I “RECKON”

Today’s Reading: Romans 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 on the right-hand side).

A view from high atop the il Vittoriano in Rome. You can see the Colosseum and much of the city to the south from here.

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

Key Verse: Romans 5:8, 6:23

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What an encouragement! Sublime truth! When we stand firm on the foundation of God’s truth we truly have peace. We are free from guilt. We move into the future with full confidence in God’s infinite love. Eternal life is ours now. We don’t have to wait until we die to find out where we will spend eternity. This assurance is not presumption. It’s simply and humbly taking God at His Word (God would never lie to us!), confessing that Word, and believing that Word at all times. Amen! Chapter six states the fact that we who believe are dead to sin. Romans 6:11 states the truth that we are to “reckon” ourselves “dead indeed unto sin.” “Reckon” is a mathematical term. Just as sure as 2 X 2 = 4, so it’s a fact that we who believe have died with Christ on the Cross. He bore our sins, and us too. The gift of faith enables us to believe this, and that same faith enables us to live our lives as dead to sin and “alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We may want to read these chapters again in the next 24 hours. Let us read slowly and deliberately, soaking in every Word. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I confess the fact that I am dead to sin!!!…and that I’m alive to God. I truly believe this. Therefore, I will not let sin reign in my mortal body. Lord Jesus, You reign as my absolute Monarch. Your power enables me to do only what is right. Thank You for victorious Christian living. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Along with learning and believing the truth that sets me free, I had to learn what John taught in his first epistle, chapter one. I realized that I must make a daily choice to “walk in the light.” Again and again, I read and quote from memory 1st John 1:5-10. If I had not made this truth an integral part of my daily life, I would’ve been discouraged. God’s Word is light. I learned that in order to walk in His light, I must read His Word without fail each day. This blog is my way of turning on a light in the darkness, so that I’ll see the path ahead, not stumbling and falling into sin. John was writing to his fellow believers, reminding them, and himself, that no one can say “we have no sin” and “we have not sinned.” I recognize that I am being constantly cleansed in God’s eyes by the Blood of Jesus Christ. God sees me through the lens of Jesus’ sacrificial death on my behalf. Thank You, thank You, thank You, Jesus!!!!!

Yours for walking every day in the Light of God’s Word,

David

P.S. For many years now I have tried my best to be faithful each morning to quote under my breath, so as not to waken Norma-Jean when I first wake up, Galatians 2:20. “I am crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

THE PROMISE OF GOD

Today’s Reading: Romans 4

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).

The distant dome is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. St. Peter’s draws pilgrims from all over the world. Few are disappointed when they enter the intricately decorated basilica beneath Michelangelo’s vast dome (an interior photo is below). A memorial structure was erected on the site of St. Peter’s tomb in the 2nd century, and the first great basilica, ordered by the Emperor Constantine, was completed around AD 349. In the early 1500’s, the German monk Tetzel was raising money to build the present St. Peter’s Basilica by promising salvation by works (money actually), and the reaction to his teaching, which was so contrary to the book of Romans, was a major thrust towards reformation.

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

Key Verse: Romans 4:20-21

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Romans gives us so much excellent teaching that it is impossible to cover it properly in this 100words.ca blog. However, it might be good to review the first four chapters. Notice that the words “circumcision” and “uncircumcision” are repeated 17 times. They indicate that Paul is addressing both Jews and Gentiles. Key words, such as righteousness, faith, law, all, and sin appear at least 60 times in Romans. Abraham provides the great example of righteousness apart from his works, and apart from the keeping of the Law, which was not given until 500 years later. He is known as the father of righteousness by faith for both the Jew and the non-Jew. Faith is simply believing that God tells the truth. God promised a child to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham believed that God spoke the truth. Isaac was eventually born! Abraham’s faith was stronger than the physical fact of their old age. Abraham’s faith was stronger than the confusion and fear he must have had when God told him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. That faith was not based on Abraham himself, but on the fact that God cannot lie. God keeps His Word. Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for the same gift of faith You gave Abraham. May I always take You at Your Word and act upon it. May I not stumble in unbelief but, having heard from You, may I simply obey You. In the Name of the One who always obeyed His Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I studied Romans under the teaching of Dr. Charles Ratz. His book on Romans is a classic. Before this blog is posted, I’ll check to see if it’s available for sale online (click here). There are other thorough study guides in Romans which are excellent. I recommend additional resources, like the following online Bible study tools (note the various commentaries at the end of each chapter of Romans…click here).

Jesus, in His humanity, was Jewish. You’ll remember that Jesus was circumcised when He was eight days old (Luke 2:21). The late Dr. Nelles Silverthorne, a research pediatrician at Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto, was often a guest on the 100 Huntley Street telecast. He declared that the blood coagulation properties were greater at eight days old than at any time before or after. He said that God’s instructions to His Jewish people were medically accurate. This man of faith raised the first oxygen tent, gave the first civiliian injection of penicillin and, among other firsts, developed the vaccine used around the world for whooping cough. Most of all, he gave a crystal clear testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ.

Yours for the righteousness which is by faith,

David

Here is an interior view of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

THE GOD OF BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES

Today’s Reading: Romans 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 the right-hand side).

This is known as the Mamertine Prison. Tradition tells us that Paul and Peter were both held in this prison before they were martyred (a photo of the inside of the prison is below). Upon entering the city of Rome, “Julius, a Centurion of the Augustan Regiment” (Acts 27:1) handed Paul over to the Prefect of the Praetorian Guard (the commanding officer). The official duty of the Prefect was to keep in custody all accused persons who were to be tried before the Emperor. “Now when we came to Rome, the Centurion delivered the prisoners to the Captain of the Guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16).

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

Key Verses: Romans 3:28 & 29

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also…

Justification (a declaration of righteousness before God) by faith was the reason given for the Protestant Reformation. The story is that Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic Priest, travelled to Rome for the purpose of gaining favour with God and an inner assurance of his salvation. He probably visited the prison pictured above. It is reported that as he ascended a stairway into a church, step by step on his knees, reciting prayers on each step, he jumped to his feet, exclaiming the Scripture, “The just shall live by faith.” He returned to Germany where he nailed his declaration of salvation by faith, and not by the keeping of the law, to the the door of a church, along with many other theses. As they say, “the rest is history.” What Luther and many others hoped would be a reformation in the Church became a high wall of division. The action of the Church courts, and unwise people on both sides of the issue, eventually produced different denominations. It could’ve been different. For example, Acts 15:1-11. Why was there not a new denomination or an independent church body formed in the first century? We may want to take time now to think about that question.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, help me to always “hold the truth in love.” I pray You will enable me to be part of resolving strongly held differences as Peter was in Acts 15. I ask for greater wisdom. You promised that if I would ask You would give wisdom liberally (James 1:5). Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Paul wrote his “epistle of joy,” Philippians, from prison. I can’t imagine myself having such an overcoming experience in Christ as to be able to rejoice so enthusiastically in similar circumstances. I do know that God does give grace to endure, but seldom in advance of the trial. He does so as we have need.

Concerning divisions in the church, Jesus prayed for all who profess to follow Him, “…that they all may be one” (John 17:20-23). I have seen the power in working together for winning people to Jesus. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, many walls came down between denominations. I was asked by the Archbishop Cardinal of Toronto to preach a mission in Varsity Stadium sponsored by the Roman Catholic Arch Diocese of Toronto. Literature on the assurance of salvation by faith was distributed to thousands as they responded to my Billy Graham-style invitation. There was a strong sense that Jesus’ John 17 prayer request was being answered by the Father with a loud “Yes.” I believe that God is more than willing to continue to say “Yes” to Jesus’ prayer. I pray for much more of God’s unconditional love to expand my capacity to love and to overflow my life with His message of salvation.

Yours for an answer to Jesus’ prayer, unhindered by pride in a denomination or by human self-righteousness,

David

P.S. My eldest son, David Reynold, and his wife Kathy, live in Uganda where their mission is to be a part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity among Christians in that country. Here’s a link describing their work. Please remember them in your prayers. Thank you so very much!

Inside the Mamertine Prison, this metal grate in the floor covers where the prisoners were lowered into their prison cell. The first time Paul was imprisoned he was in a private house; however, the second time he was probably here, under Nero, who had him beheaded.

ROME

Today’s Reading: Romans 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 on the right-hand side).

The Roman Colosseum is the embodiment of both the grandeur and cruelty of the great Roman Empire. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum hosted spectacular games that included gladiator exhibitions, fights between animals, prisoner executions and, strangely enough, naval battles. Untold thousands of humans and animals met their deaths within this popular attraction of ancient Rome.

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

Key Verse: Romans 1:7

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints…

Today’s reading is a huge jump from Moses to Paul, Deuteronomy to Romans! The statistics prove that this two-year journey through the Bible, back and forth between the Old Testament and the New, is the most successful in actually completing a thorough reading…an excellent goal for this New Year!!! Please enlist your friends!!! Set a time to call a friend daily and compare notes…or post comments on the blogs. This can be the greatest Christian growth period ever!!!

Note the word “ALL” in the key verse…could it be that this would even include the Emperor? It would be almost 300 years yet before Emperor Constantine claimed himself to be a believer in Jesus. There was a great deal of work to do in the meantime. The Apostle Paul, writer of the book of Romans, begins here with the Jewish people who lived in Rome. It is believed that Paul wrote to the Romans in 56 A.D. from Corinth during his third missionary journey. It is not his first letter to the churches, but it is placed first because of its length and its vital importance to the understanding of salvation. Millions of people have followed “The Roman Road” to a personal faith in Jesus. The mileposts on the road are: (1) Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned.” Confess that we are sinners in need of the Saviour. (2) Romans 6:23 – “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Receive God’s gift by confessing that we have received Jesus into our lives. (3) Romans 10:9-10 – Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and tell someone that we have received Him, believed in Him, and that we now believe we have eternal life in Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I am walking “The Roman Road” again today. I confess before You my faith in You, and I commit to You that I’ll seek an opportunity to confess You with my mouth. Keep me daily, I pray, in the centre of Your will and purpose for me as a believer. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It is believed that for a person in a coma, hearing is the last sense to go. The person cannot confess with their mouth, and I’ve told several in a comatose state to think their confession. I’ve seen eye movement that I think may indicate they’ve done it. As well, I’ve sought to minister to stroke victims who can’t speak, and they’ve confessed by nodding their heads in answer to a direct yes or no question. Some totally deaf people may not be able to speak a clear confession with their mouths, but have no doubt about it, their expressions of joy and their body language tell the story of their faith. For me, the moment I confessed Jesus with my mouth, I knew I was right with God. Just to confirm that faith, the next day after I went forward at an evangelist’s call, this 16-year-old went to the creek behind the house where I was living, and over and over as I walked along, I repeated John 6:37 and prayed, “You said, Lord Jesus, that if I come to You, You would receive me. You cannot lie! I’ve come to You. I believe in You. I know that You have received me.” By repeating that several times, it finally got through to my mind, my spirit, my heart and my soul. I’ve never doubted my eternal salvation since that time 64 years ago. Hallelujah!

Yours for all who are in Rome (our key verse) and for all who are in Canada, (where I am right now), and for all who are in the places where this blog is being read (where you are),

David

P.S. This is a blog for busy people, but Romans is such a powerful teaching book that if time permits, I suggest reading each chapter twice rather slowly so as to let the message saturate our entire beings!!!

MORE BLESSINGS

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 33-34

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 you can see what the breastplate would have looked like on the High Priest in Moses’ time. Each of the twelve tribes is represented before God by a precious stone. The Thummin and the Urim mentioned in today’s reading were there somewhere, but they remain mysterious objects of which we know very little. Perhaps they were instruments for testing God’s will such as casting lots (Deuteronomy 33:8).

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

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 33:27a

The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms…

Our reading begins with praise to God and then blessings on all the tribes except one, Simeon. In Genesis 49:5-7 both Simeon and Levi are cursed by their father, Jacob. All the other brothers are blessed. Moses and Aaron came from Levi, the tribe that became Israel’s priests. It remains a mystery why Levi was chosen for special service and Simeon was not. Perhaps Levi repented of the sins Jacob mentioned and Simeon did not. God always responds to a godly sorrow for sin, followed by a turning away from sin. Restoring our relationship with God is absolutely essential to experiencing the powerful promise found in our key verse. God blessed Moses. Jesus, Peter, James and John would later meet him on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I search my heart, confess my sin, and trust You for the gift of genuine repentance. Levi became the recipient of Your blessings, and his brother, Simeon, did not. I’m desperate for Your everlasting arms under me. I lean on Your arms today and every day. Thank You for Your promise of strong support. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Often over the years I have visited the modern expression of “The Promised Land”…Israel. Bible prophecy indicates the establishment of a nation state in the end times called “Israel.” The olive tree symbolizes the spiritual life of Israel; the fig tree symbolizes political Israel (Luke 21:29-31). I, as a Gentile believer in the King of the Jews, Jesus, have been grafted into the olive tree. Jews who believe in Jesus as Messiah, Saviour and Lord (there are thousands in Israel in many congregations) continue an expression of the original olive tree. Following the birth of Jesus’ Church (Acts 2), many thousands of Jews formed the first congregations of believers in Jesus. A non-Jew, Cornelius, was the first Gentile grafted into the olive tree (Acts 10). While modern Israel has come into being, let’s not forget that the modern state of Israel is not gathered in righteousness. For example, I’m told that in Israel abortion is legal and huge numbers of little ones are being torn apart in the wombs of Jewish mothers. Jesus’ last prophecy was about this (check out Luke 23:27-31). Let us never forget that God loves all people equally; Arabs and Jews all need to receive Jesus in order to be saved. We all need to come to Him and trust His promises (e.g. John 6:37). Tomorrow, God willing, I’ll do my blog from the book of Romans. I’ve just had a head-start by reading about the “olive tree.” It’s found in Romans 11:17-24 (click here to read with me).

Yours for God at work today with Jews, Arabs, and all the rest of us…and for the growth of the “olive tree” and its grafted-in branches, of which I believe I’m a little twig,

David

P.S. Yesterday I linked you to my Uncle’s book, Pebbles From The Brink, which gives the last words of the dying at a time before modern sedatives (If you missed it, here is the link again). Most people today are not conscious when they pass away. Many of the last sayings were from a time when believers, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, were persecuted and martyred by wicked leaders from both sides (e.g. Henry VIII). My Uncle featured Heaven and Hell statements from both sides of that great divide.  I hope we don’t automatically presume we are reading of only one side or the other. Below is a picture of my uncle, Rev. Manley C. Pritchard. He edited a weekly and also a monthly publication beginning approximately in 1910.

CONSIDER THE YEARS

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32

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 elderly man ponders Scripture while in the courtyard of the Western Wall next to the Temple Mount. He may be meditating on the words of Moses.

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

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 32:7

Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
Your elders, and they will tell you…

The song of Moses, poetry in the Hebrew language, is a spectacular way to present his last words. We have no idea of the tune he sang. It was no doubt in the minor key. It’s a sad sounding melody. According to available information, the scale for the major key arrived at some point as a more joyous sound in early Christianity. What a dramatic impact Moses made with his message. Ever since, it has been impossible for Jewish people to forget Moses.

Our key verse tells sons and daughters, as well as the following generations, to “ask your father.” How should a father answer? Deuteronomy 32:6 gives fathers, and mothers too, their instructions…”Set your hearts!” In Matthew 12:34b Jesus is quoted as saying, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Let us fill our minds with God’s Word and meditate on it. It will surely soak down into the very core of our beings, and the right words will flow out when we speak.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move the content of this two-year daily blog into my heart. May the thoughts expressed here faithfully communicate Your thoughts. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

During the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to follow Moses’ instructions. I’ve preached a bit to my children, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren. I didn’t preach a long sermon. Often it was just a sentence or two. Like Moses, I even sang a verse or two of a song.

One of my heroes is my uncle, Rev. Manley Pritchard, 21 years older than his sister, my mother (see photo below). My father was away during WW2 years, and my uncle filled in as a father sometimes. I can remember stern warnings, as well as good stories from him. He would be 138 years old if he was still here with us. His words still sound in my memories. He compiled a book which, in my opinion, should be back in print. It’s called, Pebbles From The Brink — “the brink” being the shore of the river of death (here is a link to an online version of the book…click on the pages to turn the page). The last words of dying people are often startling. Of course, Uncle Manley also included in his book the last words of Jesus, which were, according to John, who was there, “It is finished” (John 19:30). As a 12-year-old boy, I heard my dying mother’s last word. She laboured to say my name, “David.” I went to her side, kissed her and said through my sobs, “Mother, I’ll meet you in Heaven.” My dad reminded me several times that I added the words, “I will, I will.” I know I can have this assurance because Jesus “FINISHED” the work He came to earth to accomplish. His Cross is the bridge from this side of the river of death to the shores of Heaven.

Yours for wisdom to find the right words to say to our loved ones,

David

P.S. My sister Willa recently came across the photo below of our mother as a young girl with her parents and siblings (taken around the turn of the century). Mother is the precious little girl in the front (born Norma Hazel Pritchard). The man in the back is my Uncle Manley, whom I referred to above.

AN EXCITING FUTURE

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 31

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).

Children surround a mother as she tells of the past and shares wisdom. Moses said to gather the “little ones” that they may hear, learn and observe (Deuteronomy 31:12). These followers of Jesus encourage all who visit “The Nazareth Village” to follow Jesus too!

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

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 31:23b

Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the Children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.

Twice Moses said the words of our key verse to Joshua. We need to speak words of encouragement to leaders…Happy birthday Moses! (verse 2). For a reluctant leader, you’ve done fairly well. Yes, you’ve had some failures, and for that reason you are not leading your people into the Promised Land. You were a war-time leader. The nations through which you led the former slaves were determined to destroy you, but with the help of God, you won many battles. Now it’s up to the new leader to win the war. Moses, you showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration to encourage Jesus as He faced death in the most decisive battle in human history (Matthew 17:1-8). Thank you, Moses, for your faithfulness to God’s call.

It’s interesting to note the words “God said” and “Moses said.” Believing in the verbal inspiration of Scripture means that we have an accurate account. It’s good history. It doesn’t mean that Moses always, without fail, said and did all that God wanted him to say and do. After all, he was a human leader. Jesus always got it right. He’s the Leader we seek to follow (check out John 8:25-29).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Jesus, You ALWAYS said and did what pleased Your Father. Like Moses, I’m very human. I confess I made mistakes in my leadership. Because of these errors in judgment, I’ve not entered into all of Your perfect plans for me and for those I have led. I’ve asked forgiveness and You have granted it. Now I pray that You’ll guide and direct the new leadership, and please give me the grace to encourage them more and more. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I remember the old song, “Home On The Range.” Some of the words are, “…where seldom is heard a discouraging word.” I want so very much to be an encourager, particularly of our leadership in the Church, in missions and evangelism, yes, even in government, and specifically in the ministry that sponsors this blog, Crossroads Christian Communications Incorporated, both in Canada and in the USA. Crossroads has a worldwide vision for communicating the message of Jesus, both for people’s eternal salvation and also in obedience to Jesus, caring for those who need food, water, medical care, and in general all who need deliverance from evil. Click here to learn more about Crossroads.

Yours for encouraging God’s leaders. Let’s help them all to have the best year ever in God’s cause during this New Year!!!

David

THE POWER OF WORDS

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 29-30

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).

At Timna Park, 20 miles north of Eilat, a life-sized replica of the biblical Tabernacle has been constructed. While no original materials (e.g. gold, silver, bronze) have been used, the model is accurate in every other way based upon the biblical description. This “Holy Place” of the Tabernacle housed the golden lampstand, the altar of incense and table of showbread. The lampstand (menorah) was beaten and fashioned out of a single block of gold and had three branches coming out of each side of the central shaft. The seven lamps on top of the branches were likely round saucers with pinched rims which held the wick and olive oil.

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

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 30:14-15

But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil…

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my blog friends…May God bless you in amazing ways in this New Year!!!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). When God first called Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of slavery, Moses tried to avoid the task by telling God that he had problems speaking (check out Exodus 4:10-16). In our readings over the past few days, it’s obvious that after 40 years of leadership, Moses no longer had a problem speaking. Four times in today’s reading Moses stresses, “Keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do” (Deuteronomy 29:9).

The Apostle Paul quotes our key verse in Romans 10:8 and then gives us some powerful words of assurance of our eternal salvation. Romans 10:8-15 tells us that when we speak our faith in Jesus, who is Himself “the Word of God,” we truly have “life and good.” Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, thank You for the gift of speaking. Please grant that we will never speak “death and evil” by gossip, slander, half truths, and other destructive words. May my words always speak life and good in this New Year. I pray In the Name of the One whose words are most powerful, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In Grade 10 high school I was given a book of words. The title on the cover was “WORDS ARE IMPORTANT.” The student sitting next to me changed the title to read, “WORDS AREN’T IMPORTANT.” Learning new words every day was truly important, I discovered. When God made it clear to me that my vocation (calling) was to become an ordained minister of Christ, I realized that a large part of carrying out my responsibilities was my use of words. Words are my trade, my means of communicating God’s message to precious people. One of the greatest communicators during the 20th century was Malcolm Muggeridge. On the BBC, he debated such people as Bertrand Russell, the noted agnostic. In my opinion, Muggeridge won the debates. He and his wife Kitty appeared on 100 Huntley Street to give their witness for Christ. He also was our narrator for The Scroll, a musical masterpiece composed by Bruce Stacey, which was the centrepiece of our Crossroads sponsored pavilions at several World Expos. The epitaph on Muggeridge’s tombstone reads, “HE USED WORDS WELL.”

David

P.S. [Written January 1, 2017]  “WOW! It’s a New Year! On New Years eve I was presented with Superman pyjamas. Ron took my picture and his son Adam doctored it. God promises that if we wait on Him, among other things, we will mount up on wings as eagles.

Having fun with a Christmas gift from Norma-Jean…Superman onesie PJ’s!

BLESSINGS

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 28

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).

Looking east toward Masada, the dead remains of a tree and the cracked earth depicts the harshness of this desert area. This picture represents the world without the water of life. We choose “LIFE!” Jesus is the “LIVING WATER!” Jesus said to the woman at the well, “If you only knew the gift God has for you, and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you LIVING WATER!” At least twice in every daily 100 Huntley Street telecast, dry and thirsty souls are invited to come to Jesus and drink of Him. “LIVING WATER” is offered because people who love people give generously and sacrificially to bring JESUS’ LIVING WATER TO WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE!!!

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

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 28:2

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God…

In verse one of today’s reading, Moses makes it clear that he does not refer to all the previous rules and regulations he has given the people, but only that which he states “today.” In chapters 26 and 27, he repeats the word “today” four times. These chapters were all one message. In our readings to come, we’ll see why Israel brought blessings and curses upon themselves. There are 68 verses in Deuteronomy 28; only the first 14 have to do with blessings, 54 are about curses. What does that emphasis say to us? Obedience to God brings blessings, and disobedience brings curses. This is the principle of “sowing and reaping.” The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Let us remember always that every action has a consequence. Blessings “overtake” us, and so do curses. This is one of Moses’ final messages to all Israel. We may want to pay close attention.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Overtake me, Lord God, with Your blessings. Please give me the grace of obedience to these final commands given by Moses. Help me to know the difference between right and wrong and to always do what is right. Lord Jesus, You gave a prayer which made a sinful man right in God’s sight. I pray that prayer now… “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Amen! (check out Luke 18:9-14).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I remember when Rev. Don Osbourne told our staff chapel that while battling a serious illness he had dreamed of a highway with two cars travelling on it. The first car had written on its side the word “understanding.” The second car was marked “peace.” The “peace” car was seen to “overtake” and pass the first. Don realized that God was confirming to him that the peace which comes from God overtakes and surpasses our understanding (see Philippians 4:6-7). God gave peace to Don in the midst of illness and proceeded to heal him shortly thereafter. I have been so very blessed by people God has sent to work with me through the years. I have truly been overtaken by blessings!!!

Yours for God’s blessings,

David

P.S. There is still time to send the Crossroads ministry a year-end offering in an envelope and have it postmarked by December 31, or you could still call with credit card in hand 1-800-265-3100 and give your best final offering to the Lord’s work for this year. The address to write on your envelope is Crossroads, Box 5100, Burlington, ON, L7R 4M2. Or you can click HERE and donate online. As Founder of this Ministry, I personally ask you to help me, this 80-year-old unworthy Pastor/Evangelist, by sending to Crossroads an over-the-top offering. I LOVE YOU! The Vision continues regardless of when Jesus calls me from this life to the next.

AMEN!

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 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).

This plaque is on the door of the oldest Protestant church in Israel, Christ Church. The church is situated just inside the Jaffa Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. The plaque is written in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Jerusalem is the only city mentioned in the Bible for which we are specifically urged to pray. But what about your city and my city? Let’s pray fervently for our neighbours to come to know Christ. Pray that the soul-winning ministry of 100 Huntley Street will be more and more effective as we give to keep the ministry strong.

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

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 27:26

Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law by observing them. And all the people shall say, “Amen!”

It is understood that the laws to be written on the stones erected after crossing into the Promised Land were only those found here in Deuteronomy 27. To write all the laws of Moses in this way would be impossible. Whitewashing the stones and then writing on them, possibly with charcoal, would not be permanent as would engraving in the stones, as was the case with the Ten Commandments. Jesus gave us two laws which sum up all the Law. First, love God, and second, love our neighbour as ourselves (Luke 10:27). When the young man came to Jesus to ask about eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22), Jesus said, “Keep the commandments.” The youth replied, “Which ones?” Jesus gave only six and then went directly to the heart of the young man. Jesus said, “Sell what you have and give to the poor.” This revealed what was written on his heart. What commandments are written, not on tablets of stone, but on our hearts? (2 Corinthians 3:3). Let’s meditate on this throughout today. Amen!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, write on my heart Your Word, I pray. Grant me the grace to love You more, and to express this love by also loving my neighbour more. In Jesus’ Name I ask these mercies. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Throughout my childhood, I thought I understood that unless I kept certain rules, I was not going to Heaven when I died. By the time I was 15, I had given up on keeping the rules. Then at 16, in June of 1953, in a high school auditorium, I went forward at the invitation of an Evangelist. An older man opened his Bible and asked me to read John 6:37. I read the words of Jesus, “Him that comes to Me I will in no way cast out.” The man said, “You’ve come to Jesus, right?” I answered, “Yes.” Then the man said, “What does Jesus do when you come to Him?” I answered, “He receives me!” Instantly, I knew that my salvation was not about keeping certain rules, but about believing that Jesus would not lie, and that His Word is true. At that moment, I was transformed; I became a new creation; I was born into a new life in Jesus! I’ve just paused to sing the song, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus, Write on My Heart Every Word” (click here to sing along). My heart is filled with joy.

Yours for our hearts to be filled with Jesus!

David

P.S. I will be forever grateful that someone paid for the gasoline and gave me a ride from Pembroke, Ontario, to Ottawa (100 miles) the night I was saved. Lots of people gave in the offering that night to pay to rent the auditorium and to pay the cost to bring Evangelist Jack Wrytzen from New York City to Canada. Years later, Syd Healey, my boss at the garage where I worked part time while I was in high school, gave the first offering of $300.00 to start the Crossroads television ministry in 1962.