Verse of the Day - weekend 2/27

Through the Bible - Numbers 22-25, Mark 8:1 -9:29

Good morning,

In our High School Bible study group we have been going through the "True U" series which has been showing us how more and more, science is actually pointing to a creator.  One of the examples is of the "expanding universe".  Science shows us that the universe is expanding at a controlled speed.  It points to the fact that there was a beginning and the fact that it is expanding at a controlled rate prevents worlds and galaxies from crashing into each other colliding.

If it were not expanding at the precise rate and would rather collapse the stars, planets and galaxies would also collide.

For today's verse we go to one of my favorite Psalms.

Ps 8:3-5

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?   (from THE MESSAGE)
I used The Message paraphrasse because of  the words macro and micro that are used.  Macro refers to the bigger picture, the complexities of the vast universe.  The micro takes a look at the fine details of life and to man, down to the DNA and irreduceable complexity of the cell.

The great thing is, that there is a God, a God who loves us and knows the number of the very hairs on our heads and shows His love for us in so many ways if we will take the time to step back take a look at His creation and what He has done, ackowledge Him, and receive Him into our hearts that we may life for Him eteranlly where we will get to know Him, and know more of the majesty and glory of His name.

The Psalm also brings me back to one of the favorite songs that we used to sing in the Elgin Free church choir.  I've posted a link here to the song on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj2NnKv8X5U&feature=related

 Let us praise the majesty and glory of His Name this weekend.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ps 8:1-9:1

8 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth,Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infantsYou have ordained strength,Because of Your enemies,That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him,And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen — Even the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the air,And the fish of the seaThat pass through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth!   NKJV

Verse of the Day 2/25

Through the Bible - Leviticus 16-18, Mark 7:1-13

 

Good morning,

This past week I've travelled where it seemed that worlds collided, figuratively and literally.  I was amazed at the traffic in the streets in Columbia.

Full size trucks, buses, SUV's, tiny cars, motorcycles, bycicles, pedestrians and even horse drawn carriages.  The horse drawn carriages just didn't fit the picture, but there they were.  The funniest sight was that of a horse drawn carriage carrying a big flatscreen TV, the driver must have been making a local delivery.

 

For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 4 where it is said that Jesus "needed to go through Samaria.  We've already seen the conflict between the Jews and Samaritans going back to the days of Nehemiah and before.  Jesus was heading to another place figuratively and literally where worlds collided.

 John 4:9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." NKJV

The woman he approached had had five husbands and was living with another man at the time.  Her world was in a mess.  Her world collided with Jesus' world.  A world, a life that offered forgiveness, joy, peace, love and gave her hope.  Her "religion" had not brought these things to her.  It wasn't religion that would bring them. It was faith in Jesus that would do so.

 

She believed what Jesus had said and she acted upon it immediately, telling the story to those in her city.  She had found the One, the Messiah, that so many had been looking for for so long.

 

Has your world collided with Jesus' world.  By putting on Christ, will others see Jesus in you, will you be part of that kind of collision in someone else's life.

 

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.   NKJV

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 4:5-16

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."  8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."

11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?"

13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

NKJV

Verse of the Day 2/24

Through the Bible - Numbers 13-15, Mark 6:30-56

 

Good moring,

Right now I am in Cartegena, Columbia on business.  It is an old city on the coast of Columbia, it is a shipping port and has been for centuries.  Several hundred years ago a wall was built around the city to hclp protect it as defense against pirates and foreign invaders that would fire canons against the city.  But through the ages the walls have stood and are still maintained, even if it is now primarily symbolic.

 

In Monday's reading the disciples were told not to go to the cities of the Samaritans.  One of the reasons may have been that the Samaritan's had tried to prevent the prophet Nehemiah from rebuilding the wall.  Nehemiah had been in exile in Babylon serving as the cupbearer to the king.  The king knew him well and was fond of him.  He asked Nehemiah what was wrong, Nehemiah prayed, then answered, his heart was downcast because his city and the walls surrounding it lay in ruins.  In his heart he desired to go back rebuild the walls and restore the temple for worship.

Today's verses describe what was going on as Nehemiah returned and began his work.

Neh 4:7 Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.    NKJV
In the book of Nehemiah, God can be thought of as the "Rebuilder" of broken walls and lives.

 

Nehemiah was a sort of missionary in reverse.  He had been in exile, but he prayed to the Lord, approached the king and his request was granted.  But his prayers did not end there.  He prayed in preparation of the work, for it's continuation, for it's completion, and praise upon completion.

We also notice in today's verses that his prayer was accompanied by action.  In this case posting a guard to keep the enemy from attempting to tear down portions of the wall which would discourage those involved in the work.

 

The passage, the book, the Bible can remind us that even if we, or others that we know, may fall away from God and our spiritual walls may be in  shambles, that they can be rebuilt.  It can be part of our missionary work.  All of it should be surrounded by prayer.

 

The walls here in Cartegena are still standing, the old part of the city behind the walls have been restored and are beautiful.  They are a symbol of what having forethought, having and carrying out the plan to rebuild the walls, and how maintaining the walls through generations are a testimony of the will of the people.

 

May it be the same for our faith.  It starts with being "shored up" in prayer and God's Word then doing His will.
 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Neh 4:1-10

The Wall Defended Against Enemies

4 But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish — stones that are burned?"

3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, "Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall."

4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! 5 Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.

6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

7 Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 2/23

Through the Bible - Numbers 10-12, Mark 6:1-29

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's verse, Jesus was sending the disciples off to "go gather the lost sheep of Israel".  He asked them to start with their own people and not go to the Gentiles or any town of the Samaritans.

They were to spend three years with Him in training, and what a three years it was.  Three years of intense, remarkable, life and heart changing training  before they were to head off into the world beyond with the gospel.

 

For today's verse we go to Matthew 28 where prior to Jesus' departure, they received their commision to go into the world to preach the gospel.

Matt 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.   NKJV
Missionaries through the ages have spent a lot of time in preparing for their ministries to foreign nations and peoples.  Part of that has to do with having the knowledge of the Bible, God's Word well enough that it can be translated into a new language.  They will have also had to learn patience and become people of integrity.  The eyes of the people will be on them as foreigners in their land.  The peoplewill want to see that they act out what they believe.  This is part of the reason that missionaries such as William Cary and Hudson Taylor served for years before having success in reaching people for Christ.

 

Whether we realize it or not, we are missionaries, whether in our own towns or foreign countries.  We are to be ambassadors for Christ by His authority, bringing the good news to people that need, desparately need to hear it.

 

How are you preparing for your life as a missionary?

 

Hudson Taylor stated "The great commision is not an option to be considered, it is a command to be obeyed."

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matt 28:16-20

The Great Commission
(Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 2/22

Through the Bible - Numbers 8-9, Mark 5:21-43

 

Good morning,

In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus calls his 12 disciples and gave them authority to go out and do His will, to minister to the people, chasing away evil and showing mercy and compassion for those in need.

We are probably more familiar with "the Great Commission" later on in Matthew.  Here Jesus sends them out to "get their feet wet"

Matt 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying,'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'  8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.    NKJV
or from the Message

Matt 10:7  Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. 

There are many things that you can learn from this passage.  God gave them talents, had had compassion on them, had loved them and would continue to serve them as well.  He indeed would make them fishers of men, but as the following verses indicated, it wasn't to be a money making venture.  They would have to continue to trust, lean on and depend on God and His provision and they would learn much in doing so.

 

One of the keys is found at the end of today's verse.  The NLT puts it like this, "you have been treated generously, so live generously".  It will mean not being so profit minded but rather "prophet minded", have the mind of the greatest prophet, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

How have you been healed, ministered to, and been given blessed by others?  May we all do the same for others and live generously, receiving a double blessing.
 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matt 10:5-16

Sending Out the Twelve
(Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6)

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.  6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  7 And as you go, preach, saying,'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'  8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.  9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,  10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.  12 And when you go into a household, greet it.  13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.  14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.  15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!    NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 2/21

Through the Bible - Numbers 2-7, Mark 5:1-20

 

Good morning,

I'm travelling on business this weekend which means that I won't be able to worship with my family or church family.  It doesn't stop me from thinking of my family or God or meditating, thinking about what he has done.

 

I'm in Trinidad which, I've been told, was named by Christopher Columbus.  He saw three peaks on the islands and he named the island Trinidad after the Holy Trinity.

This weekends verse is one that you can spend some time meditating on, whether sitting on a pew at church, in a hotel room, an airport or sailing a ship.

 

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.   NKJV

It's a prayer of worship that could be a standard for us every day of our lives.

J. R. Miller writes, "The conduct may be blameless--while the thoughts are stained with sin. It is easier to keep our acts without fault--than to keep our feelings, our desires, and our affections pure. We may do no outward act of cruelty or unkindness; while our hearts may be full of jealousies, envies, and all selfishness. We are to seek that our thoughts be so white and clean--that they will be acceptable in God's sight.

The prayer covers our words, our thoughts, and our meditations; each a closer test than the one before. It is a great thing to be faultless in speech--but perfect grammar is not enough. Our words may be beautiful and graceful--and yet our thoughts may be full of hypocrisy, of deceit, of all evil! The prayer here is that our thoughts may please God. This is a higher spiritual attainment, than merely faultless words.

Then, a still higher test of life--is our meditation. Meditations are our deepest thoughts, the quiet ponderings of our hearts. Meditation is almost an obsolete word in these times of hustle and bustle. The word belongs rather to the days when men had much time to think--and think deeply. We meditate when we are alone, when we are shut away from others. Our minds then follow the drift of our own desires, dispositions, and imaginations. If our hearts are clean and good--our meditations are pure and holy."

 

"As a man thinks in his heart--so is he." Proverbs 23:6

 

Columbus had God on his mind as he sailed the seas.  Wherever you find yourself today may your heart be clean and good as you think about our great God and our Saviour who has redeemed us.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ps 19:7-20:1

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,making wise the simple.8 The commandments of the Lord are right,bringing joy to the heart.The commands of the Lord are clear,giving insight for living.9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,lasting forever.The laws of the Lord are true;each one is fair.10 They are more desirable than gold,even the finest gold.They are sweeter than honey,even honey dripping from the comb.11 They are a warning to your servant,a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?Cleanse me from these hidden faults.13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!Don't let them control me.Then I will be free of guiltand innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouthand the meditation of my heartbe pleasing to you,O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  NLT

 

Verse of the Day 2/18

Through the Bible - Leviticus  24-26, Mark 3

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's verse (Rom. 12:2) told us that we are not to be conformed to the "pattern" of this world but we are to be tranformed, from within, by the renewing of our minds.

As we go consider today's verse, stop and think for a few minutes about being loved by Christ.  What Christ has done for you should influence how you might want to live for Him.

As you consider your reaction to Christ's love, let me share Paul's feelings from Gal. 2:20 "The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. "NIV

For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 13, where Jesus, knowing that He would soon be leaving His disciples as He headed for the cross, wanted to share His servants heart as an example to the disciples.

 John 13:1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.  NLT

The Amplified Bible says that "He loved them to the last and to the highest degree."

 

The fact that He was about to depart adds more significance to what He was about to do.  They had experienced His love.  Now He would display that love in humility and service to His servants, then proceed to make the greatest sacrifice the world would ever know.

 

John Piper, in a sermon on this passage states, " We are moved to believe that someone loves us when two things appear—they stick with us over time, and they stick with us when it is costly. These are the two things I see here in this verse: having loved us over the years (patient with all our sin and misunderstanding) he now loved us to the uttermost, to the depths of suffering for us.

This is what we long for, and this is what we have by faith—an experience of being loved with a love that lasts, that is not fickle, or uncertain, or capricious, but durable, constant, stable. But not only a love that is extensive, that lasts over time, all time, but also a love that is intensive. We long to be loved radically, deeply, excessively, passionately. "

 

Piper ends the sermon with the following statement.  "O, may God give us the power to comprehend with all the saints what is the height and depth and length and breadth and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. "

 

May you be moved to experience the height and depth and lengthe and breadth of His love today, and every day.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 13:1-6

Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

13 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.  NLT

Verse of the Day 2/17

Through the Bible - Leviticus 21-23, Mark 2

 

Good morning,

 To be popular in today's society one must (in most cases) conform to the world around them.  A person is pressured from the outside and squeezed into the worlds mold.  We see an  example in politicians who are constantly taking polls and changing their stand on issues depending on the current "tide" in society.

 

You've probably heard of the "herd mentality", it's going along with the crowd, even if, deep down, you know it may not be the right thing to do.  Today, in many issues their are so many different opinions that it's hard to find the herd.   I've heard it said when trying to gather people for a meeting that "it's like herding cats", everyone so busy heading off on their own agenda that they don't have time for the group.

 

For today's verse we'll go to a familiar passage in Romans 12 which tells us, that as Christians, we are not to be conformed, pressured from the outside but be transformed, changed, by God's power and influence, from the inside.

 

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
or from The Message

Rom 12:2
Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

In today's society we should desire to be somebody.  Somebody whose word can be trusted, who will stand by their convictions.  As a Christian this happens as we are transformed form the inside out, by the renewing of our minds, beyond the structures and opinions of this present world.

As The Message puts it, don't be dragged down to society's level of immaturity, but allow God to bring out the best in you, and place a well formed maturity in you, from the inside out.

 

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

 May these words from Hillsong United's "From the Inside Out" be the desire of our hearts.  To give up our own agenda.  To be transformed to His likeness from the inside out.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Rom 12:1-5

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.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation

Verse of the Day 2/16

Through the Bible - Leviticus 19-20, Mark 1   

 

Good morning,

October 6, 1999 started like most other mornings for me, with devotions and reading my Bible.  The read through the Bible plan that I was following brought me to Hebrews 11 that morning.  It is the Bible's  "Hall of Faith" .  It was to end up being the most difficult day of my life to that point and began a period that would challenge my faith.

 

I didn't realize it then, but the chapter would be one that I would, and will continue to turn to for the rest of my life.  It's about faith; faith the strengthens, faith that heals, faith that transforms.  It transforms our hearts, our thoughts, our hopes, and our desires.

 

For today's verse we'll go to the portion of the chapter that deals with Moses faith.  From the Amplified Bible we read in verse 27:

Hebrews 11:27 [Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible.

The Amplified Bible shows us some of the many ways that faith is evidenced in the life of one of God's followers.  The passage starts out with Moses parents being "prompted by faith" in verse 23 to conceal him from Pharoah.  Moses is "aroused" by faith (v.24), motivated by faith (v.27), show trust and confidence by faith (v.28), and is urged on by faith (v.29). 

I think that Moses could relate to the following hymn, can you, will you?

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.

This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

John Piper writes, "When we are trusting Christ most authentically, we are not thinking about trusting, but about Christ. When we step out of the moment to examine it, we cease what we were doing, and therefore cannot see it. My counsel for strugglers therefore is relentlessly: Look to Jesus. Look to Jesus in his word. And pray for eyes to see."   May you see that He has led you all the way.

How is faith being worked out in your life today?

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

 

 Hebrews 11:23 (Prompted) by faith Moses, after his birth, was kept concealed for three months by his parents, because they saw how comely the child was; and they were not overawed and terrified by the king's decree.

    ²⁴[Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

    ²⁵Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life.

    ²⁶He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense).

    ²⁷[Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible.

    ²⁸By faith (simple trust and confidence in God) he instituted and carried out the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn (the angel) might not touch those [of the children of Israel].

    ²⁹[Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do the same thing they were swallowed up [by the sea].

Verse of the Day 2/15

Through the Bible - Leviticus 16-18, Matthew 28

 

Good morning,

Last week I read the following in a "Today in the Word" devotional from Moody Bible Institute, "Horatio Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer. A family man with a wife and children, he was also a strong supporter of D. L. Moody's evangelistic campaigns. In 1870, his only son died of scarlet fever at age four. Then in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, he was financially devastated. Did he lose faith? No. Instead, in 1873 he decided to go with his family to Great Britain to join Moody for one of his crusades. Detained by business, he sent his family ahead. Their ship collided with another ship, and 226 people were drowned, including all four of Spafford's daughters. Although devastated by grief, amazingly, he still did not lose faith. He penned the classic hymn, "It Is Well wth My Soul," to express steadfast trust in God's goodness."

 

It Is Well With My Soul

 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
 

This weekend, prior to the message our church sang a modernized version of the hymn.  The hymn brought back a flood of memories for both my wife Jean and I.  On separate occasions and different circumstances during our son Jeff's accident and long (still continuing) recovery, the song has spoken to us.  For me, it came as a song in the middle of the night in one of the first nights at home after the accident.  In a time of soul searching, the hymn spoke to my soul, turning my attention to God's grace and presence during that dark night of my soul.

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 42:

 Ps 42:8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, 
And in the night His song shall be with me —
A prayer to the God of my life.    NKJV

God comforted Horatio Spafford's soul in his cries in the night.  His grace inspired the song that has come to countless others as a song in the night in their trials that they might experience His lovingkindness in the daytime.

 

If you've received such comfort, be prepared to share it with someone else that might be experiencing the billowing waves in their storm.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ps 42:4-9

4 When I remember these things,I pour out my soul within me.For I used to go with the multitude;I went with them to the house of God,With the voice of joy and praise,With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul?And why are you disquieted within me?Hope in God, for I shall yet praise HimFor the help of His countenance. 
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me;Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,And from the heights of Hermon,From the Hill Mizar. 7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;All Your waves and billows have gone over me. 8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,And in the night His song shall be with me — A prayer to the God of my life.   NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 2/13

Through the Bible - Leviticus 13-15, Matthew 27

 

Good morming,

To start the week I had considered posting the words to the song "Take Time to be Holy" but I held off, feeling that the thought of "being holy" would give the impression of self righteousness or having a "holier than thou" attitude.  But the song stayed on my mind as I read referenced other verses and quoted other songs. 

 

If something is holy, it is set apart, as Christians we are set apart to God, for His purposes.  One of the ways this shows or is evidenced in our lives is setting aside time for Him, to pray, to read, meditate on His Word and join together in worship.  It is something we are called to do.

 

For today's verse we'll go to 1 Peter 1 where the apostle tells us bluntly that if Jesus has called us, He has called us to be holy

 

1 Peter 1:15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy."    Holy Bible, New Living Translation

The preceding verses in the passage give us an idea of what this "setting apart" of ourselves, or our time means.  Setting aside time for God, learning of Him will shore up our minds, make us more aware of what is going on in the world around us and give us grace to live as obedient children to God, not being conformed to the world, but formed by Christ.

   ¹³So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.

    ¹⁴[Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel].  - Amplified Bible.

In preparation for worship this weekend, I will not post the words of the hymn "Take Time to be Holy".

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Take some time to "be holy" this weekend, every day, let the world rush on.

 

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

1 Peter 1:13-18

 

A Future in God

 

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."

 

You call out to God for help and he helps — he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.

 

Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.   (from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 2/12

Through the Bible - Leviticus 10-12, Matthew 26:57-75

 

Good morning,

We've been considering "abiding" in a few verses this week.  I was reminded of a quote attributed to D. L. Moody and others "either the Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible".  Why do you think that is?

 

For today's verse we'll go back to the beginning, to the first sins recorded in the Bible and see how Adam and Eve reacted.  God's way had been to meet them in the garden daily.  When sin entered their lives, they didn't want to be seen by Him, so they hid.

 

Gen 3:8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.   NKJV
or from The Message:

Gen 3:8-9  When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God.

God called to the Man: "Where are you?"

Reading the account, it seems foolish to think that they could hide from God, but don't we do the same thing?  We try to hide from God, we avoid confronting Him face to face.  Why?  Because His Word will reveal the condition of our hearts.  God spoke to them in words and asked "where are you"?  It wasn't for His benefit, He knew exactly where they were, He wanted them to realize where they were and what brought them there.

 

When we are in a similar position, instead of hiding from God, why not turn towards Him, seek forgiveness and restoration of that fellowship, that we might walk together in the cool of the day, allow Him to speak to us face to face in His Word.

 

I'm reminded of another old hymn, the words still ring true.  Instead of hiding from Him we should be "hiding in Him", covered by His grace.

Rock Of Ages

 

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

 

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

 

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

 

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

 

How is your relationship?  Have you been walking with Him or Hiding from Him?

 

Instead of the Genesis passage I'll post Psalm 62 which inspired the hymn.

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

Ps 61:1-62:1

 

61 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

 

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

 

4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah
5 For you have heard my vows, O God;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

 

6 Increase the days of the king's life,
his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

 

8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.   NIV

Verse of the Day 2/11

Through the Bible - Leviticus 7-9, Matthew26:36-56

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's passage in John 8 we were told that Jesus' disciples would "abide in His Word", the truth, and  knowing the truth would set them free.

For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 20 where Jesus tells the disciples that the Bible is written so that we might believe what he had done and said that we may have life "in His name".

John 20:30-21:1

 

30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.  Holy Bible, New Living Translation

Many believe that the Bible is just a collection of obscure mythology and fables.  C. S. Lewis who made his reputation in writing mythology in works like "The Chronicles of Narnia", wrote, "I have been reading poems, romances, and vision literature, legends and myths all my life.  I know what they are like.  I know that not one of them is like this."

 

As you read, study, memorize and apply the Bible to our lives we will reach the same conclusion as Lewis.  All of the Bible teaches us about us, our human condition, our need of a saviour, who is Jesus.

 

As you do read you may wonder as John Calvin and others through the ages have, if the Lord had made His revelaton so obscure that few could understand it, He never would have commanded His people, saying  that there must be "no portion of time unoccupied with meditation on the Law".  (John Calvin)

 

If you want to learn more about Jesus, I can think of no better place to start than the book of John.  In reading it, you wont find it obscure, you may find that by reading and believing that you may find life.

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
John 20:26-21:1

 

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"  27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

 

28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

 

29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

 

30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may  believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.   NIV

Verse of the Day 2/10

Through the Bible - Leviticus 4-6, Matthew 26:1-35

 

Good morning,

 In yesterday's verse, John 17:26, Jesus prayed that His Father's love would be in us, that He would be in us to "Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,  And do what Thou wouldst do." (from Breathe on Me Breath of God).

 

For today's verse we go to John 8 where Jesus tells his disciples how they can be freed from the slavery of sin.

 

John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.   NKJV

or from the Amplified Bible:

³⁶So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.
A few verses earlier Jesus had told them how this comes about.

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."   NKJV

 We are freed from the bondage of sin by first forgiving us.  He then gives us what we need to continue in freedom.  Abiding, living in and according to God's Word, knowing the truth and applying it in our lives.

 

Have you experienced the power of forgiveness in your life?  No guilt, no looking over your shoulder, no covering your tracks.  When Christ gives you the power not to give in to temptation it is very freeing.  Free indeed, unquestionably free, you can count on it.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

 

Jesus lived a life that showed this freedom.  He also demonstrated in Matthew 4 how God's Word is useful in overcoming temptation.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 8:31-37

The Truth Shall Make You Free

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

33 They answered Him,"We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?"

34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. NKJV

Verse of the Day 2/9

Through the Bible - Leviticus 2-3, Matthew 25:31-46

 

Good morning,

After yesterday's devotional about God breathing life into man, and into us, the following hymn came to mind. 

Breathe On Me, Breath Of God

 

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

 

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

 

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

 

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

 

John 17:26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."   NKJV
or from the Amplified Bible:

John 17:26 I  have made Your Name known to them and revealed Your character and Your very Self, and I will continue to make [You] known, that the love which You have bestowed upon Me may be in them [felt in their hearts] and that I [Myself] may be in them.

John 17 is a prayer from Jesus, to the Father for His followers through the ages.  This verse serves as a benediction.  As the song indicates, it is a call for Christ to live in us so that we may live as He did, love as He did.  This is impossible if He does not breathe in us, live in us through the Holy Spirit.

"It is the model for our prayers, and with like reverence, faith, and love we should come before God. This prayer for the church will yet be fully answered; and he who loves the church and the world cannot but cast his eyes onward to that time when all believers shall be one; when contentions, bigotry, strife, and anger shall cease; and when, in perpetual union and love, Christians shall show forth the power and purity of that holy gospel with which the Saviour came to bless mankind. Soon may that happy day arise!"   -  from Barnes' Notes 

 

What is your prayer this morning?  May it be along these lines: Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 17:20-18:1

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.  25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.  26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."   NKJV

Verse of the Day 2/8

Through the Bible - Exodus 40 - Leviticus 1, Matthew 25:1-30

 

Good morning,

This past weekend my wife Jean and I attended the wedding of the son of some of our close friends.  The pastor started off his prayers by saying "Living God".  I don't think that I had ever heard a prayer began that way but it is fitting.  We serve a living God, a living Saviour.  Living requires breathing, breath.  He breaths life into us, life into our marriages, our churches and everything around us.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Genesis 2 where God first "breathed life" into man.

Gen 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.   NKJV

Notice how the verse tells us that God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him the breath of life.

 

One of the Hebrew words  for "breathe" is "ruach".  Just pronouncing the word gives you feeling of the meaning of the word.  It starts in the lungs and is breathed out.  God formed man and breathed life into him.  Taking something that was formed but lifeless and breathing life into him, almost like CPR..  If you've seen someone revived by mouth to mouth CPR you can even get a more vivid picture.  In that case the person may come back to life and see the person face to face that gave his life back.  In many instances that will be remembered for the rest of that person's life.

 

Our hearts are dead, lifeless without God.  God calls us, breathes life into us "face to face".  Once we've seen Hiim, felt his work in our hearts and lives we will remain connected to Him, realizing that He has given us life and spiritual life, which carry over into every aspect of our lives, our marriages, children, relationships, and ministries for those that serve Him.

 

Job 33:4 For the Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.  NLT

 

As you begin your work week, consider the work that God, that Jesus Christ has done in you.  What will you do with the life that He has breathed into you?

Blessings,

Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net

mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Gen 2:1-8

The Garden of Eden

2 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

4 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

NKJV

 

Verse of the Day - weekend 2/7

Through the Bible - Exodus 37-39, Matthew 24

 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 30, written by David, someone who knew something of life's ups and downs.  In many of the Psalms David pours his heart out to the Lord God.  By the end of the psalms his circumstances may not have changed but the cry of his heart had.  His faith in God that He would deliver him often turned his mourning heart into a joyful heart.  Realizing how God had led him in the past gave him faith and confidence that He would deliver him from the troubles at hand.

 

Ps 30:11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!   NLT

I was reminded of the following hymn from my memory banks.  The hymn was learned when I was a child.  I didn't know what the message meant then, but I do now.  Sing if you know it, in preparation for worship this weekend.

 

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.

When you look back on the struggles and trials of life will you be able to look back and say "Jesus led me all the way"?
 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ps 30:1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,and you restored my health.3 You brought me up from the grave, O Lord.You kept me from falling into the pit of death.
4 Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!Praise his holy name.5 For his anger lasts only a moment,but his favor lasts a lifetime!Weeping may last through the night,but joy comes with the morning.
6 When I was prosperous, I said,"Nothing can stop me now!"7 Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.
8 I cried out to you, O Lord.I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,9 "What will you gain if I die,if I sink into the grave?Can my dust praise you?Can it tell of your faithfulness?10 Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.Help me, O Lord."
11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!  NLT

Verse of the Day 2/5

Through the Bible - Exodus 35-36, Matthew 23:23-39

 

Good morning,

I've been fascinated by trees from an early age.  I remember playing in the neighbors sandbox which sat in the shade of a huge silver maple.  In the late spring the helicopter like seeds would fall all over the place, including the sandbox.  Soon seedlings would pop up.  I ended up taking one of those seedlings and planted it in our yard.  It's probably stil growing today.  I've done the same everywhere we've lived.

 

I was reminded of this early this morning.  I woke up and for whatever reason Psalm 1:3 came to my mind.  It will serve as today's verse.

 

Ps 1:3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.   NKJV

The tree mentioned here was planted.  But for a tree to grow, flourish, and produce fruit (or seed) it must be close to and have a dependable source for water. 

 

The silver maples that I've mentioned and planted, send roots down deep into the soil.  They are fast growing, durable, and enduring.  They provide shade for comfort and beautiful colors in the fall for us to enjoy.

As Christians we need God's Word if we are to grow in our faith.  This is indicated in the preceeding verse in Psalm 1.

 

Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.   NKJV

In the midwest, we had our share of strong thunderstorms with high winds.  I'd watch the storms come and the trees would bend and sometimes be tossed around violently, but they did not break nor were they uprooted.  Their root systems held them secure through the storms.  So it is for us who have learned and learned to depend upon God's Word through the storms of life.

 

What kind of roots are you sending down into God's Word?

 

Col 3:16 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

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

Ps 1:1-2:1

 

1 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

 

4 But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.  NLT

Verse of the Day 2/4

Through the Bible - Exodus 33-34, Matthew 23:1-22

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's verse called us to "set our minds on things above" and we considered how in doing so, Jesus is able to lift us out from under the circumstances that we find ourselves entrenched in.

For todays verse we'll go to 2 Corinthians

2 Cor 4:18 So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.  NLT

or from the NIV:

2 Cor 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.   NIV

The verse tells us that the things that we have to endure now are temporary.  They may last for a moment, an hour, a season or even a lifetime, but no matter how long it is, in comparison to eternity they are momentary.  The way that we hold up, or should I say "lifted up" and supported by God reveal character.

 

J.R. Miller in "My Will -- or God's Will", writes, "The true test of life--is character. Everything else is extraneous, belonging only to the husk, which shall fall off in the day of ripening! Character is the kernel, the wheat--that which is true and enduring. Nothing else is worth while--except that which we can carry with us through death, and into eternity!

It is altogether possible that a man may fail of winning any earthly greatness, any distinction among men, anything that will immortalize him in this world's calendars--and yet be richly and nobly successful in spiritual things, in character, in a ministry of usefulness, in things which shall abide--when mountains have crumbled into dust! It is possible for one to fall behind in the race for wealth and honor--and yet all the while to be building up in himself--an eternal fabric of beauty and strength!
What is the standard of success in the sphere of the unseen and the eternal? It is the doing of the will of God. He who does the will of God--makes his life radiant and beautiful, though in the world's scale he is rated as having altogether failed in the battle. He who is true, just, humble, pure, pleasing God and living unselfishly--is the only man who really succeeds--while all others fail.
Really, there is no other final and infallible standard of living. One who writes his name highest in earth's lists, and yet has not done God's will--has failed, as God Himself looks at his career. "

 

We may fall behind in the race for wealth and honor in the world's eyes, but this is all temporary.  What will count, what will endure, will be how we are looked upon in God's eyes, for trusting, enduring, and persevering in doing His will.

If you've been tempted to give up, to throw in the towel on your faith, don't.  Read the passage from The Message below.  Fix your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of your faith.

 

2 Cor 4:16-18  "So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.   (from THE MESSAGE)

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

2 Cor 4:13-18

 

We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!

 

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.   (from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 2/3

Through the Bible - Exodus 31-32, Matthew 22:23-46

 

Good morning,

The other day as I was getting ready to go to work, I couldn't find my cell phone.  Finally, I decided to call the number, the phone rang the familiar tune, and I was able to locate it in between the cushions on the recliner.  I was able to find it by focusing, by tuning in to the familiar tune, the ringtone that it played.

For today's verse we'll go to Colossians chapter 3 for some Biblical advise to help us tune in to Christ when we can't find our way.

 Col 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.   NLT

or from the NKJV

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  NKJV

Going through "various trials" we may describe our position and justify our actions by saying "under the circumstances"....  Paul and Silas in yesterday's passage were a great example of today's verse.  Focusing on Christ, tuning into Him lifted them out from under their circumstances  and took them above, to a higher place where they were able to sing praises.

 

To what or to whom are you setting your mind today, what song are you tuning in to?  These verses encourage us to turn to Christ and we do this through God's Word.

 

Read the passage from The Message below.

 

Colassians 3:2  "Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around  Christ ... see things from His perspective "

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Col 3:1-5

He Is Your Life

3 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ — that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life — even though invisible to spectators — is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too — the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.    (from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 2/2

Through the Bible - Exodus 29-30, Matthew 22:1-22

 

Good morning,

Sometimes the trials and temptations we face make us feel like we're being oppressed, virtually locked up in our emotions with no chance or opportunity of escape from the gloom.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Acts 16 where Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown in prison for taking a stand for their faith, with no conceiveable way out.  Their actions may startle you, it startled the other prisoners, who must have wondered what brought this joy in the aftermath of their being beaten and thrown in jail, into the inner dungeon with their feet placed in stocks.

 

Acts 16:25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!   NLT

The way we react to our difficulties, the chains that can keep us down and rob us of joy, will be observed by others.  No matter what we face, no prsion, no prison of circumstance is too difficult, for God to break through and deliver.

J.R. Miller wrote in 1904:

 

Blessings,There is no prison too strong for God to break open;
there are no chains too heavy for Him to snap asunder,
there are no walls too thick for Him to shatter.

There are other kinds of prisons besides those built
with stone--prisons of trial, of temptation, of trouble,
of circumstances. If we are in any of these prisons, 
God is just as able to bring us out of them!

 

Chris Tomlin captures the feeling in his modernization of the hymn "Amazing Grace".

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

 

Notice what else happens in the passage.  Not only did the chains fall off of Paul and Silas, they fell of the other prisoners as well.  If God delivers you, when you are freed from your fears, what might be the effect it has on those who are watching you? 

Blessings,

Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Acts 16:22-32

22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!"

29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household."  NLT

Verse of the Day 2/1

Through the Bible - Exodus 27-28, Matthew 21:33-46

 

Good morning,

As I had mentioned a couple of days ago, this past week was filled with news and prayer requests of friends and aquaintances that were battling ilness, loss, and other trials.

For today's verse we'll go to a passage in Romans 15 where God is described as the God of patience (v.5), the God of comfort (v.5), the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (v.6), the God of mercy (v.9), and the God of hope (v.13).

Rom 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope..

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  NIV

 

 In this world, where else can we hope to find the patience, comfort, mercy and hope that we desparately need?

 

We go to the Word of God and the Lord of the Word.  May He speak to your heart and may you convey the message of hope in Christ to those that need it.  Let the Word of God speak.  Following are some of the words to the song "Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me. This past weekend we read in the Psalms that we are to pour our hearts out to Him.  In this song, the songwriter is asking for God to "pour down like rain" a message from His Word.

 

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

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'll close with the final verse from the passage, a prayer and benediction from Paul with hope.

 

Rom 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.  NLT

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Rom 15:1-14

15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."   4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.   NIV