DARK NIGHT, GLORIOUS MORNING

Suggested Reading: Genesis 32-33

A jewish man prays with Torah in hand at the the "Wailing Wall"... The Western Wall of the Temple Mount. Just over half the wall, including its 17 layers of stones located below street level, dates from the end of the Second Temple period: 516 BC - 70 AD. Papers jammed in the cracks of the wall contain the prayers of many sincere hearts.

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Key Verse: Genesis 32:28

And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

The vertical and the horizontal directions of life are both important. Think of a cross, and you have the God/man relationships. Jesus is 100% God and 100% man. In Him we can get it right both ways. Before Jacob could handle the fear of meeting his brother, he had a much more important meeting. An encounter with God is absolutely essential before a truly successful, God blessed, encounter with man. Jacob’s “dark night of the soul,” because of his refusal to let go of God, became a glorious morning of forgivness for past wrongs Jacob had done. The horizontal relationship with his brother was restored directly as a result of the vertical struggle with God. Jacob now becomes Israel, a “Prince of God.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You are King of kings and I believe that I am Your child. By faith I know that as a result of the Cross, my relationship with You is in place. Now I will approach my human relationships with the confidence that You have gone before me to prepare the way, because of Jesus Christ. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It was over 50 years ago that I heard Rev. Laurie Price tell a story of two daughters. One said, “You wouldn’t give me 25 cents would you?” Dad said, “You’re right, I wouldn’t.” The other jumped up on his lap, kissed him and said, “Would you give me 25 cents?” Dad said, “Yes,” and produced the money. This story is probably a parable, useful to make a point. I’ve never forgotten the truth I learned that day. I make sure I’m in a fresh loving relationship with God before I ask God for His provision. I remember my two young sons, Reynold and Ron, when we went to an ice cream stand, waiting patiently for me to order. They would order exactly what I ordered. My Heavenly Father is the provider. I want what He wants, no more, no less. His choice is always the best!

Yours truly for right relationships vertically and horizontally,

David

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A STONE OF WITNESS

Suggested Reading: Genesis 31

Mount Hermon is at the north of Israel and is the highest point in the land. A peak in this area rises to 2,236 m (7,336 ft). Psalm 133:3

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Key Verses: Genesis 31:3, 44-45

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”…”Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and Me.” So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar.

Jacob heard from God and from his father-in-law Laban. Back in Genesis 28:18 Jacob set up a stone as a pillar of witness to God’s restating of the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac. God reaffirms the same with Jacob. Now Jacob does the same as a witness to his covenant with his father-in-law, Laban. These stone pillars would be permanent reminders of the life-changing commitments made to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and now, Jacob; also to Jacob’s family. Be assured that the twelve sons of Jacob and his daughters were listening to the story of Jacob’s encounter with God and now watching as their Dad and Grandpa Laban made their commitments to each other. Here’s a lesson: pass on to your family “stones of witness,” e.g. your testimony for Christ in your will, special mementos, etc.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, help me to be creative in the reminders for my family of those times I have encountered You, as well as my committments to others. Cause these items and/or documents to bless my children, their children and beyond. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I carefully chose a great and beautiful “Stone of Witness” from a quarry near our Severn Bridge, Ontario, Circle Square Ranch, transported it to the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, and erected it in front of the main entrance. Along the stone’s foundation a Bible verse is written, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV). The cost of doing this was paid for by Leno Mori of Niagara-on-the-Lake in memory of his wife who had recently passed into Heaven. It is a powerful witness to the Mori family and to all of us. Norma-Jean and I are still working on the “witness” we want to pass on to our family. It won’t be a great stone, but we believe it will serve to remind generations to come of God’s faithfulness.

Yours sincerely for blessing our families,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

GOD LISTENS

Suggested Reading: Genesis 30

These are the gates of the main city of the tribe of Dan. It was located in northern Israel near the base of Mount Herman and the source of the Jordan River - Joshua 19:40-48.

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Key Verse: Genesis 30:22

Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.

Two women, living in the same household, vying for the affection of the same man. Not only was polygamy culturally acceptable, it was often encouraged. What heartache could’ve been avoided if they had followed God’s original plan in creating one man and one woman, and making His will known. Nevertheless, God meets us where we are and bestows mercy and grace. Rachel’s first son, Joseph, became one of God’s great men of all time. How heart warming it is to know that God answered Rachel’s prayer. Also, God continued to bless Jacob with wealth and many children. In our 21st century understanding of God’s will and purpose, it’s difficult to process these things. Just keep open to the Teacher, The Holy Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, please give me the grace to wait for Your timing. I realize that going ahead on my own will only bring heartache in the long run. I’m like a little child, and I know You’re holding my hand. I belong to You and You want what is best for me. This confidence comes from knowing Jesus Christ, in whose Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Ok, I admit it. I have gone ahead with my own initiatives. I struggled with this matter of gettings things done. I finally reached a conclusion. If I believe that something is good to do, I move ahead. But at the same time, I pray that if what I’m about to do is not God’s will, He’ll step in and stop events before they progress. Even on our wedding day on the way to the church I prayed this: “Lord, I believe that Norma-Jean is to be my wife and I’m going ahead with the marriage, and I love her very much. But if this is not Your perfect plan, please stop it right now.” How thankful I am that God allowed the marriage to happen. Four children, 16 grandchildren, and almost 7 great-grandchildren, plus great ministry opportunities later, I’m a blessed man!

Yours in the service of the God of Jacob,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

I AM WITH YOU

Suggested Reading: Genesis 28-29

(Click on the reference to read the scriptures directly from your computer screen).

Three tourists standing on the Mount of Olives enjoy the view as the sun sets over the city of Jerusalem.

NEW DAILY BLOG FEATURE: View the location of where each photo was shot by Reynold Mainse. Simply click the link that will now appear below each photo. The location will be displayed in a new window on Google Maps. For today’s photo location, click here.

Key Verse: Genesis 28:15

“…Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

God makes promises! In this way He encouraged Jacob. Jacob had heard the stories of God’s promises to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac over and over again. It has been said, “God has no grandchildren.” In other words, every generation must enter into a personal relationship with God. Jacob needed to hear from God. He was in a place of turmoil, running away from home, driven to desperate measures because of his own bad decisions. Jacob may have been blaming his disfunctional family. No doubt that night trying to sleep with a stone as his pillow was truly a “dark night of the soul.” But “between a rock and a hard place,” God took the iniative and gave Jacob assurance of His Presence. From this place going forward, Jacob knew he would never be alone again. God would fulfill all of His promises.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I humbly call on You. Please speak to me. I need You! Please give me a promise for my life, for my future as You did for Jacob. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Throughout my life I have received promises from God that moved me forward in His plan. For example, Norma-Jean and I had been producing a weekly telecast for 14 years, plus a children’s telecast for 3 years, when I became aware that it was time to move into a daily production. I believe I had heard that “still small voice” about this, but I was still not prepared to move out of my comfort zone, taking on a challenge that would involve creating the first professionally equipped TV studio in Canada which would be devoted exclusively to Christian productions. It was at a prayer meeting in August of 1976 that God spoke clearly through two Scriptures, Psalm 19:2 and Acts 2:47. The first says, “DAY UNTO DAY utters speech,” and the second says, “The Lord added to the Church DAILY those who were being saved.” The combination of God’s communication with my spirit and the confirmation of Scripture was enough. On June 15, 1977, the daily 100 Huntley Street telecast was first broadcast live from that address in downtown Toronto.

Yours, believing God with you for God to speak to you today,

David

P.S. The television ministry is still going strong. Please check out www.crossroads.ca and www.100huntley.com

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

COMMUNICATE

Suggested Reading: Genesis 27

A man stepping out from his home in Nazareth Village, located in modern-day Nazareth, where life in the first century A.D. is re-enacted.

Key Verse: Genesis 27:19

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

This painful, destructive experience with husband, wife, and twin sons could’ve been avoided if Isaac and Rebekah had been communicating. Look at the mistakes. Rebekah listens in on a private conversation. She then plots dishonestly; she encourages Jacob to deceive and tell an outright lie. As a result, Esau is filled with hatred and contemplates murder. Jacob is forced to run away from home and his character is twisted and bent so badly that he spends years in deception and deceit. The lesson here must be this… Mom, Dad, Husband, Wife, communicate in Christian love and understanding. Are you working together with God to make your family truly blessed?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear God, please use this daily blog to teach me to listen to You as I read Your Word and then talk to You about what I’ve read. Good communication with You will make all the difference in my ability to communicate with my loved ones. Therefore, I throw myself on Your love and grace. Through the Name of the greatest Communicator, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It was at the Church of England in London where the “Alpha” course originated, Holy Trinity, Brompton, that I experienced most deeply the answer to the prayer I’ve just typed. While at the altar the Lord showed me clearly that I had hurt Norma-Jean deeply. Until that moment I was blissfully unaware of what I now realized was a truly stupid, uncaring action. It had happened shortly after our wedding and, without going into detail, I knew that immediately after my return to Canada I must humbly and honestly ask Norma-Jean’s forgiveness. I also repented before God and, until today, I pray fervently that I may communicate well and wisely with my beloved wife. The Apostle Peter, a married man whose wife accompanied him, according to Paul, wrote very wise words as found in 1st Peter, chapter 3. Please take time to read verses 1-7. In particular verse seven has been a word from God to me. My prayers were being hindered by my insensitivity to my wife. That must never happen again.

Your continually repentant servant,

David

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PLEADING WITH GOD

Suggested Reading: Genesis 25-26

A couple at the Nazareth Village in modern-day Nazareth, exhibiting life as it was in the first century.

Key Verse: Genesis 25:21

“Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.”

Isaac and Rebekah had been married for 19 years but had no children. Isaac became desperate in his prayers. He believed the promise and God gave double…twins. Rebekah prayed also and she received a special word from God (25:23). However, the girl with the ambition to water the camels now took things into her own hands and tried to produce God’s plan rather then letting God do it. Human effort is necessary, but to revert to our own resources alone, after having prayed and received God’s provision, may not change the final outcome, and will cause heartache along the way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, above all I desire Your will as expressed in Your promises. Grant me the grace to wait on You, making my time and effort available to You, and at the same time to know that You are working all things according to Your will. Like Isaac, I plead fervently with You in prayer. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Over the years in the service of Christ, I’ve done my best to plan and work for the fulfillment of God’s purpose as revealed in His Word. Twice I pushed initiatives through the Board of Directors for Crossroads which a majority favoured, but not all. Both times proved to be mistakes. I learned to ask the Directors to take the issue home, pray fervently, and come back to the next meeting to vote again. If we still could not agree unanimously, we dropped the matter, or changed course. Like Rebekah, I’m a “Get it done” person. God has used this drive, but I must be careful. The Crossroads Directors unanimously approved the sponsorship of this daily blog. You could e-mail the Chairman, Don Simmonds, and let him know what you think about the Board’s decision…dsimmonds@crossroads.ca.

In Christ’s love and service,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

CAMELS

Suggested Reading: Genesis 24

Camels are mentioned 17 times in Genesis chapter 24. In some parts of the world these unusual creatures are still very important in travel and commerce.

Key Verse: Genesis 24:58

Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”

Sarah, Isaac’s mother, had passed away three years earlier. No doubt Isaac was lonely. In fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, it was necessary that Abraham become a grandfather to Isaac’s children. God’s purposes in the human family are developed by human co-operation. So Abraham’s right-hand man travelled from present-day Israel, through Jordan and Iraq to Kuwait (Mesopotamia) to find family and a bride for Isaac. What a beautiful story of God’s choice…a faithful servant, an amazing young woman (watering those camels was not an easy task), and willing parents. The words, “The camels are coming” (verse 63), speak to the fact that people, even animals, may do God’s will if they make the right choice.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, just as the faithful servant worshipped You every time another step was taken in fulfilling Your plan, so I worship You for Your will being done in and through me. Amen!

May I suggest that we all pray the “Our Father” or as it is known, “The Lord’s prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13)?

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

There are sermons that I’ve heard which I’ve never forgotten. One was by Rev. Anders Nisbel, assistant to Lutheran Bishop, Martin Lonebo of Linshepping, Sweden. Anders was a student at our Crossroads School of Broadcasting and Communications in Toronto. I team-preached with the Bishop in Sweden and he spoke of the absolute necessity of using TV for Jesus’ message. In his message to our staff, Anders said, “Have you ever met a camel? They smell bad. They have a bad temper. They can be unpredictable and they never forget. They are like television, it may be a big challenge, but we must ride the camels. The reason Christian North Africa became Islamic was that the Muslim missionaries were on camels winning the desert tribes to Mohammed, and the Christians were comfortable in their coastal cities, unconcerned about those in the interior who did not know Christ.” I say, “Let’s get on those camels and ride.” (Our School of Broadcasting now has graduates in 76 countries).

Yours for all our grads and those now in the Intern program at Crossroads,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

STARS & SAND

Suggested Reading: Genesis 22-23

The sands from the Mediterranean have blown through the aqueduct arches at Caesarea

Key Verse: Genesis 22:17

…blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

After a long period of testing, Abraham and Sarah had their own little son. How they rejoiced! How they loved him! But now a new test confronted Abraham. He probably spent the whole night in tears, wrestling in prayer. Would God really make such a request? Finally, as the sun began to rise, Abraham obeyed, took Isaac up Mt. Moriah, and placed him on the altar. Then God gave the boy back to his Dad and promised great blessing on Abraham and his descendants. God is faithful! He has provided the sacrifice of His own Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Abraham said to his servant, “Stay here and I will go yonder and worship, and WE will return.” He knew God would be faithful to His promise about Isaac. He also knew that the highest expression of worship is OBEDIENCE!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, here I am to worship You. Yes, I worship with words of praise and thanksgiving; I worship You with songs; I gather with other believers to worship You in public gatherings; but grant me the grace to always worship You through my obedience to Your revealed will. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Since 1968, Norma-Jean and I have taken groups of our friends to Israel. This year again, God willing, we invite you and others to join us for two whole weeks, November 8 – 22. In the picture above is one of the sand beaches. I love to take my sandals off and run barefoot through the sands of the Sahara, which the currents of the Mediterranean have deposited on Israel’s shore. When in Jerusalem on Mt. Moriah, where the Temple once stood, I’m filled with strong emotions as I speak to our brothers and sisters in our group about the sacrifice of Jesus on the very place where God said to Abraham, “Because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, in blessing I will bless you.” Tears fill my eyes as I type this, for God did not withhold His only Son, but gave Him as the final Sacrifice. No wonder Abraham was called the “friend of God” (James 2:23).

In Christ’s love and service,

David

P.S. Please check out the info about our November tour to the Holy Land by clicking here. You can download a tour brochure as well. Or call 905-332-6400, ext. 4024. This is Norma-Jean’s telephone. Leave a message if she’s not in and someone will get back to you.

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

Suggested Reading: Genesis 20-21

(click on photo to enlarge)

One of the many stone covered walkways in the old city of Jerusalem

Key Verse: Genesis 21:2

For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Abraham named the baby Isaac, which means, “laughter,” for good reasons. (1) When Abraham was promised by God that he would have a son with his wife Sarah, Abraham “Fell on his face and laughed” (Gen. 17:17). (2) When Sarah heard the promise of God she laughed also, but it was a different laugh. Abraham laughed for joy, and Sarah laughed because of unbelief (Gen. 18:12). (3) The promise, of which Isaac was the heir, has become a cause for laughter as an expression of joy down through the ages. Isaac was born “at the set time.” God is rarely early in fulfilling His promises, but He is never late! God is punctual. His promised mercies may not come on our schedule. They will come in His timing. “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, I heard that someone prayed,”Dear Lord give me patience, and please hurry up.” That thought brings me laughter, and that’s okay with You. May Your joy fill my heart because You are good and the most often repeated verse in the Bible is “His mercy endures forever” (see Psalm 136).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I make sure I watch the 100 Huntley Street telecast every day. Even if I’m not near a TV set, I can watch it on the internet at www.100huntley.com. I pay close attention to every word spoken, to the body language, and to the visuals shown. You see, these television productions were promised to Norma-Jean and me years ago. My wife had the vision of a continent-wide TV ministry before I did. I laughed at her definite statement. I had unbelief, but God did it anyway. There we were in a small congregation in a small town in the north. How could this ever be? I look back now and marvel at the plan and grace of God. If you want to see what God has done over 50 years, check www.crossroads.ca and browse through the various sites. Now I laugh for joy realizing that God has done “more than we could ever ask or think according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Yours with joyful laughter,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

A RIGHT ATTITUDE

Suggested Reading: Genesis 18-19

Mount Sodom runs along the southwestern part of the Dead Sea, where Lot's wife looked back from the mountain and was turned into a pillar of salt. It is most remarkable, because the mountain is made almost entirely of halite, or rock salt. It is approximately 8 km long, 5 km wide, 742 feet (226 m) above the Dead Sea, yet 557 feet (170 m) below sea level.

Key Verse: Genesis 18:17

And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…”

Before judgement, God always gives an opportunity for mercy. Abraham interceded with the Lord, asking Him to spare Sodom, and finally settling on ten righteous people who would be sufficient to protect the city. Lot probably had at least that number in his household. However, only Lot, himself, was found to be righteous. God reveals His plans to someone so that they can pray fervently and give warning of impending judgement. For example: Noah before the flood; the increasing severity of the plagues before the final judgement on Egypt; the warnings of Jesus Himself before the destruction of Jerusalem, and others that I could mention. Abraham’s attitude (NIV) or mind (NKJV) was for mercy and not judgement. He experienced mercy himself in the promise of the birth of a son with his wife Sarah.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, I intercede through the person of Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Saviour. I pray for the protection of people everywhere. I pray for all to open their hearts to Your mercy shown in sending Your Son to save them. I pray for the soul-winning outreach of the ministry sponsoring this Blog, Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. I pray for Don Simmonds, our CEO, and Ron Mainse, our Spiritual Director, and all who work with them in the production of a variety of ministries to bring men, women, boys and girls to Yourself. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The cause of protecting humanity’s oldest covenant, “marriage between one man and one woman,” has moved me deeply. First of all, I did several focus groups with mechanics at garages during their lunch hour. When I asked them about “marriage” they would talk about their parents and grandparents, and even their own marriages. Then one of them would say, “#*@!!, I guess marriage doesn’t mean anything any more.” I went into intercession most of one night and I believe God said to me, “You must not take a stand for traditional marriage unless you have the “attitude” of Abraham toward Sodom. I believe God gave me a gift of a loving approach to all who supported same sex unions. According to Jesus, one man, one woman, is God’s plan (Matthew 19:5). To trash His plan means that Judgement is not far away. I pray fervently for God to hold back His acts of judgement and to extend mercy to all.

Yours because of His mercy,

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”