Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Verse of the Day 10/31

Verse of the Day 10/31
 
Jeremiah 17:7-8    "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
    that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
    for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
    for it does not cease to bear fruit."  English Standard Version (ESV)
 
Today marks the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on Wittenburg's door.  He was taking a stand for God's Word and would later have to stand before the Emperor at the risk of his life.
 
Luther's appearance at the Imperial Diet was described as objective, clever and well thought out. He had to appear before the Emperor twice; each time he was clearly told to take back his teachings. Luther didn't see any proof against his theses or views which would move him to recant: "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."  (from luther.de)
 
Luther took his stand in faith.    He was firmly planted in it and God's Word and it grounded him.
 
What is it that "grounds" us in this life?  Do we trust in our muscle, our intellect our wealth?  Read the short passage below.  It gives a good picture of the results of that critical choice.  Those who trust in the world, in wealth "live rootless" and will be blown away like the tumbleweed.  The one who trusts in God, anchored in His Word will stand and bear fruit.
 
May our hearts be "captive" to the Word of God, firmly planted and may we live by faith.
 

Romans 1:17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."  English Standard Version (ESV)

 
"Luther stood not on the pronouncement of popes, or the decisions of councils, or the winds of popular opinion, but on "that word above all earthly powers." 
 
Blessings,
 
Mike
 
Jeremiah 17:5-8The Message (MSG)
5-6 God's Message:
"Cursed is the strong one
    who depends on mere humans,
Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone
    and sets God aside as dead weight.
He's like a tumbleweed on the prairie,
    out of touch with the good earth.
He lives rootless and aimless
    in a land where nothing grows.
7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
    the woman who sticks with God.
They're like trees replanted in Eden,
    putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
    never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
    bearing fresh fruit every season.
 

Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

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