Verse of the Day - weekend 5/30

Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 1-6, John 12:20-13:20   Greetings,   For the weekend I'd like you to consider meditating on Psalm 145. It's difficult to pick one verse from this great Psalm of David but the first verse does set the tone for the entire 21 verses.   Psalm 145:1 "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever." ESV   This is the last of the 75 psalms of David, in fact, this is the last words of David we have in Scripture. James Montgomery Boice comments, "Psalm 145 is indeed a monumental praise psalm, a fit summary of all David had learned about God during a long lifetime of following hard after the almighty."   John MacArthur says, "Here, the king of Israel extols and celebrates the King of Eternity for who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised."   This Psalm is a wonderful example to help us praise the same wonderful God that David loved with all his heart. When you study this Psalm look at how many different words are used for "praising". Extol, Bless, Praise, Commend, Declare, Speak, Sing, and the list goes on.   Boice points out that David praises the Lord; For His Greatness For His Graciousness For His Faithfulness For His Righteousness   In this Psalm David appears to be relentless in using every word and concept he knows to give praise to God; using my imagination I wouldn't be surprised if David was never completely content in what he wanted to convey about the Lord because he knew what he was feeling about God isn't possible to completely describe in human words.   Have you ever felt like that, that your praise isn't satisfying what you're feeling inside? I am always dealing with feeling my praise is inadequate no matter how hard I try, but giving praise we must and we have to rely on the Holy Spirit to bring our praises to God for acceptance.   As you enter into your personal time with God and you join your church family this Sunday let David help you worship our King with this psalm; pour over this psalm and marvel at the depth of its words.   Boice concludes his commentary on Psalm 145 with this thought, "The last verse of Psalm 145 is the last word we have from David in the Bible. It is his last will and testament. If he has said nothing else in his long life, these words would be a fine legacy for future generations. In it he praises God and invites others to praise God also."   The last verse 145:21, "My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever." NASB   Will you take that invite to praise God like David?   LPR

Verse of the Day 5/29

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 27-29, John 12:1-19   Greetings,   Mike has given me the opportunity to share the VOTD for 5/29 in his absence of which I am very humbled and grateful to accept…Thank you Mike!   "It is Finished!".  How many times have you either silently or right out loud proclaimed these three words? You have just shoveled 8 inches of wet snow from the driveway, you have completed a major project at work, you're done with _______ (you fill in the blank). All of us, young and old, can identify with the relief or joy with being able to say, "It is finished".   Our VOTD is found in the gospel of John 19:30, "When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!"  And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit." NASB   I recently did a study of the seven last words of Christ on the cross; this cry was number 6. What did Jesus mean when He loudly cried these words?  What is Christ saying is "finished"? In the Greek this statement is translated from one word, tetelestai, which comes from the verb, teleo, which means, "to bring to an end, to complete; it signifies a successful end to a course of action. Charles Spurgeon said that this one word,"would need all the other words that were ever spoken, or ever can be spoken, to explain it…It is altogether immeasurable. It is high; I cannot attain to it. I cannot fathom it." Whoa Charles, aren't you being a little dramatic or are we missing something?   Getting right to the heart of the matter, Jesus did not say these words essentially to himself; he said those words to His Father and for us. Erwin Lutzer says, "In shouting tetelestai! Jesus gave the most triumphant cry in all of human history….he had successfully completed a great and mighty work." This was a victory cry of the largest magnitude ever heard or will be heard on planet earth. What was finished Lutzer askes? His Suffering The Sacrifice The defeat of Satan Our assurance into heaven The entire message of the gospel, Jesus' reason for being sent to earth by His father has now been completed. In other words, Jesus has announced that the price for salvation for all mankind has been accepted, our sins  paid in full by God the Father and all one has to do is truly believe.  John MacArthur says, "Christ's completion of the work of redemption means nothing needs to be nor can be added to it."    Now I understand why Spurgeon was blown away by this cry of Christ; it is unfathomable for our human minds to grasp. Lutzer asks us to write "paid in full" on our ledger of sins: An abortion: Paid in Full Fornication: Paid in Full Cheating: Paid in Full Greed: Paid in Full Selfishness: Paid in Full Write your list and at the end of it write in bold letters "IT IS FINISHED!" We have been unchained and freed by what this victory cry truly means.  There is nothing (no sin) that can't be paid in full. Maybe you're holding on to a sin or know someone who is; let them know whatever it is can be healed because "It Is Finished!"   Next time you complete a task and say, "it's finished" let this statement bring you to the Cross of Christ so you can, with tears of joy, thank Him for finishing His mission for you. Hallelujah and Amen!              LPR (I recommend Cries from the Cross by Erwin Lutzer as a resource if you want to study the 7 last words of Christ on the Cross)

Verse of the Day 5/28

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 24-26, John 11:45-57

 

Good morning,

I had thought of several verses to use for today's devotional but I feel led to go to John 14 to some verses that have been very precious to me.

 

After Jeff's accident, one of the girls in his youth group gave us a card from which quoted John 14:27 " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   NIV  Through the years that verse is one that our family has held on to through the difficult times.

 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled " is also stated to beging the chapter, in a way they form bookends for us in a chapter where some of his disciples ask Jesus some probing questions.  Today's verse comes from the beginning of the chapter.

 

John 14:1-2  "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  NLT

As a child I remember learning and singing a simple chorus:

 

This world is not my home,

I'm just a passin' through,

My treasures are laid up,

Somewhere beyond the blue,

The angels beckon me to heavens open door,

And I can't feel at home in this world any more.

 

Oh Lord You know I have no friend like you,

If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?

The angels beckon me to heavens open door,

And I can't feel at home in this world any more.

I have friends that have recently lost loved ones and others that are in a battle for life.  My prayer for them today would be that even in these situations that God would grant them this peace that passes understanding. " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you."

 

In the hard times may we remember that God has a place for us, an eternal home, "a big big house with lot's and lot's of room where we can....." (quoting the Newsboys).

 

Friday and over the weekend I'll be helping my son Jason and Kristen move from New York to Washington D.C.  I've asked a friend, Larry Rogers from back in Illinois if he'd be willing to do a couple of devotionals for the next few days.

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

John 14:1-12

 

Jesus, the Way to the Father

 

14 "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going."

 

5 "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

 

6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!"

 

8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied."

 

9 Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

 

12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
NLT

Verse of the Day 5/27

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 21-23, John 11:28-44

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll return to John chapter 11 where we find the fifth of Jesus' I Am statements.

 

John 11:25 Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?"   NLT

 

John MacArthur writes, "with this statement, Jesus moved Martha from an abstract belief in the resurrection that will take place at the "last day" (5:28-29) to a personalized trust in Him who alone can raise the dead.  No resurrection or eternal life exists outside of the Son of God."  Jesus also showed that while His power will be revealed on the last day, He does have the authority to use it now as well as then.

At the end of verse 26, Jesus asks Martha a direct question about her faith.  Her response was much like Peter's (Matt 16:16), or Thomas after he had scene Jesus nail scarred hands.  The question is posed to us as well.  It is one thing to be able to say those words it is another to say them in the midst of a trial or after a loss.  Perhaps you've asked God, like both Mary and Martha did, "Lord if you would have been here " this would not have happened.  This passage shows, proves, Jesus power over death.  Even if we don't see the restoration of someone as we see with Lazarus, we can have faith in the final result.  This is what gives us hope.

 

This passage also shows that we have a God who cares.  Jesus shows several emotions here.  We see compassion, indignation, sorrow, and even frustration, the same emotions that we feel.  We see here that our God knows what we are going through.  Don't be afraid to pour out your heart, your emotions to Him.

 

Martha's confession is an example of why John wrote this gospel, that we would believe:

 

John 20:31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.  NLT

 

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

John 11:17-28

 

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

 

17 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 5/26

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 18-20, John 11:1-27

 

Good morning,

Radio personality Paul Harvey passed away a few months ago after broadcasting his daily program "The Rest of the Story" for over sixty years.  It was estimated that the number of listeners to his program averaged over 22 million weekly.  What kept listeners coming back was the unexpected turnarounds and stories that would give hope and lift the listeners spirit.

 

Today's New Testament reading is in John 11, where we have the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  We'll go there for today's verse, you should then read the rest of the chapter to know "the rest of the story".

 

John 11:4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this." 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days.   NLT
or from the NKJV

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."

 

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

It is an amazing, remarkable chapter.  Much like Luke 15 and the prodigal son, each time you read it you come away with something new to consider, to ponder.

 

Jesus knew that Lazarus would die.  He also knew that he would raise him up again.  Mary and Martha sent for Jesus knowing that He could heal their brother.  Verse 5 says that Jesus "loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus, He knew the situation, yet He withheld His mighty healing hand.  He loved them, "so He stayed two more days". 

 

The sickness brought about death but it didn't end there.  Lazarus would be raised and in doing so Jesus would bring hope to Mary, Marha and all of us that Jesus has the power over life and death.

 

MacArthur writes, "The delay was because He loved the family (v.5) and that love would be clear as He greatly strengthened their faith by raising Lazarus from the dead.  The delay also assured that Lazarus had been dead long enough that no one could misinterpret the miracle as a fraud or a resuscitation."

 

Jesus' "The Rest of the Story" has been told for two thousand years and is read by millions every day every year.  What does this story bring to you?

 

Over the weekend we considered the song "Through it All" about learning to trust in God in the trials of life.  Many times the answers to prayers don't seem to come.  But as with the case of Mary and Martha, it wasn't because He didn't care.  It was because He loved them and had something better ahead for them, that would bring joy, peace, hope and rest.  We can have that for eternity.

 

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

 

John 11:1-15

 

The Death of Lazarus

 

11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick."

 

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."

 

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

 

8 The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?"

 

9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.  10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."  11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up."

 

12 Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

 

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.  15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."
NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/25

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 15-17, John 10:22-42

 

Happy Memorial Day,

For today's verse we turn to 1 Chronicles 11, where we are told of David's thirty men of valor.  The second of the mighty men listed was Eleazer, which means "God (is) Helper", verses 13 and 14 tell of him.

 

1 Chron 11:13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

 

14 And they stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and slew the Philistines; and Jehovah saved them by a great victory.    ASV
or from the Amplified Bible

1 Chronicles 11:14 And Eleazar [one of the Three] stood in the midst of that plot and defended it and slew the Philistines [until his hand was weary, and his hand cleaved to the sword], and the Lord saved by a great victory and deliverance.^(C)

 

The picture is of a man defending his families plot of land, in this instance a barley field, not a valuable crop in itself, but it was the families livelihood.  He was also standing for his country against the enemy, giving it everything he had.

I remember building a deck, (in the days when you did it with a regular hammer, not an electic one)  by the end of the day your right hand would cramp up, it was almost locked onto the hammer.  That is the picture here, Eleazer had fought with all his might, but by the end of the day, when his strength was gone and he could barely hold onto the sword, it was the Lord who saved in a great victory.

 

There is a spiritual battle going on in our country.  It is a battle for truth.  Sometimes we may feel weary from the battle, but we are to hold on to continue the fight.  It is a battle that is won not in beating the opposition over the head, but one in the love of Christ.

Eph 4:14-17  We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.   NLT

Will we stand for what we believe in?  Will we hold on, cleave, to the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God?  Will we love one anther and our neighbor as ourself?

 

Today let us remember those who stood and defended the freedoms of this country, this plot of ground that the Lord has given us, may we remember that the Lord has saved us "by a great victory and deliverance".

 

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

Eph 4:7-17

 

Spiritual Gifts

 

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says:

 

"When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men."

 

9 (Now this, "He ascended" — what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

 

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ —  16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.    NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/24

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 11-14, John 9:24-10:21   Good morning, For this weekends verse we'll go to Romans chapter 5 which starts out by reminding of the peace that we can have in Christ even, perhaps especially when we have come through times of trial and testing.   Rom 5:3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  NLT Today's verse follows the verses above: Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.   NKJV The events of this weekend brought to mind a song that I remember from my High School years by Andre Crouch.  They mean a lot more to me now.  Through all of the things in our lives, may we learn to trust and depend upon Him and His Word.   Through it All   Verse 1: I've had many tears and sorrows, I've had questions for tomorrow, there's been times I didn't know right from wrong. But in every situation, God gave me blessed consulation, that my trials come to only make me strong. Chorus: Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God. Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word. Verse 2: I've been to lots of places, I've seen a lot of faces, there's been times I felt so all alone. But in my lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours, Jesus lets me know that I was His own Chorus Verse 3: I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys, I thank Him for the storms He brought me through. For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know God could solve them, I'd never know what faith in God could do If you know it, sing it out or in your mind.  If you are not familiar with the song or Andre Crouch, check out the link in which he gives a testimony and the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvIxwc90BEI In Christ, Mike   Rom 5:1-11 5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Christ in Our Place 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/22

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 8-10,John 9:1-23   Good morning, Today is a special day for our family.  It is our daughter Laurie's 25th birthday and our youngest son Jason is graduating with his Master's of Theology in New York.   Jason's graduation was made extra special since it was a little more than four years ago that he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  We didn't know what the future held in store.   The tumor is still there but thankfully Jason is doing well.   For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 107 which was part of Spurgeon's "Morning" devotional for today.   Ps 107:6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.   NIV Through the illness and uncertainty are family and friends cried out to God in 'our trouble".  He led Jason from the small college town in Texas to New York City.  He will be heading on, Lord willing, for his doctorate in theology in Washington D.C. where they will settle for the next 5 years. Spurgeon wrote, "The eclipse of your faith, the darkness of your mind, the fainting of your hope, all these things are but parts of God's method of making you ripe for the great inheritance upon which you shall soon enter. These trials are for the testing and strengthening of your faith—they are waves that wash you further upon the rock—they are winds which waft your ship the more swiftly towards the desired haven. According to David's words, so it might be said of you, "so He bringeth them to their desired haven." By honour and dishonour, by evil report and by good report, by plenty and by poverty, by joy and by distress, by persecution and by peace, by all these things is the life of your souls maintained, and by each of these are you helped on your way. Oh, think not, believer, that your sorrows are out of God's plan; they are necessary parts of it. "We must, through much tribulation, enter the kingdom." Learn, then, even to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." "O let my trembling soul be still, And wait Thy wise, Thy holy will! I cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see, Yet all is well since ruled by Thee." Are you struggling today?  Cry out to Jesus, depend on Him.  May you be able to look back at this day and see His purpose.   Please continue to pray for God's leading for Jason and Kristen as they move to a new city and new opportunities.   In Christ, Mike Ps 107:1-10 107 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say this — those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands,from east and west, from north and south.  4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,finding no way to a city where they could settle. 5 They were hungry and thirsty,and their lives ebbed away. 6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight wayto a city where they could settle. 8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing loveand his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirstyand fills the hungry with good things. NIV

Verse of the Day 5/21

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 6-7, John 8:38-59

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll turn to the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles which was part of yesterday's "through the Bible" reading.  Tucked away in this hard to read list of names and geneologies, we find a few verses about a man of prayer.

 

1 Chron 4:9 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested.   NKJV
or from the NLT

1 Chron 4:9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request.

Bruce Wilkinson brought these verses to the forefront of many Christian's lives a few years ago in his little book titled "The Prayer of Jabez."  He had prayed this prayer for years and spoke of how prayer had influenced and changed his life.

 

His four main points were 1) that we should seek God's blessing, 2) that we should seek greater "territory", not in possesions but for ministry opportunities, 3) that we should be dependent on God's power not our own to accomplish His purposes in ministry, and 4) that we should flee temptation.  This isn't a magical prayer, but as with any sincere prayer, has the power to change a person's heart.  From looking at himself to looking to God.

 

Consider this prayer today.  How does it relate to the prayer we looked at the other day of making ourselves available and to have our radar screens up?

 

Another important aspect is to deal with, to pray about fleeing temptation.  Wilkinson writes, "When was the last time you asked God to keep you from temptation?  In the same way that God wants you to ask for more blessing, more territory, and more power, He longs to hear you plead for safekeeping from evil."

 

Think and pray about these things today.  Think of other Bible passages and verses that remind you of these verses.  Think of a song or two that come to mind such as "Cry Out to Jesus" or "Make Me a Blessing".

 

Instead of posting the passage from 1 Chronicles, I'll post Psalm 57 which I read this morning in my devotions.  Apply Jabez prayer to David's life as seen in this psalm.  Apply it to yours.

 

May you be "blessed to be a blessing" (see Genesis 12:2).

 

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 57:1-58:1

 

57 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!For my soul trusts in You;And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,Until these calamities have passed by.
2 I will cry out to God Most High,To God who performs all things for me. 3 He shall send from heaven and save me;He reproaches the one who would swallow me up.Selah God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
4 My soul is among lions;I lie among the sons of menWho are set on fire,Whose teeth are spears and arrows,And their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;Let Your glory be above all the earth.
6 They have prepared a net for my steps;My soul is bowed down;They have dug a pit before me;Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen.Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake, my glory!Awake, lute and harp!I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing to You among the nations. 10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,And Your truth unto the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;Let Your glory be above all the earth.
NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/20

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 3-5, John 8:12-38   Good morning, Today's New Testament reading in John 8 tells of one of the greatest things that we have "in Christ", true freedom.  The outside world often looks at Christianity as binding, limiting freedom when in actuality it does the opposite.   John 8:31 says that if we abide in His Word we are His disciples and that we will "know the truth, and the truth will make you free".   Today's verses follow shortly after. John 8:34-36 Jesus said, "I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.  - The Message or from the NKJV John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John MacArthur writes that the "ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God.  This also explains why Jesus would not let Himself be reduced to merely a political Messiah."   Many today put their "hopes" in political leaders hoping in societal change and economic freedom.  Christ is the hope, the hope that can change hearts, minds, and lives in any political or economic climate.   Consider the words from the Newsboy's song:   I AM Free   Through You the blind will see, Through You the mute will sing, Through You the dead will rise, Through You our hearts will praise, Through You the darkness flees, Through You my heart will scream "I am free!"   I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for You, I am free!   Are you free?   Jesus tells us "most assuredly" that we can be free if we will abide in Him and His Word.   In Christ, Mike   John 8:31-37 The Truth Shall Make You Free 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him,"We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/19

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 25-1 Chronicles 2, John 7:53-8:11   Good morning, You've probably heard someone, a pastor or an evangelist, say "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you".  This is true, but it does not mean that life as a Christian is going to be easy.   Many people followed Jesus when He was performing miracles like feeding the five thousand, healing lepers and blind people, and doing other wonderful things.  But as He taught in John 6, He also taught some very hard things and instructed people that "they must consider the cost" (Matt.8, Mark 9) of following Him.  Many, for various reasons, turned away from Him after hearing some of the "hard sayings" (v.60).   As a Christian there will be times where we face hard teachings, in God's Word, and in lifes circumstances and we must make a similar choice.  To follow the Son of God or to turn away.  May we respond like Peter.   John 6:67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  In the darkest hours of my life, in the day's after our son Jeff's accident which left him permanently disabled with a brain injury, this thought, this verse, came to me as I came to a bend in the road on the winding road which led to our home.   The world didn't have anything to offer, no solutions and more importantly, no hope (which was the opinion of many doctors).  In Christ, we found our only hope.   Today's verse comes from 1 John 5, it tells how we know where to turn, Who to follow.  That choice to continue to follow isn't in our power, it comes from an understanding that He has given us that we may know that He has "the Words of eternal life".   1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.    NKJV What does it mean to you to know Him, to be "in Him"?  What other verses and passages come to your mind?   In Christ, Mike   John 6:60-7:1 Many Disciples Turn Away 60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you?  62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?  63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.  64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."    NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/18

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 23-24, John 7:37-52 

 

Good morning,

Earlier this week I had read Psalm 37 where three times within the first eight verses the psalmist encourages us not to "fret" in various situations.  Some translations use the word worry, but the word fret carries with it a little more emphasis, it implies continued worrying which can keep us away from other things.  People can fret about just about anything from what clothes to wear (who hasn't heard a teenager look into a full closet and say "I have nothing to wear"), to something about our cars, hobbies or work.  Fretting can also take us away from other things such as serving others.

 

This weekend our church snet people out into the community to do various acts of service.  Prior to heading out they were given the following steps to follow in heading out to serve.  They are good words for us to apply every day of our lives.

1) Pray: Lord I'm available.  Use me to touch someone's life today.

2) Have your spiritual radar up, ready for the Holy Spirit's prompting.

3) Engage someone you're helping, whether on a casual or deep level.

4) Leave the results to God.

 

Part of this weekend's New Testament reading was from John 7 ,verse 27 below from the Amplified Version.

 

John 7:27  Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes [in the using], but strive and work and produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement upon Him.  Amplified Bible

 

Many of the things tht we "toil" over are the same things we fret about.  How many of these things will be of lasting importance.  Why not spend more of our time doing things that will last, will help sustain us and others for the future, possibly eternity?  Jesus will furnish what we need through His Word and the Holy Spirit's prompting.

 

Instead of fretting, wouldn't you prefer to have the Father's "seal of endorsement" on what you are doing?  It is possible if you are living in accordance to His will, and His Word does a work in you from "the Inside Out".

Psalm 37 starts off by telling us not to fret or be envious of "evil men" who seem to profit in their ways.

 

Ps 37:1-4
Do  not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

 

For today's verse we'll consider what God tells us is the alternative.

 

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.   NIV

 

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 37:1-12

 

37 Do  not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

 

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

 

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

 

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret — it leads only to evil.
9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

 

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.

 

NIV

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/16

Through the Bible - 2 Kings18-22, John 6:60-7:36

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll return to John chapter 3 to look at a few verses that grow in meaning each time I read them.  This weekend's Old Testament reading tell us of King Hezekiah, a reformer in Judah.  One of the things that he did was to tear down the bronze serpent which Jesus refers to in John 3.  In the exodus, the Israelites got tired of the manna, tired of the wandering to the point that they "longed" to go back to Egypt and go back to a life of slavery.  They began to murmer against God.  He sent biting poisonous snakes among them as a curse for their rejection of Him.  He instructed Moses to erect a bronze snake.  Those that were bitten and looked up to the snake would be cured from this plague.

 

It demonstrated God's presence and power and reminded people of His mercy and forgiveness.  But over the years it had become an idol in itself.

 

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.    NKJV

In the Old Testament the people were to look to the serpent and realize that it was their sin that brought this on and that they were to turn to God for forgiveness and healing.  It is the same with us.  When we realize that we have sinned we can look to the Saviour who  took "My sin, not in part but the whole,  nailed it to the cross, ("It is Well With My Soul"), turn to Him in repentance and receive forgiveness and healing.

 

I'm reminded of the praise song that we sing, "Here I Am to Worship".  Remember these lines?

 

I'll never know how much it cost,

To see my sin upon that cross....

 

So, here I AM (God) to worship,

Here, I AM, to bow down,

Here, I Am, to say that You're my God.

 

We're not looking to the cross as an idol, we are looking to "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". Heb. 12:2

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

John 3:5-18

 

5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'  8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

 

9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him,"How can these things be?"

 

10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?  11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?  13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.  14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/15

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 15-17, John 6:22-59   Good morning, G.K. Chesterton wrote, "The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that thing being constructed can only be loved after it is constructed, but a thing created is loved before it exists."   We saw in Psalm 51 where David had fallen.  The world he had "constructed" had come crashing down around him.  He prayed for the Lord to "create in me a clean heart".  God heard his prayer as he hears the same prayer from us if we pray it.  He will do the building and construction because He first loved us before our love for Him existed.   For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 3 where Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus, says "you must be born again".  He explains this further in today's verses.   John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.   NKJV Nicodemus had built his life as a Jewish teacher and had become a member of the Sanhedrin, the highest level that he could achieve as a teacher.  He spoke to Jesus as a colleague, a fellow teacher, and wanted to know more about Him.  Jesus would show Nicodemus that he had underestimated Jesus by revealing a mystery to him.   Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God, entrance to that kingdom came only through the Spirit, through God's call.  The Greek phrase translated "born again" can also mean "born from above".  Both are correct.   We can't work our way through the ranks into God's kingdom,  He calls us through the Spirit to follow Him and the response of our heart's will be like David's.   Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. ...... 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.    NKJV That is how to become a true teacher, born from above, by the will of God.   Can you see the difference between creation and construction in your life?   In Christ, Mike   John 3:1-13 The New Birth 3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'  8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him,"How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?  11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/14

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 12-14, John 6:1-21   Good morning, As I've mentioned before, for the last several years I've been reading through different translations of the Bible, this year it has been the New Living Translation.  I've enjoyed it as some of the different words used help bring a different perspective on verses and passages.  I would also suggest caution.  Occasionally "words" are left out or changed that can have significant meaning.   This morning I read Psalm 51, David's prayer after his sin with Bathsheba. For today's verse we'll go to verse 7.  I'll start with the NLT   Ps 51:7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. It is a powerful verse pointing to the need of cleansing from sin and the power of forgiveness in the Saviour.  But let me now show the same verse from the NKJV.   Ps 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.    NKJV It may not seem like a big difference.  But did you condsider the word "hyssop"?  Where else do we find it?   Hyssop was used in the Passover, for the Jews to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts of their homes, that the Angel of the Lord would pass over their homes.  (Ex. 13:22).  It was also used in John 19:29- Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.     NKJV For me at least, the word "hyssop" brings images of both of these instances to the reading of Psalm 51.  Consider the Passover, consider what Christ accomplished on the cross after He said "it is finished".  Read Psalm 51 with these images in mind.   When we go to God seeking forgiveness, we need to come to Him as we are with our "masks" off.  I'll close with the following by Paul Miller: "The only way to come to God is by taking off any spiritual mask. The real you has to meet the real God. He is a person. Your heart could be, and often is, askew. That's okay. You have to begin with what is real. Jesus didn't come for the righteous. He came for sinners. All of us qualify. The very things we try to get rid of—our weariness, our distractedness, our messiness—are what get us in the front door! That's how the gospel works. That's how prayer works. In bringing your real self to Jesus, you give him the opportunity to work on the real you, and you will slowly change. The kingdom comes when Jesus becomes king of your life. But is has to be your life. You can't create a kingdom that doesn't exist, where you try to be better than you really are. Jesus calls that hypocrisy—putting on a mask to cover the real you. So instead of being paralyzed by who you are, begin with who you are. That's how the gospel works. God begins with you." David approached God with his "mask off" with the vision of cleansing and forgiveness on his mind.  Will you do the same the next time you seek forgiveness? In Christ, Mike Ps 51:1-14 51 Have mercy upon me, O God,According to Your lovingkindness;According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions,And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,And done this evil in Your sight — That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness,That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins,And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,And sinners shall be converted to You. 1

Verse of the Day 5/12

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 7-9, John 5:1-29

 

Good morning,

Have you ever been in a church service, even in a large congregation, and heard the Word being preached and felt as if the pastor was speaking directly to you, as if he knew exactly what was going on in your life?  Perhaps you've had similar experiences when reading the Bible.  Something you read fits exactly with the circumstances that you find yourself in.  How do you react when such a thing happens.

 

For today's verse we'll go to the end of John 1 where the disciples are being called by Jesus.  In this instance it is Nathanael, and he feels the same way, asking Jesus "how do you know me"?  Here we see Jesus' response.  The reference of "angels of God ascending and descending" brings us back to Genesis 28, the account of "Jacob's ladder" where the Lord revealed Himself to Jacob and told him of the plans that the Lord had for him and his descendants.

 

John 1:50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."  51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."    NKJV

John MacArthur writes, " Jesus point to Nathanael was that just like Jacob experienced supernatural or heaven sent revelation, Nathanael and the other disciples would experience supernatural communication confirming who Jesus was.   Moreover, the term "Son of Man" replaced the ladder in Jacob's dream signifying that Jesus was the means of access between God and man."

 

The other day I referenced the old hymn "Blessed Assurance".  How do you think it affected Nathanael to hear these words "most assuredly" from Jesus about "seeing greater things"?  It is the same for us and as with Nathanael, Jesus, the Son of Man, is the access to these things.

 

 

Chris Tomlin writes in "God of this City"

 

You're the God of this city,

You're the King of these people,

You're the Lord of this Nation,

You are

 

You're the Light in the darkness,

You're the hope of the helpless

You're the peace to the restless,

You are

 

There is no one like our God.

 

Greater things have yet to come,

Greater things are still to be done in this city.

 

We believe in you God.

 

God has greater things for you, in whatever city you are in, if you will follow Him, will you follow Him?

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

John 1:43-2:1

 

Philip and Nathanael

 

43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."  44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

 

46 And Nathanael said to him,"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

 

Philip said to him, "Come and see."

 

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"

 

48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?"

 

Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

 

49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

 

50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."  51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

 

NKJV

 

Verse of the Day 5/11

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 5-6, John 4:43-54

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll return to John chapter 1.  In a chapter in which we seen in Christ, the Word became flesh, light overcoming darkness, salvation to those who will receive Him, and in the verse we see that we have received grace, grace upon grace.

 

John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.    NKJV

 

MacArthur writes, "This phrase "grace for grace" emphasizes the superabundance of grace that has been displayed by God toward mankind, especially believers."

 

The world offers (but doesn't promise) fame, fortune and happiness if you will follow it's ways.  It's all a deception.  God offers grace upon grace that will bring true freedom, joy, peace, hope and love.

 

I read a definition of grace by John Piper, in a nutshell it was "pardon with power".  When I read "grace for grace" I see that.  We have received grace that we may show it to others.  It's not a deception, it's the truth.

 

Grace Greater Than 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 spilled.

 

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

 

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

 

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

 

"All true believers receive from Christ's fulness; the best and greatest saints cannot live without him, the meanest and weakest may live by him. This excludes proud boasting that we have nothing but 'we have received it,' and silenceth perplexing fears that we want nothing but 'we may receive it.'"    (from Barnes' Notes,)

Will you receive His grace this moment, right now, today?  Don't put it off.

 

In Christ,

Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

John 1:6-19

 

John's Witness: The True Light

 

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

 

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

The Word Becomes Flesh

 

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said,'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.'"

 

16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day weekend - 5/10

Through the Bible 1 Kings 21 - 2 Kings 4, John 3:22-4:42

 

Good morning,

In response to Friday's devotional from 1 Kings a friend wrote, " you strike a nerve with me this morning when you write, "His gentle whisper that calls in the wake of the storm."  It's an incredible moment when God meets us when the wind blow and the rains come, but He's there, nonetheless."  He also sent some of the words from the Mercy Me song "Bring the Rain".

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
 
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
 
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain
 
I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than
my pain you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain ...

For today's verse we'll go to Hebrews chapter 11 where we've gone many times before, to the "Hall of Faith".  The importance of faith in the life or a Christian is brought out in this chapter as the word "faith" is mentioned 24 times in the NKJV.  Today's verse brings out something that is a result of this, assurance in the promises of God.

 

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.  NKJV

A couple of hymns came to mind as I read and thought about the lyrics above and the verse from Hebrews.  Blessed Assurance, and Blessed Quietness.

 

Here are some of the words to the hymn "Blessed Quietness"

 

1. Joys are flowing like a river,
   Since the Comforter has come;
   He abides with us forever,
   Makes the trusting heart His home.
• Refrain:
  Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
  Blest assurance in my soul!
  On the stormy sea, *Jesus speaks to me, [*He speaks peace to me,]
  And the billows cease to roll.
2. Like the rain that falls from heaven,
   Like the sunlight from the sky,
   So the Holy Spirit given,
   Falls upon us from on high.
3. What a wonderful salvation,
   Where we always see His face!
   What a peaceful habitation!
   What a quiet resting-place!

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us be thankful for our mom's and how often in our lives they have displayed these qualities and brought assurance to our faith and to our lives.  I'll close with a few verses from Proverbs chapter 31 about such a wife and mother.

 

Prov 31:28-29  Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"    The Message

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

 

11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude — innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

 

The Heavenly Hope

 

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/8

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 19-20, John 3:1-21

The Old Testament reading is currently following Elijah and will soon transition to Elisha.  The names of these two Old Testament prophets are worth some consideration.  Elijah is a combination of the divine names El and Yahweh, meaning "Jehovah is God".  Elisha is also built upon the name El and means "God is salvation". Today's New Testament reading is in John 3 about Jesus being sent from God the Father to bring, to offer salvation to the world.

 

In yesterday's devotional we looked at Elijah facing the prophets of Baal.  In today's reading we find Elijah running away from Jezebel after such an amaziing victory.  There can be times when we face spiritual battles that leave us like a smoldering wick even after a recent victory.  There can be storms in life that unsettle us.  There can be tragedies that shake us and rock our world.  In all of these we may be crying out to God in the midst of them.  Sometimes, we look to these events as signs in and of themselves.  In today's verses we learn an important lesson from what God is teaching Elijah.

 

1 Kings 19:11 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.   NKJV

Sometimes having gone through "big events" we expect big signs from God to give us direction.  Looking back in life, more often, it is His gentle whisper that call us in the wake of the storm to come to Him, to follow Him, to draw near to Him.

 

John MacArthur writes, "The Lord's self revelation to Elijah came in a faint, whispering voice.  The lesson for Elijah was that the Almighty God was quietly, sometimes imperceptively, doing His work in Israel."   Isn't it the same in our lives?

 

Have you done the same with your children?  Do you remember putting your arm around them when they were discouraged, and whispering to them, "it's all right, things will be OK"?

 

When we face important trials in life, seeking direction from God is the right thing to do.  What happens though when things seem to get worse?  First, remember that these trials are not the end of the story, God is still at work.  Second, continue to "seek His face", pray with other believers, turn to Him and turn from any sin that may have led you astray.  Third, hold on to, cling to what we know of God.  He is faithful, merciful, and full of compassion, He will not fail us.

 

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
1 Kings 19:9-20:1

 

The LORD Speaks to Elijah

 

But the Lord said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

 

10 Elijah replied, "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."

 

11 "Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

 

And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

 

14 He replied again, "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."

 

15 Then the Lord told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. 17 Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!"

 

The Call of Elisha

 

19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, "First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!"

 

Elijah replied, "Go on back, but think about what I have done to you."

 

21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

NLT