HAPPY…BIRTHDAY

Today’s Reading: Job 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).

In present-day Nazareth, first century family life is re-created at a place called Nazareth Village.

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

Key Verse: Job 5:17

Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

The above statement was made by Eliphaz to Job. Eliphaz had a good grasp on truth, but let us remember that the words of Job and his friends are their opinions. They are accurately recorded in the inspired Scriptures as being what Job’s friends said. Our key verse can be considered to be “Truth” because when we compare Scripture with Scripture, it stands the test. For example, we may want to read Hebrews 12:5-11.

In everyday life we know those (maybe ourselves) who are suffering because of the sins and failures of others, or because of circumstances beyond control. Job did not know why he was going through such testing, but in it all he retained his faith in God. Someone has said, “A believer is like tea; real strength only comes out when we are put into hot water.” The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:19-25 about the example of Jesus in enduring suffering. God’s plan is to make us like His Son and our Saviour, Jesus. Suffering temporarily is included in that plan. It is not meant to defeat or destroy us but to strengthen and refine us as gold, purified in the fire.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray for strength to endure any suffering that may come to me. I worship You, Lord God! In the Name of Jesus, the One who “learned obedience by the things which He suffered,” Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7 & 8).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Today is Norma-Jean’s birthday. Happy Birthday my darling wife! Thank you for sticking with me throughout 59 years as of this September 19th. God has allowed testing in your life and you have come through as fine gold. I think that I’ve been a big test for you! Thank you for passing the test and continuing to love.

If you keep reading to the end of the book of Job, you’ll find a happy ending with a family larger than the original one!

Yours to celebrate,

David

A family birthday celebration for David & Norma-Jean, August 14th, 2017 (their birthdays are on the 13th & 14th). David went home to be with Jesus just over a month later.

FRIENDS

Today’s Reading: Job 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).

As you look north along the shore of the Judean cliffs and the Dead Sea,  you can see a storm rolling in.

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

Key Verses: Job 3:25

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.

To say that Job wished he had never been born would be an understatement. God would not allow Satan to kill Job, but everything short of death was thrown at him. Job cried out, “Why did I not die at birth?” Jesus, in His 100% humanity, cried out, “Why?” (Matthew 27:45-49). Jesus and Job no doubt have met already. I think Jesus would probably say, “Job, I understand what you went through.”

Consider what true friends are, as described at the end of Job 2: (1) They heard of Job’s adversity. (2) They made appointments and travelled to visit him. (3) They mourned with Job. (4) They comforted him. (5) Job was so emaciated they did not recognize him and they lifted their voices and wept. (6) They tore their clothes in a show of grieving. (7) Job was sitting in a heap of ashes and his friends identified with him by sprinkling dust on their heads. (8) They sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. (9) They did not speak for an entire week because Job’s grief was very great. (10) Then they heard Job speak first. He said, “May the day perish on which I was born.” Let us meditate on the words of the first friend as we read (again slowly perhaps) the words of Eliphaz in Chapter 4.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’m so very thankful for at least three true friends with whom You have blessed me through the years. I pray that You will work in me sufficiently that I will be a true friend to several others. Your Word tells me that You, Lord, are a Friend “that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 17:17 & Proverbs 18:24b). Lord Jesus, You are a true Friend! Thank You for being my Friend (Matthew 11:19). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

(Happy Birthday Dad!) My son, Ronald Wesley Mainse, who sets up the structure for me for the blog, typed that greeting! I assure you, my son, unlike Job, I’ve never wished that I’d never been born. I’m filled with joy at the fact that I was born on August 13, 1936, in the house pictured below in Campbell’s Bay, Quebec. There are six years between me and my closest sister in age, Elaine Boudinot, who lives now in Kentucky. My sister told me that mother had three miscarriages during those six years. I find that sad, and I hope to learn all about the “Why” question some day in eternity.

There are two others mentioned in Ezekiel 14 besides Job. They are Noah and Daniel. An extra study for today could be Ezekiel 14:12-23. All three were severely tested. Can I expect to sail through life without testing? I think not!

There have been times when I’ve visited friends in deep turmoil. Often there are no adequate words to speak. I trusted that my presence would say loudly, “I care deeply about you.”

Yours for deep and lasting friendships,

David

In front of the home where I was born in Campbell’s Bay, Quebec, August 13, 1936.

On my first birthday – August 13, 1937. Ron found these pictures on his brother’s computer and he wanted to put it into today’s blog.

LEARNING FROM OUR TROUBLES

Today’s Reading: Job 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).

There is a tomb in Nazareth Village that represents the tomb were Jesus was buried. Nazareth Village is a tourist attraction in modern Nazareth that re-enacts what life would have been like when Jesus lived there. Today we begin reading the book of Job. Job cries out for a redeemer and a mediator between himself and God. The empty tomb is proof that Jesus is Redeemer and Mediator, and that the last enemy, death, is conquered!

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

Key Verses: Job 1:21

And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

The enemy of Job is Satan! Job is unaware of the work of Satan. Satan is the one who has “taken away,” but only with God’s permission. Even though Job believed that God was causing the disasters, he remained faithful to God.

Job is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible. The Sabeans and the Chaldeans were nomads who had not yet settled into cities as later history indicates. Job lived for 200 years, which makes him at the very least a contemporary of Abraham who lived for 175 years. Job uses the Name for God used by Abraham, “Shaddai,” 31 times. This means “The Almighty One.” There are no references to Israel, the Law or the Tabernacle. Therefore, we can conclude that Job did not have the first books of the Bible for his instruction. Because we have the Bible, we know far more than Job about the destructive spiritual powers waging war in this world. As an example of the knowledge we have available to us, read 1 Peter 5:6-9. Satan is still active in this world, but we know that the death and resurrection are proof that Jesus took Satan’s evil actions upon Himself. James 5:11b says, “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask for grace to always apply to my everyday life the knowledge which I have as a result of reading the entire Bible. I pray that I will learn the very difficult lessons taught here in the book of Job. I ask these mercies in the Name of the Redeemer/Mediator for whom Job was seeking. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My new baby son, David Reynold (our photographer), came home from the hospital with a staph infection, causing boils on his little head. Job had boils. I’ve had one boil only, and that was very painful. My heart was pained for Reynold as I had an idea about his suffering. At the time I was working from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, on a new church building in Deep River, Ontario. We lived in Pembroke, 26 miles away. When I would arrive home, Norma-Jean would hand Reynold to me to put to sleep. She had been holding him all day, as it was painful for him to lay his head on the pillow because of the boils. I would rock him for 2 or 3 hours until he fell into a sleep deep enough to bear the pain. I often wept for him as I would pray for his healing. When he was old enough, we purchased a Jolly Jumper, hooked it on the door frame, and he would fall asleep there, his little legs still kicking occasionally. God did heal him eventually, but the results of his months in the Jumper were yet to come. He went to University on a full football scholarship and was the fastest runner on the team. Of course, I’m not saying that this was the reason God allowed the boils. There may have been another reason. He is a man who feels the pain of others. For example, when he was 8 years old, we lived across the road from Queensdale school in Hamilton. He would dash out the door after lunch and I thought he was going to play in the school yard. When we moved from there, the neighbours came by to wish us well. A lady I had not met before said to me, “Thank you for Reynold. He would come by my home at noon each day and take my blind son for a walk along the street. He would describe the leaves, the squirrels, etc. and then return him to my door.” I wept! Perhaps the blessings of Job’s later years were as a result of the sufferings he had endured.

Yours for learning from our troubles,

David

PEACE AND GRACE

Today’s Reading: 2 Thessalonians 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).

Thessalonica Greece is on the Aegeon Sea. On the left you can see the White Tower. This structure was at one time a prison, built in the middle of the 15th century. Now it is a six-floor museum.

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

Key Verses: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Our key verse follows several severe warnings to false teachers and those who follow them: “Flaming fire taking vengeance”…”Punished with everlasting destruction.” Then there is the condemnation of the anti-Christ who will come. He is called “the man of sin,” “the son of perdition,” and “the lawless one.” After hearing all this read in the congregation, the believers needed words of consolation, hope and comfort. We need this also! Today there are those who will try to deceive us. Representatives of cults and of the occult are at work everywhere. The entire New Testament was in the process of being written in Paul’s day.  Paul spent approximately three years in Corinth and it was from there that he wrote back to the Thessalonians. We have a great advantage in being able to read the completed Bible. Let’s continue to cherish our daily readings. Tomorrow we return to the Hebrew Scriptures in what many scholars consider to be the oldest book in the Bible, Job.

In Paul’s day, false teachers messed with the fact of the return of Christ and deceived some new believers with their errors. Let us pay close attention to Paul’s teaching so that we will not be led astray. False teaching has deceived some believers several times in recent decades.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that You will keep me true to Your Word as taught to the Thessalonian church. May I receive grace so that I will not walk in a “disorderly” way. May I “not grow weary in doing good.” In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Besides my motivation for personal spiritual growth, I’ve read the Bible daily for many years so that I will not be deceived. I’ve heard it said that to detect counterfeit money one does not study counterfeit money but should concentrate on the genuine. Therefore, when the counterfeit shows up, immediately one knows something is wrong. My unrelenting pursuit of consistent daily Bible study has protected me from false teaching at my front door, in books, etc. When I was just 18, a book was given to me which almost turned me aside from winning souls to Jesus. One night after I had spent time with a friend, I realized that I had talked about the content of this book and had not mentioned “THE BOOK.” I repented that night for allowing myself to be diverted by what I began to realize was false teaching. I do read teaching books now, but I make sure to check the credentials and the life of the author first, as well as the Biblical integrity of the teaching. It’s much easier now to search out the truth about a person or a religious cult because of the Internet. Of course, there are also lies from the father of lies, Satan, on the web, but checking up does give a sense of who a person or organization is. I also check up by asking my Pastor for his counsel.

Yours for “peace and grace,”

David

SANCTIFICATION

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

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

The remains of a fortification wall and entrance which was built in the times of the Byzantine Empire in Thessalonica. History is depicted on the walls as a reminder to all who pass through (see photo below).

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

Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In today’s reading Paul teaches us concerning the second coming of Christ, and instructs us as to how we should live. The word “sanctification” is repeated three times! As the vessels in the “Sanctuary” (tabernacle) were set aside for holy purposes, we are to live a holy life! Here’s how it’s done: (1) “Abstain from sexual immorality.” (2) “Love one another.” (3) “Lead a quiet life.” (4) “Mind your own business.” (5) “Work with your own hands.” (6) Act “properly to those who are outside.” (6) “Comfort one another.” (7) “Watch and be sober.” (7) Put on “the breastplate of faith and love.” (8) Put on “as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (9) “Whether we wake (life now) or sleep (death) we should live together with Him.” (10) “Edify one another.” These 10 powerful New Covenant commandments take us up to Chapter 5, verse 11.

Paul also gives us important guidance for our own lives. We will be blessed by reading again and taking time to digest excellent counsel from 5:12 to the end of the book. There are 12 more instructions here (not optional for all who are sanctified).

If Paul had a blog he would no doubt type the words from 5:27, “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the brethren!”

Our key verse shows us how God will accomplish these things in our lives. This is a good verse to memorize! (5:23).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Great God of peace, I yield myself to You. I pray that You will sanctify me for Your purposes. Only You can keep me blameless; I cannot do this on my own. I thank You for working in me to accomplish Your will. In the Name of the One who always did what is right, Jesus Himself, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In the very first letter Norma-Jean wrote to me, she used letterhead with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 printed at the top of the page: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” She claims that she did not choose this verse on purpose; it was just the writing paper at hand. However, it has proven to be a prophetic Word for us for almost 59 years of marriage!

Yours because of the One who is FAITHFUL, “Who also will do it” (verse 24 of chapter 5),

David

Some of the history of Thessalonica depicted on the structure (described in the top photo caption).

THE CHURCH

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 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).

The 4th century AD Rotunda of Galerius is one of several Roman monuments in the city of Thessalonica.

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

Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

As an introduction to these two letters of Paul to the believers at Thessalonica, Greece (currently called Salonica), we may be better informed by reading Acts 17:1-15. First and Second Thessalonians are beautiful examples of the care a true Pastor has for his people. For three Sabbaths Paul taught in the synagogue to the Jewish people, and some believed and received his message. Then the team, Paul, Silas (called Silvanus here) and Timothy spent considerable time reaching out to non-Jews who “turned to God from their idols to serve the true and living God” (1:9b). Paul “laboured night and day” because he probably made tents here, as he did later in Corinth, in order to support the team financially (2:9). We may take notice of two facts:

(1) When we believe the Word of God, it produces EFFECTIVE change in our lives. Watch for this change as we proceed through the Bible in this blog!

(2) While Paul taught and worked, he prayed “exceedingly” (3:10). Firstly, he prayed for God’s direction (3:11). Secondly, he prayed for an increase in love (3:12). Thirdly, he prayed that, “[God] may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (3:13).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, as I read the prayers of Paul, I make them my prayers to You for myself, my family, and all my fellow bloggers. May You give us direction and produce effective change in our lives as we pray “exceedingly,” that we may increase in love. And may You establish our hearts blameless in holiness before You “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In the early days of ministry, I was involved with others in planting new congregations. Like Paul, I worked “that I might not be a burden to any” (2:9), not at making tents, but as a carpenter, a catcher of bull frogs for a Montreal restaurant, a Bell telephone contractor (removing telephones from homes where the bills weren’t paid – some I felt so sorry for that I paid their bill), etc. When the congregations grew and prospered, they were able to provide a salary, so that I could work full time in ministry. God has always provided for me and my family. Thank You, Lord!

Throughout the years in television ministry, I’ve been involved in helping to produce television in 18 languages, some of which were released in the homelands of our hosts. Rev. Bazil Zetas, an immigrant to Canada from Greece, leads a Greek language congregation in Toronto. He became our Greek language TV host while supporting himself as an employee of Canada Post, and at the same time planting a church. The first TV station in Greece to begin carrying our telecast was Salonica (Thessalonica). Then Athens TV began the transmission of the Word of God on TV, so all of Greece received the Good News of Jesus on television. A BIG thank you to all who have supported Crossroads television.

Yours to see the “Word of God” work effectively in us all,

David

Outside view of the Rotunda of Galerius in Thessalonica.

Inside view looking up into the Rotunda.

  SPEAKING PEACE

Today’s Reading: Esther 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 Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun is the Armored Corps’ Memorial Site. The memorial is surrounded by tanks used and captured in Israeli wars. The centrepiece of the Armored Corps is the Wall of Names on which are inscribed the names of all 4,965 fallen soldiers of the Armored Corps from all of Israel’s wars. This location is also the site of the Biblical battles of Joshua Bin-Nun against the Amorite kings; in the book of Joshua it says: “Sun, stand still upon Giv’on; and moon, in the valley of Ayalon” (Joshua 10:12).

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

Key Verses: Esther 10:3

For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

Mordecai was a man who had peace within himself. His confidence in God enabled him to stand up straight when others bowed. That security, based in the knowledge of who he was, enabled him to develop a bold plan to save his Jewish people from an impending holocaust. Twice in today’s reading Mordecai is recorded as speaking “peace.” Some Jews took revenge on their would-be killers. Even Esther wanted revenge, but there is no record of Mordecai seeking revenge. Rather, he promoted days of feasting, joy and gladness. Esther 9:30 tells us that Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in all 127 provinces of the Persian Empire in which he wrote words of “peace and truth.” We don’t have a copy of any of his letters, but if we did, we would probably find that the “truth” he shared was about the God of his fathers. Our key verse reads, “…seeking the good of his people…” Let us speak, write, and model “peace and truth.” This is how we seek the good of all. Amen!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, even in exile in a foreign land, You found a man of sterling character named Mordecai. I pray that by Your grace I will become such a person. A person whom You can trust to serve You faithfully…a person who will speak “peace and truth”…a person who will seek the good of all. In the name of the One who did that very thing consistently, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

People who speak “truth and peace” are amongst us today. Some have a louder voice than others because of the advantage of their prominence. I’m thinking of three such people. Two of them are political leaders and one a spiritual leader.

(1) President Jimmy Carter – He brokered peace between Egypt and Israel known as “The Camp David Accords.” SUCCESS! I had the opportunity of experiencing this up close as an accredited journalist in Israel during the final breakthrough (pages 47-49 in my recent book, This Far by Faith).

(2) Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak – When he initiated “The Oslo Accords” with Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, I had high hopes for a lasting peace. Barak had brought blankets to poorly clothed Syrian soldiers during a blinding snow storm on the sides of Mt. Hermon. If anyone could succeed, I thought it would be him. But the effort failed (see pages 68-69 in my book).

(3) Dr. David (Mohsen) Damien, a founder of “Watchmen for the Nations” – He spoke “peace” to the survivors of the St. Louis ship by initiating a gathering in Ottawa where we (representatives of Canada) repented before God for the action of our political leaders back in the 1930s in turning away the ship on which they were travelling as children, seeking refuge in Canada. After being turned away from our shores, most of their parents perished in the death camps of Europe. David, by his words of “peace and truth,” brought a beautiful reconciliation between these hurting Jews and Canadians. This is one of the many stories through which I’ve learned much, which is not in my recent book. As God gives me strength, I may write another book.

I am more determined than ever to speak “peace and truth!” Jesus is my Mentor. He said, “My PEACE I give you” (John14:26) and “I am…TRUTH…” (John 14:6). In Hebrew the word for “TRUTH” is “HEMETH.” This word means the experience of “TRUTH,” not just a list of doctrines which we say we believe. I suggest we all read John 14:5-31 and experience Jesus by the working of the Holy Spirit in us through meditating on Jesus’ Words.

Yours for “PEACE” and “TRUTH,”

David

P.S. Over the years, 100 Huntley Street has produced several series on “Science and Faith,” featuring several very prominent scientists who are also followers of Jesus. One such person is Dr. James Tour, a Jewish man who found Christ as his Messiah. Click here for a video clip of his story from a documentary produced by Crossroads.

The Yad Lashiryon Memorial at Latrun (description under photo above).

A FEAST

Today’s Reading: Esther 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).

A meal is prepared in first century style at Nazareth Village in Nazareth. The feast Esther prepared for the King and Haman would have had more expensive tableware, but was probably not any more delicious.

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

Key Verses: Esther 8:3

Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews.

In today’s reading, the Jews of the entire Persian Empire are still under the decree of Death. Unless the order of the King was modified in some way, every Jew would die. As a result of the intercession of Esther, a new decree went out. Jews were to defend themselves against attack. Not only were the Jews saved, but it became so attractive to be a Jew that Esther 8:17b tells us that many Persians were converted to Judaism. The Feast of Purim was established to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from destruction. This feast is celebrated to this day.

Think of all that can be accomplished if we, like Esther, refuse to put ourselves first, refuse to play it safe, and refuse to hide our true identity as God’s people. We have the opportunity and obligation to intercede, not with an Ahasuerus, but with the God of the Universe. He desires only the best for us, but He has limited Himself to acting on our behalf in response to our prayers. James 5:16 says, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (this includes women) avails much.” His sceptre is extended to us. Scripture urges us to “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I come before You now. Thank You that in Your great love and mercy, You have extended the invitation to come to You. I am here in Your presence. Once again I ask for Your help. This is a time of need! People are about to perish without Your direct intervention. I come in the Name of the One who “ever lives to make intercession for them,” Jesus, our High Priest. I pray that I will share today the greatest possible help anyone can ever receive. John 1:12 is Your promise, Lord (read John 1:9-18). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

On pages 166 to 171 of my recently published book, This Far by Faith, there is a story of intercession on behalf of Elena, a little Russian girl who is now my granddaughter. I don’t have the space to tell the story here, but let me assure you that it is one of the most powerful stories you’ll ever read (below is a photo from the book). If you haven’t already, please consider ordering my book. You can call Crossroads to check on its availability at 1-800-265-3100.

As was the case in Persia, government officials can be turned around. The story of Elena is a particular miracle of God, as in the communist system, everyone was, at one time, a government employee. A statement I’ve picked up somewhere throughout my life is, “We need to attempt things for God so humanly impossible that they will surely fail if God is not in them.” My practice is to pray fervently, then move forward boldly into something that seems impossible. If God desires what I desire, He will go before me, and “with God all things are possible” (Jesus – Matthew 19:26). My book illustrates this truth. Please get your very own copy.

Yours for bold intercession at God’s throne of grace,

David

Elena at age six in a Russian orphanage meeting my daughter Elaine for the first time. Today, Elena is a wife and mother of her own little girl!

HONOUR AND DISHONOUR

Today’s Reading: Esther 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).

A horse grazing among the ruins of ancient Jerash in Jordan. Jerash was a Greco-Roman city located 80 miles north of Amman, the capital of the modern kingdom of Jordan, near the place where Gideon and his 300 crossed over Jordan.

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

Key Verses: Esther 5:13, 6:1

Yet all this avails me nothing as long as I see Mordecai, the Jew, sitting at the king’s gate…That night the king could not sleep. So he commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles, and they were read before the king.

“Great riches,” “multitude of children,” “promotion and advancement,” and the Queen’s invitation to dinner were meaningless to Haman because of his wounded ego. When this world’s gain is all we have, the least thing that goes wrong can spoil it all. Scripture teaches, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (read 1 Timothy 6:3-11).

A movie has been made in recent years on “Esther” (click here to watch). It would be humorous if it was not so tragic, that Haman gets his just desserts when he has to do for the Jew what he thought was the honour he, himself, deserved. We cannot miss the protecting hand of God on his servant Mordecai. Haman, at the suggestion of his wife, built a gallows so high that everyone in the capital city could see who was hanged on it. Haman was hung on his own gallows. What are we building in our lives? Is it on a foundation of truth and a structure of love and righteousness, or is it a gallows on which we ourselves will be hung?

Let us meditate on Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” These words would not be written by Paul for another 540 years, but Mordecai knew the truth of this promise from God. Amen!!! Probably Mordecai knew the truth of God’s promise to Samuel, the prophet of God, written at least 500 years before, “Those who honour Me, I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You promised that if I acknowledge You (know who You are and recognize You), You will direct my paths (Proverbs 3:6). I pray that I will fully embrace Your promises and know without doubting that You keep Your promises. Thank You for this amazing grace! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Proverbs 3:5-6 are Norma-Jean’s life verses. Among the songs she has written, she has put some verses of Scripture to music. Below is her sheet music for that song “He Shall Direct Thy Paths.”

On my way to the church where Norma-Jean and I were married (now a French Roman Catholic Church where I have brought the message to the R.C.s in French), I prayed, “Lord if this marriage is not Your perfect will, You can still stop it.” I surely did not want it stopped, but my understanding of the promise of God’s direction is that I must be willing for Him to intervene and change my direction. I’ve experienced His intervention to stop my intentions several times. I have the gas pedal and the brakes of my life under my control, but I take my hands off the steering wheel, trusting Him to steer my life. Is that good advice or not? If I happen to see Mordecai sometime in the eternal future, I’ll ask him what he thinks!

Yours for God’s overruling guidance based on our willingness for Him to be in control of our destinies,

David

P.S. Below is the published sheet music of Norma-Jean’s song that I referred to above. Click on the images to enlarge them (and print, if you wish).

GOD’S PLAN

Today’s Reading: Esther 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).

Herodium is next door to Bethlehem, and is just south of Jerusalem. Its summit is 2,460 feet above sea level. Herod built or re-built eleven fortresses. This one he constructed on the location of his victory over Antigonus in 40 BC. Constructed over a pre-existing hill, the Herodium was a fortress to which Herod could quickly flee from Jerusalem. He chose to be buried here and the mountain is in the shape of a tumulus (a burial mound). Herod’s tomb was discovered by archaeologist Ehud Netzer in 2007. This illustrates the immense ego of the ancient monarchs such as Ahasuerus of Persia featured in today’s reading.

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

Key Verses: Esther 3:2b

But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.

Mordecai, a Jew who did not return with Ezra to Jerusalem, was a man with steel down his backbone. He would not bow or pay homage to the second in command of the Persian Empire, Haman. Homage is a form of worship, and to give this to anyone other than God would have been a form of idolatry. Because of this one man, Mordecai, and one woman, Esther, one of the greatest turn-arounds in Israel’s history took place.

We are not suggesting that every act of civil disobedience is blessed of God, nor are we suggesting that we should make a great show of our dedication to the will and purposes of God, but we do suggest that everyone of us should learn to personally relate to God in such obedience and dedication that we care little about the consequences which may follow. The often-quoted words of Mordecai to Esther, “Who knows but that you were brought to the kingdom for such a time as this,” could apply to each one of us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I bow before You! I pay homage to You! You alone are worthy of my worship! I pray that I will find and fulfill Your purpose for me, the very reason that I was born and placed in Your Kingdom at this particular time. I ask this in the Name of the One Whom You sent to this earth and Who fulfilled His purpose, bringing salvation, not just to His own people, the Jews, but also to the whole world, Jesus, the Messiah. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In the mid 1950’s I had the privilege to teach in an Ontario public school. One Jewish girl in my class was named Sandra Levine. I’ve often wondered where she is today and what has become of her. Sandra was a beautiful child of about eleven years old. Her Dad and Mom owned and operated a local grocery store. I spent hours with her father playing chess and often talking about the Scriptures. The reason I’m telling this story is because in those days public school teachers were required by the Provincial Department of Education to teach a weekly Bible lesson. On one occasion I dramatized the story of Esther and featured Sandra as the Jewish Queen of Persia. I think she felt honoured by my efforts. I loved telling Bible stories and still do, as is shown in this daily blog.

May I ask a favour of every reader? Please send my blog on to someone else and ask that we all work together to build the readership to greater numbers. I was told the other day that over 5,000 people have signed up for daily e-mails, besides those who simply go into the 100words.ca website. Let’s go for 50,000 signed up for the daily e-mails. Let’s see… that would mean that each reader would try to find 10 new readers. The reason I ask this is not because of me, but because of the benefits, now and throughout eternity, that will accrue to every faithful reader of God’s Word.

Yours for recognizing that we are here “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14b),

David

P.S. I know I’m terribly biased, but I think Norma-Jean is beautiful like Queen Esther. A few years ago we were leading a tour group on a Nile River cruise, and one evening Norma-Jean dressed up in an Egyptian outfit. In my eyes, Cleopatra could not have been more beautiful (see photo below). In the city of Sudbury, in northern Ontario, some people in our congregation called Norma-Jean, the Queen of the Parsonage!