THE INVITATION

Today’s Reading: Matthew 11

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

A view of the Jordan River south of the Galilee.

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. As I write this, Norma-Jean and I have been living with our eldest daughter, Elaine, and her husband Bruce Stacey. Prior to now I was in hospital, but now am a hospital outpatient. Pneumonia was the culprit. I’m doing much better now. Our son Ron made sure that the blog continued without interruption. Please keep me in your prayers. I wish only to live until my work here is done.

I couldn’t resist putting one more picture here. Two years ago now, when I was already past my predicted expiry date, I rode my 1996 motorcycle from Florida to Canada. Norma-Jean’s advice and my maturing years have caused me to trade the motorcycle for a 1998 van. Good idea at my age?

“FOLLOW AFTER ME!” ~ JESUS

Today’s Reading: Matthew 10

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

Located in modern-day Nazareth, “Nazareth Village” re-enacts daily life from the time of Jesus, 2,000 years ago.

Key Verse: Matthew 10:38

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

One thousand 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 sacrifice 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 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

Today’s Reading: Matthew 9

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 Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” HERE.

A grain field on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.

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.”

“CAUTION!” This prayer will change you, your family, your income, your giving, your friends, your church, the use of your time, your character, your personality and everything about you. This is Jesus’ prayer request! As soon as you offer that prayer, you become the answer. You are now called to be a labourer. Please read Isaiah 6:1-8. If you confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord,” you have only one answer, “Here am I, send me!” Never sit around waiting for God to push and pull you into service. Your free will controls the gas pedal and the brakes. Push the “Pedal to the metal” and GO FOR IT!

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 age 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 of 1952. 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 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. [Note: This “P.S.” was originally written on June 10th, 2016] Two years ago this month I had a dream come true. I rode the “Billy Graham Parkway” in Charlotte, North Carolina, on my 1996 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. At the Billy Graham Library, I visited the gravesite of Ruth Graham. Billy, who is 97 now, will be buried beside her if the Lord’s return does not happen first. Billy’s grandson, Will Graham, joined me in Charlotte and we rode our motorcycles to Asheville, where the Billy Graham Retreat Centre, “The Cove,” is located. That was my first motorcycle trip in the U.S.A., and  I enjoyed every minute…praising God and singing as I rode!

Riding down the Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, NC, with Will Graham leading the way.

With Will outside the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. We had a wonderful visit and motorcycle ride together.

A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8

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 Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” HERE.

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 what was once a house. 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 hometown of Jesus during His ministry years (Matthew 4:13).

Key Verse: Matthew 8:15

So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. [Peter’s mother-in-law]

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

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7

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 Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” HERE.

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, following His resurrection and after Peter said to the others, “I’m going fishing!” 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).

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.“

Jesus’ disciple, Simon, listened in person to the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus had given him another name, Peter, or “Rock.” Peter had many lessons to learn before he could stand as a solid rock to deliver the foundational message for Jesus’ Church on the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church (Acts 2). John Paul II said, during his visit to Canada (he spoke French as he was in Quebec City), “Pierre est une petit pierre, mais Jesus est Le Grand Pierre…Peter is a small rock, but Jesus is the Great Rock.” I was listening to the Pope on the radio. He was right! Let us build our lives on “The Great Rock,” the Lord Jesus Christ.

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. In 2006, 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. I believe that no storms of life will ever push me off the secure Foundation of Jesus Christ!

Your Brother in Christ,

David

DON’T WORRY – BE HAPPY!

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6

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 Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” HERE.

The Church of the Beatitudes was built on the traditional location of Jesus’ Sermon On The Mount.

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.

Today’s blog 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 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 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 as a supply teacher in public school. Everything I truly needed was supplied. God is faithful. He never fails!

Written with love & prayer,

David

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