“BECAUSE I SAID SO!!!” – GOD

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 39-40

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

This bronze eagle, found in Pella Greece, is now on display at the Archaeological Museum. It sure looks like this eagle is “mounting up with wings,” as our key verse tells us. Let’s all stretch our wings and fly onward and upward in our relationship with God!!!

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

Key Verse: Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

In his book, Isaiah gives us God’s Word! Isaiah said to King Hezekiah, “Hear the Word of the Lord!” (39:5). Hezekiah would pray and God would answer through His Prophet. This was the way it was in Old Testament times. False prophets were plentiful and they would distort God’s message, or simply make up something and claim they had heard from God. This was a dangerous time for God’s people. They did not have the book of Isaiah, let alone Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As John wrote in his first chapter, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!!!” The Apostle Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:15-21 bring together “our Lord Jesus Christ” and “the prophetic Word.” Essentially, God summed up all He had to say to the world in His Son and our Saviour and Lord, Jesus. Read Matthew 17:1-8 and note the words, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased. HEAR HIM!!!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

O Lord God, I pray for grace to follow You so closely that I will know all that You are saying to me. You promised that “My sheep know My voice.” By this I know that I am hearing directly from You and not just from someone else speaking for You, as the true prophets like Isaiah did. You, Lord Jesus, are the One of Whom Isaiah wrote, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom” (Isaiah 40:11a). What assurance I have in the knowledge that You are holding me and that I am hearing from You! In Your Name, Jesus, I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m so glad I’m able to get to church regularly. I know that I hear New Testament prophecy, as described in Revelation 19:10b, “Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” On the birthday of the Church, Peter took as the text for his message the words of the Prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:14-21). Peter said that as the 120 spoke of Jesus on the streets of Jerusalem, they (sons, daughters, all of them), were prophesying. These were New Testament prophets. I want to daily share Jesus. In this understanding, when I do this blog each morning, I’m functioning as a New Testament prophet. And so are you when you share Jesus with someone!  A few years ago Pastor Kevin Shepherd launched a campaign for the New Year called, “Because I said so!” Most people in attendance signed up and were given a sticker to put in a prominent place. I put my sticker on the back of my cell phone. It reminds me that God’s promises can be relied upon! For the past two years I have received a text message each week with one of God’s promises selected by the Pastor. One of them was our key verse, and again I’m encouraged to “Wait on the Lord…mount up with wings as eagles.” Because God said so, we will “run and not be weary,” and “walk and not faint.”

Yours for hearing and understanding God’s Word to each one of us,

David

Some of my family members praying for me in the hospital, including my great-granddaughter Jadice, who was 3 years old in this photo. I’m deeply touched by the simple faith of a child.

POWER IN PRAYER

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 37-38

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

Many believe that this southeast corner of the Temple Mount area is what the Bible referred to as “the pinnacle of the Temple” (the place where Jesus was taken by Satan, who tempted Him to jump off because the angels would protect Him – Matthew 4:5-6). The southeast point is the highest point overlooking the Kidron Valley below. This temptation came when Jesus was nearing the end of an extended period of prayer and fasting. As we will see in today’s reading, prayer and a Word from God are the means whereby we receive strength to overcome every attack of Satan.

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

Key Verses: Isaiah 37:15-16

Then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, saying: “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth…”

Isaiah 37 teaches us that fervent prayer is effective to change circumstances in the world around us! Isaiah 38 teaches us that fervent prayer is effective to change our personal circumstances! In desperation, Hezekiah tears his royal robes, puts on sackcloth and goes to pray in the Temple. Isaiah’s advice to him was to “lift up your prayer!” (37:4b). When Hezekiah received the threatening letter, he again went to the House of the Lord, opened the letter, and “spread it before the Lord” (37:14). Then he “prayed to the Lord!” As a result, Isaiah received a message from God for Hezekiah…”Because you prayed to Me…!” On the personal matter of the terminal illness from which Hezekiah suffered, it appears that he may have just rolled over in his bed and “prayed to the Lord!” (38:2). As a result once again, Isaiah was sent to Hezekiah with God’s answer…”I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears, and I will add to your life 15 years!” (38:5). What is the message for us? PRAYER! PRAYER! and more PRAYER!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’m praying some of the words of Hezekiah. For national and international concern I pray, “THAT ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE LORD, YOU ALONE!!!” For my personal needs I reverse the words of Hezekiah in 38:1b and ask that I will “LIVE” and not “DIE.” Grant that I may “take root downward and bear fruit upward!” (37:31b). “Undertake for me!” (38:14b). I pray this in the Name of the One “Who…offered up prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears…” the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

[Note: This was originally written by David Mainse January 6, 2016]

It’s time for my personal testimony of healing! Two years ago the cancer specialist, oncologist/hematologist, who had originally diagnosed my MDS acute leukemia said, “Remarkable” and “Jaw dropping!” From what looked to me in the mirror like a rack of bones in August 2013, I have gained 30 pounds and even my grandsons were impressed to feel grandpa’s muscle. “Remarkable” is the right word. Thanks everyone for your prayers!!! Also, as Isaiah prescribed a human remedy to Hezekiah’s illness (a “poultice” – 38:21), a bone marrow test was just done at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, and I won’t have the report for several days yet. I believe that I may be like Hezekiah and have “15 more years.” Let’s see…in 15 years I’ll be 94! I can’t keep the smile off my face. Of course, like Paul, I long to depart and be with the Lord (read Philippians 1:19-26). But in God’s plan, I just may be needed down here for a while yet!

Yours for continuing in the centre of God’s will for our lives through prayer, prayer and more prayer, and through God’s intervention in response to our prayers,

David

SEARCH

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 34-36

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

This Book of the Lord was well used to the glory of God by my Father, Dr. Roy Lake Mainse. The notes attached are for a sermon entitled, “Time to be fully dressed.” If it is enlarged to the full size of the screen I can read his writing. He believed that we need to “Search from the Book.”

Key Verses: Isaiah 34:16a, 35:10

Search from the book of the Lord, and read:

Not one of these shall fail;

Not one shall lack her mate.

…And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,

And come to Zion with singing,

With everlasting joy on their heads.

They shall obtain joy and gladness,

And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Chapter 34 points out the desolation that will come upon Zion (Jerusalem) but the birds and animals will continue as usual. In Genesis chapter one, God created living creatures before He created man. To this day they find a mate and produce after their own kind. When we search the Book of the Lord, we find this to be a fact!

Chapter 35 is a beautiful promise of restoration. The words of our second key verse form a joyous song that we may have sung in the past (I unsuccessfully looked for a Youtube video of the song for us to link to).

Chapter 36 follows this promise with the terrifying threat against Jerusalem by Sennacherib’s mighty army. Sennacherib made two big mistakes. His messengers offended God by their over confidence in their own ability to conquer Jerusalem in spite of any intervention God might make. The Assyrian also overlooked a humble praying man, King Hezekiah. Sennacherib returned home leaving his dead army in the fields outside Jerusalem. In the temple of his god, his own sons murdered him as he worshipped. Click here for a poem by Lord Byron from 1815 that tells the Bible story.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, as I meditate on this story, I’m reminded that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10a). You are an awesome God! I rejoice in You with singing, and I am silent before Your all-powerful and eternally-wise judgments! Teach me more and more of Your ways, O Lord I pray! In the Name of the greatest Teacher ever, the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask these mercies. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

[Note: This was originally written by David Mainse January 5, 2016]

Yesterday I checked out of the Juravinski Cancer Centre where I was participating in an experimental treatment. I feel great! However, I’m aware that my physical condition, like my spiritual condition, is not dependant on feelings. I need to rest on fact (the doctor’s report) and Fact (Holy Scripture)!!!

Yours for Truth!!!

David

P.S. I’m already two years past my “Best before” date or my predicted “Expiry date.” God is in control.

THE KING OF KINGS, THE GREAT ROCK

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 32-33

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

Here the path goes under a great rock when making your way through Petra. Petra has been called, “The city half as old as time.” With amazing rock formations all over the lands of the Bible, it’s obvious why Bible writers likened our security, the solid foundations of our faith, and even the character of God to a “Great Rock.”

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

Key Verse: Isaiah 32:2

A man will be as a hiding place from the wind,

And a cover from the tempest,

As rivers of water in a dry place,

As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Isaiah ministered during the reign of four kings. Again and again Judah was under attack from surrounding nations and in danger of being destroyed. In this setting our key verse takes on added meaning. Isaiah’s call from God included a vision of the true King of the Universe! The prophetic message of Isaiah was to point his people to this King of Kings!!! To place our faith in any other source of apparent help is to court disaster. Political alliances and sophisticated weaponry are but false security. We can be like King Hezekiah who looked beyond present circumstances and focused on Almighty God!!! Read Isaiah’s vision of the Lord once again, and we’ll understand more fully the reason for his total confidence in God (Isaiah 6:1-8).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will remember the King that Micah 5:2 says will be born in Bethlehem. King Jesus, I’m celebrating Your birthday on each of 365 days this year! I give You my worship like the shepherds and, as modelled by the wise men, I give a present of myself and what I have as sacrificial offerings! I ask for grace to be faithful and not forgetful 24/7!!! I pray this before the eternal throne in Heaven in Jesus’ Sovereign Name! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

100words.ca is a love gift to King Jesus! My sons give of their time to this joyful effort, as do I. Reynold’s travel and time to take spectacular photos are his gift to us at no cost to the ministry of Crossroads. Thank you, my son, for your daily gifts! Ron’s gifts of preparing the format for this blog, monitoring it and posting it…along with his wife Ann’s help…is a gift of love to Jesus! Thank you, Ron and Ann, for your gifts! All who participate by sharing the blog with others are giving gifts of love to Jesus! I’m asking today that you share the blog with more people. If you have a Facebook, Instagram or twitter account, can you post a suggestion to all your friends today to check out 100words.ca? Remember that anyone can start with me any day and, in two short years, read the Bible cover to cover with the help of 100words.ca! I’m trusting God to help me do this every morning without fail, so that busy people will gain a more comprehensive understanding of God’s revelation to His human family. I pray that God will make this blog to be, as our key verse says, “Rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land!”

Yours so that we will learn to think the thoughts of God daily,

David

P.S. The photo below is of the Crossroads Centre. It is seen in the distance down below the Niagara Escarpment. It was taken by Ron with my iPhone camera from the top floor of the highrise where Norma-Jean and I had an apartment. My grandson, Adam, added the big red arrow and circle. From this Crossroads building flow “rivers of water!” Dry places around the world are irrigated by the electronic flow of God’s life-giving streams!!! The prayers and love gifts of God’s people make this possible!!!

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

QUIETNESS & CONFIDENCE

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 30-31

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

A series of public ritual purification baths (mikvot) were found on the south side of the Temple Mount. Because of the demanding laws regarding purity before entering holy places, the need for mikvots was high, and many have been discovered from 1st century Jerusalem. Larger ritual baths such as this one have a small divider wall called a “parapet” that separates the entrance steps from the exit steps, so that a person already cleansed (coming out) would not touch an “unclean” person (going in). I pray that 100words.ca will be a washing for each reader in preparation for a daily and constant experience of God’s holy Presence. “The washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26b).

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

Key Verse: Isaiah 30:15

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

But you would not…

As we move on into the New Year, let us “rest” in “quietness and confidence.” The secret of this “strength” is just the opposite to the frantic efforts of Isaiah’s contemporaries. We take counsel daily from God by reading His Words to us. We ask the Spirit of God to reveal to us the plans the Lord has for us. He doesn’t do this like a daily appointment calendar, but as the day unfolds He guides us step by step. Sometimes we need to just sit still while we wait for God. The Scripture tells us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Let’s all read Jeremiah 29:11-13, and in Matthew 11:25-30 we have Jesus’ recipe for rest.

Isaiah clearly points out that God did not need the horses and chariots of Egypt to protect His people. The Lord had spoken to Isaiah, assuring him of protection (31:4-5). God is watching over him and His people as a roaring, vicious lion, and as a bird watching over her nest to protect her chicks! Therefore, let the minutes, days, hours, weeks, and months of the New Year proceed. As Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Quiet my spirit, O Lord, I pray. I rest in the sure knowledge of Your full protection. My confidence is completely in You. I’m praying now, Lord, the “Our Father” prayer which Jesus taught as a model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

[Note: This was originally written by David Mainse January 3, 2016]

While resting in God’s plans for my life, I’m obeying Him in the care of my body as God’s Word instructs me. This present hospital stay is part of caring for my body. I confess that I have not cared for my body as I should have through the years. That’s probably the reason why I have the physical problems I have. Therefore, with God’s help, I intend to change. Together we’ll succeed in healing and strengthening our “Temples of the Holy Spirit,” our bodies. I feel well and Norma-Jean is scheduled to bring me home on Monday!

Yours for rest, confidence, good nutritious food, and all God’s blessings,

David

A SURE FOUNDATION

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 28-29

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

A couple of tourists enjoy the ruins that Josephus called a “most magnificent Palace.” Herod the Great built it on a promontory jutting out into the waters of Caesarea. The pool in the centre was nearly Olympic in size and was filled with fresh water. A statue once stood in the centre. Paul would have been imprisoned on the grounds of this Palace (Acts 23:35). Caesarea Maritima is a national park on the Israeli coastline, near modern Caesarea. In today’s reading God says, “Behold I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation!” (Isaiah 28:16a). Herod’s buildings have crumbled, but God is constructing a forever building!!!

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

Key Verse: Isaiah 29:18

In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.

There’s bad news on the way to the good news of our key verse. Six times Isaiah declares that “intoxicating drink” and drunkenness are bad news! Like this blog, hopefully, “precept upon precept [repeated], line upon line [repeated], here a little, there a little” (28:10) will cause us to understand the message! God will then use the people who speak other languages, the Assyrians and the Babylonians, to speak to His people, because they don’t listen well! It’s almost as if they had a pastor with a serious stammer trying his best to communicate. In 28:13 the people responded to Isaiah’s words with mockery, considering them unworthy of a hearing, repetitive, and boring. This resulted in backsliding, brokenness, and being caught in the snare of their own making. They brought it on themselves! Isaiah 28:16 tells us of the foundation upon which we should build our lives. A helpful New Testament reading is 1 Peter 2:4-8.

Isaiah 29 mentions “Ariel” several times. “Ariel” means in Hebrew, “Hearth of God,” and probably refers to the altar of burning coals in the Temple at Jerusalem. The people who offered their sacrifices were going through the motions of their religion but were not repenting for their sins! Therefore, they were bringing more judgment upon themselves. But God does not give up on His people. It turns around and our key verses kick in! Hallelujah!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will have Your grace to continue building my life on Your “sure foundation,” the measuring line (horizontal) and the plummet (vertical) being 100% governed by the position of Jesus Christ in my life, the “Precious Cornerstone!” I ask this in His Name! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve been impressed by the repetition of “black cummin” and “cummin” in today’s reading. My daughter, Ellen Shaheen, has become an expert cook in middle-eastern foods. She tells me that “black cummin” is caraway seed, and cummin is the spice that makes much of her food so delicious. In preparation for use, the seeds are “beaten out with a stick” (28:27) in order to remove the casings and to bring out the flavour of the spices. The “beating” Judah had by the Babylonians served to bring out the best in the people of God! Never again did the Jews turn to wholesale idolatry.

Yours for building in an excellent way the “temple” in which God desires to live and in which we live! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20),

David

P.S. I asked our daughter, Ellen, for samples of “cummin” and “black cumin” which are mentioned in today’s reading. She told me that the “cumin” has been ground into a fine powder and the “black cumin” or “caraway” is beaten to remove a shell. Isaiah gives us a word picture of what the Assyrians and Babylonians will do to Israel and Judah! I know from personal experience that the end result makes certain foods taste very good! (Isaiah 28:25-27)

PERFECT PEACE

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 26-27

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

An older woman in Nazareth Village teaches a young girl how to make a blanket from sheep wool. In our modern world where we are equipped with all kinds of supposed labour saving devices, we are too busy to take time to do such things. At least this is the case with most of us. Let us create an atmosphere of “Peace” in our homes by slowing down our frantic activities and by spending time with children and young people in order to pass on the knowledge of the good things of the past.

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

Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

Chapter 26 is a good example of what a “Happy New Year” should be! Our key verse speaks of “perfect peace” (literally in Hebrew, “Shalom shalom – peace peace”). A double peace to all our blog participants!!! In this New Year let us take “the way of the just!” (26:7). Let us say to the Lord, “I will seek You early!” These daily blogs posted early each morning should help make the New Year the best ever!!!

Chapter 27 tells that God will be victorious over Satan. This is symbolized by “The fleeing serpent…the twisted serpent!” (27:1). Let us determine to “Resist the Devil and he will flee!” (James 4:7 – read James 4:7-10) Jesus said to His followers, “I give you authority to trample on serpents…” (read Luke 10:17-20). Let’s trample on the fleeing serpent this New Year! The result? “Peace…peace” (27:5)

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Lord God, for the blessings of the past year. In the New Year I ask for Your power and authority to back me up as I resist the Devil. I know he is not continuing to harass me but he’s fleeing away at full speed. I take authority and order him to stay far away! I pray in the Name of the One from Whom Satan flees, Jesus Christ! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Our eldest son, David Reynold, was featured on yesterday’s blog as he reported from Haiti. Just before he and Kathy left for Africa, they hosted Norma-Jean and me for breakfast at 7 a.m.; we had fish-shaped pancakes and read all the Scriptures where Jesus spoke of fish. At 8:30 we visited the magnificent new Toronto aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Reyn took pictures (check out one of Norma-Jean and me below). At noon we ate at a fish diner, and then in the afternoon we went to the Ontario Science Centre with its “Under the Sea” Omnimax theatre production. Our kids said the theme of the day was inspired by our commitment to follow Jesus and to let Him make us “fishers of men!” They are now fishing for men, women, boys and girls in Uganda, Africa (click here for an update).

HAPPY NEW YEAR from me to you!!!

David

Norma-Jean and me at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Aquarium in Toronto. This day gave me constant reminders of Jesus’ Words, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19) This may be the best New Years Resolution ever! All I have to do is follow Jesus and He’ll “make me” all I should be!!!

TEARS

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 23-25

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

Mike Martin, a missionary to Turkey, stands in the ruins of Laodicea. Earthquakes through the centuries have destroyed many historic regions of the world. The Lord said in Revelation 3:16 of the Laodicean church concerning their faith and works, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!”

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

Key Verse: Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death forever,

And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces;

The rebuke of His people

He will take away from all the earth;

For the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 23 pronounces judgment. Tyre, the hometown of Jezebel, daughter of the King of Tyre and the Queen who introduced Baal worship to Israel, is to be destroyed. Today the site of Tyre is a barren wasteland on the coast of Lebanon. There are no houses and no harbour for the ships of Tarshish (Spain). Sidon is a flourishing city today.

Isaiah 24 gives us a description of some of the results of the separation of creation from its Creator because of the rebellion of men and women to whom God gave responsibility for the care of the Earth. Isaiah 24:19-20 describes a scene like the one in the photograph above. “The earth is violently broken…the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard.”

Isaiah 25 is filled with hope for mankind. God is never left without a plan for restoration. He is our Strength, our Refuge from the storm, and our Shade! “The Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces!” How gentle and caring He is to those who “have waited for Him” (25:8-9)!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, rebellious people and nations have brought disaster upon themselves, but as for me, I wait for You and You have promised Your help in time of trouble. I pray for the grace of waiting patiently for You! I ask this in and through the Name of Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve walked over the barren rocks where proud Tyre once stood. I’ve walked through the streets of Sidon and laughed with the children playing out in front of high-rise apartment buildings. The tragedy was that the terrorists stored their bombs in the basements of these buildings, knowing that the Israelis would never deliberately bomb childen. It’s all so very sad. The tears God will wipe away are not from self pity, but from the tragedy of human cruelty. May God have mercy on us all!

In the photo below, my son David Reynold, an ordained Minister and our professional photographer, is showing a minor example of Isaiah 24:19, “The Earth split open!” Click here for one of Reynold’s reports after returning from Haiti following the big earthquake of January 2010.

Yours for shedding tears and giving sacrificially!

David

On January 12th, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude quake struck Haiti. Reynold, who had served the people of Haiti previously, was sent there by the Board of Directors of Crossroads to asses how best to assist. Through the 100 Huntley Street television program and its relief and development arm, viewers and supporters of Crossroads/100 Huntley Street poured over $1,000,000 into aid for Haiti.

RETURN! COME BACK!

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 20-22

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

In Nazareth Village, a recreation of what 1st century life may have resembled, a 21st century actor playing a watchman stands guard, watching over his livestock and property from a watchtower. Five times in today’s reading we read the word “watchman.”

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

Key Verses: Isaiah 21:11b-12

…”Watchman, what of the night?

Watchman, what of the night?”

The watchman said,

“The morning comes, and also the night.

If you will inquire, inquire;

Return! Come back!”

In Chapter 20, Isaiah, naked while he preaches his message, will surely guarantee that he gets attention! (wearing a small loin cloth was also considered being naked). It’s often not enough to merely speak our message. Our words are useless unless people stop and listen. The upcoming New Year is not on Isaiah’s WATCH! It’s on our “WATCH!”

In Chapter 21 our key verses sum up the message to which Isaiah wants people to pay attention: “INQUIRE”…”RETURN”…”COME BACK!” Let us diligently watch for the moment of a turn-around decision in people’s lives. Let us keep a sharp eye out for that time when our family members and others with whom we come into contact are ready to inquire, return, and come back to God! We must not miss those opportunities; they may come only once!

In Chapter 22 Jerusalem is the focus. The Tyropean Valley is in the very heart of the city between Mount Zion and Mount Moriah. Today, it is filled with the rubble from the destructions caused by numerous invading armies. This filled-up valley is paved over now and forms the area in front of the famous Wailing Wall, where Jews pray fervently for the restoration of the Temple of God and for His coming Kingdom. It may have been in this valley that Isaiah received his visions of the future.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I may be wide awake, watching carefully so as not to miss the moment of decision in precious lives. At that precise instant, may I get attention not for myself but to call for a decision for Christ! I pray for wisdom, because You said, “He [or she] who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). I pray this in the Name of the One Who never missed an opportunity to call people to “inquire, return, and come back” to God, the Lord Jesus, Himself! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It was in Pembroke that I first gave the message of Jesus on TV (1962). There was only one TV signal people could receive and Crossroads was there at 11:30 pm Saturday nights. People paid attention and some inquired, turned to Jesus and were saved. Just prior to this, Syd Healey, a Pembroke businessman, had pushed a cheque for $300.00 across his desk to pay for the start-up of the Crossroads TV ministry. He surely got my attention! I knew for sure that God wanted to use television for His message to all people. I’m very thankful that God did not ask me to do what He asked Isaiah to do in order to draw attention to the message!!!

Yours for making sure we have people’s attention and then for driving home the message of Jesus!!!

David

P.S. Billions of precious people are watching television, their computer screens, laptops, iPads, smart phones, etc. Crossroads is all over the world in effective attention-getting ways. It’s our “WATCH!” Please pray fervently for God’s direction for the leadership team of Crossroads.

A HIGHWAY

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 17-19

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

Looking from Israel towards the East, a highway leads down to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, which you can see in the distance with the mountains of Moab and Mount Nebo, Jordan, further behind. Today’s reading tells us about a “Highway.” This was a steep gravel road when my parents were here in 1924 on their honeymoon. They had to back up this hill because otherwise their 1914 model T Ford, with gravity feed for the gas, would run out of gas.

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

Key Verses: Isaiah 19:20, 23, 25b

And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them…In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians… Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.

Our key verses about Egypt, Assyria, and Israel are most surprising! Isaiah, the prophet of Judah, could be accused of aiding and abetting the mortal enemies of Israel. Assyria had destroyed the northern ten tribes, and Judah had been invaded and harassed again and again by Egypt. Yet here, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Isaiah looks beyond the past and present to a glorious future when people from every nation would be called, “The people of God.” That’s true today, and someday soon the nations themselves will acknowledge the God of Israel, His Son and our Saviour and Lord!!! For a New Testament reading concerning people of all nations, check out Ephesians 2:11-19 and Matthew 25:31-34!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Isaiah carried a deep concern for all people and nations. I pray for a greater concern for their well being. May I have a greater heart for world missions, and may I pray and give more sacrificially than ever before! I even state in Your presence, as Isaiah did, “Here am I, send me!” I pray this in the Name of the One Who gave Himself to all people and to the whole world, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I read the key verses several times when I served as an accredited reporter to President Jimmy Carter’s last and most crucial visit to Jerusalem. In my mind’s eye I could envision the highway from Egypt to Assyria when I heard President Carter say to the Israeli Parliament, “The people want peace!” I won’t tell the whole story here, but it is sufficient to say that for the only time in my life, when I was approached by live radio hosts in both the Hebrew and Arabic languages for a interview, I believe I experienced a prophetic word such as Isaiah received. I encourage everybody to get my latest book entitled, This far by Faith, and find this story on page 48 (click here for information on how to get one of these books).

Yours for the highway, not just between Egypt and Assyria, through Israel, but to the east, the west, the north and the south, into all nations!

David

P.S. The photos below were taken by my son Ron through a helicopter window above the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario (a good friend of the ministry, Tony Ketalaars, took Ron for a flight over the city a while back). Next to our building, the one closest to the the highway, you can see the busy intersection of three major highways…403, 407, and the Q.E.W. From here at this crossroads, the Word of the Lord goes out to the whole world. Your prayers and support puts in the fuel, not in a Model T Ford, but in the most futuristic means of moving throughout the whole world! Thanks for helping to keep our gas tanks full! Amen!!!