Verse of the Day 6/30

Verse of the Day 6/30

Philippians 2:1-2

English Standard Version

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

We reviewed this passage in our Men's Blble study the other day.  Today's verses are ones that, like many others, should cause us to pause and take note of what we have received from Christ and take a look at our current spiritual condition.  The verses begin with "so if", I've read that you could literally read it as "so if, and there is" - encouragement, love and affection from Christ.

John MacArthur notes that the word for encouragement means to "come alongside and help, counsel and exhort" and that the word comfort "portrays coming close and whispering words of gentle cheer or tender counsel in a believers ear."  Have you experienced this?  Has it been recently or regularly?  If not, perhaps you need to be spending more time in His Word.  

It also came across to me as if it were to say to us that if you have felt any of this you can have it again and the best way to do so is to be living your life in the company of fellow believers sharing the same "mind of Christ".

The words "any comfort" reminded me of the old hymn, "Just When I Need Him Most", which encourages us in the refrain "Jesus is near to comfort and cheer, just when I need Him most."

1. Just when I need Him, Jesus is near,
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer,
Just when I need Him most.

Refrain:
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.

2. Just when I need Him, Jesus is true,
Never forsaking, all the way through;
Giving for burdens pleasures anew,
Just when I need Him most.

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 2

English Standard Version

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Verse of the Day 6/29

Verse of the Day 6/29

1 John 2:1-2

English Standard Version

Christ Our Advocate

2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Today's verses are very important ones that explain to us exactly what Jesus Christ has done for us, things that we could not do ourselves. A very important word here is "advocate.  We are all sinners and have no power of our own to stand before a just God.  Jesus stands for us taking up our case to the Father.

My wife Jean is a Guardian ad litem, she represents children who can't stand up for themselves in court for what is best for the child, for them to get permanency in a home and the best opportunity to thrive.

Jesus does much the same for us.  We have nothing on our own that can justify us before God but Jesus stands for us as our Defender.  But He is not only defender, in verse 2 he is the propitiation.  There is a penalty for our sin and it must be paid, Jesus takes care of this and paid the price on the cross for those that believe and trust in His Name.

So, it is not only as if Jesus were our attorney or defender, but He is also willing to pay the price.

The old hymn "One Day He's Coming" brings it together.

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

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 John 2:1-6

English Standard Version

Christ Our Advocate

2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Verse of the Day 6/25

Verse of the Day 6/25

Romans 4:20-21 New International Version

20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Yesterday we considered Job's faith in his Redeemer in the midst of his trials.  As we look back through the Bible we find several similar examples of faith expressed in and through trials. Today's verses speak of Abrahams faith which "did not waver" but was actually strengthened.

Ray Stedman writes, "Gradually, out of the anguish and despair of this man's heart, a realization has dawned.  God is working out a great and mighty purpose in human history.... Job calls him my Redeemer - that is his vindicator, the one who will defend him, ransom him, and resurrect him from the dust of the earth."  (from Let.God Be God).

Looking back in our lives, can we see times when we were strengthened, grew strong in our faith through the trials and storms?  John Piper writes, "He grew strong in his faith, thus giving glory to God. Faith in God's promises glorifies him as supremely wise and strong and good and trustworthy. So, unless we learn how to live by faith in the promises of God's future grace, we may perform remarkable religious rigors, but not for God's glory.....He is glorified when the power to be holy comes through humble faith in future grace. "

My prayer is that we too will  be able to stand on the promises of God, safe and secure from all alarms.

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 4:18-25

New International Version

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."  19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Verse of the Day 6/24

Verse of the Day 6/24

Job 19:25-26

New International Version

25 I know that my redeemer lives,

    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I will see God;

My Old Testament daily reading is in the book of Job.  Today's verses are ones that should cause you to step back and take a pause and consider the circumstances under which they were written.  We all know that at times in our lives we will encounter the "various trials" that James referenced in James 1:2, but it is unlikely that any of us will have encountered the trials that Job did in his life with the loss of loved ones and catastrophies that job did.  But through it all, he maintained his integrity and his faith and looked ahead when he would see God.

In the previous verses (19:23-24) he expresses a desire that his words be recorded, inscribed in a book and engraved in rock forever.  His desires, his prayers were answered and we still have them today.  They are part of God's Word and they will never cease to exist.  Think of that, Job states "I know my Redeemer lives".  Nothing wishy washy, no question of doubt, even in the trial can break his belief, his faith in God.

Charles Spurgeon writes, "To say, "I hope so, I trust so" is comfortable; and there are thousands in the fold of Jesus who hardly ever get much further. But to reach the essence of consolation you must say, "I know." Ifs, buts, and perhapses, are sure murderers of peace and comfort. Doubts are dreary things in times of sorrow. Like wasps they sting the soul! If I have any suspicion that Christ is not mine, then there is vinegar mingled with the gall of death; but if I know that Jesus lives for me, then darkness is not dark: even the night is light about me. "

Steven Curtis Chapman speaks of his Redeemer in the song "My Redeemer is Faithful and True".  They echo the sentiments of Job, David, Paul and so many others in the Bible.  They can ring true for us when we put our faith and trust in Him.

As I look back on this road I've traveled
I see so many times He carried me through
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life
My Redeemer is faithful and true

My Redeemer is faithful and true
Everything He has said He will do
And every morning His mercies are new
My Redeemer is faithful and true

My heart rejoices when I read the promise
There is a place I am preparing for you
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face
Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true

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

Job 19:23-27

New International Version

23 "Oh, that my words were recorded,

    that they were written on a scroll,
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on[a] lead,
    or engraved in rock forever!
25 I know that my redeemer[b] lives,
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.[c]
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
    yet[d] in[e] my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
    with my own eyes—I, and not another.
    How my heart yearns within me!

Verse of the Day 6/17

Verse of the Day 6/17

Ephesians 6:17

New International Version

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Today's verse comes from the familiar passage in Ephesians 6 on the "Whole Armor of God". A pro football player wouldn't think of taking the field without any padding or his helmet.  Their are enough concussions when they where a helmet.  A soldier wouldn't go out into battle without being fully prepared including having his weapon of choice.  In this passage the word of God is referred to as the sword of the Spirit.

David Jeremiah points out that there are two kinds of swords mentioned in the Bible, he writes, "There were two words for word, as in "word of God." They parallel, in a general way, the contrast between the two kinds of swords. Logos is a broad concept or reason or a lengthy discourse. A rhema is a spoken utterance or specifically focused writing. Think of logos as the Bible and rhema as a verse. Greek scholar W. E. Vine contrasts the two words: rhema, in Ephesians 6:17, doesn't refer "to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need." When we commit the Bible to memory, we will always have a rhema in mind that the Spirit can remind us of to defeat the attacks of the devil."

This sword, "rhema", has a lot to do with what we have memorized from God's Word.  We carry it with us and when we need it the Holy Spirit helps to bring it to mind and apply it to our circumstances in the time of need. It is a strong reason to memorize God's Word.  If we don't know it, we can't draw from it in time of need.

We have God's Word, the "logos" in our Bibles.  We can refer to it, we have our Bibles and Bible apps, but we can't ignore the need of having it in our hearts and minds as the "rhema", ready to be drawn when we need it in our spiritual battles.

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

Ephesians 6:10-18

New International Version

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

Verse of the Day 6/15

Verse of the Day 6/15

James 1:25

Holman Christian Standard Bible

25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

I read today's verse the other day and it was from the Holman Christian Study Bible.  Some translations simply say "look into" and leave out the "intently" part of it.  It may not seem like a big difference but just as skimming through a magazine or newspaper may inform you about something, looking intently, studying, and considering something, dwelling on it for a while will give you a better understanding of the subject and what it means to your life.

So it is with God's Word.  It is great to have a read through the Bible plan, but it should not just be a checklist for the day.  We will likely be better off reading a smaller portion "intently" than skimming through a passage.  Let me be the first to say that I have been guilty of that.

Pastor John MacArthur writes, "Look intently" translates a Greek word that pictures bending down to examine something with care and precision. Stooping implies humility and a desire to see clearly what Scripture reveals about your own spiritual condition. It's an attitude as well as an action.....As you study Scripture, let this be your underlying attitude: "Lord, as I gaze intently into your Word, reveal the things in my life that need to be changed. Then grant me the grace to make those changes so I can live more fully to your glory."

I am not discouraging reading through the Bible in a year, however, if you are not doing so, spend some time looking "intently" at a verse, passage or chapter and see what difference it makes in your time in the Word.

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

James 1:22-27

Holman Christian Standard Bible

22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face[a] in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone[b] thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Verse of the Day 6/11

Verse of the Day 6/11

Philippians 4:8-9

English Standard Version

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I received word overnight that a good friend had suddenly passed away.  He was a good golfer and was always willing to help others that were struggling with their game.  The important thing to do when taking advice from someone is to apply as best we can, what we have been taught.

So it is with God's Word.  Whether it be from a pastor, teacher, mentor or from our own study; what honors God is to take what we have learned and put them into practice, make them part of our everyday life.  As we do, God's presence, His peace will be with us.

I remember some of the lessons from Bill and every time I put them into practice on the course it will be a way of honoring and remembering him (it may be sinking a long putt, which for me is anything over 3 feet). Paul's words in today's verses are ones that we should put into practice every day of our lives, to think about and do "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable" in our interactions with others in the power of the Spirit given to us.

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 4:4-9

English Standard Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.