"Verse of the Day"

Verse of the Day 2/13

2012-02-13T07:09:00.001-05:00

Psalm 6:2 (AMP) Have mercy on me and be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am weak (faint and withered away); O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

Pastor Bob's message this week in the series "Warning Track" had to do with Psalm 90:12 and "numbering" our days. We are to make them count.

As I read today's verse in the Amplified translation, I couldn't help but think of how many of us will head into this week feeling stressed, or faint and withered away, or run down and worn out, or sapped of our strength even before we consider the challenges that will face us at work, at home and in the community this week.

We all have our growing "to do" lists. Bob asked if we've ever developed a "stop doing list"? We're caught up in the tyranny of the urgent while the tragedy is that it is the "urgency of the generally insignificant".

If we are to manage, to number our days correctly we will have to develop this stop doing list; and not by our own methods. Chances are they, our own methods, are what brought us here in the first place. No, we have to realize where we are, and ask for His guidance, for God to be gracious to us to lead and to heal us and revitalize us in body and soul.

Before you head out into the week, take some time this morning to pray and ask for the Lord's guidance in removing at least one obligation from your calendar, especially one of those that revolves around the generally insignificant. May doing so allow us focus on things that matter.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 6 Contemporary English Version (CEV) A Prayer in Time of Trouble

¹Don't punish me, LORD,

or even correct me

when you are angry!

²Have pity on me and heal

my feeble body.

My bones tremble with fear,

³and I am in deep distress.

How long will it be?

⁴Turn and come to my rescue.

Show your wonderful love

and save me, LORD.

Verse of the Day 2/12

2012-02-12T11:09:00.001-05:00

Romans 11:36 (NLT) For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Earlier in the week we looked at James 1:17 which states that "every good and perfect gift comes from above." It is easy to think of that verse in terms of material blessing. Today's verse tells us that everything comes from Him and exists by his power. This includes every gift, physical, material and spiritual. In the "busyness" of life, all too often the "inner life" is overlooked. It is in this inner life, in communion with God, where we can find peace, comfort, and joy with thanksgiving even in the "busyness" of life.

Charles Spurgeon in his evening devotional for today writes, "Without him we can do nothing, but by his almighty energy the most extraordinary results can be produced: everything depends upon his manifesting or concealing his power. Do we always look up to him both for our inner life and our outward service with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before his call and act independently of his aid? Let us humble ourselves this today for past neglects, and now entreat the heavenly dew to rest upon us, the sacred oil to anoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us. The Holy Ghost is no temporary gift, he abides with the saints. We have but to seek him aright, and he will be found of us. He is jealous, but he is pitiful; if he leaves in anger, he returns in mercy. Condescending and tender, he does not weary of us, but awaits to be gracious still."

May we realize today and this week how "without him we can do nothing, but by his almighty energy the most extraordinary results can be produced" for His glory. Let Him lead the way for He does all things well.

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.

John 14:16 (AMP) And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 11:33-36 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³³Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)!
    ³⁴For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor?
    ³⁵Or who has first given God anything that he might be paid back or that he could claim a recompense?
    ³⁶For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. [For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).

Verse of the Day 2/11

2012-02-11T07:49:00.001-05:00

Colossians 2:3 (AMP) In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.

"American Pickers" has become one of my favorite shows on TV. In it, Mike and Frank traverse the country looking for treasures in other peoples junk. Sometimes they'll follow a plan or scheduled appointment while at other times they enjoy "free styling" where they'll stop and knock on the door of a place that looks prime for picking.

I read the following in a today's devotional from "Today in the Word". "Fossick" is a fun English word. It's a verb that suggests treasure hunting, but in an unsystematic or random manner. One dictionary defines it: "To search for gold or gemstones, typically by picking over abandoned workings." The word is also used more generally to mean looking for something in a disorganized way. For example, one might "fossick about" in a drawer, searching for a missing sock. Another dictionary says it means "to rummage or search in a slightly aimless manner for an item of interest or value."

Sometimes we'll study God's Word, the Bible in an organized methodical way. Other times we'll be much like a "picker" reading through devotionals or commentaries where we'll find forgotten treasures in the form of verses or passages that we had forgotten. Some of these like Spurgeon's or Oswald Chambers devotionals have been disregarded because of the age or English in which they are written. The secular society in general views the whole Bible this way.

We need to be reminded that in Christ, and in the Bible is where we'll find our treasure and insights into the ways and purposes of God. Perhaps we can lead others to find the treasures that they didn't know were right in front of them.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 2:2-5 The Message (MSG)

^2-4I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! I'm telling you this because I don't want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or "the Secret."

⁵I'm a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.

Verse of the Day 2/10

2012-02-10T06:56:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 44:22 (ESV) I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.

Winter can be a time where we may experience days of gloomy, cloudy weather. We can do nothing to change it, change the weather pattern on our own. One can easily become depressed when we experience extended periods without sunshine. So it is with our sins. They, and the guilt from them can hang over us like a cloud and cause us to be depressed. We can do nothing on our own to take this away. Some try, through acts of kindness or service, but we cannot effectually remove the consequences and the clouds on our own.

Charles Spurgeon, in his evening devotional for today speaks of --"blotting out." "God himself appears upon the scene, and in divine benignity, instead of manifesting his anger, reveals his grace: he at once and forever effectually removes the mischief, not by blowing away the cloud, but by blotting it out from existence once for all. Against the justified man no sin remains, the great transaction of the cross has eternally removed his transgressions from him. On Calvary's summit the great deed, by which the sin of all the chosen was forever put away, was completely and effectually performed."

What is the condition of your heart today? What is the spiritual forecast?

Reading this verse, the old hymn "My Sins are Blotted Out, I Know" came to mind. Instead of clouds and gloom let it be joy and peace. May God clear away the clouds and let His Sonshine fill your soul.

Once my heart was black, but now what joy,
My sins are blotted out, I know!
I have peace that nothing can destroy,
My sins are blotted out, I know!

My sins are blotted out, I know!
My sins are blotted out, I know!
They are buried in the depths of the deepest sea:
My sins are blotted out, I know!

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Isaiah 44:21-23 (ESV) The LORD Redeems Israel

²¹ Remember these things, O Jacob,
   and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you; you are my servant;
   O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
²² I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
   and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.

²³ Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it;
   shout, O depths of the earth;
break forth into singing, O mountains,
   O forest, and every tree in it!
For the LORD has redeemed Jacob,
   and will be glorified^[a] in Israel.

Verse of the Day 2/9

2012-02-09T06:58:00.001-05:00

Psalm 119:33-34 (NLT) Teach me your decrees, O LORD;
I will keep them to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.

It is one thing to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and quite another to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). This "grace" involves putting what we know into practice. We may attend church, study on our own or in groups, but are we putting into practice or are we living as "secret agent Christians"? I'm speaking to myself here as much as anyone else.

Is God and our relationship with Him at the fringe or boundaries of our lives or at the core?

Tim Keller quotes Dietrich Bonhoeffer in "Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" - " I should like to speak of God not on the boundaries but at the center, not in weaknesses but in strength; and therefore not in death and guilt but in man's life and goodness.... The church stands not at the boundaries where human powers give out, but in the middle of the village."

As we put what we learn into practice, our lives will show that He is at the center, the core. His strength will show through in our lives and we as individuals and as the church will be in the middle of our village and reaching out to the boundaries, that all may come in. Keeping it in would keep keep Him in the boundary of our lives and the village.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 119:33-40Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

³³ Teach me, LORD, the meaningof Your statutes,
and I will always keep them.
³⁴ Help me understand Your instruction,
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.
³⁵ Help me stay on the path of Your commands,
for I take pleasure in it.
³⁶ Turn my heart to Your decrees
and not to material gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;
give me life in Your ways.

³⁸ Confirm what You said to Your servant,
for it produces reverence for You.
³⁹ Turn away the disgrace I dread;
indeed, Your judgments are good.
⁴⁰ How I long for Your precepts!
Give me life through Your righteousness.

Verse of the Day 2/8

2012-02-08T06:41:00.001-05:00

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. ² And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Yesterday we considered that God's great gift was given and to those that receive it, instead of condemnation, there is grace - pardon with power. Today's verses begin one of the greatest chapters in the Bible and goes on to tell us how we have "all things" in Christ. The first two lines in the last stanza of "And Can it Be" relate well to today's verses.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;

Pastor James Smith wrote this back in 1842 regarding what we have "in Him":

If Jehovah is your God--then all His glorious perfections are engaged and employed for your welfare:
His mercy will supply all your needs;
His power will conquer all your foes;
His wisdom will direct your way;
His faithfulness will answer your prayers;
His justice will maintain your cause; and
His infinite love and grace will be displayed in all His dealings with you!

If God is your God, then . . .
His promises--are your heritage,
His precepts--are your rule,
His doctrines--are your present paradise,
His Son--is your Savior and King,
His Spirit--is your Sanctifier and Tutor,
and He Himself--is your everlasting portion!

If God is your God, then He will freely confer on you all good things at present--and crown you at last with everlasting glory. He will . . .
guide you continually,
chasten you occasionally,
receive you graciously,
and bless you indeed!

If God is your God, then all things are yours; things present, things to come; life, death, the world--all are yours!

No condemnation and all these things in Christ, quite an exchange. If you have some time over the next couple of days, read through Romans 8. You'll be blessed.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Romans 8:1-4 (HCSB)The Life-Giving Spirit

¹ Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, ² because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. ³ What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin's domain, and as a sin offering, ⁴ in order that the law's requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Verse of the Day 2/7

2012-02-07T17:59:00.001-05:00

James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Over the past few days we've considered the greatest gift ever given in the form of Jesus Christ who offered forgiveness of sins, healing, and hope to name a few things. We've also considered the vanity, pride and the self sufficiency that stand in the way and prevent many from receiving that gift.

As James points out in the preceding verses, it is our desires and selfishness that draw us away from Him. Thankfully, He is the God of second chances. A friend responded to the devotional on John 3:17 with, " Fortunately, when I had walked away and ignored God for a while, God pulled me back with a John 3:17 "I want you with us even if you feel unworthy" kind of love."

When you read through the New Testament you will find example after example of the "I want you with us even if you feel unworthy kind of love." If you've received this perfect give, felt this love, you'll relate to the hymn "And Can it Be". Instead of condemnation, we can receive grace, God's pardon from sin, peace that endures and the power to stand fast and live for Him.

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

James 1:12-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Verse of the Day 2/6

2012-02-06T07:29:00.001-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:18 (AMP) For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.

Yesterday we considered how God sent His Son Jesus as Saviour of the world, to offer forgiveness, healing, and restoration. The message of John 3:16-17 goes forth every day, the question is what do people choose to do with it. It can be taken as the gospel, "good news" or it can be discounted and rejected as foolishness or as the Amplified Bible puts it, "sheer absurdity".

John Piper in "The Wisdom of Men and the Power of God" points out the underlying cause of the rejection. "There are two possible responses to the death of Christ for our sin: we can regard it as foolish and so maintain our self-sufficiency and pride, or we can regard it as wisdom and die with Christ. There is only one way that leads to life."

The old hymn "At Calvary" sums up what can happen when we surrender our pride and turn to Jesus.

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.
- Refrain:
  Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
  Pardon there was multiplied to me;
  There my burdened soul found liberty
  At Calvary.
By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.

May we put away our vanity and pride and experience God's mercy, grace, liberty and His power today.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 1:18-19New Living Translation (NLT) The Wisdom of God

¹⁸ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. ¹⁹ As the Scriptures say,

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent."

Verse of the Day 2/5

2012-02-05T09:01:00.001-05:00

John 3:17 (NKJV) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:16 is probably the best known and most referenced verse in the Bible. You may even see it referenced today in the end zone at the Super Bowl. Today's verse follows right after it but is often overlooked.

Those who doubt, question or reject Christ often view him and Christians as those who judge and condemn. Jesus' mission and that of His followers then and now is to testify of Him as Saviour, healer, and forgiver.

As you prepare to worship today, perhaps you may consider the words to the song "God Sent His Son", also known as "Because He Lives"

God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died, to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives

And then one day, I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain

And then as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives (Songwriter : Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Alceu Damico)

May we testify that He is the Saviour.

1 John 4:14 (HCSB) And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent His Son as the world's Savior.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 3:16-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

¹⁸"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ¹⁹And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. ²¹But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

Verse of the Day 2/4

2012-02-04T07:39:00.001-05:00

Mark 1:35 (ESV) And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Are you glad that the weekend is here? If you think you've had a busy week where you feel like you've been pulled at and bombarded from a hundred different directions, turn to Mark 1 and try to imagine how Jesus felt on a regular basis.

When we feel that we can't make it on our own, we're right. Jesus himself knew that He needed time away from it all, time that needed to be spent alone with His heavenly Father.

Travelling home on a plane yesterday afternoon I listened to a song by the country rock band "Little Big Town" by the title "Bring it on Home". Here are a few of the lines:

When your long day is over

And you can barely drag your feet

The weight of the world

Is on your shoulders

I know what you need

Bring it on home to me

Reading that verse in Mark this morning brought the song lyrics back to mind. It sums up what Jesus and many of us feel that we're going through. Jesus literally had the weight of the world on His shoulders, He brought it home to His Father.

If you've been up for a while this morning, perhaps you've already "brought it on home" to the Father through Jesus. If not, why not spend some time in your "desolate place" whether it be your kitchen, den, back porch or your car. Spend some time in prayer with your heavenly Father. Let Him be your strong tower. Cast your cares and burdens on Him for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7(NLT) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Mark 1:35-39 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus Preaches in Galilee

³⁵ And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ³⁶ And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, ³⁷ and they found him and said to him,"Everyone is looking for you." ³⁸ And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out." ³⁹ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Verse of the Day 2/3

2012-02-03T06:50:00.001-05:00

Colossians 1:6 (NLT) This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace.

Today's "Today in the Word" devotional from Moody Bible Institute noted the following about the King James Bible. "Last year was the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the Bible. Believers and unbelievers alike acknowledge the powerful influence of the KJV throughout Western culture and history. One writer pointed out: "It's the Bible of the speeches of Lincoln. It's the Bible of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. It's the Bible of the speeches of Martin Luther King." More than 350 idiomatic expressions used in daily life come from the KJV. Many readers find that the archaic language still conveys a sense of the beauty and majesty of Scripture. In fact, the KJV is the best-selling Bible translation of all time!"

The KJV is the translation through which I did much of my memorization of Bible verses as a child in AWANA Clubs in grades 3 through 8. The translation is somewhat maligned today for being out of date for using such words as "believeth" and "thou shalt". But as was pointed out earlier, it was the vehicle by which the printed Word of God was brought to much of the world.

Today God's Word in the KJV and other translations is being brought to the world by way by new "vehicles". Instead of "hard copy" books it is going out in e-books, and via e-mail, social media and other sources over the Internet. Think of how His Word has reached you today.

In this day of information, let us be thankful for the ways in which we receive and share His Word. Who knows what the future holds as far as sharing information goes. Translations and modes of communication will vary and change but one thing is for sure, His name through His Word shall endure forever.

Psalm 72:17 (KJV) His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Colossians 1:3-8 King James Version (KJV)

³We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

⁴Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

⁵For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

⁶Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

Verse of the Day 2/2

2012-02-02T06:59:00.001-05:00

Verse of the Day 2/2

Psalm 116:8-9 (NIV) For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
   my eyes from tears,
   my feet from stumbling,
⁹ that I may walk before the LORD
   in the land of the living.

A friend responded to yesterday's devotional about "singing of the ways of the Lord" by saying "i once had a fellow ask me, "how are you guys (Christian's) going to sing forever?" part of my response was, " i pretty much do it all day-long every single day. perhaps, not out loud, but in my heart."

The reason he can sing and we should sing is that we have all been delivered from death, we have been given new life in our heart and soul if we have received Jesus Christ in our hearts. He can replace the tears of regret with eyes that see through the lens of hope and faith. His Word lights our path to keep us from stumbling.

We all walk "corum deo", before the face of God. We as Christians should walk with the realization of what He has done, where He has brought us from and where He is leading us to. It should be cause to sing as we walk, "perhaps not out loud, but in the heart."

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Refrain

Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 116 New International Version (NIV)

¹ I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
² Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

³ The cords of death entangled me,
   the anguish of the grave came over me;
   I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called on the name of the LORD:
   "LORD, save me!"

⁵ The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
⁶ The LORD protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.

⁷ Return to your rest, my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.

⁸ For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
   my eyes from tears,
   my feet from stumbling,
⁹ that I may walk before the LORD
   in the land of the living.

Verse of the Day 2/1

2012-02-01T07:15:00.001-05:00

Psalm 138:5 (AMP) Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord and joyfully celebrate His mighty acts, for great is the glory of the Lord.

I woke up this morning with a song in my mind. It was one that we had sung Sunday night at Crossings, our high school youth group,"King of All Days". Here are a few of the lines.

At Your cross
I lay my burdens
At Your feet
Where Your love covers
All I've done
Now I walk with You Lord

Lord of the heavens
King of all days
Without You my world slips away
Redeemed by Your mercy
Consumed by Your grace
Now I live for You

Today's morning devotional for today started out with " The time when Christians begin to sing in the ways of the Lord is when they first lose their burden at the foot of the Cross. Not even the songs of the angels seem so sweet as the first song of rapture which gushes from the inmost soul of the forgiven child of God."

I love it when things come together like that, in His Word and in song.

How do you feel when you realize that you've been redeemed by His mercy? Are you grateful, do you want to sing in praise? What burdens are you carrying into the day? May we lay them at the foot of the cross today and as the last line says, may we live for Christ.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 138 New Living Translation (NLT)

    ¹ I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart;
      I will sing your praises before the gods.
² I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
      I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
   for your promises are backed
      by all the honor of your name.
³ As soon as I pray, you answer me;
      you encourage me by giving me strength.

⁴ Every king in all the earth will thank you, LORD,
      for all of them will hear your words.
⁵ Yes, they will sing about the LORD's ways,
      for the glory of the LORD is very great.
⁶ Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble,
      but he keeps his distance from the proud.

⁷ Though I am surrounded by troubles,
      you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
   You reach out your hand,
      and the power of your right hand saves me.
⁸ The LORD will work out his plans for my life—
      for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
      Don't abandon me, for you made me

Verse of the Day 1/31

2012-01-31T06:18:00.001-05:00

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV) And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

I'm sure that you can remember at some point in your life that you went to a doctor where he asked you to stick out your tongue and say "ah" at which point he would take out his tongue depressor and look down your throat. You might say that you are feeling fine but your throat was naked and exposed to his eye and to his diagnosis. You might have said that you were fine but what he saw revealed a different story.

So our lives are before God, our creator. We may say that we are fine and on the outside we may be able to fool the best of the them. But God knows the condition of our hearts, our true selves. There is no fooling him.

What is the condition of your heart this morning? When we admit to the condition a doctor can prescribe what we need. When we admit our condition before God, He, and only He can grant us what we need, forgiveness. Receiving that forgiveness can lighten our hearts and put the bounce back in our steps, and lead us into a better day.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Hebrews 4:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. ¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Verse of the Day 1/30

2012-01-30T07:34:00.001-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:18 (AMP) Shun immorality and all sexual looseness [flee from impurity in thought, word, or deed]. Any other sin which a man commits is one outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

Our Pastor Bob's current series is titled "Warning Track". In it he has been focusing on the warnings posted in the Bible that are there to prevent us from crashing or running our faith into the wall. Yesterday's message was from this passage in 1 Corinthians 6.

Other translations use words such as to run from or flee from immorality. I was following along in my Amplified Bible. The word used here is shun, which is perhaps the strongest and gives a clearer picture. It is a word that is not as commonly used. We may be familiar with it in terms of the Amish community today, where they shun or cast out someone who has openly rebelled and rejected their core beliefs. Similar actions were seen in the Jewish community from Biblical times. It gives the picture of casting or putting out, excommunicating, but doesn't stop there. Along with these, barriers to re-entry are put up.

Notice, also, that the verse referenced impurity in thought, word or deed. It goes beyond our actions but to the thoughts, intents, and desires of the heart. We are to be encouraged and challanged to put up barriers to these things. If the temptations come our way, to put them out with the shield of faith, not to give them the time of day, a second thought or a second look.

A lot of hurt and heartache would be avoided if we would follow this advice to "shun" immoratlity and all sexual looseness.

What kind of barriers are you willing to put up in your life?

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 6:17-20Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁷But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.

¹⁸Shun immorality and all sexual looseness [flee from impurity in thought, word, or deed]. Any other sin which a man commits is one outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

¹⁹Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,

²⁰You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body

Verse of the Day 1/29

2012-01-29T09:43:00.001-05:00

Psalm 34:7-8 (ESV) The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

I read this psalm in my devotions this morning and a couple of pictures came to mind.

First, regarding the "angel of the Lord". Many feel that when we see this phrase in the Old Testament that it is actually referring to a manifestation of Yahweh Himself or perhaps a preincarnate appearance of Christ Himself. The picture that came to mind was the people of a city under threat of siege looking out to see the kings army "encamped" around the city. Their visual and physical presence would bring hope, confidence, and security to them. As Christians, the picture is similar, God is encamped around us, visible to the eyes of faith and physically there to fight our battles.

The second picture is that of "tasting" that the Lord is good. I'm sure you've gone to a restaurant where after dinner they bring around the desert trays. They look so good, but if you were to take a piece off of the tray you may find that what they were showing you was a plastic representative of the real desert. If you did bite in you'd realize that you'd been deceived having a tasteless piece of wax in your mouth. But to take a bite of the real thing is to experience it as it is supposed to be. The sweetness, the smoothness, the rich flavor of the delicacy is to be savored. So it is with our Saviour. We need to taste AND see.

May you realize that the Lord is encamped around you today, to experience His presence. May you be able to "taste and see", to experience His presence as you worship today.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 34:4-10English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ I sought the LORD, and he answered me
   and delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant,
   and their faces shall never be ashamed.
⁶ This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
   and saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps
   around those who fear him, and delivers them.

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
   Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
⁹ Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
   for those who fear him have no lack!
¹⁰ The young lions suffer want and hunger;
   but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Verse of the Day 1/28

2012-01-28T06:55:00.001-05:00

Romans 8:33-34 (NLT) Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No onefor God himself has given us right standing with himself. ³⁴ Who then will condemn us? No onefor Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.

C. H. Spurgeon writes, " If God has justified a man it is well done, it is rightly done, it is justly done, it is everlastingly done. I read the other day in a print that is full of venom against the gospel and those who preach it that we hold some kind of theory by which we imagine that sin can be removed from men. We hold no theory, we publish a fact. The grandest facet under heaven is thisthat Christ by His precious blood does actually put away sin and that God, for Christ's sake, deals with men on terms of divine mercy, forgives the guilty and justifies them, but according to the riches of His own mercy. This we have preached, do preach, and will preach as long as we live. "

As in Spurgeon's time, there are plenty among us today who are full of venom against the gospel. There are plenty who will join Satan as the great accuser saying that we as Christians can't know that we are right with God. They don't realize that it is not something that we do on our own or by our works. It is something that God, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit working in us, does for us. Justification and righteousness go hand in hand, God declares us "just" or not guilty, putting us in right standing before Him, not based on anything we have done, but according to His mercy. We will have our ups and downs, our failures in this age, but there is forgiveness.

Thankfully we can depend on God's promise concerning a future day when Jesus will return and make all things right between God and us forever. Considering those first few words from Spurgeon, "if God has justified a man it is well done" brought to mind the old hymn "One Day He's Coming".

Living He loved me, dying He saved me

And buried He carried my sins far away

Rising He justified freely forever

One day He's coming, oh glorious day!

In the meantime, Jesus is at God's right hand, pleading for us.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 8:33-39 New Living Translation (NLT)

³³ Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No onefor God himself has given us right standing with himself. ³⁴ Who then will condemn us? No onefor Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.

³⁵ Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ³⁶ (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") ³⁷ No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

³⁸ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrownot even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth belowindeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse of the Day 1/27

2012-01-27T06:47:00.001-05:00

John 1:16 (ESV) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Think about that for a minute, no, longer. Let it sink in. Out of His fullness, His never ending, unlimited supply He heaps grace on top of grace.

In considering the word fullness I was reminded what I had read earlier in the week in "Our Daily Bread" regarding the Chinese New Year which started on Monday. " During the celebration of the Chinese New Year, it is customary to use certain words in print and conversation. One word is often used by itself. It is the word full, meaning "abundance of" and is used to wish someone material prosperity for the year ahead."

Out of God's fullness, His abundance, He wishes to bless us with a spiritual prosperity. It is available to us if we will turn to Him, receive the gift, a fullness of blessing.

In Spurgeon's morning devotional for today I read, "There is a fullness of blessings of every sort and shape; a fullness of grace to pardon, of grace to regenerate, of grace to sanctify, of grace to preserve, and of grace to perfect. There is a fullness at all times; a fullness of comfort in affliction; a fullness of guidance in prosperity. A fullness of every divine attribute, of wisdom, of power, of love; a fullness which it were impossible to survey, much less to explore."

Read the words of the old hymn. Out of His fullness, the Father sent His Son, that we might receive grace, grace that is greater than all our sin.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,  	grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!  	Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,  	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!

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 1:14-18 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

¹⁵ (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, "This is the one I spoke about when I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'") ¹⁶ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Verse of the Day 1/26

2012-01-26T07:57:00.001-05:00

Verse of the Day 1/26

2 Corinthians 5:11 (HCSB) Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well.

There has been somewhat of a scandal in the news recently about a political candidate that was said to have asked his wife to agree to an "open marriage" an arrangement that would have permitted or condoned unfaithfulness.

Today's verse in the HCSB describes a different kind of open relationship, it is one of faithfulness and honesty before and by God. It is a relationship of surrendering of the will to serve God and others. It involves being open and obedient to the Spirit's leading. Doing so will lead to a clear conscience while allowing His grace to show through, His "fruit" to ripen in our lives.

Moody's "Today in the Word" devotional ended with this prayer that John Stott prayed every morning: "Father I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day You will . . . cause Your fruit to ripen in my life."

Reading the words about living this day in His presence brought to mind the old, and hopefully, familiar hymn "I Surrender All".

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain

I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

Do you have or are you willing to commit to such and open relationship with God? If so, pray, perhaps make it a practice to pray John Stott's prayer or a similar one of your own creation.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (HCSB) And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹¹ Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well. ¹² We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in the outward appearance^[a] rather than in the heart. ¹³ For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we have a sound mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For Christ's love compels^[b] us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. ¹⁵ And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.

Verse of the Day 1/24

2012-01-24T07:06:00.001-05:00

Nehemiah 4:20 (AMP) In whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.

In the book of Nehemiah God reveals Himself as the rebuilder of broken walls and lives. In ancient times the blast of a trumpet was used to rally the people to fight against the enemy.

On Saturday many political commentators said that Newt Gingrich won the primary because he stood up to some of the questions that were thrown at him. His response to the questions that were meant to tear him down built him up in the eyes of many of the voters. In much the same way, many in today's "modern society" will do everything that they can to put and keep Christians down. God's Word should be a rallying cry for us, to turn our hearts toward Him and live for Him as individuals and together, to fight for what we believe in.

Let Nehemiah's words to the people be a reminder and a rallying cry for us today, to fight for what we believe in, to fight not just for ourselves but for our families, homes and churches.

Nehemiah 4:14(MSG) ^13-14 So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: "Don't be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."

In what areas of your life can and will you fight for your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes and your church? How are you preparing for the battle?

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Nehemiah 4:19-23 The Message (MSG)

^19-20 Then I spoke to the nobles and officials and everyone else: "There's a lot of work going on and we are spread out all along the wall, separated from each other. When you hear the trumpet call, join us there; our God will fight for us."

²¹ And so we kept working, from first light until the stars came out, half of us holding lances.

²² I also instructed the people, "Each person and his helper is to stay inside Jerusalemguards by night and workmen by day."

²³ We all slept in our clothesI, my brothers, my workmen, and the guards backing me up. And each one kept his spear in his hand, even when getting water.

Verse of the Day 1/23

2012-01-23T07:38:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 1:17-19 (I pray) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, RSV

In our men's Bible study group met this morning we studied about the "persistent widow" in Luke 18. She received what she wanted from the unjust judge through persistence. He may have responded to her so as not to get a black eye in public opinion. Today's prayer from Paul for the Ephesian church and for us is one that we can consistently pray for. We can be sure that God listens and that he will give us what we need as a just judge or loving father.

The RSV puts the word "spirit" in lower case. John MacArthur notes that the word "spirit" here "refers to a disposition or attitude of humility, as in, "blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matt:. 5:3). "Revelation" means 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 to integrate it into every aspect of our lives...... Paul's prayer is that you will understand as much as possible so that godly wisdom and revelation will govern all your attitudes and actions. Let that be your goal today."

As we talked about the widow's prayer this morning, I quoted an old Doobie Brothers song that contained the line "tell me what you want and I'll give you what you need." We need to be persistent in our prayers, while knowing that we may not always get what we want, but He will give us what we need. I think it would be safe to say that this prayer of Paul's is something each of us need today, to have a spirit of wisdom and have the eyes of our hearts enlightened to know that hope to which He has called us.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 1:15-22 The Message (MSG)

^15-19That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I askask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of gloryto make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust himendless energy, boundless strength!

^20-23All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

Verse of the Day 1/21

2012-01-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 41:13 (ESV) For I, the LORD your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, "Fear not,
I am the one who helps you."

I'm sure that we can all remember, as a child, walking hand in hand with a parent, feeling the comfort, trust, and confidence in having them lead the way, helping you along a path in the woods or up a hill in the snow, through a haunted house at Halloween or any number of situations. You may remember walking hand in hand with a girlfriend, later your spouse when you did it not out of need but for the companionship, feeling the warmth of their hand coming from the warmth of each others hearts. Possibly, you've had the chance to walk hand in hand with a grandchild and experiencing once again the wonders of life through the eyes of that child. It could be that now, you are older and look forward to having your child or grandchild help you along, over a curb or up the stairs.

If you believe in God, have faith in Christ, you can have that feeling that sense of comfort, encouragement and help through all stages of your life. In the good times and those times in the valley, where you need that helping hand so that you are not overcome and overwhelmed along the way.

In today's devotional from "Tabletalk" magazine, Harry Reeder writes, "God's people are not victims in a broken world but victors walking in Christ's triumph. Christ followers are overcomers, not the overwhelmed. Informed by God's inerrant Word, they see life in biblical perspective, making decisions with clarity, confidence and courage." We can make decisions with that clarity, confidence and courage, as we rely upon His Word to understand life's circumstances, that they are not all just random events. We can walk hand in hand with the Holy Spirit guiding us to make God centered, kingdom advancing decisions.

May that describe you today, among the "overcomers, not the overwhelmed".

Ephesians 5:15-16 (HCSB) Pay careful attention, then, to how you walknot as unwise people but as wise ¹⁶ making the most of the time,

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 41:11-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹¹Behold, all they who are enraged and inflamed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; they who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.

¹²You shall seek those who contend with you but shall not find them; they who war against you shall be as nothing, as nothing at all.

¹³For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!

¹⁴Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Verse of the Day 1/20

2012-01-20T06:55:00.001-05:00

Joshua 23:6 (HCSB) "Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you do not turn from it to the right or left

Joshua is coming to the end of his life and he wants to encourage and challenge the Israelites to continue in faith. He knew that it would not be easy, that they would not only have to be strong, very strong, while continuing to look to God for deliverance from every obstacle that would come along.

These were Joshua's "marching orders" to the people and they still serve as God's marching orders to us today.

The words of the Susan Ashton song "Walk On" come to mind:

I'm at the end of my rope, time I realize

That when the going gets tough

And the tough are long gone, just to

Walk on, walk on, walk on

I hadn't thought of it this way before, but Joshua was letting the people know that he wouldn't be there to lead them for much longer. He would be gone, he was encouraging them to walk on, walk on in faith in God.

Have you lost a friend, loved one, or mentor that helped you in your way? May we remember their faith, and where their faith was placed. May we put our faith and trust in God when the going gets tough, when we feel we're at the end of our rope, He will guide us and give us the strength to not to stop or stray from the path, but to "walk on".

Blessings,

Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Joshua 23:6-8 (HCSB)

⁶ "Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you do not turn from it to the right or left ⁷ and so that you do not associate with these nations remaining among you. Do not call on the names of their gods or make an oath to them; do not worship them or bow down to them. ⁸ Instead, remain faithful to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.

Verse of the Day 1/19

2012-01-19T07:02:00.001-05:00

Matthew 18:3-4 (NLT) Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. ⁴ So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yesterday we considered the attitude of the heart in coming to God in prayer, that of the proud pharisee and the contrite tax collector, "the sinner". Today's verses point to another kind or another side of the humility required.

I've been reading the book by Todd Burpo "Heaven is for Real" which gives the account of what his 4 year old son Colton experienced in his "near death" experience. (I'll let you read the book and see what you'd call it). The pastor's comments on this verse really struck me. He writes, "What is childlike humility? It's not the lack of intelligence, but the lack of guile. The lack of an agenda. It's that precious, fleeting time before we have accumulated enough pride or position to care what other people might think. .... It is the opposite of ignorance - it is intellectual honesty; to be willing to accept reality and to call things what they are even when it is hard."

Wow! You can see the tax collectors heart, his childlike faith in these words.

Oh to see that kind of heart in our politicians - the lack of guile, lack of a personal agenda, the lack of spin, the intellectual honesty and willingness to accept reality. But before we, or I, look with disdain upon the politicians, what about me?

Pastor Burpo noticed this in a child, I've seen this kind of faith and honesty in my son Jeff and others with special needs. Why is it so hard for us?

May we find our way back to that childlike faith.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matthew 18 New Living Translation (NLT) - The Greatest in the Kingdom

¹ About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

² Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. ³ Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. ⁴ So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

⁵ "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf^[a] is welcoming me. ⁶ But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Verse of the Day 1/18

2012-01-18T06:52:00.001-05:00

Luke 18:13-14 (ESV) But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The men's small group that I'm in has been going (slowly) through the book of Luke. Our next study will be in Luke 18 where we find today's verse which is an excellent one to consider while we are on the subject of righteousness or being right with God. The passage contrasts the prayer of the pharisee and the tax collector, the "sinner". Read the passage. The pharisee pridefully spouts off the things that he has done for God thinking that doing those things make him worthy, but notice that Luke says he is praying "with himself: (NKJV). His prayer goes no higher than the ceiling or even the top of his head.

The tax collector realizes that he has nothing of his own to bring, he is depending on God's mercy to be saved, to be made righteous.

I think that if we were to take a look at our prayers and the condition of our hearts as we pray, that all too often there is a little or a lot of the pharisee in us. When we come to the Lord may we be like the tax collector, and come to him as "sinners". The old hymn "Just as I Am" came to mind. Read a couple of the stanzas, does it reflect the attitude of your heart in approaching Christ today?

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Luke 18:9-14 New King James Version (NKJV) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

⁹ Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ¹⁰ "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' ¹³ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Verse of the Day 1/17

2012-01-17T06:58:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Righteousness is one of the "big" words in Christianity and one that is often misunderstood. To be righteous is not dressing the part, going through the motions, following a list of rules. To be righteous literally means to be right with God or before God. It doesn't end there. It also involves desiring to do what God would have us do. Simply put it is to be right before God and to do right by God. This is not something that we do or earn it is through faith in Christ and what He has accomplished for us. The Message paraphrase may help our understanding by relating righteousness to our appetite for God.

. Matthew 5:6(MSG) "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

I signed up for a weight-loss program and will weigh in today. I will be going on a diet (wish me luck). I'm sure that along the way I will hunger and thirst for things. Do you have days where you hunger and thirst for food, you see an advertisement for a steak or pizza and you desire it? In reading the verse from The Message you may have asked yourself the question "what is my appetite for God". Do you hunger and crave His Word, wanting to spend more time with God in prayer, letting Him lead you in your walk?

Maybe we need to go on a diet from other things and focus more on growing in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord". If we do so, we will be filled and fit for the Christian walk of faith.

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matthew 5:3-9 The Message (MSG)

³"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

⁵"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

⁶"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

⁷"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

⁸"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

⁹"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

Verse of the Day 1/16

2012-01-16T07:20:00.001-05:00

2 Samuel 7:25-26 (ESV) And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. ²⁶ And your name will be magnified forever, saying, 'The LORD of hosts is God over Israel,' and the house of your servant David will be established before you.

If you watch any TV, especially on some of the news channels, I'm sure you will have seen commercials from several different companies encouraging you to invest in gold and silver, "precious metals", as a hedge against economic uncertainty now and financial security in the future. The commercials encourage people to invest in shiny gold coins and hide them away in a vault or deposit box where they may not see the light of day for years or decades. The coins are taken out of circulation. How many of us approach God's Word and His promises in the same way, as a hedge against the future? We want to learn God's Word but in essence, we put it away for future reference and don't apply it in our every day lives.

Charles Spurgeon, in his morning devotional writes, "God's gold is not miser's money, but is minted to be traded with. Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see his promises put in circulation; he loves to see his children bring them up to him, and say, "Lord, do as thou hast said." We glorify God when we plead his promises." God's Word and His promises are meant to be put in circulation. They are meant to be spent, but in a way that builds for the future. Spurgeon notes, "Our heavenly Banker delights to cash his own notes. Never let the promise rust."

Asking God to confirm and establish his Word in us will mean putting it into practice, into circulation to accomplish His purposes now and for eternity, that His name will be glorified. May it be so with us in our lives today.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 Samuel 7:25 The Message (MSG)

^25-27 "So now, great God, this word that you have spoken to me and my family, guarantee it permanently! Do exactly what you've promised! Then your reputation will flourish always as people exclaim, 'The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is God over Israel!' And the house of your servant David will remain sure and solid in your watchful presence. For you, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God, told me plainly, 'I will build you a house.' That's how I was able to find the courage to pray this prayer to you.

Verse of the Day 1/15

2012-01-15T13:13:00.001-05:00

Verse of the Day 1/15

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble! I will deliver you--and you shall glorify Me!" Psalm 50:15

I don't normally send out a verse of the day on both days of the weekend. When I read this in "Grace Gems" this morning, it was a matter of the "can't help its". It was written in James Smith's "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" in 1842.

Believer, in this portion of the divine Word, you will discover:
1. your present portion--trouble,
2. your constant privilege--prayer,
3. your future prospect--deliverance.

Your constant privilege is PRAYER--to visit the throne of grace, and wait upon our God. He says, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble!" Troubles . . .
furnish us with messages to our Father's throne,
quicken us in our supplications, and
oblige us to entreat His favor!

His throne of grace is always accessible, and His ear is always open; but in times of trouble, He especially invites us to draw near. He says:
Call upon Me in trouble, call for whatever you need!
Are you perplexed--then call for wisdom;
are you weak--then call for strength;
are you guilty--then call for pardon;
are you miserable--then call for comfort;
are you in darkness--then call for light;
are you in bondage--then call for freedom and relief.

Call upon Me, for I am always on the throne of grace!

Call upon Me, for I am glad to see you!

Call upon Me, for I am ready to help you!

Call upon Me, for I wait to be gracious unto you!

Call upon Me--upon Me first, before you run to others!

Call upon Me--and you will have no occasion to go anywhere else, for I have all that you can possibly need.

Call upon Me freely--without reserve.

Call upon Me boldly--without fear.

Call upon Me importunately--without doubt!

The promise encourages us,
the invitation allures us--but
trouble impels us to call upon our God!

Our troubles are frequently the instruments the Holy Spirit employs to carry on His sacred work in our hearts. By troubles, He . . .
empties us of self,
weans us from the world, and
endears Jesus and His salvation to us!

Oh, believer, make use of your privilege in every time of trouble--and fully expect what Your God has promised!

Now fast forward to the last verse of the Psalm:

Psalm 50:23 (Amplifed Bible) He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 50:15 (Amplified Bible) And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.

Verse of the Day 1/14

2012-01-14T07:56:00.001-05:00

Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

John Calvin referred to the psalms as "an Anatomy of all Parts of the Soul", explaining that "there is not an emotion of which anyone can be conscious that is not here represented as a mirror. Or rather, the Holy Spirit has here drawn to life all grief's, sorrows, fears, doubts, hopes, cares, perplexities, in short, all the distracting emotions with which the minds of men are wont to be agitated."

Reading that statement brought me to these verses and this passage which always brings to my mind a song that we used to sing in the choir at EEFC, "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name". (click on it to listen to it). John MacArthur notes that the verse and the phrase look upon man as insignificant and transitory. Yet Jesus chose this name "the Son of Man" as a title for himself. His life, which to outsiders, may have seemed transitory, but it actually held the keys to eternal life. That thought of our fleeting lives was brought home by the passing of a couple of friends that I used to sing with in that choir. Their lives here on earth, as will ours, will prove to be transitory, but through faith in Christ we realize, and have a blessed assurance, that we who believe in Him will live with Him again for eternity.

Sometimes we may feel insignificant and wonder if anyone, especially God, truly cares for us. This psalm and others, in fact the whole Bible, serve as reminders that He is mindful of us, He cares for us. May we find our rest, our peace, our hope in Him. Pick out another psalm, let it be a reminder to you to feel that sense of wonder of the majesty and glory of God.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 8:3-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

³ When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
⁶ You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
⁷ all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
⁸ the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

⁹ O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Verse of the Day 1/13

2012-01-13T06:59:00.001-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV) 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.

Norman Vincent Peale is famous for his book "The Power of Positive Thinking". It has its merits and the concept is definitely better than constant negative thinking. Positive thinking should cause us to look at things differently and if we look at things differently, we should react differently. But positive thinking doesn't always make things right.

We started the week considering losing our life and not living for ourselves, to finding life it in Christ. Today's verse starts with the thought that Christ's love will "compel" us, lead us, guide our thoughts and literally force us to live for him. This will lead to a much different outcome in our lives than living for ourselves.

The thought fits in well with a couple of verses from Philippians which are part of a devotional that the youth group at our church is going through.

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meput it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

It involves more than "positive thinking", it expands it to whatever is right, pure, lovely and admirable. We are to think on these things. But it doesn't stop there, look at the result, the God of peace will be with you. Do you need God's peace and the God of peace with you today? Then think of these things in Jesus. It will be another way to count your blessings.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 5:14-20 New International Version (NIV)

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.

¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Verse of the Day 1/12

2012-01-12T07:07:00.001-05:00

Ecclesiastes 2:11-12 The Message (MSG) Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.

The other day we considered life lives God's way versus "my way". The heading for the passage in Ecclesiastes that begins with this verse has is "I hate life". The book was written by Solomon later in life. He had started living life God's way but was led astray by the love of, you might say, wine, women and song. Today's verse sum's up his feelings about living such a life.

In this chapter Solomon boasts of building houses, planting vineyards, gardens and parks, made pools, had slaves, women, and all kinds of treasures. But like the person in Frank Sinatra's song, My Way, he was coming towards the end of his life and found himself and his achievements as vain and empty. "What is a man what has he got, if not himself then he has naught". Solomon had himself and realized it was for naught.

John MacArthur writes, "the futility of the labor process is that Solomon had nothing of enduring and satisfying substance to show for it. Wisdom is no guarantee that one will achieve satisfaction, even in accomplishments comparable to Solomon's. To expend God given resources for human accomplishment alone is empty." Solomon could relate to the Rolling Stone's song - I can't get no satisfaction.

Sounds like Solomon had a few regrets himself. Fast forward to the end of the book. We find what the wisest person in the world found, the one that had it all yet felt empty, until he turned back to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT) That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty.

Saint Augustine of Hippo. ... "You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you,"

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Ecclesistes 2:4-11 The Message

Verse of the Day 1/11

2012-01-11T06:54:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 5:11 (NLT) Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.

Today's verse is a challenging one for today's politically correct society, where everyone not only has the right to their own opinion, but you are expected to accept their opinion as being right. It challenges us to do the right thing and not to take part or get sucked into the dangers out there that are thought of as freedoms.

We are not just to sit back or stand idly on the sideline. The verse tells us that we are to expose things to show, to reveal what they truly are and what they lead to.

In a sermon on this verse, John Piper states, "God calls his people to be the conscience of the culture. Our individual conscience probes into our behavior and either approves or disapproves what we do. So the children of light are to probe into the life of their culture and approve or disapprove what it does.

I hope you hear the force of this. It is radically different from the passivity and moral withdrawal of many Christians. Many believers have a passive avoidance ethic and that is all. In other words they think: if I avoid the works of darkness, and don't do them myself, then I am doing my Christian duty. I'm clean. I'm in the light. But that is not what verse 11 says. It says you are only doing half your duty. "Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness"that's an avoidance ethic. That's half your duty. But it goes on, and in fact puts stress on the next phrase because it is easily overlooked and because it can be very costly: "Rather even expose them!" Don't just avoid the works of darkness, EXPOSE them. This is not avoidance. This is action."

It is a call to action. Has something been on your heart, something that is just not right? It may be abortion, alcohol, drugs, sexual "freedom" or any number of things. We are called to expose them for what they are, they are not harmless, they destroy lives.

The Message (below) says "don't waste your time" , instead make the most of your time. These are desperate times and call for desperate measures. A good book on this topic as a lifestyle is "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 5:11 (MSG)

^11-16Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

   Wake up from your sleep,
   Climb out of your coffins;
   Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

Verse of the Day 1/10

2012-01-10T06:50:00.001-05:00

Luke 17:33 (AMP) Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve and quicken it.

I read this verse in preparing for our men's small group meeting which dealt with the previous passages in the chapter. I read this verse and then read it in several different translations. Read it from The Message: "If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms."

How much of our time or that of the "average person" spent clinging to life on our own terms being dissatisfied or at least hoping for better results, it all the while? It is a natural desire to live life "my way" but where does that lead us? I like the words from the Amplified Bible which says that those who give their lives over to him will actually preserve and "quicken" their lives.

We don't often use the word "quicken" today. Merriam - Webster defines it as "to make alive:revive; to cause to be enlivened: stimulate. It definitely fits with the thoughts in the verse.

Thinking of "my way" versus "God's way" I couldn't help but think of the word's to the Frank Sinatra song "My Way". For me the last stanza would be haunting.

For what is a man, what has he got,

If not himself, then he has naught,

To say the words he truly feels,

And not the words of one who kneels,

The record shows, I took the blows,

And did it my way.

To me, they sound like the words of a stubborn fool who doesn't realize that he did bow down, but not to the one who could truly give him life, satisfaction, and joy. I'll be one who kneels before God. I read the following in Psalm 95 this morning.

Psalm 95:6-7(NLT) Come, let us worship and bow down.
      Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
    ⁷ for he is our God.
   We are the people he watches over,
      the flock under his care.

I'd rather be part of the flock, under His care, than one who would stand on their own before Him on the last day saying, I chose to do it my way. What will be in store for him?

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Luke 17:33 If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms. - The Message

Verse of the Day 1/7

2012-01-07T08:12:00.001-05:00

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV) Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

R.C. Sproul, writing of Augustine, John Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards, wrote that "their minds and imaginations were captured by the majesty of God the Father. Each of them possessed a profound affection for the sweetness of the excellency of Christ. There was in each of them a singular and unswerving loyalty to Christ that spoke of a citizenship in heaven that was always more precious to them than the applause of men."

It is a stunning contrast when we compare those thoughts to what we see going on in the political arena today. I read the following verse from Galatians 5 last night.

Galatians 5:15 (AMP) But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another.

No matter which side of the political aisle you sit on you can see the "partisan strife" going on. The candidates are backbiting and trying to devour one another. They are also trying to put "the right spin" on every statistic, every pole conducted to use to their personal political advantage.

Our first president, George Washington, didn't really want to be president, he was pretty much pushed or forced into it by people who saw in him the same qualities described in Sproul's description of the "giants" of the faith in church history. Oh that the candidates today would try to imitate George Washington. O that our Christian leaders would strive to serve and show the faith and unswerving loyalty to Christ as did Augustine, Calvin , Edwards and others.

May we strive to be the kind of Christians that others would want to imitate our walk, our faith.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Galatians 5:14-16 (ESV)

¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Keep in Step with the Spirit

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

.....²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control;against such things there is no law.

Verse of the Day 1/6

2012-01-06T06:59:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Whenever I read this passage in Matthew 5, a couple of songs come to mind. The first one is a song that is one of the first one that little children learn "This Little Light of Mine", you know it "I'm gonna let it shine". We won't hide it under a bushel, NO, we're gonna let is shine.

The second is my son Jeff's favorite song by the Newsboys, simply "Shine". It is something he does every day.

shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord

Sometimes we can become complacent in our faith. It may seem like we are not shining. The verses can be a reminder to shake us out of the doldrums and rekindle that fire, even if it is a "little light", to shine. I read a devotional the other day in which the author offered a prayer to be "unsettled". This unsettling can be the removal of the bushel in "this little light of mine".

Lysa TerKeurst wrote, "I dare you soul of mine, to notice the stark evidence of a spirit that is tainted and a heart that must be placed under the microscope of God's Word. Yes, indeed, unsettle me Lord.

Unearth that remnant of justification.

Shake loose that pull toward compromise.

Reveal that broken shard of secrecy.

Expose that tendency to give up.

Unsettle me in the best kind of way. For when I allow Your touch to reach the deepest part of me - dark and dingy and hidden away too long - suddenly, a fresh wind of life twists and twirls and dances through my soul..."

The person that is unsettled in this kind of way will shine, causing others to wonder what they've got. Are you willing to be "unsettled" so that you may shine?

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matthew 5:13-16 (HCSB) Believers Are Salt and Light

¹³ "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Verse of the Day 1/5

2012-01-05T06:56:00.001-05:00

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; NIV

Many people have started the New Year with resolutions to change things in their lives. For many Christians it may be spending more time with God in prayer and in His word. But it takes more than just thinking about doing it. Setting our minds means having a focus, laying out a plan, setting a course and following it under the Spirit's guidance.

We started the year in Psalm 90 where we find the following verse.

Ps 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. NIV

Numbering our days involves order, involves a plan, involves an awareness of priorities in the circumstances in our lives.

One way that we can "number our days" is to follow a Bible reading plan. The plan that I'm on brought me to Matthew chapter 4 this morning where Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan. Satan was trying to get him off track, to change his focus, his mind set. Jesus responded to every temptation with the Word of God.

Matt 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" NIV
Numbering our days involves ordering our days according to God's plans, found in prayer and in His Word.

Matt. 7:7 "Search, and you will find." "Before reading the Bible, pray. Don't go to the Scripture looking for your own idea; go searching for God's. Read the Bible prayerfully and carefully. The Bible is not a newspaper to be skimmed but rather a mine to be quarried." Max Lucado

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Romans 8:5-10

5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness NIV

Verse of the Day 1/4

2012-01-04T07:01:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 1:3 (AMP) May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!

Having recently given the eulogy for my father, this verse touched me today. As indicated in the Amplified Bible, the word translated as blessing is derived from the same word as eulogy, which means to praise or commend. It is expressing that praise, adoration and love with the realization that we have been blessed to have known someone and be loved by them. In the case of Jesus, we realize that we are continually being blessed. We know that it is from Him that all blessings flow.

This thought is where we get the Doxology, "modernized" below.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Praise God, Praise God,

Praise God who saves my soul

Praise God, Praise God

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

May you experience the blessing and praise God from whom the blessings flow.

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:3-7 (ESV) Spiritual Blessings in Christ

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace

Verse of the Day 1/3

2012-01-03T06:45:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 1:2 (AMP) May grace (God's unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul often begins his letters with these or similar words, conveying grace and peace to his readers. The Amplified Bible translation above helps in expanding the meaning of those words to us which have become so diluted today.

John MacArthur writes that "Grace is God's great kindness toward those who are undeserving of His favor but who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is the fountain and peace is the stream." What a picture, does it depict your life, God's grace flowing through you in the form of peace to others? Think of those words used in the Amplified to describe this peace - harmony, unity and undisturbedness. Don't you want, don't you need more of it in your life, in your current circumstances?

There is a basketball player that changed his last name to "World Peace" and it is on the back of his jersey. It is a lofty goal and desire, but it doesn't come from us, it can only come from God, but peace can flow through us. Billy Graham and Mother Teresa are couple of people that I can think of who have embodied this, and they would point away from themselves as the source and point to the Lord Jesus.

May we do our best to be a channel for His peace.

How I praise Thee, precious Savior,
That Thy love laid hold of me;
Thou hast saved and cleansed and filled me,
That I might Thy channel be.

Channels only, blessed Master,
But with all Thy wondrous power,
Flowing through us, Thou canst use us
Every day and every hour.

Phil 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. NLT

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 1:1-2

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ESV

Verse of the Day 1/2

2012-01-02T08:19:00.000-05:00

Joshua 6:25 (AMP) So Joshua saved Rahab the harlot, with her father's household and all that she had; and she lives in Israel even to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

My Old Testament reading plan just happened to bring me to Joshua chapter 6 yesterday while the New Testament reading started out the new year in Matthew 1. Matthew 1 gives a genealogy of Jesus Christ and verse 5 reveals the significance of what God accomplished through Rahab.

Matthew 1:5-6 (ESV) and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, ⁶ and Jesse the father of David the king.......¹⁶ and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

We don't know what may have been going on in Rahab's life and mind as the new year started the year Jericho fell, but I doubt that she had any idea of the events that would take place, the significance of her life and what would be accomplished through her life. It serves as a reminder for us today. No matter where we stand, what needs changing in our lives, God has a plan for us and great things will be in store for those who will follow His promptings, submit to His authority and be obedient to His direction. Again, it will not be easy, there is always risk involved, but the future dividends may be immeasurable.

Dr. W. A. Criswell said, "Rahab the harlot is an example of the grace of God at work. Her salvation was not based on her character or merits: she lived in a doomed city, practiced a condemned profession, engaged in subversive activities, and falsified [lied about] her actions. Nevertheless sheacted upon faith, and was spared the judgment of God which was executed at the hands of the Israelites. In addition to her deliverance, Rahab was rewarded beyond measure when she married into the household of NahshonBy Salmon, Rahab became the mother of Boaz and ancestress of David in the Messianic line [of those who were the ancestors of Jesus]. As one of four women listed in the genealogy of Matthew 1, Rahab is in the company of Tamar, who was also a harlot, and Ruth, who was a virtuous Gentile"Rahab's name is mentioned because she did what God was leading her to do." (More on the scarlett thread) If she would not have been obedient to His call God would have used someone else and someone else's name would be written in that genealogy.

The spies just happened to come to Rahab to hide, Ruth just happened to come to the field of Boaz, or did they? I don't think so.

As you head into the New Year, be aware of, be on the lookout for those happenstance meetings, opportunities to help and to serve, to show mercy and compassion. Who knows what God plans on doing through the one to whom you show mercy and compassion?

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Joshua 6:25-27 The Message (MSG)

²⁵ But Joshua let Rahab the harlot liveRahab and her father's household and everyone connected to her. She is still alive and well in Israel because she hid the agents whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

²⁶ Joshua swore a solemn oath at that time:
   Cursed before God is the man
      who sets out to rebuild this city Jericho. He'll pay for the foundation with his firstborn son,
      he'll pay for the gates with his youngest son.

²⁷ God was with Joshua. He became famous all over the land.

Verse of the Day 1/1

2012-01-01T12:23:00.001-05:00

Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands! ESV

I have been reading the book "Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" and yesterday happened to read that every New Years Eve their family used to read psalm 90 which ends with today's verse which is fitting for us to start this New Year. It is a prayer for God's grace to be upon us, that he would establish, give value, significance and meaning to our lives in the coming year.

Then as now, there was a lot of uncertainty facing Bonhoeffer, the church and the nation. He encouraged the Christians then to take a stand for what they believe in, something that would not be easy in the political climate of Germany in the late 30's.

Eric Metaxas writes of the situation that Bonhoeffer faced, "The National Socialist's strategy of dividing and conquering its opponents, of confusing and delaying, was working with the Confessing Church. Bonhoeffer knew that something of this unwillingness to speak out with boldness had to do with money. The state provided financial security for the pastors of Germany, and even pastors in the Confessing Church would jeopardize their incomes only to a certain point." No matter what "side" you take in today's political environment, its not too hard to see the dividing and conquering, the confusing and delaying, that is going on. We can be sure that this will spill over into the spiritual environment as well. May we stand up against the fray in today's situation and not cave in on what we believe in whether it be in regards to money or to political correctness.

We'll end with a New Testament verse, written by the apostle Paul, which conveys the same message. He was one who went before Bonhoeffer in following hard after God.

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. ESV

Let us be steadfast and immovable and let the Lord's favor rest on us to establish the work of our hands in faithful service to Him.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 90:12-91:1

12 So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands! ESV

Verse of the Day 12/31

2011-12-31T10:09:00.001-05:00

Acts 1:11 (NLT) "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"

The angels were speaking to the stunned apostles who had just seen Jesus taken up to heaven. John MacArthur writes that their question "denotes more than a routine question about the men's reaction to the miracle. "Looking" refers to a long gaze; in this instance a transfixed stare as if losing someone. The question, then, was a mild rebuke to the eleven. They were not forever losing their Master, as some apparently feared. The angels went on to stress that Jesus would someday return to earth in the same glorious manner as the apostles had just seen Him ascend."

Many will be facing this coming year with the same kind of stare, having lost someone, or perhaps looking and longing for better days yet dwelling on the past, thinking the best days are behind us. The look of a Christian is both upwards and forwards, looking to a better day coming, relationships will be restored, we will have new heavenly bodies, and we will see our loved ones and our Saviour face to face.

Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Titus 2:11-13 (NLT) For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. ¹² And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,¹³ while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

As we look towards this new year, may that be our story, may that be our song.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Acts 1:6-11

New Living Translation (NLT)

Verse of the Day 12/30

2011-12-30T07:02:00.001-05:00

1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. KJV

Over the next couple of days many, if not most people, will take a look back on the events of the past year and will take a look forward into the new one. They will make resolutions based on what has (or hasn't) taken place and that they'd like to change. For many it will be a battle of weight for others it will be a battle of wait. In today's verse we have another spiritual leader of Israel commending the people. He commended them to look back on what the Lord had done and looking forward, to place their trust in Him to deliver them from their enemies and lead them to victory.

Some translations will say "so far, till now, or up to this point " the Lord has helped us. Once again, they are good words but don't bring across the full meaning. "Charles Spurgeon in "Morning and Evening" writes, "The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!

But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesu's likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss."

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every 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.

All the way my Savior leads me
O 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.

Over the next couple of days, look back to see how God has brought you to this place. The word "Ebenezer" means "stone of help, or remembrance" Perhaps you need to take a stone of remembrance, a spiritual marker as a reminder of what He has done in your life, and keep it handy as you head into the coming year. Depend on Him for deliverance in your battles and against your spiritual enemy. May the Lord's powerful hand be your help, give you courage and bring you joy in the coming year.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 Sam 7:7-14 NLT

7 When the Philistine rulers heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, they mobilized their army and advanced. The Israelites were badly frightened when they learned that the Philistines were approaching. 8 "Don't stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!" they begged Samuel. 9 So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the Lord as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him.

10 Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived to attack Israel. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven that day, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them. 11 The men of Israel chased them from Mizpah to a place below Beth-car, slaughtering them all along the way.

12 Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means "the stone of help"), for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!"

13 So the Philistines were subdued and didn't invade Israel again for some time. And throughout Samuel's lifetime, the Lord's powerful hand was raised against the Philistines.

Verse of the Day 12/29

2011-12-29T07:03:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 8:15(ESV) And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

In the verses from the past couple of days we've seen where God, through Moses and Joshua, commended courage. In today's verse King Solomon commends joy.

This is one of the verses that is easily twisted, especially when several translations say "eat, drink, and be merry". I can see where in comes from and the thought may not be totally wrong, but replacing merry with "joy" changes things.

John MacArthur notes that "in no way does Solomon commend unbridled, rampant indulgence in sin.... his focus here is on the resolve to enjoy life in the face of the injustice that surrounded him."

There will be plenty of people who will try to eat, drink and be merry over the next few days, but there merriment will lead to a hangover, or worse. The type of joy expressed by MacArthur is something different, it is deeper, fuller, richer and not dependent on the immediate circumstances.

This type of joy requires the courage mentioned over the past couple of days. My sons, Jeff and Jason, have both shown me this joy and this courage in their lives in the way the have overcome life's challenges. Jeffrey suffered a traumatic brain injury and his life will be a challenge but he is the most joyful person I know. Just this morning he thanked me again for "this wonderful life". My son Jason was diagnosed several years ago with an inoperable brain tumor, but through faith and hope in Jesus, he wouldn't let it keep him down and has experienced great joy through it, especially when earlier this year he found out that the tumor is literally gone.

The eat, drink and be joyful her speaks to our basic needs, our sustenance. We can only truly find this and be satisfied when we acknowledge that they come from God.

May you experience today and in the coming year, the joy in following and serving Jesus.

There is joy in serving Jesus
As I journey on my way
Joy that fills my heart with praises
Every hour and every day

There is joy in serving Jesus
Joy; that triumphs over pain
Fills my heart with heaven's music
Till I join the glad refrain

There is joy, joy
Joy in serving Jesus
Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 English Standard Version (ESV) Man Cannot Know God's Ways

¹⁴ There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. ¹⁵ And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Verse of the Day 12/28

2011-12-28T06:52:00.001-05:00

Verse of the Day 12/28

Joshua 1:7 (HCSB) Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.

In yesterday's verse Moses commended the people of Israel, including Joshua, to be strong and courageous. Here, Joshua has taken the reigns in leading the nation and in the span of four verses, commends the people three times to be strong and courageous. They were preparing to cross the Jordan (at flood stage) to enter the long awaited promised land. The journey would not be easy, then, as now, there was not easy button to press, they had to go through it.

The commands to be strong and courageous define the mission of Joshua's life. He would lead the people across the river and in battles with the enemy, but God would go before him. God, not human strength or wit, would topple the formidable walls of Jericho. Then as now, it will not be easy. We may lose close friends who won't agree with our stand or go with us into battle, but God did not have to conduct poles or sponsor popularity contests to know what was the right thing to do, He will guide you in the direction you should go.

Spurgeon's "Evening Devotional" for today aptly describes the courage that Moses, Joshua and others have lived and commended to us, "Fearless of all consequences, you must do the right. You will need the courage of a lion unhesitatingly to pursue a course which shall turn your best friend into your fiercest foe; but for the love of Jesus you must thus be courageous. For the truth's sake to hazard reputation and affection, is such a deed that to do it constantly you will need a degree of moral principle which only the Spirit of God can work in you; yet turn not your back like a coward, but play the man. Follow right manfully in your Master's steps, for he has traversed this rough way before you. Better a brief warfare and eternal rest, than false peace and everlasting torment."

As God leads, "play the man", follow Him along the path, don't be distracted and stray from the course, be courageous, follow His lead through thick and thin.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Joshua 1:6-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

⁶ "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. ⁷Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you.Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. ⁸ This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. ⁹ Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Verse of the Day 12/27

2011-12-27T06:45:00.000-05:00

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Pastor Bob, in his Christmas message spoke of how Jesus came to the earth into the mess of a stable and how, through history, He has come into the lives of His people in the "messiness", the difficult, challenging times of our lives.

In today's passage, Moses is preparing to transfer the leadership of the nation of Israel to Joshua. They had gone through 40 years of wandering in the desert. Now as the promised land is in sight the people will have to realize that it will have to be someone else that will lead them. What would Moses say to them?

He doesn't say that they'll have to just figure it out for themselves. He doesn't point to a person at this point to lead them. He encourages to have faith, to trust God, who had led the previous generation through the Red Sea, had led them by a cloud and pillar of fire, who had provided manna, quail, and water in the desert. He points out that God would still be leading them and that He hadn't brought them to this point only to forsake them.

Many things can bring about anxiety about upcoming changes in our lives. Moses spoke to the people in general and to Joshua in particular, not to be in dread of them, his words from the heart of God, speak to us the same way today.

"There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. "Jehovah"--mark the word--"Jehovah shall guide thee continually." - from Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" for today.

Isaiah 58:11 (HCSB) The LORD will always lead you,
satisfy you in a parched land,
and strengthen your bones.
You will be like a watered garden
and like a spring whose waters never run dry.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Deuteronomy 31:5-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

⁵ The LORD will deliver them over to you, and you must do to them exactly as I have commanded you. ⁶ Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you."

⁷ Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the LORD swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it. ⁸The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."

Verse of the Day 10/26

2011-12-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Verse of the Day 12/26

Philippians 4:13 (AMP) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Years ago a gasoline company used to advertise by saying "put a tiger in your tank" inferring that if you used their gasoline that you'd experience more out of your car. The picture was that of the power, agility, and speed of a tiger infused into your car, bringing new life to your tired old beater.

Yesterday in the passage in Acts 1 we considered the presence of the Holy Spirit's power that is available to us and living in us. In today's verse, the word used for "empowers" means to put power in. Christ infuses His power into us.

MacArthur writes that "because believers are in Christ (Gal. 2:20) He infuses them with His strength to sustain them until they receive some provision (Eph. 3:16-20).

These last few weeks around Christmas I'm sure we've all heard references in song and in scripture about Emmanuel, God is with us. If we are Christians, He is with us, His presence, His power, His strength is available to us to sustain us through all situations.

What challenges are you facing today? May we all be able to draw upon His power, to have the strength for all things in Christ who empowers us.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 4:10-13 (ESV) God's Provision

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:28:00.001-05:00

Romans 5:2 (ESV) Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

What are you rejoicing in this Christmas Day? The grace mentioned in this verse can also be looked upon as the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit in us.

"On this Christmas Day, celebrate not only the coming of Christ but also the power of the Holy Spirit in orchestrating the Son's birth. He is the same Spirit who lives within and animates your life on a daily basis. Worship Him today for His involvement not only in history but also in your transformed life." - John MacArthur.

Merry Christmas everyone!

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 5:1-5 The Message (MSG)

Developing Patience
^1-2By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for usset us right with him, make us fit for himwe have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might standout in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
^3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrarywe can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Verse of the Day 12/24

2011-12-24T07:53:00.001-05:00

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
ESV

The good news referenced in this verse is mutli-faceted. But one that was brought to my attention in recent weeks this season is His victory over death. As you've noticed in recent posts, the recent loss of my father has influenced my emotions and thoughts this Christmas season. The fact that Jesus was born, that He died and that He lives again changes everything. There is a degree of sadness but there is also 'good news of a great joy". This news is not just for me but it is for all those who put their faith and trust in Christ.

In celebrating the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the victory that He accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection.

1 Cor 15:54-57 "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

55 "Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV

Because of this we can sing:

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hail the heav'nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;

In Christ,
Mike

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" ESV

Verse of the Day 12/23

2011-12-23T08:04:00.000-05:00

Luke 2:7 Amplified Bible (AMP) And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

Christmas is only a couple of days away. The malls and highways will be crowded with the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas shopping, looking in stores and even on the internet trying to find that perfect gift.

The days will be filled with all kinds of activities=from shopping to office parties and time spent with family and friends. Churches will be having services today and tomorrow and they will see the highest attendance of the year. In some cases it may be difficult to find a seat.

Joseph and Mary were headed to Jerusalem for a census, they faced crowds and the hustle and bustle for a different reason. Unfortunately, Joseph didn't book his room at the inn online, when he arrived there was not a room to be found. They ended up settling down in a stable where Mary gave birth to the Saviour. It was actually a retreat from the hustle and bustle.

Perhaps many of us will be caught up in the hustle and bustle when what we really need will be a retreat, finding some quiet time to relive the Christmas story; To make room amid the chaos of wrapping paper and presents to spend some time in worship and praise of Jesus and experience God's perfect gift. May we take the time to make room in our hearts for Jesus, who came for us.

Spend some time today considering the words of some of the Christmas hymns such as "Joy to the World" and prepare to let your heart make some room. May we be ready when He comes and calls for us.

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
Thy holy nativity.

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,
That should set Thy people free;
but with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.

When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Luke 2 New Living Translation (NLT) The Birth of Jesus

¹ At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. ²(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. ⁴ And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. ⁵ He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. ⁷ She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Verse of the Day 12/22

2011-12-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Haggai 1:5-6 (ESV) Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. ⁶ You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

I read these verses the other day and I was struck by the last sentence. Do you ever feel that your wages go into a bag with holes?

I recently received my "rewards" statement from my credit card company. By how much I've spent I receive miles which can't be used towards air travel or other things. The sad thing is, you quickly see how much you are spending month by month with little left to show from it. These verses can help me, help us to consider our ways this season.

We tend to focus on buying gifts and hoping that we'll be given some things by others that are on our personal wish list. But, any one of us should be able to realize that these things won't last, they will not bring us lasting happiness (we'll be disappointed when the latest sand wedge won't help us out of the sand trap). We would be far better off investing in things that will last. Spending time and sharing joy with family and friends, creating memories that will last and perhaps be passed on to future generations. True joy doesn't come from within ourselves. It comes from Christ and grows as it is shared.

The measure of our new self in Christthe renewed mindis the degree to which we look away from ourselves to Christ as our treasure. If Christ is more to you, you are more. If Christ is less to you, you are less. Your measure rises and falls with your measure of him. Your valuing him is the value that you have. Your esteeming him is the esteem that you have. Your treasuring him is the treasure that you are." John Piper

John Piper's quote combines the thoughts of "treasure" and "measure". What we treasure will be evident in how much it occupies our thoughts. Are we consumed by thoughts of achieving or accumulating more of what we will someday lose or throw away? Let's invest in something that will bring eternal rewards instead of a few miles.

Luke 12:33-34( ESV) Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

Haggai 1:4-6The Message (MSG)

^3-4Shortly after that, God said more and Haggai spoke it: "How is it that it's the 'right time' for you to live in your fine new homes while the Home, God's Temple, is in ruins?"

^5-6And then a little later, God-of-the-Angel-Armies spoke out again:

   "Take a good, hard look at your life.
   Think it over.
You have spent a lot of money,
   but you haven't much to show for it.
You keep filling your plates,
   but you never get filled up.
You keep drinking and drinking and drinking,
   but you're always thirsty.
You put on layer after layer of clothes,
   but you can't get warm.
And the people who work for you,
   what are they getting out of it?
Not much
   a leaky, rusted-out bucket, that's what.

Verse of the Day 12/21

2011-12-21T07:04:00.001-05:00

John 21:17(ESV) He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

John MacArthur writes, "when Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, he used a word for love that signifies total commitment. Peter responded with a word for love that signified his love for Jesus but not his total commitment....in the past, his life did not support such a claim. Jesus pressed home to Peter the need for unswerving devotion by repeatedly asking him if he loved him supremely."

This verse also brought me memories of my dad. When I was a kid I wanted to be a baseball player, a pitcher. My dad taught me how to pitch. He had a slight disability which did not allow him to squat as a catcher. He would bend over slightly, putting all of his weight on his "good" leg. This meant he could not get out of the way of a pitch that bounced in, it would hit him in the shins. Nonetheless, he never complained and took it in stride.

I believe that I developed into a "control" pitcher because I didn't want to hurt my dad.

Later, as I got older and threw harder, I continued to pitch to him. His hand would be raw from catching the pitches but he wouldn't complain. He was also having problems with his throwing shoulder, with every toss back he would wince in pain. Still, after dinner he would ask me if I wanted to go out and pitch. It was an example of his love and commitment. It was another instance of his being a "see through-er", the long term and relational benefits were worth the pain endured.

One of the ways of "feeding" the sheep is to do it with words. Another way is in action, in acts of love and devotion, not only to family but to others.

My dad left quite a legacy and an example for me and others.

A friend and former "little leaguer" responded to yesterday's verse with the following statement, "I was my honor and privilege to know your father. His smile and his loving, happy spirit will never be forgotten by me . He truly lived "Their is Joy in Serving Jesus". Thanks Dave.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 21:15-19English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁵When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." ¹⁶He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." ¹⁷He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." ¹⁹(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."

Verse of the Day 12/20

2011-12-20T07:35:00.001-05:00

John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

NKJV

I gave the eulogy at my father's funeral on Friday. There was so much to say and even after thinking about it for days, now that it is over, I keep on coming up with other things that I wish I would have said about him, about his life, and about the man he was.

That experience that sense of falling short of capturing the essence of my dad has given me greater appreciation for this verse. John had completed his marvelous work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit after having much time to put his thoughts together. Nonetheless, John understood that, it would be humanly impossible for he or any number of writers to fully capture the essence of Jesus.

Fast forward to today. Walk through a Christian bookstore, browse through the aisles, to to an on-line "bookstore" punch in just about any word used remotely related to Christianity and you'll find books, books and more books. Still, they do not, cannot and will never contain all that there is to know about our Saviour.

May it be our endeavor to know Him more today, here in this life, and experience that Immanuel "God is with us" today and that we will continue to know Him better forevermore.

Martin Luther - " The Bible is alive, it speaks to me, it has feet, it runs after me, it has hands, it lays hold of me." The Bible is alive because He is alive, the Everliving Word.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 21:24-25 Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁴It is this same disciple who is bearing witness to these things and who has recorded (written) them; and we [well] know that his testimony is true.

²⁵And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.

Verse of the Day 12/15

2011-12-15T08:36:00.001-05:00

Psalm 84:7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. NLT

More and more people these days are living into their nineties. My dad fell just short of it at 89. While living longer, most people approaching their 90's seem rather feeble and frail. That is because man looks upon the outside while God looks at the inside, at the heart. Today's verse comes from one of my favorite Psalms which earlier states "blessed is the man whose heart is set on pilgrimage".

It is a man looking beyond, today, beyond the current circumstances, even the frailty of our physical bodies and lives, to a new brighter day.

On the inside, those with faith may grow stronger. They long for their eternal home. The NKJV in verse 87 says "they will go from strength to strength". A strong faith hear to everlasting strength that won't fade.

These few verses of the psalm have strong similarities to Psalm 23 which is read more often at funerals. They both speak of going through the valley, they both speak of renewed strength, and they speak of refreshment. Life for the Christian is a pilgrimage, with our Lord Jesus leading us in the way.

"Going they increase in strength, until they appear before God in Zion." This last is doubtless the true idea. As they pass along, as they come nearer and nearer to the end of their journey, their strength, their ardor, their firmness of purpose increases. By their conversation; by their songs; by encouraging one another; by seeing one difficulty overcome after another; by the fact kept before their minds, and increasingly apparent, that they are constantly approaching the end of their journey-that the distance to be traveled is constantly diminishing-that the difficulties become less and less, and that they will soon see the towers and walls of the desired city-they are invigorated, cheered, comforted. What a beautiful illustration of the life of Christian pilgrims-of the bands of the redeemed-as they journey on toward the end of their course-the Mount Zion above! – From Barnes' Notes

I want to honor my dad today and tomorrow, and more than that I want to honor our God. Please pray for me, my mom, and family as we walk towards that goal, in the strength of His Spirit.

In Christ,

Mike

Follow the "Verse of the Day" at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ps 84:5- Happy are those who are strong in the LORD, who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains!

7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

Ps 23:6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

NLT

Verse of the Day 12/14

2011-12-14T07:18:00.001-05:00

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

When my dad was about 2 years old his mother took him to Sweden to meet and visit with family and friends. Back in the mid twenties that was quite a trip. But dad's citizenship was here in the U.S. and his father was there waiting for his return. It was where he was to return to be the person, the man he would grow up to be.

This verse speaks of citizenship, the term used relates to being registered to a city. It was why Mary and Joseph had to go back to Bethlehem for the census. As Christians, our citizenship is in heaven, when we received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, our names were registered there. It is our eternal home where our heavenly Father is waiting for us. It is where we will grow into who we are supposed to be for eternity.

R.C. Sproul writes, "At the last day, the bodies of believers will be raised and reunited with our souls that, at death, enjoy God's presence in heaven. Then we will be complete, and our denial of sinful passions today will be seen as worth it in our enjoyment of eternal bliss."

Where is your citizenship? It will determine where you will spend eternity.

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for our family and have expressed their condolences in responding to previous devotionals. There were too many to respond to all individually.

The visitation will be held at:
Saxx Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium, 9568 Belmont Avenue,
Franklin Park from 3to 9 PM Thursday and the Service Friday at 10:00 a.m.
(viewing at 9:00), and time of prayer at the Memorial Chapel at Mount
Emblem Cemetery, Grand Avenue & County Line Road, Elmhurst.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 3:17-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Verse of the Day 12/13

2011-12-13T07:01:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 40:31 (AMP) But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

This verse and passage have long been favorites of mine, they helped me through Jeff's accident and aftermath and they help me today in dealing with the loss of my father. For me, the Amplified Bible translation truly "amplifies" the message. Those who wait on the Lord are those who expect, look for, and hope in Him. Hopefully that describes your relationship with Him.

A couple of things in this verse bring my dad to mind. First, they shall run and not be weary. My dad was born with one leg shorter than the other. It limited some of his capabilities especially later in life. Even as a child it was rare to see him run. But he never complained about it. A friend responded to yesterday's verse and news with the following, how fitting it was for dad. "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it... and now your dad can RUN in God's light". Thanks Scott, for the reminder that dad can now run, unhindered as never before.

The other statement that I picture in my mind is that of the eagle mounting up to the sun. My father introduced me to guns and hunting. The verse brings to mind a time hunting in the mountains of Colorado. In the early afternoon I was on a mountainside looking down into a valley. Below me, I saw an eagle begin to circle. He circled higher and higher, never flapping his wings, catching the updrafts to climb without effort He circled past and continued to climb higher towards the sun until he became a speck in the bright sky. For my dad, in his later years especially, just about everything required effort, he didn't give up, he kept trying. I now see him moving without effort, like the eagle in my mountaintop experience, drawing near to his heavenly Father.

Many songs and hymns have been written in relation to the verses in this passage. I'll share some of the lines from "Everlasting God" - Lincoln Brewster.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

Wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever

Our Hope, our strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles.

In Christ,‎
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 40:28-31English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁸Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹He gives power to the faint,
   and to him who has no might he increases strength.
³⁰Even youths shall faint and be weary,
   and young men shall fall exhausted;
³¹but they who wait for 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.

Verse of the Day 12/12

2011-12-12T07:32:00.001-05:00

John 1:4-5(NLT) The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
⁵ The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

That light is the hope for the ages; to those who looked forward to His coming, to those who were there with Him while He was on the earth, to those that look to Him today for hope and healing now and for eternity, and for those who will look to Him into the future until He comes again to call all His children home.

Yesterday in church we sang the old Christmas hymn , "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". I was struck by the line "light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings". Yesterday we celebrated with our worship Pastor Jeromy's family the healing in their son Asher who was finally able to come home from the hospital after being born three months pre-mature.

This morning my dad was called home to be with the Lord. We mourn and yet we celebrate that he has gone to be with his Saviour, that he is at peace that he will be healed and made whole for eternity and that we will meet him again because of what God did in sending His Son into this world that we "no more may die".

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  	Hail the Sun of Righteousness!  	Light and life to all he brings,  	risen with healing in his wings.  	Mild he lays his glory by,  	born that we no more may die,  	born to raise us from the earth,  	born to give us second birth.  	Hark! the herald angels sing,  	"Glory to the new born King!"

Do you need healing, physically or spiritually today, for tomorrow, or forevermore? Turn to the one who has "risen with healing in His wings", who has the power to heal and restore, now and forevermore. May he bring hope and strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 1:1-5 (ESV)The Word Became Flesh

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life,and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Verse of the Day - weekend 12/10

2011-12-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

Matthew 24:31(NLT) And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the worldfrom the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

At this time of year people are gathering, some for small get togethers of only a few friends or family, others for extravagant Christmas, "Holiday", or New Years parties. One thing they all have in common is that they will come to an end. For some, things will simply go back to normal, for others, there will be quite a mess to clean up, both in trash and in lives. Today's verse speaks of a gathering that will never end. It is a gathering of Jesus' friends, His loved ones, with no mess to be cleaned up.

I read the following post this morning from an article written by J.C. Ryle back in 1878. It seemed to be fitting for the day the season and the time in life. Saying good bye can be hard, especially if you don't know when or if you'll ever see some of those friends and loved ones again. We can take consolation, and look forward to a better time, an eternity where we won't have those same emotions again.

"The gathering of all true Christians shall be a meeting without a parting. There are no such meetings now. We seem to live in an endless hurry, and can hardly sit down and take breath before we are off again. "Good-bye!" treads on the heels of "Hello!"

The cares of this world,
the necessary duties of life,
the demands of our families,
the work of our various stations and callings
all these things appear to eat up our days, and to make it impossible to have long quiet times of communion with God's people. But, blessed be God it shall not always be so. The hour comes, and shall soon be here, when "good-bye" and "farewell" shall be words that are laid aside and buried forever! When we meet in a world where the former things have passed away, where there is . . .
no more sin,
no more sorrow,
no more poverty,
no more work of body or work of brains,
no more need of anxiety for families,
no more sickness,
no more pain,
no more old age,
no more death,
no more change
when we meet in that endless state of being, calm, and restful, and unhurried who can tell what the bliss and blessedness will be? I cannot wonder that Paul bids us look up and look forward." J.C. Ryle 1878

Let us look upward and forward in faith, in hope and in praise today for when "the saved of earth shall gather".

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
- Refrain:
  When the roll is called up yonder,
  When the roll is called up yonder,
  When the roll is called up yonder,
  When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 24:29-31 ESV

Verse of the Day 12/9

2011-12-09T07:47:00.001-05:00

Verse of the Day 12/9

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" NKJV

Late last week I received word that my dad was seriously ill. That night I woke up with the following verse in my mind. John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

Jesus said this to Mary and Martha who were concerned about their brother Lazarus. On the surface it appears that He told them that Lazarus wouldn't die. But what He said was "this will not end" in death. Jesus delayed in coming to them and healing Lazarus. Lazarus did die, so that he might be raised again to God's glory.

The chapter is a fascinating one showing the sovereignty of God, the power of God to heal, or bring someone back to life (in this instance), which displayed His power over death that we may have confidence in today's verse.

Though we may die, we too shall live if we put our faith and trust in the One who has power over death.. We shall live forever, with our Saviour, healed and whole, the way were designed to be.

I ask for your prayers this morning for my dad and our familly. He hasn't been given long to live, but I know whom He believes in, and because of this I know that he too shall live again.

I love you dad!

The following song also came to me that night. It is a secular song but the words brought a vivid picture of this to mind. He laid Himself down that he could ease our minds in times of trouble. " Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel.

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'm on your side

When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 11:17-27

17 I Am the Resurrection and the Life So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.

18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away.

19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

21 Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.

22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."

23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

24 Martha said to Him,"I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." NKJV

Verse of the Day 12/8

2011-12-08T07:35:00.002-05:00

Verse of the Day 12/8

John 20:19-21 Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."

20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." NKJV

The setting in John 20 is that the disciples are cowering, hiding in fear from Jesus' persecutors when He appears to them to bring reassurance, to bring them peace. To prove his love and that He was indeed Jesus, their Saviour, He shows them His hands and side.
What are some of the times in our lives when we may cower or want to hide in fear from the situation that is in front of us? Serious illness, fear of death, or the loss of a loved one? It may also be having to own up to past deeds and shame, facing accusers. On these stormy seas, Jesus offers peace and quietness and not only that, He sends us out to bring peace to others in similar situations. The words of the hymn "Blessed Quietness" came to mind.
Joys are flowing like a river,
since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
makes the trusting heart His home.
Chorus:
Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
what assurance in my soul,
on the stormy sea, *Jesus speaks peace to me,
**and the billows cease to roll.

May His peace be with you this morning and may you go out and share it with others in need of it.
Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at http://www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com/

John 20:19-23
19 The Apostles Commissioned (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Cor 15:5) Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." NKJV

Verse of the Day 12/7

2011-12-07T11:11:00.001-05:00

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." NKJV

Far from what the beauty pageant contestants speak of when they say they seek "world peace", this is an inner peace that Christ makes available to us, His children in and through the tribulations in the world and in our individual lives.

In his study Bible, John MacArthur notes that "At the individual level this peace, unknown to the unsaved, secures composure in difficult trouble (14:1), dissolves fear (Phil. 4:7), and rules in the hearts of God's people to maintain harmony (Col. 3:15). The greatest reality of this peace will be in the messianic kingdom."

What tribulation are you or a loved on facing today? If we are saved, Jesus is still speaking these words to us, "may you have peace, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" and He will overcome your problems. Now and for eternity.

On this day when we remember the trials of war and Pearl Harbor, we can be reminded of this in our lives and in the world. He will overcome. Won't you trust in Him today?

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www. mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 16:25-17:1

25 Jesus Christ Has Overcome the World "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.

26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you;

27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.

28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father."

29 His disciples said to Him, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!

30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God."

31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." NKJV

"Verse of the Day"

Verse of the Day 2/13

Verse of the Day 2/12

Romans 11:33-36 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Verse of the Day 2/11

Colossians 2:2-5 The Message (MSG)

Verse of the Day 2/10

Isaiah 44:21-23 (ESV) The LORD Redeems Israel

Verse of the Day 2/9

Psalm 119:33-40Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Verse of the Day 2/8

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Romans 8:1-4 (HCSB)The Life-Giving Spirit

Verse of the Day 2/7

James 1:12-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

Verse of the Day 2/6

1 Corinthians 1:18-19New Living Translation (NLT) The Wisdom of God

Verse of the Day 2/5

John 3:16-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

Verse of the Day 2/4

Verse of the Day 2/3

Colossians 1:3-8 King James Version (KJV)

Verse of the Day 2/2

Verse of the Day 2/2

Psalm 116:8-9 (NIV) For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 116 New International Version (NIV)

Verse of the Day 2/1

Psalm 138:5 (AMP) Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord and joyfully celebrate His mighty acts, for great is the glory of the Lord.

Psalm 138 New Living Translation (NLT)

Verse of the Day 1/31

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV) And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

Verse of the Day 1/30

1 Corinthians 6:17-20Amplified Bible (AMP)

Verse of the Day 1/29

Psalm 34:4-10English Standard Version (ESV)

Verse of the Day 1/28

Romans 8:33-39 New Living Translation (NLT)

Verse of the Day 1/27

John 1:14-18 New International Version (NIV)

Verse of the Day 1/26

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Verse of the Day 1/24

Nehemiah 4:19-23 The Message (MSG)

Verse of the Day 1/23

Ephesians 1:15-22 The Message (MSG)

Verse of the Day 1/21

Isaiah 41:11-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Verse of the Day 1/20

Joshua 23:6-8 (HCSB)

Verse of the Day 1/19

Matthew 18 New Living Translation (NLT) - The Greatest in the Kingdom

Verse of the Day 1/18

Luke 18:9-14 New King James Version (NKJV) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Verse of the Day 1/17

Matthew 5:3-9 The Message (MSG)

Verse of the Day 1/16

2 Samuel 7:25 The Message (MSG)

Verse of the Day 1/15

Verse of the Day 1/14

Psalm 8:3-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

Verse of the Day 1/13

2 Corinthians 5:14-20 New International Version (NIV)

Verse of the Day 1/12

Verse of the Day 1/11

Ephesians 5:11 (MSG)

Verse of the Day 1/10

Verse of the Day 1/7

Galatians 5:14-16 (ESV)

Keep in Step with the Spirit

Verse of the Day 1/6

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16 (HCSB) Believers Are Salt and Light

Verse of the Day 1/5

Verse of the Day 1/4

Ephesians 1:3-7 (ESV) Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Verse of the Day 1/3

Verse of the Day 1/2

Joshua 6:25-27 The Message (MSG)

Verse of the Day 1/1

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. ² And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Psalm 116:8-9 (NIV) For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
⁹ that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.