Sunday, November 30, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 11/30

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 43-46, 2 Peter 3 - 1 John 1

Good morning,
I missed Friday's devotional because I was off hunting. It was the first time hunting in North Carolina after years of doing so out in Colorado and most often in Wisconsin. I thought of which Psalm to use for this weekends verse, several came to mind.

When deer hunting Psalm 42 always comes to mind:

Ps 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God? NKJV


The deer needs water daily. It's not like a camel that can go for days without water. So it should be with us and fellowship with God in prayer and in His Word. We need it and should desire it with a thirst.

I read Psalms 146 -150 and had many verses to choose from:

Ps 148:7 Praise the Lord from the earth,......10 Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl; NKJV

Sitting in the woods it was easy to praise Him for His creation.

Ps 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord! NKJV
or from The Message:
Ps 150:6 Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!


Hunting in North Carolina this time of year is different from Wisconsin. There was no snow, no ice, there was still green grass and plants with green leaves, something I wouldn't have seen in Wi. But to be in either location, it is wonderful to see God's creation, His creatures.

At about 7 am. things begin to spring to life. First you hear a few birds, then the squirrels come out and make more noise (seemingly) than an elephant would if one were to walk through the woods. Then more birds start singing and flitting about. Landing within a few feet of the camouflaged hunter. A little later a couple of yearling does come bouncing along, visit for a while and then they are off. A little later, since it is warmer here, there were even a few spiders working, weaving and spinning their webs.

Creation was truly singing.

It is easy to take for granted is that God is upholding this every day. He provides for the animals as He does for us. Should we not join in praise with God's creation?

The verse I settled on was Psalm 149:1
Ps 149:1- Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints. NKJV


The song All Creatures of Our God and King, words written by Francis of Assisi, referenced this Psalm.

All Creatures of Our God and King

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.


If you have a chance to be outdoors, take some time to appreciate, and praise God, the Lord of Creation for His handiwork.



In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Ps 149:1-150:1

149 Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.


2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the written judgment —
This honor have all His saints.

Praise the Lord!


NKJV
Ps 150

Let All Things Praise the Lord

150 Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!


NKJV

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/27

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 39,40 2 Peter 1

Happy Thanksgiving,

Two different devotionals that I read this morning referenced Psalm 100. Take a look at it, it's only a few short verses.

Ps 100:1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. NKJV


On this Thanksgiving Day, let us be thankful to Him and bless His name in thanks for what He has done for us. And let us go out and serve Him the other 364 days ever mindful of His greatness. May it be a way of life until we leave this world. I think that is what Peter had in mind when He wrote this letter.

Today's verse comes from 2 Peter 1 which is today's New Testament reading above.

2 Peter 1:12-Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. This is the post to which I've been assigned — keeping you alert with frequent reminders — and I'm sticking to it as long as I live. The Message
or from the NKJV
2 Peter 1:12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,
Reading that verse in The Message brought many things to mind, among them submitting to Christ, the "take your post and stay" attitude that Pastor Bob referred to a couple of weeks ago. The "keeping you alert with frequent reminders" is a goal of mine with these devotionals. You may not agree with them all of the time or may not see my point, never the less, my desire is to remind you of His faithfulness, to encourage you to be thankful, and to remember His Word every day of our lives.

Read the chapter below. The first few verses bring to mind the word "precious" referred to yesterday as Peter gives an introduction in this letter:

2 Peter 1:1 To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, NKJV

Grace and peace be multiplied to you as you grow in the knowledge and love of Him through His Word
and through live lived among fellow believers.

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
2 Peter 1:1-2:1
1 I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.
Don't Put It Off
Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you — your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The One Light in a Dark Time
Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. This is the post to which I've been assigned — keeping you alert with frequent reminders — and I'm sticking to it as long as I live. I know that I'm to die soon; the Master has made that quite clear to me. And so I am especially eager that you have all this down in black and white so that after I die, you'll have it for ready reference.
We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.
We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard — God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.

(from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 11/26

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 37-38, 1 Peter 5

Good morning,
Through the ages many, including the Catholic church, have looked at the following statement by Jesus to Peter as evidence that Jesus was appointing Peter as the head of the church, the Rock that the church would be built on.

Matt 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, NKJV

Others, myself included, believe that Jesus was referring to the statement that Peter had just made to Jesus, and that Jesus gave him the name Peter, Rock as a reminder of that statement. That the church would be built on the one Rock, the Cornerstone, Jesus Christ.:

Matt 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered and said,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." NKJV


For today's verse we'll go to 1 Peter, written late in Peter's life where he refers to Jesus as the "Chief Cornerstone". In these verses he refers to Christians, himself included as living stones, built around the one "chief cornerstone".

1 Peter 2:4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. NKJV

John MacArthur writes, "Christians are so closely identified and united with Christ that the very life that exists in Christ exists in them also. built up a spiritual house - Metaphorically, God is building a spiritual house, putting all believers in place, integrating each one with others, and each one with the life of Christ."

Read the passage below. You'll notice that three times (in the NKJV at least) that the word "precious" is used. First, believers in the sight of God, and then Jesus, the Cornerstone, described by Peter, by God as being precious.

Is Jesus precious to you today? If so, you will be following Him obediently, serving Him wherever He has placed you and will lead you.

Today's New Testament reading is from 1 Peter 5, where he gives some encouragement in closing out this letter.

He Gets the Last Word

1 Peter 5:8-12 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ — eternal and glorious plans they are! — will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (from THE MESSAGE)

In today's tough times, keep a cool head and keep a firm grip on the faith, He will see you through.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

1 Peter 2:1-13

2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

"Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,

"The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,"

8 and

"A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense."

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Living Before the World

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.


NKJV

Monday, November 24, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/25

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 35-36, 1 Peter 4

Good morning,

Today we're going to do something that I don't think I've done before, go back to the same verses as the day before for the VOTD. There is just so much there to consider.

Satan had asked God if he could "sift" Peter. Have any of you ever used a sieve? You shake back and forth up and down. Consider what it would be like to be in the sifter. Being bounced side to side, up and down , constant commotion and confusion, heading in one direction while not truly having any control of what direction you are heading. Perhaps most importantly, no time to rest, no peace and no breathing space.

Have you been there? Consider the next days for the disciples, they would definitely feel the sifting action. But again, notice here what Jesus does for Peter, He lets him know what's coming, prays for him, and gives him instruction for the other side, when he has come through it, when he has returned. We need a friend, a faithful friend to see us, to pray us through.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." NKJV
or from The Message:
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."

Now take a look at what Jesus tells Peter to do once he has returned, strengthen your brethren, your companions. Having fallen, and then being restored we should also have compassion and try to strengthen others who may be struggling with our own types of weaknesses whatever they may be.

Peter, the "Rock" would deny his Saviour. Spurgeon writes, "Peter must have staggered his brethren. Some of them must have been quite frightened at him. John soon looked after him, but then they were not all Johns. Full of love, John soon hunted up Peter; but the others must have felt that he was a mere reed shaken by the wind. It must have staggered the faith of the weaker sort to see that Peter, who had been such a leader among them, was among the first to deny his Lord. Therefore, Peter, you must build what you have thrown down, and bind up what you have torn! Go and talk to these people again, and tell them how foolish and weak you were. Warn them not to imitate your example. You must henceforth be more bold than anybody else, that you may in some measure undo the mischief which you have done."
He continues, "he should say, "Lord, I will show how much I thank thee for restoring me, by endeavoring to find any that have been overtaken in a fault, that I may restore such in the spirit of meekness, remembering myself also, since I have been tempted, and have not stood against the temptation." Those of you whom the Good Shepherd has restored should have a quick eye for all the sickly ones of the flock, and watch over these with a sympathetic care. You should say, "This is the field which I shall try to cultivate. Because in my spiritual sickness the Lord has been pleased to deal so graciously with me, I would therefore lay myself out to cherish others who are diseased in soul."

A friend sent the following in response to yesterday's devotional, Colin Smith gives a great reminder again of how we need to “renew our minds” if we are to understand and grow our faith in Him. “The length of time you wait is an expression of the value you place on the person you are waiting for. How long would you be prepared to wait for God?”

Another question would be, how long has He been waiting for you?

He was reminded of the song by Selah - Faithful One

The faithful one

I find no hope within to call my own
For I am frail of heart, my strength is gone
But deep within my soul is rising up a song
Here in the comfort of the faithful one

I walk a narrow road through valleys deep
In search of higher ground, on mountains steep
And though with feet unsure, I still keep pressing on.
For I am guided by the faithful one.

Faithful, faithful to the end,
My true and precious friend,
You have been faithful,
Faithful, so faithful to me

I see your wounded hands, I touch your side
With thorns upon your brow you bled and died
But there's an empty tomb, a love for all who come
And give their hearts to you, the faithful one.

Faithful, faithful to the end,
My true and precious friend,
You have been faithful,
Faithful, so faithful to me

And when the day is dawned and when the race is run
I will bow down before God's only Son
And I will lift my hands in praise for all you've done
And I will worship you, my faithful one


If Jesus is praying for you as He did for Peter, don't you think that the Father will answer His prayer?

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Luke 22:31-35

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
(Matt 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; John 13:36-38)

31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death."

34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me."


NKJV

Verse of the Day 11/24

Through the Bible -Ezekiel 32-34, 1 Peter 3

Good morning,

The N.T. reading above has moved into the letters written by Peter. The NKJV Commentary states that "the Christians of Asia Minor who had received this (1st) letter from Peter had discovered that a life lived for God is often a life of many difficulties. Some of their problems came from their neighbors, while some came from government authorities. (Sound familiar?) Peter wrote to these Christians to encourage them, to explain to them why suffering occurs, and to remind them of their eternal reward at the end of this earthly life." We still need those things today.

This weekend's verse was from Psalm 51 where David was "rebounding" after having blown it. Peter too was someone who had blown it. He had denied His Lord three times. As we start into Peter's letters, I thought we'd start with a couple of verses from Luke where Jesus prepares Peter for his (Peter's) failures with words of encouragement.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." NKJV
or from The Message:
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."

Regarding these verses the great 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote, "The point of Satan's chief attack on a believer, then, is his faith. Observe, secondly, the peculiar danger of faith: "That thy faith fail not." That is the danger,-not merely lest it should be slackened and weakened, but lest it should fail. And then observe, thirdly, the believer's grand defence: "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not."
Spurgeon continues, "All the other graces within us derive strength from our faith. If faith be at a low ebb, love is sure to burn very feebly. If faith should begin to fail, then would hope grow dim. Where is courage? It is a poor puny thing when faith is weak. Take any grace you please, and you shall see that its flourishing depends upon the healthy condition of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. To take faith away, therefore, would be to take the fountain away from the stream; it would be to withdraw the sun from his rays of light. If you destroy the source, of course that which comes out of it thereupon ceases. Therefore, beloved, take the utmost possible care of your faith, for I may truly say of it that out of it are the issues of life to all your graces."

Think of the words to the song quoted last week "Somebody's Praying Me Through". Do you think about it a little differently?

Sometimes after we've blown it, we feel that we can never be used again that the fire has gone out. You may even know someone that looks that way. Looks can be deceiving. If you've been around campfires you've seen wood in the fire that looks gray and dull, no sign of fire. You may blow as long as you like on cold coals to no effect. But what happens if there is still some warmth and you get down on your knees and gently blow on it. The surface ashes fall away and the flame can be rekindled. That's the image of Christ praying for Peter and meeting with Peter and the disciples in John 21, that they wouldn't go back to fishing, but instead, feed Jesus' lambs, His sheep. The words of Peter in these letters are still doing so today.

I was reminded of the song "Breathe on Me"

Over and over I've come to this place
Missing the mark I need Your embrace
Thumbing through pages of healing and hope
Tell me again these words that I know
I long for Your Spirit to flow and rush through the depths of my soul

Chorus:
Breathe on me the words of wisdom to the heart of a seeker calling Your name
Breathe on me, You can melt away these clouds of confusion over my head
Sweep this distance away, pull me close to Your face
Surround me with Your gentle holy breeze, breathe on me

You are the one constant love in this life
Faithful and true tested by time
Just like a child I'm secure in Your arms
Far from my fears and near to Your heart
You know where my faith has been, whisper assurance again

Breathe on me.



In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Luke 22:31-35

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

(Matt 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; John 13:36-38)

31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death."

34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me."


NKJV

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 11/22

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 29-31- 1 Peter 1-2

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go to the book of Psalms, chapter 51.

Most of us will have to admit that we've "blown it" to some extent at some point in our lives. We've let people down, we've sinned against them. This chapter says a lot to us about those times; what needs to be done as well as what God can do out of it.

One of the dangers of quoting individual verses is to take them out of context, which I hope that I do not do. As you read a chapter like Psalm 51 it's easy to memorize verses, hold them dear to ourselves, but can easily miss out on the subtleties or even profundities of the surrounding verses.

Today's verses are:
Ps 51:16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart —
These, O God, You will not despise. NKJV


or from The Message:
Ps 51:16-18 Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.


These verses are often memorized and considered on their own. But, back up a verse:

Ps 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. NKJV

The sacrifices that God delights in are or include, praises from our lips out of a "broken", contrite (crushed like mortar) heart.

David had been crushed and broken by his sin, but he is now being built up. Verses 10-12 speak of God creating a clean heart. The word create is the same one used in Genesis where God created the world out of nothing, being "formless and void". Isn't that how we are when we hit rock bottom? Empty and out of shape out of sorts?

David had been crushed, he had been brought down to nothing in his mind, but he sought God, sought forgiveness, and was ready to and desired to be "renewed".

A brick wall that is "out of plumb" needs to be torn down and rebuilt. God uses the "mortar" of taking our broken spirit and builds a new wall brick by brick using the plumbline of Jesus and the written word of God.

Read the psalm below. How does it speak to you? Have you blown it? Are you ready to be built back up?

Don't go through the motions, seek Him this weekend, desire and pray for a clean heart.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 51:1-52:1

A Prayer of Repentance
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
51 Have mercy upon me, O God,According to Your lovingkindness;According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions,And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,And done this evil in Your sight — That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness,That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins,And blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,And sinners shall be converted to You.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,The God of my salvation,And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips,And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,A broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise. 18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;Build the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

NKJV

Verse of the Day - 11/21

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 27-28, James 5

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll return to the book of James.

Over the years I had the privilege to serve on church boards at our previous churches and had the opportunity as a board member to lay hands on and pray for specific needs of members of the congregation who asked for prayer. Later, Jean and I were on the receiving end of such prayers in the days following Jeff's car accident.

In today's verse James gives advice on seeking the help of church leaders for prayer.

James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. .....James 5:16 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
NKJV


or from The Message
James 5:14-15 Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven — healed inside and out.

Annointig with oil may be a ceremonial action. I've heard Chuck Swindoll say that in this instance it may mean to pray and to use whatever medical means are available,( in New Testament times, oils and salves were used for various medicinal purposes). John MacArthur on the "annointing with oil" writes, "Perhaps it is better to understand the annointing in a metaphorical sense of the elders encouraging, comforting and strengthening the believer."
This week I've heard prayer requests from friends that asked for prayer for two family members, a father and a niece, both battling different stages of cancer. I had a prayer request from a friend whose college age daughter collapsed with symptoms similar to our son Jason a couple of years ago.

It brought me back to times in our lives when we coveted the prayers of family, friends, and churches in our sons lives. Knowing that they were praying did encourage, comfort, and strengthen us.

We pray for our merciful God to show mercy, for grace and the strength to stand In those times, and for hope that those in need of prayer would feel it "as an anchor of the soul" (Heb. 6:19). It helps, it does bring some comfort to know that somebody's prayin' you through.

Truly, the prayers of God's people accomplish much.

SOMEBODY’S PRAYING ME THROUGH

Pressing over me like a big blue sky
I know someone has me on their heart tonight
That's why I know it's gonna be alright
'Cause somebody's praying me through
Somebody's praying me through

It may be my Mother, it might be my Dad
Or an old friend I've forgot I had
But whoever it is I'm so glad that
Somebody's praying me through
Somebody's praying me through

Through the tears, through the rain
Through the sorrow, through the pain
It keeps bringing me through
Over and over again

So when you're drowning in a sea of hurt
And it feels like life couldn't get any worse
There's a blessing waiting to push back the curse
'Cause, somebody's praying you through Oh…
Somebody's praying you through Oh…

Somebody… somebody is, Praying
Oh… Somebody is, Someone Somewhere

Someone got down on their knees and prayed for me
Somebody's, praying
Somebody's praying… you through


I would ask for your prayers for the friends mentioned as well as strength and grace for my parents as they face new challenges.

Someone else has stood in the gap for us personally as well as we see from these verses in Romans 8. You can also find encouragement in John 17 in Jesus' prayer.

Rom 8:26-27 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. (from THE MESSAGE)

You can listen to the song "Somebody's Praying Me Through" on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_D19BZodUA It is accompanied by a girl conveying the message in sign language.


In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

James 5:6 - 1 Peter 1:1

All the workers you've exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. You've looted the earth and lived it up. But all you'll have to show for it is a fatter than usual corpse. In fact, what you've done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it.

Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.
Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you.

Prayer to Be Reckoned With

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven — healed inside and out.
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't — not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/20

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 25-26, James 4

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go back to the Old Testament to a passage that was part of yesterday's reading outlined above. The nation had fallen from God. There were prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel, but they were not enough to turn the people from there sins. As with other prophets before them, going all the way back to Abraham, their faith looked forward.

Many in this country were and still are hoping for someone that would lead this nation to where it should be. They have put their hopes in human leaders. Maybe new policies, new tax breaks, redistribution of wealth might help them. If it were God doing the looking today, I'm afraid that he would have the same answer as in Ezekiel 22.

Ezek 22:29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. NKJV
Ezek 22:26-29

The Message may give us a more modern perspective:

"'Your priests violated my law and desecrated my holy things. They can't tell the difference between sacred and secular. They tell people there's no difference between right and wrong. They're contemptuous of my holy Sabbaths, profaning me by trying to pull me down to their level. Your politicians are like wolves prowling and killing and rapaciously taking whatever they want. Your preachers cover up for the politicians by pretending to have received visions and special revelations. They say, "This is what God, the Master, says . . ." when God hasn't said so much as one word. Extortion is rife, robbery is epidemic, the poor and needy are abused, outsiders are kicked around at will, with no access to justice.'


I heard it said on a new program yesterday that 74% of Americans polled believed that Barak Obama was the one person that could lead this country out of the economic crisis that we are facing. That's putting a lot of hope in one person.

MacArthur comments "Ezekiel and Jeremiah were faithful, but apart from them God sought a man capable of advocacy for Israel when it's sin had gone so far. But no one could lead the nation to repentance and draw the nation back from the brink of judgement that came in 586 B.C. (Jer. 7:26,35) Only God's Messiah, God Himself, will have the character and the credentials sufficient to do what no man can do, intercede for Israel."

Have you ever wondered "who will be the next D.L. Moody, or Billy Graham, that will lead a spiritual revival in this nation? It's not one person or group of people that will solve the "spiritual crisis" in our nation. It is the same One whom John MacArthur referenced that had the credentials then and now that could stand in the gap, the Saviour Jesus Christ. Only Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit working in hearts and lives can bring about the change.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net


23 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 24 "Son of man, say to her: 'You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.' 25 The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord God,' when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads," says the Lord God.
Ezek 22:23-31 (NKJV)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/19

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 22-24, James 3

Good morning,
As I mentioned yesterday, James is a very practical book about Christian living. In James chapter 1 we read.

James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. NKJV

How many of us, at least at times, are just the opposite, quick to speak and slow to listen.

Today's N.T. reading is in James chapter 3 where he deals with the tongue in depth, comparing it to seemingly insignificant things like bridles, and rudders which guide horses and ships, and a small spark which can start a forest fire. But unlike these other things that can be cntrolled, it seems that we cannot control our tongues.

Today's verse relates this to Christian living, to what Wilburforce referred to as "real Christianity".

James 3:13-Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom — it's animal cunning, devilish conniving.
(from THE MESSAGE.)
or from the NKJV
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. NKJV

MacArthur writes, "Wise is the common Greek word for speculative knowledge and philosophy, but the Hebrews infused it with the much richer meaning of skillfully applying knowledge to the matter of practical living. The word for understanding is used only here in the N.T. and means a specialist or professional who could skillfully apply his expertise to practical situations."

The Old Testament book of proverbs also has a lot to say about the tongue and our use of words. In following, applying the advice in James and in Proverbs below, we will be going a long way in living well, wisely, and humbly. May it be so in our lives today.

Prov 17:27 He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. NKJV


Are there things that need to be cleaned up in our lives? A good place to start is with the tongue.


In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
James 3:1-15

The Untamable Tongue

3 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. NKJV

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/18

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 21, James 2

Good morning,

I've mentioned before that I've been reading The Message this year in the read through the Bible plan outlined above. Today's N.T. reading is in James, a book known for it's practicality. Today's reading is just that, practical.

James 2:12-13 Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time. (from THE MESSAGE)


These verses preceed the passage which tells us how "faith without works is dead". The verses start with a very simple statement "talk and act", which could be said another way "walk the talk". Our faith needs to demonstrated, acted out in our lives. Acted out in love, mercy, and compassion to others.

The NKJV Commentary states, "Believers will be judged by the law of liberty, which is the law of love (1:25). Believers who do not practice partiallity, but who practice love (v.5,8), and mercy, will triumph at the judgement seat. Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy."

James 2:14-18 Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup — where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

Christianity would have a lot fewer critics and most likely a lot more converts, if we would take James advice and "talk and act" like a person who has been set free, who is at liberty to show everyone the fruit of the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-23 But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard — things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
(from THE MESSAGE)



Read James chapter 2 (below) today, in whatever translation you have. God will speak to you.

In Christ,
Mike

James 2:12-3:1

Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.

Faith in Action

Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup — where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."

Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That's just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?

Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"? The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?

The same with Rahab, the Jericho harlot. Wasn't her action in hiding God's spies and helping them escape — that seamless unity of believing and doing — what counted with God? The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.

The Message

Monday, November 17, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/17

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 18-20, James 1

Good morning,
In our high school Sunday School class we talked about the "Great Commision' in Matthew 28 and about "going into all the world" to make disciples. In order to make disciples we need to be real, authentic followers ourselves.

I mentioned William Wilburforce's book "Real Christianity". Wilburforce is more commonly known for almost single handedly taking down the slave trade in England. Last years' movie "Amazing Grace" was about his life. The movie related it to John Newton's song "Amazing Grace" but did little to show what was the moving, motivating source of Wilburforces strength. His love for God. You get a better understanding of him if you read his book "Real Christianity".

In it he writes, "Christianity asks us, if we value our immortal souls, not merely to be generally religious and moral, but to believe specifically the doctrines, to consume the principles, and to practice the precepts of Christ...... The Bible is what teaches us our obligations and our duty, what we are to believe and to practice."
That kind of living; knowing the Bible and passing it along to our kids, not only in knowing but in doing as Jesus would do.

Today's verse comes from Psalm 48 which I read this morning in my devotions.

Ps 48:12 Walk about Zion,
And go all around her.
Count her towers;
13 Mark well her bulwarks;
Consider her palaces;
That you may tell it to the generation following. NKJV


As you "walk through the Bible", take note of the doctrines and principles, God's commands make it your aim to live by them. I'm reminded of Deut. 6:4-10, the "shema" which speaks of passing in on to our children at home, as we walk (or drive) along, when we lie down and when we get up. Be as familiar with it, be able to navigate through it as you would the city you live in.

You probably noticed a seldom used word these days - bulwark:
A wall or embankment raised as a defensive fortification; a rampart.
Something serving as a defense or safeguard
God's Word serves also as a defence and a safeguard. Why won't we take more time to learn it, and practice what it says?



We should be reminded that God Himself is a bulwark never failing:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.


If you have time today read James 1 which is today's N.T. reading in the read through the Bible plan above. It speaks of being doers of the word.

In Christ,

Mike
Ps 48:1-49:1

The Glory of God in Zion
A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.


48 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God,In His holy mountain. 2 Beautiful in elevation,The joy of the whole earth,Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,The city of the great King. 3 God is in her palaces;He is known as her refuge.
4 For behold, the kings assembled,They passed by together. 5 They saw it, and so they marveled;They were troubled, they hastened away. 6 Fear took hold of them there,And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, 7 As when You break the ships of TarshishWith an east wind.
8 As we have heard,So we have seenIn the city of the Lord of hosts,In the city of our God:God will establish it forever.Selah
9 We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness,In the midst of Your temple. 10 According to Your name, O God,So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;Your right hand is full of righteousness. 11 Let Mount Zion rejoice,Let the daughters of Judah be glad,Because of Your judgments.
12 Walk about Zion,And go all around her.Count her towers; 13 Mark well her bulwarks;Consider her palaces;That you may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this is God,Our God forever and ever;He will be our guideEven to death.
NKJV

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Verse of the Day - weekend 11/15

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 13-17, Hebrews 12-13

Good morning,

I had several ways to go with this weekend's verse, but I decided to go with the first few verses in Hebrews 12, from The Message. The follow the description of the hope of all of those who have gone before us in the "Hall of Faith" and on through history. These verses encourage us to "take our post and stay", to follow in their footsteps of faith.

Heb 12:1-3 Do you see what this means — all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running — and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

or verses 1-2 from the NKJV

Heb 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Are you ready to "get on with it", to not only run, but stay the course and finish the race, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith",

It involves making that "legal decision" as mentioned yesterday in Isaiah 1:18. It's about deciding which road that we will travel. It's also about passing it on.

I hope that you've been following along in the read through the Bible plan, Old Testament, New Testament or both. The Bible is not an outdated book, it is relevant now as much as ever.

We should not listen to the reasonings, the "situational ethics" of the day. See what the prophet Ezekiel wrote, it is part of today's OT reading.

Ezek 13:17-19 "And the women prophets — son of man, take your stand against the women prophets who make up stuff out of their own minds. Oppose them. Say 'Doom' to the women who sew magic bracelets and head scarves to suit every taste, devices to trap souls. Say, 'Will you kill the souls of my people, use living souls to make yourselves rich and popular? You have profaned me among my people just to get ahead yourselves, used me to make yourselves look good — killing souls who should never have died and coddling souls who shouldn't live. You've lied to people who love listening to lies.'

How many people today would "profane" God just to get ahead? May it not be us. Take your post and stay, submit to God, follow Him, not the crowd.



In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Heb 12:1-18

The Race of Faith
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Discipline of God(Prov 3:11,12)

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
"My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,And scourges every son whom He receives."
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Renew Your Spiritual Vitality(Gen 25:29-34; 27:30-40)
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

Verse of the Day 11/14

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 10-12, Hebrews 11:17-40

Good morning,
Read the following quote::

"The bottom has dropped out of buying and selling. It will never be the same again.
But don't fantasize an upturn in the market.The country is bankrupt, and it's not going to get any better. "


Who do you suppose made this statement? An economist, a politician, perhaps a Republican pointing out the direction we are headed, or possibly a pastor of a "conservative" church?

In order that it not be so obvious, I dropped a couple of words, actually it should have read:

"The bottom has dropped out of buying and selling.
It will never be the same again.
But don't fantasize an upturn in the market.
The country is bankrupt because of its sins,
and it's not going to get any better. "


Does that give a better clue? It was written by the prophet Ezekiel in 7:9-10 in The Message, it was part of Thursday's read through the Bible plan.

For today's verse we'll go to Isaiah chapter one where the prophet is beginning his ministry. He calls the people of Jerusalem to Isa 1:18 "Come. Sit down. Let's argue this out", to decide who they will follow, God, or the world, "modern society" and it's values.

Today's verse follows:

Isa 1:19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
20 But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword";
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. NKJV


We have recently "reasoned together" in this country. We could have voted for taking a stand for the right to life but made a choice based on perceived economic benefit, a "tax break" to 95% of Americans.

God is sovereign, if we are obedient, we know He'd provide.

Johm MacArthur comments, " The prophet offered his readers the same choice God gave Moses in Deut.28, a choice between a blessing and a curse. They may choose repentance and obedience and reap the benefits of the land, or refuse to do so and become victims of foreign oppressors. eat....be devoured To accentuate the opposite outcomes, the Lord used the same Hebrew word to depict both destinies. On one hand, they may eat the fruit of the land, on the other they may be eaten by conquering powers."
It need not be military powers, it could very well be economic powers, through dependency on foreign oil, foreign cars (if our auto industry collapses), or any number of ways.

What do we do? Take our post and stay. Take a stand for what we believe in, not be swayed to vote or side with economics, side with truth, compassion, mercy and true hope. Think about it. Think about our future.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Isa 1:12-27

12 "When you come to appear before Me,Who has required this from your hand,To trample My courts? 13 Bring no more futile sacrifices;Incense is an abomination to Me.The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feastsMy soul hates;They are a trouble to Me,I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands,I will hide My eyes from you;Even though you make many prayers,I will not hear.Your hands are full of blood.
16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good;Seek justice,Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless,Plead for the widow.
18 "Come now, and let us reason together,"Says the Lord,"Though your sins are like scarlet,They shall be as white as snow;Though they are red like crimson,They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient,You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel,You shall be devoured by the sword";For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
The Degenerate City
21 How the faithful city has become a harlot!It was full of justice;Righteousness lodged in it,But now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross,Your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious,And companions of thieves;Everyone loves bribes,And follows after rewards.They do not defend the fatherless,Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord says,The Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel,"Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries,And take vengeance on My enemies. 25 I will turn My hand against you,And thoroughly purge away your dross,And take away all your alloy. 26 I will restore your judges as at the first,And your counselors as at the beginning.Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."

NKJV

Friday, November 14, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/13

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 7-9, Hebrews 11:1-16

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go to the book of James once again and continue with the thought of submission that we considered yesterday. Take your post and stay. James gives us some very practical advice on why we should do so, the benefits of doing so, and what is involved in doing so - purifying our hearts for God.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. NIV

Verse 10 in the same passage encourages us to "humble yourselves". It goes together with submission. In being humble and submitting to God we don't think highly of ourselves but are more concerned with God, our spouses, and others in general.

Taking your post and staying involves putting on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) to be able to withstand the things that the devil, (not the character in the red suit, but the real thing) will hurl at us. With God on our side and the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) we can resist the devil and He will flee from us.

Today's New Testament reading from above moves into Hebrews 11 and the "Hall of Faith". It is full of examples of people who have done just that, they took their post and stayed. How? They stood on His promises by faith, Heb 11:1-2 "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Read the following from The Message:

Heb 11:13-16 Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that — heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
Standing on the Promises

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.


Ps 46:7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. NKJV



In Christ,

Mike



James 4:6-11

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

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

Humility Cures Worldliness

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.


NKJV

Verse of the Day 11/12

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 4-6, Hebrews 10

Good morning,

I had thought that I had verses lined up for the next several days, but once again, something I read this morning changed things.

Last Sunday in Pastor Bob's conclusion to the series "Crazy for Love" he spoke of submission in marriage and spoke of the meaning of the word submit in Greek (forgive me if it is not the exact quote) as being a military term which could be translated as "take your post and stay". That has stuck with me all week so far and was reinforced in today's NT scripture reading above in Hebrews 10 where we'll go for today's verse.

Heb 10:36-But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.
It won't be long now, he's on the way;
he'll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy.
But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
(from THE MESSAGE)


or from the NKJV

Heb 10: 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 "For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.


It's a little longer than I would normally quote as the VOTD, but I didn't see how I could break it up.

The verses are speaking to us about our lives, our Christian walk, which includes our marriages, and especially our relationship with Christ. Faith is an action verb and it needs to be applied. In this case it means "sticking it out" and "staying with God's plan".

We are not those who are prone to "cut and run", we persevere in faith and in hope. It is the answer to long relationships in marriage and in our relationship to Christ. It involves putting into practice this thought of "taking our post and staying", not wavering, trusting Him in the here and now, with hope.

We hope for that which we do not see, with perseverence, not wavering. Look at Romans 8:25

Rom 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. NKJV

Be thinking of that word hope. Be thinking of waiting on the Lord with perseverence. Tomorrow's reading will lead us to Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Faith", a chapter which is full of examples of those who have done just that. Read it today or tomorrow, may it encourage you to "take your post and stay". It's been a chapter that has helped me to "hold on" through the trials in my life.

I Just Keep Trusting My Lord

I just keep trusting my Lord as I walk a long
I just keep trusting my Lord and He gives a song
Though the storm clouds darken the sky o'er the heav'nly trail
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail
He's a faithful friend, such a faithful friend
I can count on Him to the very end
Though the storm clouds darken the sky o'er the heav'nly trail
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail

I just keep trusting my Lord on the narrow way
I just keep trusting my Lord as He leads each day
Though the road is weary at times and I'm sad and blue
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will se me through
He's a faithful guide, such a faithful guide
He is always there walking by my side
Though the road is weary at times and I'm sad and blue
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will se me through

In Christ,
Mike

Heb 10:19-11:1
Don't Throw It All Away
So, friends, we can now — without hesitation — walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
So let's do it — full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
If we give up and turn our backs on all we've learned, all we've been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment — and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he'll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: "Vengeance is mine, and I won't overlook a thing," and, "God will judge his people." Nobody's getting by with anything, believe me.
Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse — some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.
It won't be long now, he's on the way;
he'll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy.
But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
(from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 11/11

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 2-3, Hebrews 9

Good morning,

For today's verse we go to the book of James, a book which deals with practical Christian living. The passage that we'll look at starts by telling us that "every perfect gift comes from God" and finishes with a challenge to be "doers of the Word" not just hearers.

James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. NKJV

God brought us into His kingdom by the "word of truth" as first fruits that we might bear fruit, make disciples as we saw yesterday.

J.I. Packer writes, "the point that James is making in this verse is that God brought Christians to birth through the Word. He uses it to illustrate the principle of the previous verse that all good things come from the "Father of lights" the unchanging Creator of sun, moon, and stars, whose ordering of the universe is the measure of His power to bless and who through Christ shows Christians a Father's love. As born again children, Christians are the firstfruits of creation- that part which is given to God to be His sole possession and to be partaker of His holiness. These are dimensions of the new dignity and destiny into which the Word introduces us."

Again, as verse 25 points out that we are to be doers, putting the Word into practice. Not listening to what the world would tell us, that we're not good enough, smart enough, strong enough for the task at hand. We are to listen to the voice of Truth. David listened to the voice of truth and became a doer. How about you?

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net


James 1:16-26

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. Qualities Needed in Trials

19 So then,* my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers — Not Hearers Only

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does

Verse of the Day 11/10

Through the Bible Lamentations 5 - Ezekiel 1, Hebrews 8

Good morning,
Do you know much about your geneology? On my dad's side we can track ours back into the late 1600's. There are many that can track theirs back to the Mayflower and beyond. The Jews including the Pharisees tracked their ancestry back to Abraham.
Do you ever think of your spiritual geneology? Who was instrumental in leading you to Christ? Who had instrumental in their lives?

For today's verse we'll go to Matthew 28 where we find the "Great Commission:

Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore* and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

or from The Message

Matt 28:18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When you consider your spiritually family tree at some point you should realize that if you don't "pass it on" your branch of the tree would end with you. Jesus purpose is that we bear fruit' which in a nutshell is making disciples.

In making disciples we don't have to be great evangelists, God can use us where we are, using the gifts that He has given us to spread His Kingdom for His glory.

Do you want to see an example of such a spiritual "family tree"? I've shared it before, but read the story of Edward Kimball as told by Gregg Laurie.

Each of us must ask ourselves, “How am I personally taking care of this responsibility to get the gospel out? ” While true that not every Christian is called as an evangelist, every Christian is called to personally evangelize. A great example of this was a man named Edward Kimball.

"Kimball was a faithful Christian who wanted to be used by God. He was not a pastor or a missionary, but he knew that he should go and share the gospel. Kimball felt especially burdened for a young man named Dwight, who worked in a Chicago shoe store. He mustered up the courage to go and tell Dwight about Jesus. Much to Kimball's delight, he responded and gave his life to Christ. Dwight later began a preaching ministry. He became known as D.L.Moody, one of the greatest evangelists in church history.

When Moody was out preaching one day, a man named Frederick Meyer was listening. Meyer was already a Christian, but Moody's preaching motivated him to enter full-time ministry. We know him as F.B. Meyer. Kimball reached Moody, and Moody reached Meyer, but the story doesn't end there.

When Meyer was preaching, a young man named Wilbur Chapman responded and gave his life to Christ. Chapman felt called to be an evangelist. One of the young men he took under his wing was a former professional baseball player who, also wanted to preach the gospel and did so with great success. His name was Billy Sunday.

Sunday held a crusade in Charlotte, North Carolina, where many people came to faith. The people there were so thrilled that they wanted to have another crusade. Sunday wasn't available, so an evangelist named Mordecai Hamm was invited to speak. While the campaign wasn't considered as successful as the first one, a young, lanky farm boy walked down the aisle on one of the final nights. We know him as Billy Graham.

Kimball reached Moody, who touched Meyer, who reached Chapman, who helped Sunday, who reached the businessmen in Charlotte who invited Hamm, who then touched Billy Graham. Talk about a legacy. You may not be a Billy Graham, but you might be an Edward Kimball. We all have been entrusted with the gospel. We all have a part to play.


What will your spiritual family tree look like? Think about your roots as well. Thank God for the person He used to bring you into His kingdom.


In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net


Matt 28:16-20

The Great Commission

(Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore* and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Amen.*

Verse of the Day - weekend 11/8

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 51-52, Hebrews 7:11-28

Good morning,

I was told of a bumper sticker which read "God said it, I believe it, that settles it". Sounds good, but I wouldn't agree with the "theology" of it. It should be said God said it, that settles it" you could then add that I believe it. There is way too much out there today that falls in the first category, without God ever saying it. God Word is not bound or limited by what we think of it.

For today's verse we'll return to Psalm 119 to a passage which speaks of God's Word as being "boundless". Think about that for a minute and then read the verses.

Ps 119:96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless. NIV


There is a limit to what we can comprehend, but God has no such limits.


When I think of the word "boundless" I first think of the root "bound", I think of a book being bound. This leads me to think of my main Bible, a gift from my son Jason that goes everywhere. The binding is falling apart, but God's Word is not bound in my Bible, it has penetrated my mind and heart and goes with me.

God's Word may be bound but it's reach is limitless in time, distance, and in power. Think of some of the verses we've looked at over the last few days. "The Word is living and active" (Heb. 4:12), living in us wherever we go....if we know it!.

Think of some of the verses here in the psalms "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path" Ps. 119:105. To guide us we have to read it, know it, meditate, think about what it says and apply it to our lives.

Phil 2:15-16 You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights, 16 holding out to them the Word of Life. TLB

Read the 17 verses from Psalm 119 below as an act of or in preparation for worship this weekend.

In Christ,
Mike

Ps 119:89-106

Lamedh

89 Your word, O Lord, is eternal;it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day,for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight,I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts,for by them you have preserved my life. 94 Save me, for I am yours;I have sought out your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,but I will ponder your statutes. 96 To all perfection I see a limit;but your commands are boundless.
Mem

97 Oh, how I love your law!I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,for they are ever with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers,for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders,for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil pathso that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws,for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste,sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts;therefore I hate every wrong path.
Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light for my path. NIV

Friday, November 7, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/7

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 49-50, Hebrews 6:13 - 7:10

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll continue with some thoughts on the importance of God's Word in our lives, more specifically the kind of effect it should have upon our "walk".
We'll turn to Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible that is all about God's Word, basically from A-Z. If you didn't know it, the psalm is broken up in sections of 8 verses, each verse in the section would start with the same Hebrew letter of the alphabet.

Today's verse begins the psalm:
Ps 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!

(or from THE MESSAGE)
Ps 119:1-2 You're blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.

In verse one we see "walk in the law", I'm reminded of the radio program "Walk in the Word".

Quoting form Wednesday's "Today in the Word" ( available at www.todayintheword.com)" Bible scholar William Dumbrell suggests that "Torah" (law) means "direction for life within the framework of a presupposed relationship". In other words the Bible's view of the law focuses on how we can live life the way that God intended within the context of our relationship with Him.
In the first half of the chapter you will find that God's law, his commands, strengthens (v.28), delights (v.35), comforts, renews life (v.50) and preserves (v.88)."


Frederick Beuchner writes, "When you learn God's Law - God's Word, it's truth, you carry it with you, you carry Him (or He carries you) wherever you go."

Which brings me to "Trust and Obey" which I know that I've referred to many times. I'll post the first verse. If you know more, sing them in your heart or out loud, even if doing so "would make the dogs howl" as a friend recently said happens when he does so.

Trust And Obey

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy with Jesus, but to trust and obey.


Why would you neglect, or choose to ignore something that can do so much for you?

Read the first 16 verses below, and may you be able and willing to say, as verse 16 ends "I will not neglect your word".

Ps 119:15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. NIV



In Christ,
Mike

Ps 119:1-17

Aleph

119:1 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,who walk according to the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they who keep his statutesand seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong;they walk in his ways. 4 You have laid down preceptsthat are to be fully obeyed. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfastin obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heartas I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees;do not utterly forsake me.
Beth

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O Lord;teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recountall the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutesas one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your preceptsand consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees;I will not neglect your word. NIV

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Verse of the Day 11/6

Through the Bible - Jeremiah 46-48, Hebrews 5:11-6:12

Good morning,

During the election campaigns crowds of people followed the candidates wherever they went, wanting to hear what they had to say, to get a closer look on the person who might be their next president. Even the modern political candidates know that even with the crowds seemingly surrounding them at every turn, they still need some time on their own to charge their batteries, and clear their minds.

During Jesus' earthly ministry, especially early on when he was performing many miracles the crowds thronged around Him. The disciples were caught up in it too. Today's passage is bettter known for the great teaching that comes from it, the "Beatitudes".. We should take notice that Jesus "withdrew from the multitudes" to take time to sit down and teach important lessons to his own small group of 12 disciples.

Matt 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, NKJV
Or from the Message:
Matt 5:1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

While the message was delivered to many from the mountain Matthew Henry's commentary notes:

"The auditors were his disciples, who came unto him; came at his call, as appears by comparing Mark 3:13; Luke 6:13. To them he directed his speech, because they followed him for love and learning, while others attended him only for cures. He taught them, because they were willing to be taught (the meek will he teach his way); because they would understand what he taught, which to others was foolishness; and because they were to teach others; and it was therefore requisite that they should have a clear and distinct knowledge of these things themselves. "


I like the way it is worded in "The Message", those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. There are many today that would be willing to follow Jesus in the crowds, in attending church services and other Christian activities, but not as many willing to "climb" with Him to spend time alone with Him, individually or in this case in a small group setting.

Read the passage below, it's one of the best lessons Jesus ever taught "blessed are the poor, the meek, those who hunger.....". I am not trying to put across a theological lesson here but think of the disciples as Jesus' small group. What would have happened if Matthew and Luke had not been there, being too tired from the hustle and bustle to spend time with the "small group". They would have missed out on some of the best teaching ever given. it may not have been recorded and passed on to us. (We know that God ordained, saw to it that it would be, I'm just encouraging some personal reflection).

Do you spend time in God's Word on your own on a regular basis? Do you allow yourself to be taught by Jesus from the Bible in a small group setting?

Remember the verses from Hebrews yesterday about not allowing ourselves to drift, to be diligent in following Christ. Are you in, are you committed to a small group?

Why not consider it today? Contact your pastor or someone that you know that can get you "plugged in" to one.

In Christ,

Mike

Matt 5:1-13

The Beatitudes(Luke 6:20-26)
5:1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek,For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful,For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart,For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.