Verse of the Day weekend 7/31

Through the Bible - Psalms 51-56, Acts 20:17- 21:17

 

The other day I quoted the Casting Crowns song "In the Middle".  One of the lines stated "deep water faith in the shallow end".

 

While sitting on the beach (on vacation) last week I saw many toddlers playing in the sand on the edge of the water , little kids were playing in the shallow water willing to brave some of the waves.  Older kids were on their skim boards and boogie boards.  Then there were teenagers and adults out in the deeper water, surfing, riding the waves.  The risks were higher but the thrill the joy and satisfaction were probably higher as well. All of them were having a good time enjoying the surroundings.  Those surfing had grown, had moved out of the shallow end into the deep.

 

Will we do so in our faith?

 Luke 5:4-5 (AMP) When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep [water], and lower your nets for a haul.

⁵And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night [exhaustingly] and caught nothing [in our nets]. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets [again].

The disciples had been fishing in the shallow water, working all night with nothing to show for it.  Jesus asked these veteran fisherman to break from what they knew to experience more.

 

Wading all day in the shallow water can wear you out with the endless string of waves pounding the shore and you.  Even kids will tire from it.  As kids grow older they may have to be encouraged and challenged to risk moving out into the deep.  But in doing so they'll grow, they'll learn, and they'll ride the surf and the waves.   Moving beyond the waves in the shallow end in our faith will bring our greatest joy and fulfillment in life. 

 

Jesus used this situation to call Peter, James and John to become fishers of men.

 

 Matthew 5:10 And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon (Peter). And Jesus said to Simon, Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!

 

Is Jesus calling you to a deeper faith?

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Luke 5

The First Disciples

 ¹ One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. ² He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. ³ Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

 ⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish."

 ⁵ "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." ⁶ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! ⁷ A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

 ⁸ When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, "Oh, Lord, please leave me—I'm too much of a sinner to be around you." ⁹ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. ¹⁰ His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

   Jesus replied to Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!"

Verse of the Day 7/28

Through the Bible - Psalms 46-48, Acts 19:21-41

 

I read the following quote the other day from John Stott, I found it to be thought provoking. I thought I'd share it with you, how does it line up with your thoughts of sin and salvation?

 

"The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone; God accepts penalties which belong to man alone."— John Stott

 

When I read that statement several verses came to mind.  Jesus' story of the rich young ruler came to mind (Matt. 19:16).  He wanted to follow God but could not give up control of his life, or at least what controlled him.  He could not trade his dreams for God's.

 

I was also brought back to the ten commandments in Exodus 20 where we go back to the basics.

Exodus 20:3 (ESV) "You shall have no other gods before me."

 In this day in this society there are seemingly endless "gods" that we can put before the true God.  But it boils down to putting ourselves and our own desires on the throne of our lives.  Many of us like the rich young ruler find ourselves caught in the middle.  Desiring to follow God but having our own desires that hold us back from the God who is.

 

In the passage in Matthew, the young man thought that he'd done a good job of keeping the commandments.  But in reading off his list, he forgot to mention this one, because he did have other gods before him that kept him in the middle, between his desires and the God who is.  He may have been asking himself the question posed by Casting Crowns in "Somewhere in the Middle".

 

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle
Are we caught in the middle

Somewhere between my heart and my hands
Somewhere between my faith and my plans
Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves

Somewhere between a whisper and a roar
Somewhere between the altar and the door
Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more
Somewhere in the middle You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Do we ask the same question?

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Exodus 20

The Ten Commandments

 ¹ And God spoke all these words, saying,

 ² "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

 ³ "You shall have no other gods before me.

 ⁴ "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Verse of the Day 7/26

Through the Bible - Psalm 40-42, Acts 18

 

This morning as I was having my devotions and looking out on the Atlantic Ocean with the waves crashing on the shore under gray skies and threatening skies, I read the following verses from Ephesians which will serve for our verses for today.

 

Ephesians 4:14-17 (ESV) so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
 

The verses and the passage were fitting for the day and fitting for our times.  Many people in our society are searching for meaning in life and considering Christianity.  When you look over the seas of Christianity in our culture, a "seeker" could easily be confused by various views of the Christian faith and the viewpoints that are held forth as doctrines.  Others have been dabbling in the shallow water but have yet to head out into the deep waters of our faith.

 

May we be willing to head out.  To study, to learn, to apply and to teach; to equip others for their faith journey, their pilgrimage, in love.

Ephesians 4:12-13 (NLT) Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ¹³ This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

What are we to do in the face of all this?  We need to know what we believe.  Study to show ourselves as "approved unto God rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Tim. 2:15. 

 

This will be an interesting week for me.  I've been spending time each morning with my son Jason, we are discussing Rob Bell's controversial book "Love Wins".  What I've read so far has been thought provoking to say the least.  Some may question the reading of the book.  For me, it is helping me affirm what I believe while being better prepared to deal with the waves of controversy that will enter into conversations in the days and years to come.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Ephesians 4:11-16(ESV)

¹¹And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

 

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/24

Through the Bible - Psalms 33-36, Acts 16:22-17:15

 

We are spending our family vacation at the beach.  This morning as I sat on the balcony overlooking the ocean I read the following from Psalm 95:

Psalm 95:5 (NLT)  The sea belongs to him, for he made it.
      His hands formed the dry land, too.

The verse brings us back to the creation account in Genesis one.  He created the seas, the land, and the heavens.  He didn't create and just sit back.  He is still in control, He is sovereign over everything.

 

I hope to spend time over the next few days enjoying the sea and the land, in particular the beaches.   As I do, I will praise God the creator of it all.

 

 Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
         Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
 ⁷ For He is our God,
         And we are the people of His pasture,
         And the sheep of His hand. 
 

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm 95

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 95

 ¹ Come, let us sing to the Lord!
      Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
 ² Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
      Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
 ³ For the Lord is a great God,
      a great King above all gods.
 ⁴ He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
      and the mightiest mountains.
 ⁵ The sea belongs to him, for he made it.
      His hands formed the dry land, too.

 ⁶ Come, let us worship and bow down.
      Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
    ⁷ for he is our God.
   We are the people he watches over,
      the flock under his care.

   If only you would listen to his voice today!

Verse of the Day 7/22

Through the Bible - Psalms 31-32, Acts 16:1-21

 

What is your greatest need today?  What is the greatest need of our country?

 

In regards to the country, many would probably say many would probably say an agreement in Congress in how to address our debt crisis, basically an economic need.  Many individuals would also point to economic needs starting with a job.

 

Most crises, whether financial or personal will pass but the greatest need is something that at some point will have to be settled, it will not pass on its own.  It is the need for a Savior.  The good news is that it won't take an act of Congress to find a solution.  The answer to our problems in "in our midst" as we see in today's verse from the Old Testament book of Zephaniah.

 

Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)  The LORD your God in your midst,
      The Mighty One, will save;
      He will rejoice over you with gladness,
      He will quiet you with His love,
      He will rejoice over you with singing."

"If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist. If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he would have sent us a politician. If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he would have sent us a doctor.

 

But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and he sent us a Savior. "  D.A. Carson

 Do you believe this?  Does your heart need to be quieted from the anxieties of the day, does your gloom need to be replaced with gladness?  God is not far off, He is near, He is in our midst, a Savior ready to save.

Romans 10:8-9 ESV But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); ⁹because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Blessings,
Mike
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Israel's Joy and Restoration

 Zepahaniah 3:14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
   shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
   O daughter of Jerusalem!
¹⁵The LORD has taken away the judgments against you;
   he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
   you shall never again fear evil.
¹⁶ On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:"Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
¹⁷ The LORD your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
   he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing. ¹⁸I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
   so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
¹⁹Behold, at that time I will deal
   with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
   and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
   and renown in all the earth.
²⁰ At that time I will bring you in,
   at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
   among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
   before your eyes," says the LORD.

Verse of the Day 7/21

Through the Bible -  Psalms 29-30, Acts 15:22-41

 

Yesterday, from the book of Lamentations we considered how God's mercies are renewed every morning, day by day.  This most often happens through time spent in His Word and in prayer.  In staying in communion, communicating with God, our hearts are being prepared for the spiritual battles of the day.

 

Any time I think about spiritual battles my mind goes to Ephesians 6 where we are encouraged to put on the "full armor of God".  We'll go there for today's verse.

Ephesians 6:15 (AMP) And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

A soldier, or even a football player, going out to do battle wouldn't think of going out to face their opponents in bare feet.  Football players as many soldiers back then, had cleats or spikes on their shoes when going into battle.  These give them stability, firm footing, to stand up against the charge of the enemy.

 

Pastor Gregg Laurie writes, " In the original Greek, the word preparation used in Ephesians 6:15 can be defined as "firm-footing; a strong foundation." We need to have a firm foundation in God's Word.

This word preparation could also be translated as "readiness." The idea is to be ready at all times to share the gospel.

Scripture tells us that we as believers "should be on duty at all times." You never know when an opportunity will arise for you to share the gospel with someone.

Again, it's the idea of being ready and willing to move at a moment's notice, for those opportunities to share the gospel often come when we least expect them."  - Gregg Laurie, Harvest Ministries

If you are putting on God's full armor today, be ready, have your shoes on after spending time in His Word and in prayer.

 

Consider what it means to face your battles, your enemy with the Gospel of peace.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Ephesians 6:10-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

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—

Verse of the Day 7/20

Through the Bible - Psalms 26-28, Acts 15:1-21

 

Yesterday we considered how important God's Word is in our lives as expressed in James Smith's statement, "  My Word is plain--read it; it is faithful--trust it; it is honest--plead it; it is sure--expect the fulfillment of it."

 

Looking back in my own life and those of friends and relatives, then on back to New Testament and Old Testament figures, God's Word brings hope, comfort, strength and peace even in the most troubling times.  He makes His mercy new.  For me, it has especially come in the morning, in devotional times.

 

Reading a Psalm every day will bring reminders of this in the life of David and others.  We also see it in the prophets.  For today's verse we'll go to Lamentations, written by Jeremiah "the weeping prophet".  In the midst of dark hours he wrote some of the most powerful and comforting words in the Bible that speak of God's mercies.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV) Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.
       ²³ They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.

 

The preceding verses give us the emotional setting of the prophets circumstances:

²⁰ I will never forget this awful time,
      as I grieve over my loss.
 ²¹ Yet I still dare to hope
      

He has hope because over His life he has been renewed in the past, he has seen God's faithfulness, His loyal, steadfast love, and hopes, trusts and expects to experience it again. 

 

The verses have inspired many songs, old as in "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and "New Mercy".  Read a few of the lines from "New Mercy" by Philips, Craig, and Dean.

 

On my knees I found to my surprise
That your mercy renewed with the sunrise
You make Your mercy new every day
You change my life in so many ways
You cradle me in Your sweet grace
You fill me

Yesterday, today, forever more
There's one thing I know for sure
Fresh as the morning dew
You make Your mercy new
Every morning 
 

The simple line "you fill me" ties this in with yesterday's verse from Psalms 81:10 "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it."   NKJV

 

May you be filled with God's mercies, every morning.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Lamentations 3:19-26

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ¹⁹ The thought of my suffering and homelessness
      is bitter beyond words.
 ²⁰ I will never forget this awful time,
      as I grieve over my loss.
 ²¹ Yet I still dare to hope
      when I remember this:

 ²² The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
      His mercies never cease.
 ²³ Great is his faithfulness;
      his mercies begin afresh each morning.
 ²⁴ I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance;
      therefore, I will hope in him!"

 ²⁵ The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
      to those who search for him.
 ²⁶ So it is good to wait quietly
      for salvation from the Lord.

Verse of the Day 7/19

Through the Bible - Psalms 23-25, Acts 14

 

This morning is another one of those mornings where I had a verse planned for the day but something I read caused me to change course.

 

There is a lot of talk these days about "sustainability", largely in relation to the green movement and the environment.  As Christians, what keeps us going, what sustains us, from where do we draw our sustenance?

 

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 81 where God shows us that He will sustain us.

 

Ps 81:10 I am the Lord your God,
Who brought you out of the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.   NKJV

 

I read the following this morning, written by Pastor James Smith who preceded Charles Spurgeon in the pulpit at New Park Street Chapel.  He points to God's Word.

"As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."

"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY--ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!

Ask BOLDLY--do not be afraid--but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Ask FREQUENTLY--I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need--I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child--as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.

"Open your mouth wide--and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me--they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain--read it; it is faithful--trust it; it is honest--plead it; it is sure--expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!"

God's Word, may we read it, trust it, plead it and expect the fulfillment of it.  As we do through His Spirit, it will sustain us.  Read the passage below, may we hear and listen and walk in His ways.

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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 81:8-14

 

8 "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you!
O Israel, if you will listen to Me!
9 There shall be no foreign god among you;
Nor shall you worship any foreign god.
10 I am the Lord your God,
Who brought you out of the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

 

11 "But My people would not heed My voice,
And Israel would have none of Me.
12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart,
To walk in their own counsels.

 

13 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!    NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/18

Through the Bible - Psalms 20-22, Acts 13:26-53       

 

In my devotions I've been reading through Ecclesiastes and over the weekend and in chapter 3, which is probably better known for the "Times for Every Purpose Under Heaven", we read also that:

 

Eccl 3:11 He has  made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot  find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.  ESV

As we grow older, most of us probably think of heaven more often, realizing that this world is fleeting we set our sights on something higher, better, and eternal.  We are not setting our roots here but are preparing and setting out for another destination, another destiny.

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 84 for one of my favorite verses in the Psalms.

 

Psalms 84:5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.  NLT

We may go through times of weeping in the valleys of life.  But when our hearts are set on our final destination we can be refreshed when we realize and set our hopes on something better ahead.  We are not looking for our "best life now" we are looking for it in eternity.  We live our lives with another world in view.

 

One of the songs that many of us learned as a child has greater meaning as we grow older, especially for those whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

 

This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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 84:1-8

 

84 1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven's Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises.
Interlude

 

5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.   NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/16

Through the Bible - Psalms 16-19, Acts 12: - 13:25

 

In yesterday's verse we considered Paul's statement that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation".  The old has been replaced with something new.  A new perspective, a new outlook, a new hope and a new destination for eternity.

 

For this weekend's verse we'll go to Ephesians chapter 4.  In Ephesians 1 - 3 Paul has been teaching some of the basic doctrines of Christianity, now , heading into chapter 4, he is transitioning to the application of these principles.  MacArthur states that it it "from doctrine to duty, principle to practice, position to behavior.

 

Eph 4:1  Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  NLT

What he is saying is, you've learned it now live it.  You've been called.  If you've truly accepted the call live a life that shows it.

 

Read the passage from The Message that goes by the heading "To Be Mature".

 

Eph 4:1-3  In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk — better yet, run! — on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline — not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

 

The NKJV puts it "walk worthy" it fits in well with what The Message says, that we should be walking " steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. "  For the sake of the call.

 

In preparation for worship this weekend, read or sing the words to the Steven Curtis Chapman song "For the Sake of the Call".

 

Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea
No turning back for the water cannot help but flow
Once we hear the Savior's call we'll follow wherever he leads
Because of the love He has shown
And because he has called us to go we will answer

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die

Not for the sake of a creed or a cause
Not for a dream or a promise
Simply because it is Jesus who calls
And if we believe we'll obey

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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

Verse of the Day 7/15

Through the Bible -Psalms 13-15, Acts 11

 

Yesterday in Psalm 90 the prayer to God was to "teach us to number our days", changing our perspective on life, realizing how precious life is and to live each day with this in mind.

For today's verse we'll go to 2 Corinthians chapter 5 where in verse 16 Paul encourages people then and us now to have a new perspective.  Not to focus on externals, worldly or human standards.  He tells us that if we are "in Christ", things have changed.

 

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,   NKJV

We are to not only have a different view on life but a different view of each person.  Each person should be thought of as an eternal being with an eternal destiny.  As Christ followers, as Christians, we have the ministry of reconciliation, bringing others the good news about Christ, about His love, about forgiveness, and hope.  This is done through ministry, serving others with eternity in mind realizing that each life, each person has value, eternal value..

 

It doesn't matter where you've come from, where you've been, what matters is where you are going.  As we go along we are to realize that : "we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."  2 Cor 5:20-21

Read the passage below from "The Message".  As we look at and interact with people today let's not focus on externals, try looking inside.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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

2 Cor 5:16-6:1

 

Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

 

How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.   The Message

Verse of the Day 7/14

Through the Bible - Psalms 10-12, Acts 10:24-28   

 

Good morning,

In my personal devotions I've moved into the book of Ecclesiastes in which the author, Solomon, starts off with the words "vanity of vanities" or "meaningless" (depending on the translation).  This comes from the Hebrew word "hevel' which has a few variations, but basically has to do with breath or vapor, even the sound of breath.  It is fleeting, seemingly gone in an instant and of little value.

 

But for anyone that has had a near death experience of a loved one or perhaps themselves, they realize that life is as precious and fragile as that one breath.  It is precious.   In actuallity we are all one breath from eternity.  Having this perspective will (should) have an impact and change the way we live.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 90 where the psalmist has this perspective in mind.

 

Ps 90:12  So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.  NKJV
Or from the NLT

Ps 90:12  Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.  NLT

For some reason I was reminded of the film "Saving Private Ryan" where Tom Hanks as Captain Miller in his dying breath tells Private Ryan (Matt Damon) "earn this".  Many had given their lives that Private Ryan might have his life.  As Christians, we believe that God sent His Son that we might have life hear and now and for eternity.  Not that we have or can earn this, but we should be grateful for it.  Having this perspective should help us, should teach us to number our days, to gain a heart of wisdom, to make the most of our time and to realize how precious each day, each breath of this life is.  It doesn't have to be lived in vain.

 

Ps 90:17  And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.   NKJV

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm  90:12-17

12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants.

14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!

15 Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil.

16 Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children.

17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/13

Through the Bible - Psalms 7-9, Acts 10:1-23

 

Good morning,

In considering the words that come out of our mouth, yesterday's verse (Eph. 4:29) starts with the word let.  We allow such things to come out of our mouths, they don't have to.  No matter how many excuses we make, it still boils down to that, we allow corruptible words to flow.

 

How can we overcome this and not allow this?  The words to the Michael W. Smith song came to mind."More Love, More Power".

 

More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
I will worship You
with all of my heart.
I will worship You
with all of my mind.
I will worship You
with all of my strength.
For You are my Lord.
you are my lord.

 

As we also considered yesterday, this love, this power that is necessary is available through God's grace.  But we also have some responsibility.  Several verses may come to mind when we consider worshiping and loving God with all our heart, mind and strength, they go back to Deuteronomy 6 where we'll go for today's verse.

Deuteronomy 6:4-6  English Standard Version (ESV)  "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ⁶And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

Verses 4 to 9 are known as the "shema" which means to hear.  The words are repeated twice a day by the devout.

 

John MacArthur writes that "the people were to think  of these commandments and meditate on them so that obedience would not be a matter of formal legalism, but a response based on understanding."  Our response would be a matter of the heart.

 

It is out of our heart and not out of our mouths that our words come from.  With more of God, of Christ in our hearts and minds, more of Him will come out, replacing words that hurt and corrupt.

 

May God's Word be in your mind and in your heart today.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Deuteronomy 6:4-9  New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! ⁵ You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
⁶ "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Verse of the Day 8/12

Through the Bible - Psalms 4-6, Acts 9:22-43

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go to Ephesians chapter 4 where Paul presents us with perhaps one of the greatest challenges in our Christian lives and walk, especially for this day and age.

Ephesians 4:29 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)  No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. 

In place of rotten, other translations use such words as corrupt, unwholesome or foul.  Together they paint the picture.  The first impression might be that swearing is the primary example of what Paul had in mind, but it goes way beyond this.  Looking to the surrounding verses you see that Paul mentions falsehoods, lies, and slander which go along with the anger and bitterness of one's heart.

 

This verse can haunt you if you try to live up to it in you own strength.  I know that I try and fail.   But we can pray for more grace, more power more of Jesus Christ in our life.

 

"Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon."

John Piper

 

By God's grace we have forgiveness when we've sinned with out tongue and the enabling gift of God not to sin.  May we depend upon it today in our speech.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Ephesians 4:25-32

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

²⁵ Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don't give the Devil an opportunity. ²⁸ The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹ No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, who sealed you for the day of redemption. ³¹ All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Verse of the Day 7/11

Through the Bible - Psalms 1-3, Acts 9:1-21

 

Good morning,

Over the weekend I read John 21 and a couple of different commentaries with different interpretations to verse 15.  We'll go there for today's verse.

John 21:15 English Standard Version (ESV)  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
 

Some feel that by "more than these" Jesus was speaking to the disciples about  their professions, in this case being impressed by the large catch of "these" fish (153).  Others feel that Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him more than the other disciples.  You can see how each one could apply.  Some people are wired and driven by success in their careers while others see their status, their "ranking", even in church, to be most important.

 

Jesus shows Peter what is important, and how he can show that he truly loves Jesus, by feeding His lambs, tending His sheep, and feeding His sheep.  He sums it up in verse 19 by saying "follow me".

 

I heard a message by Francis Chan over the weekend about the church,  in the message  he said that   "Jesus calls his disciples to be fishers of men but all too often we're content to live an aquarium" (paraphrased).  If we are concerned more with our careers or status, even in the church, we are more likely to be "aquarium" Christians, going to church only to be seen there and to be fed.

 

We are to feed help in feeding others and in that way join in the great commission.  In doing so we will indeed "follow Him", get out of the aquarium and start fishing, feeding others.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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John 21:15-19

English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus and Peter

 ¹⁵When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." ¹⁶He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." ¹⁷He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." ¹⁹(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/9

Through the Bible - Obadiah,Ruth, Acts 8

 

Good morning,

Yesterday we considered how God's true glory is not displayed in temples made by human hands but shines as His Spirit works through the hearts and lives of His followers, His children.

 

John Piper states that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him".  It is the motto for his church and ministry.  It is exemplified in the lives of those who are " filled with all  the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19).

 

In today's "My Utmost for His Highest" devotional, Oswald Chambers as the question "are you sufficiently right with God to expect Him to manifest His wonderful life in you?".  It is a question we should ask of ourselves.  If we do it may be quite sobering and humbling.

 

For this weekend's verse we'll go to to Psalm 143 where David reveals his hearts desire to follow God, to depend on Him.

Psalm 143:8  Amplified Bible (AMP) ⁸Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.

 

To be "sufficiently right" with God takes time takes devotion.  Many things can distract us, sometimes even good things, trying to serve God on our own and in our own power can actually get in the way of a right relationship.

 

I'll share the words of the Larnell Harris song "I Miss My Time With You".  God desires that we be "sufficiently right" with Him.  It takes time with Him for it to be. 

 

"there he was just waiting, 
in our old familiar place 
an empty spot beside him, 
where once i used to wait 
to be filled with strength and wisdom 
for the battles of the day 
i would have passed him by again 
if i didn't hear him say

(chorus)

i miss my time with you 
those moments together 
i need to be with you each day 
and it hurt's me when you say 
you're too busy 
busy trying to serve me 
but how can you serve me 
when your spirit's empty 
there's a longing in my heart 
wanting more than just a part of you 
it's true 
i miss my time with you

what do i have to offer 
how can i truly care 
my efforts have no meaning 
when your presence isn,t there 
but you will provide the power 
if i take time to pray 
i'll stay right here beside him 
and you will never have to say..

David was a man after God's own heart as revealed in this psalm.  Read the full psalm below, may it help to prepare your heart for worship this weekend.  David asks God to answer his prayer (7), cause me to hear (8), deliver me (9), teach me (10), and save my life (11).  May we do the  same.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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

Psalm 143

Amplified Bible (AMP)

A Psalm of David.

 ¹HEAR MY prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.

    ²And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is [in himself] righteous or justified.

    ³For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in dark places as those who have been long dead.

    ⁴Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb.

    ⁵I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands.

    ⁶I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

    ⁷Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit (the grave).

    ⁸Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.

    ⁹Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me.

    ¹⁰Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.

    ¹¹Save my life, O Lord, for Your name's sake; in Your righteousness, bring my life out of trouble and free me from distress.

    ¹²And in your mercy and loving-kindness, cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my inner self, for I am Your servant.

 

Verse of the Day 7/8

Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 32-34, Acts 7:44-60

 

Good morning,

My wife Jean and I recently returned from a trip to Italy where, among other places, we enjoyed the sites of Rome, the Vatican, and St. Peter's basilica.  Going through the St. Peter's one could easily be moved by the glory, the beauty, the ornateness of the paintings, mosaics, sculptures depicting Christ, the saints and other Biblical characters.  Thousands of people thronged to the place daily with feelings of wonder and grandeur, but how many were transformed?

 

For today's verse we'll go to a familiar one that I probably quote at least once a year.  With our consideration of "abiding" coupled with the glory of God I thought we'd go to Ephesians 3 today.

 

Eph 3:16 that according to  the riches of his glory  he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit  in your inner being, 17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being  rooted and  grounded in love, 18 may have strength to  comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and  height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ  that surpasses knowledge, that  you may be filled with all  the fullness of God.  ESV

The Apostle Paul here prays for the true "riches of his glory" to be displayed in our hearts and lives through the power of the Spirit that dwells in us.  Some time ago we had considered that this power "dunamis", is an explosive power that may not be noticeable from the outside until it is released from within.

 

The result of this power does three things for us as indicated in these verses.  Paul prayed that we as believers would be strengthened in our being, rooted in love, and filled with the goodness of God.  These come from the riches of God's grace lavished on us as His Spirit dwells, or abides in us, not in articles of fine gold and sculptures, but in love, faithfulness, comfort, strength and resounding joy which outshine the finest temples built by human hands centuries ago.

 

May you, may we be filled with the fullness of God that His glory might shine through us.

 

Psalm 67 God be merciful to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us,
Selah
2 That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
NKJV

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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

Eph 3:14-4:1

 

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

 

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom  every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to  the riches of his glory  he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit  in your inner being, 17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being  rooted and  grounded in love, 18 may have strength to  comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and  height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ  that surpasses knowledge, that  you may be filled with all  the fullness of God.

 

20  Now to  him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,  according to the power at work within us, 21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.   ESV