Verse of the Day 4/30

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 2-3, Luke 23:1-25

 

Good morning,

Over the past few days we've been in some great chapters of the Bible, important chapters about faith and faithfulness. I can hardly leave the subject without turning to Romans 8.  The reminders from Hebrews 11 and Genesis 22 lead us there.

 

In Romans 8:35 Paul poses a question that all of us should consider:Rom 8:35 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?

Sometimes in the midst of trouble or calamity we may feel for a time that we have been separated from Christ and His love.  Paul's words challenge us to realize that He is there with us "in all these things", in the midst of them.

 

Rom 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.     NKJV

In Christ, these things will not defeat us, we can be conquerors, more than conquerors through Christ.  Here's how the NLT puts answers Paul's question "can anything ever separate us from the love of Christ" - "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."V.37
One of the things that He gives us in all of these circumstances is the grace to stand.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:

He freely gives grace in all its forms, to all His people:
  saving grace,
  comforting grace,
  preserving grace,
  sanctifying grace,
  directing grace,
  instructing grace,
  assisting grace!

He gives grace . . .
  abundantly,
  seasonably,
  constantly,
  readily,
  sovereignly!

He doubly enhances the value of His grace--by the manner of its bestowal. He generously pours grace into their souls without ceasing--and He always will do so, whatever may occur. Sickness may befall--but the Lord will give grace. Poverty may come to us--but grace will surely be afforded. Death must come--but grace will light a candle at the darkest hour. Reader, how blessed it is as years roll along, to enjoy such an unfading promise as this, "The Lord will give grace!"

 

I'm reminded of the Michael English song "In Christ Alone", here is the first stanza:

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself
In battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone, I overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hands
But these trophies could not equal
To the grace, by which I stand

Take a few minutes and read through the passage.  Consider the "all things" in verses 28, 31 and 37.  What are the "all things" in your life?

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Rom 8:28-9:1

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God's Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/29

2 Samuel 23- 1 Kings 1, Luke 22:39-71

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's devotional we considered what it means to take a stand, what it means to be faithful.  Christianity is all about faith, always has been and always will be.

 

Faith is best defined in Hebrews 11:1, I especially like the NKJV here: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".

Faith is substance and is evidenced by things not seen, things not easily explainable. 

 

For today's verse we'll go back to the book of Genesis to another famous chapter on faith.  But we'll take a look and consider a verse that may not often be considered when reading this event.  Abraham has just been told to go and offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice.  As they are preparing to leave the other men, Abraham speaks to them.

Gen 22:5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."  NKJV

John MacArthur writes, "The three day journey afforded much time of reflection upon God's commands but, without wavering or questioning the morality of human sacrifice or the purposes of God.  Abraham confidently assured his servants of his and Isaac's return and went ahead with the arrangements for the sacrifice.  Hebrews 11:17-19 reveals that he was so confident in the permanence of God's promise, that he believed if Isaac were to be killed, God would raise him from the dead, or God would provide a substitute for Isaac (v.8)"

 

Think back on the opening verse, Hebrews 11:1.  "Faith is the substance", Abraham put his full weight, everything he had on his faith in God.  His hope was that he'd have his son back.  He didn't know how, but in hope, in faith he believed.  His telling his servants that they would return displayed this hope and was evidenced by what Abraham could not see, that is how God would accomplish this.  But he acted on his faith and went on his way, God's way.

At the last, the right moment, God provided a ram for the sacrifice.  Abraham gave a name to the place "The Lord Will Provide". 

 

Gen 22:14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "the Lord will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided."

Is there a time and place in your life when you placed your trust in God in a situation where you did not see a way out of a situation, but moved forward in faith, and God provided?  Take some time today to remember that time and place, may it encourage you to step out the next time.

 

From there they went back and told the men what had happened , what a testimony, and they went to Beersheba, "The Well of the Oath".

 

May God provide for you in your time of need as you trust in Him.

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Gen 22:1-19

Abraham's Faith Tested
22 Some time later, God tested Abraham's faith. "Abraham!" God called.
"Yes," he replied. "Here I am."
2 "Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you."
3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 "Stay here with the donkey," Abraham told the servants. "The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back."
6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, 7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"We have the fire and the wood," the boy said, "but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?"
8 "God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son," Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.
9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Yes," Abraham replied. "Here I am!"
12 "Don't lay a hand on the boy!" the angel said. "Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son."
13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "the Lord will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided."
15 Then the angel of the Lord called again to Abraham from heaven. 16 "This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that 17 I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. 18 And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me."  NLT

Verse of the Day 4/28

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 20-22, Luke 22:24-38

 

Good morning,

I'm sure most of you have read, or someone read to you the story of Rip Van Winkle, famous for sleeping for 20 years.  Unfortunately, many of us at some point have been guilty of sleeping or sleep walking in a spiritual sense.  We live our lives as if sleep walking, not listening to or even looking to God, seeking His advice and His will, content to live our own lives for ourselves.

 

You may consider Samson from yesterday as an example of this.  He knew God, and the way that he was to go, to live, but did not live accordingly.

 

We are called to a relationship and to live faithfully.  Today's verse comes from Luke 21 which was part of this weekend's reading.

Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."     NKJV
or from the NLT

Luke 21:36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

These were the words of Jesus given to His disciples just before Judas' betrayal.

 

We are to "watch and pray".  Not just watching and not just praying.  We must be aware of what is going on around us having a close relationship with Christ through prayer and in His Word so that we will be able to stand and not fall into the devil's traps.

 

I read the following in today's "Today in the Word" devotional (www.todayintheword.com):

"Semper Fidelis, the official motto of the United States Marine Corps, was adopted in 1883. The phrase is adopted from the Latin, and it means, "Always Faithful." The Marines use an abbreviated verbal version, "Semper Fi," to voice loyalty and commitment to their comrades-in-arms. Semper Fi holds the promise to be faithful to the end. They will serve, and even die, with honor: to the corps, to one another, and to themselves. "

Instead of sleeping or sleepwalking through life, we should stay alert, be on guard against the devil and his deception, pray "always", and be willing to take a stand.

 

I'll close with a couple of stanzas of the old hymn, Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus:

 

Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;
Where'er ye meet with evil, within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Don't sleep, stand up, be alert, "put on the gospel armor" and answer His call today.

In Christ,

Mike

 

Luke 21:34-22:1

The Importance of Watching
(Matt 24:36-44; Mark 13:32-37)

34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.  35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/27

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 17-19, Luke22:1-23

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go back to the book of Judges which covers a time when the nation of Israel operated without a king and as was described in chapter 17: 6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.   NKJV
The nation was governed by Judges, one of the best known and best remembered was Samson, man of super human strength whose strength was from the Lord.

 

Yesterday we considered what it meant to have a God who is with us who "encamps around us".  We should also know that it is possible to ignore God, to rebel against Him and to have that relationship, that strength, leave us.

 

Judg 16:19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him.  And his strength left him.

 

20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!"

 

He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him.    NIV

Samson had been set apart for God's service from childhood.  He had so much going for him, good looks and strength to name a couple, but as he grew older he slowly and methodically, step by step, turned away from God, assuming that He would always be there even when He went in the direct opposite direction of where God would have had him go or do.

 

We don't know if Samson actually came to believe that his strenght was from himself, but he was not concerned to keep his secret, to his own peril.

 

John MacArthur writes, "Here was the tragedy of the wrath of abandonment.  His sin had caused him to forfeit the power of God's presence."  Perhaps he didn't think it was God at all.

 

We must be careful not to become so self sufficient, self reliant, to believe that we can go and do as we please with no regard for God and His glory and still have Him there to deliver us from every trial, even those that result from our direct disobedience.

This scenario is seen repeatedly in the Old Testament in kings and judges of Israel, in the nation as a whole today.  Sadly, it even occurs within churches and denominations.

 

What is the answer?  Stay close too God.  Seek Him.  Listen, trust, and obey as He speaks to you from His word and through His messengers.

 

Instead of quoting from the passage in Judges, I'll post a few verses from Proverbs, the book of wisdom, which has something important to tell us on the subject.  How do these verses speak to you today?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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
Prov 1:24-2:1

 

24 "I called you so often, but you wouldn't come.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.

 

28 "When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm."    NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 4/26

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 12-16, Luke 21

 

Good morning,

Do you ever stop and think of all of the defense systems that are in place all around us?  Air force jets in the skies, the Navy and Coastguard on the seas, the Army ready to mobilize on command, missile defense systems guarding against missile attacks.   On our computers most of us have some kind of anti virus protection, a protective shell that is there to keep internet "hackers" at bay.   Most of this is not visible to us on a daily basis.  Hopefully we are thankful that it is there.  What would happen without it?

 

This weekend's verse comes from Psalm 34 and gives us a picture of this in a spiritual sense.

 

Ps 34:6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.   NIV
or from the NLT

Ps 34:6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

God's presence around the nation of Israel and around King David, did not prevent every enemy attack but God was with them when they would call upon Him.  However, there were times when they ignored Him, did not feel that they needed Him, or needed to seek His counsel.  In times like these He was not always with them but left them to their own devices.

 

It can be that way in our lives as well.  If we are in a relationship with Christ, He is with us.  We may not be free from attacks, the loss of loved ones, illness, accidents, or the loss of a job.  But if we have been seeking Him, depending on Him, we can know that He has set up camp around us, surrounding us with His love even in these times.

 

I'd hate to think how things might be if His presence wasn't there.

 

If you have some time this weekend why not read this pslam or perhaps Psalms 4, 37, or 139.

 

The way to victory in Jesus is through surrender.

 

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 blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

Don't you want His presence in your life?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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

Ps 34:1-15

 

34 I  will extol the Lord at all times;his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the Lord;let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me;let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant;their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his saints,for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves lifeand desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from eviland your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good;seek peace and pursue it.

NIV

Verse of the Day 4/24

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 9-11, Luke 20:27-47

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's devotional we considered that "everyone needs compassion".  For today's verse we'll turn once again to Galations chapter 6 where we are encouraged to "do good" to everyone.

 

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.   NIV
or from the Message

Gal 6:9-10  So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

The recipients of our good deeds are not to be limited to any certain group, however, we have a responsibility to fellow Christians and their needs, as individuals and of churches and organizations.

 

John Calvin wrote, "There are duties which we owe to all men arising out of a common nature; but the tie of a more sacred relationship, established by God Himself, binds us to all believers."

In the previous verses Paul wrote that "whatever one sows, that he will reap".   The compassion spoke of yesterday and the doing good in today's verse should be habitual, a way of life as Christians, no matter what the economic conditions, perhaps even more so in tough economic times.

 

Think of "as we have opportunities".  Do we pass up opportunities for fear of what the next week or month may bring?  Do we give in to the temptation to put off giving for a more financially stable time?

 

Sowing "in the Spirit" at all times is not easy.  But it may be the best way to "cultivate" and attitude of generosity, ready and eager to give of time and money which truly involves sacrifice.

How many opportunities have come your way?  What will be your attitude, will you be prepared for the next one that comes along?

From Barnes Notes - "There is so much opposition to the best plans for doing good; there is so much to be done; there are so many calls on their time and their charities; and there is often so much ingratitude among those whom they endeavor to benefit, that they become disheartened. Such Paul addresses, and exhorts them not to give over, but to persevere." -  for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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
Gal 6:6-18

 

Be Generous and Do Good

 

6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

 

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

 

Glory Only in the Cross

 

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

 

Blessing and a Plea

 

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

 

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

 

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.     NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/23

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 6-8, Luke 20:1-26

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's passage we saw the compassion in Jesus' eyes as He looked over the city of Jerusalem.  His ministry and teaching had been full of examples of compassion, most often to those who had been overlooked or looked down upon by the Pharisees and the spiritual "elite".  Think of who Jesus reached out to.  Lepers, the blind, beggars, tax collectors, prostitutes, mothers, the poor, the list goes on. 

 

Today's verse goes back to an earlier time in His ministry, but the theme is the same, to show compassion.  But it is a call to everyone.  The oppressed are even to show compassion on the oppressors, how?  By doing good things to and for them instead of seeking revenge.

He doesn't stop by telling His followers to do good,  Read what He says in today's verses.

 

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.   NIV

or from the Living Bible

36 "Try to show as much compassion as your Father does.    TLB

 

Tom Holladay writes in "The Principles of Jesus", "this takes our responsibility to a whole new level.  My relationship with others is molded not merely by what I want but by the example God provides.  I'm not to think about how I want to be treated; I'm to look at how God treats people.  If I'm going to live out this action of sacrificial love, it's not going to happen accidentally.  It's going to take a step - a conscious decision to act toward others the way God acts toward me."   With compassion.

 

Who needs compassion?  Everyone.  I'm reminded of the praise chorus that we've sung in church.  Here are a few of the lines.

 

Mighty to Save

 

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

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

(Chorus:)
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender (I surrender)
 

What a different place the world would be if we as Christians exemplified this kind of love, mercy, and compassion in our lives - to everyone.

We are creatures of habit.  We have learned almost everything from repetion - from reading and writing to what we do on a daily basis.  Our thoughts and actions for God are the same way.  Why not sow some new seeds, cultivate some new habits, actions in serving Christ that will become our normal way of life, to show compassion?  For the glory of the Risen King.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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 6:27-37

 

Love for Enemies

 

27 "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

 

32 "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

 

35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.   NLT

Verse of the Day 4/22

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 4-5, Luke 19:28-48

 

Good morning,

You've probably heard the saying "the eyes are the window of the soul", and you've probably noticed in your own life that the eyes can tell us so much of what is going on in a person, in their heart and mind.  Eyes can reveal anger, fear, distress, as well as joy, compassion, and love.

 

We have recently come through Palm Sunday and Easter and have seen what Christ has done for us.  In today's New Testament reading in Luke 19 we read of Jesus' triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem.  Amidst the cries of "hosannah and "blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord" there were those who should have been looking and waiting for Him that instead were filled with hate and were plotting and waiting for an opportunity to take His life.  A life that He would freely give.

 

In today's verse we have a glimpse into the eyes of Jesus.

Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.   NKJV
or from the NLT

Luke 19:41 But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.

Jesus knew the path that was ahead and what He faced.  He knew what these triumphal cheers would lead to.  But as He looked over the crowd, He knew their hearts, and his mood was anything but giddy.   It wan't hate that was in His eyes over what would be done to Him, it was compassion and love.

 

Society reacts to Jesus much in the same way today.  From joyous praise to treachery, deceit and persecution of Christians.  But how is a Christian supposed to look on the world around him?

 

The Bryan Adams song with the opening line "look into my eyes" came to mind.  Read some of the lyrics below.  Tt's a love song that reveals the heart, looking in the eyes.

Everything I Do

 

Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more

Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

Look into your heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all - I would sacrifice

Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you -
Walk the wire for you - ya I'd die for you

Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

What do your eyes reveal to those around you?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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 19:28-45

 

The Triumphal Entry
(Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-19)

 

28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here.  31 And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.'"

 

32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?"

 

34 And they said, "The Lord has need of him." 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.

 

37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:

 

"'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!'
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

 

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

 

40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

 

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

 

41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.  43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,  44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/21

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 1-3, Luke 19:11-27

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's passage revealed that there couldn't have been a greater gap between the Pharisee and the publican, the sinner.  Think of their positions, reputations, outward appearance, and even their friends.  But the largest difference was the courage, the heart to be open and honest before God.

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do."  Something that is "constitutional" is at the core, it governs how we will act.  A Christians courage, will lead them to a willingness to fulfill God's designed purpose for us, to serve Him for His glory.  This courage isn't from within, it is through faith in Christ.

 

Today's verse goes to the heart of the matter in being a Christian.

 

Matt 23:11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.   NKJV

In a passage where the Pharisees want the best for themselves, the best seats at the feasts, the most recognition, along with the "right" to put undue burdens onto "lesser" people, Jesus gives us the ideal that reveals the chasm between the true follower of God, and the ones who are in it for the "show", for their own personal glory.

 

The motive for us in any situation is that He be exalted.

 

Reading the word "exalted" several times over the last few days brought to mind the Chris Tomlin chorus "He is Exalted".  It points out that blessing and honor, glory and power, belong to the LORD, YAHWEH.

 

He is Exalted

 

Exalted, he is exalted
On high, he is exalted
Great is the Lord, let all the nations say
Exalted, he is exalted

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is his name, his name, his name

Yahweh, holy is your name

It takes courage in today's society to have the attitude of John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease."  (John 3:30).   It reveals the servants heart.

In Christ,

Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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

Matt 23:1-13

 

Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
(Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47)

 

23 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.  6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,  7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'  8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.  9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.  11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/20

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 29-31, Luke 18:35-19:10

 

Good morning,

Have any of us ever said a prayer like the following one from yesterday's NT reading?   'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people — robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.'   It is the prayer of a pharisee in Luke 18.  It reveals personal pride and self justification, traits that are, too often, easy to come by in today's society and in the church.

 

Today's verses show us the prayer of humility, not thinking too highly of ourselves but admitting our guilt before God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

 

Luke 18:13 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."      NKJV
or from the Message

Luke 18:13-14 "Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, 'God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.'"

Jesus commented, "This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face, but if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."

The verses reveal the need to be "simply yourself", be honest with yourself and to God, humble yourself and He will lift you up.

 

John MacArthur comments, "The tax collector's humility is notable in everything about his posture and behavior.  Here was a man who had been made to face the reality of his own sin, and his only response was abject humility (not excuses) and repentance.  He contrasts the Pharisee in virtually every detail.  God be merciful.  He had no hope but the mercy of God.  This is the point to which the law aims to bring every sinner."

 

Here are a couple of other verses that we can consider for today.

 

1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.  NLT

 

Paul shows us the penitant, repentant heart in his letter to Timothy.

 

1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.    NKJV

 

Listen to Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church.

 

2 Cor 13:5   Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. - The Message

Examine and test yourself before God today.

 

Ps 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.    NKJV

In Christ,

Mike

 

Luke 18:9-15

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."

NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 4/18

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 24-28, Luke 17:20 - 18:34

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll turn to Psalm 46 perhaps better known to us for verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God".  It is a powerful psalm that points out that God is our refuge and strength in the storms of life.  This psalm was the inspiration of one of the churches greatest hymns, written by Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress is our God".

 

After reading in verse one that "God is our refuge and strength", we'll go to verses 2 and 3 for today's verse of the day.

 

Ps 46:2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
 Selah    NKJV
or from the Message

Ps 46:2-3  We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.

I've been in an earthquake in Seattle several years ago and it is frightening to feel the earth that you think is so solid shaking beneath you.  That earthquake was fairly mild compared to those in Italy recently and countless others across the world which caused great devastation and can bring about sunami's that stir up the sea to cause as much or greater damage than the earthquakes that caused them.

 

I've been through personal "earthquakes" which have rocked me to my core, to the heart, and can say thankfully, that God has been my refuge.

The words of today's verses bring to mind one of my favorite songs by Steve Green.  Read the words of the song and read the psalm below as preparation for worship this weekend.  Having this belief in our hearts, at the core of our being, will help us, enable us to stand in the storms of life.

 

We Believe

 

We believe in the Father, who created all that is
And we believe the universe and all therein is His
As a loving heavenly Father, He yearned to save us all
To lift us from the fall . . . We believe

We believe in Jesus the Father's only Son
Existing uncreated before time had begun
A sacrifice for sin, He died then rose again
To ransom sinful men, We believe

We believe in the spirit who makes believers one
Our hearts are filled with His presence
The Comforter has come
The kingdom unfolds in His plan
Unhindered by quarrels of man
His church upheld by His hand . . . We believe

Though the earth be removed
And time be no more
These truths are secure
God's word shall endure
Whatever may change, these things are sure . . . We believe

So if the mountains are cast down into the plains
When kingdoms all crumble, this one remains
Our faith is not subject to seasons of man
With our fathers we proclaim
We believe our Lord will come as he said
The land and the sea will give up their dead
His children will reign with Him as their head

We believe
We believe

Selah - pause, think about that.

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations

46 God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear,Even though the earth be removed,And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,Though the mountains shake with its swelling.Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;The God of Jacob is our refuge.Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,Who has made desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;The God of Jacob is our refuge.Selah
P
NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/17

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 22-23, Luke 17:1-19

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's devotional I left out a little word, "not".  What I meant to say is that you are probably not a murderer.  But the realization from that devotional should be that most, if not all of us, will have to admit to having used the words moron, idiot, or fool to describe someone.  A friend made me aware of the mistake in a kind way, not by calling me an idiot or moron.

 

However, when you see someone doing a "foolish" thing it is not wrong to offer correction, the important point or question is, just how do we go about doing it?

 

If you've ever suffered a broken arm or separated shoulder (as I have) you know that the arm or shoulder has to be set back in place.  It is something that needs to be done but normally a pain killer, an anesthetic would be used.  In "setting the record straight" it should be done in a kind way.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Galations chapter 6.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.    NKJV
or consider the "modern day" paraphrase from the Message

Gal 6:1-3   Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

 

The Message captures the heart of the matter, encouraging us to "live creatively", which includes seeking restoration and keeping critical comments to ourselves.

 

Theologians through the ages have had several things to say regarding these verses.  Consider these verses and their words as you go about your day today.

 

The church father, Jerome wrote, "The Spirit-led person should correct a sinner gently and meekly.  He must not be inflexible, angry or aggrieved in his desire to correct him.  He should "stir him up" with the promise of salvation, promissing remission and bringing forth the testimony of Christ."  He also said that we should "help the other with the same compassion that one would hope to receive from another."

 

Augustine said "there is no surer test of the spiritual person than his treatment of another's sin".

 

John Calvin wrote, "Whenever we have occasion to pronounce censure, let us begin with ourselves,and, remembering our weakness, let us be indulgent to others."

 

Martin Luther wrote, "Christians must have strong shoulders and mighty bones, that we may bear.... the weakness of their brethren."

 

As you consider these verses and statements, notice that they follow immediately after Paul's description of the "fruit of the Spirit", and remember that when these verses were written, there were no chapters, there was no break.

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Gal 5:22-6:6

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Bear and Share the Burdens

6 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.

NKJV

 

 

 

Verse of the Day 4/16

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 20-21, Luke 16:14-31

 

Good morning,

I would think that it would be a safe "bet" that if you are reading this devotional that you are a murderer, that you don't have it in you to do such a thing.

 

As I write this I am Las Vegas to attend a sign show.  I don't gamble because I feel that to "throw money away" in slot machines or gambling tables is "foolish".  Many would call a person who gambles, at least to the extreme of risking great loss to be "a fool".

 

Today's verse comes from Matthew 5 where Jesus, in the early stages of His ministry shocks His hearers with the following words.

 

Matt 5:21 " You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.'  22 "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ' You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.     NASU
or from the NLT

Matt 5:21 "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

 

We all do foolish things from time to time but that does not mean that we should call anyone a fool.

.Having heard and read these verses from an early age I've been careful from a very legalistic standpoint, not to call someone a fool.  John MacArthur points out that the Greek word that is here translated "fool" is from the same Greek word we get "moron".  The other translations abover also say "idiot". 

 

When I see those other words I realize that I am just as guilty as anyone who has called somebody a "fool".

 

MacArthur also notes that the word for "Raca" translated in the NASU as "good for nothing" "has been variously translated elsewhere as "brainless idiot", "worthless fellow", "blockhead", and the like.  It was a term of malicious abuse and slander that really has no precise modern translation.... The Roman soldiers who tortured and crucified Jesus could well have used the term to mock and disrespect Him."

 

In today's media and society, this kind of talk to tear someone down is done all the time, even children both in the public scene and unfortunately at home.  If we are not careful, we can get caught up in it.

How do you react to someone who has cut you off in traffic?  It reveals hope deeply rooted this is in us, in me.

Let us pray that we can be more careful, more Christlike in how we use words.  May we use them to build up and not tear down.  Do you have some other verses that come to mind?  Think about them as you go about your day today.

 

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.    NKJV

In Christ,

Mike

 

Matt 5:21-27

Murder Begins in the Heart
(Luke 12:57-59)

21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'  22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother,'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says,'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.  23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,  24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.  26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/15

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 18-19, Luke 16:1-13

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll return to Luke 15 and the parable of the prodigal son.

As we've seen over the last few days, God has a heart for His children wherever they are.  The father in this parable reveals the heart of God.

 

Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father.

 

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.   NIV

 

or from the NLT

Luke 15:20 "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

The father was looking for him, you get the picture of him glancing off to the distance at times every day hoping to see his familiar walk.  A father will recognize his son a long way off.

 

John Piper writes,  "When he saw him far off, "he felt compassion for him." There is something in Almighty God like this. Some of you fathers know what it is like to have a child run away from home. Then there's the phone call, and a rendezvous, and the flood of emotion and longing and love when you see him walking toward you. That's the way it is with God when you head home. "

 

This heart for your children doesn't have to be brought about by prodigal living.  Speaking personally, it's hard to have a son somewhere across the country at school, especially in times of trial or trouble.  You long to be there.

 

A father desires communication with his son.  Separation does'nt have to be over a distance.  There can be silence in the home wjch can come from hard feelings, from hardened  hearts, or in the case of my son Jeff after his accident.  The silence of a coma and a brain injury.

One of the great joys and moments of hope and praise came two years after Jeff's accident when he spoke his first words after those two long years of silence.  There had been no true communication for two years.  What a joy it is for that communication to be restored to hear your son say "dad" and know that he knows how much you love him.

 

If there has been separation or lack of communication for whatever reason between you and a child or you and your spouse.  Don't worry about what the world around you will think, don't be ashamed to run to them, to seek restoration.

 

Have you "found yourself" away from home, away from God.  Turn around and head back, He's waiting for you.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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 15:11-16:1

 

The Parable of the Lost Son

 

11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.  12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.  13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.  14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.  15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

 

17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,  19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'

 

20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.  21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

 

22 "But the father said to his servants,'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;  24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

 

25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.  26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.  27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'

 

28 "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.  29 So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.  30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'

 

31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.  32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/14

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 15-17, Luke 15:11-32

 

Good morning,

The other day in reference to Romans 8:19 I mentioned that "earnest" as in earnest money, was a down payment, a pledge given in a binding agreement and that Christ in saving us, didn't just give a down payment, He "Paid it All".  Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us", and as we read yesterday, all of us have sinned and are in need of God's grace.

 

In today's New Testament reading we come to Luke 15 which is contains some of, and possibly the most famous short story ever written, about the prodigal son.

 

For today's verse we'll go to the beginning of that chapter.  The parables that follow were in response to the attitude, the hearts of the Pharisees.

 

Luke 15:1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."    NKJV

or from the Message

Luke 15:1-3  By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Their grumbling triggered this story.

The other day I focused on the word earnest.  Today we'll consider the word receive(s) as used in reference to Jesus in this passage.

 

John Piper writes, "Luke uses this word "receive" (prosdechomai) six other times in his writings and every time it means "eagerly await or expect and look for." In Luke 2:25 Simeon was "eagerly awaiting" the consolation of Israel. In Luke 2:38 Anna the prophetess spoke to those in the temple who were "eagerly awaiting" the redemption of Israel. In Luke 12:36 Jesus says, Be like men who are "eagerly awaiting" the return of the master from the wedding feast. And so on. In other words, Luke 15:2 says that Jesus is not just receiving sinners; he is looking for them and eagerly awaiting their coming. He has his eye out for them. The word "receive" sounds passive. But Jesus is not passive. He is seeking sinners and tax-gatherers to come to him and eat with him." 

Think about that.  Think of the earnest, Christ's sacrifice paid the debt in full, now consider that it is Jesus how is not just willing to receive us, He has had His eye out for us, has been waiting for us, eagerly.

I think of Rob's testimony over the weekend.  Jesus had His eye on Rob and was eagerly awaiting his coming to Him.  It is the same with you and I.

 

How should we live today in response to this knowledge?

Admire . . .
  the grace which saves you;
  the mercy which spares you;
  the love which pardons you!

 

The first two short parables are an excellent lead in to the parable of "The Prodigal Son", think of the word receives as spoken of here in regards to the following parables in Luke 15.

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Luke 15:1-8

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
(Matt 18:10-14)

15 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them,'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'  7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

NKJV

 

Verse of the Day 4/13

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 13-14, Luke 14:27-15:10

 

Good morning,

Yesterday Pastor Bob gave a powerful Easter message, " The Great Escape".  It began with the testimony of a man whom Jesus had delivered from a like of drugs, alcohol, and crime.  He was given a new life, in Christ.  The testimony was powerful and was accentuated by hearing the Chris Tomlin song "I Will Rise" (quote in Saturday's VOTD).

 

The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God provides second chances.  Even if we've "blown it" in a big way He offers forgiveness, healing, peace, and hope (to mention a few) if we will turn to Him, and as the song said "fall on our knees" before our God acknowledging our sin and seeking the forgiveness that only He can give.

 

An important point is that without Christ, none of us have the "right " to stand before God, we all have sinned.  Today's verse reminds us of this.  It was something that the Pharisees' missed and religious "legalists" today can easily miss.

 

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.   NIV

We are justified, put in a right standing before God, by His grace through Jesus Christ.

Read how The Message paraphrases verses 23-25:

 

Rom 3:23-25  Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

 

Read the following statement by theologian J. Gresham Machen made almost a century ago.  It still rings true today.

 

"The atoning death of Christ, and that alone, has presented sinners as righteous in God's sight; the Lord Jesus has paid the full penalty of their sins, and clothed them with His perfect righteousness before the judgment seat of God.

But Christ has done for Christians even far more than that. He has given to them not only a new and right relation to God, but a new life in God's presence for evermore. He has saved them from the power as well as from the guilt of sin.

The New Testament does not end with the death of Christ; it does not end with the triumphant words of Jesus on the Cross, 'It is finished.' The death was followed by the resurrection, and the resurrection like the death was for our sakes.

Jesus rose from the dead into a new life of glory and power, and into that life He brings those for whom He died. The Christian, on the basis of Christ's redeeming work, not only has died unto sin, but also lives unto God."

 

Jesus has not only given us a new life, He's given us a relationship with Him.  "New life in Christ, abundant and free", do you have this?  If you do, let it put a spring in your step and show in your life today.

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Rom 3:21-4:1

Christ Took Our Punishment

21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.  NLT

 

Verse of the Day 4/10

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 3-5, Luke 13:28 - 14:1

Good morning,
When we think about God, most often we think of Him as being loving, holy, righteous, and good. Sometimes we feel that He doesn't know what we're going through and if He did that he wouldn't allow bad things to happen to us.

Today is Good Friday, and when you think about that day, the day Christ was crucified, there doesn't seem to be much good to it, until Sunday when you see what He accomplished through it. We see what God has done for us in "giving His only begotten Son" (John 3:16) that we can have eternal life.

Jesus suffered scourging, ridicule, hate, anguish from all angles including the criminals beside Him. One of them, having seen what Jesus had gone through had a change of heart and cried out to Him. When we consider what Jesus went through, for us, because of our sins, we realize that He knows more about suffering than we ever could.

As I was driving home from Anderson SC yesterday I had a lot on my mind. It had been a difficult week for many friends. I then heard a song by Mac Powell from Third Day "By His Wounds". It brought me to Isaiah 53 where we go for today's verse. In that tragic scene we find our greatest hope. Our darkest hours can bring healing as well as we trust in Him in the midst of them.

Isa 53:3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins! NLT

We "sorrow" for our sufferings, but how much do we sorrow over our sins. Whether you attended a Maundy Thursday service last night or will attend a Good Friday service tonight. As you prepare for communion. Consider your sins and the price that was demanded. Consider the payment. Rejoice in the healing offered, the sin forgiven, and the grace to carry on.

Read the words to By His Wounds from Mac Powell in praise and worship to Jesus, who suffered that we might by healed.

He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace
Was upon Him
And by His wounds
By His wounds, we are healed

Chorus:
We are healed by Your sacrifice
And the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
By Your grace, we are saved
We are saved

He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace
Was upon Him
And by His wounds
By His wounds, we are healed

Chorus:
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace
Was upon Him
And by His wounds
By His wounds, we are healed

What can wash away my sin
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Read Isaiah 53 below and consider what it means to you.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available 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

Isa 53:1-54:1

The Sin-Bearing Messiah
53 Who has believed our report?And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,And as a root out of dry ground.He has no form or comeliness;And when we see Him,There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men,A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefsAnd carried our sorrows;Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,He was bruised for our iniquities;The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray;We have turned, every one, to his own way;And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,Yet He opened not His mouth;He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,And who will declare His generation?For He was cut off from the land of the living;For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked — But with the rich at His death,Because He had done no violence,Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;He has put Him to grief.When You make His soul an offering for sin,He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,Because He poured out His soul unto death,And He was numbered with the transgressors,And He bore the sin of many,And made intercession for the transgressors.
A
NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/9

Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 1-2, Luke 13:1-21

 

Good morning,

This morning is another one of those where I had a verse and passage in mind but will end up quoting from a passage I read this morning.

 

We read in several places in the Scriptures that we will face loss, disappointment, rejection, and even ridicule in this life.  It's nothing new.  Sometimes these experiences in our lives may last for days or years.  What may be new is the way we handle the next circumstance.

 

Reading through the Old Testament guide above for the last few days I've read of Ruth and Naomi and this morning Hannah.  Both faced heartaches, whether from the loss of loved ones, income and status or facing the ridicule of being barren at a time when having a child and heir was so important in society.

In each of these instances God revealed that He was and had been with them.  That He had a plan for them.  All three characters mentioned were blessed.  God was faithful.  They had been faithful to God.

Today's verses come from 1 Samuel 2 which is today's O.T. reading.  Hannah has been blessed with a son, Samuel who she would dedicate to the Lord.

 

1 Sam 2:1 Then Hannah prayed:

"My heart rejoices in the Lord!
The Lord has made me strong.
Now I have an answer for my enemies;
I rejoice because you rescued me.
2 No one is holy like the Lord!
There is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.    NLT

 

Hannah praised God for being her "Rock".  In our fast paced world of sudden change, where circumstances change and friends come or go, we need a rock and a firm foundation for our faith.  We find it in the person and power of Jesus Christ.

Samuel would go on to be the last Judge of Israel, a great and faithful leader.  From the lineage of Boaz and Ruth from yesterday's reading would come King David and ultimately, Jesus, the Messiah.

Obviously, God had a plan for them.  God has a plan for you.

 

I'll close with a verse from Psalm 31 and a quote from Charles Spurgeon regarding that verse.

 

Ps 38:21 Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!   NKJV

Let it be your prayer today, "Do not forsake me, O Lord! Father, do not forsake Your child--lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, do not forsake Your lamb--lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Gardener, do not forsake Your plant--lest it wither and die! Do not forsake me now, O Lord! And do not forsake me at any moment of my life. Do not forsake me in my joys--lest they absorb my heart. Do not forsake me not in my sorrows--lest I murmur against You. Do not forsake me--for my path is dangerous, and full of snares--and I cannot travel without Your guidance. Do not forsake me--for without You I am weak--but with You I am strong. Do not be far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near--and there is none to help. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!"  - Charles Spurgeon

"Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:115

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

1 Sam 2:1-11

2 And Hannah prayed and said:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord;My horn is exalted in the Lord.I smile at my enemies,Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 "No one is holy like the Lord,For there is none besides You,Nor is there any rock like our God.
3 "Talk no more so very proudly;Let no arrogance come from your mouth,For the Lord is the God of knowledge;And by Him actions are weighed.
4 "The bows of the mighty men are broken,And those who stumbled are girded with strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,And the hungry have ceased to hunger.Even the barren has borne seven,And she who has many children has become feeble.
6 "The Lord kills and makes alive;He brings down to the grave and brings up. 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;He brings low and lifts up. 8 He raises the poor from the dustAnd lifts the beggar from the ash heap,To set them among princesAnd make them inherit the throne of glory.
"For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,And He has set the world upon them. 9 He will guard the feet of His saints,But the wicked shall be silent in darkness.
"For by strength no man shall prevail. 10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces;From heaven He will thunder against them.The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
"He will give strength to His king,And exalt the horn of His anointed."

NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/8

Through the Bible - Ruth 3-4, Luke 12:35-59

 

Good morning,

I love spring in North Carolina, the flowering plants and trees continue to amaze me in their beauty.  Many of the blossoms are on fruit trees and the blossoms are an indication of the fruit to come.  Their is a certain inevitability about fruit, the well nourished apple tree will produce apples not pears and vice versa.

 

Today's verse is a favorite of many, it's about the "fruit of the Spirit".

 

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.    NKJV

Just as trees will bear fruit in kind, Christians will bear fruit in keeping with how they follow Christ.

 

The Greek word "karpos" or fruit in this verse is in singular form.  Paul lists many different virtues but there is a unity, a commonality to them.  They are "one", none of them are optional.

 

It all starts with love, a "nevertheless" kind of love.  No matter what the circumstances, it carries the attitude that "nevertheless", I will love in ways that show this unity of the fruit of the Spirit that Paul writes about here.

 

This fruit comes from a "hearty" tree that is grounded, "firmly rooted" in Christ.  It will withstand the cold frosts of disappointment of spring, the scorching heat and drought of those "dry" spiritual seasons when it seems that you are in a desert place.  It will withstand the late rain, the torrents of doubt and loss that would sweep others away.  Instead of destroying the "crop" it will yield abundantly sustained by the love of Christ which proved itself in all that He went through for us, "for the joy that was set before Him".

 

What season are you going through today?  Trust in Christ, follow Him and you will bear fruit in this season.

 

If you are reading through the Old Testament, yesterday and today have been in the book of Ruth.  A great little book to read.  If you have some time, read through it.  How does it relate to Galations 5:22?

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Gal 5:16-6:1

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

NKJV