Verse of the Day 7/31

Through the Bible - Psalms 65-67, Romans 4   Good morning, Yesterday in Romans 3 we looked at sin and it's consequences.  We recently considered the "power" of the Holy Spirit, - ability, efficiency, and might to live the Christian life.  Today we'll consider the good news that there is forgiveness.    1 John 1:8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 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.   NLT Since Adam and Eve in the garden, Satan has been attempting to deceive, to twist, to have us question "did God really say".  When we listen to his lies we suffer the consequences and carry the baggage with us, a load of sin.   When we confess our sins and turn to Christ there is forgiveness, cleansing and healing.  As the old song goes "Jesus took the heavy load and gave me peace within".   J.I. Packer writes, "An educated, sensitive conscience is God's moniitor.  It alerts us to the moral quality of what we do or plan to do, forbids lawlessness and irresponsibility...  Satan's strategy is to corrupt, desencitize, and if possible kill our consciences.  The relativism, materialism, narcissism, secularism, and hedonism of today's western world help him mightily toward his goal.  His task is made simpler by the way in which the world's moral weaknesses have been taken into the Christian church."   Instead of being deceived and listening to the lies why don't we let the Holy Spirit quide and direct us.   Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.    NKJV In Christ, Mike 1 John 1:5-2:1 Fellowship with Him and One Another 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/30

Through the Bible - Psalms 62-64, Romans 3   Good morning, In the New Testament reading outlined above we have now moved into the book of Romans which some look at as Paul's "magnum opus" (great work) in the New Testament.  Today's reading is in Romans 3.   On my way out to Sacramento CA on business, I flew through Las Vegas which is known by some as "sin city".  The city has proudly adopted the slogan "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".  It is a lie.  Sin is like extra baggage.  You carry the guilt and the consequences of it around with you until it is dealt with.  This means recognizing it, acknowledging your need of forgivenes, confessing it to God, and repenting, turning from it.   Today's verse from Romans 3 tells us the truth about sin. Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,   NKJV or from the NLT Rom 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. No matter how hard we try on our own, we miss the mark, and fall short of HIs standard.   Dr. Karl Menninger writes, "Is no one any longer guilty of anything?  Guilty perhaps of a sin that could be repented and repaired or atoned for?  Is it only that someone may be stupid or sick or criminal - or asleep?  Wrong things are being done, we know; tares are being sewn into the wheat field at night.  But is no one responsible, no one answerable for these acts? Anxiety and depression we all acknowledge, and even vague guilt feelings; but has no one committed any sins? Where indeed did sin go?  What became of it?"   John MacArthur writes, "When was the last time that you heard an on the air counselor tell someone suffering from conscience pangs, "your guilt is valid, you are sinful and must seek repentance." Forgiveness and freedom from the guilt is available and it is not from trying to delete it from our conscience and our minds.    I'll close with these words of wisdom from Proverbs.   Prov 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.  NLT Do you need mercy?  Turn to Christ.   If you haven't done so, take some time and read Romans 1-3. In Christ, Mike Rom 3:21-27 God's Righteousness Through Faith Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/29

Through the Bible - Psalm 59-61, Romans 2   Good morning, In recent devotionals we've seen the importance of passing the faith  along to future generations.  This can be done through "stones of remembrance", journaling, giving direct testimony of what God has done for you, and directly challenging them to pick up where you've left off.   In the Old Testament we can see some paralells between Moses and David and then their successors Joshua and Solomon.  For today's verse we'll go to 1 Chronicles 28 where David is challenging Solomon to continue the work, in this case to start the work of building the temple for which David had been making preparations.   1 Chron 28:20 Then David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.   NLT Yesterday in Acts 1:8 we considered what Jesus was saying to His disciples when He said that "power" would be given to them (ability, efficiency, and might).    The charge given to Joshua from Moses in Joshua 1:6-9 and given to Solomon in today's verse is not limited to the strength and courage needed to lead in the battlefield or in building the temple but relate to persistence, steadfast faith, and seeing and following through on God's purposes in life.   David captures the thought in Psalm 27 a psalm that is given the heading "An Exhuberant Declaration of Faith".   "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."  Psalm 27:14- Amplified Bible.   May that be our declaration of faith and dependence, "expecting" the Lord.  Encourage someone in the "next generation" today to be brave and of good courage" in their faith. Wait, hope, and expect that the ability, efficiency, and might will be given to you. In Christ, Mike 1 Chron 28:9-29:1 9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it." 11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the vestibule, its houses, its treasuries, its upper chambers, its inner chambers, and the place of the mercy seat; 12 and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, of all the chambers all around, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries for the dedicated things; 13 also for the division of the priests and the Levites, for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and for all the articles of service in the house of the Lord. 14 He gave gold by weight for things of gold, for all articles used in every kind of service; also silver for all articles of silver by weight, for all articles used in every kind of service; 15 the weight for the lampstands of gold, and their lamps of gold, by weight for each lampstand and its lamps; for the lampstands of silver by weight, for the lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand. 16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of the showbread, for each table, and silver for the tables of silver; 17 also pure gold for the forks, the basins, the pitchers of pure gold, and the golden bowls — he gave gold by weight for every bowl; and for the silver bowls, silver by weight for every bowl; 18 and refined gold by weight for the altar of incense, and for the construction of the chariot, that is, the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 19 "All this," said David, "the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans." 20 And David said to his son Solomon,"Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God — my God — will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 21 Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and every willing craftsman will be with you for all manner of workmanship, for every kind of service; also the leaders and all the people will be completely at your command." NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/28

Through the Bible - Psalms 56-58, Romans 1   Good mroning, This past weekend our Pastor Tim spoke from Matthew 22 about loving God with all of our hearts and loving our neighbor as yourself.  One of the reference verses he used was Acts 1:8, I read it from the Amplified Bible and have posted it here.   Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.   Think of what we are given when the Holy Spirit "comes upon us", the "ability, efficiency, and might" to achieve His purposes when we give ourselves, when we make God's will our will and submit to Him.   For today's verse we''ll go towards the end of the book, chapter 26 specifically where Paul gives his testimony.   Acts 26:17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'   NLT In Acts chapter 26 Paul gives his testimony.  Take some time today and read the passage.  See how Acts 1:8 was displayed in his life.   I'm sure that as he was persecuting Christians as Saul, that he didn't feel that he was in need of rescue.  But on that road at mid day Saul was stopped in his tracks by a light that outshined the sun, which in that region was white hot.   Paul's life was changed.  The spirit came upon him with power- (ability, efficiency, and might) - to open the eyes of those who would here him, to bring them out of darkness and into God's light.  The course of their lives would be changed as they still are today for those whose "eye's are opened" to the gospel of Christ.   There are those around us today who don't feel that they are in need of rescue.  May it be our prayer that God may open their hearts and minds to receive the gospel message, and may we be His instruments.   If you know it, think of or sing the words to "Glorious One" or  "Open the Eyes of My Heart" and make it your prayer today to live your life "shining in the light" of His glory.   In Christ, Mike   Acts 26:12-24 12 "One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.' 15 "'Who are you, lord?' I asked. "And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.' 19 "And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. 20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. 21 Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. 22 But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God's light to Jews and Gentiles alike."   NLT

Verse of the Day 7/27

Through the Bible- Psalms 53-55, Acts 28:11-31   Good morning, Last week we looked at Joshua 4 and considered how God used the "separating of the waters" to begin and end the exodus.  With such great works and displays of His power and authority He obviously had something in mind for these people.   That same time that I read Joshua 4 in my devotions I read Psalm 114 where we find these verses.   Ps 114:2 the land of Judah became God's sanctuary, and Israel became his kingdom. 3 The Red Sea saw them coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away.   God had a plan for them, to be His kingdom and sanctuary, He wasn't going to let a little water (or a lot) stand in His way.   What has God done for us to adopt us as His children, to bring us into His kingdom, to live in us?  What should our response be?   This weekend I read Psalm 116 and came across the following verses which will serve as our verses today . Ps 116:12 What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord's name for saving me.  NLT What can we offer the Lord?  Praise to His name and to live our lives for Him.   While driving back from Anderson SC last week I listened to a Third Day song that would apply.   This is My Offering   Magnificent Holy Father I stand in awe of all I see Of all the things You have created But still You choose to think of me Who am I that You should suffer Your very life to set me free The only thing that I can give You Is the life You gave to me This is my offering, dear Lord This is my offering to You, God And I will give You my life For it's all I have to give Because You gave Your life for me I stand before You at this altar So many have given You more I may not have much I can offer Yet what I have is truly Yours This is my offering What is your offering for all He has done for you?   In Christ, Mike   Ps 116:8-19 8 He has saved me from death,my eyes from tears,my feet from stumbling.9 And so I walk in the Lord's presenceas I live here on earth!10 I believed in you, so I said,"I am deeply troubled, Lord."11 In my anxiety I cried out to you,"These people are all liars!"12 What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?13 I will lift up the cup of salvationand praise the Lord's name for saving me.14 I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 15 The Lord cares deeplywhen his loved ones die.16 O Lord, I am your servant;yes, I am your servant, born into your household;you have freed me from my chains.17 I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgivingand call on the name of the Lord.18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people—19 in the house of the Lord in the heart of Jerusalem.     NLT

Verse of the Day weekend 7/24

Through the Bible -  Psalms 47-52, Acts 27:27-28:10   Today's devotional was provided by my friend Larry Rogers.   One goal my wife and I had in common upon getting married was to strive to make our future home a place where the Spirit of God through Christ would be felt by all that came through the door. That it would become a dwelling place where people would sense peacefulness, comfort, safety, warmth, love etc. Over the years many of our friends, both believers and unbelievers, have commented how much they enjoy being in our home. Many can't really describe why they like it in our home especially  the friends of our kids that visit, which gives my wife and I an opening to share that they are sensing Christ's presence dwelling amongst us.   My questions for the weekend are; who is dwelling in you? And can people see or sense what is dwelling in you?   The verses for the weekend are found in Colossians 3:15-17:                 15" Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful. 16 Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom      teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17  Whatever you do in word and deed,          do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." NASB   MacArthur points out that are there three priorities of a new man (anyone that is truly redeemed), they are like outer garments that cover all others. A new man is now concerned with: 1.       the peace of Christ 2.       the word of Christ 3.       the name of Christ All three of these areas should be dwelling inside each believer. 1.       The peace of Christ starts with the incredible news that we have been justified by faith thereby giving us peace about our future with God through Christ's work on the cross. (Rom. 5:1) As we grow in faith in Christ our peace should become deeper and dwell deep in our soul. In fact, it should rule over our hearts. The Greek word for rule is only used here in all of the N.T. and is meant to describe the activity of an umpire in deciding the outcome of an athletic contest. The outcome of peace dwelling in us will be as Warren Wiersbe shares, we will have less conflict in our lives especially with others and we will speak with praise on our lips. MacArthur reminds us that peace and thankfulness  go hand in hand; each one is supported by the other.   2.       The word of Christ refers the Scriptures He brought into the world. "Peace and thankfulness as well as, unity, love and all the required virtues flow from a mind controlled by Scripture." says MacArthur. My study bibles say that the word Dwell means, to live in, or to be at home. When you add the word, richly, (abundantly or extravagantly) Macarthur reasons that the Word of God should permeate every aspect of the believer. To let the Word richly dwell in us is very similar to being filled with the Holy Spirit. And again we read that we are to be thankful in our hearts.     3.       The name of Christ Wiersbe says, " means identification: we belong to Jesus Christ….All that we say and do should be associated with the name of Jesus Christ. By our words and our works we should glorify His name." N.T. Wright says we should be asking ourselves that if we are representing Christ in everything we do than this should serve as a benchmark in our decision making, "Can I really do this if I'm representing Jesus Christ?" We need to be consistent in our lives to the one we have our identity in. And again we see we are to be thankful; thankfulness is mentioned 6x's in Colossians so it is important..   Use this weekend to evaluate what you are allowing to dwell inside you compared to who it is we represent. I pray all of you will have a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ this weekend! We have so much to be thankful for even in these challenging days. Blessings, Larry  Col 3:12-18 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.  NLT

Verse of the Day 7/25

Through the Bible - Psalms 44-46, Acts 27:1-26

 

Good morning,

Last weekend I had the opportunity to visit my son Jason and his wife Kristen in Washington D.C.  On Saturday we spent some time walking around the "mall" and saw the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial to name a few.  They are reminders of some of the great momemts, great struggles, and great courage, and in many instances faith in God, that was exemplified, lived out by so many in our country.

 

We recently considered some of the "small steps" that became leaps of faith in the Bible.  We are blessed that they were recorded and preserved for us, to challenge, encourage and inspire us in our Christian walk and faith.

Today's verse comes from Joshua chapter 4 as they approached to Jordan river, Joshua gave the leaders instructions to take stones from the river to serve as a memorial of the event, the great thing that God had done in parting the waters that they could cross.  These verses stress the importance of the memorial.

 

Josh 4:6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever."    NKJV

The exodus from Egypt that had begun with the parting of the Red Sea now ends with God holding back the waters at the Jordan so that they could cross.  God lead them out of the bondage and slavery of Egypt through the waters  and brought them into the promised land in a similar miraculous way.  What about your salvation?  From where has God brought you?

 

We shouldn't be dwelling on our past, but spiritual markers are important for us but moreso for our children and families (but physical and spiritual) that they may know and remember what God has done in our families.  This can be done in many ways, in pictures, Bible verses, or in journals.  The times that I have kept a journal have primarily been when I was going through "the valley".  Those notations and entries were difficult and there were heart wrenching questions.  But when I look at them now I am reminded of God's faithfulness, morning by morning and day by day.

 

Another "old' hymn by Fanny Crosby comes to mind.

 

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

 

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

 

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

 

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

 

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
Josh 4:1-15

 

The Memorial Stones

 

4 And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 "Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, 'Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.'"

 

4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; 5 and Joshua said to them: "Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever."

 

8 And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.

 

10 So the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the Lord had commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and crossed over. 11 Then it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over, that the ark of the Lord and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people. 12 And the men of Reuben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them. 13 About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho. 14 On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/23

Through the Bible - Psalm 42-43. Acts 26

 

Good morning,

The other day I quoted the hymn "He Lives".  In singing that song we are reminded that if we are Christ's we have the Holy Spirit living in us, giving us the power to live for Christ.

 

For today's verse we'll go to 1 Corinthians 6:19 where Paul tells us that our bodies are "the temple of the Holy Spirit".  The second part of the verse to consider is "therefore glorify God in your body", which means to live for Jesus.

 

1 Cor 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.    NKJV

John Calvin in his "Institutes" wrote, "We are God's; let us therefore live for Him and die for Him.  We are God's; let his wisdom and will therefore rule all our actions.  We are God's; let all the parts of our life accordingly strive toward him as our only lawful goal.  O, how much that man profited who, having been taught that he is not his own, has taken away dominion and rule from his own reason that he may yield it to God."  He also wrote that "true and sound wisdom consists of two parts; the knowledge of God and of ourselves."

 

Calvin saw himself as a sinner saved by grace, who yielded his will, his life to Christ.

 

These verses and John Calvin's words brought to mind another hymn that I remember from childhood.

Living for Jesus

Living for Jesus, a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me.  Living for Jesus Who died in my place, Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, Follow His leading and give Him my all.  REFRAIN  O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me. I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne. My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.  Living for Jesus, wherever I am, Doing each duty in His holy Name; Willing to suffer affliction and loss, Deeming each trial a part of my cross.   Living for Jesus through earth's little while, My dearest treasure, the light of His smile; Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

Remember today that "you've been bought with a price", therefore, glorify God by "living for Jesus".

 

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 Cor 6:12-7:1

 

Avoiding Sexual Sin

 

12 You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, "Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food." (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can't say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.

 

15 Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, "The two are united into one." 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

 

18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.   NLT

Verse of the Day 7/22

Through the Bible - Psalms 39-41, Acts 25   Good morning, Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary for man landing on the moon.  Most of us remember what Neil Armstrong said as he stepped from the lunar module and placed his foot on the surface of the moon, "one small step for (a) man one giant leap for mankind". (I put the "a" in parentheses because it did not come through when recorded but is what he actually said).  I remember standing in the street outside of my grandparent's house that night, looking up at the moon in wonder that there was literally "a man on the moon".   The Christian life, the Christian walk, is accomplished with small steps of faith that can lead to great leaps for ourselves and possibly for all of mankind.   What kind of Biblical examples come to mind?  Perhaps David taking that first step toward Goliath armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, the priests carrying the ark stepping into the Jordan river at flood stage, or Peter stepping out of the boat after Jesus approached the disciples walking on the water and called for him to "come", to get out of the boat.   For today's verse we'll go to Matthew 14. Matt 14:29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"   NKJV Peter got out of the boat but saw the wind and the waves and was afraid and called for Jesus to save him.  Jesus reached out to him and pulled him out of the water.   It's a reminder for us that we are saved at a point in time but Christ continues to "save" us, we are dependent on Him each day of our lives.  But we will continue to take steps of faith.   What were some of the small steps in your life?  It may have been stepping forward at a campfire meeting, stepping forward to serve in ministry, stepping out in a missions project or other ministry.  Look back at those steps now and see what developed out of them.  They may not have lead to "giant leaps" for mankind, but most likely have influenced more people than you may know.   Think of others, other heroes through the ages that took a small step of faith that were giant leaps for mankind.  What examples come to mind?   Is God asking you to take a step today?  That small step may turn out to be a giant leap.   In Chrsit, Mike   Matt 14:22-34 Jesus Walks on the Sea (Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21) 22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,  "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." 28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/21

Through the Bible - Psalms 36-38, Acts 24   Good morning,   We've looked at a few psalms recently and if you are reading through them in the Old Testament readings outlined above, you're seeing that David had a heart for God and a heart for worship.  As his kingdom grew, it ate at David that his palace was being built while the ark of the covenant still resided in a temporary dwelling, in a tent.  David's desire was to build a home for the ark, but God would not have it.  The honor of building an earthly temple would go to his son Solomon.   But God had something far greater in mind than an earthly temple.   1 Chron 17:10-"'Furthermore, I declare that the Lord will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 11 For when you die and join your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong.    NLT   God would send His Son, the Messiah.  He would set up His Kingdom, He would live, dwell, set up residence in our heats.   Augustine realized this and prayed, "O Lord in whom all things live, who commanded us to seek you, who are always ready to be found; to know you is life, to serve you is freedom, to praise you is our soul's delight.  We bless you and adore you, we worship you and magnify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord." If we have a heart for worship like David that would be our prayer.    Sometimes we live as if God was living in a tent in our backyard or resting with our Bible in a secluded room in our house, and not in our hearts.  He should be living in our hearts and being made manifest in our lives.   Can you sing this hymn from your heart today?   He Lives   I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me Along life's narrow way. He lives, He live, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart. In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading Thro' all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing Will come at last. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs To Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, The help of all who find, None other is so loving, So good and kind.   In Christ, Mike 1 Chron 17:7-15 7 "Now go and say to my servant David, 'This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 9 And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won't oppress them as they've done in the past, 10 starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will defeat all your enemies. "'Furthermore, I declare that the Lord will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 11 For when you die and join your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong. 12 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for me. And I will secure his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my favor from him as I took it from the one who ruled before you. 14 I will confirm him as king over my house and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.'" NLT

Verse of the Day 7/20

Through the Bible - Psalms 33-35, Acts 23:12-35   Good morning, We recently looked at Psalm 23 but did not focus on one of the more quoted verse one "even though I walk through the valley".  Matt Redman in his song "Never Let Go" combined the words and thoughts from that verse with "but perfect love casts out fear" which is found in 1 John 4:17 where we'll go for today's verse.   1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.   NKJV or from the NLT 1 John 4:16-19  God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. In the NLT above I included the end of verse 16 with the often quoted and often taken out of context,  "God is love".  Love, as found in the Bible, is very different than what is perceived to be love in the world around us today.  There are several passages that you can go to in order to get a better biblical understanding including 1 Corinthians 13.  Part of love, especially as a parent, includes correction, discipline, and allowing things to impact your child's life.  Not having these aspects would not be true, would not be "complete" love.   But having received true love, we are better prepared to experience the fullness of it and to recognize the importance of these other aspects of it.  As love grows, it casts out fear.  Can you look back and see this in your life?  In relationships with your children and spouse?  Have you experienced it in your relationship with Christ? I know that I've referenced this song before, but it's a powerful song, one that is worth sharing, considering, and possibly singing in your heart or out loud today.   Matt Redman - You Never Let Go Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life I won't turn back I know You are near And I will fear no evil For my God is with me And if my God is with me Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? Chorus: Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on A glorious light beyond all compare And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes We'll live to know You here on the earth   I've posted the 1 John passage below from The Message which sums up the passage with the following,  "The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both"   In Christ, Mike 1 John 4:13-5:1 This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. To Love, to Be Loved God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day — our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life — fear of death, fear of judgment — is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love — love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both. (from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/18

Through the Bible - Psalms 28-32, Acts 21:37-23:11   Good morning, For this weekend's verse we'll return to the book of Psalms.   Reading through the Psalms and also David's life in other books of the Old Testament it is not too hard to see that David loved music and worship.  Instruments and choirs were often in use in the processions of carrying the ark.  The priests and levites had specific duties regarding music and praise then much like we have worship leaders directing choirs and prasise bands today.   Today's verse is from Psalm 108 which I read recently. Ps 108:1- O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. 2 Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.    NKJV David is most likely saying here that he will praise his God to start his day, awakening the dawn of the day.  With David's love for music and his references to the instruments you may also get the idea that he has in mind something more that quiet meditations or singing "soft hymns".  I think David would have enjoyed some of today's "rockin" praise bands.  I'm not making a theological stand, just giving a personal impression., but I could picture David joining right in with Chris Tomlin or Steven Curtis Chapman.  Thinking of waking the dawn, the song live out loud came to mind, here are some of the words.   Live Out Loud - (Steven Curtis Chapman) Wake the neighbors Get the word out Come on, crank up the music, climb a mountain and shout This is life we've been given, made to be lived out So, la, la, la, la, live out loud Think about this Try to keep a bird from singing after it's soared up in the sky Give the sun a cloudless day and tell it not to shine Think about this If we really have been given the gift of life that will never end And if we have been filled with living hope, we're gonna overflow And if God's love is burning in our hearts, we're gonna glow There's just no way to keep it in Read though some Psalms this weekend, or perhaps 1 Chronicles 16.  Try to see how many hymns and praise songs you come across that were inspired by these words.  Sing some of the in praise, sing out loud in worship this weekend. In Christ, Mike Ps 108:1-6 108 1 My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! 2 Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. 3 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. 4 For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.  NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/17

Through the Bible - Psalms 25-27, Acts 21:17-36   Good morning, I had a friend who had invited me several times to go fishing on Lake Michigan on his 32 foot boat.  He would always check the marine forecast before heading out.  On one of those occasions the forecast called for 3' to 6' waves.  The forecaste proved to be true. He said that the boat could handle it and we left the harbor and set out beyond the breakers.  After about 45 minutes of trying to troll for salmon,while bobbing up and down; he asked me if I wanted to continue and said that it would not bother him to go back in.  I gladly accepted his offer.  As we pulled in behind the breakers and into the harbor the waters were smooth almost as glass.  What a blessing.   This whole episode was brought to mind yesterday as I read from Psalm 107 where we go for today's verses.   Ps 107:29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30 What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!  NLT or from the NKJV Ps 107:29 He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. 30 Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.   NKJV If you were to go to a boat week by week and just sit in the harbor it could become quite boring.  If you venture out sometimes you'll catch some wonderful fish, but occasionally you'll encounter some storms and waves and appreciate the calm harbor.   Sometimes it's like that in our lives.  We hesitate to go out beyond our comfort zones, our safe harbors.  In doing so we'll miss out on some great opportunities to minister and serve. If we venture out we may encounter some chop or storms, but let Christ be your captain, He will bring you safely back to harbor.   In Christ, Mike Ps 107:23-33 23 Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. 24 They, too, observed the Lord's power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. 25 He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. 26 Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits' end. 28 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30 What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! 31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 32 Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.   NLT

Verse of the Day 7/16

Through the Bible - Psalms 23-24, Acts 21:1-16   Good morning, Today's Old Testament reading includes Psalm 23.  Over the last several years I've quoted 5 out of the 6 verses in a "VOTD" devotional.  Today I'll complete the cycle with Psalm 23:5.   Ps 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.    NKJV or from the NLT Ps 23:5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.   In the psalm the psalmist acknowledges God as his Provider, realizing it is God that "makes him" lie down, leads him, and restores him.  Whether he has come through or is still in the valley, God is with him and comforts him.   We can look at verse 5 in the same way, whether it is while he's in the valley or looking back, God prepares a table, a veritable feast for him.  It is more than sustenance, it is filling, satisfying.    It is interesting to note that it is in the presence of his enemies or possibly in spite of their presence.  They are witnesses to his "feast" to his rejoicing, to his satisfaction in life.    The imagery of anointing in the Old Testament is often preparation for a blessing.  In this case it follow at the end of verse 5 and continues to verse 6 which speaks of God's mercy literally "pursuing" him all the days of his life, no matter the situation.  Looking forward to "dwelling in the house of the Lord", not a temporary "tent", but a permanent home. It's not about viewing the cup as half empty or half full, it is viewing it as overflowing.   Even in trying times, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.  It may help you to see the overflowing cup.   In Christ, Mike Ps 23:1-24:1 The Lord the Shepherd of His People A Psalm of David. 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/15

Through the Bible - Psalms 19-22, Acts 20:17-38

 

Good morning,

Over the past few days we've looked at how Martin Luther took his stand on the gospel and we've also considered what it means and what it takes to persevere through trials (James 1:2).  Paul's life was an example of standing through the trials and literally through the storms.  He had learned to stand and not shrink back in any situation.

 

For today's verse we'll go to this morning's New Testament reading in Acts 20.  Paul faced trials and persecutions wherever he went, it was no different here, Acts 20:19 "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. "  But his message did not change.  He wouldn't shrink back from the gospel message due to public opinio

 

Acts 20:20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.   NLT

This morning in my devotions I read Psalm 106.  The Life Application Bible notes had the following to say about troubles.  "God allowed troubles to come to the Israelites to help them.  (I know it sounds strange but keep reading).  Our troubles CAN be helpful because they : 1) humble us, 2) pull us from the allurements of the world and drive us back to God, 3) quicken our prayers, 4) allow us to experience more of God's faithfulness, 5) make us more dependent upon God, 6) encourage us to submit to God's purpose for our life, and 7) make us more compassionate to others in trouble."

 

It is interesting to note that troubles can come about because of our disobedience or because of our obedience, taking a stand like Paul or Martin Luther. 

 

Billy Graham has said, "The men who followed  (Christ) were unique in their generation.  They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up.  The world has never been the same."

We've often considered the importance of passing our faith on to the next generation.  We must hold to the core principles, teach them what they need to hear "publicly or in the homes", and not shrink back from teaching "what they need to hear".

 

In doing so, we may (us and the next generation) will  face trials and persectutions.  But if we are faithful, because God is faithful, we'll see the world "turned upside down" and know that the world will never be the same because of it.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Acts 20:17-24

 

On to Jerusalem

 

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the leaders of the congregation. When they arrived, he said, "You know that from day one of my arrival in Asia I was with you totally —   laying my life on the line, serving the Master no matter what, putting up with no end of scheming by Jews who wanted to do me in. I didn't skimp or trim in any way. Every truth and encouragement that could have made a difference to you, you got. I taught you out in public and I taught you in your homes, urging Jews and Greeks alike to a radical life-change before God and an equally radical trust in our Master Jesus.

 

"But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I'm completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.
The Message

Verse of the Day 7/14

Through the Bible - Psalms 16-18, Acts 20:1-16   Good morning, What comes to mind when you hear the word "astonished"?  Amazement or surprise? The word can be defined as follows " fill with sudden and overpowering surprise or wonder; amaze".  It can have positive or negative connotations.  It can be accompanied by fear or great joy depending on the situation.   One of the reasons that Jesus spoke in parables was to open the eyes of His hearers to understand principles through the application of them in a story.  It is much the same with "life applications" given in a sermon by a pastor.   Today's verses followed Jesus parable of the house on the sand versus the house on the rock.  The verses capture the reaction from His audience. Matt 7:28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.   NKJV John MacArthur writes, "the verb translated here means to be struck out of oneself, or to be beside oneself with astonishment.  The crowd was utterly flabbergasted by the power, comprehensiveness, and extraordinary insight of Christ's words.  Never had people heard such a penetrating description of true righteousness or such a relentless condemnation of self righteousness."   Jesus had compared the house on the rock, built on the solid foundation and that of the house built on the sand with a shifting foundation.  Aside from the foundation, the houses could appear to be almost identical.   Why were they so astonished?  Jesus had just finished the "Sermon on the Mount" with some of, if not the most, significant "how to" teachings of all time", in other words how to live your life as a part of and not apart from "the kingdom of God".  His teachings were counter cultural then and they are now.  He was teaching that "image is not everything" but it's what's inside or in this case underneath, below the surface that matters.   Following Christ, His teachings, applying them in faith to our lives are foundational and will give us the foundation to withstand the storms of life.   The choice with His hearers then and now is will they, will I move from astonishment to obedience, to "follow" Him.  The astonishment will draw true followers to Him while others will turn and walk away, holding onto, building on their foundation of sand.   Have you ever been "struck out of yourself", astonished and woken up by verses from scripture that you have read or a message you have heard?  What did it lead you to do? Where did it lead you?  What are you building on today?   Read the passage from "The Message" below, may God's Word be more than an incidental addition to your life but be foundational.   In Christ, Mike Matt 7:24-8:1 "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit — but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards." When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying — quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard. (from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 7/13

Through the Bible - Psalm 13-15, Acts 19   Good morning, This weekend our Pastor Bob finished his series "Choose", this week's message was titled "Hearing Test" and he spoke of "making right decisions at the right time".   Earlier in the day I had heard the song "Mighty to Save" and it kept going through my mind.  While working with my handicapped son, Jeff, I listened to a message by John MacArthur on Romans 1:16 regarding the "power of God to salvation" and thought how well it went with that song.   Mighty to Save ended up being one of the songs that we sang leading up to Bob's message.  While singing, I opened up my Amplified Bible that I had with me to the passage in Romans 1.  The "amplification" surprised me with how well it went with the message.   Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."    NKJV or from the Amplified Bible Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,     17For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.   Martin Luther was struck by these verses, these words, and they became his "life verses".   Bob spoke of times when we question some of the things that we feel God is prompting us to do.  I'm sure Martin Luther at times must have had some questions.  He found his answers to be confirmed by God's Word.  Something Bob encouraged us to do.  His life revealed that he believed it.  His belief was as Bob would say "was by conviction not consensus".  Martin Luther was famous for that and his statement "here I stand" before the council, who asked him to recant his statements, his beliefs confirmed by scripture,  at the "Diet of Worms" in 1521.  "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."   How does God "break in" to our lives?  Sometimes a quiet whisper, sometimes like a hammer to break the heart of stone.  But when He does He provides the power (power here is the same root word for dynamite) to break down walls and take a stand for Him.   Read verse 17 again in the Amplified version above.  Does this describe God's work in your life?  "springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]."   Mighty to Save   Everyone needs compassion 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 and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave Verse 2: So take as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender   In Christ, Mike   The verses below show that what struck Martin Luther struck other prophets, apostles, and Christians through the ages right up to today. " The just shall live by faith."   Hab 2:4- "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.   NKJV   Gal 3:11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."   NKJV Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."    NKJV Gal 3:5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? —  6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."    NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/11

Through the Bible - Psalm 7-12, Acts 18

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's New Testament reading in Acts and today's Old Testament readings in Psalms go well together.  For today's verse we'll go to Acts 17 and I'll paste Psalm 8, one of my favorites at the end of the devotional.

 

In Acts 17 Paul has been persecuted, stoned and beaten but he will not shy away or stray from delivering his message about the greatness of God.  In the midst of trying circumstances he speaks of the wonder, the glory of the God that has created all things and gives life to every creature.

 

Acts 17:24 "He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can't serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.   NLT

 

Reading, hearing those words "he is Lord of heaven and earth", and "made the earth and everything in it", and "he gives life and breath to everything" should stir us.  Paul stood in awe in  wonder of Him as the psalmist's did in so many of the psalms.

 

Many of these psalms have been made into hymns and praise songs that we sing today in our churches.  The psalms have also inspired many songwriters to create "new songs" from how these words spoke to them.

I'm reminded of the praise song "God of Wonders" by Third Day.  Here are some of the words.  If you know the song sing it in your heart or out loud as a prayer, a praise or both as you prepare for worship this weekend.  Prepare your hearts that the "spoken Word" would speak to you this weekend.

 

God of Wonders

Lord of Heaven and Earth,

Lord of all creation
Of the water, earth and sky
The Heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory To the Lord on high

God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe
Declares your majesty
You are holy, holy

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call your name by night

Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)

Precious Lord,
Reveal your heart to me
Father hold me, hold me

The Universe
Declares your majesty
You are Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy

What other verses, psalms, songs come to your mind today?  Share them with someone.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

Acts 17:22-29

 

Addressing the Areopagus

 

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

 

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

 

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'   NKJV

Ps 8:1-9:1

 

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.

 

8 1 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.

 

3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are people that you should think about them,
mere mortals that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.

 

9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!     NLT

Verse of the Day 7/10

Through the Bible - Psalm 4-6, Acts 17:16-34

 

Good morning,

I was reading in 2 Kings this morning about king Josiah.  He came to the throne at the age of 8 and become a spiritual reformer in the nation of Judah.  The key to this was the "finding" of the Book of the Law in the temple.  The written word was spoken to the young king, he heard it and it touched his life, it changed him and inspired him to seek true and proper worship of the Lord God in the kingdom.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Acts 17 in yesterday's New Testament bible reading.

Acts 17:11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.  NLT
Or from the NKJV

11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.

 

In the Old Testament few people had access to the Word of God and in the case of Israel and Judah when those who had it neglected it and failed to proclaim it the nations suffered for it.

 

The Word of God more available in the New Testament but still not nearly as available as it is today or since the printing press was invented.  But like Josiah, those in Berea that had it put it to good use.  They heard the word spoken and preached to them then went and examined the scripture on their own or quite possibly in groups to confirm the what they had heard.  The NKJV says that they received the Word "with readiness", ready to take it in, to verify it and apply it.  Verse 12 states that as a result of this many believed and were saved.  Their seaching the scriptures resulted in people believing.  Was it merely the people who had the Word and studied that believed?  I believe that they heard the word, confirmed it in study, and applied it in their lives which caught the attention of those around them.

 

How precious is God's Word to you?  Many of us may have 3 or 5 or even 10 copies and translations of the Bible available to us but do we use them, open them.  Do we hear a message from our pastor and go back and "examine" the scriptures in the "Sermon Notes" to verify the pastors message and words?  Doing so would likely lead to living it out (more) in our lives.  Doing so would have an impact on those around us, even prominent men and women.

 

As you leave the church building this weekend will you be "open minded" and take the sermon notes with you, examine, study the passages, and do your best in the power of the Holy Spirit to apply what God teaches 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

Acts 17:10-16

 

Ministering at Berea

 

10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/9

Through the Bible -  Psalms 2-3, Acts 17:1-15   Good morning, Yesterday the Old Testament reading moved into the book of Psalms.  It's good to be on the read through the Bible plan, it will bring you places in His Word where you might not otherwise go.  However, strictly reading for reading sake, as a goal or a task, is to miss out on some of the depth and the heart of scripture.   As we read we will learn from scripture, learn facts, doctrine, and know what we believe.  But there are some passages that "speak" to us, to our very heart and sould.  The psalms do that to me perhaps more than any other book of the Bible.  They were originally passed down in verbal form and in song.  Many of our hymns and praise songs are from the psalms and were written because they spoke to the heart of the song writer.   Today's verse comes from Psalm 70 and is about seeking, inquiring of the Lord.  The psalm starts and ends with a call for God to make haste, hasten, or as the amplified version says for God to "hurry up".  Have you ever been there?   Psalm 70:4  May all those who seek, inquire of and for You, and require You [as their vital need] rejoice and be glad in You; and may those who love Your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified!    -   Amplified Biblle or from the NKJV Ps 70:4 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified!"     We've looked at being in and making it through the trials and storms of life.  For the Christian the important thing to do is to turn to God, to trust in Him and seek Him "as our vital need".  It is a two way street.  We ask of God to hurry up to hasten to us, but is it our natural way in life to hasten to Him first, not only in our trials and storms but every day of our life?   I would encourage you to follow the "plan" above and read through Psalms, perhaps make reading a psalm a practice for every day of your life.  But do it in a way where you "let is speak" to you, think about it, dwell on it for some time.  Carry a verse or two with you during the day.  You'll be amazed at how God will speak to you.   A couple of songs came to mind, one was Blessed Quietness - "on the stormy sea He speaks peace to me, how the billows cease to roll.'  The other was a more recent song by Mercy Me.   Word of God Speak  -  Mercy Me   I'm finding myself at a loss for words And the funny thing is it's okay The last thing I need is to be heard But to hear what You would say [Chorus] Word of God speak Would You pour down like rain Washing my eyes to see Your majesty To be still and know That You're in this place Please let me stay and rest In Your holiness Word of God speak I'm finding myself in the midst of You Beyond the music, beyond the noise All that I need is to be with You And in the quiet hear Your voice   In Christ, Mike Ps 70:1-71:1 Prayer for Relief from Adversaries(Ps 40:13-17) To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. To bring to remembrance. 70 Make haste, O God, to deliver me!Make haste to help me, O Lord! 2 Let them be ashamed and confoundedWho seek my life;Let them be turned back and confusedWho desire my hurt. 3 Let them be turned back because of their shame,Who say, "Aha, aha!" 4 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;And let those who love Your salvation say continually,"Let God be magnified!" 5 But I am poor and needy;Make haste to me, O God!You are my help and my deliverer;O Lord, do not delay.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/7

Through the Bible - Job 39-40, Acts 16:1-15   Good morning, Back in Acts 11 it was noted that Christ's followers were first called "Christians" in the city of Antioch.  Literally it meant "little Christs".  They had developed a reputation, one that was not looked on favorably by many in that city.   Moving on to Acts 14 which was part of this weekend's New Testament reading, we see that some Paul's opponents, critics, followed them to Lystra,  dragged him out of the city and stoned him.  Still Paul was not disuaded from preaching the gospel and making disciples.  Paul along with Barnabas went back to Lystra and then went on to Derbe.  They still showed the "joy of the Lord" even in and through their trials.  The trials that they had been in and through and had produced the endurance spoken about yesterday in James.  The following verses give us an indication of what can come from persevering, choosing to persevere through trials while retaining and displaying the 'joy of the Lord".   Acts 14:21  When they had preached the good news (Gospel) to that town and made disciples of many of the people, they went back to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch,   22Establishing and strengthening the souls and the hearts of the disciples, urging and warning and encouraging them to stand firm in the faith, and [telling them] that it is through many hardships and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.    (Amplified Bible) or from the NKJV Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."   NKJV Paul and Barnabas' goal was to reach others for Christ and to make disciples.  Going through their trials and persevering through them in faith was a great example and preparation for those who would follow.   Think of the words used to describe their actions in the Amplified Bible.  Establishing and strengthening.  Urging and warning and encouraging them to stand.    As I was on my way to the airport this morning I listened to the song by Third Day "Mountain of God".  It reminded me of a modern day application. Here are some of the words.   Mountain of God - Third Day   Even though the journey's long And I know the road is hard Well, the One who's gone before me He will help me carry on After all that I've been through Now I realize the truth That I must go through the valley To stand upon the mountain of God As I travel on the road That You have lead me down You are here with me Yes, You are here with me I have need for nothing more Oh, now that I have found That You are here with me Yes, You are here with me I confess from time to time I lose my way But You are always there To bring me back again Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from And the things I've left behind But of all I've had, what I possessed Nothing can quite compare With what's in front of me With what's in front of me What are some of the things that you've gone through, some of the things you left behind? Can they compare to what lies ahead?   May the thought give you the strength to persevere when you don't think that you have it.   In Christ, Mike Acts 14:21-15:1 Strengthening the Converts 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. 27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples. NKJV