Verse of the Day 8/19
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love. English Standard Version (ESV)
A sailor on the open sea has to "be watchful" to see changes in the weather approaching; a soldier standing guard is on the lookout for the enemy; both point to the importance of constantly being aware of what is going on around us. As Christians we have to be aware to be watchful as well. Still, there are some storms and challenges in our lives that come on all of a sudden. Instantly we find ourselves in a battle, sometimes for our lives and we must stand. What we put our faith in, what it is that we stand on and for will make all of the difference.
Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "God will get you through your storms if you've built your life on Jesus Christ. And when you're going through those storms, you'll learn a little bit, because character is not made in crisis; it is revealed.....The storm reveals who you are and what kind of faith you have.....It comes down to this: a faith that can't be shaken is a faith that has been shaken. Hardships will come in life, but God will be there to sustain you. So, put your faith in Him."
Putting our faith in God is the foundation that we need to stand firm in the faith. If you look back in your life you'll likely see times when your faith had been shaken but you also look at these times or seasons that they have worked to strengthen your faith.
The second verse above, verse 14 almost looks like a stand alone verse, but it is not. It goes along with what we've been considering the last few days of "doing good" and "doing no harm". To stand strong, to stand in faith to walk on in faith requires that we do so in love, because He's making the way.
Praying through so many silent hours
Finding a breath when you feel like fainting
Loving the lover you are right now
It's knowing He's there through the sun and the rain
It's when you believe it, before you can see it
And you can walk on 'cause he's making the way
You gotta have some faith, faith (Faith - Jordan Feliz)
-- 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 16:13-18 New King James Version (NKJV)
Final Exhortations
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
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