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