Verse of the Day 5/31

Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 4-6, John 13:1-20

 

Good morning,

I watched 60 Minutes yesterday and at the end of the program Andy Rooney gave a tribute to those who have served their country in the armed services.  He said that it is often said that we remember those "who gave their lives" for the freedom that we have, when actually "they had their lives taken from them".  We serve a risen Saviour who did willingly lay down His life so that we may have eternal life with Him.

 

The following verses may be more suited for "Labor Day", but the point is that we can have life, eternal life, beginning now because He laid down His life for ours.

John 6:27-29 (Amplified Bible)  Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes [in the using], but strive and work and produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement upon Him. 

 ²⁹Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger].

Today, as we remember those who have given themselves  for our country, let us also remember and believe in the One who made the ultimate sacrifice that we may have life in Him.

John 6:47-48 (Amplified Bible)⁴⁷I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me] has (now possesses) eternal life.

⁴⁸I am the Bread of Life [that gives life--the Living Bread].

As he offered 'living water' to the Samaritan woman, now Jesus offers the crowd 'living

bread'; whoever eats this bread will live forever, for this bread is none other

than his own flesh, his body given in sacrifice for us. Because he feeds us with

living bread, we need not die; because he died for us, we can live forever with

him (Joh. 6:51).   - Richard Burridge

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 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.

  ⁴⁵It is written in [the book of] the Prophets, And they shall all be taught of God [have Him in person for their Teacher]. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to Me--

    ⁴⁶Which does not imply that anyone has seen the Father [not that anyone has ever seen Him] except He [Who was with the Father] Who comes from God; He [alone] has seen the Father.

    ⁴⁷I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me] has (now possesses) eternal life.

    ⁴⁸I am the Bread of Life [that gives life--the Living Bread].

    ⁴⁹Your forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and [yet] they died.

    ⁵⁰[But] this is the Bread that comes down from heaven, so that [any]one may eat of it and never die.

    ⁵¹I [Myself] am this Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and also the Bread that I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh (body).

Verse of the Day weekend- 5/29

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 27-2 Chron. 3, John 12

 

Good morning,

For this weekend's verse we'll go to John chapter 6 where Peter is asked by Jesus "will you leave me too?".  It is a verse that came to me in my darkest hours, it came literally at a bend in the road (Powers Road in Huntley) as I was driving.

John 6:67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."   NKJV

 In looking back at the events detailed in the book of John, from the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the healing of the lame man and the blind man, I'm sure that they looked upon the day of their visitation, their healing in the same way Peter did.  You can look through the Bible Old Testament and New and see the same thing.

 

Henry Blackaby in his study "Experiencing God" referred to it as a crisis of belief.  You are brought to a point in your life where you will accept Christ and trust in Him and His word or you will turn away.  To accept Him is to follow Him and to go where He leads and sends you.

 

I still look back on that day along the road, I can picture it as clear as day and recall Peter's words as if they were my own, because in a sense they were and are.

 

I'll share an old hymn by Fannie Crosby, All the Way My Saviour Leads Me, if you know it sing it in your heart or out loud, remembering when he came to you "along the road" in your life.  The themes we've been considering of "living water" and "living bread" are central in the song.

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.

Blessings,
Mike

John 6:60-7:1

60 Many Disciples Turn Away Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?"

61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? 

62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 

64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." 

66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  

70 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 

71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. NKJV

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Verse of the Day - 5/28

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 24-26, John 11:22-57
 

Good morning,

For today's verse we'll go back to John 6.  It is a passage of hope and reassurance based on what God has done and will do.

John 6:40 "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."   NASU
Think for a moment what it means to you that Jesus said "I Myself will raise" you up on the last day.  It's a personal message, He will lift you up personally.

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, I thought I'd post some related verses for us to consider.  I'll let you add your own comments.

Isa 25:8 He will swallow up death for all time,
And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces,
And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth;
For the Lord has spoken.
9 And it will be said in that day,
"Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."   NASU

2 Peter 3:13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.  NLT

 

Whether He comes in the "blink of an eye" while we are still living or from the grave by His call (think of Lazarus in today's NT reading), we are to be ready for Him, living in and according to His will and purposes.

 

Rom 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. NLT

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

John 6:35-41

35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.  36 "But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.  37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.  38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.  39 "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.  40 "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."   NASU

Verse of the Day 5/26

Through the Bible – 1 Chronicles 18-20, John 11:1-21

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll return to John chapter 9 and the healing of the man who had been born blind.
John 9:6 When He had said this, He spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva, daubed the mud on the blind man's eyes 7 and told him, "Go out and wash them in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and returned enjoying sight.

There is often so much in the Bible that we miss when we simply read through a passage. Much can be gained by slowing down, looking at some of the words and names (people and towns) involved that bring more significance to the passage. Read these notes from Richard Burridge's commentary on the passage.

Whatever the reason for Jesus' impromptu eye ointment, he tells the blind man to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam (Joh. 9: 7). This is the pool from which water was drawn for the procession at the Feast of Tabernacles (see on Joh. 7:37 above). It is a marvel of ancient Jewish engineering. The Gihon
spring is one of Jerusalem's main water supplies, but it was in the Kidron valley outside the old fortified city. Therefore, when Jerusalem was threatened with attack in 701 BC, Hezekiah cut a tunnel through the solid rock for over 500 metres to 'send' the water to a basin inside the walls, called Siloam or 'sent' (see 2Ki. 20:20; 2Ch. 32: 2-4, 2Ch. 32:30; Isa. 22: 9-11). Now this man is sent to the pool of 'Sent' by the one who is himself sent by God to bring light and healing. Because the man is healed of being blind from birth by washing in the pool, many in the early church saw a reference to baptism in this story, and it would often be depicted as a baptism in art in the catacombs, as well as in the writings of people like Tertullian and Augustine. Whether John intended an allusion to baptism is not clear, but what is vital is that, unlike Naaman refusing to wash in the Jordan (2Ki. 5:10-12), the blind man obeyed his instruction: he was told to go and he went — and as a result he came back seeing (Joh. 9: 7).

Jesus was sent as the "light of the world". Hezekiah built the tunnel to send water from outside the walls into the city. Jesus put mud on the man's eye and sent him to the pool created. As a simple act of faith, the blind man goes in obedience and receives his sight.

Read the rest of the passage see what happens to the man, what he does. He has been transformed by this encounter to an extent that some who knew him questioned whether he was the same man. Isn't that the way God still works , desires to work in us?

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV

Blessings,

Mike

John 9:6-25

He said this and then spit in the dust, made a clay paste with the saliva, rubbed the paste on the blind man's eyes, and said, "Go, wash at the Pool of Siloam" (Siloam means "Sent"). The man went and washed — and saw.

Soon the town was buzzing. His relatives and those who year after year had seen him as a blind man begging were saying, "Why, isn't this the man we knew, who sat here and begged?"

Others said, "It's him all right!"

But others objected, "It's not the same man at all. It just looks like him."

He said, "It's me, the very one."

They said, "How did your eyes get opened?"

"A man named Jesus made a paste and rubbed it on my eyes and told me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' I did what he said. When I washed, I saw."

"So where is he?"

"I don't know."

They marched the man to the Pharisees. This day when Jesus made the paste and healed his blindness was the Sabbath. The Pharisees grilled him again on how he had come to see. He said, "He put a clay paste on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see."

Some of the Pharisees said, "Obviously, this man can't be from God. He doesn't keep the Sabbath."

Others countered, "How can a bad man do miraculous, God-revealing things like this?" There was a split in their ranks.

They came back at the blind man, "You're the expert. He opened your eyes. What do you say about him?"

He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews didn't believe it, didn't believe the man was blind to begin with. So they called the parents of the man now bright-eyed with sight. They asked them, "Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he now sees?"

His parents said, "We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. But we don't know how he came to see — haven't a clue about who opened his eyes. Why don't you ask him? He's a grown man and can speak for himself." (His parents were talking like this because they were intimidated by the Jewish leaders, who had already decided that anyone who took a stand that this was the Messiah would be kicked out of the meeting place. That's why his parents said, "Ask him. He's a grown man.")

They called the man back a second time — the man who had been blind — and told him, "Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor."

He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind . . . I now see."
(from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 5/25

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 15-17, John 10:22-42

 

Good morning,

Chapters 7 and 8 of John take place during the Feast of the Tabernacles, celebrating the Passover when the Jews left their dwellings to live in tents.  In the celebration there were rituals of water and light.  For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 9 where we see these symbols being used once again and we see Jesus stating once again "I am the light of the world".  The symbols of darkness and light are now revealed in physical terms as Jesus does the "work" of the Father and heals a blind man.

 

John 9:5 But while I am still here in the world, I am the light of the world." 

6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and smoothed the mud over the blind man's eyes.   NLT

 The debate had been going on about His origins, where His power and authority came from.  They wouldn't take Jesus at His word or accept the things that He did as evidence of His authority.

 

Richard Burridge writes, "The actual healing from blindness to seeing happens

early (Joh. 9: 7), but it leads rapidly to another

debate about Jesus' identity which causes division. As the blind man comes

more fully into the light, so we discover that 'there are none so blind as those

who will not see'. As the blind man journeys not just out of physical darkness,

but also from ignorance to a growing faith, Jesus' opponents travel from

certainty through increasing doubt to rejecting the light. And all the while

others are watching — the disciples, the man's parents, the bystanders, and

even us, the readers. What will be our journey be, into light, or darkness healing,

or rejection?"

 

So it is today.  People are watching and hearing what God is doing around them.  What will the reaction be?

May you rejoice as did the blind man in this passage.

"Light of the world, you stepped down into darkeness, opened my eyes let me see."

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 9:1-16
9:1 Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.

2 "Teacher," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?"

3 "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him. 

4 All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end. 

5 But while I am still here in the world, I am the light of the world." 

6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and smoothed the mud over the blind man's eyes.

7 He told him, "Go and wash in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing!

8 His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, "Is this the same man — that beggar?"

9 Some said he was, and others said, "No, but he surely looks like him!" And the beggar kept saying, "I am the same man!"

10 They asked, "Who healed you? What happened?"

11 He told them, "The man they call Jesus made mud and smoothed it over my eyes and told me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash off the mud.' I went and washed, and now I can see!"

12 "Where is he now?" they asked. "I don't know," he replied.

13 Then they took the man to the Pharisees.

14 Now as it happened, Jesus had healed the man on a Sabbath.

15 The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, "He smoothed the mud over my eyes, and when it was washed away, I could see!"

16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?" So there was a deep division of opinion among them.   NLT

Verse of the Day 5/25

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 12-14, John 10:1-21

 

Good morning,

The Pharisees who should have been looking for Jesus as their long awaited Messiah, instead looking  at Him as their friend, He was looked upon as the enemy.  Their hearts were deceived.

For today's verse we'll jump ahead a few chapters where Jesus tells His followers then and now, that we are His friends.

 

John 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
NLT

I read this "Grace Gem" from Pastor James Smith and thought that it would be a good thing to start the work week with.

 

He not only calls us so (friends) --but treats us as such! And expects us as His friends--to do whatever He commands us.

Is Jesus your friend?
Then visit Him often--let Him hear your voice in prayer and praise.
Then trust Him confidently--let Him see evidence of your faith in your dependence.
Then walk with Him in love--let Him enjoy much of your company.
Then expect Him to be your Friend . . .
  in sickness and health,
  in poverty and plenty,
  in life and in death!

If Jesus is our Friend--we can never be destitute. If our father and mother forsake us--He will take us up and take us in.

We can never be miserable--He will receive us and be a wise and loving Father unto us.

We can never be neglected, for He will never fail us nor forsake us--but will do for us all that He has promised in His Word. He will . . .
  defend us from foes,
  visit us in sickness, and
  cheer and support us in death!

Precious Lord Jesus, You are my Friend . . .
  in life,
  in death,
  at the judgment, and
  before Your Father's face forever!

I'm reminded of the simple chorus that I learned as a child.  

 

He's a faithful friend, such a faithful friend,

You can count on Him, to the very end.

 

Though storm clouds darken the skies, o'er the heavenly trail,

I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail.

 

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 15:9-18

 

9 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.   NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/22

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 8-11, John 9

 

Good morning,

A devotional I read this morning reminded me that tomorrow is the traditional "day of pentecost" when we remember and celebrate the sending of the Holy Spirit and the formation of the early church.  It is something that we should celebrate, be thankful for, and praise God for.

Acts 2:1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  NLT
For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 67 a psalm of praise which, in the New King James Version, carries the inscription "An Invitation and a Doxology".

 

Ps 67:1-God be merciful to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us,
Selah
2 That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.   NKJV

May it be the cry of our hearts for God to send down "fresh wind, fresh fire" (title of a book by Jim Cymbala).  I was reminded of a praise song that we've sung in church, a modern call for God to bless us.

All things new
I can start again
Creator, God
Calling me Your friend
Sing praise, my soul
To the Maker of the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know You and be loved is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

On Sunday our youth group has it's year end event, fittingly called "Scorch".  It will be a celebration with an evangelistic message.  I would ask you to pray for this time with the youth of our church.  That God would send down His blessings, His Spirit, in a powerful way, that He may be glorified.

 

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

 

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
Ps 67:1-68:1

 

An Invocation and a Doxology

 

To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.

 

67 God be merciful to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us,
Selah
2 That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.

 

3 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
For You shall judge the people righteously,
And govern the nations on earth.
Selah

 

5 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
6 Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us,
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/21

 Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 6-7, John 8 39-59

 

Good morning,

We live in a society where many people are consumed with political correctness.  In Jesus' time, the Pharisees were consumed with their own religious correctness but could not grasp the weightier matters of the law, the mercy, compassion and love as expressed and lived out by Jesus.

They refused to come to Jesus and rejected the "living water" that He offered,

 

For today's verse we'll turn to John 7 and some verses that bring together the thoughts of the previous days about living water and worship.

John 7:37-38 (Amplified Bible)  Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! 

³⁸He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

 We have seen previously that our "work" is to believe.  Verse 38 in the Amplified Bible above gets to the heart of what believing means.  These qualites of cleaving, relying upon, and trusting in God are also necessary for worship.  As with the woman at the well, it involves first of all coming to Him.  

 

The verses again point back to Isaiah 55:1 - thirsts...come... drink.  John MacArthur writes, "these three words summarize the gospel invitation.  A recognition on need leads to an approach to the source of provision, followed by receiving what is needed.  The thirsty, needy soul feels the craving to come to the Saviour and drink, ie., receive the salvation that He offers."

 

Have you thirsted?  Have you come to Him in this way?  Are there springs of living water flowing from you?

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

John 7:30    Therefore they were eager to arrest Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, for His hour (time) had not yet come.

    ³¹And besides, many of the multitude believed in Him [adhered to Him, trusted in Him, relied on Him]. And they kept saying, When the Christ comes, will He do [can He be expected to do] more miracles and produce more proofs and signs than what this Man has done?

    ³²The Pharisees learned how the people were saying these things about Him under their breath; and the chief priests and Pharisees sent attendants (guards) to arrest Him.

    ³³Therefore Jesus said, For a little while I am [still] with you, and then I go back to Him Who sent Me.

    ³⁴You will look for Me, but you will not [be able to] find Me; where I am, you cannot come.

    ³⁵Then the Jews said among themselves, Where does this Man intend to go that we shall not find Him? Will He go to the Jews who are scattered in the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?

    ³⁶What does this statement of His mean, You will look for Me and not be able to find Me, and, Where I am, you cannot come?

    ³⁷Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink!

    ³⁸He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

Verse of the Day 5/20

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 3-5, John 8:12-38

 

Good morning,

Our pastor, in his message last weekend referrenced John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. NKJV  The Samaritans had a form of religion some parts of Judaism mixed with other gods.  True religion, true faith in the one and only God had been corrupted.

The same practice has been going on through the ages.  Many choose their own religion, as if going through a supermarket. 

For today's verse we go back to the book of Amos in a passage which deals with false versus true worship.

Amos 5:23-24 (New King James Version)  Take away from Me the noise of your songs,
      For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.
       ²⁴ But let justice run down like water,
      And righteousness like a mighty stream.

There is much debate today about forms of worship including the use of "stringed instruments".  These verses indicate what is at the heart of true worship.

 

Like we do today, the Israelites worshipped God, but carried around with them images of detestable idols with them.  Some complain of the "noise" of our services today but have no regard for the weightier things of worship described here.  It's not talking about the social justice in the laws of government, it's God's justice flowing through us like water, as a mighty stream.  The image of living water on display again.

 

If we follow the advice here, put down our idols, and let justice, love, mercy and compassion flow as a church and individuals, you can be sure that God would be pleased with our worship whether with stringed instruments or pipe organs.

The hour is coming and now is the time to worship in spirit and in truth.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Amos 5:21   " I hate, I despise your feast days,
      And I do not savor your sacred assemblies.
       ²² Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings,
      I will not accept them,
      Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings.
       ²³ Take away from Me the noise of your songs,
      For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.
       ²⁴ But let justice run down like water,
      And righteousness like a mighty stream.
       ²⁵ " Did you offer Me sacrifices and offerings
      In the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?
       ²⁶ You also carried Sikkuth your king
      And Chiun, your idols,
      The star of your gods,
      Which you made for yourselves.
       ²⁷ Therefore I will send you into captivity beyond Damascus,"
      Says the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts.

 

Verse of the Day 5/19

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 25-2 Chronicles 2, John 7:53-8:11

 

Good morning,

Today we'll move from the theme of water to another common theme from the book of John, bread.  It is the first of the seven "I AM" statements found in this book that help describe just Who this Jesus is.

John 6:35 (Amplified Bible)  Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).

In reading it you can also see how it relates to the water and the wine as described in Isaiah 55:1-3.  Like the living water, the bread that Jesus offers will satisfy and remain with you.

 

The multiplied bread which was provided in the feeding of the 5000 would not remain with them as was the case with the manna that was provided in the exodus.  Richard Burridge writes, " like Isaiah, calling for people to stop working for bread that does not satisfy,  so Jesus reminds them that the multiplied bread, like the manna, is merely perishable- which is why they want more.  Instead, they need to work for food which leads to eternal life.  The word food, brosis, is the same as the food which nourished Jesus at the well when He had no bread.  As Jesus told the woman to ask for the water of life instead of a physical well,, so now He tells this crowd to work for the living food He offers."

 

This food that leads to everlasting life is to believe.  So simple yet so demanding.

 

What are we working for?  The perishable or the eternal? 

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 6:25-34 (New King James Version)

²⁵ And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did You come here?"
²⁶ Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. ²⁷ Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
²⁸ Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
²⁹ Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
³⁰ Therefore they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? ³¹ Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
³² Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
³⁴ Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always."
³⁵ And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Verse of the Day 5/18

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 23-24, John 7:37-52

 

Good morning,

One of the things that you'll notice in reading through John is the recurring themes and words.  Today, let's consider water, it's different uses, forms, and symbol-isms.  In chapter one there was baptism, in chapter 2 common water was transformed into wine, in chapter 3 we learned that we are born of water and spirit, chapter 4 someone who thirsted found "living" water, and now in chapter 5 we see water as a source of healing.

 

The location is Bethesda, which in Hebrew means, house of outpouring.  The waters in the pools were known to be stirred at times.  When this happened, the first person in would be healed of what was ailing them.  The "trouble waters" would heal the "troubled soul".

 

The image of troubled waters is often physical but it can be, or carry with it emotional distress.  The man in the story is frustrated because he could not bring himself into the water, somebody would have to carry him.  He would end up missing his opportunity and someone else would enter first.

 

The word used for paralyzed here is xeron, which means all dried up, withered.  Long term illnesses, whether physical or emotional, can wither us, dry us up.

For today's verse we go Jesus' encounter with the man.

 

John 5:6 When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]

 The invalid answered, Sir, I have nobody when the water is moving to put me into the pool; but while I am trying to come [into it] myself, somebody else steps down ahead of me.

    ⁸Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your bed (sleeping pad) and walk!  - Amplified Bible

 

There is so much we can take from this event.  The man had been putting his hope in an event, the stirring of the waters.  What he thought he needed was another person to bring him into the water.  What he really needed was The Person, Jesus who could cure him with a word.  He is healed, but along with the healing he carries along with him something of the waters of Jesus' new life which we have seen in the previous chapters.

 

Think of some of the other instances of water being used, the raging see and Jesus calming it with His word, His calling Peter out of the boat and into troubled waters that He would reach out and save him.

 

There are many songs and even poems that come to mind, like "Bridge over Troubled Waters" and "God Works in Mysterious Ways".   We have a "special needs" son, and we have several friends in similar circumstances that have longed for a miracle of healing.  At the same time, through these troubled waters we've seen blessings.  In Jeff's case he has been blessed by an indomitable spirit that brings joy to us and others, just about everyone that comes to know him.  Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child.

 

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child

 

May you seek His outpouring in the way that you need it today.
 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 5:1-15
5:1 A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.  

5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 

7 The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." 

9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed."

11 He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.'"

12 Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?"

13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." 

15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/17

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 20-22, John 7:1-36

 

Good morning,

This morning I read a devotional by John MacArthur which focused on Matt. 14:31-32  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

    ³³And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!

The wind and storm abated when Jesus came into the boat.  The disciples had followed Jesus and were learning from Him but still didn't have full trust in every situation.  He wasn't living in them yet. 

 

How many times is it like that in our lives.  We face pressure and anxiety from a number of situations whether it be responsibilities, debt, health concerns of our own or for family members.  Many times we search for answers in the scriptures (which is a good thing to do), but do we take the next step (as Peter did, getting out of the boat).  

Perhaps you'll see the connection that struck me as I read today's verse. 

John 5:39-40 (Amplified Bible)  You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me! 

 ⁴⁰And still you are not willing [but refuse] to come to Me, so that you might have life.

We may read and study but do we truly come to Him in faith, trusting, putting our faith into practice?  "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" Isaiah 40:31 speaks of waiting on a person, the Saviour.

 

Perhaps you've heard the country song, "Jesus Take the Wheel".  It's pretty much the same picture, only we shouldn't be throwing up our hands only after the car is spinning out of control.  Learn to trust day by day.  When the storms come, He'll be there with you.

 

Another passage that I read this morning was from Hebrews 13, a benediction for that book.  It also gives the picture of Jesus stepping into our lives, into our boats and bringing peace.

 

Hebrews 13:20-21 (Amplified Bible)  Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament),²¹Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).

 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, turn to Jesus, may He strengthen and equip you to carry out His will in your situation, that He may be glorified.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

The Fourfold Witness

   
^{John 5:31-47} "If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. ³² There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. ³³ You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. ³⁴ Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. ³⁵ He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. ³⁶ But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. ³⁷ And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. ³⁸ But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. ³⁹ You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
⁴¹ "I do not receive honor from men. ⁴² But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ⁴³ I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? ⁴⁵ Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

 

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/15

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 15-19, John 6:22-71

 

Good morning,

Earlier in the week, I read a devotional from Revelation 22.  The words of this verse have been in my mind since as I've been going through and pondering the book of John.

 

Revelation 22:17 (Amplified Bible)  The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, the true Christians) say, Come! And let him who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost.

 

For today's verse we return to John chapter 4 and the "woman at the well'.  She had come looking for water to quench her thirst.  Jesus offered her, as He offers us, living water (v.10, today's verse describes what it would mean for her and us.

John 4:14 (Amplified Bible)  But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.

 

What He offered was different than the water that was drawn from this well going back to the days of Jacob.  Commentator Richard Burridge writes, "The English translation hides the pun and the beginning of the shift of level, for zon. living, with water means running and moving as opposed to the still, or even stagnant water found in a well.  ....This contrast between ordinary water and a leaping fountain reminds us that water is a key theme in the gospel.  The use of water as a metaphor is very common in the Old Testament scriptures, where the Psalmist's soul is as thirsty for God as a deer for flowing streams (Ps. 42:1) and God calls all who are thirsty to come and drink freely.  (Isa. 55:1)

 

Isaiah 55  Amplified Bible - WAIT and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing].

 

The important thing for the woman and the important thing for us is to know where to go for this living water.  Jesus calls us, come to me.  Don't be satisfied with stagnant waters when you can have the refreshing, life giving, living water.

 

Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild, restless, sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, "Christian, follow Me!"

 

Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.

 

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 4

A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah

 ¹ Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John ² (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), ³ He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. ⁴ But He needed to go through Samaria.
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."

Verse of the Day 5/14

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 12-14, John 6:1-21

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's devotional I quoted Samuel Davies, I'll repeat the end of that quote to lead into the thoughts for today. "In short, to be a Christian, is to have our sentiments, our character and our practice, formed upon the sacred model of the gospel."

 

Going through the gospels we see Jesus living out the gospel, and seeing the character and practice of the disciples being formed.  For today's verse we'll go to John 6 where we have the miracle of the "feeding of the five thousand."  You can read of this miracle in the other gospels as well.  As you do you get a more complete picture of what was going on.  When the disciples realized the situation and there hearts and thoughts went out to the people who would be hungry after a long day, Jesus told them "you give them something to eat".  Their responses were pretty much like ours would be in that situation.  Some thought it was impossible after looking at it in practical terms.  Andrew brought what a small boy had offered, five fish and two loaves.

 

John 6:10 Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.   NKJV

As always, whether it be changing the water into wine, calming the sea or healing someone, Jesus was in control of the situation.  Our God is a God of order and even in the most pressing circumstances, He has a plan.  In all of these circumstances in the gospels He was teaching them, as He is teaching us,  to "Trust and Obey".

 

Trust And Obey

 

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy with Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

 

In his Tabletalk Devotional for today, R.C. Sproul writes, "He is able, by His Spirit, to fortify us through the greatest struggles in life, enabling us to stand firm for godliness and truth."  What we need to do is to follow, and to trust, and obey.
Read the passage below.  If you face a situation today where you are ready to throw up your hands and give up, seek Him, ask for His will, trust that He will lead you, and obey what He prompts you to do.

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 6:1-15

 

Feeding the Five Thousand
(Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17)

 

6 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.  3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

 

4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"  6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

 

7 Philip answered Him,"Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little."

 

8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"

 

10 Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."  13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."   NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/13

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 10-11, John 5:30-47

 

Good morning,

In Acts 11:26 we read "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."   NKJV  The word here literally means "little Christ's".

Samuel Davies wrote, "To be a Christian, in the popular and fashionable sense, is no really difficult or excellent thing. It is to be baptized, to profess the Christian religion; to believe, like our neighbors, that Christ is the Messiah, and to attend upon public worship once a week, in some church or another. In this sense, a man may be a 'Christian'--and yet be habitually careless about eternal things. He may be a 'Christian'--and yet fall short of the morality of many of the heathen. He may be a 'Christian'--and yet a drunkard, a swearer, or a slave to some vice or other. He may be a 'Christian'--and yet a willful, impenitent offender against God and man.
But is this to be a 'real Christian'--in the original and proper sense of the word? No! that is something of a very different and superior kind.
To be a Christian indeed--is to be like to Christ, from whom the name is taken!
To be a Christian indeed--is to be a follower and imitator of Christ!
To be a Christian indeed--is to have Christ's spirit and temper; and to live as He lived in the world!
In short, to be a Christian, is to have our sentiments, our character and our practice, formed upon the sacred model of the gospel."

These are sobering words for me and for all of us who like to refer to ourselves as Christians.

For today's verse we'll go to today's reading in John where Jesus tells His disciples where he gets His direction.

John 5:30 (Amplified Bible)³⁰I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me. 

In our day we often desire and are encouraged to be independent.  Jesus shows here that to be like Christ, to be "little Christs" we must be dependent upon God through the Holy Spirit and not our own aim our own purpose.
How are your sentiments, character, and practice formed?

 

Blessings,

Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 5:24-31

Life and Judgment Are Through the Son

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 

25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 

26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 

27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 

28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 

29 and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 

30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.  NKJV

Verse of the Day 5/12

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 7-9, John 5:1-29

 

Good morning,

My Bible's study notes on John chapter 4 state that "the Samaritan's, like the Jews, expected a Messiah to come.  They revered Moses as the true prophet, and based upon Deuteronomy 18, cherished hope that a prophet like Moses would one day restore both themselves and their sanctuary.  They described the Messianic figure as the "Restorer".

 

For today's verse we'll go to John chapter 4 where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well.  She had come to get water, Jesus met her along the road, by the well and gave her living water which would restore her relationship to God.  The impact on her life was immediate, she had to go out into the community, along the road and tell others what he had done for her.

 

John 4:29 "Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?"

30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.    NLT

The people knew this woman, who she was, what she had done.  They could see the change and wanted to see who it was that could bring about this transformation this restoration.

After reading that passage yesterday I read the following in a devotional.

 

"That the tide of sin, which before did run so strong — should be so easily turned; that the sinner who, a little before was sailing hellward, and lacked neither wind nor tide to carry him there—should now suddenly alter his course, and tack about for heaven—what a miracle is this!

To see . . .

an earthly man become heavenly,
a carnal man become spiritual,
a loose man become precise,
a proud man become humble,
a covetous man become liberal, and
a harsh man become meek, etc.,
is to behold the greatest of miracles!"

- Thomas Brooks, The Crown and Glory of Christianity

What kind of change has he brought about in your life?  Will you tell others? 

 

Psalm 56: ^12-13 God, you did everything you promised,
      and I'm thanking you with all my heart.
   You pulled me from the brink of death,
      my feet from the cliff-edge of doom.
   Now I stroll at leisure with God
      in the sunlit fields of life.   The Message

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 4:20-31

20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?"

21 Jesus replied, "Believe me, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. 

22 You Samaritans know so little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 

23 But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. 

24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." 

25 The woman said, "I know the Messiah will come — the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26 Then Jesus told her, "I am the Messiah!"  

27 Just then his disciples arrived. They were astonished to find him talking to a woman, but none of them asked him why he was doing it or what they had been discussing.

28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone,

29 "Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?"

30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.    NLT

Verse of the Day 5/11

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 5-6, John 4:43-54

 

Good morning,

Yesterday we considered how Jesus ministered "along the road", out among the people and in the community.  We are challenged to bring our faith to the world to obey the Holy Spirit's promptings out in the world.

 

I was reading in John 17 this morning where Jesus prayed to the Father for Himself, for us, and the world.  We'll go there for today's verse.

 

John 17:18 As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.    NLT

Jesus  began His prayer, praying for himself to be glorified in the Father's presence, then prays that His followers, including us, would be able to share that glory, drawing us into His prayer.

 

Skip down to verses 20 and 21 below where we see the purpose of His sending us out, "that the world may believe and be convinced that God had sent Jesus."  Isn't that our mission?

 John 17:20  ²⁰Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching,

    ²¹That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.  Amplified Bible

 

Richard Burridge writes, "As Jesus reminded His disciples earlier, "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit (15:16) Now Jesus looks beyond His immediate disciples to the result of that consecrated mission, to the fruit they will bear."

In this prayer He is looking beyond to the fruit that we will bear as we go out into our world with His message in word and in deed, knowing that He is always with us.

 

Matt. 28: ¹⁹Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

    ²⁰Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).   Amplified Bible

Blessings,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 17:11-21

11 Now I am departing the world; I am leaving them behind and coming to you. Holy Father, keep them and care for them — all those you have given me — so that they will be united just as we are. 

12 During my time here, I have kept them safe. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. 

13 "And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. 

14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. 

15 I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 

16 They are not part of this world any more than I am. 

17 Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. 

18 As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 

19 And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours. 

20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. 

21 My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father — that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. 
NLT

Verse of the Day 5/10

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 3-4, John 4:16-42

 

Good morning,

As we head into the book of John, the thing that I'd like you to think about as we go along is how many of Jesus' miracles, how much of his teaching, came in the normal course of life, "along the road" as it were.

 

In today's society, we tend to expect that we will learm most about Jesus in church or church activities.  But as you go through the New Testament you begin to notice how many healings, how many lessons, how much of learning to "walk in His steps" came as the disciples followed Jesus in the community, interracting with friends, curiosity seekers, and those that wanted to trip Him up and discredit Him.

 

Today's verse is from John chapter 2 where we find the first recorded miracle in John's gospel.  It was something that came about as a request from the person that knew Jesus most, His mother.  You are probably familiar with the situation, Jesus, His mother and the disciples were attending a local wedding.  They had run out of wine and Mary suggested that they seek the help of Jesus.

 

John 2:5 But his mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."  NLT

Richard Burridge, in His commentary writes, "For the evangelist, the important thing is not the event - but the fact that Jesus was there (2:2).  The Word made flesh, the God who dwells among us, goes to wedding parties, joins in our everyday activities and gets involved with human affairs."

 

It is in just this type of setting that Mary tells the servants to "do whatever he tells you".  What happens here when they do what Jesus tells them to do?  It is something that I'm sure the servants would never forget, and "His  disciples believed in Him."  (v.11 below)  The miracle happened through the persistence of Mary and the obedience of the servants and is spoken of and read about somewhere every day.

 

The same challenge goes out today, as we go to work, school, or to the living room.  Whenever you feel prompting from the Holy Spirit we should "do whatever He tells you."  What kind of memorable things would He do in and through us if we did so?

 

Burridge concludes the passage with this prayer,may it be ours today.

 

"Lord, when resources run out and things seem hopeless, grant me the faith to trust in you and the willingness to do whatever you say, that your abundance may be shed on this world."

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

John 2:1-12

 

2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus' mother told him, "They have no more wine."

 

4 "Dear woman, that's not our problem," Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."

 

5 But his mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

 

6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water." When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, "Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies." So the servants followed his instructions.

 

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 "A host always serves the best wine first," he said. "Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!"

 

11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.   NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 5/9

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 19 - 2 Kings 1. John 3:1-4:15

 

Good morning,

As we celebrate Mother's Day this weekend I thought that we'd go to Proverbs 31 where we read of the "P-31" wife.  The same qualities that make a virtuous wife make a capable, a blessed mother.

 

Prov 31:10-12A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.   (from THE MESSAGE)
or from the NKJV:

Prov 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.   NKJV

When we think of "virtuous" we probably think of moral excellence, doing the right thing, and showing kindness among other things.  Reading the various definitions of "virtue" from the dictionary you also find "effective power" and "the ability to heal or strengthen".

 

I've been blessed by having a P-31 wife and growing up with a P-31 mom. 

 

Take some time to think of the times that your mom was there to heal and strengthen you and how your wife has been there to heal and strengthen your kids.  In what ways did they do so?  We can probably look back on healing hands that helped heal our cuts and bruises and soothing words to comfort and encourage us in times of discouragement or disappointment.

 

Take some time to thank them today and praise God for them.

 

Prov 31:31 -Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!   (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
Prov 31:10-20

 

Hymn to a Good Wife

 

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
(from THE MESSAGE)

Verse of the Day 5/7

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 17-18, John 2

 

Good morning,

The New Testament reading (above) is now moving into the book of John.  I hope to spend several weeks going through some of the verses of this amazing book.

The book of John seems to have a limited vocabulary with several words  being repeated again and again; words such as look, see, witness, know, believe, have faith, world, glory, remain, and abide.  There are also many contrasting pairs of words; light and darkness, truth and falsehood, life and death, love and hate, and father and son.

 

Richard Burridge points out that "the sentences tend to be short, but they build on each other in steps and stairs and spirals, connecting and reconnecting."

My wife and I were visiting our daughters church in Illinois last weekend and the pastor referenced Psalm 86:10 in his sermon.  It seemed fitting for an introduction into the book of John.

 

Ps 86:10 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.  NLT

As we go through the book of John we'll see Jesus perform many miracles and wonderful deeds.  We'll see how he taught the disciples and others and still teaches us.  We will see what truth is and how our desire should be to live accordingly.  In this diverse culture may we maintain purity of heart that we may honor HIm.

 

Burridge writes, "this gospel was very familiar with the multi faith, multi cultural world of the eastern Mediterranean in the first century.  It was a real melting pot because of the Romans' deliberate policy of bringing all the countries and peoples together in one empire of peace and easy communications.  Probably nothing has been like it again until today's global village.  Just like today, lots of ideas and beliefs are circulating and being mixed together and their effect can be seen in the (this) gospel."

 

You can't help but notice today's "global village" as you watch the news and see what is going on all around us.  Join me in reading through John this month and see how the Lord walked through the global village then.  May it prepare us to walk and live in today's global village in a way that would honor Him.

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 1:1-6

 

The Eternal Word
(Gen 1:1-2:3)

 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.     NKJV

 

Verse of the Day 5/6

Through the Bible - 1 Kings 15-16, John 1

 

Good morning,

I read two different verses this morning that referred to a "contrite" heart and spirit.  The Hebrew word for contrite literally means to be crushed like mortar, to powder.  From Psalm 34 I read verse 18 from the NLT which captures the thought.  Ps 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

From Psalm 51 we read from the NKJV Ps 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart —  These, O God, You will not despise.

I know of several friends, co-workers and peoples names that have been passed on to me via prayer requests that are battling serious health conditions and the loss of loved ones.  These times can crush us emotionally.  It's times like these when we need the Lord the most.

 

Psalm 34:6-7 speaks of God "camping out" around those who fear, revere Him.

 

Ps 34:6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.   NKJV

For today's verses we'll go to Psalm 51, read it first from The Message:

Ps 51:16-18  Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.

Then from the NKJV

Ps 51:16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart —
These, O God, You will not despise.   NKJV

In another devotional this morning I read the following quote from John Calvin which was from Psalm 51.

"It is the word of God alone which can first and effectually cheer the heart of any sinner. There is no true or solid peace to be enjoyed in the world except in the way of reposing upon the promises of God. Those who do not resort to them may succeed for a time in hushing or evading the terrors of conscience, but they must ever be strangers to true inward comfort.

And, granting that they may attain to the peace of insensibility, this is not a state which could satisfy any man who has seriously felt the fear of the Lord. The joy which he desires is that which flows from hearing the word of God, in which he promises to pardon our guilt, and readmit us into his favor. It is this alone which supports the believer amidst all the fears, dangers, and distresses of his earthly pilgrimage; for the joy of the Spirit is inseparable from faith."

If you are going through hard times right now and you feel "crushed".  May God's Word encourage and give you strength and hope.  If you know someone going through the valley, pray and reach out to them today.

Read the passage from Psalm 51 from The Message.  Isn't that what we need, fresh wind in our sails and a fresh start out of the chaos of our lives?

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
Ps 51:7-18

 

Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.

 

Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.

(from THE MESSAGE)