Verse of the Day 1/31

Verse of the Day 1/31

Matthew 11:28-29

New King James Version

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Today's verses are probably familiar to all of us and perhaps memorized by most.  They were highlighted in this morning's "Today in the Word" devotional which I read.

It pointed out something that Charles Spurgeon had said and was was referenced in  pastor Dane Ortlund's" Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers".  "In the four Gospel accounts given to us in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John— eighty-nine chapters of biblical text— there's only one place where Jesus tells us about his own heart." That place is described in today's Scripture verse: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matt. 11:29).

Jesus' "heart" may have only been referenced in this verse but it is evident throughout the New Testament, especially in the 89 chapters of the gospels. Today's passage in the New Testament reading plan that i follow was in Matthew chapter 20 which ends with Jesus' healing of two blind men.

Matthew 20:32-34  New King James Version

32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?"33 They said to Him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

Notice is says that "Jesus had compassion".  That is part of His heart.  Not only does He have compassion, but He has and offers mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing. It is a natural thing for us to "cry out to Jesus" when we are in need of something physically or spiritually.  We depend on His heart, His compassion and count on it being renewed every day.  That is His heart.

I quote this song often because it comes to mind often as I read through the gospels.  Like the blind men in the verses above, we should not be shy to "cry out to Jesus" when we are in need.  He'll take time out of His "busy schedule" to give us what we need.

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

Blessings,

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

Matthew 11:25-30

New King James Version

Jesus Gives True Rest

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Verse of the Day 1/30

Verse of the Day 1/30

Isaiah 57:18-19  New King James Version

18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him;

I will also lead him,
And restore comforts to him
And to his mourners.

19 "I create the fruit of the lips:
Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,"
Says the Lord,
"And I will heal him."

My wife and I had dinner with some Christian friends last night and part of our conversation had to do with eternal security and backsliding.  Most likely, we all have friends and aquaintances in our lives who had expressed and perhaps shown evidences of faith in Christ but who have fallen away and no longer seem to have Christ as a part of their lives.  We believe in eternal security for those who are truly saved but what about those just described above?  It is a challenging prospect.

Just as we believe that Jesus calls us into faith, today's verses are an indication that Christ is the One who calls His followers to repentance.  We have no idea when this may occur in their lives, but we trust that it will happen.

It goes along with Isaiah 55:15 which come a few verses before today's verse:

Isaiah 57:15 New King James Version

15 For thus says the High and Lofty One

Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Fresh off of that conversation last night today's verses were the focus of John Piper's "Solid Joys" devotional for today where he writes:

o, in the face of recalcitrant, grace-resisting backsliding, God says, "I will heal him." He will "restore." The word for "restore" is to "make whole or complete." It is related to the word shalom, "peace." That wholeness and peace is mentioned in the next verse which explains how God turns around a grace-resisting backslider.

He does it by "'creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace (shalom, shalom), to the far and to the near,' says the Lord, 'and I will heal him'" (Isaiah 57:19). God creates what is not there — peace, wholeness. This is how we are saved. And this is how we are brought back from backsliding — again and again.

The grace of God triumphs over our resistance by creating praise where it did not exist. He brings shalom, shalom to the near and the far. Wholeness, wholeness to the near and the far. He does it by "restoring," that is, replacing the disease of resistance with the soundness of submission.

The point of irresistible grace is not that we can't resist. We can, and we do. The point is that when God chooses, he overcomes our resistance and restores a submissive spirit. He creates. He says, "Let there be light!" He heals. He leads. He restores. He comforts.

Therefore, we never boast that we have returned from backsliding. We fall on our faces before the Lord and with trembling joy thank him for his irresistible grace that conquered all our resistance.

Perhaps you know someone today that needs that restoration, pray to God for them that Christ's grace will triumph over their resistance and do a work in their heart,  "replacing the disease of resistance with the soundness of submission."

Blessings,

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

Isaiah 57:14-21

New King James Version

Healing for the Backslider

14 And one shall say,

"Heap it up! Heap it up!
Prepare the way,
Take the stumbling block out of the way of My people."

15 For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
16 For I will not contend forever,
Nor will I always be angry;
For the spirit would fail before Me,
And the souls which I have made.
17 For the iniquity of his covetousness
I was angry and struck him;
I hid and was angry,
And he went on [a]backsliding in the way of his heart.
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him;
I will also lead him,
And restore comforts to him
And to his mourners.

19 "I create the fruit of the lips:
Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,"
Says the Lord,
"And I will heal him."
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea,
When it cannot rest,
Whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

21 "There is no peace,"
Says my God, "for the wicked."

Verse of the Day 1/29

Verse of the Day 1/29

Matthew 6:34 New International Version

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The other day we considered how we can be stressed, but as Christians we do not need to be "distressed".  A big part of that is knowing that God is for us and that we can come to Him with anything and we also have the Holy Spirit with us to come alongside us and give us strength when we need it.

Today's verse came up in the first devotional that I read this morning.  It was one of those mornings where everything I read just seemed to fit together.  We know that we will face troubles in this world but what matters is how we approach them and what we do with them.  This made me thing of James 1:2 where we read:

James 1:2-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

After these thoughts came to my mind, the passage "showed up" in another devotional which also referenced Hebrews 4:16:

Hebrews 4:16 New Living Translation

16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

The next devotional that I read came from David Jeremiah where he referenced Philippians 3:12-14 which points out the attitude that we should have when facing worries over trials that come, that of pressing on.

Philippians 3:12-14

New King James Version

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Are you facing a trial or challenge today?  I'm hoping and praying that one or all of these verses may be a source of strength for you today.

Blessings,

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

Matthew 6:28-34

New International Version

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Verse of the Day 1/28

Verse of the Day 1/28

Mark 2:9-11

English Standard Version

9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— 11 "I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home."

Our Tuesday Men's Bible study is currently going through the book of Mark and we went through this passage this past Tuesday.  It is a remarkable passage for a number of reasons and can be discussed from a number of perspectives.  You can look at it from the perspective of the paralytic, his friends, the people of this small town and you can look at it from the perspective of the skeptics; in this case the scribes and Pharisees who wanted to destroy Jesus.

A casual reading of today's verses may lead many to think that it would be "easier" for Jesus to say to the man "your sins are forgiven" without giving much thought to who told him that.  It was no easy thing.  It has everything to do with who Jesus was and that He was the only person who could truly say, your sins are forgiven because He knew the Father; He knew the Father's plan; and He knew the price that would have to be paid for this man's forgiveness.  Jesus would pay for it with His own life; His death on the cross.  The payment would be proven by His resurrection which would prove that His statements are true and that He had the power over death and that only He could offer eternal life.

We may not have a problem, physically, as great as the paralytic in today's passage.  But all of us have the same core problem, that of sin (Romans 3;23 and 6:23).  Jesus showed everyone present that day and for all of us who read this and believe, that He has the power to forgive sins as well as the power to heal.

Take some time and try to put yourself in this story from several different perspectives.  Are you the one who would bring someone to Jesus for healing, that would do whatever it takes to get him to this point, for forgiveness?  Are you the one who needs healing and forgiveness?  Are you a by-stander, blown away by what you just saw/read?  Are we williing to admit what our greatest need is?

The paralytic was told to take us his bed and go home.  What would that situation have looked like?  Think of the changed life, the joy, think of every one that they would tell about the love and power of Jesus.  For the rest of his life, I'm sure that Jesus name was very dear to that man.

Jesus Jesus Jesus  There's something about that name  Master savior Jesus  It's like the fragrance after rain    Jesus Jesus Jesus  Let Heaven and Earth proclaim  Kings and kingdoms will all pass away  There is something about that name       (Bill & Gloria Gaither)

Blessings,

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

Mark 2:1-12

English Standard Version

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— 11 "I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Verse of the Day 1/27

Verse of the Day 1/27

Psalm 118:5-6 English Standard Version

5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;

    the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
    What can man do to me?

One of the many things that I admire about my wife Jean is how she can "turn things off" and go to sleep.  She has plenty of things in her life that could stress many people out, starting with dealing with cancer treatments and on down to daily household responsibilities and serving others in leading Bible studies and being a Guardian as Litem.

We've been considering how the Lord is God and there is no other.  She can find rest because she puts her faith and trust in the Almighty God.  Her attitude is "He's got this".

Charles Stanley writes, "Our stress need not become distress. When we feel stress, we do not have to feel defeated and give in to the temptation to give up and run. With an accurate understanding of our heavenly Father and a firm belief in his care, we will be able to walk through the worst of circumstances with inner quietness (Gal 5:22) and genuine confidence (Heb 13:6). That is our privilege as God's children."

David wrote, "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name" (1 Chron.29:11-13).

1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

Blessings,

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

Psalm 118:1-9

English Standard Version

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

118 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Let Israel say,
    "His steadfast love endures forever."
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
    "His steadfast love endures forever."
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
    "His steadfast love endures forever."

5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
    the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
    What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

Verse of the Day 1/26

Verse of the Day 1/26

2 Kings 19:15,19. English Standard Version

15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: "O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth......19 So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone."

I don't know about you, but when I am watching a sporting event where my "home team" is not playing, I normally root for the underdog.  There is just something about the team that is not supposed to win overcoming the odds and pulling off a victory.

Today's passage is one of my favorites in the book of 2 Kings for this reason.  The nation had been under siege form King Sennacharib whose men had been taunting Hezekiah's forces.  They reasoned that Hezekiah's God would fail him just as the other gods of other kingdoms had failed to save them from his onslaught.  Did Hezekiah surrender?  No, he prayed to the Lord God who turned the tables on the Assyrians and their king and the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrians in one night and Sennacharib turned tail and returned home where he himself was struck down by his own sons.

There are times in our lives when we may be facing what appear to be insurmountable odds.  What are we to do?  Don't surrender, call out to the Lord God.  Who knows, the angel armies may be ready to take a stand for you.

Chris Tomlin's song "Whom Shall I Fear" comes to mind.

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

Read the passage below and if you have time, the rest of 2 Kings 19.

Blessings,

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

2 Kings 19:15-19

English Standard Version

15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: "O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. 19 So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone."