Verse of the Day 2/17

Through the Bible - Exodus 1-3, Mark 15:1-25   

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's verse from Hebrews 10 told us that the "just", those in right standing with God, would live by faith.

For today's verse we'll go back to Genesis 15 where God speaks to Abram.  It is the first verse in the Bible that brings faith, righteousness, and justification together.

 

Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.  NKJV
or from the NLT:

Gen 15:6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith.  NLT

This faith not only informs us of our condition, it informs us of our position and motivates our actions.  Billy Graham and his testimony yesterday were a great example of this as have others through the ages who lived by faith.

 

Michael Horton in "The Christian Faith" writes "This story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, centering on Christ, not only richly informs our mind; it captivates the heart and the imagination, animating and motivating our action in the world. When history seems to come to a standstill in sin, guilt, and death, the prophets direct God's people to God's fulfillment of his promise in the new covenant." 

Does that describe your position in Christ, captivated, animated, and motivated through faith in Him?  My prayer is that we would live by faith and at the end of our life be able to say like Paul or Abraham with no regrets:

 

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

8 And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.   NLT

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Gen 15:1-6

15:1 God's Covenant with Abram (Heb 11:8-10) After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying,"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

2 But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"

3 Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!"

4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."

5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him,"So shall your descendants be."

6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
NKJV