Sunday, April 26, 2015

SUCCESSOR

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 2

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

 

King David’s Tomb is a site traditionally viewed as the burial place of David, King of Israel. It is located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, near the Hagia Maria Sion Abbey.

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

 

Key Verse: 1 Kings 2:3

And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.

King David’s final words to his son Solomon resembles those spoken by Moses to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-13). Two towering historical people, Moses and David, make for interesting character studies. Great care was taken by the writers of Scripture to be accurate. Most histories written about an absolute ruler are coloured to make the monarch look much better than reality, but not the Bible. It tells it like it really was.
David had a good idea what it will take for his son to have a successful reign. The twelve tribes were filled with people who would be extremely difficult to rule. This was 500 years before democracy arose in Greece. Since Israel had rejected God’s rule through judges, who would be recognized as leaders only when needed, the prediction of Samuel as to the actions of kings was now a reality. The often-quoted statement, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” will be shown to be true as we move through the sad history of the next 500 years. Some of what David says is good advice for us too: “Keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways.” Amen!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for grace to obey Your instructions in all matters. With all my heart and mind, I desire to walk in Your ways. In the Name of Jesus, the only One who ever walked 100% of the time in Your ways, I ask this request. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My son, Ron, on the 100 Huntley Street telecast has mentioned that five of the Circle Square Ranches were given by Crossroads four years ago to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to join with their already very successful Pioneer Camps. The other ranches are now operated by other worthy ministries. It’s time to register our children and our teens at a Christian summer camp. Check out the camp nearest you, run by various Christian organizations across Canada…click here. Or if you’re in the USA, click here. When I first received the vision from God for the Circle Square Ranch ministry, I became convinced that an in-depth work of God’s Spirit and His Word could be accomplished in one week at a Bible camp, more than in any other way, such as seven Sundays in Sunday School. Don’t get me wrong. I’m the biggest fan of faithful Sunday School attendance. But that concentrated week, day and night, at camp is very, very effective. Because of the television opportunities we enjoyed, our registration records showed approximately 60% of the campers came from homes where the children had no church background. From 1978 to 2010, Circle Square Ranches hosted approximately 250,000 children and teens for at least a week each. It has been estimated that as many as 100,000 of these infinitely precious souls made first-time decisions to give their lives to Jesus. I’m praying fervently for a great response this summer at every camp which is committed to serving Jesus.

Yours for future generations of followers of Christ. “Indeed, [One] greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11:31b),

David

P.S. Speaking of “future generations of followers of Christ,” I had the privilege of attending my grandson’s Bible College graduation yesterday. Congratulations to Eric David Mainse and his wife Kara on their graduation from Master’s College and Seminary (formerly Eastern Pentecostal Bible College, from which I graduated 56 years ago!). Below is a photo of me with the grads.

With my grandson Eric Mainse (Ron & Ann's son) and his wife Kara after their graduation ceremony, April 25, 2015.

With my grandson Eric Mainse (Ron & Ann’s son) and his wife Kara after their graduation ceremony, April 25, 2015.

8 thoughts on “Sunday, April 26, 2015

  1. Congratulations to Eric and Kara! Fantastic photo, David! Very symbolic– your grandson (and his wife) graduating from Master’s College and Seminary and carrying the torch forward in the legacy of the Mainse family. All for the glory of our Risen King to spread forth the gospel throughout the world–amen.

    Though I disliked the womanizing side of him, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about King David throughout the old testament. Looking forward to reading about Solomon’s throne following the end of his father’s reign. God bless you dearest saints, today!

  2. How special; King David, as a father’s blessing his son, Solomon extending words of wisdom and encouragement.
    You too Rev. David Mainse, your constant encouragement extended to your sons and extended family. Leaving a legacy for them to follow!!
    Thank you for sharing…special photo of King David’s tomb…
    also of your beautiful children Eric and Kara…Rev. David…you are being rewarded for your faithfulness as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather!!

  3. abortions are a HUGH subject! this is just my opinion: men and women need to take more responsibility when planning to have children, I also know that there are some circumstances that would require an abortion, In My Opinion, I sometimes feel it has become an “easy” thing to do when one is pregnant and did not plan for such pregnancy! AGAIN, THIS IS JUST MY OPINION! I had miscarriages and that affected me greatly! I was thankful I did not have to make the decision to have an abortion! AGAIN, THIS IS JUST MY OPINION!

    The old Testament readings are harsh!

    off to swimming, blessings to everyone

  4. Beautiful picture of the three of you. I had the privilege of going to a great Christian camp as a child. In those days the camp was for 2 weeks. That camp made a great impact on my life. (I think that camp is also just 1 week now). Maybe the expense of owning property, etc. has made 2 week camps a bit too expensive for many but they would be blessed by a one week opportunity.

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