Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 4
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and grandchildren.
Words repeated in a chapter stand out: “Take heed” (3 times); “Observe” (3 times); and “Possess” (4 times). I believe God wants us to pay attention to Him, carefully scrutinize His Word and our response, and then assimilate what we are learning. This will equip us to pass on our stories to the next generations, and for us personally, “That you may live” (vs 1). Also, “Lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life” (vs 9). Another reason to take heed, observe and possess is, “Lest you act corruptly” (vs 16). How about, “Lest you forget?” (vs 23). The result of our diligence is found in verses 29-31. Please take the time to read them.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I can’t do this on my own, nevertheless I’ll give it my best. My best won’t be enough Lord. Therefore I ask you for sufficient grace to fully “Take Heed,” “Observe,” and “Possess.” Through the person and work of Jesus, the One who did it right, I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Telling my stories to my children and grandchildren is not only a joy for this old man, it’s an act of obedience to God. On the wall of Norma-Jean’s special room, is a framed front-page photo from the National Post. It’s of Stephen Harper (who would become Prime Minister in 3 days) holding my great-granddaughter, Noelle Neilson. His campaign bus stopped in front of Noelle’s home in Waterdown, Ontario. Meanwhile, I had a book of photographs from the 1948 Stanley Cup Champions, the Toronto Maple Leafs, that I thought Stephen Harper would enjoy, knowing that he’s a big hockey fan and is writing a book on hockey. I had prayed, “Lord, I have no idea how to get this book into Stephen’s hands; can You help me?” Now back to that surprise street visit: Mr. Harper asked Noelle’s Mom, my granddaughter Sheryl, “Who is this child?” She said, “This is David Mainse’s great-granddaughter.” He responded, “Tell David I’m going to call him next week.” The day after the election, as I was walking into a nursing home, my cell phone rang. It was our new PM. I presented these historical photos to him in Ottawa the following week. Hebrews 11:6 says, “He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
