Verse of the Day 10/31

Verse of the Day 10/31

2 Timothy 2:15

New King James Version

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The read through the New Testament plan that I'm following has had me in 2 Timothy.  Today's verse takes me back to AWANA Clubs, where as a child I memorized a lot of scripture.  Today's verse is where AWANA came from, in the KJV "approved workmen are not ashamed."  The NKJV begins the verse with "be diligent"; others something like "do your best" and the KJV says "study". They all point to reading, studying and learning God's Word as a continuing thing.

Francis Chan has said that many study God's Word trying to "dissect" it, break it down to understand it, but in reality the Word of God dissects us (Hebrews 4:12). It can cut to the heart and reveal what we truly are in our hearts and challenges us to confirm to it by the work of the Holy Spirit in us.  Today's verse that we are to "rightly divide" God's Word.  I've read that it literally means to "cut straight".  When we do so it all fits together properly.  

May that be our goal as we read and study His Word, To read it and understand it correctly and let it accomplish what God desires in our hearts.

The Word is living
The Word is light
The Word delights my soul
Preserves my life
Holy and hidden
Forever true
The perfect sacrifice
Our Lord...Jesus Christ

The Word is wisdom
The Word is true
The Word takes all that's old
And makes it new
When hearts are broken
He makes them whole
The One who paid the price
Our Lord...Jesus Christ.      (The Word - Steve Green)

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 Timothy 2:14-16

New King James Version

Approved and Disapproved Workers

14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to [a]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and [b]idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

Verse of the Day 10/22

Verse of the Day 10/22

John 16:33

New International Version

33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Our Monday Men's Bible study has been going through a study "Jesus' Farewell Message" which comes from John chapters 13-17.  Today's verse is the last verse from chapter 16 which we will be covering tomorrow.  Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure.  He knows what is coming, how hard it will be for them and how easy it would be for them to lose faith, but His message for them is to "take heart".  Why becaues "He has overcome the world".  They didn't understand it at the moment, but after His death, burial and resurrection they would come to know this and take it to heart.

Oswald Chambers, perhaps best known for his devotional "My Utmost for His Highest" writes, "God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength. Are you asking God to give you life and liberty and joy? He cannot, unless you will accept the strain. Immediately you face the strain, you will get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the step, and God will give you to eat of the tree of life and you will get nourishment. If you spend yourself out physically, you become exhausted; but spend yourself spiritually, and you get more strength. God never gives strength for to-morrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute.  "

We may be facing some kind of trial in our lives today, or perhaps we're in the middle of a season of trial.  The message is still the same take heart. He will provide the strength and grace to be an "overcomer".  Perhaps you may recall a time when God has seen you through and helped you overcome instead of being overwhelmed.  Maybe you know someone that is going through the same thing.  Share your story with them and encourage them how they too can become an overcomer.

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 16:25-33

New International Version

25 "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."

31 "Do you now believe?" Jesus replied. 32 "A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Verse of the Day 10/20

Verse of the Day 10/20

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

 New International Version

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Today's verses came from the read through the New Testament plan that I follow.  2 Thessalonians deals with the end times and the things to be on the lookout for as they approach.  We don't know that we are in the end times, but we do know that they are closer to us than when these words were written.  With the recent increase in active war across the world many are wondering, looking for somewhere, someone to turn to for hope, peace and encouragement.  We, as Chrsitians know where we need to go and should be encouraging others to do the same.

We've recently read verses from John 15 about abiding, remaining in Christ.  We've also considered how we are to do good and to love one another.  Today's verses are a reminder that He has chosen us, given us power through His grace to stand, to take courage, to have hope and peace even in turbulent times. We can do our part by passing it on, offering hope, help and trying to bring peace in our corner of the world.

1 Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

2 Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]

3 Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? 

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 Thessalonians 2:13-17

New International Version

Stand Firm

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Verse of the Day 10/19

Verse of the Day 10/19

Psalm 42:5-6 

New International Version

  

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

Psalm 42 came up today in my daily reading in Psalms.   Written by David, " a man after God's own heart" the psalm offers a view of David's heart.  We all go through ups and downs in life and we are well aware of David's time in the valley as well as his mountain top experiences.  Through it all, God was with him, watching over him, guidning him and comforting him.

In today's verses, David is downcast, down into his soul, yet he stiil seeks God.  He goes to the one that has delivered him in the past and counts on him to see him through again.  From the valley he remembers the mountain top experiences and they give him hope in the current situation.

So it should be with us.  Like the deer that needs water daily, we need God and His Word in our lives, daily from our hearts and God will draw near to us, down into our soul and lift us up.

The following song was one of the earliest ones that I can remember from back in Sunday school.  From Psalm 23 the words reveal the heart of David, hopefully ours as well.

 The Lord is my shepherd;
I'll walk with him always.
He leads me by still waters;
I'll walk with him always.

Always, always,
I'll walk with him always.
Always, always,
I'll walk with him always.

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 42:1-8

New International Version

BOOK II

Psalms 42–72

Psalm 42[a][b]

For the director of music. A maskil[c] of the Sons of Korah.

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    "Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One[d]with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

8 By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

Verse of the Day 10/18

Verse of the Day 10/18

Colossians 3:15-16

New King James Version

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

I read these verses the other day after I had read John 15 about "abiding in Christ" as the true vine.  We are to remain connected to Jesus as He is the vine and should live in Him as we draw from Him and lives in us.

The first statement in today's verse should draw our attention.  We are to let the peace of God "rule" in our hearts.  We may think of the word "rule" as being like the rule of a king.  But the word is actually more like an umpire, referee or line judge. The peace of God should rule, help us, guide us to make decisions with His peace as the backdrop.  I needed to read and hear that.  Let His peace decide what is inbounds or out of bounds for us and let it be.

How can we do this?  

Pastor James Smith gives us a few ways as we let the Word dwell richly in us.

We have . . .

  His Word in our hands,

  His grace in our hearts,

  His mercies in our houses,

  His Heaven before our eyes!

O for a thankful heart!

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he's given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he's given
Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say 'I am strong',
let the poor say 'I am rich',
because of what the Lord has done for us;
and now let the weak say 'I am strong',
let the poor say 'I am rich',
because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks…

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

Colossians 3:12-17

New King James Version

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Verse of the Day 10/16

Verse of the Day 10/16

John 15:4-5

 New King James Version

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Our Monday Men's Bible study group was in John 15 this morning and today's verses stood out.  In this passage we find the last of Jesus' "I Am" statements fournd in John, "I Am the vine" or true vine.  The other statements tie into this one, we find Him to be the vine as we abide in Him and understand that He is "the bread of life", "the light of the world", "the door", "the way the truth and the life", "the good shepherd", "the resurrection and the life".

The word "abide" is also translated as "remain", or as The Message puts it "make yourselves at home with me".  We were chosen by Jesus to be with Him and to abide, remain with Him through our lives and into eternity.  If we are to grow and "bear fruit", we need to remain connected to the vine, it is our life blood.

David Jeremiah uses the following acronym for abide:

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. 

Are you abiding, remaining, making yourselves "at home" in Christ? It is where we can find peace that cannot be taken away.

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.

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

New King James Version

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 [a]takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Love and Joy Perfected

9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have 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 remain in you, and that your joy may be full.