Through the Bible - Numbers 23-25
Good morning,
Do you remember your father coming home from work at a regular time for dinner? You could recognize the sound of your family car, the car door closing and the door of your house opening and you knew your dad was home. Perhaps you are the dad and one of your kids is experiencing this now.
What happened when you did something wrong or had a bad report card? You probably didn't go to meet your dad at the door.
That was the picture that I got this morning when I read Genesis 3:8-9
Gen 3:8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" NKJV
I wonder what the "sound of the Lord walking in the garden" was, perhaps it was the rustling of leaves on the ground or in the trees. Whatever it was Adam and Eve recognized it and up until now must have looked forward to the encounter.
But something had changed, they had sinned, and now were trying to hide from God. But they couldn't hide, not really, God knew where they were.
Man had turned away but God was calling to him.
MacArthur comments, "God appeared, as before, in tones of goodness and kindness, walking in some visible form..... He came not in fury, but in the same condescending way He had walked with Adam and Eve before."
What had been a beautiful, perfect relationship had become one of fear.
Have we tried doing the same thing when we've sinned, to hide from God? Who acts to restore the relationship. Is your relationship strained right now? God may be calling to you in the same verse, where are you? Where have you been? Will you respond? How will you respond?
Is there a strain in another relationship? Will you be the peacemaker?
Matt 5:8-9
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
Gen 3:1-16
The Temptation and Fall of Man(Rom 5:12-21)
3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"
2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'"
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" 10 So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."
11 And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"
12 Then the man said,"The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate."
13 And the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"
The woman said,"The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:
"Because you have done this,You are cursed more than all cattle,And more than every beast of the field;On your belly you shall go,And you shall eat dustAll the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmityBetween you and the woman,And between your seed and her Seed;He shall bruise your head,And you shall bruise His heel."
1
NKJV
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Verse of the Day - weekend 2/23
Through the Bible - Saturday Numbers 18-20, Mark 11, Sunday - Numbers 21-22, Mark 12
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll once again turn to the Psalms.
Earlier this week I had been reading in Matthew 5, the Beatitudes about the "pure in heart".
Ligonier Ministries' Tabletalk Magazine this week stated " the pure in heart receive God's blessing and will one day see Him (Matt.5:8). Jesus' instruction in this verse is not new information for those well versed in the Old Testament. It is based on Psalm 24, which says that only those with "clean hands and a pure heart" can stand in the Lord's presence (Ps. 24:3-4). According to Augustine, seeing God face to face when He renews all things is the end and purpose of all our loving activity. This privilege is only for those who have hearts characterized by purity."
Ps 24:3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully. NKJV
Today's verse comes a little further on in the psalm:
Ps 24:5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. NKJV
The blessing and the righteousness spoken of are gifts from God, of His grace.
Referring back to verse 4, MacArthur writes that the person with these qualities signify "basic integrity of inward motive and outward manner."
Thinking of Jacob here I think of the man who wrestled with God all night and wouldn't let go until He blessed Him (Gen. 32:28). Jacob left the encounter with a bad hip but a change in heart.
Think back now to the encounters of the last couple of days with Paul and Moses. These "close encounters" with God changed them. Have you had a close encounter that has changed you?
Will you seek Him and worship Him with a pure heart this weekend?
Let us be a generation who seeks after God with clean hands and a pure heart and not like those that Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 1:
Isa 1:12-18
12 "When you come to appear before Me,Who has required this from your hand,To trample My courts? 13 Bring no more futile sacrifices;Incense is an abomination to Me.The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feastsMy soul hates;They are a trouble to Me,I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands,I will hide My eyes from you;Even though you make many prayers,I will not hear.Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good;Seek justice,Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless,Plead for the widow. NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
Ps 24:1-25:1
The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.
24 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness,The world and those who dwell therein. 2 For He has founded it upon the seas,And established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,Who seek Your face.Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?The Lord strong and mighty,The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!Lift up, you everlasting doors!And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts,He is the King of glory.Selah
NKJV
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll once again turn to the Psalms.
Earlier this week I had been reading in Matthew 5, the Beatitudes about the "pure in heart".
Ligonier Ministries' Tabletalk Magazine this week stated " the pure in heart receive God's blessing and will one day see Him (Matt.5:8). Jesus' instruction in this verse is not new information for those well versed in the Old Testament. It is based on Psalm 24, which says that only those with "clean hands and a pure heart" can stand in the Lord's presence (Ps. 24:3-4). According to Augustine, seeing God face to face when He renews all things is the end and purpose of all our loving activity. This privilege is only for those who have hearts characterized by purity."
Ps 24:3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully. NKJV
Today's verse comes a little further on in the psalm:
Ps 24:5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. NKJV
The blessing and the righteousness spoken of are gifts from God, of His grace.
Referring back to verse 4, MacArthur writes that the person with these qualities signify "basic integrity of inward motive and outward manner."
Thinking of Jacob here I think of the man who wrestled with God all night and wouldn't let go until He blessed Him (Gen. 32:28). Jacob left the encounter with a bad hip but a change in heart.
Think back now to the encounters of the last couple of days with Paul and Moses. These "close encounters" with God changed them. Have you had a close encounter that has changed you?
Will you seek Him and worship Him with a pure heart this weekend?
Let us be a generation who seeks after God with clean hands and a pure heart and not like those that Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 1:
Isa 1:12-18
12 "When you come to appear before Me,Who has required this from your hand,To trample My courts? 13 Bring no more futile sacrifices;Incense is an abomination to Me.The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feastsMy soul hates;They are a trouble to Me,I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands,I will hide My eyes from you;Even though you make many prayers,I will not hear.Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good;Seek justice,Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless,Plead for the widow. NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
Ps 24:1-25:1
The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.
24 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness,The world and those who dwell therein. 2 For He has founded it upon the seas,And established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,Who seek Your face.Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?The Lord strong and mighty,The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!Lift up, you everlasting doors!And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts,He is the King of glory.Selah
NKJV
Friday, February 22, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/22
Through the Bible - Numbers 15-17, Mark 10
Good morning,
Alec Motyer, who wrote a concise commentary on the book of Isaiah, writes "we do ourselves no favors by calling the first part of our Bibles the "Old Testament". Why, the very title suggests something bygone. Of course we are too far down the road to discard this description, but we need constantly to recall that the Lord Jesus would not have understood it. To Him, what we call the Old Testament was simply "the Scriptures" (John 5:39) or the "Word of God" (Mark 7:13). So how can it be bygone? Rather it lives and abides forever (Isa. 40:8), and if we do not find the inspired words of the prophets gripping, the fault most surely be ours."
If you are following a read through the Bible plan which includes the "Old Testament" you've probably been in the books of Leviticus and Numbers recently and may have "hit the wall". I would encourage you to "keep a goin".
Today's verse comes from Exodus 33 where Moses shows the same heart for his people as Paul did in the New Testament for those he was ministering to.
Ex 33:13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." NKJV
This devotional would not be complete without also looking at verse 15:
Ex 33:15-"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. NKJV
This is a well know passage primarily remembered for Moses' call later in the passage to "show me your glory" and the glory of the Lord passed before him.
But here, Moses clearly indicates that without God's presence they would be no different from the other nations and would not have His blessing. He was not looking for personal glory, he wanted to see God's glory and wanted the people of Israel to see it as well, above the things, the temptations of this world.
Read the passage below. Consider what it shows you about the heart of Moses, the heart of God. Consider what it reveals to you about your heart.
Think of things that the "Old Testament" has already taught you to this point this year.
In Christ,
Mike
Ex 33:12-34:1
The Promise of God's Presence
12 Then Moses said to the Lord, "See, You say to me, 'Bring up this people.' But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said,'I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.' 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." 14 And He said,"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
15 Then he said to Him,"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth."
17 So the Lord said to Moses,"I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."
18 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory."
19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 20 But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." 21 And the Lord said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22 So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."
M
NKJV
Good morning,
Alec Motyer, who wrote a concise commentary on the book of Isaiah, writes "we do ourselves no favors by calling the first part of our Bibles the "Old Testament". Why, the very title suggests something bygone. Of course we are too far down the road to discard this description, but we need constantly to recall that the Lord Jesus would not have understood it. To Him, what we call the Old Testament was simply "the Scriptures" (John 5:39) or the "Word of God" (Mark 7:13). So how can it be bygone? Rather it lives and abides forever (Isa. 40:8), and if we do not find the inspired words of the prophets gripping, the fault most surely be ours."
If you are following a read through the Bible plan which includes the "Old Testament" you've probably been in the books of Leviticus and Numbers recently and may have "hit the wall". I would encourage you to "keep a goin".
Today's verse comes from Exodus 33 where Moses shows the same heart for his people as Paul did in the New Testament for those he was ministering to.
Ex 33:13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." NKJV
This devotional would not be complete without also looking at verse 15:
Ex 33:15-"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. NKJV
This is a well know passage primarily remembered for Moses' call later in the passage to "show me your glory" and the glory of the Lord passed before him.
But here, Moses clearly indicates that without God's presence they would be no different from the other nations and would not have His blessing. He was not looking for personal glory, he wanted to see God's glory and wanted the people of Israel to see it as well, above the things, the temptations of this world.
Read the passage below. Consider what it shows you about the heart of Moses, the heart of God. Consider what it reveals to you about your heart.
Think of things that the "Old Testament" has already taught you to this point this year.
In Christ,
Mike
Ex 33:12-34:1
The Promise of God's Presence
12 Then Moses said to the Lord, "See, You say to me, 'Bring up this people.' But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said,'I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.' 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." 14 And He said,"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
15 Then he said to Him,"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth."
17 So the Lord said to Moses,"I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."
18 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory."
19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 20 But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." 21 And the Lord said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22 So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."
M
NKJV
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/21
Through the Bible - Numbers 13-14
Good morning,
There are many today, who call themselves Christians, that do not believe that there is a devil, or evil spirits that work against us.
Today's passage in Ephesians 6 tells us something quite different. Paul instructs us to put on the "full armor of God" and to fight this battle in the power of His might(v.10).
Having put on this armor he calls for us to pray always (v.18).
Today's verses follow that:
Eph 6:19-20 and (pray) for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. NKJV
Paul is writing this epistle from prison, but notice what he prays for. He's not asking for prayer for deliverance from prison, for his personal well being or comfort. He is praying for the strength and courage to continue to proclaim the gospel as an ambassador for Christ, carrying His message, doing His will.
We may be struggling with difficult situations in regards to our health, work, relationships and it is natural to pray for deliverance, for relief in these instances. But can you remember the last time, if ever, that you prayed like Paul, that you may be a stronger witness for Christ in the midst of the circumstance while you feel chained in your surroundings with no relief in sight?
It's quite a challenge but one that Paul and that God has called us to do.
John Calvin writes, "Christ says that those are happy, who are not only prepared to endure their own afflictions, but to take a share in the afflictions of others - who assist the wretched - who willingly take part with those who are in distress."
Are you willing to go the "extra mile" in these kind of circumstances?
For additional reading go to Matthew 5:3-12.
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 6:10-24
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
A Gracious Greeting
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
NKJV
Good morning,
There are many today, who call themselves Christians, that do not believe that there is a devil, or evil spirits that work against us.
Today's passage in Ephesians 6 tells us something quite different. Paul instructs us to put on the "full armor of God" and to fight this battle in the power of His might(v.10).
Having put on this armor he calls for us to pray always (v.18).
Today's verses follow that:
Eph 6:19-20 and (pray) for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. NKJV
Paul is writing this epistle from prison, but notice what he prays for. He's not asking for prayer for deliverance from prison, for his personal well being or comfort. He is praying for the strength and courage to continue to proclaim the gospel as an ambassador for Christ, carrying His message, doing His will.
We may be struggling with difficult situations in regards to our health, work, relationships and it is natural to pray for deliverance, for relief in these instances. But can you remember the last time, if ever, that you prayed like Paul, that you may be a stronger witness for Christ in the midst of the circumstance while you feel chained in your surroundings with no relief in sight?
It's quite a challenge but one that Paul and that God has called us to do.
John Calvin writes, "Christ says that those are happy, who are not only prepared to endure their own afflictions, but to take a share in the afflictions of others - who assist the wretched - who willingly take part with those who are in distress."
Are you willing to go the "extra mile" in these kind of circumstances?
For additional reading go to Matthew 5:3-12.
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 6:10-24
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
A Gracious Greeting
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
NKJV
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/20
Through the Bible - Numbers 10-12, Mark 9
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 4 where we have the account of Jesus meeting the woman at the well. For me it's one of those passages that becomes more and more "remarkable" each time I read it.
Jesus came to a well, to a plot of ground that Jacob had given to Joseph. He must have thought back to the name that Jacob had given to the place where he built an alter to "God, the God of Israel". As the woman came to the well he may have thought about Rebekah coming to the well and offering water.
The woman was not prepared for what was about to happen. This well was deep and required effort to draw it out. Jesus offered water that would "spring up" (v.14) and become a fountain.
She knew something of the worship of her "fathers" but did not know "God, the God of Israel" of her fathers, at least not until now.
Today's verse comes later in the passage when she realized that she had seen the "Messiah".
John 4:29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.
NKJV
This woman who had been living in adultery, who had come to the well at midday to avoid the crowds, now goes and tells the men of the city about Jesus.
She had been turned into a new person. The living water that Jesus gave her was now "springing up" and running over to those who she told about Jesus.
What kind of change has Jesus brought in your life? Is the living water springing up in you?
She was now truly worshipping (v24). MacArthur comments that Jesus point was "that a person must worship not simply by external conformity to religious rituals and places (outwardly), but inwardly (in spirit) with the proper heart attitude. The reference to truth refers to worship of God consistent with the revealed scripture and centered on the Word made flesh who ultimately revealed His Father."
Read the passage and see what it has to say to you today.
In Christ,
Mike
John 4:1-31
4 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.
5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."
11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."
15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."
16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."
17 The woman answered and said, "I have no husband."
Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,' 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly."
19 The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
25 The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things."
26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."
The Whitened Harvest
27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or, "Why are You talking with her?"
28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.
3
NKJV
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 4 where we have the account of Jesus meeting the woman at the well. For me it's one of those passages that becomes more and more "remarkable" each time I read it.
Jesus came to a well, to a plot of ground that Jacob had given to Joseph. He must have thought back to the name that Jacob had given to the place where he built an alter to "God, the God of Israel". As the woman came to the well he may have thought about Rebekah coming to the well and offering water.
The woman was not prepared for what was about to happen. This well was deep and required effort to draw it out. Jesus offered water that would "spring up" (v.14) and become a fountain.
She knew something of the worship of her "fathers" but did not know "God, the God of Israel" of her fathers, at least not until now.
Today's verse comes later in the passage when she realized that she had seen the "Messiah".
John 4:29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.
NKJV
This woman who had been living in adultery, who had come to the well at midday to avoid the crowds, now goes and tells the men of the city about Jesus.
She had been turned into a new person. The living water that Jesus gave her was now "springing up" and running over to those who she told about Jesus.
What kind of change has Jesus brought in your life? Is the living water springing up in you?
She was now truly worshipping (v24). MacArthur comments that Jesus point was "that a person must worship not simply by external conformity to religious rituals and places (outwardly), but inwardly (in spirit) with the proper heart attitude. The reference to truth refers to worship of God consistent with the revealed scripture and centered on the Word made flesh who ultimately revealed His Father."
Read the passage and see what it has to say to you today.
In Christ,
Mike
John 4:1-31
4 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.
5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."
11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."
15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."
16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."
17 The woman answered and said, "I have no husband."
Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,' 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly."
19 The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
25 The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things."
26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."
The Whitened Harvest
27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or, "Why are You talking with her?"
28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.
3
NKJV
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/19
Through the Bible - Numbers 8-9, Mark 8
Good morning,
As Christians I think that we've all been in situations and times in our lives where we have had a hard time figuring out what the "will of the Lord" is.
One of the best ways to help determine what it might be is to hold up the various options before us and see how they stack up against scripture. If an option would clearly (or even not so clearly) contradict scripture we should have assurance that it would not be the Lord's will.
For today's verse we'll go to the book of Ephesians, a book which is filled with practical advice for Christians.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NKJV
The preceeding verse tells us to "walk circumspectly", being aware of what is going on in the world around us, not with blinders on.
We are to see what is going on in the world around us, hold it up to the Word of God, and have a better idea of how we should walk.
Arthur Pink writes:
The Word of God furnishes us with just principles, right
apprehensions, to govern our judgments and affections,
thereby influencing and regulating our conduct. Those
who study the Scriptures in humble dependence upon
divine teaching, are convinced of their own weakness.
They are taught to make a true estimate of everything
around them and are gradually formed into a spirit of
submission to the will of God. They discover the nature
and duties of their situations and relations in life, and
the snares and temptations to which they are exposed.
The Word of God dwelling in them is . . .
a preservative from error,
a light to their feet, and
a spring of strength and consolation.
By treasuring up in his mind the doctrines, precepts,
promises, exhortations, and warnings of Scripture; and
by diligently comparing himself with the rule by which
he is to walk--the Christian grows into a habitual frame
of spiritual wisdom. He acquires a gracious taste which
enables him to judge of right and wrong with a degree of
readiness and certainty--as a musical ear judges sounds;
so that he is rarely mistaken, because he is influenced by
the love of Christ which rules in his heart, and a regard
for the glory of God. Moreover, God has promised to show
Himself strong on behalf of the one whose heart is perfect
toward Him. He does this by regulating His providences,
and causing all things to work together for his good.
Our daily walk is to be ordered by God's Word. In
proportion as it is so, we will be kept in His will and
preserved from folly and sin.
(Arthur Pink)
May it be our goal every day to "walk with the Lord in the light of His Word" as the song Trust and Obey tells us.
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 5:15-22
Walk in Wisdom
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. NKJV
Good morning,
As Christians I think that we've all been in situations and times in our lives where we have had a hard time figuring out what the "will of the Lord" is.
One of the best ways to help determine what it might be is to hold up the various options before us and see how they stack up against scripture. If an option would clearly (or even not so clearly) contradict scripture we should have assurance that it would not be the Lord's will.
For today's verse we'll go to the book of Ephesians, a book which is filled with practical advice for Christians.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NKJV
The preceeding verse tells us to "walk circumspectly", being aware of what is going on in the world around us, not with blinders on.
We are to see what is going on in the world around us, hold it up to the Word of God, and have a better idea of how we should walk.
Arthur Pink writes:
The Word of God furnishes us with just principles, right
apprehensions, to govern our judgments and affections,
thereby influencing and regulating our conduct. Those
who study the Scriptures in humble dependence upon
divine teaching, are convinced of their own weakness.
They are taught to make a true estimate of everything
around them and are gradually formed into a spirit of
submission to the will of God. They discover the nature
and duties of their situations and relations in life, and
the snares and temptations to which they are exposed.
The Word of God dwelling in them is . . .
a preservative from error,
a light to their feet, and
a spring of strength and consolation.
By treasuring up in his mind the doctrines, precepts,
promises, exhortations, and warnings of Scripture; and
by diligently comparing himself with the rule by which
he is to walk--the Christian grows into a habitual frame
of spiritual wisdom. He acquires a gracious taste which
enables him to judge of right and wrong with a degree of
readiness and certainty--as a musical ear judges sounds;
so that he is rarely mistaken, because he is influenced by
the love of Christ which rules in his heart, and a regard
for the glory of God. Moreover, God has promised to show
Himself strong on behalf of the one whose heart is perfect
toward Him. He does this by regulating His providences,
and causing all things to work together for his good.
Our daily walk is to be ordered by God's Word. In
proportion as it is so, we will be kept in His will and
preserved from folly and sin.
(Arthur Pink)
May it be our goal every day to "walk with the Lord in the light of His Word" as the song Trust and Obey tells us.
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 5:15-22
Walk in Wisdom
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. NKJV
Monday, February 18, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/18
Through the Bible - Numbers 5-7
Good morning,
Most of you have probably finished school, if so think back to taking tests. Do you remember the "open book" exams? At first you thought, "that will be easy, I wont have to study as much because I'll be able to look up the answers or solutions. Then the test was handed out and what happened? Did you then wish that you had read the assigned book?
Today's verse comes from the book of Job where he was under a different kind of testing.
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take;When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. NKJV
Going back to those school exams, if we hadn't studied it wasn't so easy to find those answers during the test. We wished we would have studied and learned the material ahead of time. We would know it, and if we needed to go back in detail we would know where to find it.
When you think about it our lives are pretty much an "open book" test, or exam. In this day and age we have God's Word, the study book available at our fingertips at just about any time of the day no matter where we may be in the way of book, tapes, the radio and over the internet at spots like Bible Gateway. The temptation is to think "it's there", I can go to it when I need it.
But how many of us find life like those open book exams? Wouldn't you rather have God's Word in your heart (going back to Psalm 119:11) so it is there when the trouble, when the tests come?
Read the passage below. Do you see the heart of David in Job's thoughts?
May you never have to go through the trials of Job, but whatever trials you face wouldn't you rather face the test well prepared?
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIVJob 23:1-12
23
1 Then Job answered and said: 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter;My hand is listless because of my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him,That I might come to His seat! 4 I would present my case before Him,And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me,And understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He contend with me in His great power?No! But He would take note of me. 7 There the upright could reason with Him,And I would be delivered forever from my Judge. 8 "Look, I go forward, but He is not there,And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take;When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to His steps;I have kept His way and not turned aside. NKJV
Good morning,
Most of you have probably finished school, if so think back to taking tests. Do you remember the "open book" exams? At first you thought, "that will be easy, I wont have to study as much because I'll be able to look up the answers or solutions. Then the test was handed out and what happened? Did you then wish that you had read the assigned book?
Today's verse comes from the book of Job where he was under a different kind of testing.
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take;When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. NKJV
Going back to those school exams, if we hadn't studied it wasn't so easy to find those answers during the test. We wished we would have studied and learned the material ahead of time. We would know it, and if we needed to go back in detail we would know where to find it.
When you think about it our lives are pretty much an "open book" test, or exam. In this day and age we have God's Word, the study book available at our fingertips at just about any time of the day no matter where we may be in the way of book, tapes, the radio and over the internet at spots like Bible Gateway. The temptation is to think "it's there", I can go to it when I need it.
But how many of us find life like those open book exams? Wouldn't you rather have God's Word in your heart (going back to Psalm 119:11) so it is there when the trouble, when the tests come?
Read the passage below. Do you see the heart of David in Job's thoughts?
May you never have to go through the trials of Job, but whatever trials you face wouldn't you rather face the test well prepared?
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIVJob 23:1-12
23
1 Then Job answered and said: 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter;My hand is listless because of my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him,That I might come to His seat! 4 I would present my case before Him,And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me,And understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He contend with me in His great power?No! But He would take note of me. 7 There the upright could reason with Him,And I would be delivered forever from my Judge. 8 "Look, I go forward, but He is not there,And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take;When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to His steps;I have kept His way and not turned aside. NKJV
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/15
Through the Bible Leviticus 25-26, Mark 5
Good morning,
Through the ages people have scoffed at the Bible, saying that it is a collection of made up fables, most often without ever doing any personal examination of the Word itself. There have been many people through the ages as well that did pick up the Bible in an effort to disprove it that came to know the Lord in the process.
Today's verse comes from 2 Peter 1 where Peter stands up for and testifies to the trustworthiness of the prophetic Word.
2 Peter 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. NKJV
MacArthur comments that the "private interpretation" in verse 20 comes from the Greek word "that has the idea of loosing, as if to say no scripture is the result of any human being privately, "untying or loosing the truth". Peter's point is not so much about how to interpret scripture , but rather how scripture originated, and what it's resource was."
They, the writers were moved by the Spirit, "they were continually carried or borne along by the Spirit of God".
The New Testament writers were eye witnesses of the things that Jesus had done. They risked their lives taking a stand for the truth after the resurrection where beforehand they had fled from the authorities. For a closer look at their boldness read Acts chapter 4.
If we are to be able to take a stand for and defend the Bible we must know it.
The reading and studying under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is what we've been talking about this week.
The next time someone wants or tries to tell you that the Bible is simply a collection of fables, how will you respond? Will you be prepared?
In Christ,
Mike
2 Peter 1:16-2:1
The Trustworthy Prophetic Word(Matt 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35)
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory:"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Good morning,
Through the ages people have scoffed at the Bible, saying that it is a collection of made up fables, most often without ever doing any personal examination of the Word itself. There have been many people through the ages as well that did pick up the Bible in an effort to disprove it that came to know the Lord in the process.
Today's verse comes from 2 Peter 1 where Peter stands up for and testifies to the trustworthiness of the prophetic Word.
2 Peter 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. NKJV
MacArthur comments that the "private interpretation" in verse 20 comes from the Greek word "that has the idea of loosing, as if to say no scripture is the result of any human being privately, "untying or loosing the truth". Peter's point is not so much about how to interpret scripture , but rather how scripture originated, and what it's resource was."
They, the writers were moved by the Spirit, "they were continually carried or borne along by the Spirit of God".
The New Testament writers were eye witnesses of the things that Jesus had done. They risked their lives taking a stand for the truth after the resurrection where beforehand they had fled from the authorities. For a closer look at their boldness read Acts chapter 4.
If we are to be able to take a stand for and defend the Bible we must know it.
The reading and studying under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is what we've been talking about this week.
The next time someone wants or tries to tell you that the Bible is simply a collection of fables, how will you respond? Will you be prepared?
In Christ,
Mike
2 Peter 1:16-2:1
The Trustworthy Prophetic Word(Matt 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35)
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory:"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Verse of the Day -weekend 2/16-17
Through the Bible - Saturday Leviticus 27, Numbers 1-2, Mark 6 Sunday Numbers 3-4, Mark 7
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll return to Psalm 119 which is all about the Word of God. The psalm looses something in the translation, not necessarily in meaning, but in the effort it took on the part of the author to write it. The psalm is broken up into sections of 8 verses. Each of those verses begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The NKJV and others show the symbol and english alphabet spelling for the symbol. It goes to show that great care and thought was necessary to put this great work together, under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Others through history have given us their thoughts, their theology with great effort. These works can also be of great benefit to us today. I think of Augustine's "Confessions" or "The City of God", Calvin's "Institutes", Martin Luthers' "95 Theses", and the list goes on to Jonathan Edwards, John Owens "Biblical Theology" and on to today's authors and pastors in word form or in sermons/lessons such as R.C. Sproul's "Dust to Glory".
Today's verse is Psalm 119:88 which fall right in the middle of this psalm of 176 verses.
Ps 119:88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. NKJV
Or from The Message:
Ps 119:88 In your great love revive meso I can alertly obey your every word.
David was obviously a "man of God", a "man of God's Word", yet in the middle of this great work which took so much thought and planning, David, is still calling for personal revival, that he can "alertly obey every word."
What does that have to say for you and me today? Are you developing "your theology" what you believe that you would know it in such a way? Is your desire not only to know it, but to seek revival in your heart that you may obey?
Take a few minutes this weekend and read the verses surrounding this verse in the midst of this great psalm, this work of David, this work of God.I'll post it in The Message and the NKJV. How does it speak to you?
In Christ,Mike
Ps 119:81-96
I'm homesick — longing for your salvation;I'm waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;how long must I wait for your comfort? There's smoke in my eyes — they burn and water,but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post. How long do I have to put up with all this?How long till you haul my tormentors into court? The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,ignorant as they are of God and his ways. Everything you command is a sure thing,but they harass me with lies. Help! They've pushed and pushed — they never let up — but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.
What you say goes, God,and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion;it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;that's what you ordered — you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so,I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me;you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I'm all yours.I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,but I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human,but the horizons can't contain your commands!
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.
Ps 119:81-97
81k KAPH
My soul faints for Your salvation,But I hope in Your word. 82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,Saying, "When will You comfort me?" 83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,Yet I do not forget Your statutes. 84 How many are the days of Your servant?When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85 The proud have dug pits for me,Which is not according to Your law. 86 All Your commandments are faithful;They persecute me wrongfully;Help me! 87 They almost made an end of me on earth,But I did not forsake Your precepts. 88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
89l LAMED
Forever, O Lord,Your word is settled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;You established the earth, and it abides. 91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances,For all are Your servants. 92 Unless Your law had been my delight,I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts,For by them You have given me life. 94 I am Yours, save me;For I have sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,But I will consider Your testimonies. 96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. NKJV
mikevw@bellsouth.nethttp://mikesvotd.blogspot.com/
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll return to Psalm 119 which is all about the Word of God. The psalm looses something in the translation, not necessarily in meaning, but in the effort it took on the part of the author to write it. The psalm is broken up into sections of 8 verses. Each of those verses begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The NKJV and others show the symbol and english alphabet spelling for the symbol. It goes to show that great care and thought was necessary to put this great work together, under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Others through history have given us their thoughts, their theology with great effort. These works can also be of great benefit to us today. I think of Augustine's "Confessions" or "The City of God", Calvin's "Institutes", Martin Luthers' "95 Theses", and the list goes on to Jonathan Edwards, John Owens "Biblical Theology" and on to today's authors and pastors in word form or in sermons/lessons such as R.C. Sproul's "Dust to Glory".
Today's verse is Psalm 119:88 which fall right in the middle of this psalm of 176 verses.
Ps 119:88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. NKJV
Or from The Message:
Ps 119:88 In your great love revive meso I can alertly obey your every word.
David was obviously a "man of God", a "man of God's Word", yet in the middle of this great work which took so much thought and planning, David, is still calling for personal revival, that he can "alertly obey every word."
What does that have to say for you and me today? Are you developing "your theology" what you believe that you would know it in such a way? Is your desire not only to know it, but to seek revival in your heart that you may obey?
Take a few minutes this weekend and read the verses surrounding this verse in the midst of this great psalm, this work of David, this work of God.I'll post it in The Message and the NKJV. How does it speak to you?
In Christ,Mike
Ps 119:81-96
I'm homesick — longing for your salvation;I'm waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;how long must I wait for your comfort? There's smoke in my eyes — they burn and water,but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post. How long do I have to put up with all this?How long till you haul my tormentors into court? The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,ignorant as they are of God and his ways. Everything you command is a sure thing,but they harass me with lies. Help! They've pushed and pushed — they never let up — but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.
What you say goes, God,and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion;it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;that's what you ordered — you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so,I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me;you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I'm all yours.I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,but I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human,but the horizons can't contain your commands!
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.
Ps 119:81-97
81
My soul faints for Your salvation,But I hope in Your word. 82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,Saying, "When will You comfort me?" 83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,Yet I do not forget Your statutes. 84 How many are the days of Your servant?When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85 The proud have dug pits for me,Which is not according to Your law. 86 All Your commandments are faithful;They persecute me wrongfully;Help me! 87 They almost made an end of me on earth,But I did not forsake Your precepts. 88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
89
Forever, O Lord,Your word is settled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;You established the earth, and it abides. 91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances,For all are Your servants. 92 Unless Your law had been my delight,I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts,For by them You have given me life. 94 I am Yours, save me;For I have sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,But I will consider Your testimonies. 96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. NKJV
mikevw@bellsouth.nethttp://mikesvotd.blogspot.com/
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/14
Through the Bible - Leviticus 22-24
Good morning,
Several years ago when I was at EEFC we referred to the Men's Bible Study on Saturday morning as "Men's Equipping Meetings". The reference was from 2 Tim. 3:16 which will be today's verse.
A few verses before that, Paul is telling Timothy that the scriptures are able to make him "wise for salvation" (v.14-15). One of the reasons that as Christians we ought to be reading our Bibles is that we should recognize that we sit under the authority of scripture as the source of wisdom.
Tabletalk Magazines' devotional from a couple of days ago said "We have taken the first step down the road to unbelief if we try to judge the Bible instead of seeking to have it judge us. Sitting under scriptures requires the fear of the Lord, without which we cannot find wisdom". (Prov. 1-7)
Let's take a look at today's verse:
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Once again, we must realize, must see that "all Scripture" in given by inspiration of God".
Do you feel blessed to have the Words or "oracles" of God (Acts 7:38) at your fingertips and in your heart?
Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes, "The essence of the Christian position is that God has spoken through men- Abraham, through Joseph, through Moses, through the prophets, through John the Baptist. And above all God has spoken through His Son. "God who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken to us by His Son". (Heb. 1:1,2)"
Considering this, what are we saying if we can allow a day, let alone days, weeks..... without seeking the Lord in His Word.
Read the passage below and see how it speaks to you today.
In Christ,
Mike
Perilous Times and Perilous Men 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
The Man of God and the Word of God 10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation t hrough faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Good morning,
Several years ago when I was at EEFC we referred to the Men's Bible Study on Saturday morning as "Men's Equipping Meetings". The reference was from 2 Tim. 3:16 which will be today's verse.
A few verses before that, Paul is telling Timothy that the scriptures are able to make him "wise for salvation" (v.14-15). One of the reasons that as Christians we ought to be reading our Bibles is that we should recognize that we sit under the authority of scripture as the source of wisdom.
Tabletalk Magazines' devotional from a couple of days ago said "We have taken the first step down the road to unbelief if we try to judge the Bible instead of seeking to have it judge us. Sitting under scriptures requires the fear of the Lord, without which we cannot find wisdom". (Prov. 1-7)
Let's take a look at today's verse:
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Once again, we must realize, must see that "all Scripture" in given by inspiration of God".
Do you feel blessed to have the Words or "oracles" of God (Acts 7:38) at your fingertips and in your heart?
Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes, "The essence of the Christian position is that God has spoken through men- Abraham, through Joseph, through Moses, through the prophets, through John the Baptist. And above all God has spoken through His Son. "God who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken to us by His Son". (Heb. 1:1,2)"
Considering this, what are we saying if we can allow a day, let alone days, weeks..... without seeking the Lord in His Word.
Read the passage below and see how it speaks to you today.
In Christ,
Mike
Perilous Times and Perilous Men 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
The Man of God and the Word of God 10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation t hrough faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/13
Through the Bible - Leviticus 20-21, Mark 4
Good morning,
My devotional reading this morning brought me to Ecclesiastes chapter 3 which was quite fitting. Things are constantly changing.
Yesterday as I was reading I was thinking how I was heading into another decade of my life, while holding my granddaugher Layna who is just starting hers. How precious that time was holding the most recent gift from God while reading His Word, one of the greatests gifts of God.
Today's verse comes from Eccl. 3:
Ecclesiastes 3:6 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
That moment that memory of sitting there with my tiny, beautiful baby was definitely a time that I will keep in my memory. Celebrating a new birth is a time of great gain.
At the same time there are some things that it would be worthwhile to lose and to throw away. How about those "vain" things that take us away from our family and those that are dear to us.
Gain peace, lose the anxiety. Keep the love throw away the things that won't matter five years from now.
Take a few minutes and read the rest of the chapter below knowing that "God has put eternity" into our hearts and that we will remain restless until we find rest in Him.
MacArthur writes, "Not only does God fix the standard and withhold or dispense satisfaction, but He also appoints seasons and times. Earthly pursuits are good in their proper place and time, but unprofitable when pursued as the chief goal (v. 9,10)."
In Christ,
Mike
Ecclesiastes 3
Everything Has Its Time
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
The God-Given Task 9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. 15 That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.
Injustice Seems to Prevail 16 Moreover I saw under the sun: Inthe place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there.
17 I said in my heart, “ God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” 19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. 21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?[a] 22 So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own w orks, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
Good morning,
My devotional reading this morning brought me to Ecclesiastes chapter 3 which was quite fitting. Things are constantly changing.
Yesterday as I was reading I was thinking how I was heading into another decade of my life, while holding my granddaugher Layna who is just starting hers. How precious that time was holding the most recent gift from God while reading His Word, one of the greatests gifts of God.
Today's verse comes from Eccl. 3:
Ecclesiastes 3:6 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
That moment that memory of sitting there with my tiny, beautiful baby was definitely a time that I will keep in my memory. Celebrating a new birth is a time of great gain.
At the same time there are some things that it would be worthwhile to lose and to throw away. How about those "vain" things that take us away from our family and those that are dear to us.
Gain peace, lose the anxiety. Keep the love throw away the things that won't matter five years from now.
Take a few minutes and read the rest of the chapter below knowing that "God has put eternity" into our hearts and that we will remain restless until we find rest in Him.
MacArthur writes, "Not only does God fix the standard and withhold or dispense satisfaction, but He also appoints seasons and times. Earthly pursuits are good in their proper place and time, but unprofitable when pursued as the chief goal (v. 9,10)."
In Christ,
Mike
Ecclesiastes 3
Everything Has Its Time
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
The God-Given Task 9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. 15 That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.
Injustice Seems to Prevail 16 Moreover I saw under the sun: Inthe place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there.
17 I said in my heart, “ God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” 19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. 21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?[a] 22 So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own w orks, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/11
Through the Bible - Leviticus 15-16
Good morning,
J.I. Packer writes, "There are two different ways of reading the Bible which seem to me fundamental for anyone wanting to get the most out of it for himself or to lead others in spiritual things. One is to read straight through, over and over again, to get an overall perspective. The other is to study particular passages in detail - taking a few verses, setting them in context and digging into them. You could call these macrocosmic and microcosmic ways of reading scripture."
For today's verse we'll go to 2 Timothy to a verse that I've used before in these devotionals, but it has been a while and is worth repeating.
2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In using the method or practice (in keeping with being diligent in today's verse) you will find more and more how the Bible fits together as a whole and is not something that a bunch of different authors came up with on their own, independently.
I've been visiting my daughter, husband and my new granddaugher at their house. It is fairly new and has nice cabinets. We were just putting handles on the new cabinets and notices that when we tried to put the handles on they did not line up totally correct. Some of the cabinet doors had been hung "out of plumb".
Regarding "rightly dividing" MacArthur comments that it literally means " cutting it straight, a reference to the exactness demanded by such trades as carpentry, masonry, and Paul's trade of working with leather and tentmaking".
Our own beliefs are our own "sytematic theology". The study and application of what we learn should "fit together" like a carpenter's cabinet or a mason's wall.
What do your cabinets look like? If you own theology and the practice of it is off they'll probably be like the cabinets. A little "off plumb".
In Christ,
Mike
Approved and Disapproved Workers
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ[c] depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Verse of the Day - weekend 2/9
Through the Bible - Sat. Leviticus 9-11, Mark 1, Sunday - Lev. 12-14, Mark 2
Good morning,
I had intended to continue with the allegiance theme with a verse anc comments from Rev. 7, but in my hurry to leave the house and head to Chicago to see my new granddaughter Layna (and mom & dad), I left the notes on my home computer.
Instead we'll go to Psalm 119 with a passage that I believe ties in as well.
A devotional that I read this morning had to do with 2 Tim. 3:16-17:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A servant, a soldier or an ambassador has to be prepared, equipped in order to serve properly. Today's verses from Psalm 119 show this servants desire and his allegiance.
Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. NKJV
Here is the passage from The Message in today's language:
33-40 God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!
41-48 Let your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever— your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel.
Would you be able to say this psalm as a prayer regarding your own life? If so it will mean devotion, allegiance to God in the form of prayer, His Word, and the application of it in our lives.
Look at the words that David uses below in the NKJVon how he feels about the Word of God and the God of the Word - he delights, he observes, seeks revival, wants the word to be "established" in him, he longs for, hopes, and trusts in them.
Consider where your allegiance is this weekend.
In Christ,
Mike
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.[a] 38 Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. 39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. 40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.
וWAW 41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word. 42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. 44 So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Good morning,
I had intended to continue with the allegiance theme with a verse anc comments from Rev. 7, but in my hurry to leave the house and head to Chicago to see my new granddaughter Layna (and mom & dad), I left the notes on my home computer.
Instead we'll go to Psalm 119 with a passage that I believe ties in as well.
A devotional that I read this morning had to do with 2 Tim. 3:16-17:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A servant, a soldier or an ambassador has to be prepared, equipped in order to serve properly. Today's verses from Psalm 119 show this servants desire and his allegiance.
Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. NKJV
Here is the passage from The Message in today's language:
33-40 God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!
41-48 Let your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever— your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel.
Would you be able to say this psalm as a prayer regarding your own life? If so it will mean devotion, allegiance to God in the form of prayer, His Word, and the application of it in our lives.
Look at the words that David uses below in the NKJVon how he feels about the Word of God and the God of the Word - he delights, he observes, seeks revival, wants the word to be "established" in him, he longs for, hopes, and trusts in them.
Consider where your allegiance is this weekend.
In Christ,
Mike
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.[a] 38 Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. 39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. 40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.
וWAW 41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word. 42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. 44 So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/8
Through the Bible - Leviticus 7 -8, Matthew 28
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll fast forward in the book of Matthew to chapter 26.
Think back a couple of days to Matthew 4 when Satan tempted Jesus with "all of the kingdoms of the world". Jesus had withstood the temptations by holding to the Word of God and the will of the Father. Now He is doing the same as He is being betrayed, facing the trial at the hands of the high priest and council.
As in the temptation in chapter 4, Jesus could have called on "legions of angels" to deliver Him, but He didn't. Still holding to the Word of God and the will of the Father.
Matt 26: 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" NKJV
God had foreordained the very minutest details of how Jesus would die. His dying was the ultimate submission to the Father's will. Jesus was in total control of the situation while those around Him who thought that they were in charge were about to completely fulfill the details of the prophets of the Old Testament.
All of this for you and me. Where would we be without Him?
He wouldn't take any shortcuts, for how "else would the scripture be fulfilled"?
He came and did this for you? Where is your allegience?
My Journey -
Mahalak Et Meradep - Journey of a follower (of Christ)
None but Jesus by Hillsong United
August 5, 2006
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but JesusCrucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
So when You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but JesusCrucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 26:47-57
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane(Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him." 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?"
55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."
Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
NKJV
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll fast forward in the book of Matthew to chapter 26.
Think back a couple of days to Matthew 4 when Satan tempted Jesus with "all of the kingdoms of the world". Jesus had withstood the temptations by holding to the Word of God and the will of the Father. Now He is doing the same as He is being betrayed, facing the trial at the hands of the high priest and council.
As in the temptation in chapter 4, Jesus could have called on "legions of angels" to deliver Him, but He didn't. Still holding to the Word of God and the will of the Father.
Matt 26: 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" NKJV
God had foreordained the very minutest details of how Jesus would die. His dying was the ultimate submission to the Father's will. Jesus was in total control of the situation while those around Him who thought that they were in charge were about to completely fulfill the details of the prophets of the Old Testament.
All of this for you and me. Where would we be without Him?
He wouldn't take any shortcuts, for how "else would the scripture be fulfilled"?
He came and did this for you? Where is your allegience?
My Journey -
Mahalak Et Meradep - Journey of a follower (of Christ)
None but Jesus by Hillsong United
August 5, 2006
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but JesusCrucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
So when You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but JesusCrucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 26:47-57
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane(Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him." 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?"
55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."
Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
NKJV
Verse of the Day 2/7
Through the Bible - Leviticus 4-6
Good morning,
Last weekend Christian recording artist Shaun Groves came and spoke at our Men's Super Bowl Breakfast at our church. His message and appearance ( bad case of bedhead, beginnings of a beard, well worn jeans and shirt). People didn't come to see someone in fine clothes or a high tech performance, they came to hear his message (and probably a song or two). His message and appearance were a reminder of John the Baptist and Jesus in Matthew 3 -4 and in the other gospels.
Shaun spoke of repentance as being turning, having a change in heart and mind which is accompanied by a change in actions. He said that it also involves a change in kings or kingdoms, where your allegiance is.
Today's verse is from Matthew 4:
Matt 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." NKJV
John the Baptist, Jesus and Shaun all had the same message. Take a look at what Jesus said in Luke at the beginning of His ministry.
Luke 4:18-20
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
NKJV
Shaun's passion (besides music) is bringing hope to poor and needy children through Compassion International. The focus of his music, his concerts, his public speaking is with this in mind. It reflects a change in kingdoms; from the world to His Kingdom, and encouraging others to do the same.
In what ways can we or are we showing that we serve a different King than that of the world around us?
Think of ways that you can be involved in bringing the gospel, the good news to the poor, to the brokenhearted, to the captive, to the oppressed.
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 3:1-6In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:'Prepare the way of the Lord;Make His paths straight.'"
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. NKJV
Matt 4:12-18
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry(Mark 1:14,15; Luke 4:14,15)
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of deathLight has dawned."
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
NKJV
Good morning,
Last weekend Christian recording artist Shaun Groves came and spoke at our Men's Super Bowl Breakfast at our church. His message and appearance ( bad case of bedhead, beginnings of a beard, well worn jeans and shirt). People didn't come to see someone in fine clothes or a high tech performance, they came to hear his message (and probably a song or two). His message and appearance were a reminder of John the Baptist and Jesus in Matthew 3 -4 and in the other gospels.
Shaun spoke of repentance as being turning, having a change in heart and mind which is accompanied by a change in actions. He said that it also involves a change in kings or kingdoms, where your allegiance is.
Today's verse is from Matthew 4:
Matt 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." NKJV
John the Baptist, Jesus and Shaun all had the same message. Take a look at what Jesus said in Luke at the beginning of His ministry.
Luke 4:18-20
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
NKJV
Shaun's passion (besides music) is bringing hope to poor and needy children through Compassion International. The focus of his music, his concerts, his public speaking is with this in mind. It reflects a change in kingdoms; from the world to His Kingdom, and encouraging others to do the same.
In what ways can we or are we showing that we serve a different King than that of the world around us?
Think of ways that you can be involved in bringing the gospel, the good news to the poor, to the brokenhearted, to the captive, to the oppressed.
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 3:1-6In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:'Prepare the way of the Lord;Make His paths straight.'"
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. NKJV
Matt 4:12-18
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry(Mark 1:14,15; Luke 4:14,15)
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of deathLight has dawned."
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
NKJV
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/6
Through the Bible - Leviticus 1 -3, Matthew 27
Good morning,
My mom used to, actually still does, love to work with kids. She used to lead kids in AWANA Clubs and Sunday School through a fun, action song, called the "Lion Hunt" which brought the kids on safari as it were. When they faced various obsticles the song went "can't go over it, can't go under it, can't go around it, gotta go through it".
For today's vesre we'll return to Matthew chapter 4 where Christ withstood the third temptation from Satan by quoting the Word of God.
Matt 4:10-11
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. NKJV
Satan had just offered Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world" if he would bow down and worship him.
Jesus knew what He was going to have to go through. This would have been quite a shortcut.
Tabletalk magazine commented, "Satan presents Jesus with a prize - authority over all the kingdoms of the world (V.8,9). This rule is not sinful in itself since the Messiah is promised reign over the nations (Ps. 2:8). The problem is the means the devil offers. Worship a false god, the evil one himself, can bring the Son of David immediately to a position of authority in the world (v.9). Satan is tempting Jesus to take a shortcut and bypass the cross to receive the name by which every tongue on heaven and earth will bow (Phil. 2:5-11). John Calvin says this temptation is that "Christ should seek in another manner than from God, the inheritance that He promised His children".
That Jesus withstood this temptation is good news for us. Without the cross where we we be? Satan would have won.
Be careful of "shortcuts", even for "kingdom" things. Consider what the cost will be of the shortcut. Who will be affected in the long run?
Sometimes we still do wish for shortcuts through difficult times but as Christians we should still follow Christ as He leads us through.
Matthew Henry commented that " the best of saints may be tempted to the worst of sins". If Jesus was tempted we can be sure that we will too. But we too can stand in faith, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in His Word, and in prayer.
Put on the full armor of God. (Read Ephesians 6:10-18).
Notice what happened at the end of the passage, then the "angels came and ministered to Him."
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 4:1-12
Satan Tempts Jesus(Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1-13)
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
'He shall give His angels charge over you,'
and,
'In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'"
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
NKJV
Good morning,
My mom used to, actually still does, love to work with kids. She used to lead kids in AWANA Clubs and Sunday School through a fun, action song, called the "Lion Hunt" which brought the kids on safari as it were. When they faced various obsticles the song went "can't go over it, can't go under it, can't go around it, gotta go through it".
For today's vesre we'll return to Matthew chapter 4 where Christ withstood the third temptation from Satan by quoting the Word of God.
Matt 4:10-11
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. NKJV
Satan had just offered Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world" if he would bow down and worship him.
Jesus knew what He was going to have to go through. This would have been quite a shortcut.
Tabletalk magazine commented, "Satan presents Jesus with a prize - authority over all the kingdoms of the world (V.8,9). This rule is not sinful in itself since the Messiah is promised reign over the nations (Ps. 2:8). The problem is the means the devil offers. Worship a false god, the evil one himself, can bring the Son of David immediately to a position of authority in the world (v.9). Satan is tempting Jesus to take a shortcut and bypass the cross to receive the name by which every tongue on heaven and earth will bow (Phil. 2:5-11). John Calvin says this temptation is that "Christ should seek in another manner than from God, the inheritance that He promised His children".
That Jesus withstood this temptation is good news for us. Without the cross where we we be? Satan would have won.
Be careful of "shortcuts", even for "kingdom" things. Consider what the cost will be of the shortcut. Who will be affected in the long run?
Sometimes we still do wish for shortcuts through difficult times but as Christians we should still follow Christ as He leads us through.
Matthew Henry commented that " the best of saints may be tempted to the worst of sins". If Jesus was tempted we can be sure that we will too. But we too can stand in faith, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in His Word, and in prayer.
Put on the full armor of God. (Read Ephesians 6:10-18).
Notice what happened at the end of the passage, then the "angels came and ministered to Him."
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 4:1-12
Satan Tempts Jesus(Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1-13)
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
'He shall give His angels charge over you,'
and,
'In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'"
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
NKJV
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/5
Through the Bible - Exodus 39 - 40, Matthew 26
Good morning,
For today's verse we go to the book of Ephesians actually to a couple of verses that were some of the first that I can remember memorizing when I was in AWANA Clubs. The passage and the verses are foundational for all Christians.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. NKJV
A couple of weeks ago in our High School Sunday School class we were talking about salvation and what Jesus came for. One of the first answers was to "save us from our sins" followed by to give us eternal life (those may not have been the exact words). These statements are true but are not complete.
Verse 10 is seldom mentioned in conjunction with verses 8 & 9 but are as foundational as the previous verses.
In class we discussed the fact that, yes, we are saved from something, but we are also saved for something.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV
So often this is overlooked in today's "evagelicalism".
Think of the following verses:
Deut 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Matt 5:7
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
Matt 5:9
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
What "good works" has He created you for? Are you walking in them?
In Christ,
MikeEph 2:1-10
By Grace Through Faith
2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV
Good morning,
For today's verse we go to the book of Ephesians actually to a couple of verses that were some of the first that I can remember memorizing when I was in AWANA Clubs. The passage and the verses are foundational for all Christians.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. NKJV
A couple of weeks ago in our High School Sunday School class we were talking about salvation and what Jesus came for. One of the first answers was to "save us from our sins" followed by to give us eternal life (those may not have been the exact words). These statements are true but are not complete.
Verse 10 is seldom mentioned in conjunction with verses 8 & 9 but are as foundational as the previous verses.
In class we discussed the fact that, yes, we are saved from something, but we are also saved for something.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV
So often this is overlooked in today's "evagelicalism".
Think of the following verses:
Deut 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Matt 5:7
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
Matt 5:9
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
What "good works" has He created you for? Are you walking in them?
In Christ,
MikeEph 2:1-10
By Grace Through Faith
2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Verse of the Day 2/4
Through the Bible - Exodus 37-38
Good morning,
Growing up in the Chicago area I was familiar with Moody Bible Institute, and remember going into the city on some Sunday evenings when I was a kid to the "Sunday Night Sing". I have friends that have children that are currently attending Moody.
Every year in February Moody celebrates "Founders Week", inviting speakers in to proclaim the Word of God from the pulpit and over the airwaves.
For today's verse we go to the book of Hebrews for one of my favorite verses:
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. NKJV
I saw a commercial the other day for a piece of exercise equipment and what it can do for you in 20 minutes a day. What befefit would you receive if it was used once a week, a month, or less?
What kind of impact does the Bible have on you when you read it "20 minutes" a day?
It will encourage you, strengthen you, challenge you, tearch you, convict you, humble you, reveal who you really are, and give you hope. Can you ad any other benefits?
What impact will it have on you if you read it once a week, a month, or less?
Read through the lyrics to the "Word is Alive" below. Let God's Word resonate in your life today.
The Word is Alive - Casting Crowns
Looking out from His throne, the Father of light and of men
Chose to make Himself known and show us the way back to Him
Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings
He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things
With eyes wide open, all would see
The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive
Simple strokes on a page
Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age
It speaks Truth to us even still
And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns
Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve
With eyes wide open, let us see
The Word is alive
His Word is alive
For information on Founders Week at Moody go to http://www.foundersweek.org/ .
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Heb 4:11-14
The Word Discovers Our Condition
11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
NKJV
Good morning,
Growing up in the Chicago area I was familiar with Moody Bible Institute, and remember going into the city on some Sunday evenings when I was a kid to the "Sunday Night Sing". I have friends that have children that are currently attending Moody.
Every year in February Moody celebrates "Founders Week", inviting speakers in to proclaim the Word of God from the pulpit and over the airwaves.
For today's verse we go to the book of Hebrews for one of my favorite verses:
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. NKJV
I saw a commercial the other day for a piece of exercise equipment and what it can do for you in 20 minutes a day. What befefit would you receive if it was used once a week, a month, or less?
What kind of impact does the Bible have on you when you read it "20 minutes" a day?
It will encourage you, strengthen you, challenge you, tearch you, convict you, humble you, reveal who you really are, and give you hope. Can you ad any other benefits?
What impact will it have on you if you read it once a week, a month, or less?
Read through the lyrics to the "Word is Alive" below. Let God's Word resonate in your life today.
The Word is Alive - Casting Crowns
Looking out from His throne, the Father of light and of men
Chose to make Himself known and show us the way back to Him
Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings
He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things
With eyes wide open, all would see
The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive
Simple strokes on a page
Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age
It speaks Truth to us even still
And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns
Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve
With eyes wide open, let us see
The Word is alive
His Word is alive
For information on Founders Week at Moody go to http://www.foundersweek.org/ .
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Heb 4:11-14
The Word Discovers Our Condition
11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
NKJV
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Verse of the Day - weekend
Through the Bible - Saturday- Exodus 32-33, Matthew 24 , Sunday Exodus 34-36, Matthew 25
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll return to the book of Psalms to Psalm 111 which is a psalm of praise for His Faithfulness and Justice.
Ps 111:1-2
111 Praise the Lord!
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great,Studied by all who have pleasure in them. NKJV
Verse 1 speaks of "praising Him "with my whole heart", it should remind us of Matt. 22:37 where we are called to "love the Lord with all your heart".
Anyone who is a true student of the Word will have the same realization as the psalmist in verse 2 that the "works of the Lord are great".
The second part of that verse is what I'd like you to consider today. Do you "take pleasure" in the Word and His works? If you truly do it should mean that you take the time to study, learn, to know the Word and more importantly the God of the Word.
Read the same few verses from "The Message".
Ps 111:1-Hallelujah!I give thanks to God with everything I've got
— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God's works are so great, worthA lifetime of study — endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft;His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial —
My hope and prayer for myself and for you is that we would continue to study, to have a lifetime of study that wont be drudgery, but endless enjoyment as we glory in "the splendor" of the King.
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
The splendor of a King Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice All the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God
Name above all names Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Praise Him this weekend as you consider "How Great is Our God".
In Christ,
Mike
Ps 111:1-112:1Hallelujah!I give thanks to God with everything I've got — Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God's works are so great, worthA lifetime of study — endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial —
This God of Grace, this God of Love. He gave food to those who fear him,He remembered to keep his ancient promise. He proved to his people that he could do what he said:Hand them the nations on a platter — a gift! He manufactures truth and justice;All his products are guaranteed to last — Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.All that he makes and does is honest and true: He paid the ransom for his people,He ordered his Covenant kept forever.He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the fear of God — Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.His Hallelujah lasts forever!
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll return to the book of Psalms to Psalm 111 which is a psalm of praise for His Faithfulness and Justice.
Ps 111:1-2
111 Praise the Lord!
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great,Studied by all who have pleasure in them. NKJV
Verse 1 speaks of "praising Him "with my whole heart", it should remind us of Matt. 22:37 where we are called to "love the Lord with all your heart".
Anyone who is a true student of the Word will have the same realization as the psalmist in verse 2 that the "works of the Lord are great".
The second part of that verse is what I'd like you to consider today. Do you "take pleasure" in the Word and His works? If you truly do it should mean that you take the time to study, learn, to know the Word and more importantly the God of the Word.
Read the same few verses from "The Message".
Ps 111:1-Hallelujah!I give thanks to God with everything I've got
— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God's works are so great, worthA lifetime of study — endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft;His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial —
My hope and prayer for myself and for you is that we would continue to study, to have a lifetime of study that wont be drudgery, but endless enjoyment as we glory in "the splendor" of the King.
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
The splendor of a King Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice All the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God
Name above all names Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Praise Him this weekend as you consider "How Great is Our God".
In Christ,
Mike
Ps 111:1-112:1Hallelujah!I give thanks to God with everything I've got — Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God's works are so great, worthA lifetime of study — endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial —
This God of Grace, this God of Love. He gave food to those who fear him,He remembered to keep his ancient promise. He proved to his people that he could do what he said:Hand them the nations on a platter — a gift! He manufactures truth and justice;All his products are guaranteed to last — Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.All that he makes and does is honest and true: He paid the ransom for his people,He ordered his Covenant kept forever.He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the fear of God — Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.His Hallelujah lasts forever!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Verse for the Day 2/1
Through the Bible - Exodus 29-31
Good morning,
Yesterday's verse brought another verse to mind. It comes from Psalm 127 and is today's verse.
Ps 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,So are the children of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;They shall not be ashamed,But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. NKJV
You may ask, how does this go along with "train up a child in the way he should go"?
How many of you played with wooden bow and arrow sets as toys as kids? The arrows would get crooked and warped, the string wasn't strong and you seldom could come anywhere close to hitting the target.
I've done some shooting with a modern compound bow and high tech aluminum arrows with "field" points. They were perfectly straight. Even a novice like me, (with practice), could put together a pretty nice grouping of shots.
The ancient hunter and/or warrior was not as fortunate. The arrows had to be cared for. Feathers true, shafts straight, with a balanced arrowhead. Neglect would cause the wood to warp, the feathers to get matted, and the arrowhead to be offcenter, off balanced. This archer, like the child with the cheap wooden arrows, would have a hard time hitting "the mark".
With yesterdays verse we went beyond the parental responsibility to include us as church family and youth organization leaders. I think the same can be applied to today's verse and passage.
I look back to the (small) youth group at EEFC where my kids grew up. Several of the kids from that group have gone into or are still working on going into some form of ministry. Our church's "quiver" was blessed to be full of arrows.
What are you doing with or for your kids, your own or those of the church or youth group, to keep them "true" so that when they are ready to be launched they'll fly true and hit the target.
Do any other verses or passages come to your mind?
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Ps 127:1-128:1
Laboring and Prospering with the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
127 Unless the Lord builds the house,They labor in vain who build it;Unless the Lord guards the city,The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early,To sit up late,To eat the bread of sorrows;For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,So are the children of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;They shall not be ashamed,But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
NKJV
Good morning,
Yesterday's verse brought another verse to mind. It comes from Psalm 127 and is today's verse.
Ps 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,So are the children of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;They shall not be ashamed,But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. NKJV
You may ask, how does this go along with "train up a child in the way he should go"?
How many of you played with wooden bow and arrow sets as toys as kids? The arrows would get crooked and warped, the string wasn't strong and you seldom could come anywhere close to hitting the target.
I've done some shooting with a modern compound bow and high tech aluminum arrows with "field" points. They were perfectly straight. Even a novice like me, (with practice), could put together a pretty nice grouping of shots.
The ancient hunter and/or warrior was not as fortunate. The arrows had to be cared for. Feathers true, shafts straight, with a balanced arrowhead. Neglect would cause the wood to warp, the feathers to get matted, and the arrowhead to be offcenter, off balanced. This archer, like the child with the cheap wooden arrows, would have a hard time hitting "the mark".
With yesterdays verse we went beyond the parental responsibility to include us as church family and youth organization leaders. I think the same can be applied to today's verse and passage.
I look back to the (small) youth group at EEFC where my kids grew up. Several of the kids from that group have gone into or are still working on going into some form of ministry. Our church's "quiver" was blessed to be full of arrows.
What are you doing with or for your kids, your own or those of the church or youth group, to keep them "true" so that when they are ready to be launched they'll fly true and hit the target.
Do any other verses or passages come to your mind?
In Christ,
Mike
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Ps 127:1-128:1
Laboring and Prospering with the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
127 Unless the Lord builds the house,They labor in vain who build it;Unless the Lord guards the city,The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early,To sit up late,To eat the bread of sorrows;For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,So are the children of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;They shall not be ashamed,But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
NKJV
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