Verse of the Day 8/31

Through the Bible - Psalms 146-148, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

 

Good morning,

You've probably heard it from weight loss advertisements to sermons, the encouragement, the challenge to "get in the game".

Today's verse comes from 1 Corinthians 9 where Paul compares the Christian life to "running the race".  It's the game of life, but it is far more than a game.  Paul, like Jesus, takes the Olympic games, and almost everything else in life, sees them in relation to God.

John Piper writes:

 "There are at least two tremendously important things that demand our attention in this text.

1. One is the prize, the crown, the finish, the triumph. What is it? What's at stake in the race of the Christian life? What are we to run for and fight for? And is that OK? To have a great prize in view as we fight the fight of faith?
2. The other thing in this text that needs our attention is the running itself. How then shall we run? What is it to exercise self-control? Are we to buffet and pommel our bodies and make them our slaves? What does this look like in real life?

 

1 Cor 9:24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.   NLT

 

We are to run the race to win, and to do it in a way that we wont be disqualified. 

 

1 Cor 9:27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.   NLT

 

A marathon is a race that proves endurance.  You can't run the race without training, without pressing, pushing your body, and your mind to the limit.  But it's not about pressing and striving in our own strength.  Yes, your strength is involved, but it is where that strength comes from that it important.

 

John Piper continues, "Make no mistake here! Life is not a place for proving to God or anybody your strength. Life is a place for proving whose strength you trust—man's or God's. Life is not a place for proving the power of your intelligence to know truth. It's a place for proving the power of God's grace to show truth (Matthew 16:17). Life is not a field for demonstrating the force of our will to make good choices. It's a field for showing how the beauty of Christ takes us captive and constrains us to choose and run for his glory.

The race of life has eternal consequences not because we are saved by works, but because Christ has saved us from dead works to serve the living and true God with Olympic passion (Hebrews 9:14). "
In the Christian life the point is not that there is only one winner, the point is: run the way the winner runs"

 

How is your training going?  Are you in the race to win the prize?  Make it your committment to "run to win".

 

Eph 5:1-2   Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. NLT

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

1 Cor 9:24-10:1

 

Striving for a Crown

 

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.   NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 8/29

Through the Bible - Psalms 142-145, 1 Corinthians 11:17 - 12:11

 

Good morning,

I apologize for not sending out the verse of the day e-mails this week.  I was on vacation and had planned to send them out but did not have internet access where I was staying, except for my Blackberry.

Prior to going on vacation, my wife spent a week in Chicago with my daughter and her family.  She returned to North Carolina with our grandaughter Layna for a week prior to our family vacation.

 

I went to the airport to pick her up and met them in the terminal.  I told my wife Jean that I can't remember a time when I was so anxious for someone to return.  It was both her return and what she was returning with that made me so anxious.  This time, it was a double blessing, having my wife and grandaughter arrive at thte same time.

 

Their coming home, the flight into the airport was a scheduled  "event".  But it wasn't the event that I was anxiously waiting for, it was the person, or in this case persons that I was waiting for and overjoyed to see.

Today's verse comes from 1 John and speaks of an "event" that all Christians should be anxiously waiting for.

 

1 John 3:2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.  NLT.

When you think of Christ's second coming, what do you think of it as, an event, or for the person of Jesus Christ?  Do you have an "eager" expectation for this return?

 

John MacArthur notes that the "key" in this section is the living hope that we have.  He writes, "Living in the reality of Christ's return makes a difference in a Christian's behavior.  Since a Christian will someday be like Him, a desire should grow within the Christian to become like him now.  That was Paul's passion expressed in Philippians  3:12-14

Phil 3:13   but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.    NKJV

We need not think of this only in relation to His second coming.

 

As you go off to worship this weekend, or the next Bible Study, small group, or youth group meeting, what will you go going to, an event or will it be to meet and learn more about your Saviour, the One who died for you and wants to live in and through you.

 

An old hymn came to mind as I was concluding this note.   If you know it, sing it in your heart or out loud as you prepare to meet Him, whether it be this weekend, His second coming, or possibly both.  Think of His return and what He is returning with.

 

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

 

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

 

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
 http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

1 John 2:28-3:11

 

Living as Children of God

 

28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.

 

29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God's children.

 

3 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

 

4 Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.

 

7 Dear children, don't let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.    NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 8/22

Through the Bible - Psalms 120-125, 1 Corinthians 7   Good morning, We have had the privilege to be taking care of our one and a half year old  grandaughter Layna for the last week.  Her parents are joining us for an extra few days of family vacation.   I read Psalm 128 the other day.  It was a song of ascents that was traditionally sung as the people made the way to the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the religious holidays, the "feasts".  It was a time of joy, celebration and thanksgiving.   The psalm starts out telling of the joys of following the Lord.  The prosperity and fruit of labor that is spoken of is not talking about a "prosperity gospel" but of the joys of a Godly, a Godward life.  Joys that money can't buy.   Ps 128:1-3  How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!   NLT   Today's verse is the final one of the chapter.  It celebrates the joys of being a grandparent.    Ps 128:6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!    NLT   Watching our granddaughter run, laugh, play, and basically enjoy life has been a blessing to us this past week.  Having one of these little ones helps you to appreciate how God has blessed you, how the simple things of a fountain, a pool, or a ball can bring such joy and happiness to them and through them to us.   This weekend, as you spend time with family, try to take the time to appreciate the simple things that we take for granted in our lives every day.  If you have the opportunity enjoy time with your children, grandchildren, or even some of the "little ones" at church.   In Christ, Mike   Ps 128:1-129:1 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. 128 1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord's blessing for those who fear him. 5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. 6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!   NLT

Verse of the Day 8/21

Through the Bible - Psalms 119:105-176, I Corinthians 7

 

Good morning,

This morning before I started my devotions I read a prayer request from a friend whose niece is battling cancer.  The battle has been going on for some time and continues.

As I read through several passages this morning, they all seemed to relate in some way to what they are going through.

 

First I read in Matthew 9 about Jairus' daughter and his Jairus' faith in approaching Jesus.  John MacArthur pointed out something that I didn't realize before when he wrote, "Jairus' belief that the Lord Jesus could honor his request to revive his daughter from death is especially extraordinary because Jesus had not yet performed a resurrection miracle.  He had performend many healing miracles, but up to this point He had not brought someone back from the dead.  So there was no precedent for such a request, yet Jairus asked in faith." 

 

Do we come to Christ in the same way, or only if there is a precedent?

 

I then read the following in Isaiah 43 which spoke of the nation's deliverance from Egypt.  The parting of the Red Sea on their departue and the holding back the waters of the Jordan when they finally departed the wilderness and headed into the promised land.

 

Isa 43:2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  NLT

 

Many, myself included in and through our families trials, have taken these verses personally.  Jesus has brought us through deep waters and we have not been consumed.

 

I then read Exodus 2 about Moses birth, his being placed in the Niler River, found by Pharoah's daughter, and raised in Pharoah's house as a son.

Ex 2:10 Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, "I lifted him out of the water."  NLT

Moses passed through the water as it were, and would end up leading God's people through the waters in delivering them from Pharoah's oppression.

 

1 Cor 1:27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.   NLT

I'm sure there were those, especially of the non believing crowd that would have thought Jairus's actions were foolish.

I'm sure many, if asked about Moses mother being willing to put him in a basket and send him down the Nile river, would have said that it was utter foolishness to do such a thing.  There could be no hope in that.

I'm sure that there were many in Israel that felt that Moses approaching Pharoah was foolish, that it would only lead to more strife, more work, and nothing good.

I'm sure that there were those who thought it was foolish to approach the Jordan river and plan to cross it at flood stage were foolish, even out of their minds to step foot into the river.

But God was working upstream.  He does so in our lives still.

 

We may not find the answers that we hope for, but we have a blessed hope of an eternal future, with bodies made whole, and lives restored if we place our faith and trust in Christ.

 

I'll close with the words of the mother asking for prayer support for her child.  Lift up Wendy, Cameron and family in your prayers today.

 

"I was reminded last night that we rely on God, not the odds.  I spoke to another parent who has been dealing with cancer and the effects of cancer in her son's life for 9 years.  As she said, everything that could go wrong did and now after a sibling bone marrow transplant with a perfect match, her son is waiting for a new liver as a result of the effects of Graft vs. Host disease.  He initially had ALL, "the most treatable leukemia", yet here they are 9 years later.  First I was reminded that ours is not the only story of struggle and second God drew me back to the concept that we do not trust the odds of a cure, but we trust the God of All to lead us through the journey he has planned for us."

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope... and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade... 1 Pet. 1:3 & 4

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
 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 1:20-2:1

 

20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense.

 

24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

 

26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

 

30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord."   NLT

Verse of the Day 8/20

Through the Bible - Psalm 119:49-104, 1 Corinthians 5

 

Good morning,

Throughout the Bible were are often reminded that the Christian life the Christian walk is not about how much we know, head knowledge.  It's about knowledge that transforms us by the renewing of our minds (go back to Romans 12:1-2).

It is living according to, being in accordance, one mind, with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.  Today's verse from 1 Corinthians 4 reminds us of this, our faith is not just talk.

 

1 Cor 4: 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. 21 Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?  NLT

 

This is one of those instances where the divisions of chapters may not be helpful to us.  These verses should be kept in mind when we read chapter 5 and see what was going on in the church in Corinth.  They were boasting of their tolerance of sin giving evidence that they were not "living by God's power" but their own.

 

Spiritual power is not measured by impressive words, or our own authority, but in the power of the life lived in submission to Christ.  Submission, another word that is not very popular in today's society.

 

I read the following prayer by Henry Law this morning.  I thought that it applied.

 

Holy Father, Almighty God,
We desire to give our hearts unto You, without one shadow of reserve. We beseech You to take full possession of them.

Expel mightily every opposing foe.

Crush every rebel lust.

Mortify each traitorous passion.

Annihilate each earth-born desire.

Our hearts are Yours--for You have created them.

They are Yours--for You have redeemed them by the most precious blood of Your only begotten Son.

They are Yours--because in free love You have renewed them by Your Holy Spirit.

They are Yours--because You have conquered them by Your grace.

They are Yours--because we willingly surrender them to You.

Occupy them wholly by Your presence.

Exclude every intruding rival.

Reign supreme within them.

Think of some of the words used in that prayer regarding sin.  Expel, crush, mortify, and  annihilate.  Can you think of others, how about eradicate, wipe them out.  Think of the words to some of the praise songs that we sing "Our God Reigns" or "Reign In Me".  Me He reign that we might live in His power.

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 4:20-6:1
20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. 21 Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?

 

Paul Condemns Spiritual Pride

 

5 I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don't do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. 2 You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship.

 

3 Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man 4 in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. 5 Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.

 

6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don't you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old "yeast" by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.

 

9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people.

 

12 It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, "You must remove the evil person from among you."   NLT

Verse of the Day 8/19

Through the Bible - Psalm 116-119:48, 1 Corinthians 4   Good morning,   We've recently gone through Romans and have now moved into 1 Corinthians.  In reading Paul's words we can see that he was a well educated man.  He had sat under the teaching of Gamaliel and had some of the finest teaching of his time.  We can see in his writings that he was a gifted writer and based on the people he spoke in front of and the audiences he drew, he must have been a gifted orater as well.   But Paul had learned an important thing.  He was not to get in the way of the gospel through complicated sermons.  He was to let God do the talking through His word.  Paul was simply the messenger, promoting the simple, yet profound gospel message.   1 Cor 2:1  When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.   NLT   Paul could have crafted a flowing sermon with all the arguments and reasonings as to why someone should become a Christian. He chose to focus on Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.   Charles Spurgeon gives an idea of what was going on in Paul's mind when he wrote theses words. "But the apostle resolved to do no such thing. "No," said he, "before I enter the gates of Corinth, this is my firm determination; if any good is to be done there, if any are led to believe in Christ the Messiah, their belief shall be the result of hearing the gospel, and not of my eloquence. It shall never be said, 'Oh! no wonder that Christianity spreads, see what an able advocate it has;' but it shall be said, 'How mighty must be the grace of God which has convinced these persons by such simple preaching, and brought them to know the Lord Jesus Christ by such humble instrumentality as that of the apostle Paul!'" He resolved to put a curb upon his fiery tongue, he determined that he would be slow in speech in the midst of them; and, instead of magnifying himself, he would magnify his office, and magnify the grace of God by denying himself the full use of those powers, which, had they been dedicated to God,-as indeed they were,-but had they been fully employed, as some would have used them, might have achieved for him the reputation of being the most eloquent preacher upon the face of the earth."-   Charles Spurgeon  It is tempting as we study the Bible, teach Sunday School, lead Bible Studies, or send out daily devotionals to think too highly of our own training, of our opinions on the Bible.  Sometimes we have to read verses like today's to help us to realize that we won't win people over with eloquent words and impressive wisdom.  We will do more to let God's word shine in more ways than one.  Back up scripture with scripture in our teachings and discussions.  But also, let it shine in how you live your life.  Don't forget in word or deed about Jesus, the one who was crucified, in what He taught, what He did, what He has accomplished.   Paul decided to focus upon Christ crucified.  Alistar McGrath writes, "The cross is the unique and perfect sacrifice that covers and shields us from the righteous anger of God against sin, reconciles us to God and opens the way to the glorious freedom of the children of God.  Christ's death on the cross is seen to be as the unique, necessary and sufficient basis for salvation, which both demonstrates the full extent of God's love for us and establishes the centrality of Christ to Christian worship and adoration.  It is no accident that many of the greatest hymns within the evangelical tradition focus on the sufferings of Christ on the cross, emphasizing both the costliness and the reality of redemption that has been won through Him and is offered to us and to the world".  - From Evangelicalism & the Future of Christianity page 66   Can you think of some hymns or praise songs with that focus?  The Old Rugged Cross, Near the Cross, or another.  Sing one in your mind our out loud in praise for what He has done for us prior to teaching you next class or leading your next study.   In Christ, Mike 1 Cor 2:1-13   2 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.   6 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,   "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."   10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. 12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

Verse of the Day 8/18

Through the Bible - Psalms 113-115, 1 Corinthians 3

 

Good morning,

This is the time of year when fresh produce is abundant.  You see it in roadside stands, in the markets, and shared among friends from their own gardens.

 

If you've ever had a vegetable garden I'm sure you can relate to being "proud" of what has been produced in your yard.  You take personal pride because you planted, cultivated, watered and weeded, and now you see the "fruit" of your labor.

For background for today's verse we'll go to John 15, a chapter which starts out by telling us of the vine, the branches and "the gardener".

 

John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.   NKJV

God is glorified when we "bear much fruit".  As with the garden vegetables it is not something that is accomplished on our own.  God planted the seed in our hearts, He has given us what we need to grow.  As we mature and follow Him, the evidence of His presence in our lives will be "fruit".

 

Today's New Testament reading is in 1 Corinthians 3 where we go for today's verse.

1 Cor 3:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow.   NLT

 "God caused the seed sown to take root and spring up; and God blessed the irrigation of the tender plants as they sprung up, and caused them to grow. This idea is still taken from the farmer. It would be vain for the farmer to sow his seed unless God would give it life. There is no life in the seed, nor is there any inherent power in the earth to make it grow. Only God, the Giver of all life, can quicken the germ in the seed, and make it live. So it would be in vain for the farmer to water his plant unless God would bless it. There is no living principle in the water; no inherent power in the rains of heaven to make the plant grow. It is ADAPTED, indeed, to this, and the seed would not germinate if it was not planted, nor grow if it was not watered; but the life is still from God. He arranged these means, and he gives life to the tender blade, and sustains it. And so it is with the word of life. It has no inherent power to produce effect by itself. The power is not in the naked word, nor in him that plants, nor in him that waters, nor in the heart where it is sown, but in God. But there is a FITNESS of the means to the end. The word is adapted to save the soul. The seed must be sown or it will not germinate. Truth must be sown in THE HEART, and the heart must be prepared for it-as the earth must be plowed and made mellow, or it will not spring up. It must be cultivated with assiduous care, or it will produce nothing. But still it is all of God-as much so as the yellow harvest of the field, after all the toils of the farmer is of God. And as the farmer who has just views, will take no praise to himself because his grain and his vine start up and grow after all his care, but will ascribe all to God's unceasing, beneficent agency; so will the minister of religion, and so will every Christian, after all their care, ascribe all to God. "  -- Barnes notes

 

This is a common theme throughout scripture.  God plants the seed, cultivates the soil, waters and nourishes that plant, the life that springs forth, it grows and when it matures it will produce fruit.  All for the glory of God.

 

What other verses and passages come to mind.  Read the passage below, or perhaps the parable of the soils in Matthew 13 or Luke 8.

 

Has God produced fruit in your life?  Praise Him, all glory to Him for it.

 

God causes all things to grow
Through every season we know
He will guard the life
That He's planted in our souls
And when we feel the cold winds blow
We'll hold to what we know
God causes all things to grow  - Steve Green

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
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 3:5-18

 

Watering, Working, Warning

 

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

 

9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

 

16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 8/17

Through the Bible - Psalms 111-112  , 1 Corinthians 2

 

Good morning,

The New Testament reading plan (above) has now moved into 1 Corinthians where we will go for today's verse.

 

In Paul's letters he most often begins by telling us something of his relation to God and who we are in relationship to God.  Most of the advertisements that we see on TV are aimed at building our relationships to the products being advertised.  Beer commercials to guys having fun in relation to their "buddies", diet programs about the relationship between you and your bodies, and inurance companies about you in relation to your life and health in relation to your families.

 

Virtually every one of the verses in today's passage point to how we can have a better idea of our relationship to God in Christ.  It involves a look back to the past, then to our current condition, and then to our future and what we can be sure of as Christians.

 

Today's verses give us encouragement that it does not depend on us, if we are "in Christ", God will be faithful to see us through.

 

1 Cor 1: 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

or from the NKJV

1 Cor 1:8(our Lord Jesus Christ,)  who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 

John Piper, in a sermon on this passage tells us, "When you look back, you know yourself as called by God.  When you look forward, know yourself kept by God.  What happened to make you a Christian is the call of God.  What will happen to keep you a Christian is the faithfulness of God.  Know who you are!!  Called by God!  Kept by God!"
Don't say to yourself this morning; there is no hope for me for I'm not among that number.  The freedom of God in the calling of sinners is intended to give hope, not take hope.  It means that none is too bad.  None is too hard.  None is too far gone.  God is free.  God is rich unto all who call upon Him.  Look how expansive verse 2 is: he writes "to all those in every place who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ".  Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)  If you can call, you are called."

What do those words mean to you today?  If you are not certain, you can call on Him.  If you know a friend that is uncertain, let them know that they can call.
 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
 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 1:1-10

 

Greetings from Paul

 

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes.

 

2 I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.

 

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

Paul Gives Thanks to God

 

4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.   NLT

 

NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 8/15

Through the Bible - Psalms 107-110, Romans 16 - 1 Corinthians 1

 

Good morning,

I enjoy much of today's " contemporary" Christians music.  Let me qualify that, I enjoy much of the music, the instruments of today's Christian music when the words are in line with the Bible.  Some modern artists strive to keep their lyrics Biblical and actually consult with theologians before finalizing a song.

 

Others put down and pretty much condemn modern worship music in total.  How are we to decide what type of music is correct?

 

The following verses from the Old Testament give us some example.

 

Amos 5:23 Away with your noisy hymns of praise!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,
an endless river of righteous living.   NLT

I don't believe that it is the type of music in our services that God wouldn't listen to, I think it has more to do with the heart of the worshipper, not just on Sunday for worship, but one that worships God everyday of the week, in all they do.

It comes from those who come to God in humility, which John Piper describes as being "stunned by the grace of God.".  This weekend's verse comes from Matthew 9, where Jesus said the following.

Matt 9: 13 Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

or from the NKJV

Matt 9:13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

John MacArthur writes, "Jesus paraphrases Hosea's prophetic and divinely inspired words, "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hos. 6:6).  The perfect Word of God should have been the Pharisees supreme concern, as it should be ours, rather than the flawed words and ideas of humanity.  Without true and Godly compassion, all the Pharisee's rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were worth nothing to God.  The person who is indifferent toward other people verifies that he or she is indifferent toward God, no matter how correct their theology or impeccable their morality."

 

And in the same way in the church today, every man and every woman is what the Bible calls a "living stone": "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).

It is easy to stand on the sidelines and be critical of the church. It is easy to say, "They are not doing this right," or "They are not doing that right." But it is another thing when you are in the game, playing, living.   It is another thing when you are in the arena, fighting, when you realize that you are a part of it., every day, and not just on Saturday night or Sunday.

 

There are many praise songs that speak of the need of our hearts to be in line with Jesus.  We sang one in our church last night that I was not familiar with.  Read some of the words below.  How do they strike you without the instruments?

 

Reign in Me

 

Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
[2 x]

So reign please reign in us
Come purify our hearts
We need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood
And set us out
So the world may know you reign you reign in us.

Jesus was committed to the church, and we should be too, every day, so that the world may know, He "reigns in 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

Matt 9:9-14

 

Matthew the Tax Collector
(Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32)

 

9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.

 

10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

 

12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."    NKJV

Verse of the Day 8/14

Through the Bible - Psalms 105-106, Romans 15:22-33

 

Good morning,

In Romans 12 Paul spoke of the changed life, the transformation that takes place.  It starts with a renewing of the mind which leads to a change in our hearts and actions as described in the verses that followed.

In Romans 13 Paul tells us of how God has put governments in place, for our good.  He even encourages us to pay our taxes.

 

He then goes on to tell his listeners, including us, that everything we do should be done in love, that we should owe no one anything but to love one another.

 

John Piper writes, "the meaning here is not merely that some debts (like taxes, or a mortgage, or a borrowed book) you can pay off—at least in periodic stages—but love can never be paid off; you owe it just as much after you make a payment as before. That's true, but there's more to it. What Paul is saying not only that, but let every debt you pay—every check written to the IRS, every mortgage payment, every returned book, every act of duty to any one or any authority—let all of them be acts of love. Don't put love in a category different from all the other acts of your life. Let everything be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). Owe no one anything, except this way: that you pay it in love."

Rom 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  NKJV

I just paid my local tax bill.  I didn't think about love in doing so.  But think of what that local government provides for you and the community.  Police, fire departments, emergency and other day to day services that you take for granted.  Or how about your mortgage or insurance bill?  If you've ever had an accident or had a teenager total a car you should be thankful for insurance.  You can go on to health insurance and many other things.  How are we to "love" paying for these things?  Possibly in thanking God for them, appreciating the fact that we have them, and being honest in our dealings with all.

Obviously, this was not Paul's main concern in these verses, it's about what it means to "love your neighbor as yourself'.  What does it mean to "owe" love to our neighbors, to one another?

John Piper writes, "The debt of love that we have to unbelievers and believers is not because they have done anything for us. The debt is because Christ has done everything for us when we did not deserve it any more than the world deserves our love. When Christ loves us freely, when he gives his life for us, when he takes away all our sin and guilt and condemnation, and guarantees for us everlasting joy in him—and all of this when we were his enemies—we become debtors to all men.

You might think: No, we become debtors to him. Ah, but here is what makes love really love. Here is what makes his love really free and our love for each other really free. Christ cannot and darenot be paid back. "

Our whole life is built on the love God has for us in Jesus Christ. The eyes of our hearts have been opened to see and love the truth and beauty and power and sufficiency of all that God is for us in Christ. And we have turned from the pride of self-reliance to receive Christ as our life. And now in that condition (of loving God in Christ) Paul says in Romans 13:9, "Let your love for all that God is for you in Christ spill over onto others who do not deserve it any more than you did, and the law will be fulfilled."

 

Col 2:7-8  You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.   (from THE MESSAGE)

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
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

Rom 13:6-14:1

 

6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

 

Love Fulfills God's Requirements

 

8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. 9 For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law.

 

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.   NLT

Verse of the Day 8/13

Through the Bible - Psalms 102-104, Romans 15:1-21

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll return to Romans 12 as Paul continues to show us and give us practical examples of how to live the Christian life.  In verse 9 he tells us  "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. " NLT

I would imagine that there is plenty of "pretending to love others" going on around us, possibly in our own lives.

 

Read the passage below as Paul outlines what it means to "really" love them.
Today's verses tell us to live peaceably with "all men'.

 

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.    NKJV

Payback is another thing that is a norm, it seems, in today's society.  It may not be immediate, we wait for the opportunity for revenge.  We may look like we have peace on the outside, but inside there is enmity and pride.

Living peaceably is possible if we have the transformed heart and renewed mind that we looked at yesterday.  It won't be easy and just because we try to live peaceably does not mean that it will result in peace between us and the people in our lives.

 

John Piper writes, "You may do all you can do in a family or in a small group or in a church or in a denomination or in a city or in a nation within the limits of truth and within the limits of what is "honorable," but still not be able to make peace. Jesus, the prince of peace, said, "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three" (Luke 12:51-52). The point here is not that peace is not precious or desired or to be sought. The point is that the truth of the gospel—the truth of Christ crucified and risen and reigning, and the necessity of faith in him—is more precious than human peace. The gospel creates peace with God. And the gospel creates lovers of humble peace and workers for peace. But the world that crucified Jesus Christ does not always want the peace that he offers."

 

As John Piper indicates, we will not always be able to achieve peace in our families, churches and beyond, but we are to strive for it.  While doing so, while persevering,while "carrying the gospel"  we can have peace, peace with God, peace and grace to see us through.

 

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  NIV

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
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

Rom 12:9-13:1

 

Behave Like a Christian

 

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

 

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

 

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore

 

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

 

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.    NKJV

Verse of the Day 8/12

Through the Bible - Psalms 99-101, Romans 14

 

Good morning,

For well over a year now, leading up to and following the election there has been a lot of talk about change.  We've all heard of "climate change" and the slogan that helped win the election was "change we can believe in".  As time goes on many have found out that they don't believe in the changes.  The only change that I can truly believe in is from God, after all, as we saw in yesterday's verse,  "of Him and through Him and to Him are all things".

The change we need is not something external that we need the government to legislate in our lives, it is a change that comes from God, and is a work of the Spirit on our hearts as we considered last week in Psalm 51:10:

Ps 51:10  Create in me a  clean heart, O God,
and  renew a right spirit within me.  ESV

The word create is the same one from Genesis where God created the heavens and the earth.  It's a clean, fresh start.  The right spirit is one that is true to God, to following Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans chapter 12 tells of that change that is possible, the fresh start is "of Him" and "through Him" and "for Him".  Verse 2 describes how this is achieved, through the "renewing of your mind".

 

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.   NKJV

It's a different mind set, not being pressed into the mold of the world, it's breaking out of that mold and the world's ways and following and obeying Christ.  It's a change in the way we think.

 

The word transform comes from the Greek word "metamorphoo", metamorphosis.  The best picture is that of catapillar that goes into the cocoon and emerges as the butterfly, it's breaks out of, sheds the old, and becomes something new.  Before, it crawled along the ground, now it is free to fly.  Consider the words to the Newsboys 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 screams I am free
I am free

 

Romans chapter 12 gives us a picture of what this transformed life will look like.  For today's verse we'll go to verses 12-13.

 

Rom 12:12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.  NLT

 

What I'd like to focus on today is verse 13 which speaks of helping others in need and "practicing hospitality".

 

It may be easy to be hospitable to friends but in the Greek the meaning of "hospitality" as seen here is literally "pursuing the love of strangers" (Heb. 13:2) .  John MacArthur writes, "not merely entertaining ones friends.  In NT times, travel was dangerous and inns were evil, scarce, and expensive.  So the early believers often opened up their homes to travellers, especially to fellow believers.  Church leaders should be role models of this virtue."

 

When was the last time you opened up your home to out of town visitors?  There are opportunities to do so, sometimes with visiting youth groups, college students, and missionaries.  If you've done this in the past you've probably been blessed.  If the opportunity comes up, why not make a change from the status quo, show that you've been blessed to be a blessing.  (Gen. 12:3)

 

Heb 13:2 Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!  NLT

 

Read the passage in Romans 12 below and if you have time, read the whole chapter.  What can you take from it and apply in your life today?

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
 http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

A Living Sacrifice to God

 

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

 

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

 

9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

 

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!   NLT

Verse of the Day 8/11

Through the Bible - Psalms 96-98, Romans 13

 

Good morning,

Part of bringing the "good news" is to be prepared to do so, be ready to tell of the "hope that is in you" any day of your life, through good times and bad.   1 Peter 3:15  says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."  NIV  We're not only talking about experiences here but experiences related to the Word of God.

 

In the story of David and Goliath, David had the option to wear King Saul's armor.  Saul was a big man himself and David was a young man.  The armor did not fit, it was not part of who David was, it wouldn't be a help to him.  More likely it would be a hindrance.  David had taken on lions and bears in defending his sheep.  He relied on his faith in God and what God had provided him.  He had faced these foes of the animal kingdom with what he knew.  Now he would face Goliath with what he had used probably every day of his life while shepherding.  A sling and some stones.

 

1 Sam 17:40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.  NLT

 

David prepared to take on Goliath in the name of the Lord equipped with what he knew.  The NLT points out that he chose "five smooth stones".  Why is that important?  The smooth stones had had there rough edges worn off in the stream over the years.  He chose smooth stones because they flew from the sling straight and true.   David knew his ballistics smooth stones were tried and true.  Jagged stones may have sharp edges and quite possibly do more damage, but they didn't fly straight, he couldn't have confindence that they'd hit the intended target.

 

When you face trials and battles, your "Goliaths", what will you arm yourself with?  Your smooth stones may be those scriptures that you learned in "being prepared to give an answer" a reason for the hope that is within you.  Another way to look at it would be to put on God's full armor.  Unlike Saul's armor on David, it is custom fitted for us and the weapon is the word of God.  (Eph. 6:10-18)

 

For today's verse we'll go to the end of Chapter 11

 

Rom 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.   NIV

The other day we looked at the three "all things" statements in Romans 8.  We have another one here at in today's verse which points to the sovereignty of God.  Knowing this, knowing Jesus, applying, living His Word, trusting it as David trusted God, taking  up the familiar "smooth stones" instead of the worlds armor can help us in those scary times that we can't control.  When we do so God will be glorified.

 

The service that inspired these thoughts in me the other day ended with the following song made popular by "Point of Grace"

Fearless Heart

 

For even the most trusting soul
This world can be a scary place,
So much that we can't control
In every moment that we face,

When a thousand what ifs
Whisper in our ears
We remember whose we are
And watch them disappear

I wanna live with a fearless heart
Courage that's coming from trusting God
It's constantly guiding me
Though the road may seem dark
I wanna live, wanna live with a fearless heart

There are worries chasing everyone
That's evident in times like these,
But I have found the confidence that comes
From the time I spend on my knees,

There's a truth I hold on to

As these days unfold
Greater is He that is in me
Than he that's in the world

I wanna live with a fearless heart
Courage that's coming from trusting God
It's constantly guiding me
Though the road may seem dark
I wanna live, wanna live with a fearless heart

He's my strength
He's my shelter
He is with me all the way
He's my light and my salvation
Of whom shall I be afraid
Of whom shall I be afraid

I wanna live with a fearless heart
Courage that's coming from trusting God
It's constantly guiding me
Though the road may seem dark
I wanna live, wanna live with a fearless heart

 

Choose your tried and true "smooth stones" and live with a fearless heart, trusting God, ready to face your giant.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
 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
Rom 11:25-12:1

 

God's Mercy Is for Everyone

 

25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. 26 And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say,

 

"The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem,
and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness.
27 And this is my covenant with them,
that I will take away their sins."

 

28 Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 29 For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. 30 Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. 31 Now they are the rebels, and God's mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God's mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

 

33 Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

 

34 For who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
35 And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?

 

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

 

Verse of the Day 8/10

Through the Bible - Psalms 94-95, Romans 12

 

Through the Bible -

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll continue in the book of Romans, this time to chapter 10 where Paul gives a brief description of how we receive Christ as our Saviour, calling out to God and believing.

 

Rom 10:9-11  Say the welcoming word to God — "Jesus is my Master" — embracing, body and soul, God's work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That's it. You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That's salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: "God has set everything right between him and me!"    (from THE MESSAGE:)

But it seldom happens out of the blue or under the noonday sun as happened to Saul (Paul).  God most often uses other people as His chosen instruments.  For today's verse we'll skip down a few verses where Paul asks some searching, suggestive questions.

 

Romans 10:14  But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"   NLT

 

Paul refers back to Isaiah 52:7 speaking of the "good news", the picture is one of news being  brought back from the battlefield that victory has been achieved over the enemy.  "In the Hebrew, the words "upon the mountains" occur, which makes the passage more picturesque, though the sense is retained by Paul. The image in Isaiah is that of a herald seen at first leaping or running on a distant hill, when he first comes in sight, with tidings of joy from a field of battle, or from a distant land. Thus, the appearance of such a man to those who were in captivity, would be an image full of gladness and joy." - Barnes Notes

 

So just who is to be involved in bringing this good news?  Mark Mittelburg writes in "The Unexpected Adventure" that " a Christian by definition is a follower of Christ, the One who came to "seek and save what was lost" Luke 19:10, and then commissioned us to follow His example and "go make disciples" (Matt. 28:20).  We are redeemed in part in reaching others for Christ. Therefore, we'll never be compete in our experience with God until we allow Him to use us to spread His Message to others."

 

It can happen in any number of ways, many times in sharing what God has done in your life even in or possibly especially through trials.

 

Jean and I were  visiting our daughter Lauries church yesterday back in Illinois, Springbrook Church, and heard a powerful message about David and Goliath.  It's a familiar story about faith that goes against the odds.  It was followed by a testimony of a man that had gone against the odds in a battle with cancer and how God had lead and provided each step of the way.  God delivered him through this trial and he knows that he will face others.  But all of us as Christians can face what comes if we keep looking to the One who holds our future and look forward" to that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ".  (Titus 2:13).

...1 Cor 1:8-9 "but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that."    (from THE MESSAGE)

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
 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

Rom 10:5-18

 

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them."  6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, "'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."  12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

 

Israel Rejects the Gospel

 

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

 

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

 

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"  17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.     NKJV

Verse of the Day - Weekend 8/8

Through the Bible - Psalms 88-93,  Romans 11   Good morning, While we've been following Romans in the read through the Bible plan and considering many verses from Romans, the Old testament reading have been from Pslams. Today's verses come from Psalm 86 which tie in well with what we've been looking at in Romans and Psalm 51 about God "creating" in us a clean heart.   Ps 86:11 Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. 12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,  NLT Or from the NKJV Ps 86:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.   NKJV Consider what a pure heart and a united heart mean.  Undivided, true, faithful, and steadfast are words that come to mind.  Can you think of others that would apply to yourself and your heart?    Reading these words I was reminded of the praise chorus:    "It is the Cry of My Heart to Follow You".   1-  (It is the cry of my heart to follow you.  It is the cry of my heart to be close to you  It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my heart (2x) 2-  Teach me your holy ways oh Lord.  So I can walk in your truth.  Teach me your holy ways, oh Lord and make me wholly devoted to you. 3-  (It is the cry of my heart to follow you.  It is the cry of my heart to be close to you  It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my heart (2x) 4-  Open my eyes so I can see the wonderful things that you do.  Open my heart more and more and make it wholly devoted to you. 5-  It is the cry of my heart to follow you.  It is the cry of my heart to be close to you.  It is the cry of my heart to follow  All the days of my life.  All the days of my life.  All the days of my life.   Praising God with "all of our hearts" means following, appreciating, and honoring Him in living our lives for Him "all of the days" of our lives.  This involvles not only our worship on the weekend, but in our work, our relationships, in our finances, and the desires of our hearts.   Read the psalm and sing this chorus in preparation for worship and as an act of praise this weekend.   In Christ, Mike   Ps 86:1-87:1 86 1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;answer me, for I need your help.2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.Save me, for I serve you and trust you.You are my God.3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,for I am calling on you constantly.4 Give me happiness, O Lord,for I give myself to you.5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;hear my urgent cry.7 I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble,and you will answer me. 8 No pagan god is like you, O Lord.None can do what you do!9 All the nations you madewill come and bow before you, Lord;they will praise your holy name.10 For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.You alone are God. 11 Teach me your ways, O Lord,that I may live according to your truth!Grant me purity of heart,so that I may honor you.12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.I will give glory to your name forever,13 for your love for me is very great.You have rescued me from the depths of death. 14 O God, insolent people rise up against me;a violent gang is trying to kill me.You mean nothing to them.15 But you, O Lord,are a God of compassion and mercy,slow to get angryand filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.16 Look down and have mercy on me.Give your strength to your servant;save me, the son of your servant.17 Send me a sign of your favor.Then those who hate me will be put to shame,for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.   NLT