THE PEARL

Suggested Reading: Matthew 13

Could Jesus have taught from this very boat? This is a boat that was discovered about 20 years ago in the Sea of Galilee, when the water level was low. It is called "The Jesus Boat" because it is from the time of Christ. The vessel is 9 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 1.25 meters high. It may have functioned as a ferry boat, but its measurements also suit those used by ancient fisherman employing a seine, or dragnet that was "cast into the sea," as described in Matthew 13:47-48.

Key Verse: Matthew 13:45-46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

There is nothing that can equal the value of the Kingdom of God. What could possibly be worth as much as the love of God, the sacrifice of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with the Heavenly Father? The merchant sold everything to acquire the “Pearl”…citizenship in God’s Kingdom. A Kingdom has a King, and our King is not a constitutional Monarch with no real authority. King Jesus is Lord over all. Complete obedience is a given. There are serious consequences to disobedience. The King has given laws such as, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”…the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Your Majesty, thank You for allowing me to be constantly in Your presence. I honor You by the gift of everything I am and ever will be. I’m Yours! Your will is my command. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m sad to report that I have not obeyed the greatest of all the commandments most of the time. It’s that word “All” that does me in. That’s the reason I love to quote the most often repeated verse in the Bible…”His mercy endures forever.” King Jesus loves me as a father loves his child. He encourages me to start all over again every day. As I type this blog, I’m praying that today I’ll serve Him 100%. I’m fully aware that “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). I’m also fully aware that as I ask forgiveness, the next verse kicks in…”Being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

Your brother in the Grace of Christ,

David

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

YOUR TREASURE CHEST

Suggested Reading: Matthew 12

Located in Nazareth, the first century "Nazareth Village" re-enacts life from 2000 years ago.

Key Verse: Matthew 12:35

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”

It was 4:00 a.m. and there it was…City of Toronto garbage truck #100 stopped on Jarvis Street picking up garbage. Just the morning before on the 100 Huntley Street TV show, we had suggested that everyone put the accumulation of their life’s “garbage” out at the curb and Jesus would take it away. Any evil things you treasure will eventually destroy you if you fail to get rid of them. As you join me daily in reading the Word, you’ll know what is evil and what is good. This blog is good treasure. Store up the good things consistently every day. You’ll bless others and yourself with good things!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Jesus, forgive me for all the sin and wrong I’ve done. I put all these things out of my life. You promised to take away all my sin. Thank You! I treasure the good things you’ve given me. I will bring them out to bless others. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Before moving to Burlington, Ontario, our TV studios were located in downtown Toronto. Every morning at approximately 4:00 a.m., I would drive up Jarvis Street for my early morning time in God’s Word and in prayer. I had committed to spend at least an equal time in prayer and the Word as I would spend that day on live TV (90 minutes). During the drive, a huge billboard faced me with a picture of a scantily clad woman. I was angry. I wanted only to think of my beautiful wife. After a couple of days of putting those evil thoughts “out at the curb,” I would deliberately look to the other side of the street before that billboard appeared and would pray fervently for the people of the night, that our Nite-light show — still on ’til 4:30 a.m. — would reach their hearts with the love of Jesus!

May God bless you with lots of GOOD today,

David

THE INVITATION

Suggested Reading: Matthew 11

Key Verse: Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…“

The next two verses show how that rest is experienced. No doubt Jesus had fashioned perfectly fitting wooden yokes for oxen in order for them to fulfill their purpose in life. The hands of the Carpenter are still busy carefully fitting you for service. Jesus invites you now to “Learn from me.” And the result is …” You will find rest for your souls.” The book of Isaiah is filled with personal pronouns which could only be replaced with the Name of Jesus. If you find time, read Isaiah 55. Meditate on the invitation to “Come” and on the results of coming to the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Father in Heaven, your Son and my Saviour says “Come to me.” Here I am. I’m Yours now and forever. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a teenager I walked down the aisle at a “Youth for Christ” rally to give my life to Jesus. An older man stood beside me, asked me my name and said, “David, have you come to Jesus tonight?” I answered, “Yes.” Then he opened his Bible and asked me to read John 6:37. I read out loud the words of Jesus, “The one who comes to Me, I will by no means cast out.” Then the man said, “Now David, what does Jesus do?” I answered, “He receives me.” The next day I said that promise over and over. It’s a fact, I have come to Him. I am His!

One with Christ and with all who have come to Him,

David

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

THE CROSS

Suggested Reading: Matthew 10

Key Verse: Matthew 10:38

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”

Located in modern-day Nazareth, "Nazareth Village" re-enacts daily life from the time of Jesus, 2000 years ago.

1000 years before the crucifixion of Christ, King David in Psalm 22 wrote, “They pierced my hands and my feet” (verse 16b). Crucifixion was unknown at that time. Yet at least 10 statements in that Psalm describe the sufferings of our Lord. Likewise, God knew in advance all about your journey bearing the cross. His provision of Grace for you is all you need for today. So whatever sacrfice you are called to make will be worth it. Joy will be yours. Hebrews 12:2 tells you of Jesus,”Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” This is your “Journey into JOY!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am your follower. Therefore, I have no alternative but to “Take up my cross.” I do so in obedience to you. Please grant me the grace not only to endure, but to enter into JOY! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

A response from one of my blog participants from last Saturday was “How can I have a faith like yours?” I don’t claim great faith…childlike faith, yes! I’m convinced that the maximum and the minimum faith is simple OBEDIENCE. Last night and again this morning I made this confession, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This confession has been my habit for years. I don’t plan to stop as long as I live.

In Christ’s Love and Service,

David

IT’S HARVEST TIME

Suggested Reading: Matthew 9

Key Verse: Matthew 9:37-38 (NKJV)

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Lord, I am making decisions, please guide me. I believe that the decisions are from You. Now I will initiate action as Your laborer. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My Dad served as a Missionary (21 years in Egypt), an Educator, and a Pastor. My DNA is serving Jesus. At 16 Jesus’ laborers surrounded me at school and at my part time job. I made the decision to give my life to Christ in December. The following June I had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit and in August at a Youth Camp I prayed, “Lord Jesus, I would like to serve you full time for my entire life. Would you you please give me a clear call into pastoral service and as an Evangelist.” He did and I have “pushed the pedal to the metal” since that time.

Your fellow labourer in the harvest,

David

P.S. Due to a technical error, yesterday’s blog was posted at 10:00am in stead of 6:00am. Sorry about that!

A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE

Suggested Reading: Matthew 8

Key Verse: Matthew 8:15 (NKJV)

“So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.”

These are believed to be the ruins of Peter’s house, excavated in Capernaum. They are now protected by a church that is built over it. Scripture tells that Capernaum was also the home of the apostles Andrew, James and John, as well as the tax collector Matthew. Most notably, it was the home town of Jesus during His ministry years (Matt. 4:13).

In French the words for “Mother-in-law” are “la belle–mere” – “The beautiful mother.” Peter’s wife’s mother is beautiful in three ways.

First: She was touched by Jesus. His touch always brings beauty. Second: She arose. It’s beautiful to see a person who is ready for action. Third: She is beautiful in her desire to minister back to Jesus. The touch of Jesus is not just for personal benefit, it’s for “OTHERS.” Has the touch of Jesus blessed you spiritually, physically, financially, socially, etc. Yes, it’s a gift for you, and it’s for God’s purpose of blessing “OTHERS.” That’s the primary word expressing gratitude to God for His blessings.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You lived your life for others. You suffered, died and rose from the dead for others. I truly want to give my life in whatever way you lead me in the service of others. Grant me the grace to give myself away to others. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My mother, Norma Hazel Pritchard, died when I was 12. My most vivid memories were of watching her pray on her knees for long periods of time. I was aware of the presence of God and I would never disturb her. She had traveled to Egypt in 1924 to marry my Dad, and she used her degree in music to minister with music lessons to the girls of Egypt who had very little opportunity. Always, without exception, the first item she placed on our wall when we moved was a white and black mother of pearl motto that simply said, “OTHERS.”

God bless you,

David

THE ROCK

Suggested Reading: Matthew 7

Key Verse: Matthew 7:24 (NKJV)

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.“

The “Church of the Primacy of St. Peter” on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel. It is built upon a rock known as the place where Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples, after they fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus then told them “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” (More about this story in John 21.)

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, My life is being built on You as my sure foundation. On You I am secure forever. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My wife was born in 1939 in a farm house built in 1878. It had solid foundations. Norma-Jean would often spend long periods of prayer in her birth room. Her life, like the house, was unmovable, totally secure. Seven years ago we sold that farm and built a smaller house. I personally helped the builder lay the foundations on solid rock. In the place we built, there is massive rock everywhere. As a 16 year old, I made a lifetime decision. I would build my life on “The Great Rock.” I’ve discovered that He is solid, and I am anchored to Him. He’s rock solid. No storms of life will ever push me off the secure foundation of Jesus Christ!

Your Brother in Christ,

David

P.S. I wrote a book based on the Sermon on the Mount. It’s called “Journey Into Joy,” and if you’re interested, you can purchase it on our Crossroads e-store at www.crossroads.ca/store. Simply search the store for the book title, “Journey Into Joy.”

Suggested Reading: Matthew 6

Key Verse: Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

DON’T WORRY – BE HAPPY

This Church is built on the site where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount.

That title is from a popular Jamaican song. Perhaps “Be Joyful” would be better, as happiness depends on happenings. You may want to read again Matthew 6:25 – 33.

Joy depends on your faith that Jesus is present. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11 shared, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, there to be content.” Being content has nothing to do with material possessions. Knowledge of God’s love and care is enough. Put God first. He’ll provide employment, business opportunities and good Samaritans when in trouble. All things we really need will come our way. Trust God. He won’t fail you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God I pray for health, strength and ambition to do my part and to seek your daily blessings. I am resolved to trust you for my every need. I ask these mercies in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was 20 years old. Taking a year off from my theological studies to help establish a new congregation seemed like a good idea. I had determined to spend full time in door-to-door evangelism, teaching God’s Word to children, helping needy people cut and pile wood for heat, and cooking for the coming winter, etc., but I had no regular income. One morning I put cornflakes in my bowl but I had no money to buy milk. A couple of spoonfuls of dry cornflakes and I had a full blown “pity party.” I recovered sufficiently to pray and I felt I should walk to the Post Office. The clerk handed me one letter and guess what? Someone blessed me with $5.00. Milk and even brown sugar sure tasted good on my cereal. Yes, later that year I worked in construction and even supply taught public school, and every thing I truly needed was supplied. God is faithful. He never fails!

Written with love & prayer,

David

Suggesting Reading: Matthew 5

Key Verse: Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)

“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.”

BELOVED ENEMY

Mount of Beatitudes

“Love and Enemy” don’t fit together. Sue and be sued! Get even! 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.” Yesterday, 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 D.N.A.

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 FROM DAVID MAINSE:

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, to be like Jesus. Most of the time I miss the bulls eye, but there are times when I am conscious that Jesus in me is helping me to hit the mark.

One day I met with Gord at he W.M.C.A. 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 Mainse

Suggested Reading: Matthew, Chapters 3 & 4

Key Verse: Matthew 3:14 – spoken by John the Baptist to Jesus

“I have need to be baptised by you and are you coming to me?”

NEED!

Sunrise over the Galilee

Later in chapter 11 Jesus says,”There has not been one greater than John the Baptist.“

What was the evidence of John’s greatness?

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

(2) Humility! John did not consider himself a great personality, just a “VOICE!” He declared, “I am not worthy to carry His sandals.“

(3) The Baptist had a great sense of his own need. “I have need to be baptised by You.“

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! He confessed to Jesus, “I need you.” THIS IS GREATNESS!!!!!

Prayer for Today – Jesus, I need you, and 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.“

100 Personal Words:

Watching TV or reading newspapers, I have often exclaimed, “YOU NEED JESUS!” For June 2012, Crossroads has published, “It’s All About Jesus,” a book of true stories of Jesus meeting human need in the present. Please go to www.crossroads.ca and order this powerful truth that Jesus is alive on earth today and in His Name God answers prayer.

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).
2. GROW (we must change first).
3. SLOW (circumstances must change first). And,
4. GO (This is God’s “YES!”).
   

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

With much love,
David