Monday, May 26, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/26

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 18-20, John 11:1-27

Good morning,
Today's verse comes from John 11 which is on the read through the Bible plan for today.
In our High School Sunday school class we've been going over the life of Jesus, most recently the various miracles. We've looked at the changing the water into wine, the healing of the leper, raising Jairus' daughter, the calming of the sea, the feeding of the five thousand and in today's passage the raising of Lazarus.
In each of these instances Christ was showing His power and authority over different things from nature, to the body, over life itself.
The disciples were being taught in increasing measure that this truly was the Son of God.
John 11:14 Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him."
(from THE MESSAGE:)


I chose the Message for today's verse. Think about the statement "You're about to be given new grounds for believing". Looking back over trials in your life and how God has brought you through, did some things that initially brought doubt actually turned into "new grounds for believing."
The situation here seemed hopeless. Not only had Lazarus died but he had been dead for four days to the point where the KJV said "he stinketh". But Jesus was still in control. He had waited a couple of extra days to come there.
Other people had been raised from the dead but naysayers would say that they had not really been dead, they may have been given what we would call CPR. In this passage there was no doubt.
Jesus had compassion for Mary and Martha, His "everlasting arms" were underneath them the whole time. They can be for us as well if we will lean on, and trust in Him.

So frail is human strength, though behind it is tenderest, truest love. All that love can do, all that money can do, all that skill can do--avail nothing. Human arms may clasp us very firmly, yet their clasp cannot keep us from the power of disease--or from the cold hand of death.

But the love and strength of God are everlasting. Nothing can ever separate us from Him! An Old Testament promise reads: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27. If we are stayed upon the eternal God, nothing ever can disturb us--for nothing can disturb Him on whom we are reposing. If we are held in the clasp of His everlasting arms--we need not fear that we shall ever be separated from the enfolding.

The position of the everlasting arms in this picture is suggestive--"Underneath." They are always underneath us. No matter how low we sink--in weakness, in faintness, in pain, in sorrow--we never can sink below these everlasting arms! We never can drop out of their clasp! J. R. Miller - In Perfect Peace

May we remain stayed on God through our troubled times and be able to look back on them as "new grounds for believing".
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 11:12-45

The disciples said, "Master, if he's gone to sleep, he'll get a good rest and wake up feeling fine." Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap.
Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him."
That's when Thomas, the one called the Twin, said to his companions, "Come along. We might as well die with him."
When Jesus finally got there, he found Lazarus already four days dead. Bethany was near Jerusalem, only a couple of miles away, and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother. Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house.
Martha said, "Master, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you."
Jesus said, "Your brother will be raised up."
Martha replied, "I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time."
"You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Master. All along I have believed that you are the Messiah, the Son of God who comes into the world."
After saying this, she went to her sister Mary and whispered in her ear, "The Teacher is here and is asking for you."
The moment she heard that, she jumped up and ran out to him. Jesus had not yet entered the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When her sympathizing Jewish friends saw Mary run off, they followed her, thinking she was on her way to the tomb to weep there. Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet, saying, "Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died."
When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within him. He said, "Where did you put him?"
"Master, come and see," they said. Now Jesus wept.
The Jews said, "Look how deeply he loved him."
Others among them said, "Well, if he loved him so much, why didn't he do something to keep him from dying? After all, he opened the eyes of a blind man."
Then Jesus, the anger again welling up within him, arrived at the tomb. It was a simple cave in the hillside with a slab of stone laid against it. Jesus said, "Remove the stone."
The sister of the dead man, Martha, said, "Master, by this time there's a stench. He's been dead four days!"
Jesus looked her in the eye. "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Then, to the others, "Go ahead, take away the stone."
They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, "Father, I'm grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I've spoken so that they might believe that you sent me."
Then he shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face.
Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him loose."
T

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/25

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 14-17, John 10

Good morning,
This morning, as we do on most weekends we turn to the book of Psalms and continue with the topic of abortion that we looked at on Friday.
Psalm 106 takes a look at Israel's many sins and points out that there can be joy in the forgiveness, knowing the forgiveness of our sins.
Thousands of years have past and we still get caught up in the same sins. We may not look upon abortion as a sin of idolatry, but today's passage may open our eyes to what was going on then and what is going on now.
Verses 36 and 37 of Psalm 106 point out that God's overarching reason for prohibiting "mingling" with the pagan nations is that it leads to idolatry as it did with Solomon's wives leading his heart astray. The worship of idols cause the king and his people to abandon true God for worthless idols. This became a snare for them, a trap that would lead to destruction.
Ps 106:37 They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
38 And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters,
Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan;
And the land was polluted with blood. NKJV


Notice in verse 37 it is called "sacrifice", modern society calls it "choice".
John Piper in a sermon on this passage notes:
One is that it is called “sacrifice.” Verse 37: “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters.” Sacrifice means that you give up something ordinarily considered valuable (a sheep or a bull) to gain something better—usually from a deity. Abortion in America is not done consciously with any desire to get blessing from a deity. But it is done to gain something “better” than the baby—that is what the whole debate is about. Is the gain greater than the loss? We need to be sure to see it in those terms: The life of a child is being sacrificed for something. What that “something” is defines the barbarity of our culture. I say that knowing full well how unimaginably difficult many unplanned pregnancies are. I do not make light of that. The issue is: How precious is the child? And will we trust God to make a way? This is what crisis pregnancy centers are devoted to.

Second, the child sacrifice in the psalm is described as the sacrifice of our sons and daughters. Verse 37: “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters.” He could have said “children.” But he says “sons and daughters.” This draws attention to two things. 1) They were sexually different. They were little boys and girls. And 2) they were family. This baby that is being sacrificed is family. And so it is with abortion. It is always a little girl or a little boy. And it is always family.

Most of us will probably go to church to worship Christ this weekend, and offer the "sacrifice of praise". A sacrifice is always given to something.
Piper notes that the sacrifices in Psalm 106 and the abortions performed today, are sacrifices as well, sacrifices to idols.
As we celebrate Memorial Day tomorrow. We need to remember those who have served and are serving our country in the military that we might have freedom. Let us also remember the unborn children and pray that this nation will repent, and turn from these practices.
Ps 82
God calls the judges into his courtroom,
he puts all the judges in the dock.

"Enough! You've corrupted justice long enough,
you've let the wicked get away with murder.
You're here to defend the defenseless,
to make sure that underdogs get a fair break;
Your job is to stand up for the powerless,
and prosecute all those who exploit them."

Ignorant judges! Head-in-the-sand judges!
They haven't a clue to what's going on.
And now everything's falling apart,
the world's coming unglued.

"I commissioned you judges, each one of you,
deputies of the High God,
But you've betrayed your commission
and now you're stripped of your rank, busted."

O God, give them their just deserts!
You've got the whole world in your hands! (from THE MESSAGE: )

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 106:35-48
35 But they mingled with the GentilesAnd learned their works; 36 They served their idols,Which became a snare to them. 37 They even sacrificed their sonsAnd their daughters to demons, 38 And shed innocent blood,The blood of their sons and daughters,Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan;And the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus they were defiled by their own works,And played the harlot by their own deeds.
40 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people,So that He abhorred His own inheritance. 41 And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles,And those who hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them,And they were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times He delivered them;But they rebelled in their counsel,And were brought low for their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction,When He heard their cry; 45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant,And relented according to the multitude of His mercies. 46 He also made them to be pitiedBy all those who carried them away captive.
47 Save us, O Lord our God,And gather us from among the Gentiles,To give thanks to Your holy name,To triumph in Your praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord God of IsraelFrom everlasting to everlasting!And let all the people say, "Amen!"

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/23

Through the Bible -1 Chronicles 11-13, John 9:24-41

Good morning,
I apologize for missing yesterday. I was travelling and unable to get internet service in my hotel room in the morning.
Moody's "Today in the Word" this month has been doing a study on the "Bad Boys of the Bible". Today's devotional took a look, tragically, at King Solomon.
Solomon had it all going for him, wisdom, knowledge, fame and fortune. Unfortunately, especially the "lust of the eyes" and the "pride of life" turned his heart from the God that had blessed him with all that he had. He even went so far as to build "high places" for the gods of some of his many wives.
Today's verse comes from I Kings 11 describing how far he had fallen.
1 Kings 11:7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. 8 And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. NKJV
Here, as in other times of Israel's history, the country had gone down the path of worshipping foreign gods, leaving the one true God.
Verse 7 mentions Chemosh, the god of the Moabites, to whom the sacrifice of children as a burnt offering was customary. Here, and at other times the people had resorted to sacrificing their children to the "fertility gods", going so far as to sacrifice their children for the sake of a better "harvest".
Before we go too far in condemning them, how are we, in this nation "under God" doing the same thing? How many abortions are performed, how many children are being "sacrificed" for convenience or wanting to have more in the bank account when they will be "better prepared" to have a child?
Where did this end up leading the nation of Israel?
1 Kings 11:11 Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. 12 Nevertheless I will not do it in your days, for the sake of your father David; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. NKJV
The nation would be torn away from Solomon, but not in his time, but his sons time.
God will only stand by for so long.
It's something to think about when you hear politicians speaking out, and voting for such travesties as partial birth abortions as a matter of "choice".
What we do now, who we vote for, what bills they pass will have an effect on future generations. The responsibilities of freedom are staggering.
We have been blessed with so much. Let us as individuals not be fooled, and led astray as Solomon was. Let us pray that we would have true hearts that will not be lead astray.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Kings 11:1-14

Solomon's Heart Turns from the Lord

11 But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites — 2 from the nations of whom the Lord had said to the children of Israel,"You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as did his father David. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. 8 And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.

9 So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the Lord had commanded. 11 Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. 12 Nevertheless I will not do it in your days, for the sake of your father David; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However I will not tear away the whole kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen."


NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/21

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 6-7, John 8:39-59

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll return to a passage that we visited within the last couple of weeks, Revelation chapter 4. It was the subject of today's "Tabletalk" devotional.
Chapter 4 follows the previous couple of chapters description of the 7 churches and how they had strayed from true worship.
John's vision here in Revelation 4 is very similar to that of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6.
Today I'd like to look at verses 9& 10:
Rev 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, NKJV

Reading these verses along with holy, holy, holy, in verse 8 brought me back to the old hymn Holy, Holy, Holy (I believe it was page 41 in the hymnal at EEFC). It was a favorite from childhood and I remember singing it with tears in my eyes when it was sung the first Sunday that we visited EEFC.
The picture that stood out in my mind today was the "casting down their golden crowns".
John MacArthur notes, "Aware that God alone is responsible for the rewards they have received, they divest themselves of all honor and cast it at the feet of their King."
Am I, are we, willing to do that today, every day, cast any "crowning achievements"
that we may have at His feet as tribute to Him instead of taking personal "glory"?
Read the words of the "old hymn" below, sing them aloud or in your heart, may it move you to praise Him with your whole, undivided heart today.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!


Just reading those words probably brought some other hymns to your mind. Go ahead and sing them, may they and His Word resonate in your minds through the day.
In Christ,
Mike
Rev 4:1-10
The Throne Room of Heaven
(Isa 6:1-3)
4 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
"Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!"
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 "You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created."

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/20

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 3-5, John 8:12-38

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to 2 Corinthians 4.
Question 21 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks "What is true faith"? The answere given is:
"True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, (a) but also assured confidence, (b) which the Holy Ghost (c) works by the gospel in my heart; (d) that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, (e) are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits."
There's a lot there to digest, you could probably spend a day considering the different points and what they mean for us.
One of the supporting verses that the catechism references is 2 Corinthians 4:13 which is today's verse.
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”[a]we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. NKJV

or read it from the Message:
13-15We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
Do you speak of your faith, share your faith?
J.C. Ryle wrote in "True Christianity":
"True faith isn not mere "mental assent" to certain theological propositions - but a living, burning, active principle- which works by love, purifies the heart, overcomes the world, and brings forth much fruit of holiness and good works. Let us live as if we really believed every jot and tittle of Scripture- and as if a dying, risen, interceding, and coming Christ, were continually before our eyes."Would that describe my faith, your faith? If not may we pray that God give us more grace and to increase our faith that it would be a living, burning, and acting faith that "overcomes" the world our troubles and our fears.
In Christ,
Mike
Cast Down but Unconquered

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, accordi ng to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”[a]we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/19

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 25 - 2 Chronicles 2, John 7:53-8:11

Good morning,
For today's verse we go to 2 Corinthians chapter 5 which deals with being "reconciled" to God. It's not something that we can do on our own.
Verse 19 speaks of "the word of reconciliation", the Greek word for "word" indicated a true and trustworthy message, as opposed to the many false messages that were going around then and now.
2 Cor 5:19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. NKJV


If we have believed this true word, the gospel message then we are His children and as His children "ambassadors for Christ.
Can you think of any stronger words that Paul could have used in verse 20 than "pleading" and "imploring"?
J.I. Packer writes, "the gospel is a message about the person and work of Jesus Christ- an interpreted story of the earthly life, death, resurrection, and reign of God's Son.
Again, the gospel is a message about new birth, telling us that our plight in sin is so great that nothing less than a supernatural renewing of us can save us.
And the gospel summons us to faith, repentance, and discipleship. Faith is credence and conviction regarding the gospel message, as well as a casting and resting of ourselveson Christ and His promises. Repentance is a changed attitude of heart and mind leading to a new life of denying self and serving the Saviour as king. And discipleship is a matter of relating to the living, exalted Christ and to the rest of Christ's disciples."

Websters defines "reconcile" in simple terms as "to make friendly again".
As ambassadors what are we doing to be "friendly again" with someone? How did Jesus do this? Can you think of examples?
Perhaps personal reconciliation with a friend or relative might be what God will use to reconcile that friend or relative to Himself, becoming "a friend of God".
Who has been on your heart?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
2 Cor 5:11-6:1

Becoming Friends with God

11 Since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to help people accept the truth about us. God knows what we really are, and I hope that in your hearts you know, too. 12 We are not trying to prove ourselves to you again, but we are telling you about ourselves so you will be proud of us. Then you will have an answer for those who are proud about things that can be seen rather than what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our minds, it is for God. If we have our right minds, it is for you. 14 The love of Christ controls us, because we know that One died for all, so all have died. 15 Christ died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from the dead so that they would live for him.

16 From this time on we do not think of anyone as the world does. In the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks, but we no longer think of him in that way. 17 If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him. 19 God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins. And he gave us this message of peace. 20 So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is as if God is calling to you through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God. 21 Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/17

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 20-24, John 7:1-52

Good morning,
As I've mentioned before, this year I'm reading through "The Message" translation/paraphrase of the Bible. ( I still use the NKJV for study and reading devotionals.)
Yesterday I read Psalm 46. I know I've referenced Psalm 46:10 before how R.C. Sproul described that "be still" could better be translated "shut up" or at least "be quiet" like a parent talking (yelling) to there children at times.
Reading from the Message gave another perspective for verse 10:

Ps 46:10 "Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God of angel armies protects us. (from THE MESSAGE:)

I've dealt with traffic living and driving in the Chicago area for years and travelling to cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. When you are stuck in traffic sometimes you feel trapped and that you just have to go along with the flow (or lack of it).
Isn't it the same way in our lives? We get caught up in the rat race, running (literally) here and there trying to meet all kinds of responsibilities, most of which do not really matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.
Unfortunately, in the busy-ness God seems to take a back seat, if He is in our minds at all.
The verse encourages us to "step out of the traffic", take some time to pray, to seek Him in His word. Seek Him above "politics" both on a national and personal level in places like the workplace.
He is in control, He will "meet the need".
Our High School Sunday School class will be looking at Luke 9:10-17 this weekend where Jesus meets the need of thousands, The lesson guide stated:
"He taught them about God's plan for life and healed those that had physical, spiritual, or mental difficulties. By His example Jesus said, "I care about your needs and want to help meet the needs of others."
Part of that stepping out of the traffic should be spent with others in small groups and Bible study groups. Prayer should be a component of those meetings as well. I was reminded of a prayer of a small group member back at EEFC. Part of a friend Jerry's prayer would always be "Father, meet the need".
I guess that would be my prayer for you this morning, "Father meet the needs" of all of you, especially the need to "step out of the traffic" and take a long, loving, prayerful look at Him.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 46:1-47:1

46 God is a safe place to hide,ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans,the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,God of angel armies protects us.
River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city,this sacred haunt of the Most High. God lives here, the streets are safe,God at your service from crack of dawn. Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,but Earth does anything he says.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,God of angel armies protects us.
Attention, all! See the marvels of God!He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole,breaks all the weapons across his knee.
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,loving look at me, your High God,above politics, above everything."
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,God of angel armies protects us.

Verse of the Day 5/16

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 18-19, John 6:60-71

Good morning,
I had planned another verse for today but the read through the Bible plan (above) brought me to the end of John 6 this morning. A passage that has become very precious to me.
We've all heard reference to the "darkest hour", most often surrounding a loss, an illness, or a tragic accident. Often that darkest hour comes in the middle of a longer period of emotional and spiritual darkness that goes on for days, weeks, months or....... These trials are hard, yet we are told (if we are being taught correctly) that as Christians we will face "various trials" (James 1:2), Jesus had taught this to His disciples.
Jesus had just finished giving some hard teachings and many were leaving, they would no longer willing to follow.
Jesus turned to the disciples and posed the question to His disciples. He poses the same question to us at some point in our darkness, in the darkest hours.
John 6:66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" NKJV

I've read this passage and looked back on it often. I didn't realize it back then, but this morning, I realized again, that in those dark hours of mine, especially surrounding Jeff's accident and learning of our youngest son Jason's brain tumor, that it wasn't me asking this question, it was Jesus.
I can still remember the where I was the first time Jesus question and Peter''s response came to me, I was near home driving on Powers road, approaching a bend in the road, when Peter's words resounded in my mind. It marked a spiritual "bend in the road" in my life.
John 6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
It was a turning point in my life, Henry Blackaby would call it a "crisis of belief", like Peter, I had come too far, seen too much to turn away. The world didn't offer any answers, give any hope, but Christ had "the words of eternal life, and I believed that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God." There was no turning back, no turning back.
I've faced tough and dark times since then, but they haven't been the same, I've felt His presence more. By God's grace I don't think they ever will be the same because I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He has the "words of eternal life".
Have you found yourself in a dark hour? Has Jesus asked you the same question? What will be your response? Will you walk away or answer like Peter?

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 6:60-7:1

Many Disciples Turn Away

60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?"

61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father."

66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?"
68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

70 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/15

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 15-17, John 6:22-59

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll turn to Luke chapter 7 where Jesus heals the centurion's servant.
This outsider, the Roman centurion has a servant that is ill. He obviously has been learning about Jesus (and gained a good reputation among the people at the temple) and believes that Jesus can heal his servant. He shows his reverence and respect for Jesus in that he wants to approach Jesus through the "proper channels" going through the temple elders to approach. He is not sure of himself but he is sure of Jesus and gives one of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible.
He sends his friends to talk to Jesus. Today's verse is part of what he sent them to say.

Luke 7:7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." NKJV

How many times have we approached Jesus, have we approached God with this attitude? Have you ever "thrown out a fleece" asking for a sign that He will answer you?
True faith doesn't always come from the seasoned believer. Sometimes faith and trust must develop over a long period of time. Sometimes it doesn't seem to develop to this point at all. Other times a relatively new believer can show us what true faith and trust is.
Another remarkable point in this event is Jesus' response to this.
Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" NKJV
The word used here for marvelled was only used by Jesus twice in the New Testament, here and where Jesus commented on the lack of faith of in His hometown (Mark 6:6).
How is your faith, your trust? What will it take to be like that of the centurion where you approach the Lord with "say the word" and believe that it will be done or "say the word" and I'll do it, I'll go?
Read the passage. How does it speak to you today?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Luke 7:1-11

Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant
(Matt 8:5-13)

7 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Verse of the Day 5/14

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 12-14, John 6:1-27

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 2 where we find the first miracle that Jesus perfomred.
Before we get there I'd like to ask a question, who do you think (what person) knew Jesus best at this point in time? I would think that it would still have to have been his mother. She had seen him grow up, I'm sure as an obedient child and not only that, I'm sure she found him as someone that she could depend upon. As he grew I'm sure more and more often she turned to him for help with all kinds of things and he never let her down.
Now they are in the public arena, at a wedding, and there is a problem, they are running out of wine. Who do you think she turns to?

John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." NKJV

It would take time, but the disciples would have to learn this kind of faith and trust. What they were about to see would go a long way towards them learning just who it was that they were now following.
Look at the disciples response after they had seen how Jesus turned the water into wine.
John 2:11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. NKJV
Regarding this and other coming signs MacArthur notes, "John used the word "sign" here to significant displays of power that pointed beyond themselves to the deeper divine realities that could be perceived by the eyes of faith. By this word, John emphasized that miracles were not merely displays of power but had a significance beyond the mere act themselves."
Having just gone through a series and study on prayer I can look back at these events and see that what we need to be learning, as Mary did, that you could go to Jesus with just about anything, Too often, we try to handle it all on our own, and will only go to Him as the "last resort" as in yesterday's passage where the disciples said "don't you care if we perish"? Jesus has the answers and can guides us in the every day circumstances. Learning to do so will better prepare us for the bigger events, the storms, to come to Him early and often instead of a last resort.
The disciples witnessed His power, His authority, and His glory in changing the water into wine and "believed".
Has He done something to you that "went deeper than the acts themselves"?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 2:1-13

Water Turned to Wine

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."

4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."

5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!"

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.

Verse of the Day 5/13

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 10-11, John 5:30-47

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to Mark chapter 4, a familiar passage where Jesus "calms the sea". It is also recorded in Matthew 8 and Luke 8.
The disciples and Jesus were on the sea at night when a storm came up, a violent storm. While Jesus is sleeping on a pillow or cushion the disciples are fearing for their lives. Finally, they wake Him, basiscally saying "don't you care that we are about to die?"
This is one of those scenes that I'd like to see reproduced by Stephen Spielberg and see it in a theatre, the wind, the waves crashing over the side of the boat, possibly lightning, with the added affect of "dolby" sound. I think you get the picture.
Jesus gets up and says "peace be still" the sound quickly, unaturally goes to silence, the waves cease, and there is a "great calm".
Today's verses show Jesus response to them followed by their reaction to the whole scene.
Mark 4:40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" NKJV

In the passage there is no indication that they prayed or tried to wake Jesus before they were "about to die". Don't we sometimes let the storms build up before approaching God?
But what is recorded is their response. There fear now was not being hurt by the storm, but a reverence for the power of One, the only One who could have done what they had just witnessed. He said the word and the wind and waves obeyed.
Then He asked "how is it that you have no faith"?
He had been teaching them the parables and explaining the meaning. Now He was beginning to reveal to them who He truly was.
There is so much displayed in this passage. Faith and trust (or lack of it), authority and power, and the One who displayed this power was their friend.
Anyone that has ever been through a tornado or hurricane will never forget it. (The Greek word for "great wind" can also mean whirlwind"). Those who have gone through the traumatic storms of life will never forget it. Let us not forget the One who can bring us through or say in the middle of it "peace, be still".
Today's daily bread had this poem:

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and the tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him - I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me and I am His child. Cushing

Read the passage below. Think about it during the day today.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Mark 4:33-5:1

Jesus' Use of Parables

33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

Wind and Wave Obey Jesus
(Matt 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25)

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him,"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

Verse of the Day 5/12

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 7-9, John 5:1-29

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll continue looking at the reactions of some of the people in Old and New Testaments when encountering the majesty, glory, and holiness of God.
The wise men, the magi, in Matthew 2 may not be some of the first people that you would think of.
They had been looking for the coming "King of the Jews", following the star. They ended up in front of Herod who called in the priests and scribes and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. They knew the answer which was conveyed to the wise men.

Matt 2:6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" NKJV

Curiously, perhaps astonishingly, nobody seemed to check into this except for Herod who wanted to eliminate the possibility that it could come to be.
The wise men followed the star which led them to the home of Mary and Joseph

Matt 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. NKJV

We don't know how much else they had heard about this Christ Child but after following the star, hearing of the prophecies, and seeing them being fulfilled before there eyes they "fell down and worshipped Him". The word used for worship here is the same one from John chapter 4 which Jesus used when talking with the woman at the well.
Read this explanation from singer/songwriter Shaun Groves:
One of the Greek words translated as “worship” in today’s English bible is proskuneo. It means “to kiss the hand as a statement of submission.” It’s what happens when a commoner comes face to face with the king - he lowers himself to finger level, puckers up and kisses the royal ring. That kiss says You are my king and I am your loyal subject. Do what you want with me.

But this word has an even more severely humbling meaning buried in it. Proskuneo is made up of two parts: Pros means toward. And kuneo evolved from the more ancient root word kuon, which means dog. Toward plus dog. Huh?

Now, go with me here, this is about to get a little weird for some of us. You, are a dog. So am I. When our Master comes near us we’re supposed to roll over and kiss/lick appreciatively, submissively. It’s the way we dogs say You are my Master. I am your dog. Do what you want with me.

Proskuneo is surrendering all illusions of competency, all rights and all demands. Its foundation is the realization that back to back with God, freshly showered and shaved, with all my memory verses from vacation bible schools tucked away in my gray matter, with my Sunday clothes on, with my diplomas on the wall, with my list of good deeds stacked up under my feet for extra height, on my best day and on my best behavior, I don’t measure up. I’m short - far short. I have nothing and God is everything. So I roll over.

The wise men had brought the best they had to offer, the gold, frankincense, and myrrh but more importantly, the were humbled and submitted themselves before this Child, the long awaited Messiah.
How many people today have a lot of "head knowledge" about Jesus, but don't do anything with it, let alone worship Him in this way?
How many strangers, modern "wise men" are coming and submitting while those who should know are following other things?
For more on "proskuneo" you can go to this link to Shaun Groves article on this. http://www.shaungroves.com/shlog/comments/shut_up_and_worship_pt6/
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Matt 2:1-13

Wise Men from the East
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying,"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.'"

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/10

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 1-3, John 4:1-27

Good morning,
In response to yesterday's devotional, a friend wrote back:
Your insights reminded of a book I taught as part of a larger study on worship. In Joseph’s Carroll’s book How to Worship Jesus Christ, the author refers to Rev.4:10-11 as the example of how we should come to the throne in our daily lives. In a nut shell, Carroll says this is the proper order:

Fall down before Him: this means to go beyond bowing or kneeling; we are to go to the extreme and prostrate ourselves before him
Cast our crowns before the Throne: The Crowns purpose was to draw attention to the one wearing it; it exalts the wearer. We are to cast our identity to the foot of the throne thereby acknowledging who should receive all attention.
In other words, we must be completely broken having yielded who we are to the one who truly deserves to wear a crown before anything else can happen.

Exclaim, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power:… Now we can sincerely express His glory, Holiness, etc.


This seems to be what has happened in this great incredible seen with Isaiah; he sees only the train of Jesus’ robe, I believe Isaiah was prostrate at this point, he became broken by what he said and cleansed by the w/the burning coal His crown was cast. It was only then that God spoke to Isaiah or that Isaiah could approach the throne and express his awe and be commissioned an example of proper worship. Wow! What a seen and what a lesson! It’s my humble opinion that this is what we need to do in our quiet times w/God.


Today's verse comes from Revelation 4 that Larry referenced.

Rev 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying

11 "You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created." NKJV



Something that I hadn't looked at in all of this is "worthiness". There is much worship going on and many that claim that their are many ways to God. But worshipping anyone or anything besides the One True God is not worship at all but idolatry.

Thou Art Worthy

Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy
Thou art worthy, O Lord
To receive glory, glory and honour
Glory and honour and power
For Thou hast created, hast all things created
Thou hast created all things
And for Thy pleasure they are created
Thou art worthy, O Lord


Read the passage below in preparation for worship this weekend. Let us consider how we approach Him.

John 4:23-24 "It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself — Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
(from THE MESSAGE):

For more information and insight on worship, "toward dog" go to Shaun Groves site at:

http://www.shaungroves.com/shlog/comments/shut_up_and_worship_pt6/
In Christ,

Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://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
Rev 4:1-5:1

The Throne Room of Heaven(Isa 6:1-3)
4 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,Who was and is and is to come!"
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power;For You created all things,And by Your will they exist and were created."

NKJV

Friday, May 9, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/9

Through the Bible - I Kings 21-22, John 3:22-36

Good morning,
A key in yesterday's passage in Isaiah chapter 6 was Isaiah's reaction to the events. He said "I am undone". Think about that for a minute. Can you picture him "coming apart at the seams", his pride his previous perceptions of God unravelling at the majesty that he had just witnessed?
He had just warned the nation of their sins in chapter 5 with 7 woes. There may have been some pride involved, but now he realizes that he also needs to repent, he needs cleansing.
For today's verse we'll turn to the New Testament in Luke chapter 5. Peter was a fisherman by trade. He had experience in what he was doing. Obviously experience didn't always lead to success, they had just fished all night and caught nothing.
Jesus tells him to launch out into the deep and cast out the net. What would you have expected the reaction to be from a Jewish fisherman? Capernaum was his home, he knew these waters. Peter knew how to catch fish, they just weren't there that night. This Jesus is no fisherman, why should I listen to him? I am sure that he had some doubts and that Jesus instructions went against the normal way of doing things, of fishing "nevertheless" he let down the nets. They pulled in so many fish that they had to call out another boat to haul them in.
What was this professional fisherman's response? Hey Jesus, why not stop by every couple of weeks and do this, I'll split the profits with you, all you have to do is tell me where to fish? No, far from it.
Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" NKJV

He had just seen the majesty, the glory of God, in the person of Jesus. His response was much like Isaiah's. All of his pride, his doubts about this Jesus had been removed. He realized that he was in the presence of the Holy One displaying His divine power and authority, and he was shook up over the shame of his own pride, his sin.

[Depart from me] This is an expression of Peter's humility, and of his consciousness of his unworthiness. It was not from want of love to Jesus; it did not show that he would not be pleased with his favor and presence; but it was the result of being convinced that Jesus was a messenger from God-a high and holy being; and he felt that HE was unworthy to be in his presence. In his deep consciousness of sin, therefore, he requested that Jesus would depart from him and his little vessel. Peter's feeling was not unnatural, though it was not proper to request Jesus to leave him. It was an involuntary, sudden request, and arose from ignorance of the character of Jesus. We "are" not worthy to be with him, to be reckoned among his friends, or to dwell in heaven with him; but he came to seek the lost and to save the impure. He graciously condescends to dwell with those who are humble and contrite, though they are conscious that they are not worthy of his presence; and we may therefore come boldly to him, and ask him to receive us to his home-to an eternal dwelling with him in the heavens. (from Barnes' Notes.)

James and John were there as well, witnessing all of this. Jesus told all of them, "from now on you will catch men."
How does the passage speak to you today? Has Jesus been telling you to do something differently? Are you willing, like Peter to go ahead and cast out into the deep?
Think about it.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Luke 5:1-12

Four Fishermen Called as Disciples(Matt 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20)
5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
NKJV

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/8

Through the Bible - I Kings 19-20, John 3:1-21

Good morning,
For the next several days, Lord willing, we'll take a look at some verses that address, the holiness, the glory, and the "otherness" of God.
We are in the middle of a long season, a political season. We know that change is coming about and many people are concerned about who will become their "Commander in Chief". The concerns are primarily over the economy, military policies, and healthcare.
For today's passage we'll go to Isaiah chapter 6. It was the year that king Uzziah had died. He had reigned for 52 years. It was a time of prosperity and peace but God had been taken lightly. The people were concerned about what the new king would be like. Would prosperity continue, would there be peace? It seemed that it would all center around this king.
It was against this backdrop that the prophet Isaiah had his vision of the angels declaring the holiness of God, and how Isaiah saw the temple filled with His "glory".
Isa 6:3 And one cried to another and said:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!"

4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. NKJV

You've probably heard of the significance of "holy, holy, holy" as being to the highest degree.
Isaiah 6:3
The Chaldee has rendered this, 'Holy in the highest heavens, the house of his majesty; holy upon the earth, the work of his power; holy forever, and ever, and ever, is the Lord of hosts.' The whole expression is a most sublime ascription of praise to the living God, and should teach us in what manner to approach him. - From Barnes Notes.Today, I'd like us to consider His "glory". The Hebrew word is kabowd OT:3519 properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness: -glorious (-ly), glory, honour (-able). It connotes weightiness, magnificence, and wealth.
Isaiah became acutely aware of all of this. His response was to realize his sinfulness as fallen man compared to the Holy God.
The glory of God is a weighty matter not to be taken "lightly" in our lives and in our worship.
C.S. Lewis wrote a book about it "The Weight of Glory" based on his life verse:
2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, NKJV
As we consider who will be president of our country, let us not forget about the Ruler of the Universe. He is still sovereign, He is in control, it is our relationship to Him that we should be most concerned about. To Him be the glory forever.

"Glory In The Highest" - Chris Tomlin

You are the first
You go before
You are the last
Lord, You're the encore
Your name's in lights for all to see
The starry host declare Your glory

Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest

Apart from You there is no god
Light of the world
The Bright and Morning Star
Your name will shine for all to see
You are the one
You are my glory

And no one else could ever compare
To You, Lord
All the earth together declares ...
Glory in the highest ... to You, Lord

All the earth will sing Your praise
The moon and stars, the sun and rain
Every nation will proclaim
That You are God and You will reign

Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory to You, Lord
Glory, glory hallelujah
Hallelujah


In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Isa 6:1-9

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;The whole earth is full of His glory!"
4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 So I said:
"Woe is me, for I am undone!Because I am a man of unclean lips,And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;For my eyes have seen the King,The Lord of hosts."
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said:
"Behold, this has touched your lips;Your iniquity is taken away,And your sin purged."
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send,And who will go for Us?"

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/7

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 17-18, John 2

Good morning,
I had intended to take a few days to consider the "glory" of God but came across today's verse and passage in Isaiah 8 which called the tribes of Israel and us to "fear God and heed His word".
So often then as today, God's people had strayed from His commands, His Word, and His way. Usually it starts with something simple, soon it seems, they are going wholeheartedly after other things and seeking answers everywhere but from God. In today's passage the people were seeking spiritual advice from "wizards and spiritists".
Where do people turn for answers today? Horoscopes, astrology, and other gods?
The call then was the same as it is today.

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. NKJV

The call is to return to God's commands and the testimony of the true prophets. And how do you know the true prophets? How they align with His Word. And how do you know His Word but to hear is spoken and to be in it yourself.
1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, NKJV
Read the following from Grace Gems:
Let us be on our guard against the "insidiousness" of false doctrine. Like the fruit of which Eve and Adam ate--at first sight it looks pleasant and good, and a thing to be desired. "Poison" is not written upon it, and so people are not afraid. Like counterfeit coin, it is not stamped "bad." It passes for the real thing, because of the very likeness it bears to the truth.

Let us be on our guard against the "very small beginnings" of false doctrine. Every heresy began at one time, with some little departure from the truth. There is only "a little seed of error" needed to create "a great tree of heresy!" It is the little stones, which make up the mighty building. It is the little leaven, which infiltrated the whole lump. It is the little flaw in one link of the chain cable, which wrecks the gallant ship, and drowns the crew. It is the omission or addition of one little item in the doctor's prescription, which spoils the whole medicine, and turns it into poison!

Let us never allow a little false doctrine to ruin us, by thinking it is "but a little one," and can do us no harm.

There are three things which we never ought to trifle with:
a little poison,
a little sin, and
a little false doctrine.

Let us read the Bible regularly, daily, and with fervent prayer. Let us receive nothing, believe nothing, follow nothing--which is not in the Bible. Let our rule of faith, our touchstone of all teaching--be the written Word of God.


If you have questions about life, faith, and God, the answers are still in the same place "turn to the Law and the Testimonies, the Bible.
Read the passage from Isaiah 8
Isa 8:13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
14 He will be as a sanctuary, NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Isa 8:11-9:1

Fear God, Heed His Word
11 For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
12 "Do not say, 'A conspiracy,'Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. 13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow;Let Him be your fear,And let Him be your dread. 14 He will be as a sanctuary,But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offenseTo both the houses of Israel,As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble;They shall fall and be broken,Be snared and taken."
16 Bind up the testimony,Seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the Lord,Who hides His face from the house of Jacob;And I will hope in Him. 18 Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me!We are for signs and wonders in IsraelFrom the Lord of hosts,Who dwells in Mount Zion.
19 And when they say to you,"Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
21 They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22 Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.

NKJV

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/6

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 15-16, John 1

Good morning,
For today's devotional I thought we'd spend one more day looking at prayer.
11 times in the book of Psalms you will find the statement "the God of Jacob". I was talking with a friend yesterday of how this always reminds me of Genesis 32 when Jacob struggled/wrestled with God all night and would not let him go until he blessed him.
When you look at the characters of the Bible, Old Testament and New, they didn't live by the "name it and claim it" mentality. Jacob, David, the prophets, disciples, and apostles struggled with God as well. But it was through this that they truly found Him, found joy, and peace not just temporary happiness.
Today's verse comes from Psalm 146, the last of the Psalms to mention the God of Jacob.

Ps 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God, NKJV


Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Heaped up is his happiness. He has happiness indeed: the true and real delight is with him. The God of Jacob is the great God of the covenant, the God of wrestling prayer, the God of the tried believer; He is the only living and true God."
What pictures come to your mind as you read that. Look back to Genesis 12 where have the beginning of the Abrahamic covenant:

Gen 12:2 I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing. NKJV

God did truly bless, but it wasn't easy. The lives of the people in Hebrews 11 were the lives of people that remained dependent on God, who held on, who wrestled with God.
But don't miss this in Gen. 12:2. "I will bless you..... and you will be a blessing". Through God's grace we are blessed when we cry out "Abba Father" (Romans 8) and it is only through Christ and His enabling that we can truly be a blessing. (I won't print it, but you can sing the words of make "Make Me a Blessing" here.)
Read through this psalm today. There is so much there to rejoice in, to pray for, and to look forward to.

Jer 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit. NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 146:1-147:1

The Happiness of Those Whose Help Is the Lord
146 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul! 2 While I live I will praise the Lord;I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;In that very day his plans perish.
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,Whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth,The sea, and all that is in them;Who keeps truth forever, 7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,Who gives food to the hungry.The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;The Lord raises those who are bowed down;The Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the strangers;He relieves the fatherless and widow;But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
10 The Lord shall reign forever — Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/5

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 13-14, Luke 24:36-53

Good morning,
We're all aware of the increase in fuel prices and how they are affecting other things such as food. If this continues there is concern for worldwide hunger due to these increased food prices which are partly tied to the use of grain to produce ethanol.
I was reading in Genesis the other day in an unrelated devotional but was struck by the wording of the in the instructions given to man on the sixth day of creation.

Gen 1:29 And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. NKJV

Notice that it says "for food" twice in these two verses.
God had given Adam and Eve the charge to fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over it.
We should all be good stewards of what God has provided for us. We should also pray for the leadership of our country in the coming months. Decisions that will be made by the elected officials of this country will have an effect on the global economy and food supply.
MacArthur comments that "Subdue does not suggest a wild and unruly condition for the creation because God Himself pronounced it good. Rather, it speaks of a productive ordering of the earth and it's inhabitants to yield it's riches and accomplish God's purposes."
What might seem good for the "economy" in lower gas prices could have a serious impact on food for those who can least afford it.
I'm not trying to be political but just saying we should be aware of what is going on in the world around us.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Gen 1:26-2:1

26 Then God said,"Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them,"Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

29 And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.


NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/4

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 8-12, Luke 24:1-35

Good day,
Pastor Bob just finished the "G - Mobile" series and the church small group and Bible study groups finished the study on prayer with a prayer service on Thursday which was the National Day of Prayer.
At that service we were asked how the series and the study had changed our attitude or our thoughts on prayer.
As I sat in the service I reflected on that. First of all we are called to pray. As you pray your picture or attitude towards God changes. As your attitude towards God changes your prayers change. As your prayers change you are being changed, strengthened.
Which reminded me of the praise song "Everlasting God" which has the line "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord".
Today's verse comes from Romans chapter 16 and is a prayer of benediction to the Everlasting God to end that wonderful book.
Rom 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith -
27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. NKJV
How has your attitude towards God and prayer changed over the years? Has He been changing you?
Chapter 16 of Romans actually closes with three prayers. Take a couple of minutes and read these prayers of advise, friendship, and praise to God.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Rom 16:17-27

Avoid Divisive Persons
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Greetings from Paul's Friends
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Benediction
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith — 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/2

Through the Bible - 1 Kings

Good morning,
The main reason I send out these "Verse of the Days" is that God's Word, not mine, may reach somebody.
My pastor's messages, the studies in prayer, and time in God's Word and prayers themselves have brought out some of the verses from the past week, regarding desert places and darkness.
Regarding Psalm 143 a friend wrote back:
This Psalm is probably one of the most referenced by believers when in times of struggle, deep struggle.
It’s a fascinating study to look at the word/concept of “darkness” as mentioned in verse 3.

As Christians many of us in hard times (darkness) slowly let the darkness envelop God to the point that we truly believe He’s not present; we’re alone to find our way out. We believe a lie that God can not still be present in the darkness. Darkness also refers to evil in the Bible which may add to our false thinking that God is not present.

But here are some verses that show God is there in the darkness regardless of how thick the darkness may appear.

1 John 1:5, 1Kings 8:12, Ps. 97 and so many more. God actually dwells in the darkness so we have the confidence that if we cling to him, Ps 63:8, he will be there even though we can’t see him. It’s like holding your parents hand in the dark when the electricity went out in your home. Even though the darkness scarred us, as soon as we grabbed hold of our dad’s hand we instantly felt safe and secure. God’s hand is always in the darkness ready to lead us through it.


The thoughts of God's Word inspiring people and multiplying it's reach brought me back to Isaiah 55 from the other day:

Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Today's verse comes from Psalm 97 which my friend Larry referenced above:
Ps 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. NKJV


The word rendered "sown" - zaarua± - is from a verb which properly denotes to scatter, to disperse-as seed is scattered or dispersed when sown in a field..... Thus light is scattered abroad, and will produce an appropriate harvest-a harvest of joy. It will spring up around the righteous, and he shall reap that which light tends to produce-happiness, intelligence, and peace. The figure of sowing light is an unusual one, but the meaning is plain. It is, that the righteous will not always be in darkness; that there is in preparation for him a harvest of joy; that it will as certainly be produced as a harvest will from grain that is sown; that though there may be present calamities, there will be ultimate peace and triumph. - Barnes Notes
The references that Larry shared speak of light and dispelling the darkness. These words, the Word of God go out dispelling the darkness and come back as voices of praise. These thoughts brought me to "The Word is Alive" which I've shared before, but are worth sharing again at this time.

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

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
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

The bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years
In times of war and in days of peace
By kings, physicians, tax collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds
The marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive
Could have been produced by such a diverse crowd
Over a period of time which stagers the imagination
Jesus is it's grand subject our good is designed and the Glory of God is its end

The Word is alive

My final questions for you this morning are "what are these seeds", prayer, His Word?


In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 97:1-98:1

A Song of Praise to the Sovereign Lord
97 The Lord reigns;Let the earth rejoice;Let the multitude of isles be glad!
2 Clouds and darkness surround Him;Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him,And burns up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings light the world;The earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord,At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness,And all the peoples see His glory.
7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,Who boast of idols.Worship Him, all you gods. 8 Zion hears and is glad,And the daughters of Judah rejoiceBecause of Your judgments, O Lord. 9 For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth;You are exalted far above all gods.
10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!He preserves the souls of His saints;He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous,And gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. NKJV

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Verse of the Day 5/1

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 4-5, Luke 13:26-43

Good morning,
If you are paying any attention to the presidential race you've heard it said that many Americans are "clinging to religion" in response to the troubles with the economy and other issues. People have responded that their faith is at the core of who they are.
The thought is significant for today. Today's verse is
2 Chron 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. NKJV
As Christians, we are not "clinging to religion". We cling to the cross of Christ. But it is not only in tough times, it is to be at all times.
Our nation faces challenges in the economy, with having soldiers in a foreign land. But these are not the real problems.
We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

I'm sure that most of you recognize this statement. It came from Abraham Lincoln's call for a national day of prayer.
Senator James Harlan of Iowa, whose daughter later married President Lincoln's son Robert, introduced this Resolution in the Senate on March 2, 1863. The Resolution asked President Lincoln to proclaim a national day of prayer and fasting. The Resolution was adopted on March 3, and signed by Lincoln on March 30, one month before the fast day was observed
There was a lot going on in the country then with civil war over slavery and many other problems related to it.
But instead of saying that the people were clinging to religion, there was a call for prayer.
The problem today would more likely be that we are "clinging to our idols", while trying to remove God from schools, public buildings, and the name of Jesus Christ in public prayers.
Read the passage below. Pray for the conditions of forgiveness outlined in this verse - humility, that more would turn to God in prayer, longing for God, and repentance.

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.
Pray that our nation would be willing to put down their trophies and crowns and turn to Jesus who died to "pardon and sanctify". Think of what is involved in those last words. Pardon involves forgiveness and grace, sanctification involves growing in grace and being set apart for Him.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
2 Chron 7:12-21

God's Second Appearance to Solomon
(1 Kings 9:1-9)

12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 17 As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, 18 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying,'You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.'

19 "But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, 20 then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.


NKJV