Today’s Suggested Reading: Matthew, Chapters 1 & 2

THE PREGNANT VIRGIN!

Key Verse: 739 B.C. Isaiah – Quoted in Matthew 1:23

“Behold a 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.

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 530s. 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.

When all is well, it’s easy to believe “God with us”. When there’s trouble, believe with child-like faith. Whether you feel it or not, IT’S A FACT!!! God is consistent. He’s IMMANUEL!!!

Quote:

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

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

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

100 (plus a few more, this time) Words from David Mainse:

Why 100?? That number says to me “Immanuel”. I had been hosting a 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. E.g. 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 9000 daily shows later, and at least 17,000 personal stories proving God is with His people, I could never doubt that He is “Immanuel”. Over 9,000,000 calls have come through to the 24/7 prayer lines. Millions of these have personally experienced “Immanuel”. You can too. Here’s a 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 your prayer. Call toll-free in Canada and the U.S. at 1-866-273-4444 or email us at davidmainse@crossroads.ca

Eastern Gate / Golden Gate, Jerusalem

GOD WILLING, today starts a TWO-YEAR DAILY BLOG by me, David Charles Mainse, born August 13th 1936, in Quebec, Canada. If anyone just might possibly be interested, you can check me out at www.crossroads.ca or www.crossroads.ca/about/who-we-are/mainse.

So, I’m 75 years old. This two-year plan shows that I’m an incurable optimist. If you’re having coffee just now, you can tell a lot about the company you’re keeping. One says “Is there any milk in that jug?”. The one who says “pass the cream please”, is me! I’m not a total Pollyanna clone, but I will call it like I see it, honestly and factually. I may be wrong from time to time. Only God is always right, and I am definitely one of His imperfect children by my own choice. It’s not God’s fault that I come short of His high standard. According to surveys, the #2 most recognized song in the world is “Amazing Grace”. #1 is “Happy Birthday”. The composer of “Amazing Grace” used the word “wretched” to describe me. Not too complimentary. But, the song is hopeful. The blind can see and the lost are found.

Yesterday was the 50th birthday of Crossroads. I’m excited to report that it is “HAPPY”. Please join us in the celebration at www.crossroads.ca/50

Now, here’s the plan for this blog:

1. Beginning today, God willing, I’ll be making a 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. Matthews chapters 1 & 2. A good place to start, THE CHRISTMAS STORY. (Years ago in the 1970s, I went through a “The-Bible-in-One-Year”, with thousands of people following along. Unfortunately, when we reached Leviticus, more than half dropped out.)
2. I will read the suggested chapters at 4am. At 4:30am, I’ll spend time in prayer. This early start has been a habit of mine, most days, since I turned 40.
3. At 5am, at my computer keyboard, I expect to write 100 WORDS. First, 100 words on the theme of the key verse which I’ve chosen from the suggested reading for the day. Second, 100 words from my personal meditation.
4. I will add a photo, taken by my son Reynold Mainse, who is a professional photographer. (He just spent the month of March in the Holy Land shooting photos and will be going back again in the Fall for more).
5. At 6am, I’ll post the day’s “Fresh Bread” – to be delivered from my place to yours.
6. Each day, comments and replies to my post will be encouraged.

Tomorrow’s Suggested Reading: Matthew Chapters 1 & 2
(a good place to start, THE CHRISTMAS STORY)