. I knew how many were following with me because new materials needed to be ordered in order to continue with the program.
2. I read the suggested chapters at 4:00 am. At approximately 4:30 am, I’ll spend time in prayer. This early start has been a habit of mine, most days, since I turned 40.
3. Around 5:00 am, I am usually at my computer keyboard where I expect to write my blog (or re-edit my original writing from our first two-year journey). First, I’ll write “100 Words” (forgive me in advance as I usually go over 100 words) on the theme of the key verse which I’ve chosen from the reading for the day. Second, I’ll include a “Prayer for Today” that we can pray together. Then third, I’ll include another section called “100 Personal Words,” which might be a personal meditation or a story from my life. 
4. My son, Ron, who is an ordained minister, will format the blog in advance, and his wife Ann will proofread the text before the blog is posted. Ron also adds photos taken by my other son, Reynold, who is a missionary as well as a professional photographer and also an ordained minister. He has spent much time in the lands of the Bible shooting photos for the blog. 
5. At 6:00 am, the day’s “Fresh Bread” comes out of the oven and is delivered from my place to yours.
6. Each day, comments and replies to my post are encouraged (I do read all the comments, although I don’t usually get to personally reply…sorry about that!).
7. NOTE: You can sign up for the daily email version of my blog by completing the subscription info on the home page at www.100words.ca. If, for any reason, it does not appear in your inbox, sign up again.

TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew Chapters 1 & 2

Yours for thinking God’s thoughts as we read thoroughly His Words,

David

“FOLLOW ME” 

Today’s Reading: John 21 & Matthew 1 

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

Near Tabgha Beach, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, stands the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. This square building of black basalt, built in 1934, is where Jesus is believed to have made a third appearance to His disciples after His Resurrection. As the event is described in the 21st chapter of John’s Gospel, Peter and six other disciples had been fishing all night without catching anything. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, though they did not recognize Him. Jesus told the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and the net filled with 153 fish. When the disciples dragged the net ashore, they found that Jesus had cooked them breakfast on a charcoal fire. This church is built upon a rock believed to be the place where Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples (see photo below).

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

Key Verses: John 21:18b,19

You will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. And when He (Jesus) had spoken this, He said to him [Peter], “Follow Me.”

John mentions Peter five times in the final words of his Gospel, and refers to himself only as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” By the time John wrote these words, Peter had indeed stretched out his hands, and like Jesus’ hands, they were nailed to a cross. Early Church history tells us that Peter was executed by crucifixion in the city of Rome. John was there at Jesus’ death. He was the first of the Apostles to reach the empty tomb of Jesus, but he stepped back and let Peter enter first. No doubt John was also there in the High Priest’s courtyard and heard Peter deny that he knew Jesus three times. Now John sets the scene, mentioning that Jesus had fish on a charcoal fire (the only other charcoal fire mentioned in Scripture was there where Peter denied Jesus just a few days earlier). Now John writes of Jesus asking Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” Most likely, as a teenager, John, perhaps 15 years younger than Peter, fished Galilee in a boat next to Peter’s boat. Now he focuses on Peter’s total transformation. John was there when he heard Jesus call Peter, saying to him, “Follow Me!” Now he hears Jesus say again to Peter, “Follow Me!”

Jesus said, “My sheep know My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me!” Jesus says  to each one of us, “Follow Me! Follow Me!” (read John 10:1-30). It may have been three weeks later that Peter, filled now with the Holy Spirit, preached the Good News of Jesus to Jewish people who had come from all over the world to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and 3,000 believed in Jesus as their Saviour and Lord (Acts 2:14-24). Some months later, Peter was the first to bring the message of Jesus to non-Jews, starting with the Roman army officer, Cornelius, who believed in Jesus, along with his family members and neighbours (Acts 10:34-48).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

O Lord God, like Peter, I need to listen to You! I need to follow You so very very closely. I pray for grace to love You more, much more, than fishing for fish or any other legitimate human pursuit. Whatever hours, days, months or years I have to live, may I help feed Your sheep and Your lambs. May I be faithful to give the life-giving eternal food of Your Word to everyone I meet, adults and children. I make a new commitment to You, Lord Jesus, here and now, to FOLLOW YOU more closely than ever!!! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Tomorrow, God willing, we re-start our two-year journey through the Bible once again. Are you with me? A much better question is, are you with Jesus? If you are not sure, start over again with a decision to make a lifetime commitment to Him! Call a Crossroads/100 Huntley Street prayer partner, and have them record your decision. Call toll free, 1-866-273-4444. Ask that caring person who answers to send you literature which will confirm your faith in Jesus. The only way to know what Jesus thinks is to read His Word. God’s Word expresses His thoughts. I know of no other way to get God’s thoughts to be my thoughts so I can do His will at all times. John wrote about his reason for writing portions of God’s Holy Word…”These things we write to you that your joy may be full!” (read 1 John 1:1-7). Today is the anniversary of the first Crossroads telecast on which I had the great honour of sharing the Good News of Jesus, June 2nd, 1962, at 11:30 p.m. And on June 3rd, 2012, is when my first blog was posted in this two-year journey through the Bible.

Please, please come with me once again. Walk with me through the pages of God’s message to His human family… and please share this 2-year opportunity with your friends and family! Also, watch for my  two-minute “VLOG” (video blog) of each day’s readings on the Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” (HERE is the link).

Yours for commitment, consistency, and consecration to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

David

Thank You, Father God, for the call to do this blog, and for health and strength to keep it going. Thank you to all others who have helped me do this. I could not have succeeded without you!

The rock, which is incorporated into the floor of the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, is traditionally believed to be the place where Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples. It was known to medieval pilgrims as Mensa Christ (the table of Christ).

On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a statue depicts Jesus after His death and Resurrection, appearing before Peter. He asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?…feed My sheep” (John 21 15-17).

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!!!