Verse of the Day 3/31

Through the Bible - Judges 6-7, Luke 8:40-56

 

Good morning,

Today's verse comes from yesterday's New Testament reading.

 

Luke 8:16 "No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. NLT
or from The Message:

Luke 8:16-17  "No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We're not keeping secrets; we're telling them. We're not hiding things; we're bringing everything out into the open.
(from THE MESSAGE)

The verse reminded me of "Shine" by the Newsboys.  It was and still is one of my son Jeff's favorite songs.  The thought of the song brought back a flood of memories.  As we were preparing to move to North Carolina we went to our church for what would be our last service there.  We were surprised to hear the song being played in the sanctuary prior to the service.  (It's not the type of song typically played in preparing hearts for worship but maybe it should be).  Jeff's youth leader had arranged for it to be played.  It brought tears to my eyes then and now for different reasons.

Hear is the main chorus:

shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord

Jeff has made much progress since that time, in fact you might say that "he shines".  One of the major things is that the love of the Lord, the love of live, the love for others "shines through" him.  He just about comes out of his wheelchair when he sees Pastor Bob and other friends and family members when he sees them.  I believe that the "joy of the Lord is his strength".  It is the power of Christ shining through him.

 

Do you let your light shine or hide it under a bushel (or a frown)?  Read the words of the song again, may we be able to make others "wonder what we've got, make em wish that  they were not, on the outside looking bored."  The heading for the passage in the Message is "Misers of What You Hear".  Don't be a miser, let his light shine.  It won't burn out.

 

Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.   NIV

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Luke 8:16-19

Misers of What You Hear

"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We're not keeping secrets; we're telling them. We're not hiding things; we're bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don't become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."   (from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 3/30

Through the Bible - Judges 4-5, Luke 8:4-39

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's "Daily Bread" devotional (www.rbc.org) was in Psalm 105.  In reading that Psalm there was a correlation with yesterday's verse.  We'll go there for today's verse but focus on a different ones than the "Daily Bread" did.

 

Psalm 105:3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity].  

⁴Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence [continually] evermore.  Amplified Bible

 

I am not sure who the writer of this psalm was but I'm sure that David could have related to it.  He knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of barbs (and literally as Saul hurling a spear at him). insults, slander, and gossip from a number of sources (including wives and sons)  and to face persecution from those who feared his success and what it might mean to them.

 

David was able to overcome them because he trusted in the Lord as the Amplifiied version here describes as his "indespensible necessity".  Stop and think about that for a minute.  How would you describe how important the Lord and His Word are to you in your life?  Are they indispensible to you?  I pray that they would be.

 

Verse 4 says "seek, inquire of and for the Lord.  It is not just for ourselves, it is for His glory.  It is about the gathering that Jesus was talking about yesterday.  If we seek Him, inquire of Him, crave Him and His strenght we will be able to withstand the temptation to use words and actions that would hurt others and destroy our witness and be involved in gathering instead. 

 

May we all "seek His face" and presence "continually" evermore.

 

May this be our prayer today.   Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.   NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Ps 105:1-8

 

105 Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.

 

5 Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
6 O descendants of Abraham his servant,
O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.    NIV

Verse of the Day 3/29

Through the Bible - Judges 1-3, Luke 7:36-8:3

 

Good morning,

When I was a boy I spent a lot of time with my father and grandfather fishing and became quite proficient at it at an early age.  (It's not one of those "big fish" stories I have the pictures to prove it).  I'm thankful for those times and the lessons learned.  One of the first lessons in fishing is that boys that are fishing don't throw rocks while fishing, you'll scare, scatter the fish.

 

That thought came to mind as I read today's verse from Matthew 12.

Matt 12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.   NIV

 

It's a fairly simple verse but it is another which can be convicting if we take some time to think about it.  Jesus called us to be fishers of men.  All too often our hurtful words and actions towards others may be seen and heard by those that know that we are professed Christians.  What is the result of course jokes, gossip, and words of judgment and condemnation that come from out mouths?  We are throwing stones, scarring the "fish" when we should be fishing.

John MacArthur writes, "Jesus made clear to His supposedly sophisticated but rebellious critics that a relationship with Him includes no neutral ground.  "He who does not gather with me scatters."  It is not necessary to overly oppose or actively interfere with the Lord's ministry to be His enemy.  Even the most passive believer is the rebellious enemy of God."

 

What do you think of MacArthur's statement that "even the most passive believer is the rebellious enemy of God"?  Aside from speaking or doing the wrong things, being passive, doing nothing in situations that call for action can have the same impact.

 

I think Paul was trying to communicate the same idea when he wrote these words.

 

Eph 4:1  I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  NKJV

Read the verse below and the passage that immediately follow about our spoken words.  May we pay more attention to the things that we say, remembering our calling.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matt 12:30-38

 

"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse.

 

"There's nothing done or said that can't be forgiven. But if you deliberately persist in your slanders against God's Spirit, you are repudiating the very One who forgives. If you reject the Son of Man out of some misunderstanding, the Holy Spirit can forgive you, but when you reject the Holy Spirit, you're sawing off the branch on which you're sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives.

 

"If you grow a healthy tree, you'll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you'll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree.

 

"You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."     (from THE MESSAGE.)

Verse of the Day - weekend 3/27

Through the Bible - Joshua 20-24, Luke 6:27 - 7:35

 

Good morning,

While reading this week, several verses and a few songs came to mind that revolved around light.  One of them was 1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 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;    NKJV
For today's verse we'll go to the book of Psalms as we often do, this time to chapter 31.

 

Ps 31:16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
Save me for Your mercies' sake.     NKJV

Whether we realize, acknowledge it or not, we live each day "Corum Deo", before the face of God.  Our desire should be like that of David, that "His face" would shine upon us that His light might shine through us.

 

I was reminded of the song that I remember singing in choir and that has been sung by Michael W. Smith and others.  "Shine on Us".  May it be our prayer today.  If you know it, sing it out loud or in your heart in preparation for worship this weekend.

 
Lord , Let your light, Light of your face
Shine on Us  That we, may be saved , That we, may have life
To find our way , In the darkest night ,Let your light, Shine on us.

Lord, Let your grace, Grace from your hand Fall on us
That we, may be saved That we, may have life
To find our way , In the darkest night , Let your grace, Fall on us .

Lord, Let your love, Love with no end, Come over us,
That we, may be saved ,That we, may have life
To find our way , In the darkest night , Let your love, Come over us.
Let your light, Shine on us

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Ps 31:14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
And from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
Save me for Your mercies' sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You;
Let the wicked be ashamed;
Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,
Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

 

19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
Which You have laid up for those who fear You,
Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
In the presence of the sons of men!
20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence
From the plots of man;
You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion
From the strife of tongues.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/26

Through the Bible -Joshua 18-19, Luke 6:1-26

 

Good morning,

Across the U.S. and even the world, many churches pattern themselves after the Acts 2 church "where it all began".   Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."  NIV  It is a good "model" to follow.  However many start with verse 42 without seeing where "it begins" in the chapter.

 

Peter had been speaking to them and his words " pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" (v.37)

Today's verses are Peter's response to the question "what shall we do"?
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."    NIV

Too often the modern church has focused on verse 42 which outlines important basic, fundamental elements of the church but many have neglected the element of turning, turning from sin, from the world, and turning to Christ.

In verse 38 the NIV uses the words "forgiveness of sins", while the NKJV  translates it as "remission of sins".

 

John MacArthur explains what this "remission" means.  "This might be better translated "because of the remission of sins".  Baptism does not produce forgiveness and cleansing from sin.  The reality of forgiveness precedes the rite of baptism.  Genuine repentance brings from God the forgiveness (remission) of sins (Eph. 1:7) and because of that the new believer was to be baptized.  Baptism, however was to be the ever present act of obedience, so that it became synonymous with salvation.  Thus, to say one was baptized for forgiveness was the same as saying one was saved.  Every believer receives complete remission of sins."

 

The most common use of the word remission in our day is probably in relation to cancer or some other illness.  When it is in "remission" it means that the symptoms are no longer present, visible. The cancer may actually be gone.    In the case of sin, as believers, sin should be in remission in our lives as evidence of the turning, "the change" that has taken place in our lives, in our hearts.

 

We may not be able to conquer every sin.  We still do sin.  But by His grace we can overcome.

 

1 John 5:3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  NLT

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Acts 2:36-43

 

36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

 

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

 

38 Then Peter said to them,"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

 

A Vital Church Grows

 

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.  42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/25

Through the Bible - Joshua 15-17, Luke 5:27-39

 

Good morning,

The song "Never Let Go" has been on my mind all week.  I read Luke chapter 1 earlier where Zacharias prophesied about his son John who was to point the way to the coming Messiah, doing so by speaking of repentance, turning back to God.  He was looking for "a light that was coming"  his was a "heart that holds on".

 

Luke 1:76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,     NKJV

John MacArthur writes, "Forgiveness of sins is the heart of salvation.  God saves sinners from separation from Him and from eternal hell only by atoning for and forgiving their sins."

 

Without Christ, without repentance or turning there is separation from God, which is spiritual death.

 

" The word remission means pardon or forgiveness. It implies that God will treat the sinner AS IF he had not committed the sin. The idea here is, that the "salvation" about to be offered was that which was connected with the pardon of sin. There can be no other. God cannot treat people as his friends unless they come to him by repentance and obtain forgiveness. When that is obtained, which he is always disposed to grant, they can be treated with kindness and mercy." (from Barnes' Notes)

This was the message that John the baptist would bring in preparing the way of the Lord God Most High.  It would be the message of Jesus, the disciples, and the apostle Paul to the early church, the Acts chapter 2 church.  It is the same message that needs to go out today, "giving light to those who sit in darkness" which will "guide us to the path of peace". (v.79)

 

Matt 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."   NIV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Luke 1:76-2:1

 

76 "And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God's tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."

 

80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.   NLT

Verse of the Day 3/24

Through the Bible - Joshua 13-14, Luke 5:1-26

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's verse we saw that Jesus came to bring the good news to the poor, the blind, the oppressed and the captive.  For today's verse we go to today's reading in Luke 5 where Jesus heals a man "covered" with leprosy.

"The malady advances from one stage to another with slow and certain ruin. "Life still lingers amid the desolation;" the joints, and hands, and feet lose their power; and the body "collapses," or falls together in a form hideous and awful." - (Barnes notes)  In Jesus day it was pretty much a hopeless situation.  This type of illness displays it's own form of oppression, captivity and being destitute.  Long term illnesses and circumstances in life can still have the same kind of spiritual effect on us, spreading to all areas of our lives.  Where are we to turn?  Not to the world, not "gold" as so many commercials tell us to go for security in these troubled time, but God.

Luke 5:12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. "Lord," he said, "if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean."

 

13 Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared.  NLT

 

One of the things that you'll notice about most of Jesus' miracles is that they occurred in the course of life.  Walking along the road or through a village.  I don't recall a lot of pre-arranged "healings".  He went to preach the good news and people came to HIm for healing whether at the service  (as is the case later in chapter 5) or somewhere along the road.

 

We may have ideas of serving in some kind of ministry where everything will be planned and laid out down to the last detail including an "alter call".

 

What we learn from Jesus is that He is along with us every day, every step of the way.  If our eyes are open, He will bring opportunities to minister, to serve, to show compassion as we walk along the road, go to work, to a friends home or to the mall.

 

We may not have the power to heal of ourselves but we can point to the one who can bring physical and spiritual healing.

 

I quoted the song "Never Let Go" the other day.  One line from that song keeps coming back to me - " I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on".  That is what we, what I need to convey.  To give hope, to encourage others to hold on looking back on how the Lord has blessed and delivered me from personal troubles.  "There will be an end to these troubles" but until that day comes, seek Him, praise Him.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Luke 5:12-17

 

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

 

12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. "Lord," he said, "if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean."

 

13 Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 14 Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, "Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed."

 

15 But despite Jesus' instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.  NLT

Verse of the Day 3/23

Through the Bible - Joshua 11-12, Luke 4

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go to today's New Testament reading in Luke 4.  As Jesus begins His public ministry He is in the temple and is handed a scroll from Isaiah to read..

 

Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
  19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."    NIV

As you look at the people that Jesus came to bring the "good news" to, what common thread do you see?  They were people that needed help from outside of themselves.  They weren't looking just to fill a void in part of THEIR lives.

They were looking for some good news, perhaps after years or a life of illness, oppression, or captivity.  They were looking for a healer, a deliverer, a redeemer, a friend who would stick closer than a brother, a Savior .  All these things can be found in Jesus, only in Jesus.

 

Jesus still comes to those today who have these physical needs as well as the poor in spirit, those suffering from spiritual blindness, those held captive by sin and additctions, and those oppressed by the ruler of this world and it's vain pursuits.

 

"The Pharisees and Sadducecs despised the poor; ancient philosophers neglected them; but the gospel seeks to bless them-to give comfort where it is felt to be needed, and where it will be received with gratitude. Riches fill the mind with pride, with self-complacency, and with a feeling that the gospel is not needed. The poor "feel" their need of some sources of comfort that the world cannot give, and accordingly our Saviour met with his greatest success the gospel among the poor; and there also, "since," the gospel has shed its richest blessings and its purest joys. It is also one proof that the gospel is true. If it had been of "men," it would have sought the rich and mighty; but it pours contempt on all human greatness, and seeks, like God, to do good to those whom the world overlooks or despises. "  (from Barnes' Notes)

Do you know some or someone, who has these needs whether physical or spiritual?  Someone that the world has "overlooked"?  How might you minister to them today to bring the good news of the Lord's favor?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Luke 4:14-22

 

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

 

14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

 

16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

 

18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 and that the time of the LORD's favor has come."

 

20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"  NLT

Verse of the Day 3/22

Through the Bible - Joshua 9-10, Luke 3:21-38

Last week I touched on the subject of the "seriousness" of God.

 

Over the weekend the read through the Bible plan above brought us to Luke chapter 3.  Reading verse 3 from the Amplified Bible caused me to stop and think about the repentance that John was preaching about.

 

Luke 3:3 And he went into all the country round about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance (of hearty amending of their ways, with abhorrence of past wrongdoing) unto the forgiveness of sin.  Amplified Bible

 

Consider what a "hearty amending of their ways" means.  It's not glossing over or making light of our sins, our ways, it is realizing the gravity of who we were without Christ.  The abhorrence mentioned is a feeling of disgust, the feeling of "how could I have done" such a thing(s).  There is definitely a seriousness to it.

 

Back in Luke 1 we read of the prophecy concerning John the Baptist

Luke 1:16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly."  NLT

John Piper, in a sermon on this passage, tells us " Notice the repetition of the word turn: he will turn many of the Israelites to the Lord their God. He will turn the hearts of the fathers and turn the disobedient. This is the meaning of repentance: a turning of the direction of our life and the affections of our heart, so that we become oriented on God and love the things he loves. John promises the people "forgiveness of sins" in response to their repentance, their turning to God, but he calls them to demonstrate the seriousness of their turning by accepting baptism in the Jordan. This was a remarkable demand of John on his Jewish kinsmen. In the context in which John lived baptism had one main significance among the Jews: it was the symbolic rite that proselytes had to go through to become Jewish. This made John's baptism very offensive. It implied that unless the Jews were willing to repent, they were not really Jews and could not count on the promised blessings God had made to his chosen people. Or to put it another way, in calling Jews to accept a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, John was telling them that they cannot rely on their Jewishness for salvation; they have to be changed in their heart toward God."

 

Luke 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don't just say to each other, 'We're safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.' That means nothing.......    NLT

 

The same thing can happen today if we depend upon a denomination of it's own accord for our salvation.  We are not to rely on our "baptistness" or "catholicness", our salvation is from a changed heart, a heart that has turned it's affections away from our own selfish desires, and toward God.

 

In his song "The Change", Steven Curtis Chapman sings about having the Bible magnet on his refrigerator door and the Jesus bumper sticker on the car but asks the question "what about the change"?

 

What about the change, What about the difference , What about the grace , What about forgiveness , What about a life that's showing I'm undergoing the change?

Are you, have you, undergone the change?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Luke 3:3-9
Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God to receive forgiveness for their sins. 4 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

 

"He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming!
Clear the road for him!
5 The valleys will be filled,
and the mountains and hills made level.
The curves will be straightened,
and the rough places made smooth.
6 And then all people will see
the salvation sent from God.'"

 

7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, "You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don't just say to each other, 'We're safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.' That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.  NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 3/21

Through the Bible - Joshua 5-8, Luke 2:22-3:20

 

Good morning,

In most parts of the country this winter has been a long one.  Many wondered, when will spring come?  One thing for sure, long winters make you appreciate the arrival of spring.

 

In our lives we will may face illnesses and other circumstances and the accompanying bouts of depression for a season in our lives.  If you've been there does the following prayer resonate with you?

 

"Lord, end my winter, let my spring begin.  I cannot with all of my longings raise my soul out of it's death and dullness.  But all things are possible with thee.  - Charles Spurgeon.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 69, a psalm of David, someone else that knew about seasons of despair.

 

Ps 69:13 But as for me, my prayer is to You,
O Lord, in the acceptable time;
O God, in the multitude of Your mercy,
Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.
14 Deliver me out of the mire,
And let me not sink;   NKJV

Nine years ago today I was going through one of those seasons.  The storm surrounding Jeff's  accident had subsided but 17 months later the clouds were still there.  I wrote the following prayer in my journal.

"Jeff had a rough night.  Pray for peace, calming, for his "tone" to subside, for wisdom in decisions on his treatment and the finances to pay for them.

 

I can now look back and see how each of the points of that prayer have been answered and continue to be answered.  The finances were provided.  Those of you who know Jeff, know of the peace, joy, love and hope that he exudes and brings to us.

 

If you are in one of those seasons my encouragement, my prayer for you would be "never let go", have a heart that holds on.   Read some of the words from the Matt Redman song "Never Let Go".

 

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

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

Ps 69:15 Don't let the floods overwhelm me,
or the deep waters swallow me,
or the pit of death devour me.

 

16 Answer my prayers, O Lord,
for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me,
for your mercy is so plentiful.  NLT

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Ps 69:13-19

 

13 But I keep praying to you, Lord,
hoping this time you will show me favor.
In your unfailing love, O God,
answer my prayer with your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mud;
don't let me sink any deeper!
Save me from those who hate me,
and pull me from these deep waters.
15 Don't let the floods overwhelm me,
or the deep waters swallow me,
or the pit of death devour me.

 

16 Answer my prayers, O Lord,
for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me,
for your mercy is so plentiful.
17 Don't hide from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!
18 Come and redeem me;
free me from my enemies.  NLT

Verse of the Day 3/19

Through the Bible - Joshua 3-4, Luke 2:1-21

 

Good morning,

In the United States today a common image of God would be that of a benevolent grandfather, happy to give his grandchildren what they want when (or even before) they ask for it, one who wants to "spoil them".  This is not only in the public arena but within many churches across the land.

 

The other day I listened to a sermon by Francis Chan where he spoke of the seriousness of God.  Thoughts of Exodus 20:3 come to mind "you shall have no other gods before me".  You won't have to read very far in either Testament to see this seriousness.

 

The prophet Isaiah knew of the seriousness of God.  Most of us are most familiar with Isaiah 6 where the prophet falls prostrate before the vision of God in the temple. The scene came amidst a season of turmoil in the nation.  The beloved king Uzziah had died.  What would happen to the people?  It was at this point that God showed the prophet that they should have other, more important concerns, concerns about their relationship to God.  The angels cried "holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts."  He is whom the prophet, the nation, needed to be concerned about.

 

Today's verses come from the final chapter in the book of Isaiah, some of his final words to us if you will.  What message does he want to convey to us?  It has to do with the seriousness of God and His Word.

 

Isa 66:1- This is what the Lord says:

Heaven is my throne.
The earth is my footstool.
Where can you build a house or resting place for me?
2 I have made all these things.
"That is why all these things have come into being,"
declares the Lord.
I will pay attention to those
who are humble and sorry for their sins
and who tremble at my word.      (from GOD'S WORD)

Reading through the book of Isaiah and the rest of the Bible you will see that God is serious.  He was serious about sending His Son as prophesied in the early chapters of this book.  He is serious about worship.  He is serious about His relationship to us, serious about prayer, about grace, mercy, compassion, and love.

 

In yesterday's verses, Paul challenged us to" work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

 

Many of us, myself included, are caught up in the political turmoil of the day.  May we get the message as Isaiah did, that what is more important is making God known, to spend more time getting to know Him in His Word, tremble at His Words and be moved to carry the good news of eternal "healthcare", a Saviour, to a nation in turmoil.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Isa 66:1-5

True Worship and False
66 Thus says the Lord:
"Heaven is My throne,And earth is My footstool.Where is the house that you will build Me?And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made,And all those things exist,"Says the Lord."But on this one will I look:On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,And who trembles at My word.

3 "He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog's neck;He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine's blood;He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.Just as they have chosen their own ways,And their soul delights in their abominations, 4 So will I choose their delusions,And bring their fears on them;Because, when I called, no one answered,When I spoke they did not hear;But they did evil before My eyes,And chose that in which I do not delight."   NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/18

Through the Bible - Joshua 1-2, Luke 1:57-80

 

Good morning,

How often do we follow through on the Spirit's prompting?  Maybe you haven't felt it for a while.

 

A.W. Tozer was a 20th century pastor of a church in Chicago as well as a gifted writer.  He is still quoted often today across denominational lines.

I read the following quote from him the other day.   "And to expose our hearts to truth and consistently refuse to obey the impulses it arouses is to stymie the motions of life within us and, if persisted in, to grieve the Holy Spirit into silence."  Humbling and sobering words for us.

For today's verse we'll go to Philippians 2 where Paul challenges his readers to "work out your own salvation".

 

Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.   NKJV

Francis Chan in his book "Forgotten God" writes, "I love the apparent contradiction in this passage.  Paul says in one breath, "Work out your own salvation", and in the next, "It is God who works in you".  The both-ness here doesn't allow us to escape with a simple conclusion.  Yes, it is God who works in you.  And, yes, there is work for you to do.  Yes, the Spirit empowers you to do the work.  And, yes, you do the work."

 

He continues, "Like many things in life, there really isn't a sew-it-all-up solution.  And I love that.  God is big and mysterious enough that we cannot simply put a label on this process and move on.  It requires continuous engagement and wrestling and discovering how to live a Spirit filled life today."

 

Reading those words I was reminded of Jacob back in Genesis 32 wrestling with God.  He wrestled and was changed, he was no longer the same person, his life , his walk (literally and figureatively) would no longer be the same.

 

The next time you feel a prompting, think about these words "God works in you to will and to do".

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Phil 2:12-19

Shine Brightly for Christ

12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.  NLT

Verse of the Day 3/17

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 34, Luke 1:39-56

 

Good morning,

Yesterday we considered Ephesians 6 where before describing the full armor of God, Paul tells his readers "having done all, stand".

Taking that stand is a matter of faith.  For today's verses we'll go to 2 Peter.  Having failed earlier in his life, he learned what it meant and what it took to truly follow, depending on Christ for everything we need.

 2 Peter 1:3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

    ⁴By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.   - Amplified Bible

 

Peter realized that the power needed to follow Christ came from outside himself.  John Piper in a sermon on this passage states, " the way of godliness and the hope of eternal life do not lie within our own power to produce or attain. Therefore, Peter says, "God's divine power has granted us all things that pertain to (or lead to) life and godliness." This is a humbling sentence. When it comes to life and godliness, we must have everything provided for us from outside. Of course, this does not mean we are passive. As Paul says, "Work out your salvation . . . for God is at work in you" (Philippians 2:13). But it does imply that we could never be godly or attain eternal life if we do not rely on divine power.

We need to pause and stress this. The Christian faith is not merely a set of doctrines to be accepted. It is a power to be experienced. It is a tragic thing to ask people if they know the Lord and have them start listing the things they believe about the Lord. Brothers and sisters, believing things about Jesus Christ will save no one. The devils are the most orthodox believers under heaven. It is divine power that saves. If the power of God does not flow into your life and make you godly, you are not Christ's. "All who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14). The mark of sonship is divine power. And the mark of power is godliness; which means a love for the things of God and a walk in the ways of God. "

 

It's important to know what we believe but what is more important is that we walk, we live according to what we believe.  As Piper said, The Christian faith is not merely a set of doctrines to be accepted. It is a power to be experienced.

 

2 Peter 1:5-9  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.   (from THE MESSAGE)

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

2 Peter 1:3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

    ⁴By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.

    ⁵For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence),

    ⁶And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),

    ⁷And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.

    ⁸For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Verse of the Day 3/16

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 32-33, Luke 1:1-38

 

Good morning,

The small group that Jean and I are in has been going through a series by Chip Ingram on Ephesians 6 and the full armor of God.  It was a familiar passage to all of us and probably to most of you, but as with most (if not all) of the Bible, we learn something from it every time we go through it.

 

For today's verses we'll go to 6:12-13 which points out that our battle is a spiritual battle.

 Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   NKJV

What tied these verses to the subject that we've been considering this past week is the statement towards the end of verse 13, "and having done all, stand."  We are to put on this spiritual armor, all of it.  It should mean regular time in prayer, Bible reading and study.  More importantly it involves putting it on, applying it in our lives.

 

When we fail or struggle with a test in school or a project at work or in some ministry how often times is it because we were not properly prepared?

The Bible is full of those who took their stand, Daniel, or Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego come to mind standing up to the king and now bowing to an idol as well as Elijah taking his  stand against the prophets of Baal.  Paul and others in the New Testament show us that the strength to take a stand came out of a life where the armor was put on every day.

 

What are you doing today to stand steadfast?

 

Isaiah 43:10 You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know Me, believe Me and remain steadfast to Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.

    ¹¹I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior.  - Amplified Bible

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Eph 6:10-21

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints —  19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/15

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 29-31, Mark 16

 

Good morning,

Over the weekend I had picke up a journal that I had been using 10 years ago.  At the time our son Jeff was still in the early stages of his recovery from his accident.  He was not communicating with us and to that point had not even been able to laugh or smile, something that is now a trademark for him.

 

I'll share with you the note that I had entered in the journal on 3/15/2009.

 

"The temptation came as an almost overwhelming desire to give up, to forsake the reading, the studying, and the praying, to live MY LIFE.  But I quickly realized that I could not.  It was then that I realized most assuredly that Jesus had called me, I am His and He is mine, He will not let me go."

 

The verse from the My Utmost for His Highest devotional that day was Mark 10:32, we'll go there for today's verse.

Mark 10:32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid.   NKJV

As we follow Jesus along this road of life there will be times when we are afraid.  It is in those times that we must learn that He has called us, that we are His and that He will not let us go.

Like the disciples in this passage, we begin to realize just what it means to follow and we also realize that it is not easy

 

Oswald Chambers writes, "The discipline of dismay is essential in the life of discipleship.  The danger is to get back to a little fire of our own and kindle enthusiasm at it.  When the darkness of dismay comes, endure it until it is over, because out of it will come that following of Jesus which is unspeakable joy."

 

If you are going through a tough time, a storm, some rain right now it may seam strange to you to write down the thoughts of your heart.  But try it, be real with God, write down your prayer requests.  At some point in the future you may look back and be surprised at what God has done and where He brought you after the rain.

 

After the rain
You can look to the sky again
The clouds will give way
To the light of the sun
After the rain
You know that you've made it through
And you'll finally see the joy from the pain
After the rain  - ( from After the Rain, Aaron Jeoffrey)

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Mark 10:32-35

 

Jesus a Third Time Predicts His Death and Resurrection
(Matt 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-34)

 

32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 33 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles;  34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."   NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 3/`1

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 23-28, Mark 15

 

Good morning,

Why is it that it can seem to be so "hard" for us as Christians to folllow Christ consistently and why is He so easily rejected by unbelievers?

In 2 Corinthians 4 the apostle Paul gives us at least one answer, one that is easy to recognize in today's society.

2 Cor. 4:4 For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.  Amplified Bible

The god of this dark world has blinded unbelievers and distracts even believers with the lust for "more".  But He gives us the grace the power to overcome the darkness if we will follow Him.

 

   ⁶For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

⁷However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

 

We have the gift from God, we carry it around in flawed, earthen vessels, our bodies, our lives are "cracked pots".  The beautiful thing is that when He shines, people will recognize and attest to the fact that it is His light that is shining, it is not of ourselves.

 

Today's verse comes from the often neglected book of Numbers.  It is a God's instruction to Moses on how he should speak to and bless the His people.  May His Word, His love shine on, in and through you this weekend.

 

Num 6:24 "The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."' NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Num 6:22-7:1

 

The Priestly Blessing

 

22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

 

24 "The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."'

 

27 "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/12

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 20-22, Mark 14:53-72

 

Good morning,

When you go about seeking a profession you want to learn from someoone with experience and knowledge in the field.  You go to college to learn from a professor, in the trades you may learn from a master craftsman.  Why should it be any different in the Christian life?  Yet so many professing Christians devote little time learning about or learning from The Master.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Matthew 10.

Matt 10:24 "Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master.   NLT

Do you remember a time in your life where you shrugged off instruction with the belief that you were smart enough to figure it out or learn it on your own?  Have you ever tried to assemble something without reading the instructions and come to the end with parts left over?  Something is missing in the toy or product?

 

John MacArthur writes, "We alll ought to recognize that true disciples learn from their teachers in order to be just like the teacher, and that faithful slaves work for their masters to be just like the master.  On another occasion, Jesus taught this: "A pupil is not above the teacher, but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40).  The disciples overriding purpose is to emulate his teacher..... not only the teachers' wisdom and character but also how the teacher treats others."

 

As Christians were are to learn from our Master, Jesus Christ.  We are to be "More Like the Master".

 

 More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do.

More like the Master is my daily prayer;
More strength to carry crosses I must bear;
More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in;
More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.

More like the Master I would live and grow;
More of His love to others I would show;
More self denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be.

As you read the words to this old hymn, did you notice an area in your life where you need to be "more like the Master?".  Pray about it and work on it.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matt 10:21-25

 

"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.

 

"A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content — pleased, even — when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get.
(from THE MESSAGE.)

Verse of the Day 3/11

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 17-19, Mark 14:32-52

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's devotional I quoted the words to "Refiners Fire" which ended with the words "set apart for You my Master, ready to do your will".

 

Proverbs 9:10 tells us  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  NIV

Francis Chan, in his book "Crazy Love" said that for him "fear is no longer the word I use to describe how I feel about God.  Now I use words like reverrent intimacy.  I still fear God, and I pray that I always will....but for a long time, I narrowly focused on His fearsomeness to the exclusion of His great and abounding love."

 

Have you ever thought about just who does the setting apart?

For today's verse we'll go to Jeremiah chapter where the prophet brings it together, notice Who does the setting apart here.

 

Jer 1:4 The Lord gave me this message:

 

5 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."  NLT

Could it be that God has set you and I apart for Himself?

 

We may be tempted to think that maybe all of this pertained only to the life of Jeremiah or the other Old Testament prophets or Paul and the disciples in the New Testament.  But before you do so consider what Paul wrote to those in the church in Ephesus and conveys to us today.  Eph 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

 

Have you felt that God is calling you to a deeper level of commitment to His Word and/or a ministry?  Don't dismiss it, Jeremiah tried to, but God had an answer for him  (v.6). , be ready.  Never feel that you are too young physically or spiritually to do His will, God will lead you and provide for you.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Jer 1:4-11

 

Jeremiah's Call and First Visions

 

4 The Lord gave me this message:

 

5 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."

 

6 "O Sovereign Lord," I said, "I can't speak for you! I'm too young!"

 

7 The Lord replied, "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" 9 Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

 

"Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
10 Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant."  NLT

Verse of the Day 3/10

Through the Bible -Deuteronomy 14-16, Mark 14:10-31

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll return to Proverbs chapter 4.

 

Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.   NIV

We are told to guard our heats.  Guarding involves being careful to protect, defend, and to ward off things that can corrupt our hearts.  Just as a computer virus corrupts programs and eventually causes a computer to crash, corrupt words, images, and thoughts can creep in and worm their way into many areas of our lives and making us ineffective in our walk and lead us to a crash.

 

Part of guarding our hearts is keeping corrupt talk from your lips, this involves thoughtfulness ,of which J.R. Miller writes, "Thoughtfulness is a necessary lesson. There are a great many thoughtless Christians. They are always blundering in their interactions with others. They say the wrong word, they do the wrong thing. They are always hurting other people's feelings, giving pain to gentle hearts. Yet it is all from thoughtlessness. "I didn't mean to offend him. I didn't mean to be unkind. I just never thought!" There are few lessons in Christian life that more people need to learn, than this of thoughtfulness."  We need to think more before we speak.

 

The way to keep your heart is to have it purified and to keep it pure,  something that only God can truly accomplish through the power of His Spirit in us.

 

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master

Ready to do Your will.

 

What are you doing to be "set apart" and "ready" to do His will?

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Prov 4:20-5:1

Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they're bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.    THE MESSAGE

Verse of the Day 3/9

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 12-13, Mark 13:32-14:9
 Good morning,

My wife Jean gave me a book to read that fit's in well with our thoughts on how we are following Christ.  It's title is "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  The preface to the book starts out with this statement from Fracois Fenelon - " To just read the Bible, attend church, and avoid "big sins" - is this passionate, wholehearted love for God?"

 

It's a sobering question that may be difficult or convicting to answer honestly.

For today's verse we'll go to Proverbs chapter 4 for some wisdom in this area.

 

Prov 4:20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;   NKJV

 

Francis Chan, in "Crazy Love" writes, "We see Him (God) as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way.  We forget that God never had an identity crisis.  He knows that He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives.  Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves.  He commands everything from His followers."

If we are following anything we must pay attention.  For the Christian it means paying attention to His Words, the Bible, keep them in front of us, in front of our eyes.  You probably don't think of inclining your ears, but the thought comes of straining to hear something, leaning closer trying to focus in on the source and avoiding the "chatter", the noise all around us.

 

Devout Jews were known to where "phylacteries" (Matt. 23:5) , boxes which carried scripture verses on their foreheads, trying to show that they had God's Word on their minds.  It was for show.  We are to have His Word in our minds and in "the midst of our hearts", at the very core of our being.

What place does God's Word have in your life as you follow.

 

Going back to "Come Thou Fount", don't be prone to wander, but fix your gaze upon Jesus as the Living Word and follow where He leads you.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Prov 4:20-5:1

20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/8

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 10-11, Mark 13:1-31

 

Good morning,

 

A friend responded to last weeks thought's of "following hard" after God, saying "It is so easy to be led astray if we don't follow hard.  What foothold do I leave open if I don't examine my heart each day? If arguments are left unsettled, harsh words said ,and no repentence?"

 

Too often in our lives, if we are honest,  would more likely resemble meandering rather than following hard.  When meandering we can easily drift and find ourselves off coarse.  Most of us can remember as a child or remember one of our children "meandering" in a department store behind our parents.  We see the toy department and decide to head off in that direction.  All of a sudden our parents are nowhere in sight.   Fear overwhelmed us and we desparately looked for our parents.  When we found them, they held our hands tight, we held on tighter.

 

David knew what it was like to lose his way.  When he came back to God, he followed hard.  Today's verse comes from Psalm 32.  David had been telling the story.  Now in verse 8 God takes over the narrative.

 

Ps 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,
Which have no understanding,
Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,
Else they will not come near you.   NKJV

Having wandered David had been stubborn as a mule.  Disregarding sound adivice and his own conscience.

 

Attention influences direction.  David's attention had been on himself, not on others, not on God.

 

Now, having received forgiveness David speaks of the joy of cleared guilt (v.2), along with the promises of protection (v.6-7), and guidance (v.8).

I'm reminded of the old hymn that congregations keep going back to, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

 

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

 

Here I raise my Ebenezer  (stone of remembrance);
Here by Thy great help I've come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

 

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Attention influences direction.  Notice where the attention of the psalm writer and the song writer are.  Is your heart tuned to God, fixed upon His redeeming love, bound to Him  and sealed by Him?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ps 32:1-33:1

 

32 1 Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Interlude

 

5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Interlude

 

6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
Interlude

 

8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."

 

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!  NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 3/6

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 4-9, Mark 12

 

Good morning,

When  a person is arrested for drunk driving they are given a DUI, which stands for "driving under the influence'.  Every day of our lives we are operating, living under the influence of someone or some thing.  In yesterday's passage the man was influenced by the demons within him.  We may be influenced by the world around us and what we consume of it, whether it be drugs. alcohol, or any number of addictions including work.  You have heard of workaholics haven't you.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 63 where David shows what it is like to be influenced by God, to "follow hard" after Him.

Psalm 63:8 My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.     Amplified Bible

 

When someone is pulled over when suspected of drunk driving, they are given several tests to perform from touching there fingers to their nose with their eyes closed to "walking the line".  If they fail the tests they will receive the ticket.

As Christians, how do our lives reflect that we are living under God's influence, the influence of the Holy Spirit?  It may be a humbling question, but one we should consider each and every day.

 

If you cling to God, and are "following hard" after Him there will be some evidence.  In the Psalm below see how David's life is described, he seeks, longs for and thirsts for communion with God.  His meditations and praises influence his life bringing satifaction.  A far cry from the Rolling Stone's "I can't get no satisfaction".  The evidence will be the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5.

 

Walking in the Spirit

 

Gal. 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.   ...........

 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. NKJV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Ps 63:1-64:1

 

Joy in the Fellowship of God
A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
63 O God, You are my God;Early will I seek You;My soul thirsts for You;My flesh longs for YouIn a dry and thirsty landWhere there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,My lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live;I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed,I meditate on You in the night watches. 7 Because You have been my help,Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. 8 My soul follows close behind You;Your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek my life, to destroy it,Shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10 They shall fall by the sword;They shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
NKJV

Verse of the Day 3/5

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 1-3, Mark 11:15-33

 

Good morning,

This morning I read a couple of different passages with a striking contrast in the course of a life.  One being a heart that desires to follow hard after God (David in Psalm 63), the other guided by demons.

 

Mark 5:2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. 3 This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.   NLT

We may not think of ourselves as the demoniac, but how many times do we do things that we don't want to do that bring us and those around us harm.  If we are not "following hard" after God but instead choose to follow our own (evil?) hearts desires we may find ourselves far from God and tormented within.  We look back and say to ourselves "what was I thinking?".

 

J. R. Miller writes in "A Troubled Soul", "In this demoniac, we have a sample of the work of Satan--when he gets full control in a man. He destroys every beautiful thing in the life, and leaves only ruin! No chains could bind this demoniac. When sin is on the throne, all other influences and constraints become like spiders' threads in comparison! No chain is strong enough to bind the man--who has yielded himself to the sway of the Evil One! The love of a godly mother is a strong bond--but many a child tears off this holy chain and rushes into wayward and evil paths! Home ties are strong--but these too are broken asunder, by the victim of Satan's ungodly rule.

We see that the demoniac cut and gashed himself with stones. This illustrates what in many ways, Satan's captives do. They may not literally go about cutting their flesh with knives or bruising their bodies with stones; but they do gash and bruise their souls! Sin always wounds the life--and one of its fearful consequences is the self-destruction it works. Every sin one commits leaves an ugly scar! We grieve God by our wrongdoing, and we harm others when we sin against them; but we always injure ourselves--by every evil word we speak, by every wrong act we commit, even by the evil thoughts we think in our hearts. The self-hurt of sin is one of its saddest consequences!"

Sin deceives us, we go after something that we think will bring us pleasure.  It may do so, but most often it is fleeting and leaves us worse for wear.  Following hard after God can bring peace, joy, hope and love. 

 

What we find in the passage in Mark is that even if we've gone down the wrong path, Jesus is the friend who can lift us out of it, chase the demons away, change the course of our lives and bring us the peace that we so desparately need.  He instructed the demoniac to go back to his family and tell them what the Lord had done for him.

 

Tomorrow, Lord willing, we'll go to the passage in Psalms 63 that showed the contrast.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Mark 5:1-21

 

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

 

5 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. 3 This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

 

6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don't torture me!" 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit."

 

9 Then Jesus demanded, "What is your name?"

 

And he replied, "My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man." 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.

 

11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 "Send us into those pigs," the spirits begged. "Let us enter them."

 

13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

---------------

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.  NLT