CONSIDER

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 12-13

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

A statue of Peter stands at the entrance of the ancient ruins of Capernaum where he once lived with his family. You can see the depiction of the Key to the church that he holds in his right hand. The fish at his feet represents that he was a fisherman…of both fish and man. Peter considered Christ Jesus and decided to follow Him. The result was that his life and the world was changed forever!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Hebrews 12:3, 13:8

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Back in Hebrews 3:1, we are invited to “consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” Now we are again asked to “consider Him!” Why does He endure such opposition from sinners? Before we answer this question, let us remember that the Apostle John teaches us that “if we say we have [present tense] no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us!” (1 John 1:8). Also note, just in case our human pride or a misunderstanding of Scripture makes us want to claim to be sinless, John included himself in using the word “we!” “We,” you and I, stand in opposition to Christ! Sin is anything less than the perfection of a holy God as revealed in Jesus! To the extent that we come short of God’s glory, purity, and holiness, Jesus is still enduring “opposition from sinners.” We are called, not just to a one-time action called “repentance” (a godly sorrow for sin, such as causes us to quit the sin for which we are asking forgiveness), but to live in an attitude of constant repentance. First John 1:7b teaches us that “the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” The word “cleanses” indicates a constant 24/7 cleansing!!! Day by day, as we grow into the likeness of Jesus, we are less and less in “opposition” to Him and more and more living a life pleasing to Him!

Now, why “opposition?” It’s because we, the human family, are sinners. We need to acknowledge this and move on to “consider…Christ Jesus!” What will be the results of considering Him every day? (this blog should help). Instead of becoming “weary and discouraged” in our souls (the persons we really are), we will continue becoming the opposite to “weary and discouraged”… full of life and encouraged!!! To “consider” Jesus will definitely do for us as Hebrews 12:12 says, “Strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I pray that more and more I will consider You, read of You, meditate on You, dwell in the consciousness of Your Presence, praying without ceasing, and in everything giving thanks! Therefore, my hands are not hanging down in discouragement, but they are raised in praise to You, and I do not have weak knees! I am strong in Christ!!! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I received a response to my blog from my first cousin, Rev. Roy C. Kenny. Here’s what he wrote…Your blog is so well done. Your insights helpful. You are a great student of Scripture, bringing out insights not often mentioned. I’m reminded I was named after your Dad and Rev. J. Caldwell Black. – Roy

Roy served as a missionary to Haiti and Brazil during most of his years. God gave him a great harvest of precious souls as he planted several churches. Roy’s mother, my Dad’s older sister, my aunt Myrtle, was a great woman of prayer, and in my mind she exemplified the person who “prays without ceasing,” a person who constantly considered Christ Jesus, and as a result her hands were strengthened and her knees were not feeble. If Aunt Myrtle were here on earth today she would be 125 years old; as it is she is now ageless! I called Roy yesterday to say Hello and to thank him for his kind response. He gave me a powerful insight into Jesus’ words to Peter, “Follow Me and I will make you a fisher of men.” Roy said that at 82 years old he faces big challenges as he follows Jesus, but that to “follow” means that Jesus has gone before him and his wife Doris, and, therefore, Jesus has worked it all out. In effect he was saying that there is no need to worry, just follow! That’s a powerful thought that has ministered to me recently.

Yours to “consider” and “follow!”

David

P.S. Below is a photo of me at the location of the Shepherd’s Fields in Bethlehem. Click here for program #2 of those five Christmas shows I recorded in 2013. For those who may have missed yesterday’s link to program #1, you may want to click here to watch it.

SUBSTANCE/EVIDENCE

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11

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 side of the replica of Moses’ Tabernacle at Timna Park in Israel, you can see Cherubim designed into the side curtains that keep the sun off the Holy Place and Holy of Holies. Our readings in Hebrews teach us about the activities which took place in the first tent Tabernacle. These ancient people had faith to believe that the design of their tent of worship and sacrifice depicted the actual approach to God, which is in Heaven above. They illustrated our key verse for today.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

“Faith” is absolutely essential to our eternal salvation and to enjoying success in our temporary life here on earth. Nicodemus, of the Jewish denomination of the Pharisees, and “a ruler of the Jews,” came to Jesus secretly and confessed his faith struggles. Jesus summed up His teaching to Nicodemus with these words, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). We may want to take the time to read the entirety of John’s third chapter (click here). Eternal life is the most far-reaching result of our faith, and there are many other results as well. Take, for example, the vitally important matter of answered prayer. James 1:6-8 tells us, “Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways!” Before we despair of our lack of faith, let us remember that “faith” is both a gift of the Spirit of God to us (1 Corinthians 12a), and also a fruit of the Spirit (faithfulness), which grows in our lives as branches that are securely attached to the vine (the trunk) of the Lord Jesus Himself (Galatians 5:22). God does this in us! Rest in Him! Faith is produced in us as we read the Word of God daily. Romans 10:17 encourages us to keep reading God’s Word. We can all do that! “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Help me to rest in You, knowing that as I soak in Your Word every day, I am receiving Your gift of faith, and as a result I am full of faith (faithfulness). I pray for greater hope and confidence than ever as I take this journey through Your Word each day. I rest on this secure “Substance/Evidence.” In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yes, I read the Scriptures every day, but I know it has an increased impact on me when I hear the Scriptures read, either out loud by my own voice or by the voice of the one who reads for me when I click the link at the top of the blog. It may be that by taking in the Word of God with both my eyes as well as both my ears, there is a double impact on my heart and mind. It does seem to be reasonable that if two of my senses are active in receiving, it will have a greater influence than just one.

I remind myself regularly that Hebrews 11 may be the only chapter in the Bible that seems to assume that many more names will be added in future generations. I know of people whose names would fit in with the heroes of faith listed here. I long to follow their examples faithfully.

Yours for the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”,

David

P.S. Behind me in the photo below is the “Shrine of the Book.” It encloses, under the clay jar-shaped dome, the complete scroll of the book of the prophet Isaiah, which was discovered in a cave in Qumran as one of the many Dead Sea Scrolls. Isaiah is filled with prophecies predicting the birth and the ministry of the Messiah.  Starting today I want to attach the first of five Christmas specials I hosted from Bethlehem in 2013 (click here).

ONCE FOR ALL

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 9-10

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

The Tabernacle of Moses replica can be visited at Timna Park in the Jordan Valley in Israel. You can see the divide of the Holy of Holies curtain through the Holy Place. The Golden Lampstand is on the left, and the Table of Showbread on the right. This picture illustrates the first five verses of today’s reading.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Hebrews 9:12

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

In 100words.ca we have taken note of repeated words which help us to understand the “main point!” (Hebrews 8:1). In today’s reading “once” is repeated several times. In the Old Covenant, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies “once a year” (9:7) with the blood of animals, but now “ONCE FOR ALL.” Hebrews 9:7 tells us that “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Our Lord Jesus cried out from the cross, “It is finished!!!” Hebrews 10:12 tells us that “He offered one sacrifice for sins forever.” Then He “sat down at the right hand of God.” The words “sat down” indicate that the work is complete. Hallelujah! Believe it and rest in full confidence of salvation as believers in Jesus!

We have read words here in Hebrews 10, as well as back in Hebrews 6, such as “If they fall away…it is impossible…to renew them again to repentance…” (Hebrews 6:4-6), and Hebrews 10:26 which tells us, “If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” How are we to understand this and maintain the assurance of our eternal salvation?

Remember, Hebrews is addressed to Jewish believers in Jesus who faced tremendous pressure to return to traditional Judaism and the animal sacrifices which, as these words were being written, were still being presented daily in the Temple in Jerusalem. This continued up until the Temple’s destruction in 70 A. D. The writer wants his readers to understand that since Jesus cried, “It is finished,” those sacrifices were null and void. If a person goes back to trusting those sacrifices, as Judaism taught, there is no eternal salvation there. This is why the last verse of today’s reading tells us, “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [back to trusting the animal sacrifices], but of those who believe [in the once for all offering of Jesus] to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for Your ministry gifts to enable me, more clearly than ever, to share with others the “once for all” salvation which gives me such confidence. May I fall into the loving, saving, nail-scarred hands of Jesus, trusting Him alone. I know that without Jesus it would indeed be “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” (Hebrews 10:31). With complete assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ, I pray this in His Name! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe that God wants me to have as a goal putting my thoughts down in as close to 100 words as possible. That goal keeps me much more brief than would otherwise be the case. I’m very mindful of Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” The writer is referring to the Day of the return of Christ!

I think that this blog and other daily devotionals are supplemental to the teaching and preaching of my Pastor. “Assembling of ourselves together” is essential and to neglect attendance is disobedience.

Yours to help us all to “Hold fast [firmly] the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful!!!”,

David

P.S. Our television network stations, the Crossroads Television System (YES TV), are unique in approach to sharing the Good News of Jesus. There is great variety in the content. For example, the entertainment shows draw people to watch YES TV who would not tune into a 100% Gospel ministry channel. With a broad appeal to a wide audience, there is much more “new good ground” (as in Jesus’ parable of the sower) in which to sow the seed of God’s Word. This is the time of year when many who would not otherwise watch Christian content are open to do so. Let’s spread the Good News!

The Brazen Altar is placed before the replica of Moses’ Tabernacle. You can see the Timna Cliffs and wilderness in the distance. The actual tabernacle was pitched in the wilderness by the children of Israel, taken down and moved many times. Hebrews 8:5 calls the earthly tent, “A copy and shadow of the heavenly things.” This was very temporary, but the building in Heaven where Christ, our High Priest, made His entrance, bringing His own blood, is eternal! Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the final and complete Sacrifice for sin!!!

FOREVER

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 7-8

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

Just outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls is the Garden Tomb area. It is thought that this could be where Jesus was laid after His death. The hymn comes to mind, “Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph o’er His foes.” Another line says, “Death could not hold its prey, He tore the bars away.” YES!!!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Hebrews 7:24-25

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.

The words, “EVER LIVES” in our reading stand out as does “FOREVER,” and “ENDLESS LIFE!” Rev. Jim Cantelon writes in Day Unto Day, published by Crossroads in the 1990s, these words about Hebrews 7: “The writer speaks of Melchizedek as ‘without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life…’ (7:3a). What is he telling us here? If he intends us to take it at face value, he’s telling us that Melchizedek is God (for only God has no parents, no genealogy, no beginning or ending).” Jim is founder of the great “King of Kings” congregation in Jerusalem. Many scholars believe that Melchizedek was Jesus trying on the garments of humanity in a relationship with “The Friend of God,” Abraham. There are eight volumes in the Day Unto Day series. They are long out of print, but some used copies can be found on Amazon.ca here. These books and others published by Crossroads over the years have served a high purpose for God and His people, but they do not claim to be exhaustive commentaries on Scripture. Such works as those of Matthew Henry, 1662-1714, are exhaustive, having many 3-inch thick volumes with tens of thousands of pages of detailed teachings on every verse of Scripture. Check Matthew Henry’s commentary on Hebrews 7 online here. The publishing efforts of Crossroads, including this blog, are for 99.9% of people who are not full-time seminarians or Bible teachers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I do want to study Your Word faithfully. Help me in my commitment to read Your Word every day without fail. I may not be able to read exhaustive commentaries, such as that penned by Your servant, the ordained Presbyterian Minister Matthew Henry, but I intend to, at the very least, take some time daily to spend with You in prayer and in study. I ask You for grace to be consistent! In the Name of the totally consistent One, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

About 57 years ago my Dad gave me a set of Matthew Henry’s commentaries, and I used them for years in my sermon preparation, but not for my daily devotions. I came to the conclusion that preachers and Bible teachers who stand before congregations need both a rich devotional life and an in-depth study of God’s Word. These are not the same. One is for personal daily spiritual strength and the other is for the accurate impartation of Truth to others. Back In 2005, when we sold the farm, the home in which Norma-Jean was born, I invited our children to raid my library first. They probably helped themselves to about 100 books each. Then I contacted the Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario, and invited the students to do the same. Books are still a priority in our family budget, but I tend to give them away after I’ve read them. I thank all for taking the time to join me each day with this blog. You are very special to me!

Yours for the glory of the One Who is Forever, and ever, and ever. The indestructible One!!!,

David

IMMUTABLE

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 5-6

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

This manger scene is not much different today than it was 2,000 years ago at the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem shepherds had the contract to provide lambs for sacrifice, which the priests in the Temple at Jerusalem (5 miles north of Bethlehem) would sacrifice on the altars. Once a year, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a bowl of the blood of a Bethlehem-born sacrificial lamb, offering the blood for atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is our sacrificial Lamb. John the Baptist said of Jesus, as recorded in John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Hebrews 5:4-6

And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son. Today I have begotten You” [Psalm 2:7], and in another place, “You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” [Psalm 119:4].

Just imagine, we are let in on a conversation between God the Father and God the Son, which took place in eternity past. Wow!!!

In today’s reading, the words “according to the order of Melchizedek” are repeated twice. The name of this King of Salem (Jerusalem) and this Priest of God, literally means, “King,” “Priest” (read Genesis 14:17-20). This King-Priest offered bread and wine to Abraham and to those with him. This may have been the first eucharist or communion service. Tomorrow’s reading also features Melchizedek. We might want to read ahead in Hebrews 7. Reading these Scriptures at least twice is an excellent practice.

The other twice-repeated word for today is “immutability” and “immutable” (6:17-18). This means “impossible to change”! The promises of God are totally reliable because they are grounded on the very bedrock of His Divine Nature. If it were possible for God to lie, He would no longer be God. Absolute TRUTH is an essential quality of His character. Every evidence that is necessary to confirm the eternal Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ has been provided. Our Bethlehem-born Lamb of God has offered His own Body and Blood in the very presence of God in Heaven. His sacrifice for sin has been accepted by God on our behalf. What assurance!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Jesus, that You are my Priest. You have presented Your own Body and Blood to God as the eternal, once for all, Sacrifice for my sin. You represent me before the throne of God in Heaven. Back here on Earth, I pray for grace to present myself to You daily in full assurance of the Salvation You have provided. Thank You that You’ve given me permission to use Your Name for entrance into “The Holy of Holies” as I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I had the opportunity to answer a question from Helmut Kohl, former Chancellor of Germany. He asked me, “Can a person know here in this life that they are going to Heaven?” I quoted Hebrews 6:18 to him…”It is impossible for God to lie,” and then I proceeded to give Him several of God’s promises about eternal life. You can read a fuller account of this God appointment in my book, This Far By Faith, pages 64-66. I’ve given copies of this book to people who lack assurance of their Salvation and pointed them to the Chancellor’s story. Here’s how to order my latest book.

Yours for a most Merry Christmas season. “A merry heart does good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

David

THE BUILDER OF LIVES

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 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).

At the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River, a priest conducts a service. The Hebrew people, to whom the book of Hebrews was addressed, would have been very familiar with the ceremonies conducted in the Jerusalem Temple by the High Priest. The vestments of the Jewish priests were carried into the Christian church all over the world by priests who were believers in Jesus. The liturgy of Temple worship has influenced the rituals of all the ancient churches as they see the sacrifice of Christ on the cross portrayed in their traditional forms of worship. The service pictured above is conducted by a Coptic Priest from Egypt.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Hebrews 4:14

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

The first verse of today’s reading urges us to “Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” We are encouraged to examine carefully the role of Christ Jesus in His absolutely essential work of presenting the sacrifice of His own life to Almighty God. There is no salvation apart from Christ. Therefore, believers in Jesus are exhorted not to depart from their faith in Christ.

Hebrews chapter four repeats the word “rest” seven times. We may want to look up the word “rest” in the dictionary and ask ourselves, “Are we resting in Jesus?” The ultimate importance of the bedrock of Jesus on which we “rest,” and upon Whom we build our lives, is obvious. It is the Word of God (4:12) which provides the blueprint for the structure of our lives. The importance of considering God’s plans daily cannot be overstated. This blog should help us focus our attention on how we are building and then on the “rest” that is ours.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Christ Jesus, You are the Builder of my house, the place where I dwell. I’ve read, Lord, that “every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). I pray that I will rest 24/7 in the knowledge that You are my Foundation, my Builder. I need You! May I not be a “do-it-yourself” builder. I rest in 100% confidence in Your commitment to build my life as something of beauty for Your glory. I pray this in the Name of the Builder of lives, Jesus Christ, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The first few sentences of St. Mark’s Gospel chapter 6 tell about Jesus’ first visit to His hometown of Nazareth following the start of His public ministry. The people have heard about the miracles He has already performed. They ask, “Is not this the carpenter?” They asked in order to belittle Him; I write it here to exalt Him. In the previous chapter (Mark 5), there are three examples of Jesus’ higher carpentry. Check it out if you find the time (Mark 5:1-43 & 6:1-5). I brag about His magnificent building skills.

Yours for Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Remember He was a Carpenter, a Builder, the Builder of the lives of all of us who invite Him to construct our lives to His glory and purpose,

David

GOD SPEAKS

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 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).

An Orthodox Jew and another less religious person pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, which is part of the original retaining wall of the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus. During Jesus’ three years of teaching, preaching and healing the sick, thousands of Jews believed in Him, and many thousands more believed following His death and resurrection. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Temple of God. When asked, “What sign do You show to us?” His answer was, “Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). John went on to say, “But He was speaking of the Temple of His body”… His death and resurrection.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Hebrews 1:1-2

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds…

What we used to call “the bare subject” of the key sentence is “God.” The bare predicate or verb (action word) is “has spoken.” How does God speak in the present? The literal words in the Greek language of the writer describes how God speaks now. He does not say that He speaks in Greek, Hebrew, or for us in English, but God speaks “by His Son.” Jesus is, in Himself, what God has to say to the human race. Jesus is the living “Word”…God’s means of communication with us (read John 1:14-18). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Today’s reading contains 15 direct quotes from the Hebrew Bible, which lets us in on what God said to His Son in eternity past. For example, Hebrews 1:8a, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” This reminds us of the prophecy of the Jewish prophet Isaiah, who wrote in Isaiah 9:6, “Unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given…His Name will be called…Mighty God.” In the light of dozens of such prophecies, no wonder thousands of those who practised Judaism became followers of Jesus as their promised Saviour and God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’ve just read in Hebrews 2:1 words which I pray that You’ll write indelibly on my heart. I “must give the more ernest heed to the things we [I] have heard, lest we [I] drift away.” Keep me, Lord Jesus, close, so very close, to You always. In Your Name (Your Person) I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I often quote to myself and to God the words of Hebrews 2:9, “But we see Jesus…” I think that one of the reasons we don’t have a physical description of what Jesus looked like recorded in Scripture is that the Holy Spirit, wanting us to see with insight rather than physical sight, deliberately avoided telling us of the outward appearance of Jesus. I ask myself, can I say to Jesus, “I see You!”

I can’t pass by these chapters without a warning that there are false teachers who will come to every door sooner or later, who believe that Jesus was the archangel Michael. That’s right, they teach that Jesus is an angel! I’ve just read again Hebrews 1:5-14. How dare they teach such lies? Let’s love these people who are deceived by the one who comes as an “angel of light,” but in reality is the fallen angel, Lucifer or Satan (read 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Any teaching that seeks to lower the Person of Jesus from being 100% God as well as 100% Human is “the spirit of antichrist” (read 1 John 4:1-6).

Yours to help open the eyes of our hearts to see, carefully observe, and take in every detail of His Person as revealed to us through our daily Bible readings,

David

P.S. Many artists have tried to represent Jesus in a painting. My favourite one is of Jesus knocking at the door of the human heart. It hangs in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England (see photo of the painting below). It carries a powerful message, but of course, it is not an actual likeness of Jesus in His human Person. We do have a word picture of Jesus in His glory given by the Apostle John who saw Him in a vision and did his best to describe Him for us (read Revelation 1:12-20). I am eagerly looking forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face soon (1 Corinthians 13:12). The Angels said, as Jesus’ followers watched Him leave earth, “This same Jesus…will so come in like manner as you saw Him go onto Heaven” (Acts 1:7-11). If any reader has not opened your heart’s door to invite Jesus inside, please do so now as you consider the painting below. There is no handle on the outside of the door. It’s only on the inside. You may choose to open the door. He will never break the door down and forcibly enter. He loves you and waits for your decision. There is a little chorus that says, “Into my heart. Into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.” Make this your prayer (click here for the song, “Into My Heart”).

Christ at Your Heart’s Door by Warner Sallman.

MY BELOVED

Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

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

Sheltered from the sun, a lady sitting in a tree keeps watch over her donkey at Nazareth Village. The Shulamite maiden in our readings was such a farm girl.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Song of Solomon 7:10, 8:6

I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me…Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm.

For the culture of 3,000 years ago, the imagery used to describe the bride’s beauty was understood. For example, “Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon” may seem humorous to us, but to them it meant,”exquisitely sculptured and well formed.” Solomon considered her entire body to be beautiful from her feet up to he hair on her head. For us, we can learn that complimenting our spouse is good for a happy life. Our first key verse is a wonderful statement which describes a relationship of true wedded love, and it is also true in our love for God and His love for us. He loves us with an everlasting love, and may we do the same toward Him. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

In much of middle-eastern culture, a brother and sister may kiss in public, but never a married couple (8:1). Our second key verse can be understood to be as an engagement and wedding rings in our culture today. A mark, perhaps a tattoo, was placed on the arm of the bride. A tattoo is there for one’s entire life; unfortunately a wedding ring can be removed. May God help us to keep our vows “until death do us part.” In 8:8-10 our reading takes us from the Shulamite’s childhood to her maturity as a woman. Her brothers protected her purity as a “wall” around about her. May our families form a shield of protection, particularly around our youth.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, I love You with all my heart. I have loved ones for whom I care most deeply. May I be as a wall of wisdom, love, and protection around them and not an over protection, which would hinder their development into all that they can be. I pray this in the Name of the One who made His own decision at 12 to stay behind in the Temple, a Boy (young Man) who “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men,” Jesus, Himself (Luke 2:52). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

That verse, Luke 2:52, about the maturing of Jesus from a young boy has been the motto of our Circle Square Ranches across Canada since their first year of operation in 1978. Crossroads gave them as a gift to “Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship,” which has operated Christian summer camps since 1928. They are doing a great job in reaching more and more children and teens for Christ. An excellent Christmas gift for children would be a week at camp next summer. Check out “Pioneer Camps” and “Circle Square Ranches.” Click here for information on purchasing a week at camp as a surprise gift. Good suggestion!

Tomorrow, God willing, we move back to the New Testament and start the book of Hebrews. Hebrews ties together the two Covenants (Testaments) of God with His human family in a powerful way that shows clearly that in Messiah (Hebrew), or Christ (Greek), Jesus is the absolutely essential Bridge over which all must cross in order to embrace the eternal plan of redemption and everlasting life available to all humanity. Acts 4:5-12 is an excellent reading for our consideration as we move into Hebrews.

Yours because we can say, “My Beloved is mine and I am His” (Song of Songs 2:16a),

David

RETURN, RETURN!

Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 4-6

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

The Church of All Nations, also known as the Church or Basilica of the Agony, is a Roman Catholic church located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It enshrines a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before His arrest (Mark 14:32-42). In the garden, there are some extremely old olive trees; perhaps they were there at the time of Christ. In 4:12a of today’s reading, the spouse is likened to a “garden enclosed.” This is a term of endearment indicating the exclusiveness of the marriage relationship. Here, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter began his human efforts to fight for Jesus, which ended in his denial of Jesus at the High Priest’s palace. For a brief time Jesus and his beloved Peter were separated, as were the “lovers” in today’s reading.

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Key Verses: Song of Solomon 4:10

How fair is your love,

My sister, my spouse!

How much better than wine is your love,

And the scent of your perfumes

Than all spices!

Whether we read this poem as simply a love story between Solomon and the lovely Shulamite maiden, or a portrayal of the love between God and His people, we will not find a more tender and moving expression of love. The young woman, having missed her opportunity to welcome her beloved on his unexpected visit, goes out to search for him. Deep within her heart, she is certain of his love.

Could it be that we, who say we love God, do not respond to His presence immediately, and we miss the relationship He desires to have with us? Like the Shulamite we can search in many places for Him, but the message is clear in the last verse of our reading (6:13a): We are called to “Return, return…Return, return!” Let us return to the place where we first met Jesus, not to the physical location, but the place of repentance as did Peter after he had been challenged for the third time by a waitress in the courtyard of the High Priest (read Luke 22:47-62).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, like the Shulamite, I realize that I don’t deserve Your love, but I also recognize that You have chosen to love me. Please forgive me for not responding instantly to Your presence and Your love. I pray for grace to learn to return and to remain constantly in Your presence. I thank You that You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I’ve read this Lord, both in Deuteronomy and quoted in Hebrews 13:5. I pray this in the Name of the One who said, “I am with you always,” the Lord Jesus, Himself, Amen!!! (Matthew 28:18-20).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I often have dreams like the Shulamite says in the song, “I sleep, but my heart is awake.” Her dream involved searching for her beloved, and of being beaten and wounded during her search (5:2-7). Like the woman in our reading, my heart seems to be awake first. Peter failed badly in his denial of knowing Jesus. His heart kicked in the moment his eyes locked with the eyes of Jesus. Often it’s my heart that kick-starts my brain, then my mind, in turn, ignites my will power and I correct my decisions and do the right thing!

Yours for the “return” to God of all who have known Him as children but have run far away, where they have been beaten and wounded,

David

SONG OF SONGS

Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 1-3

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

On this coin that was minted in Jerusalem is Yehonatan the King surrounding a lily flower. It is a Bronze prutah of the Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus and is dated 104-76 BC. Song of Songs, chapter 2, verse 2, likens the beloved to a “lily among thorns.”

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Key Verses: Song of Solomon 2:10

My beloved spoke, and said to me:
“Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away…”

The story is told of the conference of Jewish Rabbis who were faced with the decision as to which writings were to be included in the Bible. One Rabbi said that the Song of Songs, as it is called in the Hebrew Bible, was much too sensuous and should be excluded. Then the aged Chief Rabbi stood to his feet and said, “Brothers, all the other books we are including in the sacred Scriptures are like the Holy Place in the Temple, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies. It is all about intimacy with our God.” Of course they included Song of Songs! For our readings, it is vital to understand that all expressions of affection and physical lovemaking are pure, true love, not to be taken in an erotic, lustful way.

Historically, this is the courting and marriage of a shepherdess to King Solomon, and the delights and heartaches of wedded love. Later in life, Solomon married many women. This special person may have been Solomon’s only true love. Allegorically, it pictures Israel as the object of God’s love and as His bride. Israel was unfaithful to her Husband. The Prophet Hosea lived out God’s relationship with Israel. God instructed him to marry an unfaithful woman (read Hosea 2:19-23, Hosea 3:1). Make no mistake about it! “GOD IS LOVE!” For a New Testament reading check out 1 John 4:9-19.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, just as You chose Israel as Your “Spouse,” so You have chosen all who believe in Jesus as Your “Bride.” I pray for Your grace so that I will be faithful to You, not prostituting myself by yielding to temptations to commit spiritual adultery with a world that is opposed to You, and living in a way that is so dishonouring to You. I love You, Lord Jesus, and I pray this in Your Name and for Your sake, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I know that every time I go to make a call or click an icon on my iPhone, up will come a picture of my bride, my spouse, and me (the same photo is posted below). Norma-Jean is my love. I think of her when I read the song of the Shunamite maiden and Solomon. That same picture is on the back cover of my latest book, This Far By Faith. As you can tell, I’m very fond of that picture.

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Yours, as the Scripture says, “And to communicate, forget not!” (Hebrews 13:16 KJV),

David