Verse of the Day 2/28

Verse of the Day 2/28

Romans 8:32-33

English Standard Version

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Today's verses were part of the passage from Romans 8 that we covered in our Monday Men's Bible Study.  They contain one of the three "all things" statements in Romans 8:28-39.  They are statements that we should pay close attention to.  Here, when Paul states that God will give us "all things".  He will give us everything that we truly need here for this moment, for the rest of our lives and for eternity.

Here is what John Piper has to say about Romans 8:32:

"The most far-reaching promise of God's future grace is found in Romans 8:32. This is the most precious verse in the Bible to me. Part of the reason is that the promise in it is so all-encompassing that it stands ready to help me at virtually every turn in my life and ministry. There never has been, and never will be, a circumstance in my life where this promise is irrelevant.

By itself that all-encompassing promise would probably not make the verse most precious. There are other such sweeping promises such as Psalm 84:11: "No good thing does [God] withhold from those who walk uprightly." And 1 Corinthians 3:21–23: "All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." It is difficult to overstate the spectacular sweep and scope of these promises.

But what puts Romans 8:32 in a class by itself is the logic that gives rise to the promise and makes it as solid and unshakable as God's love for his infinitely admirable Son.

Romans 8:32 contains a foundation and guarantee that is so strong and so solid and so secure that there is absolutely no possibility that the promise could ever be broken. This is what makes it an ever-present strength in times of great turmoil. Whatever else gives way, whatever else disappoints, whatever else fails, this all-encompassing promise of future grace can never fail.  

Romans 8:32 is a precious friend. The promise of God's future grace is simply overwhelming. But all-important is the foundation: I have called it the logic of heaven. Here is a place to stand against all obstacles. God did not spare his own Son! Therefore! Therefore! The logic of heaven! Therefore, how much more will he not spare any effort to give us all that Christ died to purchase — all things, all good, and all bad working for our good."

Verse 37 (below) states that "in all these things"; these trials and tribulations in our lives we are more than conquerors.  We are this "in" these things and we will be after"these things"; whether in this present age or in eternity.  If you are facing trials today, may these words encourage you today may you experience that "this all encompassing promise of future grace can never fail."

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

Romans 8:28-39

English Standard Version

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God's Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[b] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[c] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse of the Day 2/23

Verse of the Day 2/23

Romans 8:27

English Standard Version

27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Monday's post from Romans 8:26 encouraged us that even when we can't find the words to pray that the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us with the Father.  He takes our groanings and as we read in today's verse and intercedes for us "according to the will of God".

Although the word grace doesn't show up in this passage until the following verse, it is at the heart of what we read in verses 26 and 27.  It is God's grace that does all of this for us.  Louie Giglio refers to is as sustaining grace.  He writes, "A big part of that interceding mentioned in v 27, and that all things work together for good in 28 revolve around God's grace. The word is not found in either verse, but it permeates the thoughts of the verses....I call this sustaining grace, a moment-by-moment grace. It's the type of grace that God gives for each and every moment of intense grief, frustration, sorrow, agony, or pain. This type of grace is a tailor-made grace specially designed for each person. It does not transfer over, and it's never repeated exactly the same way, and it's not experienced the same from person to person.

This grace is specific. Timely. Personal. ...The sustaining grace you receive in the first moment is different than the grace you receive in the second. And the grace received in the second moment is different than the grace received in the third moment. And in the fiftieth moment. And in the two thousandth moment. And every moment after that.   I am still receiving that grace, long ago losing count, but if I were to try it would be beyond 10,000 times, 10,000 reasons to trust him."

If you are facing a situation where you don't know how to pray to God about it, whether it be for youself, a friend, family member or at someone's request.  Don't fret about it.  Turn it over to the Lord.  Have confidence that the Spirit knows your heart through and through and can take your groanings, your emotions and intercede for you "according to the will of God".

I pray that you will receive and realize God's sustaining grace moment by moment today.

1 Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

2 Ev'ry day the Lord himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares he gladly bears and cheers me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of his child and treasure
Is a charge that on himself he laid:
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure"–
This the pledge to me he made.

3 Help me then in ev'ry tribulation
So to trust your promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within your holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when, toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

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

Romans 8:26-28

New International Version

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Verse of the Day 2/21

Verse of the Day 2/21

Romans 8:26.  New International Version     In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Have you ever been "burdened with a load of care"? You have something that is weighing heavy on your heart and in your mind and you just can't find the words to offer up to God?  Today's verse is one that we need to recall, need to memorize and keep in mind in and through those times.  The Holy Spirit is with us and He is with the Father along with Jesus, interceding for us and our inner groanings.

We don't need an appointment, we don't have to worry about obtaining a time slot and panicking that we might miss the opportunity.  The spirit is not a doctor making house calls that we have to wait on.  He is always there.

John MacDuf writes, "The Holy Spirit is not a traveler to sojourn for a season, but He is a Friend to abide and dwell with you--a spiritual mentor to be always near . . .

  to guide you--in all seasons of perplexity,

  to strengthen you--in all times of weakness,

  when you are discouraged--to uphold you,

  when you are wandering--to lead you back,

  when you are nearly overcome in your spiritual conflict--to bring you more of His divine strength and grace."

While we can come to God with our groanings, we can also go to Him and ask Him to "teach us to pray".

Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray; This is my heart-cry day unto day; I long to know Thy will and Thy way; Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.
	Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me, Constant abiding, this is my plea; Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,   Power with men and power with Thee.
2	Power in prayer, Lord, power in prayer! Here 'mid earth's sin and sorrow and care, Men lost and dying, souls in despair; O give me power, power 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

Romans 8:22-27

New International Version

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for usthrough wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

Verse of the Day 2/20

Verse of the Day 2/20

Philippians 3:20-21 

New Internatial Version

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

With all that there is going around us with all the strife and challenges many of us are looking and praying for relief.  It may be in the form of vacation, time with family and friends with no worries of masks;vaccines and social distancing.  We want to go to a place where we'll feel safe and secure from all the alarms going off around us.

As I read today's verses I reflected back on a week that was busy with travel and then a hospital stint for my wife (which is still going on), and knowing others that are battling serious health issues. The thoughts of having an eternal home, free of all of this worlds ailments and trials, and having bodies that are transformed bring comfort and hope and some peace even in the midst of these things.

The other thing to keep in mind and to take away from these verses is that "everything is under his control".  There are no surprises, there are no "oops" when it comes to God.  There are promises that hold like an anchor in these times.  We may have to wait, but there will come a time when we will no longer have worries or cares to consume us.

We sang a song in church this morning that brought this all together for me.  We're a long way from home (our eternal home in heaven) but we're on our way and he is calling us there.  While we're on the way we're encouraged that there are many who are cheering us, praying us on.

How does my broken heart
Keep bringing me back to you again?
Sometimes I fall apart
But you're always there just like a friend
Just like a friend

… There's no doubt about it
I'm on my way home
I'm not yet where I'm going
But I'm a long way from where I was
I hear a choir of angels
Cheering me on
I'm not yet where I'm going
But I'm a long way from where I was
Oh, from where I was!                              (No Doubt About It - We the Kingdom)

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

Philippians 3:15-21

New International Version

Following Paul's Example

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example,brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Verse of the Day 2/19

Verse of the Day 2/19

Romans 8:38-39

English Standard Version

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our Monday Men's Bible study group, Lord willing,  will be completing Romans chapter 8 in Monday's study.  Romans 8 (along with Hebrews 11) just may be my favorite chapter in the Bible.  It is where I camped out at during some of the most trying times in my life.  The second half of the chapter contains 3 of the "all things" statements that I keep returning to.   "All things work together for good" in verse 28; "how will he not also with him graciously give us all things" verse 32; and "in all these things (trials and tribulations) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" verse 37.

Notice that verse 37 says, "we ARE more than conquerors".  It is not something that will be achieved, but it something that we are, but only, if we are in Christ.

Read through those statements and perhaps the passage once more and consider what we have "in Christ".  Then, move on to today's verses, where we, along with Paul, can say "I am sure that height nor depth....nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

David Jeremiah writes, "Even though we experience trials, Paul wrote, we are "conquerors" in Christ. But "conquerors" wasn't enough; Paul needed a stronger word. So he used a very rare Greek word, hupernikao. Huper is the basis of our English word "hyper"—it means above, beyond, or exceedingly. And nikao means to be victorious. Together as one word, they mean "more than conquerors" or "exceedingly victorious." And that's what Paul says the Christian is in Christ. Through Christ, the believer is triumphant over every trial and tribulation in life. No wonder he writes that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:39).

What are you facing today?  What does it mean to you that "you are more than a conqueror"?

When my hope and strength is gone
You're the one who calls me on
You are the life
You are the fight
That's in my soul

Oh, Your resurrection power
Burns like fire in my heart
When waters rise
I lift my eyes
Up to Your throne

We are more than conquerors, through Christ
You have overcome this world, this life
We will not bow to sin or to shame
We are defiant in Your name
You are the fire that cannot be tamed
You are the power in our veins
Our Lord, our God, our Conqueror       (We Are More Than Conquerors - Rend Collective)

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

Romans 8:31-39

English Standard Version

God's Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[a] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse of the Day 2/17

Verse of the Day 2/17

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 English Standard Version

9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I read today's verses while sitting in my wife's hospital room due to some side effects of the chemo that she has been on to fight her cancer.  It is another one of those times when I am amazed by her grace her faith.  The verses have also caused me to look back on others in my life, beginning with my father who had to deal with a disability all of his life but whom I never heard complain about it or ask the question "why me" to any of the trials or difficult time in our lives.

I've also been taught by my son Jeff through his traumatic brain injury who routinely says "thank you for this wonderful life.  May younger son Jason suffered from an inoperable brain tumor who never looked back but kept his focus ahead. When asked about the battle he said that without it he would never have met his wife. God later miraculously took away the "inoperable tumor" on His own.

Puritan writer J.C. Philpot writes:

Not your strength,
not your wisdom,
not your prayers,
not your experience;
but "My grace"--My free, My matchless grace:
  independent of all works and efforts,
  independent of everything in the creature,
  flowing wholly and solely, fully and freely, out of the bosom of Jesus to . . .
    the needy,
    the guilty,
    the destitute,
    the undone.

You who are tried in worldly circumstances, who have to endure the hard lot of poverty--"My grace is sufficient for you."

Believer, your case is never beyond the reach of the words--"My grace is sufficient for you!"

The free, the matchless, sovereign grace of God, is sufficient for all His people--in whatever state, or stage, or trouble, or difficulty they may be in!"

Reading this I could not help but think of the old hymn "Wonderful Grace of Jesus"

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me,
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise his name!

Do you know of someone who shows God's grace in challenging circumstances?  Praise God for their testimony of the wonderful, the matchless grace of Jesus.

Ponder this statement one more time, "Believer, your case is never beyond the reach of the words--"My grace is sufficient for you!"

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 Corinthians 12:7-10

English Standard Version

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Verse of the Day 2/14

Verse of the Day 2/14

John 13:34-35 (English Standard Version)

 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

In yesterday's post, we considered how the Apostle Paul pointed out in 1 Corinthians 13 how love "bears all things; believes all things; hopes all things and endures all things".  It is a pretty tall order but one that is was exemplified by Jesus in his life and in his teaching.  Today's verses are an example of that and can be inserted into the qualities that should be evident in our love for one another as Jesus has loved us.

This passage is towards the end of Jesus' ministry at the last supper and came following his teaching the disciples about servanthood and washing their feet as an example of what they should be willing to do for one another.  He knew where he was headed and that his time was short and I'm sure that everything that was taught to them that night was etched in their memory.  He told them:

John 13:15

 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.  ESV

Read the short passage below. Consider what you may do today to love one another as Christ has loved you.

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

John 13:31-35

English Standard Version

A New Commandment

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.' 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Verse of the Day 2/13

Verse of the Day 2/13

1 Corinthians 13:7 English Standard Version. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and there will be plenty of expressions of "love" in cards, phone calls and dinners at restaurants.  People will speak of "falling in love" and "true love" but few will likely talk about love as written of and experienced in today's verses.

What catches my attention in the ESV version above is the mentioning of "all things" 4 times.  When I read "all things" anywhere in the Bible my mind is brought to Romans 8 where we first read of it in verse 28, which I would call my life verse -"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Christ showed His love for us "in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8.  His love truly "bears all things and endures all things" and gives us a model for what true love should be.

On this day, I am thankful for not only His love but the love of a wife, the love of my life that has shown me what a love that bears, believes, hopes and endures" looks like.

Read the passage below, or perhaps all of 1 Corinthians 13.  Be reminded of what true love is and show it to someone that you love over and over again and be thankful for a God of love who has shown that to you.

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

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

English Standard Version

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[a] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.