Verse of the Day 1/31

 1 Corinthians 15:3   For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, English Standard Version (ESV)

 

A couple of days ago we considered 1 John 2: and the call to "purify ourselves" and have been using the analogy of a surgeon scrubbing in.  Yesterday we considered the psalmist in Psalm 119:9 asking the question "how can a young man keep his way pure" which was answered immediately in the same verse, "by guarding your heart according to your word."  The psalmist revealed his hearts desire and devotion in saying "I will not neglect" or forget your word.

 

In applying what they've learned, the surgeon has learned that scrubbing in is "of first importance" in properly preparing for surgery.  In today's verse the Apostle Paul reminds his readers and us that the gospel in accordance with the rest of scripture is of "first importance"/

 

The question it poses for us today is where does God's Word rank in our daily lives.  We may pray, "give us this day our daily bread", let us not be satisfied with crumbs, but take in, feed on, be fed by His Word, and pray to Him this way as of first importance.  After all, as Paul says earlier in the passage, it is the gospel which we have received in which we stand (v.1).

 

Blessings,
Mike
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1 Corinthians 15:1-4

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Resurrection of Christ

15 Now I would remind you, brothers,^[a] of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, ² and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Verse of the Day 1/30

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

Yesterday we considered what it meant to purify ourselves with the image of a surgeon preparing for surgery.  The next natural question is just how does a Christian keep his or her way pure?  The answer comes from and involves time spent in God's Word.  We find it in today's passage from Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible which focuses on the importance of God's Word.  I believe that it is all but 3 verses speak, in one way or another of God's Word in the form of decrees, precepts, commands, statutes and other words.

 

A good surgeon wouldn't think of going into surgery neglecting to scrub in, to go into the procedure without cleansing.   We as Christians should have the same attitude in our lives, we shouldn't think of not starting the day or not spending part of the day in His Word and in prayer, considering how we should live our lives each day.  The first verse in the passage ties in well with our thoughts from yesterday.

 

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure?   By guarding it according to your word.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Keeping it pure, purifying it, involves guarding it as well. A surgeon scrubs to guard against the possibility of infection or disease.  We guard our hearts to guard against spiritual heart disease, a cold hard heart.  How well are we doing in that area? 

 

Psalm 119:11I have stored up your word in my heart,  that I might not sin against you.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Have God's Word stored in your heart to be better prepared for what is in store for the day.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm 119:9-16

English Standard Version (ESV)

Beth

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
¹⁰ With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
¹² Blessed are you, O Lord;
    teach me your statutes!
¹³ With my lips I declare
    all the rules^[a] of your mouth.
¹⁴ In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
¹⁵ I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
¹⁶ I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.

Verse of the Day 1/29

1 John 3:3   And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure.    Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 

Sunday's verse dealt with "pressing on in faith", onward and upward, a pilgrim's progress, one day at a time.  In it there is a striving. 

Yesterday the men's small group that I'm in studied 1 John 2:28 - 3:10, the passage has the heading "Children of God" and goes on to tell us how the children of God will act.  It speaks of abiding.  The thought is of growing in our faith and maturing in it.  It involves another one of those big Christian words "sanctification", setting Christ apart as Lord in our lives, and will involve getting rid of the baggage the things that slow us down and devoting more of ourselves to him.

I asked the question of our group, what does this purifying in verse 3 look like.  One of the men said that he pictured a doctor, a surgeon prepping for surgery.  He scrubs in, he meticulously scrubs his hands, fingers and under the nails for fifteen minutes.  It may seem like overkill, but he wants to make sure that he does kill every germ, every bacteria is, because the ramifications of that germ or bacteria left or transferred to the patient could be disastrous.  So it is with us.  That sin that remains in us may be disastrous for us and for those around us.

How are we doing in our "striving" to please Him?  Are we willing to do the meticulous work of "scrubbing in" for our service to Christ?

Blessings,
Mike
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1 John 3:2-4

English Standard Version (ESV)

² Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears^[a] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. ³ And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
⁴ Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

Verse of the Day 1/27

Verse of the Day 1/27

 

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

I read this quote yesterday from Thomas Manton from his book "The Life of Faith".  "Without faith virtue would languish, our command over our passions be weak, and the back of patience be broken, and our care of the knowledge of divine things very small. It is faith acting upon Christ in heaven, and the hopes of a better life, that sets all the wheels at work in the soul."  The thought that came to mind in reading this quote, this statement was that we will face times of weakness, or where our patience wears thin, and our cares can be oppressive.  It is times like these, virtually every day of life that Paul, that Jesus challenges us to press on in faith, press onward and upward.  These thoughts led me on to today's verse in Philippians 3.

 

Reading this verse in the ESV brought attention to "the upward call".  This reminded me of the old hymn "Higher Ground".

 

I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day;
Still praying as I'm onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

 

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

 

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven's tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

 

No matter what we may face today, may we press on in faith and trust that Jesus will lift us up and let us stand, plant our feet on higher ground.  It won't come easy, if you read the preceding verse it involves forgetting what is behind and straining forward, but it can be accomplished through faith.

 

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
Philippians 3:13-15
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

Verse of the Day 1/26

2 Corinthians 10:1  Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

I am amazed and inspired by the way God brings things together through His Word, in devotions, and events in our lives.  Today's verse comes from a devotional commentary that I've been reading through for the past couple of months.

 

In the letter to the church in Corinth, he was challenging them and praising them in their giving, but doing it in a way that Christ would see fit, with "gentleness and graciousness.  Commentator Aida Spencer writes, "The Corinthians have plenty of the world's critical spirit that chooses leaders who in turn criticize and subjugate.  Paul appeals through the double columns of meekness and gentleness because he wants the Corinthians to learn of these aspects of God's nature.  They did not comprehend God's compassion, gentleness and mildness, so they found Paul deficient because his aim was to be compassionate, gentle, mild - in other words loving."

 

I also happened to recently read President Lincoln's second inaugural speech in which he stated, "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

 

President Lincoln's speech reflected the heart of what Paul was talking about.  The word "tapeinos" here in this verse literally does mean humble, but also  lowly or downcast.  Reading Lincoln's speech, you hear that in his words.   Quite a contrast to politicians of today who, after a victory, like to "laud it over" their counterparts.

 

Before we, or I, criticize the politicians of today for their lack of "gentleness and graciousness" I must consider my own heart.  What is my attitude towards them?  May we deal with those who think differently than us with such graciousness and gentleness.  Perhaps then we would gain some headway in "getting along" with one another.

 

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 Corinthians 10:1-2
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Paul's Apostolic Authority

 

10 Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. 2 I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are behaving in an unspiritual way.

Verse of the Day 1/25

2 Corinthians 9:7- Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.   English Standard Version (ESV)

It is that time of year again when we will be receiving tax information including information on our "charitable" giving.  The statements will be a reminder of what has been given in support of the local church and other organizations.

The word for decide or choose is not simply to decide or choose, but to choose ahead, to plan on and choose deliberately.  Opportunities will come along for us to give "spontaneously" but our action to give will be based on the past decision of choosing to give. 

 

In a Bible commentary on this passage I read that the word "proaireo" can refer to grasping of ones hand from one's stores or reserves.  Here that store or reserve is from our own hearts, the choice to give comes from deep within our hearts.  But we as Christians, don't or won't take credit for this ourselves.  The ability and the choice to give arises from the grace that God has put in our hearts.  He provides "sufficiency" that we can give, He meets our needs and compels us to help meet the needs to others. 

 

As you contemplate and think about opportunities to give, whether financially or in service  this year, plan ahead, pray ahead, look forward as to how God will "pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done." 2 Cor.9:8-9 The Message  God loves a cheerful, "prompt to do it" (AMP) giver.

 

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 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Message (MSG)
6-7 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.

 

8-11 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

 

He throws caution to the winds,
    giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
    never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

Verse of the Day 1/24

Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;
44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

Today's verse comes from Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew 5 through 7 which has to be the greatest sermon ever preached.  It is sweeping in its scope and demanding in its application.  Today's declaration is arguably the most demanding command given.  Jesus starts by stating what the common cultural attitude of the day, of the nation as "love your neighbor, hate your enemy".  Once again Jesus shows that if we are to be a follower of His it will mean that we will have to live our lives "counter culturally".  We will constantly be going against the grain as it were.

 

As to the application of this verse there is no "easy" button.  But elsewhere in the Bible we have glimpses of just how this may be accomplished.  In my devotions this morning I read the following verses in 1 Peter.

 

1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. AMP

 

It starts with setting Christ "apart" in our hearts, acknowledging Him and submitting to Him as Lord.  It speaks of being prepared for the situations that come up.  Have His Word hid in your heart and be "prayed up".  Be ready to share your testimony of what Christ has done for you and give our "defense" of the gospel courteously and respectfully.  This is an area where we too often go off track.  We take the offensive and try to win people over with facts and verses when instead the line from the chorus learned as a teen should be our motto "and they'll know we are Christians by our love." 

 

It didn't come naturally for Peter and it doesn't for us, we must depend on God's grace provided by the Holy Spirit which He has given us.  Read the passage from THE MESSAGE below.  How does it inspire you to live and act today?

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

Matthew 5:43-47
The Message (MSG)
43-47 "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

Verse of the Day 1/23

Matthew 16:15 "But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?"

 

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!"  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

Today's verse comes from daily reading of the read through the Bible plan.  It is one that should stop us in our tracks and ask ourselves that very question.  How we respond to it should determine how we live and serve as a reminder, a measure of how we are doing.

 

Ask the question on the streets and you might hear that He was a prophet, a tmoral eacher, a good person or perhaps a lunatic for saying some of the things that would be hard for people to accept today.

 

Others when asked if they believe in Jesus will give an objection about those in Africa, perhaps  other places that have never heard of Jesus, what about them?  Like the politicians, it dodges the question.  Yes, we are to be concerned about others, but God knows their hearts, He is just, He will deal with that question.  The real question is just as it is posed in today's verses.  It is about personal responsibility to those who have heard what Jesus, what the Bible, the apostles and Christians through the ages have said, that He is "the Messiah, the Son of the Living God."

 

The question is not just for today, it is one for the ages, the answer to which will determine our eternity.  The Message says, "He pressed them" for an answer.  He still does so today in many ways using many people.

 

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

Matthew 16:14-16  The Message (MSG)
14 They replied, "Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets."

 

15 He pressed them, "And how about you? Who do you say I am?"

 

16 Simon Peter said, "You're the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Verse of the Day 1/22

Verse of the Day 1/22

 

Joshua 24:15  But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."  New International Version (NIV)

 

Yesterday was the President's inauguration for his second term.  Leaders through the ages have given speeches on special occasions where the nation is gathered before them to hear their vision for the future.  Oftentimes, in the Bible, the leaders of God's people would encourage, challenge and exhort them to return to the Lord, to make a conscious decision on whom they will follow.  These speeches are recorded, they are on record, generations to come will look back on their content.  They will be one way in which the effectiveness of their leadership is measured.

 

Some presidents have called for our nation to return to the Lord God as a nation, President Lincoln comes to mind.  In several speeches he called for the nation to turn.  He was not seeking his own personal agenda, but sought that the nation he loved would return to God who had brought them to this place.  "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. "

 

May we pray for our President, for our nation, that we would serve the Lord first and foremost.  May we decide, like Joshua, within our hearts that "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

 

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

Joshua 24:14-16   "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

 

16 Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!  New International Version (NIV)

Verse of the Day 1/20

Verse of the Day 1/20

 

Deuteronomy 32:3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
    Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
    and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
    upright and just is he.  New International Version (NIV)

 

As Moses approached the end of his life, the Lord God instructed him to write a song so that the people would remember their God and turn return to them when they would stray.  The words focused on the great things that God had done.

 

It is a good reminder for us as we go to church to worship this weekend.  We will be singing praise songs, choruses and hymns.  May we truly remember how great God is, that He is our Rock, and though we may question Him at times, His way is perfect and beyond our understanding.  May we be in awe of Him.

 

As preparation for worship, think of a song of praise, perhaps from you childhood that still rings in your mind.  The Fanny Crosby song "Praise Him, Praise Him" came to my mind. 

 

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long.

Refrain:
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.

 

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

 

As we consider such a hymn, let's not keep it to ourselves but "tell of His excellent greatness", may His teaching fall upon us like rain.

 

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

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 New International Version (NIV)

32 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;
    hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
2 Let my teaching fall like rain
    and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
    like abundant rain on tender plants.
3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
    Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
    and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
    upright and just is he.

Verse of the Day 1/19

Colossians 1:29  To do this, I work and struggle, using Christ's great strength that works so powerfully in me.  New Century Version (NCV)

 

You'll hear many people say that they are going to the gym for   "workout".  Professional sports teams will have team work outs.  What is it exactly that they are trying to "work out".  It is a term used for exercising, perhaps strenuous exercise with a purpose in mind.  For the individual it may be to be more physically fit, increase muscle tone our burn off calories and fat.  The sports teams work on plays, things that they've learned and want to put into practice to improve their game.  The result will largely depend upon what effort is put into the workouts, perhaps some heavy lifting.

 

What kind efforts do we put into our spiritual workouts?  Do we go through the motions, or do we work hard on dropping bad habits, things that get in the way of us leading more productive Christian lives while putting a new game plan  into place?

 

Today's verse is a reminder that it won't come easy, it may be a struggle, but also reminds us that  we are not on our own, we have the power of Christ that "works so powerfully" in us, working out our salvation.

 

J.R. Miller writes, "Through personal efforts, each must win his way through temptations, struggles and difficulties--to all noble attainments. The help of God is given in cooperation with our aspiration and energy. While God works in us--we are to work out our own salvation."

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" Philippians 2:12

 

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
Colossians 1:28-29
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
28 We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.

Verse of the Day 1/18

Romans 8:6  For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

For the past couple of days we've been considering what or who our minds are set on.  Our mindset will determine how we see things, as well as what we hear and will influence our actions.

 

In my devotions this morning, part of the Old Testament reading was in the book of Haggai 1 where the Lord of Hosts, through the prophet, challenged people then and now to "consider our ways", literally "set your heart on your ways".  It is a call for serious consideration for the direction of our lives, our choices and priorities.  All too often, left to our own devices, we will think mainly, perhaps exclusively of ourselves.

 

Pastor Rick Warren writes, "many people try to use God for their own self-actualization, but that is a reversal of nature and is doomed to failure.  You were made for God, not vice versa, and life is about letting God use you for His purposes, not using Him for your own purpose.  The Bible says "Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life"  (Rom. 8:6 MSG).

 

The challenges from Haggai and Romans call for us to break free from our own ways and tendencies and turn our attention to God into "a spacious free life".

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Romans 8:5-8 The Message (MSG)

^5-8 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.

Verse of the Day 1/17

Philippians 4:8  Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Yesterday we considered how we are to "set" our hearts and minds on Jesus Christ and not the things of the world.

 

For those of us in the Carolina's this morning, we are waking to a dreary winter day.  Rain with an impending forecast for that dreaded four letter word, snow.  In the southeast, snow means a disruption to the normal life, driving is treacherous, schools close, store shelves are emptied.  It is not something adults look forward to.  We can let these and more significant trials and troubles get to us and bring us down.

 

You've probably been asked at some point whether you are a glass half full or half empty person.  If you desire to be one of those in the half full group today's verse is a good start toward that.  The challenge is to look beyond those things that cause us to be dreary and seek, look for better things.

 

J.R. Miller writes, "We pretty much see just what we are looking for. If our mind has become trained to look for troubles, difficulties, problems, and all gloomy and dreary things--then we shall find just what we seek. On the other hand, it is quite as easy to form the habit of looking always for beauty, for good, for happiness, for gladness--and here too we shall find precisely what we seek."

 Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Blessings,

Mike

 

www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Philippians 4:7-9  New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Verse of the Day 1/16

 

Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  New International Version (NIV)

Yesterday we considered how we can be hindered, debilitated, or paralyzed by physical ailments as well as our fears and phobias.  Wc can become prisoners of our own mind, our thoughts.  We can become so focused on the issues at hand that we don't see anything beyond.

 

Today's verse should help us to realize that if a change is going to take place it will involve a change of heart, soul and mind, a change in perspective.  Today's verses speak of setting our hearts and minds on things above, not earthly things.  These earthly things can be possessions but can also be our fears and phobias.  The verses challenge us to set our hearts and minds on Christ for deliverance from what ails us.

 

I was reminded of this by the words of the Matt Maher song "Every Little Prison".  Do you see part of yourself in his words?

 

From wanting to be loved

From wanting to be praised by all

From needing to be first

From finding all my worth in this world

From wanting to be seen

From constant worrying about myself

 

From fear of letting go

From fear of the unknown ahead

From being overlooked

And so misunderstood again

From fear of being judged

From rumors of a love that fails

 

Deliver me, deliver me

Show me what it all looks like

Scribbled on the pages of a human life

Riddled through the ages until we see the light

Breaking all the cages open wide

Every little prison.

 

If we are seeking deliverance in these or other areas, may we set our minds and hearts above, to Christ, who can break the cages open wide. 

Blessings,
Mike
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Colossians 3:1-2

The Message (MSG)

He Is Your Life

3 ^1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Verse of the Day 1/15

Matthew 12:13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other.    English Standard Version (ESV)

The circumstances in our lives cause or allow us to see things in scripture that we might otherwise overlook.  Today's verse comes from Matthew 12 which is today's read through the Bible New Testament reading.  Earlier in the passage we read that the man had a "withered" or paralyzed hand.  I can picture this hand because I've seen my son Jeff's hands that are "withered" from the accident which left him disabled. He doesn't have much use in them except for the thumb on his right hand with which he can squeeze something.  He can't do a regular hand shake but instead, will stretch out his hand and do a fist bump.  When I read this and the Pharisee's reaction, I am stunned.  Who would not look forward to having someone in their congregation, their church or synagogue family healed and restored in such a way?

 

Jesus tells the man to stretch out his hand.  I can see the amazement on his face as he stretched out his hand and at some point feels sensations in the hand that were  long gone.  The fingers have feeling, they are functional and now they reach out to Jesus as proof of His love compassion and power. What changes will this bring about in his life now and for the rest of his life?

 

Many people struggle with addictions to or phobias of things that leave them virtually paralyzed, unable to do or perfrom things.  How do we react towards them?  Does our heart go out to them?  Do we reach out to them and show compassion?  Who wouldn't want to see them healed, to be able to function as they would hope and dream to now and how might God use them for the rest of their lives?  May we welcome such people into our churches and our lives.  May we pray for the healing that Jesus Christ still brings whether it be restoration of body or mind.  May we rejoice in what He does.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Matthew 12:9-14

The Message (MSG)

^9-10 When Jesus left the field, he entered their meeting place. There was a man there with a crippled hand. They said to Jesus, "Is it legal to heal on the Sabbath?" They were baiting him.

^11-14 He replied, "Is there a person here who, finding one of your lambs fallen into a ravine, wouldn't, even though it was a Sabbath, pull it out? Surely kindness to people is as legal as kindness to animals!" Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." He held it out and it was healed. The Pharisees walked out furious, sputtering about how they were going to ruin Jesus.

Verse of the Day 1/13

Romans 5:4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

You may have heard someone say in a prayer or conversation that they were "looking forward " to what God was going to do in a situation in the coming year.  Some of the situations being faced by friends and loved ones are challenging ones.  Serious health, relational and financial problems are among us.  The thought of looking forward is one of hope.  Having endured previous trials gives us hope for present and future ones.

 

Instead of endurance some translations start with patience.  Either way John MacArthur comments that it involves "perseverance, the ability to remain under tremendous pressure without succumbing."  He goes on to point out that the word for "character", literally means proof.  It was used in reference to determining the purity of metals.  The trials and challenges will challenge, try and strengthen our may strengthen our faith, and help us to know that God loves us while we are in our trials while "looking forward" to a better day, a better eternity.

 

For those of us who trust Jesus Christ as our Savior, we can look forward this way because we've been redeemed.

 

Redeemed  (Big Daddy Weave)

 

I don't have to be the old man inside of me
Cause his day is long dead and gone
I've got a new name, a new life I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

 

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off theses heavy chains
Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed

 

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

Romans 5:1-5
New King James Version (NKJV)   Faith Triumphs in Trouble

 

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Verse of the Day 1/12

Habakkuk 1:4  This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict the righteous;
therefore, justice comes out perverted.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

My Old Testament devotional reading this morning brought me to the book of Habakkuk, it is a small but fitting book for the turmoil in today's society, if you doubt it, read the passage below.  It speaks of destruction and violence and people who love to argue and fight.  All to often today our government leaders take a bandaid approach to the problems we face.  Whether it be from the deficit to dealing with crime or drugs they tend to pass legislation that may look like it will do something on the surface but never gets down to the root cause of the problem.  It is like trying to fight cancer with a bandaid.

 

John MacArthur comments " as hands rendered useless by cold, the impact and ineffectiveness of the law was paralyzed by the corruption of Judah's leaders".  As was the case then, all too often now, politicians try to use a tragedy in order to legislate a political agenda, one which does nothing for the root cause of the problem.  Look at the "paralyzation" in Washington today.  They can't agree on anything.  And why not?  The problem is a heart condition, the condition of human hearts in a nation that has lost its way.  We have a sin problem and the cure won't come from legislation.  It can only come from hearts transformed by grace through faith, faith in God, the Rock of Ages.

 

Read some of the words from the hymn "Rock of Ages"

 

Not the labors of my hands
 can fulfill thy law's commands;
 could my zeal no respite know,
 could my tears forever flow,
 all for sin could not atone;
 thou must save, and thou alone.

 

be of sin the double cure;
 save from wrath and make me pure.

Habakkuk 2:4  "Look at the proud!
    They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.
    But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

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

Habakkuk 1:3-5  New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Must I forever see these evil deeds?
    Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
    I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
    who love to argue and fight.
4 The law has become paralyzed,
    and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
    so that justice has become perverted.
The Lord's Reply

 

5 The Lord replied,

 

"Look around at the nations;
    look and be amazed!
For I am doing something in your own day,
    something you wouldn't believe
    even if someone told you about it.

Verse of the Day 1/10

2 Timothy 3:16   Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),    Amplified Bible (AMP)

Yesterday's verse regarding temptation and the example showed by Jesus should be a reminder to us of how important it is to spend time with God in His Word and in prayer regarding His Word.  In doing so we will continually preach the gospel to ourselves as His Word accomplishes its purpose of teaching, correcting, convicting and training us.

 

Milton Vincent writes,  "Preaching the gospel to myself each day mounts a powerful assault against my pride and serves to establish humility in its place. Nothing suffocates my pride more than daily reminders regarding the glory of my God, the gravity of my sins, and the crucifixion of God's own Son in my place. Also, the gracious love of God, lavished on me because of Christ's death, is always humbling to remember, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the Hell I deserve."

 

As we've started off this still New Year, how much time have you been spending in His Word.   Can we admit to ourselves that we need  correction of error and

discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness in our lives?

  

Blessings,
Mike
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2 Timothy 3:15-17  New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁵ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Verse of the Day 1/9

 1 Corinthians 10:13 The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.   ERV

 

You probably noticed that I transposed the reference to this verse in yesterday's verse of the day.  We will go ahead and use it for today's verse.

 

The escape mentioned in today's verse may not be a voice speaking in our head.  Elsewhere we see that God often uses His Word "hidden" in our hearts to speak to us.  If you have started the year with a "Read through the Bible" plan you would recently have read Matthew 4 where we have Jesus to serve as our greatest example of overcoming temptation with the Word of God.

Matthew 4:3-4(HCSB) Then the tempter approached Him and said, "If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4 But He answered, "It is written:   Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

 

Satan tempted Jesus when he should have been at his weakest.  He had just been fasting in the desert for forty days, so what does he tempt him with?  So it is with us.  He knows our weak points and when we are vulnerable.

 

As we spend more time in God's Word and commit more of it to memory, we will be more likely to live by it, draw upon the power derived from it through the Spirit, and use it to take our stand against the "wiles", schemes or tricks of the adversary.

 

Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart

 

Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil

 

Blessings,
Mike
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1 Corinthians 10:12-14  New Living Translation (NLT)

¹² If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. ¹³ The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

¹⁴ So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.

Verse of the Day 1/8

Verse of the Day 1/8

 

Micah 7:7 But I will look to the Lord;

I will wait for the God of my salvation.

My God will hear me.Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

One of the first things I read this morning was a daily quote from John Murray in"Of First Importance".

"It is of paramount concern for the Christian and for the interests of his sanctification that he should know that sin does not have the dominion over him, that the forces of redeeming, regenerative, and sanctifying grace have been brought to bear upon him in that which is central in his moral and spiritual being, that he is the habitation of God through the Spirit, and that Christ has been formed in him the hope of glory. "

The statement brought to mind 1 Corinthians 13:10 and the power we have in Christ not to yield to but to overcome temptation.  When the temptations come, were are not hopeless or defenceless.  We have power to overcome in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  This brought to mind the words from the Newsboys song:

My God's not deadHe's surely aliveHe's living on the insideRoaring like a lion 
It is one thing to be ignorant.  It is another thing altogether to ignore something, especially the roar of a lion.  Next time the Holy Spirit speaks to us when we call out to Him, may we listen and not ignore.
Read the verse in conjunction with the final verses of the chapter below.  May they strengthen you today.
Blessings,Mike

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,   

 I wait for God my Savior;  

  my God will hear .

¹⁸ Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgivesthe transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
¹⁹ You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
²⁰ You will be faithful to Jacob,
    and show love to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our ancestors
    in days long ago.  NIV

Verse of the Day 1/6

 

Isaiah 45:22 "Turn to me and be saved,
    all the ends of the earth!
    For I am God, and there is no other.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Our Pastor Bob's new series is titled "All In" and it is about our devotion to God and what it means, what it costs to follow Christ.

 

On this day in 1850 Charles Spurgeon heard this verse in a message and it struck him like a thunderbolt.  He did turn to Christ at that time, gave his life to Him and followed him.  Six years later, he himself preached a message on this same date telling of the story.  His life is an example of what it is like to be a Christ follower.  Not only that, it is an example of what God can do with a life that is given over to him.

 

At the end of our service today a benediction was given for the Lord to "bless and keep us".

 

In a devotional I read this morning I read the following quote from Susannah Spurgeon in 1898, "having saved us--He keeps us. "We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." Comparatively few Christians put God's keeping power fully to the test. If we would trust Him for the keeping, as we do for the saving--our lives would be far holier and happier than they are. "I will keep it every moment," is one of those grandly unlimited promises which most of us are afraid of; and we store them away in the background because we dare not believe them, and bring them out into the light of our daily practice. O foolish and unbelieving hearts, how much of soul-delighting comfort do we thus miss!"

 

May we turn our hearts to Him today and count on Him to bless and keep us, and may we be happier and holier as we serve Him.

 

Numbers 6:24-26  "The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace."'  New International Version (NIV)

 

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

Isaiah 45:21-23  New Living Translation (NLT)
21 Consult together, argue your case.
    Get together and decide what to say.
Who made these things known so long ago?
    What idol ever told you they would happen?
Was it not I, the Lord?
    For there is no other God but me,
a righteous God and Savior.
    There is none but me.
22 Let all the world look to me for salvation!
    For I am God; there is no other.
23 I have sworn by my own name;
    I have spoken the truth,
    and I will never go back on my word:
Every knee will bend to me,
    and every tongue will confess allegiance to me."

Verse of the Day 1/5

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  New International Version (NIV)

 

Many of our students are heading out, heading back to school.  High school has started back up and many colleges will start up next week with a new semester, new classes, new teachers.  Parents will be praying that God will keep their children safe.  This is a good thing to do but it shouldn't stop there.

 

Today's charge from Joshua to his, to God's people was for them to be bold, be courageous as they headed out into new territory.  The preceding verse gives a pre-requisite for their going out with such an attitude.  They needed to carry God's Word with them in their hearts and let it out in their speech.

 

Joshua 1:8  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.   New International Version (NIV)

It should serve as a reminder for us as parents, teachers and those who minister to children that we should be doing our best to prepare them.  The words of the verse reminded me of a song sung by Morris Chapman at a Promise Keepers event years ago.

 

Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
I am not afraid
I am not dismayed
Because I'm walking in faith and victory
Come on and walk in faith and victory
For the Lord your God is with you

 

May we do our best to prepare our children, young and old, to be able to walk in faith and victory, to be bold and courageous in their faith, knowing that their God is with them.

 

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

Joshua 1:7-9  New Living Translation (NLT)
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Verse of the Day 1/4

1 Timothy 4:16  Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

1 Timothy is a letter from the Apostle Paul to a young pastor, Timothy.  He is encouraging him and challenging him to keep going, to persist in learning and teaching while paying attention to how he is living his life.  It is a good message not only for pastors but for all of us.  Whether we realize it or not, we are teaching others.

 

Many have probably made New Years resolutions to read through the Bible or to commit more time to God in devotions and prayers.  They will need encouragement and to be challenged at times to keep going, to persevere and push through.  Doing so will be rewarding and keep us from things that may lead us, and we may never know the results of the lessons be taught to us and through us.

 

In  a sermon on this passage, John Piper writes, "When Jonathan Edwards was just 19 he made the following resolution that I think every pastor should make: "Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, so that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same." This is but the pastoral resolve to obey 2 Peter 3:18, "Grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

 

The mind set to persevere certainly paid dividends for Jonathan Edwards, who knows what God will accomplish through those who have a similar mindset to persevere, to "stay true" (NLT) in studying and teaching His Word.

 

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

1 Timothy 4:15-16  New Living Translation (NLT)
15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Verse of the Day 1/3

Verse of the Day 1//3

 

Psalm 101:3  I will not set before my eyes
    anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
    it shall not cling to me.   English Standard Version (ESV)

 

In my personal devotions I read from the Psalms every day.  This mornings reading brought me to Psalm 101.  The first part of the verse serves as a good "resolution" that would have a major impact on the lives of Christians if heeded with our hearts, minds and eyes.  These "worthless things" may be different for each of us.  They are the things that can lead us astray, keep us from God and His Word.

 

In today's culture we are bombarded by what the NLT calls  "vile and vulgar things".  They are in front of us so much that we can become numb to them.  The challenge, and it is a big one, is not to put them before us.  The word "set" here is one that should be given thought.  It points to intentionally doing something.

 

Reading of "worthless things" brought to mind "vain" things that charm us.  These things have no redeeming value.  They aren't good for us now and they will not pay a positive dividend in the future.  Consider these words from "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
 save in the death of Christ, my God;
 all the vain things that charm me most,
 I sacrifice them to his blood.

 

My devotional reading also brought me to Jeremiah two this morning.  I'll close with the words of Jeremiah which point to where the worthless things lead us and how they will be of no help to us.

 

Jeremiah 2:28  But where are your gods you made for yourself?
Let them rise up and save you
in your time of disaster if they can,
for your gods are as numerous as your cities, Judah.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

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 101:2-4   New Living Translation (NLT)
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.