Verse of the Day 12/30

Verse of the Day 12/30

Hebrews 13:20-21

 New King James Version

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you [a]complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

As I read today's verses in my devotions this morning the beginning of the verse caught my attention.  The New King James Versions states "now" may the peace of God ... make you complete.  It could have started simply with May the peace of God but that little word now may something to you as it did to me.  How many of us need peace or know of someone who needs peace.  Seek it, pray for it, pray for them "now".  We don't have to wait to pray we don't have to wait to expereicence it. It is available to us in the resurrection power of Jesus.  The same power that raised Him from the grave is available to us.

John Piper writes, "Christ shed the blood of the eternal covenant. By this successful redemption, he obtained the blessing of resurrection from the dead. He is now our living Lord and Shepherd. And because of all that, God does two things:

he equips us with everything good that we may do his will, and

he works in us that which is pleasing in his sight. 

Think about that.  That power supplies us, equips us to do "everything good" in His will and to be able to please Him in what we do.  That alone should help to bring us peace. As today's verses point out, He is the Good Shepherd and He will lead us in that power.  

I'll close with a favorite hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me".  It is not part of the way, He doesn't start us off and let us go.  He leads us all lhe way, He will lead us into the coming year and accomplish His work in us.  May that bring some peace to our hearts and minds.

1 All the way my Savior leads me–
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

2 All the way my Savior leads me–
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev'ry trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

3 All the way my Savior leads me–
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

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

Hebrews 13:20-25

New King James Version

Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you [a]complete in every good work to do His will, working in [b]you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

24 Greet all those who [c]rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

25 Grace be with you all. Amen.