Verse of the Day 10/31

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 31-32, Titus 3

Good morning,
Next Wednesday after the election has taken place somewhere between 40 and 50% (if the polls are correct) of the people in the United States will be disappointed, perhaps very discouraged. A couple of passages that I read this morning gave me an inclination as to what the Christian response should be.

The first was from Philippians 4:
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. NKJV

Paul was writing from jail encouraging his readers to "rejoice always" because the "Lord is at hand". He is not a god far off but the God that is near, close at hand and in charge of the circumstances.

Today's verse will come from today's New Testament reading in Titus 3:

Titus 3:1-2 Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand No insults, no fights. God's people should be bighearted and courteous. (from THE MESSAGE)
or from the NKJV
Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. NKJV

John MacArthur writes "Paul admonished Titus to remind believers under his care of their attitudes toward "1) the unsaved rulers (v1) and people in general (v.2), 2) their previous state as unbelievers lost in sin (v.3), 3) of their gracious salvation through Jesus Christ 4) of their righteous testimony to the unsaved world, 5) and of their responsibility to oppose false teachers and factious members within the church. All of these matters are essential to effective evangelism."

As Christians, we may be disappointed in the outcome of the upcoming election, but either way, we should be mindful of our response in light of God's Word and the things that John MacArthur points out.
By means of faithful preaching and godly living, believers are to be the conscience of whatever nation they reside in. You can confront the culture not with the political and social activism of man’s wisdom, but with the spiritual power of God’s Word. Using temporal methods to promote legislative and judicial change, and resorting to external efforts of lobbying and intimidation to achieve some sort of “Christian morality” in society is not our calling--and has no eternal value. Only the gospel rescues sinners from sin, death, and hell. John MacArthur - Politics, Activism and the Bible

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Titus 3:1-9

Graces of the Heirs of Grace

3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.


NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/30

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 29-30, Titus 2

Good morning,

The Old Testament reading above continues in the book of Jeremiah who is thought of by many as "the weeping prophet" who also wrote the book of Lamentations. Amid the rebukes for the nation and laments over their spiritual condition he also interjects some of the greatest verses of hope in the Bible. Today's verses are some of those.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. NKJV
Or from The Message:
Jer 29:11-13 know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
"When you come looking for me, you'll find me.

As mentioned yesterday, God is sovereign and in control, even amid economic and political turmoil. The key is, are we looking for God, looking for and turning to Jesus to guide us through these times?

After yesterday's devotional I heard a prayer request about a college girl that had become pregnant and was asking for forgiveness, guidance, and grace. I then read this quote this morning from "Of First Importance".

Ready for some good news? . . .
Jesus Christ is stronger!

Stronger than my fears about the future or my shame over a past that cannot be altered though I wish so much I could do some things differently.

Stronger than my tired prayers with well-worn phrases and weary pleas.

Stronger than my need to know now, and have the trial terminated.

Stronger than the enemy of my soul who would discourage me with my own failings and disillusion me with the faults of others.

Such a simple truth—Jesus Christ is Stronger. ‘Stronger than what,’ you ask? Stronger than whatever would cause you doubt or discouragement today.”

—James McDonald,

Jeremiah knew about discouragement but was still able to write of a future hope. What is discouraging you today? Jesus Christ is stronger, seek Him with all your heart.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Jer 29:1-15

Jeremiah's Letter to the Captives

29 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive — to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This happened after Jeconiah the king, the queen mother, the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem.) 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, saying,

4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:

5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters — that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.

10 For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

Verse of the Day 10/29

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 27-28, Titus 1

Good morning,
A devotional that I read this morning brought me to Acts 18 where Paul "was compelled" to speak to a group of people.

Reading through Jeremiah this month has brought me to the point where I feel compelled to write this morning's devotional.

I most often try not to take up political sides here, but the similarities with the Old Testament times and ours bring me, compell me to do so.

I have a hard time when I hear of fellow Christians willing to go along with Obama when you hear of his stand, his firm stand on abortion, even allowing a baby born after a botched abortion to die because he "would not want to burden the mother and doctor with having to make that decision (to kill the baby) again". Most often they will say that they support Obama's economic policies.

Today's verses come from Jeremiah 19, a sobering passage which spoke of the financial and moral collapse that followed the Jews' disregard for life.

Jer 19:4 "Because they have forsaken Me and made this an alien place, because they have burned incense in it to other gods whom neither they, their fathers, nor the kings of Judah have known, and have filled this place with the blood of the innocents 5 (they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind), 6 therefore behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "that this place shall no more be called Tophet or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. NKJV
or from The Message:
Jer 19:4-6 Doom — because they've walked off and left me, and made this place strange by worshiping strange gods, gods never heard of by them, their parents, or the old kings of Judah. Doom — because they have massacred innocent people. Doom — because they've built altars to that no-god Baal, and burned their own children alive in the fire as offerings to Baal, an atrocity I never ordered, never so much as hinted at!

At other times in their history the Jews left God and offered their children as sacrifices to Molech, a "fertility god" in hopes that he would bless their crops. Abortions today are often done in the same way today, with the attitude "let's wait until we are in a better financial position before bringing a child into the world".

Verse 6 mentions Tophet of which MacArthur writes "Hebrew uses the word "toph" for drum. This was another name for the Valley of Hinnom, an E-W valley at the S. end of Jerusalem where when children were burned in sacrifice to idols (v.4-5), drums were beaten to drown their cries. Rubbish from Jerusalem was dumped there and continually burned. The place became a symbol of the burning fires of hell, called Gehenna (Matt. 5:22). It was to become a place of massacre."
Children are still being sacrificed here in this country for idols and God is not pleased.

He is sovereign and has control over the economy. He has the power and authority to bring about a financial collapse and would have a just reason for doing so when you think of how far our country has fallen away from Him to serve other gods. He can cancel all the plans that are being made for the economy.

Obama has flip flopped on many issues. Politicians will do this on things that are not at the core of their beliefs. Somehow abortion, even late term, seems to be something that is a core belief, something that he'll hold onto and won't let go.

I'll post today''s passage in The Message, which is in more modern language.

All that being said, all is not lost if Obama should win the election.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Jer 19:1-20:1

Smashing the Clay Pot

19 God said to me, "Go, buy a clay pot. Then get a few leaders from the people and a few of the leading priests and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom, just outside the Potsherd Gate, and preach there what I tell you.

"Say, 'Listen to God's Word, you kings of Judah and people of Jerusalem! This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel. I'm about to bring doom crashing down on this place. Oh, and will ears ever ring! Doom — because they've walked off and left me, and made this place strange by worshiping strange gods, gods never heard of by them, their parents, or the old kings of Judah. Doom — because they have massacred innocent people. Doom — because they've built altars to that no-god Baal, and burned their own children alive in the fire as offerings to Baal, an atrocity I never ordered, never so much as hinted at!
"'And so it's pay day, and soon' — God's Decree! — 'this place will no longer be known as Topheth or Valley of Ben-hinnom, but Massacre Meadows. I'm canceling all the plans Judah and Jerusalem had for this place, and I'll have them killed by their enemies. I'll stack their dead bodies to be eaten by carrion crows and wild dogs. I'll turn this city into such a museum of atrocities that anyone coming near will be shocked speechless by the savage brutality. The people will turn into cannibals. Dehumanized by the pressure of the enemy siege, they'll eat their own children! Yes, they'll eat one another, family and friends alike.'

"Say all this, and then smash the pot in front of the men who have come with you. Then say, 'This is what God-of-the-Angel-Armies says: I'll smash this people and this city like a man who smashes a clay pot into so many pieces it can never be put together again. They'll bury bodies here in Topheth until there's no more room. And the whole city will become a Topheth. The city will be turned by people and kings alike into a center for worshiping the star gods and goddesses, turned into an open grave, the whole city an open grave, stinking like a sewer, like Topheth.'"

Then Jeremiah left Topheth, where God had sent him to preach the sermon, and took his stand in the court of God's Temple and said to the people, "This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies to you: 'Warning! Danger! I'm bringing down on this city and all the surrounding towns the doom that I have pronounced. They're set in their ways and won't budge. They refuse to do a thing I say.'"

Verse of the Day 10/27

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 21-23, 2 Timothy 3

Good morning,
Last week we touched on the subject of being "desperate for God". Webster's defines "desperate" as - "driven to or resulting from loss of hope; rash or violent because of despair."
This weekends' Old Testament reading included Jeremiah 17 where we go for today's verse.

Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. NKJV

Verse 9 tells us that the heart is "desperately wicked" without God. It is in a hopeless state, subject to rash and violent actions which come from it's state of despair.

Our hearts deceive us in several ways, one of them is for us to tell ourselves that we are strong enough to stand on our own in the face of temptation and danger. Today's society, and even our churches, are full of people who have been deceived and have gradually drifted, and crossed the line. Their hearts are desperate, in need of the Saviour's strength, wisdom, and guidance.

It seldom happens all at once, it is often a slow fade.


"Slow Fade"
Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Don't trust in your own strength, trust in God, trust Him to guard your heart.

Prov 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. NKJV



In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Jer 17:5-14

5 Thus says the Lord:
"Cursed is the man who trusts in manAnd makes flesh his strength,Whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,And shall not see when good comes,But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,In a salt land which is not inhabited.
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.
9 "The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked;Who can know it? 10 I, the Lord, search the heart,I test the mind,Even to give every man according to his ways,According to the fruit of his doings.
11 "As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,So is he who gets riches, but not by right;It will leave him in the midst of his days,And at his end he will be a fool."
12 A glorious high throne from the beginningIs the place of our sanctuary. 13 O Lord, the hope of Israel,All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
"Those who depart from MeShall be written in the earth,Because they have forsaken the Lord,The fountain of living waters."

NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/28

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 24-26, 2 Timothy 4

Good morning,
In this past Sunday's High School Sunday School class we looked at John chapter 21 where Jesus called and challenged Peter to "feed" and "tend" His lambs, His sheep.

That morning the Daily Bread's devotional was from 1 Peter 5 where we go for today's verse.

1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV

Reading these verses, this passage (below), it is helpful to keep in mind who it was that wrote it. More than that, it is important to recall all that he had been through as a "follower" of Christ.

Peter was called several times to follow Jesus. Initially he dropped his nets and followed when first called. He climbed out of the boat to walk on water as Jesus did, yet ended up denying Him three times. The last two times that Peter was called to follow was in John 21. From that time on he would follow whole heartedly with his whole heart, soul, and mind.

Sim Kay Tee wrote this in Sunday's Daily Bread "In his pride Peter overestimated his own strength and underestimated the devil's prowess. Peter now calls for humility (5:5,6), total dependence on God (v.7), and an honest assessment of one's own strength (v.8). He calls for greater vigilance, watchfulness, and resistance to the devil, whom he now acknowledges is like a roaring and devouring lion."

It is a reminder for us not to be confident in ourselves. We may have to learn some lessons the hard way, but hopefully, after we've suffered for a while He will "establish, strengthen, and settle" us, for His glory and honor.

Read the passage below. How does Peter, how does God speak to you in this passage today?

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Peter 5:1-11

Shepherd the Flock

5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

"God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/27

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 21-23, 2 Timothy 3

Good morning,
Last week we touched on the subject of being "desperate for God". Webster's defines "desperate" as - "driven to or resulting from loss of hope; rash or violent because of despair."This weekends' Old Testament reading included Jeremiah 17 where we go for today's verse.

Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. NKJV

Verse 9 tells us that the heart is "desperately wicked" without God. It is in a hopeless state, subject to rash and violent actions which come from it's state of despair.

Our hearts deceive us in several ways, one of them is for us to tell ourselves that we are strong enough to stand on our own in the face of temptation and danger. Today's society, and even our churches, are full of people who have been deceived and have gradually drifted, and crossed the line. Their hearts are desperate, in need of the Saviour's strength, wisdom, and guidance.

It seldom happens all at once, it is often a slow fade.


"Slow Fade"
Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Don't trust in your own strength, trust in God, trust Him to guard your heart.

Prov 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. NKJV



In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Jer 17:5-14

5 Thus says the Lord:
"Cursed is the man who trusts in manAnd makes flesh his strength,Whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,And shall not see when good comes,But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,In a salt land which is not inhabited.
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.
9 "The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked;Who can know it? 10 I, the Lord, search the heart,I test the mind,Even to give every man according to his ways,According to the fruit of his doings.
11 "As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,So is he who gets riches, but not by right;It will leave him in the midst of his days,And at his end he will be a fool."
12 A glorious high throne from the beginningIs the place of our sanctuary. 13 O Lord, the hope of Israel,All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
"Those who depart from MeShall be written in the earth,Because they have forsaken the Lord,The fountain of living waters."

NKJV

Verse of the Day weekend - 10/25

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 17-20, 2 Timothy 1-2

Good morning,
Today (as I write this) is our son Jeff's 26th birthday. It seems like yesterday when he was born. The first words out of Jean's mouth was "he's beautiful!"
Jeff was a great blessing then and even through the trials in our lives, Jeff continues to be one of our greatest blessings and joys.

Today's verse comes from this weekends' reading. It is a verse that I remember memorizing when I was probably in second or third grade. It is the key verse for the AWANA clubs which stands for "approved workman are not ashamed".

2 Timothy2:15 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.

The NKJV Commentary notes that "what is approved is what remains after testing."

The trials and temptations that we face are a way of testing us to see if we are true to our faith and to our God. Sometimes the trials of life turn us away from God, at least for a period of time. Sometimes, the trials cause us to be more diligent in seeking God, and understanding Him through the scriptures. These same trials give us a different perspective on life, and God's Word. Coming through these times may bring new meaning to verses and passages that we have already learned..

Rightly dividing means "cutting straight". I don't know if it is as much as us correctly interpreting as much as it is God's Word "cutting straight" to our hearts, through the prism of the trials and circumstances of our lives.

James 1 encourages us to count it all joy when you encounter "various trials". MacArthur notes that "The Greek word for trials connotes trouble, or something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy, and happiness in someone's life. The verb form of this word means "to put someone or something to the test" with the purpose of discovering that person's nature or that things quality. God brings such tests to prove - and increase - the strength and quality of ones' faith and to demonstrate it's validity."

The apostle Paul knew something of trials and was preparing Timothy for the trials that he would face. Being diligent in the study of God's Words of truth would better prepare him to face whatever the world would throw at him.

Peter knew of God's grace, His strength available in times of trial, pointing out that just as the trials vary, God's grace comes in various forms to meet those needs.

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ESV

May we be good stewards of God's "varied" grace, serving, strengthening and encouraging others.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

2 Tim 2:14-3:1

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 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.


NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/24

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 14-16, 1 Timothy 6

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to 1 Timothy which has been the New Testament portion of the read through the Bible plan this week.

Paul is writing to Timothy to encourage and challenge the young pastor. Yesterday in 1 Thessalonians I noted that the word was "sounding forth" from Macedonia. The book of 1 Timothy was written there. The word "sounded forth" to Timothy, a young pastor.

Today's verse tells of the purpose of the letter.

1 Tim 3:14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. NKJV

The last part of the verse speaks of the church of the living God being the pillar and ground of the truth. The message that "sounds forth" from the church needs to be the truth, grounded in the Bible not in the philosophy of the age.


Thus it is with the church. It is entrusted with the business of maintaining the truth, of defending it from the assaults of error, and of transmitting it to future times. The truth is, in fact, upheld in the world by the church. The people of the world feel no interest in defending it, and it is to the church of Christ that it is owing that it is preserved and transmitted from age to age.

The word rendered "ground" - hedraiooma - means, properly, a basis, or foundation. The figure here is evidently taken from architecture, as the use of the word pillar is. The proper meaning of the one expression would be, that truth is supported by the church. as an edifice is by a pillar; of the other, that the truth rests "on" the church, as a house does on its foundation. It is that which makes it fixed, stable, permanent; that on which it securely stands amidst storms and tempests; that which renders it firm when systems of error are swept away as a house that is built on the sand; compare notes on Matt 7:24-27. (from Barnes' Notes)

In sounding forth His Word, the truth, is being transmitted from age to age, the truth about Jesus Christ.

The Church's One Foundation

Church's One Foundation, The
The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.

She is from every nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy Name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.

The Church shall never perish!
Her dear Lord to defend,
To guide, sustain, and cherish,
Is with her to the end:
Though there be those who hate her,
And false sons in her pale,
Against or foe or traitor
She ever shall prevail.

1 Tim 3:16-
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory. NKJV

In Christ,
Mike

1 Tim 3:14-4:12
The Great Mystery
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,Justified in the Spirit,Seen by angels,Preached among the Gentiles,Believed on in the world,Received up in glory.
The Great Apostasy
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.

NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/23

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 12-13, 1 Timothy 5

Good morning,

Did you ever wonder why churches have used bells to call their congregations to come to meeting? The sound of a good bell sounds forth through the countryside. It can be heard through rain and fog and the sounds of the wind (and traffic).

Depending on where you live you may not hear church bells all that much anymore. Many churches don't have them and the ones at some that do are silent except for the occasional time a mischievous high schooler may ring it before a service.

Today's verse comes from 1 Thessalonians and speaks of the word sounding forth.

1 Thess 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, NKJV

How does sound go forth from a bell? It reverberates.

John MacArthur comments, "Wherever the Thessalonians went, the gospel given by the word of the Lord was heard. It resulted in a local outreach to Thessalonica, a national outreach to Macedonia and Achaia, and an international outreach to regions beyond."
Though church bells may be silent, God's word should be sounding forth, reverberating in our lives as we go to where God sends us.

Wherever He is sending you today be a "good vibration".

In Christ,
Mike

1 Thess 1:1-2:1
Greeting
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Their Good Example
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/22

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 10-11, 1 Timothy 4

Good morning,

I spoke at a business meeting the other day about a new product. In the introduction I said that a successful business needs know who they are, know how they got to where they are; in order to know where they are going.

For today's verse we'll turn to the book of Hebrews to chapter 3 in a passage that encourages, challenges, and exhorts us to "be faithful". The passage shows this same sort of process knowing our past, including mistakes, being aware of our current position, that we remain steadfast in our hope for the future.

Today's passage has "bookends" that tell us instead "if you will hear His voice" and not harden your hearts we will be what we already have become, and that is partakers, true followers of Christ. That is being faithful.

Heb 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. NKJV

Verse 13 warns us to beware of the deceitfulness of sin which will take us away from "walking" with God.
Satan has been that way from the beginning, deceiving, casting doubt on God's Word, His promises. You can go all the way back to Genesis 3 where he said "you will not surely die". You need to realize that;
"he was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. " John 8:44

Repeated rejection of Jesus and God's Word will lead to a progressive "hardening of the heart" a kind of spiritual artheriosclerosis, heart disease, hardening of the arteries.

I'll end with a portion of today's New Testament reading from 1 Timothy 4, from The Message:

1 Tim 4:6-5:1
You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the Christians there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God — no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed — keep that dusted off and in use.
Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

That is my challenge for you today. Don't be diverted, just keep at it!
In Christ,
Mike

Heb 3:7-16
Be Faithful
(Ps 95:7-11)
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, 'They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.'
11 So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.'"
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."

NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/21

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 8-9, 1 Timothy 3

Good morning,

Jeff Henderson gave the message at Northpoint Church in Atlanta last weekend and I jotted down the following quote. "The longer someone follows Jesus, the less desperate they become for him." That was a sobering statement. I think that we must admit that there at least are times or seasons in our lives when this is true.

I looked up the word "desperate" in my concordance for The Message translation and one of the passages that it brought up was Psalm 107 where we'll go for today's verse.

Ps 107:13-15 Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
he got you out in the nick of time.
He led you out of your dark, dark cell,
broke open the jail and led you out.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;
(from THE MESSAGE: )
Or from the NKJV
Ps 107:13 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces. NKJV

The phrase "you called out to God in your desperate condition" is repeated four times in the psalm. in verses 7-8 so that we may have a dwelling place, 13 and 14 to break the chains, 19 and 20 healed them and delivered them, and in 28-29 He calms the storms.

Look back in your life. When was the last time that you were desperate for God and cried out to Him? When has He given you a dwelling place, broken chains of sin, healed and delivered you, or calmed your storms? Praise Him for those times.

Are you desperate for Him today?

Desperate for You - by Michael W. Smith

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I I'm desperate for you
And I I'm I'm lost without you

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
this is my daily bread
your very word spoken to me

And I'm, I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you

In Christ,
Mike

Ps 107:6-33
Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.He got you out in the nick of time; He put your feet on a wonderful roadthat took you straight to a good place to live. So thank God for his marvelous love,for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. He poured great draughts of water down parched throats;the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.
Some of you were locked in a dark cell,cruelly confined behind bars, Punished for defying God's Word,for turning your back on the High God's counsel — A hard sentence, and your hearts so heavy,and not a soul in sight to help. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;he got you out in the nick of time. He led you out of your dark, dark cell,broke open the jail and led you out. So thank God for his marvelous love,for his miracle mercy to the children he loves; He shattered the heavy jailhouse doors,he snapped the prison bars like matchsticks!
Some of you were sick because you'd lived a bad life,your bodies feeling the effects of your sin; You couldn't stand the sight of food,so miserable you thought you'd be better off dead. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;he got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you,that pulled you back from the brink of death. So thank God for his marvelous love,for his miracle mercy to the children he loves; Offer thanksgiving sacrifices,tell the world what he's done — sing it out!
Some of you set sail in big ships;you put to sea to do business in faraway ports. Out at sea you saw God in action,saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean: With a word he called up the wind — an ocean storm, towering waves! You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out;your hearts were stuck in your throats. You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk,you didn't know which end was up. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;he got you out in the nick of time. He quieted the wind down to a whisper,put a muzzle on all the big waves. And you were so glad when the storm died down,and he led you safely back to harbor. So thank God for his marvelous love,for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. Lift high your praises when the people assemble,shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!
(from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 10/20

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 6-7, 1 Timothy 2

Good morning,
I've enjoyed listening to and watching some of Andy Stanley's teaching series. I had business in Atlanta which lasted into the weekend. I ended up staying in Atlanta and had the opportunity to go to Northpoint Church .

In his introduction to the current series, Andy (by video) referenced 1 Timothy 6:18-19.

In today's society and political race you hear a lot about "being rich". You hear a lot about liberals without hearing much about liberality, giving liberally. Today's verse talks about being rich in good works which includes giving liberally.

1 Tim 6:18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. NKJV

Verse 17 says that God "gives us richly all things to enjoy". This should remind us of James 1:17:
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, NKJV

He has given us these (all) things that we be willing and ready to share (v.18). The Greek term means "liberal" or "bountiful".

In times of economic downturn, giving often drops. We should be encouraged to continue to give in meeting the needs of others unselfishly and generously, "storing up a good foundation" knowing that God will supply us in our time of need.

MacArthur writes, "Storing up can be translated "amassing treasure" while foundation can refer to a fund. The idea is that the rich of this world should not be concerned about receiving a return on their earthly investment. Those who make eternal investments will be content to receive their dividends in heaven."

Recently, the return on earthly investments has taken a huge hit. Would we have gotten a better return if we had given more?

In Christ,
Mike

1 Tim 6:17-21
Instructions to the Rich
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Guard the Faith
20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.

Verse of the Day -weekend 10/19

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 1-5, 2 Thessalonians 3 - 1 Timothy 1

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll go to Psalm chapter 16 where the psalmist speaks of God as being "my portion, my inheritance, my cup, and my lot."

Ps 16:5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. NKJV

You've probably heard and talked of "the cup" in reference to our outlook, the cup being half empty or half full. There is some good advice in that and something we should keep in our minds to have a proper perspective. But if you were to think of God as "my cup" how would you look at it? Would it be like David in Psalm 23?

Ps 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Can you say at this point in your life "my cup runneth over"?

The psalm is a psalm of hope, of final victory in the Messiah over lifes battles and struggles. Inheritance is something that we receive after we die. But in Christ we can receive some of the blessing here and now in strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Great is Thy Faithfulness
1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.

2. Summer and winter and spring-time and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Read Psalm 16 with a heart of praise.

In Christ,
Mike

Ps 16:1-17:1
The Hope of the Faithful, and the Messiah's Victory
A Michtam of David.

16:1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord,"You are my Lord,My goodness is nothing apart from You." 3 As for the saints who are on the earth,"They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,Nor take up their names on my lips.
5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me;Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/17

Through the Bible - Isaiah 65-66, 2 Thessalonians 2

Good morning,

I was reading in John chapter 10 this morning and thought about the VOTD. Then I read today's Daily Bread (www.rbc.org) which settled it.

John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV

I think we all know who the thief is in verse 10. He is the same one who came in the garden back in Genesis 3 casting doubt "did God really say?". His whole intent back then and still today was to steal kill and destroy us. He often tries to do this with very "smooth sounding words". Don't be deceived.

Joe Stowell writes in today's Daily Bread "Politicians are adept at “spinning” the details of a story to advance their own agenda. During a political campaign, spin doctors massage stories to ensure that their candidate is cast in a positive light—often at the expense of the truth. This leaves us with serious questions about what the real truth is.
According to Jesus, Satan is the “spin doctor” of hell—the master deceiver who “speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar” (John 8:44). "

Many today are seeking the abundant life through riches, fame, and status. The events of the past few weeks show how fleeting this pursuit is, here today and gone tomorrow. The truly abundant life will not be found in following Wall Street or the stock market, it will be found in following, obeying the truth found in God's Word.

For more on the "political spin" of the day regarding marriage and abortion you can go to Albert Mohler's blog which was pointed out to me yesterday www.albertmohler.com/blog.php.

In Christ,

Mike



John 10:7-22

Jesus the Good Shepherd

7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

17 "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said,"He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?"

21 Others said, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"


NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/16

Through the Bible - Isaiah 62-64, 2 Thessalonians 1

Good morning,

One of the central truths in Christianity, at least in reformed theology, is the sovereignty of God. John Calvin writes "the will of God is exhibited to us in two ways". He reveals Himself and His will in the scriptures, the Word of God and there is also a sovereign will which is unrevealed to us, that governs everything that occurs.

J.I. Packer writes, "from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible's dominant conviction about God is that behind and beneath all the apparent confusion of this world lies His plan. That plan concerns the perfecting of a people and the restoring of a world through the mediating action of Christ. God governs human affairs with this end in view, and human history is an outworking of His purpose; history is His story."
Today's verse comes from Psalm 96 which is titled "A Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgement".

Ps 96:10 Say among the nations,"The Lord reigns;
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved;
He shall judge the peoples righteously." NKJV

When we look at the world around us today there is a lot of uncertainty in regards to our lives, our health, relationships, and certainly in these past few weeks, the economy.

A friend recently e-mailed an article by Pastor Colin Smith about what the Christian's attitude should be during this time of economic uncertainty.

"Don’t waste time wondering where God is in this falling stock market. His sovereign hand is all over it. Wind and waves rise and fall at His command. So do stock markets.
What purpose could God have in a falling stock market? Hebrews 12 gives us one answer: The writer tells us that when God shakes created things, (like banks and stock markets) He does this so that “what cannot be shaken may remain,” (v. 27).
Many of us have been shaken in this crisis already. Others will be soon. When you are shaken, try to embrace God’s purpose and make it your own. Ask God to use the shaking of your finances to strengthen your grip on the things that cannot be shaken. Ask Him to use the loss of your earthly treasure to deepen your appreciation of your treasure in heaven where moth, rust and stock markets cannot destroy and where corruption in business and government cannot break in and steal (see Matthew 6:20). Jesus makes it clear that our heart follows our treasure. Days when we are losing money are a great time to ask God to weaken our affection for the things of this world and to increase our love for Christ and His Kingdom. Start praying like that and your spiritual growth during this time could look like the stock market in reverse!"

Most notable to me was the statement highlighted just above, that these things as with other trials and difficulties in our lives, God can use these to "strengthen your grip on the things that cannot be shaken".

Have you ever found this to be the case in your life? Looking back, I know that I have.

As we see the things going on in the stock market and in our lives, what is your attitude in all of it?

For more on what Colin Smith has to say on the Christian perspective go to:

http://www.unlockingthebible.org/archives/read/101008OpenLetter.asp.



Read the end of Psalm 96 and rise up and praise Him, He deserves our love.



Ps 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.
13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with His truth. NKJV


In this time of economic uncertainty - give _______. Read the Psalm below. I'll let you fill in the blank.

In Christ,

Mike

Ps 96:1-97:1

A Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgment(1 Chron 16:23-33)
96 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!Sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, bless His name;Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations,His wonders among all peoples.
4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,But the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before Him;Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,Give to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;Bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations,"The Lord reigns;The world also is firmly established,It shall not be moved;He shall judge the peoples righteously."
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.He shall judge the world with righteousness,And the peoples with His truth.
NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/15

Through the Bible - Isaiah 59-61, 1 Thessalonians 5

Good morning,

I'm sure we've all faced tough times, tough days in our lives which sometimes turn into "seasons". God's Word and His promises in them should be an encouragement to us in those times.

I don't know how many of you have been following the read through the Bible plan above, but if you have, this past week you've been enjoying some great chapters in the book of Isaiah.

Today's reading included Isaiah 61 where we go for today's verse. The chapter starts out with a message of "good tidings" to the poor, the brokenhearted, the captive, the prisoners, and those who mourn and it speaks of the coming Messiah. Jesus referred to this passage in Luke 4:18-19 when He began His ministry.

Today's verses end this chapter.

Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its bud,
As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. NKJV

No matter what our situation is here and now, as Christians we can look forward to a brighter day. Take a look at and consider the words of verse 11 "God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth". It's a picture of growth, renewal, blossoming. The chapter is a message of hope

I'm reminded of some of the words from the Steve Green song "God Causes all things to Grow":

God causes all things to grow
Through every season we know
He will guard the life
That He's planted in our souls
And when we feel the cold winds blow
We'll hold to what we know
God causes all things to grow

The words of the song and the words of the passage should encourage us. May they do so for you today. Hold on to what you know.

What other verses or passages come to mind as you read the words? Romans 8 or perhaps Philippians 1:6?

Phil 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; NKJV

Are you confident of this today?

In Christ,
Mike

Isa 61:1-62:1
The Good News of Salvation

61 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,Because the Lord has anointed MeTo preach good tidings to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captives,And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,And the day of vengeance of our God;To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion,To give them beauty for ashes,The oil of joy for mourning,The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;That they may be called trees of righteousness,The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."
4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins,They shall raise up the former desolations,And they shall repair the ruined cities,The desolations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,And the sons of the foreignerShall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But you shall be named the priests of the Lord,They shall call you the servants of our God.You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,And in their glory you shall boast. 7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor,And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.Therefore in their land they shall possess double;Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
8 "For I, the Lord, love justice;I hate robbery for burnt offering;I will direct their work in truth,And will make with them an everlasting covenant. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles,And their offspring among the people.All who see them shall acknowledge them,That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed."
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,My soul shall be joyful in my God;For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud,As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
NKJV

Verse of the Day 10/14

Through the Bible - Isaiah 56-58, 1 Thessalonians 4

Good morning,
The other day I was reading a "Today in the Word" devotional from Moody Bible Institute. It brought me to 2 Kings 4 where I was struck by a few words, "it is well".

That morning in church, our Pastor Bob, spoke to the congregation about the loss of their grandson who had lived only a few short hours. He passed on to the congregation the message of still trusting God in the difficult time for his family. I would ask that you remember them in your prayers.

He asked that the praise team play the Matt Redman song "Never Let Go". A few of the lines go like this:

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Today's verse might seem somewhat obscure, but read the passage:


2 Kings 4:23 So he said, "Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath."

And she said, "It is well." NKJV


Yesterday I quoted Mother Teresa "Do ordinary things with extraordinary love", which I read in Scot McKnight's "The Jesus Creed" where he talked about the cycle of compassion.

The woman in today's passage showed compassion in the "ordinary things with extraordinary love". God, through the prophet responded by doing extraordinary things with extraordinary love.

The woman in the passage had befriended the prophet and had made provision for him to stay at their house when he travelled there. In the passage, her son dies, yet even in this time she was able to say "it is well". She didn't know what the outcome would be, but she trusted in the prophet, and more importantly the God that the prophet often talked about with her.

I was reminded of the song "It is Well" which has meant alot to Jean and I over the years, especially the first few years after Jeff's accident.

It was a song that literally came to me in the night in the first week of Jeff's accident. I woke up with it ringing in my mind. I didn't understand why it came to me but it did, and it helped to build my trust, my faith in Christ, even in and through those tough times.



It is Well


When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

I am thankful for the faith of the woman in today's passage, thankful for the writers of songs such as "Never Let Go" or "It is Well" and for people like Bob who can encourage us to trust even when they are going through a desert place, and most of all I'm thankful for the God who gives us the grace and strength to say "it is well".

In Christ,
Mike

2 Kings 4:8-38
Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son(cf. 1 Kings 17:17-24)
8 Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. 9 And she said to her husband, "Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. 10 Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there."
11 And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there. 12 Then he said to Gehazi his servant, "Call this Shunammite woman." When he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, "Say now to her, 'Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?'"
She answered, "I dwell among my own people."
14 So he said, "What then is to be done for her?"
And Gehazi answered, "Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old."
15 So he said, "Call her." When he had called her, she stood in the doorway. 16 Then he said, "About this time next year you shall embrace a son."
And she said, "No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!"
17 But the woman conceived, and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had told her.
18 And the child grew. Now it happened one day that he went out to his father, to the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, "My head, my head!"
So he said to a servant, "Carry him to his mother." 20 When he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. 21 And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door upon him, and went out. 22 Then she called to her husband, and said, "Please send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and come back."
23 So he said, "Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath."
And she said, "It is well." 24 Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, "Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you." 25 And so she departed, and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel.
So it was, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to his servant Gehazi, "Look, the Shunammite woman! 26 Please run now to meet her, and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'"
And she answered, "It is well." 27 Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, "Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me, and has not told me."
28 So she said, "Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me'?"
29 Then he said to Gehazi,"Get yourself ready, and take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer him; but lay my staff on the face of the child."
30 And the mother of the child said,"As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So he arose and followed her. 31 Now Gehazi went on ahead of them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice nor hearing. Therefore he went back to meet him, and told him, saying, "The child has not awakened."
32 When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. 33 He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. 34 And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. 35 He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 And he called Gehazi and said, "Call this Shunammite woman." So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, "Pick up your son." 37 So she went in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground; then she picked up her son and went out.

Verse of the Day 10/13

Through the Bible - Isaiah 54-55, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Good morning,

The men's small group that I'm in is going through the booke "The Jesus Creed" by Scot McKnight. The creed is a blending of the shema of the Old Testament with the "Greatest Commandment" in the New Testament (Matt. 22:37-39), basically to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Today's verse will come from the shema of the Old Testament in Deuteronomy 6, we'll look at verses 8 & 9.

Deut 6:8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. NKJV

The verses show the importance of knowing God's Word in order to live according to it.

These verses tell us to "bind them on our fingers, and wear them on our foreheads". Many of the Jews took this literally as John MacArthur describes. "The Israelite was to continually meditate upon and be directed by the commandments that God had given to him. Later in Jewish history, this phrase was taken literally and the people tied phylacteries (boxes containing these verses) to their hands and foreheads with thongs of leather." Some of these I'm sure were "designer" quality, so that people would take notice. It's probably a good thing that they didn't have LED buttons back then.
.
But before we become too judgemental, what about today's society, what about ourselves? Think of bumper stickers and things that adorn our desks and homes.
God's Word is to be at the forefront of our minds, our thoughts, which should lead to actions. Actions of love, compassion, and mercy.

Scott McKnight noted in his book that Mother Teresa said, "Do ordinary things with extraordinary love, little things like caring for the sick and homeless, the lonely and unwanted, washing and cleaning them."
But this is not to be done in a prideful way, more like Jesus spoke of in Matthew 6:

Matt 6: 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. NKJV

How will you "wear" His commands today?

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Deut 6:1-10

The Greatest Commandment

6 "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, 2 that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you — 'a land flowing with milk and honey.'

4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Verse of the Day 10/10

Through the Bible - Isaiah 45-47, 1 Thessalonians 1

Good morning,
Today was one of those mornings that I woke up early with much on my mind. In such times I normally turn to prayer to take my mind off of my personal concerns.
This morning I was thinking and praying for some who have lost loved ones, or are suffering from prolonged illness, lost jobs, or have had sons return home.
The following verse came to my mind.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, NKJV

These were verses that I memorized at an early age in AWANA clubs (approved workmen are not ashamed). I didn't come close to fully grasping the meaning then and still have a lot to learn. What struck me this morning was the little word "soberly".

When going through difficult circumstances as mentioned above, we do not always think soberly, at least not at first. But by God's grace, as Christians He will bring us around.

Thinking soberly is thinking clearly. Seeing things as they are (going back to the word truth, reality as perceived by God) while not knowing what the future holds. Thankfully, we know Who holds the future. As Christians we should be "looking for the blessed hope". It's the attitude that Jean and I have had several times. saying and praying, "come Lord Jesus come", yet not my will but yours be done.

One of the things that we can learn from these experiences is that life is precious. Each day is precious and is a gift. That really struck me through Jeff's accident and when we learned of Jason's brain tumor several years ago. Jason is doing well, but each conversation I have, each time we see each other, I consider it a gift and a blessing from God.

Can you think of biblical examples? Paul comes to mind. I also think of the father in the parable of the prodigal son. We often picture him as representing God, but think of how he looked for the return of his son with hope, with eager expectation of the day, even though he did not know when it might come.

This salvation that we look forward to is by the grace of God as a gift.

I'll close by quoting an expert on God's amazing grace, John Newton.

“Salvation is wholly of grace, not only undeserved but undesired by us until God is pleased to awaken us to a sense of our need of it. And then we find everything prepared that our wants require or our wishes conceive; yea, that He has done exceedingly beyond what we could either ask or think.
Salvation is wholly of the Lord and bears those signatures of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness which distinguish all His works from the puny imitations of men. It is every way worthy of Himself, a great, a free, a full, a sure salvation.

It is great whether we consider the objects (miserable, hell-deserving sinners), the end (the restoration of such alienated creatures to His image and favor, to immortal life and happiness) or the means (the incarnation, humiliation, sufferings and death of His beloved Son). It is free, without exception of persons or cases, without any conditions or qualifications, but such as He, Himself, performs in them and bestows upon them.” - John Newton, “The Consolation”,
If you know of someone going through a tough time of grief, say a prayer for them, send a note of encouragement, may they be able to look for that blessed hope and glorious appearing.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Titus 2:6-3:1

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Trained by Saving Grace

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Verse of the Day - weekend 10/11

Through the Bible - Isaiah 48-51, 2 Thessalonians 2-3:5

Good morning,
Many of these devotionals recently have looked at the "Truth", God's Word and how important it is for us as Christians to be reading, studying, and praying through it regularly, daily.
I read three different devotionals this morning that were all linked, centering on the importance of God's word. I'll post them for you.
Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. NKJV

Prov 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp,
And the law a light;
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, NKJV

And from today's New Testament reading we go for today's verse:

1 Thess 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. NKJV

The work of God's Word includes: saving, guiding, counseling, reviving, restoring, warning and rewarding, nourishing, judging, sanctifying, freeing, enriching, protecting, strengthening, making wise, rejoicing the heart, and prospering. (John MacArthur). Which of these do you need today?

J R Miller writes about the importance and practicality of reading God's Word, helping us to live "effective" Christian lives as it works through those who believe.


Nothing is more helpful and practical in
Christian living--than the habit of getting
a verse or phrase of Scripture into the mind
and heart in the morning. Its influence stays
through the day, weaving itself into all the
day's thoughts and words and experiences.

Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us
to live--and a good devotional book opens
up the precious teachings which are folded
up in Scripture.

A devotional book, which takes a Scripture
text, and so opens it for us in the morning--
that all day long it helps us to live, becoming
a true lamp for our feet, and a staff to lean
upon when the way is rough--is the very best
help we can possibly have. What we need in
a devotional book which will bless our lives--
is the application of the great teachings of
Scripture--to common, daily, practical life.

Do you find passages and verse coming to your mind as you go through the day? When this happens, they are working as the lamp to our feet and the light to our path as we walk along.


In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

1 Thess 2:1-16

2 So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition.
No Hidden Agendas
God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval — only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you.
Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.
You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.
And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers! Friends, do you realize that you followed in the exact footsteps of the churches of God in Judea, those who were the first to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ? You got the same bad treatment from your countrymen as they did from theirs, the Jews who killed the Master Jesus (to say nothing of the prophets) and followed it up by running us out of town. They make themselves offensive to God and everyone else by trying to keep us from telling people who've never heard of our God how to be saved. They've made a career of opposing God, and have gotten mighty good at it. But God is fed up, ready to put an end to it.

(from THE MESSAGE

Verse of the Day 10/9

Through the Bible - Isaiah 43-44, Colossians 3:18-4:18

Good morning,

Yesterday's topic was the truth. As you absorb the truth, from God's Word, and apply it in your life, the sanctification process spoke of in John 17 will take place. This process does require something. Submission of our will to His, as we saw also in the "Lord's prayer" in the words Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
For today's verse we'll go to Colossians 3 which was part of yesterday's read through the Bible plan.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. NKJV

or from The Message:

Col 3:16-17 Let the Word of Christ — the Message — have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives — words, actions, whatever — be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

"Let the Word", allow it to dwell in you richly. It is a matter of submission, it is a matter of the will.

John MacArthur writes, "Dwell means to live in or be at home, and richly may be more fully rendered "abundantly or extravagantly rich". Scripture should permeate our life and control every thought, word, and deed. This concept is parallel to being "filled with the Spirit" in Eph. 5:18, since the results of each are the same in Eph. 5:18, the power and motivation for all the effects is the filling of the Holy Spirit, here it is the Word richly dwelling. Those two realities are really one. The Holy Spirit fills the life controlled by His Word. This emphasizes that the filling of the Spirit is not some ecstatic or emotional experience, but a steady controlling of the life by obedience to the truth of God's Word."

Will you spend time in His Word, will you absorb it? Will you then let it "have the run of the house" in your life?

When you think of the word "abundantly" you get the picture of an overflowing fountain. May our lives overflow with the Word of God flowing in and through us today.

"The Word of God Is The Will Of God"



The Word of God is the will of God

His heart to me and you

God said what He meant when He had it written

Every word is true



The Word of God is the will of God

His promises are true

The Word of God is the will of God

His heart to me and you



God gave His Word to holy men

So we could know His will

It has not changed since the day it came

It is His will still


The "put off" and "put on" shown below are a matter of the will.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Col 3:8-18

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Verse of the Day 10/8

Through the Bible - Isaiah 41-42, Colassians 2- 3:17

Good morning,

In His prayer to the Father for His disciples, then and now, Jesus prays that they would be sanctified, set apart, and purified by the Word of God which is truth. You may recall R.C. Sproul's definition of truth from last week "truth is reality as percieved by God". If we want to see the world as Jesus does, the Word of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit will reveal it to us.

John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. NKJV

or from the Amplified Bible:
17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.

Burk Parsons writes in Tabletalk Magazine "The Bible is not a cleverly contrived collection of fanciful tales of mythical gods and prophets, sorcerers and goblins, hobbits and elves. It is not a Judeo-Christian anthology of sixty-six ancient books that were deemed politically and ecclesiastically correct by influential Christians of the early church who coveted worldly acceptance and prestige. On the contrary, the Bible is the book of the Lord God Almighty. It is the authoritative, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, and, as Jesus taught us in His prayer to the Father: His “Word is truth.” It doesn’t merely contain truth or speak about truth; it is truth — it defines truth (John 17:17). We must, therefore, regard it as such.
It stands alone as the veritable Word of God, never returning void, always going forth to accomplish precisely what the Lord intends. The Word of God is never to be the object of our scrutiny. Rather, the Word of God is that by which the Holy Spirit scrutinizes us. By His Word, the Lord employs His own version of higher criticism as He inspects our lives, interrogates our proud hearts, and reveals our sins." (http://www.ligonier.org/tabletalk/2008/10/1098_Higher_Criticism)

How does Burk Parson's statement strike you? Think about the fact that the Bible is the book of the Lord God Almighty. What a gift, what a blessing, what a privelidge to have it, how can we think of ignoring it, ignoring God by not reading and studying it?

It does require some of our time, but it is worth every moment.

Speaking of sanctification, as we looked at above, the following hymn comes to mind.

Take Time to be Holy
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 17:1-23

Jesus Prays for Himself

17 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6 "I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

9 "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
NKJV