Verse of the Day 1/31

Verse of the Day 1/31

1 Corinthians 2:1-2

English Standard Version

2 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Our Tuesday Men's Bible Study went through 1 Corinthians 2 this morning, in it Paul describes his purpose and method of proclaiming the gospel, It is not with a cleverly orchestrated sermon filled with persuasive word, but it is the message of the cross and Christ crucifed.  This message, in the power of the Holy Spirit, hits people in different ways, it meets them at the point of their need.

Pastor James Smith puts it this way, "What an honor God confers upon you, by sending a message to you at all, especially such a message. It is . . .

a message of mercy, to miserable sinners;

a message of grace, to unworthy sinners;

a message of provision made, for very poor and needy sinners;

a message of comfort, for desponding sinners;

a message to alarm, for careless sinners;

a message to solemnly warn, for obstinate sinners;

an invitation to backsliders to return, that they may once more be happy and holy;

a message of encouragement, direction, and winning love--to those who believe in Jesus.

"I determined to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

As you read through the list, how did you receive the message Jesus Christ and His crucifixion?  A message of mercy, of grace, of provision, of comfort, or was it alarm or as a warning?  Not matter what it was, it was the Holy Spirit breaking through to you.  Praise Him for it and share the message with someone else that needs it for the same reasons.

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 2:1-5

English Standard Version

Proclaiming Christ Crucified

2 And I, when I came to you, brothers,[a] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[b] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Verse of the Day 1/30

Verse of the Day 1/30

John 15:4-5

English Standard Version

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Yesterday's verse was from Matthew 11 and Jesus call "come to me", to learn and to find rest.  The call isn't to come for a day, or for a week.  We are called to come and to abide, remain in HIm.  I closed with a song "Abide", which speaks of depending on God, following His leading, and abiding.  The last line posted was "draw me close and teachj me to abide."

I couldn't help but go directly to John 15 where we find Jesus teaching, saying "I Am the true vine" where we learn what this means.  Today people are given all kinds of "self help" advice, 10 or 12 "step" programs to follow.  Jesus has something else in mind here.  It is sort of a 10 step program, and the same word is used for each of those steps, it is "abide", remain in Him.  Depend on Him.  Trist in Him. Lean on Him. Follow Him.  Apart from Him we can do nothing.

David Jeremiah writes:

A" stands for absolute surrender. We have to come to Him just as we are, confessing our sin and saying, "You are the potter and I am the clay."

"B" stands for believe. We have to trust Him completely to do with us, for us, and around us what is very best while we stand on His promises.

"I" stands for insight. We have to pour ourselves into His Word each day, learning His ways and gaining His insights for living.

"D" stands for dedication. We have to persevere over time, separating ourselves from sinful habits and from people or places that may hinder our purity.

"E" stands for enthusiasm. We go about His work in the power and energy He provides. 

May we abide, reamain in HIm.

1 There's a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Tho' the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I've a peace that has come there to stay!

Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, O, so kind:
"I will never leave thee," Jesus is mine.

2 All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,
When peace sweetly came to my heart;
Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,

Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!                        (Constantly Abiding - Anne Murphy)

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

John 15:1-11

English Standard Version

I Am the True Vine

15 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Verse of the Day 1/28

Verse of the Day 1/28

Matthew 11:28-29

New International Version

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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.

Many of you who are reading today's post have already attended church today.  Some went on autopilot, as something you do on Sunday.  Others may have felt a special need or a desire to worship and sing praise, others felt a need to hear what "the preacher" had to say; or what God would lay on their hearts.  Utlimately, we were responding to God's call, to "come to me".  We come to Him to find peace, comfort, rest, encouragement, hope, joy, love and other reasons.  Hopefully, we come acknowledging that He is the only one that can truly give us that "rest of our souls'.

Charles Spurgeon on the call "come", writes, "this is not only Christ's cry to you, but, if you be a believer, this is your cry to Christ--"Come! come!" You will be longing for his second advent; you will be saying, "Come quickly, even so come Lord Jesus." You will be panting for nearer and closer communion with him. As his voice to you is "Come," your response to him will be, "Come, Lord, and abide with me. Come, and occupy alone the throne of my heart; reign there without a rival, and consecrate me entirely to thy service."

I hope that his was part of your response today to say to the Lord, "come, abide with me and occupy the throne of my heart.

For my waking breath for my daily bread
I depend on You I depend on You
For the sun to rise for my sleep at night
I depend on You I depend on You

You're the way the truth and the life
You're the well that never runs dry
I'm the branch and You are the vine
Draw me close and teach me to abide

Where the Spirit leads as I'm following
I depend on You I depend on You
For the victories still in front of me
I depend on You I depend on You

You're the way the truth and the life
You're the well that never runs dry
I'm the branch and You are the vine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
Be my strength my song in the night
Be my all my treasure my prize
I am Yours forever Your mine
Draw me close and teach me to abide.        (Abide -Aaron Williams)

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 International Version

The Father Revealed in the Son

25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

27 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Verse of the Day 1/27

Verse of the Day 1/27

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

New International Version

14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

In yesterday's post we considered how we are prompted by the Holy Spirit to do things, especially for others, acts of comfort, giving, encouraging and more.  I read today's verses in my Bible reading this morning and they brought me back to these same thoughts but in stronger words than "promptings".  The English Standard Version states "controls us" where the NIV (above) states compels us.  They are variations of the same thing.  

Think about it this way, if someone owns or controls 51% of a business, they have controlling interest.  Others may suggest or recommend courses of action, but the person with controlling interest makes the final decisions. The sobering question then becomes, who has controlling interest in our lives.  Do we hold onto it or do we submit to God's authority, giving Him conntrolling interest in our lives. Before answering, think of what He has done for us, what He has given us.  It should cause us to desire to "no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died and was raised again" that we may have life.

I was reminded of the old hymn, Living for Jesus by Thomas Chisholm.  Read or sing through it and then go back again and read today's verses.

1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

4. Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him

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 5:14-15

New International Version

14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Verse of the Day 1/26

Verse of the Day 1/26

Proverbs 3:27-28

English Standard Version

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

    when it is in your power to do it.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again,
    tomorrow I will give it"—when you have it with you.

I read today's verses in my daily reading in Solomon's "Wisdom" literature, Proverbs through Song of Solomon.  These verses are ones that we should read and meditate on.  They line up with many verses in the New and Old Testament.  In Genesis 12 Abraham was "blessed to be a blessing".  In the New Testament we are told by Jesus that when we do "for the least of these" we are doing it for him.

Giving or having compassion for someone, when we are prompted by the Holy Spiriit, are not things to be put off.  Many of us, myself included, are procrastinators. But in giving, in doing good to others, we should act in the moment and not put it off.

Daily we are to approach God in prayer, seek the Holy Spirit's leading and respond when He prompts us to do something "good".  When we do we will be blessed and experience life as it should be.

Come just as you are  Hear the spirit call  Come just as you are  Come and see  Come receive  Come and live forever  Come just as you are  Hear the spirit call  Come just as you are  Come and see  Come receive  Come and live forever    Life everlasting  Strength for today  Taste the living water  And never thirst again    Come and see  Come receive  Come and live forever.   (Come Just as You Are - Crystal Lewis)

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

Proverbs 3:27-30

English Standard Version

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,[a]

    when it is in your power to do it.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again,
    tomorrow I will give it"—when you have it with you.
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
    who dwells trustingly beside you.
30 Do not contend with a man for no reason,
    when he has done you no harm.

Verse of the Day 1/24

Verse of the Day 1/24

Matthew 9:37-38

English Standard Version

37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

In Matthew chapter 9 Jesus has been travelling and ministering to people along the way.  He healed two blind men, healed a man who had been unable to speek; he taught in the synagogues and proclaimed the gospel.  In today's passage (below) verse 36 it says that "Jesus saw the crowds".  What did he see.  He saw crowds of people who were weary and scattered; he felt compassion for them and he acted upon that and served them, healed them and taught them.

In today's verses Jesus states that the "harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few".  What was nneded then is pretty much the same as now.  If we are to be one of the laborers, we must "see" the needs of the crowd of people around us.  We must have compassion on them and we must act upon the Holy Spirit's promptings, which involves engaging people with the heart of Christ.

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations

[Chorus:]
Saviour, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Let our prayer be to "let mercy fall on me' and spread the gospel message of forgiveness, hope and the kindness/love of our Savior.  Our God is mighty to save.

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 9:35-38

English Standard Version

The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Verse of the Day 1/23

Verse of the Day 1/23

Isaiah 40:8

English Standard Version

8 The grass withers, the flower fades,

    but the word of our God will stand forever.

Our Monday Men's Bible Study went through Isaiah 40 this morning.  As I told the group, it is probably my favorite chapter in the Old Testament.  The headings for the different sections in my Bible are "Comfort For God's People"; 'The Word of the Lord Stands Forever"; and "The Greatness of God".  The chapter culminates with "they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

It is truly a chapter that we can turn to when we need encouragement and hope and it points to the sovereignty of God and the powerf of God and His Word in all of it.

John MacArthur writes, ""Revelation" is knowledge that God imparts through His Word. "Wisdom" is the application of that knowledge to daily living. The combined effect is a humble attitude toward God's Word that compels you to learn it and integrate it into every aspect of your life."

Arthur Pink writes, "The Bible has been likened to a fountain of living water--the fountain is ever the same, but the water is always fresh! "  When I was a kid there was a drinking fountain at our ball field that was always running.  Any time you stopped by cool clear water was comiing out.There may be other places where water is right there for you but you wouldn't want it.  We have a bird bath in our back yard that always seems to have water in it but I would not think of drinking from it.  But God's Word is like that fountain, it is there for us, it flows to us and it works through us anytime we draw from that fountain.  It endures through the heat.

Make it a point to draw from it every day, see to it that your strength, your faith will not wither..  His Word will stand forever.

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 40:6-8

English Standard Version

The Word of God Stands Forever

6 A voice says, "Cry!"
    And I said,[a] "What shall I cry?"
All flesh is grass,
    and all its beauty[b]

is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades
    when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
    surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.