Verse of the Day 1/27

Through the Bible - Exodus 13-16, Matthew 19:1-15

 

Good morning,

Sometimes we feel in our lives like we don't know what it is that we should do.  We want to follow Christ but the path forward doesn't seem clear.  Pastor Bob shared the cover of a recent Time magazine which showed President Obama sitting in the oval office with the caption "Now What?".

 

In yesterday's verse from Ephesians 2 we saw that we have been created or recreated in Christ Jesus, to do good works which He had planned beforehand that we should do.

 

Going back to the book of Genesis, in chapter 1 you can find 3 main teachings.  God Himself, the true, personal and wise God, stands behind creation.  His work is true and orderly work not a random creation.  The work of His creation is good in general and good for us personally.

 

The same elements that were involved in His creating the world are present in His creation of us as His children.

 

For today's verse we'll go to the Old Testament book of Micah to see what God requires of us as His children, as His followers.  If you are wondering "Now What" in your life, today's verse should set you off on the right path.

Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?^{(A)  Amplifed Bible}

 

What the prophet says in these verses ring true to both of the previous verses and passages.

 

The Lord desires that we do justlly, do the right thing, something that requires order and not chaos in our lives.  It involves schedules, setting time aside for Him, and having balance in various aspects of our lives.

 

He desires that we should love to show kindness and mercy.  Look at what He provided Adam and Eve, what He has provided for us physically, emotionally and spiritually, even after times when we may have turned from Him.  We should desire to show mercy and kindness to those who need it even though we may feel that they don't deserve it, it should be passed on as a gift.

 

He desires that we walk humbly with Him.  We tend to be proud and want our independence.  What would God want to see in us?   Humility and dependence.

 

 We've considered this before but I'll ask it again - would you use "humble" as a word to describe  an attribute of God?  Look at Jesus' words from Matthew 11:

 

 Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.   NIV

James 4:6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say,

"God opposes the proud
but favors the humble."

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. NLT

 

Read the passage from Micah 6 from The Message below.  How is God calling us to live today?

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Mic 6:6-9

How can I stand up before God
and show proper respect to the high God?
Should I bring an armload of offerings
topped off with yearling calves?
Would God be impressed with thousands of rams,
with buckets and barrels of olive oil?
Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child,
my precious baby, to cancel my sin?

 

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously —
take God seriously.

Attention! God calls out to the city!
If you know what's good for you, you'll listen.
So listen, all of you!
This is serious business.   (from THE MESSAGE)