Verse of the Day 3/8
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. New King James Version (NKJV)
Today's verse may be one of the easiest to memorize in the Bible, a total of 10 words strung together in the NKJV. Putting them into practice is one of the most difficult things that we will be called upon to do in life. Fortunately we don't have to rely on ourselves to do it.
The other day we considered in 2 Timothy 1:13 how Paul encouraged his readers to "hold fast" to the "sound words" of his teaching, in faith and in love, in Christ. We are not to follow anyone that would tell us to "hold on loosely". Today's verse from The Message tells us to "hold tight" to our conviction. I'll take that advice.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping. The Message (MSG)
Another important thing to take away from this verse is the call to stand. To face your adversary you stand, stand in opposition, stand in readiness and stand in God's complete armor (Ephesians 6:10-18).
David Jeremiah writes, " When Jesus and the apostles worked miracles of healing, they often told people to "stand" regardless of how they were healed. Jesus healed a man's withered hand and told him, "Arise and stand here" (Luke 6:8). When Paul healed a lame man he said, "Stand up straight on your feet" (Acts 14:10). Standing up in new physical life became a metaphor for standing up in new spiritual life."
In these instances people were called to stand in order to receive healing and blessings.
Take some time today to consider each of the challenges in today's verse and be ready to stand in the power and grace that God provides to those who rise in faith. Read below from Martin Luther, "twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved." Our fears may be things that bring us to God and His grace relieves our fears enabling us to stand.
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T'was blind but now I see
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 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 Corinthians 16:11-14 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
Final Exhortations
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
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