THE WORD

Today’s Reading: John 1

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

Here my son Reynold is sitting at sunrise on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. You can also see the mountain of Masada and the Roman seige ramp to the right. Jesus is “The Word.” Jesus is God’s primary way of communicating to us. A secondary way is in the wonder of creation.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Could we take the time now or later to read, along with John 1, Colossians 1 and the first chapter of Hebrews? This will let us know, once and for all, who Jesus of Nazareth is. If we have decided to believe those who knew Jesus best, like John, or those who were educated and elite Jewish scholars, like Paul and the writer to the Hebrews, we are NOT left with the option of believing Jesus is ONLY a prophet or ONLY a great teacher. He is all of these and MUCH MORE. Intellectual honesty demands that we confess that God communicated His message to the human race in one “Word,” Who “dwelt among us,” One who showed His glory to many of His contemporaries, “The glory as of the only begotten [not created] of the Father.” We’ve just completed reading Leviticus, Moses’ revelation of God, and now it would be helpful to read again John 1:17-18. The transition from Moses to Jesus is clear. This was so evident in the first century that thousands of Jews believed it, including many of the Jewish priests who were truly open to the “Word” of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are, in Your Person, the fullness of the communication of the Great “I Am” to the human family. Bless me, Lord, I pray, to be able to communicate to others the fact that You, Jesus, are 100% God, as well as 100% Human. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My eldest son, David Reynold Mainse, as just a boy, said to me one night as we gazed at the stars, “God did that.” We marvelled at His creation. I can’t remember my exact response, but I know that I tried to never miss an opportunity to point out that this great Creator was born in Bethlehem as One of us. The Angels in the night sky sang to the shepherds of God’s Glory and instructed them to find this Child. The shepherds did so and worshipped Him. Just now, I’m overwhelmed with the need to worship Him. Norma-Jean would always sing to our grandchildren (and now great-grandchildren) at bedtime, “All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, bright Morning Star.” This has always been her “tucking in ritual.” In case you don’t know this song of worship, I’ll ask our son, Ronald Wesley Mainse, to try to find it on the Internet so you can join in the rapture of worshipping Jesus, King of the universe. [Found it…here]

Yours to help us to be among those who receive Him and thus have the right to become children of God through believing in His Name (John 1:12),

David

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TITHES

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 27

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

Jay and Meridel Rawlings are long time personal friends, as well as friends of Crossroads. Now residents of Jerusalem, these Canadians have lead an effective ministry in Israel for over 25 years. They are standing near the Golden Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 27:30

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.

Our reading today is the last chapter of Leviticus. Tomorrow we move to the Gospel of John. Remember, if you are just beginning (new readers join every day), two years from today, God willing, you’ll finish reading the entire Bible.

What about the tithe? God owns everything, therefore, it is only reasonable that we pay rent, board and room, etc. We need to recognize that 10% of our gross income, whether in cattle, produce, or money, belongs to Him. In fact, if we don’t pay this sliding scale, depending on our gain, we rob God, according to Malachi 3:8-12. That final book of the Old Testament also gives God’s promises to those who faithfully pay tithes and give offerings (over and above the tithe). New Testament believers not only paid their tithe, but on average gave much more back to God. Why emphasize the tithe when many early  followers of Jesus gave 30% or even 100% (Acts 2:42-47)? Of course, in today’s reading, under the Law, if someone wanted their gifts back, they paid one-fifth more.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the freedom of Grace. We give as You have prospered us with joyful and generous hearts. I’ve just read again, Lord, 1 Corinthians 16:2, where the example of the believers was to give every first day of the week for the needs of others. What a blessing You’ve given us, to partner with You for Your great cause. Keep me faithful, I pray. In the Name of the One who gave all, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Reynold has provided a picture of two of our beloved friends who live in Israel. Jay and Meridel Rawlings exemplify the New Testament teaching on giving to God. At the end of the 1960’s, as a young couple with a little son, they gave up everything to follow the Lord’s leading. I was their pastor, and I saw it happen. Jay was assistant administrator of a Hamilton, Ontario, general hospital and Meridel was a nurse there. They drove a sparkling “Sting Ray” sports car. They sold everything and left for the mission field of the Philippines. From there, they were called of God to go around the world to minister with the Jewish people. There’s too much to tell here. Why not check out their website here, and pray for this precious couple?

Yours for joyous and liberal giving,

David

GOD REMEMBERS

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 26

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

In Egypt, hieroglyphics can be found on many pillars and walls, telling the history of the ancient Egyptians and of the gods they worshipped.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 26:45

But for their sake I will remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God: I am the Lord.

Today’s reading is exhilarating for the obedient believer, but it should strike fear into the hearts of the disobedient. In our two-year journey through the Bible, we will shortly come to the book of Judges, and the books of 1 & 2 Kings. Over and over, the truth of this 26th chapter of Leviticus is proven. Repent, call upon the Lord, obey, and we are blessed. Rebel, turn away from God in disobedience, and we lose out in every area of life. Paul quotes from Leviticus 26:12 in 2 Corinthians 6:16. Read a New Testament lesson which confirms the eternal truth of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Yes, God remembers His first covenant with Israel, and He remembers His New Covenant with believers in Jesus. The old hymn says, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” Check out all the words of this hymn here.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You’ve laid it out so clearly. When I obey You, I am blessed, and when I disobey, I remove myself away from Your protection. It’s not Your fault Lord; it’s my fault. Please grant me the grace of obedience, I pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Pattie Mallette is the mother of the extremely popular singer, Justin Bieber. As a teen, Pattie ended up in a hospital in Stratford, Ontario, following a failed suicide attempt. There she was visited often by a local pastor, and one day he brought her a rose, telling her, “God sees you beautiful like this rose.” It was exactly what she needed to hear. Her life was turned around. Later, this teen turned back briefly to the old life, became pregnant with Justin, and then returned permanently to the Lord in repentance and faith. Pattie has testified several times on the 100 Huntley Street telecast (here is a link to her most recent interview – note that it’s in two parts).

Yours to encourage us all to “Trust and Obey,”

David

JUBILEE

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 25

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

Jewish children celebrate with dance at a presentation in Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 25:17

Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

Here is a truly revolutionary economic system. This dealt with the poor on a long-term basis. The land belonged to God; man was a temporary caretaker. If a person fell on hard times, he might have to sell his possessions, but the sale was only temporary. First, his land would be returned to him, or to his children in the event of his death, in the 50th year of Jubilee. Second, the man or a relative could, at any time, buy back, or redeem, the lost holdings. This is a beautiful picture of our older Brother Redeemer, Jesus Christ. With His suffering and death He has redeemed us, restoring all that was lost through sin. To care for the stranger, immigrant, and those in need among us is still a priority for the one who owns everything. Let us reach out to someone today, making every year a “Jubilee.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please show me someone I can bless today and every day. I know that You are my Source of blessing. When I am the one in need, I can trust You to meet that need. You promised through the pen of Your servant Paul that You “shall supply all my need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When our children, Elaine, Ellen, Reynold and Ron, were around 11, 10, 9, and 8, a precious family blessed us with the gift of a pony, and we kept our pony on their farm at no cost to us. What a joy to load everyone into the car on a Saturday, drive out to the country, and enjoy each other’s company, along with the pony. We named her “Jubilee,” and we would sing the song as we travelled, “Jubilee, Jubilee, we’re going to that happy Jubilee” (check out the the song here and sing along with the Gaither homecoming crowd!). This gave Norma-Jean and me the opportunity to teach our children about the Year of Jubilee in the Bible and about God’s care for the poor and needy. We arranged to have our little Jubilee visit another pony on a neighbouring farm, and the children named the new little arrival to our family “Sparky” (see photo below).

Yours for our education in God’s economy, based not on hoarding, but on giving,

David

P.S. This picture below brings back a flood of happy memories.

The Mainse kids in 1971 with Jubilee’s colt “Sparky.” From left to right…Ellen, Reynold, Elaine and Ron.

CONTINUALLY

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 24

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

A rebuilt olive press from Bible times. This was discovered amidst the ruins of Hazor, about 10 kilometres north of the Sea of Galilee. Hazor is mentioned in several Old Testament books such as Joshua and Judges.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 24:2

Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually.

The word “continually” is repeated four times here. The emphasis is obvious. Oil is a symbol for the Spirit of God, as is fire which produces light. By this light we see the Show-bread on the table and the Altar of Incense, both of which are in the Holy Place in the Tabernacle (see extra photos below). To keep God’s Light shining brightly in our lives, we must have a daily fresh supply of Oil. This can only be experienced by a fresh daily life of prayer, the source of the Oil, and the study of Holy Scripture, the Bread. Our praise and worship in the midst of our prayer and study is like the Altar of Incense, a sweet fragrance ascending to God.

The man taken in blasphemy is punished by death. Jesus died in our place, so that we, like the thief who hung beside Jesus and repented, could be forgiven and have eternal life. Thank God for the age of grace, which Jesus began. We rely continually upon that grace. I remember some sermons which my Dad preached. One was on 1 John 1:1-10. Click on it and read with me. Dad particularly pointed out that, in the original Greek, the verb “cleanses” is in a tense meaning the cleansing is continually happening, non-stop. Dad taught Greek and this truth burned its way into my understanding.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, as the Apostle John wrote, I can never claim to be sinless. I’m totally dependent on the continuous cleansing in the Blood of Your Sacrifice. May I ever be conscious of my sin, and may I hide Your Word in my heart continually “that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Through the grace Jesus gives, I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I also remember that after school one day, when I was 10 or 11, I walked into a classroom at Annesley College in Ottawa and watched my Dad write the Greek lesson for the next morning on the blackboard. I knew that the original language in which the New Testament was written was Greek, and, therefore, an understanding of Greek was important. When I attended Bible College, I signed up for two years of Greek study. Unfortunately, I don’t remember much. The reason? I rely on a lexicon (like this online version here) which enables me to work in English and find all the shades of meaning from the Greek. One day, on live national television, I was being translated into Greek by the Host of our Greek language TV series, and I mentioned the word “cartoon.” I was amazed to hear my interpreter, Bazil Zetas, say, “Mickey Mouse.” It stopped me in my tracks. I turned to him and said, “Did you just say Mickey Mouse?” “Yes,” he said, “That’s Greek for cartoon.” We had a good laugh. Bazil arranged for Reynold’s photographic trip through Greece, so that when our readings speak of Greece, beginning in January, we’ll have some great pictures on the blog for you.

Yours for light as we eat of the Bread of God’s Word, and as we offer the incense of prayer and worship,

David

P.S. Below are pictures from the replica of the Tabernacle which was on display at the Crossroads Centre during the Summer of 2012.

The High Priest in front of the Golden Lampstand in the Holy Place, where fresh daily oil kept the light burning continually.

The High Priest performing his duties in the Tabernacle. Pictured are the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Ark of the Covenant.

FEASTS

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 23

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

All along the Old City walls of Jerusalem you will see bricked-in windows which gave a good defensive vantage point for soldiers. This window is at the walk-in entrance at the Jaffa Gate.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 23:5

On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover.

We who live in the so-called “new world” have trouble imagining anything really old. The walls pictured above are old, but really old are the establishment of the seven feasts of the Lord. They began 3,500 years ago and continue in the lives and homes of observant Jews today. The early Christians were all Jews, at least until the conversion of the Roman army officer, Cornelius (Acts 10). They continued faithfully celebrating these annual feasts, and in the past year, thousands of believers in Jesus who are Jewish are still celebrating. Many of us who are Gentiles have joined them from time to time (the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated this month). Jews who believe that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour describe for us with great joy how Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Some who read “100 words” are Jewish! Here’s an assignment for the rest of us. How do we see Jesus in all seven feasts? Here is a good summary article for you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, as a Jewish Man, You celebrated the feasts. What a joy it would’ve been to live in a booth made of branches for a week with You during the Feast of Tabernacles! May I celebrate who You are for 52 weeks every year. I rejoice in Your constant Presence. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

On Norma-Jean’s night table for several weeks I noticed a book she was reading. It’s “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. Her book mark was in his “5th Letter.” I read there, “This King, who is full of goodness and mercy, doesn’t punish me. Rather, He embraces me lovingly and invites me to eat at His table. He serves me Himself and gives me the keys to His treasury, treating me as His favourite…This is what being in His holy presence is like.” You can find this classic book online in a variety of versions here or you can read it online for free here.

Yours for celebrating His Presence, and for ministering as His representative,

David

FREE WILL

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 22

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

Just outside of Dan, Israel, one of the sources of the river Jordan begins to make its way from the mountains of Hermon to the Galilee.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 22:19

…you shall offer of your own free will a male without blemish from the cattle, from the sheep, or from the goats.

This reading begins with the requirement for the priests to separate themselves from the holy things until they were cleansed. The holy things were made from the offerings of silver and gold given by the people to God. When the gifts of God’s people are placed for service in our hands, we must be very circumspect in the way these gifts are used. We must never misuse those offerings. In the New Testament, we understand the teaching of the priesthood of the believers (1 Peter 2:4-10). We, as believers, have a unique calling within the human family to represent others before God. We need to take this responsibility most seriously. Our key verse drives home the point that we must make our own offerings unto God, not just expect others to do this for us. In fact, we are to present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your powerful instruction found in Romans 12:1-2. As I repeat those verses before You, I ask that I will not be conformed to this world, but be transformed for this new day, by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. I pray through the Person and work of Jesus, the One who got it right 100% of the time. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Whether in a local congregation or in the ministry of Crossroads, I refused to handle the offerings myself which were given by people to God’s work. I sought strong and upright people for the various Boards of Deacons, Elders, Directors, and they, in turn, appointed Treasurers or Chief Financial Officers whose responsibility it was to administer the offerings according to the approved budgets. I was interviewed live on Canada’s national television network, the CBC, back in 1978. The interviewer threw the charge at me of being wealthy from the offerings given to the ministry. I came prepared. I drew my T4 slip (the government approved form showing income) from my pocket and handed it to him. I said, “I have the union booklet which determines what these fine camera operators here in your studio are paid. As you can see, I make less than they do.” He immediately changed the subject. I have sought, by the grace of God, to be most careful to “have a good testimony among those who are outside” (1 Timothy 3:7a). I have learned from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 3:1-13) and from other great men and women of God in my generation.

Yours for a “good testimony” to all people everywhere,

David

WORSHIP

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 20-21

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

These are the remains of the Temple of Pan in Caesarea Philippi. This shrine was likely in full view when Jesus asked his disciples, “Whom do men say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God!”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 20:8

And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

The god Pan, half goat and half man, was worshipped at the place pictured above. There is no record of a people group that did not worship someone or something. To worship is a basic human characteristic. We will worship! Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, invites us to worship Him, and so does the fallen angel, Lucifer, who declared war in Heaven so that he would be worshipped instead of his Creator. Our reading today begins with Molech, the horrible manifestation of Satan who demanded children as a sacrifice; worshippers would throw their babies into the fire. We understand that The Great “I am” sought the deliverance of His people from these things. The animal sacrifices were the picture of the final sacrifice when God would give His One and only Son as the ultimate Sacrifice. He sanctified (separated, made holy) a people who would begin the process of bringing people back to the true God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I choose to serve You and not things made with men’s hands. Please grant me the grace to hold firmly to You and You alone. I worship You, Lord Jesus. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The penalties described in our reading were seldom carried out, according to the Jewish Rabbis. Forgiveness was offered and received. I can remember making threats of punishment for wrong doing to my children. Reynold, our photographer, was the target of these declarations of justice several times. I would send him to his room and inevitably this 5, 6, or 7-year-old would be on his knees when I arrived. “O God, dear Jesus,” he would cry out, “forgive me and make me a good boy.” What could I do? Of course, I forgave him, and I also knelt beside him, prayed for him, hugged him, and rarely would he be punished further. However, I could not help but notice the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He’d figured out how to lessen the punishment. As he matured, he became a boy who loved to pray, even when not under judgment from his Dad. Then he was filled with the Holy Spirit, but that’s another story, which I may tell when we get to the Book of Acts.

Yours to emphasize the worship of the One and only true God,

David

OUR HOLY GOD

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 19

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

Panorama of the Sea of Galilee looking from the north to south. The grain fields on the slopes are ready for harvest. My two sons and I gleaned from the fruit hanging over the fences while back-packing along the road which runs along the far side of Galilee. Ron was 14 and Reynold was 16. We qualified as “The poor and the stranger” described in Leviticus 19:9-10.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 19:2

Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Seven of the Ten Commandments are emphasized here. Obviously, God knows that we need reminders. An old preacher was asked how he made sure his points were well made. He answered, “I tell them what I’m going to tell them, I tell them what I’m telling them, and then I tell them what I told them.” The truth is that we need all the help we can get to more fully understand God’s Word. If you have not already done so, I have a favour to ask of you. Please help me, like the old preacher, to tell the story to as many as possible. Consider sharing a link to 100words.ca on Facebook, twitter, e-mail, and even the old fashioned way of letters and phone calls. There are bulletin boards, as well as the really old way, word of mouth. God really hammers “tale-bearing,” or gossip, in today’s reading. But there is a GOOD tale to bear as well! Amen? Verses 6-8 were health guidelines. There was no refrigeration. God’s Word has a multi-purpose application.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’m so thankful for the honour of Your call to read Your Word daily and participate in this blog. I am to love my neighbour as myself, as You reminded me again in our Leviticus 19 reading. Please help me to find fresh, creative ways to “love my neighbour as myself” today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The law of “gleanings” is here in our reading. This involves the harvest of grains, as well as fruit. In Israel today, this is still the law. My sons, Reynold, Ron and I took advantage of this in March of 1978 when we back-packed around Israel. There were no corner stores for many miles, but there were orchards of oranges, grapefruits, and something we never saw here at home, pomelos. They looked like grapefruit, only bigger and sweeter. Actually, these “offerings” hung over the fences. I’ve prayed fervently over the years that the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) would be hanging out there in my life, so that everyone I meet could “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Every day, my son Reynold “offers” his photographs, taken during his travels in many Biblical locations. Let me also recognize my son Ron and his wife Ann. They “offered” to check this blog for spelling and punctuation errors, and Ann, an American, as well as a Canadian, ensures that when I use the American spelling of words like “favor” (American), they are changed to the international British (and Canadian) spelling, “favour.” Way to go Ann. Ron puts his brother’s pictures in the blog, and makes sure the technical matters, of which I know very little, are cared for.

Thank you to all my faithful helpers and readers,

David

SEXUAL PURITY

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 17-18

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

An Ibex on the run in Ein Gedi, Israel.  First Samuel 1:1-2 tells us of David hiding from King Saul here at Ein Gedi, the place of “the rocks of the wild goats.”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 18:5

You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.

The words “I am the Lord” appear 18 times in today’s and tomorrow’s readings. God is establishing His infinitely high moral standards in the minds of a people who have just come out from Egypt, where they practised the abominations mentioned here. Let me point out again that persons were not called “abominable”…their acts were. There is nothing new here. The very things that today corrupt society and destroy people and families are described in Moses’ writings. In our key verse, just before a long list of immoral acts, God promises, once again, that just as sin leads to death, obedience leads to life. It’s clear that God hates sexual sin, and it is also clear that He has made provision for the forgiveness of all sin. The words “cut off” could be understood, for example, as the imprisonment of a convicted pedophile. The sacrifices we read so much about were pictures of the final and complete Sacrifice for sin offered by our Lord Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, give me a loathing for sin and, at the same time, an intense practical love for the sinner. That includes my sin and myself. As the man of whom Jesus spoke prayed, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner,” and was made righteous before You, so I pray this prayer often. Thank You for this prayer that You guarantee, from the mouth of Jesus, will restore and maintain my relationship with You, O Holy God. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Those words, “I am the Lord,” remind me of standing beside the Sea of Galilee with my Middle-Eastern son-in-law. He told me of the significance of the 153 fish the disciples caught in John 21:11. His first language is Arabic, his second is Hebrew, and his third is English. He explained how in Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value, and “Ana Elohim” (“I am the Lord”) comes to 100, 50, and 3. Peter and the other disciples, who would have attended synagogue schools, knew exactly what the risen Christ was communicating. My son-in-law is an ordained minister in the Nazareth Baptist Church, and I’ve checked this out with Hebrew scholars. We’ll be moving to the Gospel of John in nine days. Don’t get discouraged in Leviticus! How about you and I click right now and read that portion about the 153 fish…John 21:1-14. A lady told me the other day that it was not Leviticus where she got bogged down in her reading; it was Numbers. Something to look forward to, right?

Yours for the blessing of going back and forth between the Old and the New Testaments,

David

P.S. [Originally written October 9, 2016]  Below is a photo of Norma-Jean and me at Thanksgiving a few years ago. We were about to partake of a delicious turkey dinner with some of our family. Also our granddaughter, Hannah Jean Shaheen, M.D., was married recently to a fine young businessman Dan Fuller. I’m rejoicing in God’s goodness that He allowed me to be released from the hospital in time to participate in their wedding ceremony. The second photo below is of Grandpa serving them communion. Rev. Ron Mainse officiated the ceremony.