Verse of the Day - weekend 7/31

Through the Bible - Psalms 65-69, Romans 4

 

Good morning,In yesterday's passage in Ephesians 2 we considered God's grace.  In that passage Paul was teaching his readers then as he teaches us today that it is " by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, "NKJV

 

For this weekend's verse we'll go to Romans 4 which is this weekends reading in the "read through the Bible" plan above.

 

Rom 4:4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.   NIV

In some "Christian circles" and even in today's political arena year hear talk of "collective salvation".  There may be a collective salvation where there is deliverance for an oppressed group, like the Israelites being delivered from the bondage of Egypt.  But this is different than our personal, eternal salvation with Christ and that is achieved through Christ by the grace of God through faith.

In his book "What is Faith", early 20th century theologian J. Gresham Machen writes - "Acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ, as He is offered to us in the gospel of His redeeming work, is saving faith. Despairing of any salvation to be obtained by our own efforts, we simply trust in Him to save us; we say no longer, as we contemplate the Cross, merely 'He saved others' or 'He saved the world' or 'He saved the Church'; but we say, every one of us, by the strange individualizing power of faith, 'He loved me and gave Himself for me.'

When a man once says that, in his heart and not merely with his lips, then no matter what his guilt may be, no matter how far he is beyond any human pale, not matter how little opportunity he has for making good the evil that he has done, he is a ransomed soul, a child of God forever."

As Machen so aptly describes, our salvation is a personal matter, acknowledging, believing,  and taking it to heart that  "He loved and gave Himself for me".

I'll close with Romans 4:16 from the Amplified Bible which begins with "therefore".  Go back and read through the passage and see what it is there for.  As mentioned the other day, the root word for grace is "charis" from which we get "charity" which is the word translated as love in 1 Corinthians 13, the "love chapter".  As you go through Paul's letter you will see a recurring theme of faith, hope, and love (including grace).

Romans 4:16 (Amplified Bible) Therefore, [inheriting] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [entirely] on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favor), to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants--not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is [thus] the father of us 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
Rom 4:1-9

 

4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about — but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 

 

4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

 

7 "Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him."     NIV

Verse of the Day 7/30

Through the Bible - Psalms 62-64, Romans 3

 

Good morning,

Today's New Testament reading (above) is from Romans chapter 3.  The most well known verse from that chapter is probably verse 23:

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,   NKJV

It is the first verse often quoted in witnessing, especially if using "The Four Spiritual Laws" tract.  The focus of the chapter quickly shifts to God's grace in verse 24.  We considered grace yesterday stating that without  it, we do not have the "capacity to do anything spiritually profitable."  In short, we miss the mark.  The word for sin in Romans 3:23 is just that, missing the mark, falling short of Jesus' standards.

 

We need to realize that we've all sinned, we've all fallen short.  Thankfully, we should all realize that we have God's grace offered to us

.

John Piper writes, "Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon." 

For today's verse, we'll go to another passage written by Paul.  These verses bring together our shortcomings and God's grace.

Ephesians 2:5-6 (Amplified Bible) Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).

⁶And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Do you feel like you are struggling and constantly missing the mark?  Go to Jesus, seek His grace, let the Word dwell in you richly.

Read the passage below in Ephesians 2 from The Message.  It made me want to sing "Jesus Messiah" by Chris Tomlin.

He became sin ,Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross

 
Love so amazing , Love so amazing

Jesus Messiah ,Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah,  Lord 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
Eph 2:1-11

 

He Tore Down the Wall

 

2 It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.

 

Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

The Message

Verse of the Day 7/29

Through the Bible - Psalms 59-61, Romans 2

 

Good morning,

I received an e-mail yesterday from a pastor friend yesterday.  He close the note with "wishing you grace and peace".  It is the same way that the Apostle Paul greeted his readers in his letters.

For today's verse we'll go to Romans 1 from yesterday's reading for one of these greetings.

Romans 1:7 (Amplified Bible) To [you then] all God's beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life: Grace and spiritual blessing and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, we considered reconciliation, how it is accomplished and what it means to us.

 

New Testament commentator James Dunn writes, " The greeting itself is a beautiful blend of Greek and Hebrew tradition (Rom. 1: 7). The Greek word 'grace' (charis), very similar to the more typical

Greek greeting (chairein), sums up the character of God's dealings with his human creatures, as motivated by and expressive of God's generosity from start to finish. And 'peace' (shalom) is the traditional Jewish greeting, where the thought is not simply of peace of mind but of general well-being. Paul's wish for these Roman Gentiles is that they should experience the richness of the peace cherished by Israel combined with the grace so fully manifested in Jesus."

 

While driving yesterday, I listened to a message from James MacDonald on the radio.  In it, he said that "grace is more than God's unmerited favor, but also the capacity to do anything spiritually profitable."

 

Think about that for a moment.  If we are to do anything that is "spiritually profitable" it is only as a result of God's grace, like faith, it is not of ourselves but the gift of God.

MacDonald also quoted 2 Cor 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  He also said that it could. perhaps should be better translated "sufficient for you is the grace of me."
NKJV

I thought of the Beatles song "All You Need is Love".  That may be true as long as that love includes and is through God's grace.

 

As you go about your day today take some time to think about what God has done for you in the reconciliation process.  Have you felt His grace and experienced His peace?

 

Peace is more than the absence of conflict.  For true peace, the enmity is gone.  It is something that is possible through grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all my sin.

 

Grace and Peace to you,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Rom 1:1-8

 

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God  2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

 

7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/28

Through the Bible - Psalms 56-58, Romans 1

 

Good morning,

As we saw yesterday, instead of shame, ridicule, and hatred ours should be a mission of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

 

"Reconcile" is an accounting word.  In business you may have heard of an external audit, where an outside party is brought in to go over and "reconcile" the books, to remove false entries.

 

2 Cor 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.   NIV

Monday's "Today in the Word" devotional had this to say about reconciliation,"Reconciliation as a noun or verb appears 5 times (vv. 18-20), indicating that it is the central theme. As one New Testament scholar puts it, reconciliation is God's "cosmic restoration" project to make new all that is chaotic and distorted in the world, beginning with His relationship with humanity. God is the first Reconciler. As with His justice, righteousness, and love, we are also called to bear His image as reconcilers. Reconciliation is more than a message; it is a ministry. It is the work of forgiveness and peacemaking and of healing broken relationships, beginning with our relationship with God and extending throughout the whole world. Reconciliation is the pathway to new creation."

 

God is the reconciler and he calls us to join Him in this mission.  Colossians 2:14 gives us a good picture of how God accomplished this reconciliation.

Colossians 2:14 (Amplified Bible)  Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.

Think of that, He cancelled, blotted out, wiped away, and erased the sin and the sentence that was due to us, He removed the barriers that stood between us,  that we may be reconciled that we might be in harmony, in right standing before Him.  If we are to bring others into fellowship with Him it starts with doing the same things that stand in between us and our relationships with others.  It is not an easy thing to do but it is part of being God's ambassadors.

 

What are some of the barriers between you and someone that you are trying to witness to?

 

Read the passage below from The Message, are you ready to be used by God "to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them."?

 

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
2 Cor 5:14-6:1

 

A New Life

 

Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.

 

Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

 

How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

 

THE MESSAGE

 

Verse of the Day 7/27

Through the Bible - Psalms 53-55, Acts 28:11-31

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's verse charged us, challenged us not to "be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ".  We also considered what it meant to be shamed and to shame others.

 

It is fitting to consider this in today's political climate.  Shaming is commonplace in society all the way up to its top leaders.  For today's verse we'll go to Hebrews chapter 12.  I had never really stopped to think about "the shame" mentioned in these verses, but it struck me and may strike you.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (New King James Version)  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

These are powerful, challenging, encouraging verses for the Christian.  They teach us to "look to Jesus" as the author and finisher of our faith, and as we considered last week, we are to imitate Him.

 

Notice what Jesus did, He despised the shame.  Picture Him going through the trial and onto the resurrection.  The course jokes, the ridicule, the beatings, the shaming that He faced.  What was His reaction, to "shame" in return?  No, He despised the shame, and instead, sought and offered reconciliation, saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do".

 

What would happen in the political arena if people followed Jesus and "despised" the shaming and sought reconciliation?  Why go that far, what would it look like in our households, workplaces and schools?

Doing this would require us to put up with short-term pain in order to achieve long-term, eternal gain.

 

John Piper writes, "The shaming behavior against Jesus was as ugly and cruel and demeaning as it gets. But instead of letting the shame eat him up, or make him ashamed, or turn him into someone as weak and ugly as his shamers, he fixed his heart on the joy set before him. In other words, the assured triumph of his death and resurrection to save sinners and vindicate his righteousness and bring him home to God kept him from being ashamed or disobedient. When he was tempted to feel ashamed, he focused his mind on the joy set before him. He endured short-term pain because of long-term gain.

And Paul was like that. He said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel," – I am not ashamed of the message and the reality of Christ crucified for sinners and raised with power and saving all who trust in him. Why not? Because "[the gospel] is the power of God for [unto] salvation to everyone who believes." This is the same way that Jesus overcame feelings of shame when he was shamed for the gospel. Jesus looked to the joyful triumph of his cross and resurrection; Paul looked to the joyful triumph of the gospel in eternal salvation. "

One of the key weights to lay aside as we run the race is to cast aside, to do away with the shaming.

 

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

Heb 11:35-12:3

 

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented —  38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

 

39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

 

The Race of Faith

 

12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   NKJV

 

Verse of the Day 7/26

Through the Bible - Psalms 50-52, Acts 27:33-28:10

 

Good morning,

The New Testament Bible reading plan (above) will soon be moving into the book of Romans.  Over the years I've probably spent more time in reading and studying this book than any other in the Bible.  Some would arguably say that it is the single most important letter ever written by a Christian.  Many "heroes" of the faith including Augustine, Luther, and Wesley have traced their entry into faith to the words and verses found in Romans.

For today's verse we'll go to Romans chapter one to a couple of the most important verses found in this great book.

Romans 1:16-17 (Amplified Bible) For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,

¹⁷For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.

I like the way the Amplified Bible describes the righteousness, the right standing before God as "both springing from faith and leading to faith".

 

Take a few moments today to consider what it means to "not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ".  Perhaps these next quotes from John Piper will help you.  In a sermon "The Gospel is the Power of God Unto Salvation" Piper states, "there is a difference between being shamed for the gospel and being ashamed of the gospel. If you are a faithful Christian, you will be shamed for the gospel. That is, you will be the target of shaming behavior. But there is a very good reason why you do not have to be ashamed when that happens."

 

Having just come from the book of Acts we should be able to see how Paul had experienced this being "shamed" by the religious and political leaders of his day.  His response was to take a stand for the gospel.

 

Piper continues, "We do not avoid feelings of shame by altering the gospel to make it popular and inoffensive (see I Corinthians 1:18). We avoid feelings of shame by remembering that the gospel is going to be vindicated in the end. We remind ourselves that the gospel alone brings forgiven sinners to final, everlasting joy. Nothing in the world can do this except the gospel of Jesus Christ. "

 

We must avoid the temptation to alter, to "water down the gospel" to avoid the shaming.

 

Piper concludes his sermon by stating, "So I conclude that the reason Paul is not ashamed of the gospel is that it is the only truth in all the world that will not let you down when you give your life to it in faith. It will bring you all the way through temptation and persecution and death and judgment into eternal safety and ever-increasing joy in the presence of a holy and glorious God. All the other "gospels" in the world that win so many converts will fail you in the end. Only one saves from the final wrath of God and leads to fullness of joy in his presence and pleasures at his right hand forever. Therefore, there is no need to be ashamed of it, no matter what others say or do. And O how eager we should be to speak this gospel to believer and unbeliever alike. "

What is your attitude today towards the gospel of Christ?  Is it the power of salvation "springing from and leading to" increasing faith for you?

 

In Christ,

Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Rom 1:8-18

 

Desire to Visit Rome

 

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established —  12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

 

13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

 

The Just Live by Faith

 

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."   NKJV

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/25

Through the Bible - Psalms 44-49, Acts 27:1-32

 

Good morning,

Most of you are old enough to remember the movie "The Blues Brothers".  In it the vagabond musicians played by John Belushi and Dan Akroyd proclaim that they were on "a mission from God".  They felt in their hearts that there could be no stopping them which caused them to persevere through many obstacles.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Acts 26 where Paul stands before Festus and King Agrippa to declare his "mission from God", one that rang true, has been recorded and passed down to us.  The mission continues for those who live by faith in the "Light of the World", Jesus.In Christ.

 

Acts 26:17-19  "'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'   The Message

These verses and the Bible in general, show that in this world we see and must choose between stark contrasts.  There  is darkness and light, insiders and outsiders, and ultimately Satan and God.  Satan seeks to kill and destroy, God offers salvation, the forgiveness of sin, freedom from sin, eternal life, a place in the family, and the love of God.  God's mission was love.

 

And what was that powerful principle, which brought Him . . .
  from heaven--to earth,
  from glory--into contempt,
  from unutterable bliss--into inconceivable sorrow?

It was LOVE! Love,
  the ruling attribute of His nature,
  the prominent feature of His character,
  the rule of His conduct towards His people!
It was love which . . .
  eternally existed in His bosom,
  fanned His heart, and
  directed His ways!

It was . . .
  eternal love,
  immutable love,
  omnipotent love,
  unconquerable love,
  unfathomable love!

It was this sacred principle which led Jesus into our world--and conducted Him through all the stages of His redemptive work!

His name then, is 'Jesus'--because He loves and saves all of His people!  - James Smith

 

Paul had experienced this love and his desire was to make it known, to spread it and to bring others into the light of the gospel.  It was truly a mission from God.

 

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
Acts 26:9-19

 

9 "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

 

12 "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,  '

 

Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

 

15 "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'

 

"'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'   NIV

Verse of the Day 7/23

Through the Bible - Psalms 42-43, Acts 26

 

Good morning,

We've recently considered imitating Paul as he imitated Christ and what it means to "put on Christ" to clothe yourselves with him.

Today's verse comes from 1 John 2 where we are encouraged to "walk like Him".

1 John 2:6 (New International Version) ⁶Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

I read the following "Grace Gem" this morning.  It goes well with what we've been considering this week.  Read it, think about it and apply the principles and see how it will impact your day today and this weekend.

 

How shall I honor Jesus today?
First, I must DEDICATE myself anew unto Him.

Second, I must look to Him for all I NEED through the day.

Third, I must IMITATE Jesus in all I do.
He is proposed to us in His Word as our great example;
we should therefore strive to imitate Him.
My object should be . . .
  to think as Jesus thought,
  to speak as Jesus spoke,
  to feel as Jesus felt, and
  to act as Jesus acted.

Often, very often, should we pause to ask,
"Is this like Jesus?
 Would He indulge such a temper?
 Would He employ such language?
 Would He encourage such thoughts?
 Would He do--as I am doing?"

Or, if at a loss what to do at any time, we should ask, 
"What would Jesus do?" 
 How would Jesus act in this case?
 What would Jesus do under these circumstances?
 What would Jesus say?
 What temper would Jesus display?"

This would often send us to His Word.
We should become familiar with His life.
We should be well acquainted with His character.
And what a preservative it would be!
What humility it would produce!

Jesus wishes us to be like Himself. He has left us an
example--that we should follow in His steps. He says,
"Do as I have done!"

If, therefore, I would honor Jesus--I must make it my
study, and I must daily seek grace--that I may imitate
Him in all that I do, at all times and in all places.
O to be like Jesus . . .
  in my family,
  in my business,
  in the church, and
  when alone with God!

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

1 John 2 (New International Version)

1 John 2

 ¹My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ²He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

 ³We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. ⁴The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: ⁶Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Verse of the Day 7/22

Through the Bible - Psalms 39-41, Acts 25

 

Good morning,

The other day I quoted C.S. Lewis who spoke of the tempation to hold on "to the lifeline which connects me with my things temporal."

For today's verse we'll go to Ephesians 4 where we are told to "put off your old self and put on the new".  The NLT speaks of our old self as our nature, to be concerned with ourselves to the point of greed and lust.

 

Eph 4:22 throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.

 

23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.

 

24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness — righteous, holy, and true.  NLT

 

This old nature is to be replaced with the likeness of God, we should imitate what we've learned of Jesus who was was the Word made flesh and dwelt among us - John 1:14.

 

Hebrews 1:3 (New Century Version)   The Son reflects the glory of God and shows exactly what God is like. He holds everything together with his powerful word.

 

In the New Testament Bible commentary I read that "The likeness of God is something made by God, but put on by Christians through their response to the gospel. God calls his people to co-operate with him in becoming what he has called them to be. You might say that we are called to grow into a new suit which is too big now, but will one day be a perfect fit. This growing into the new nature or likeness of God is something that applies to individuals but also to the Church as a whole. As the Church is the body of Christ, it must corporately show the likeness of God to the world, as Christ also showed the nature of God. As individuals, each member of the Church must also be transformed, and so take his or her place in the body."

 

Are you "growing into your new suit, or still trying to hold onto the old one?   May we be growing into the new suit day by day.

Day by day,

Day by day,

Oh dear Lord,

Three things I pray,

To see thee more clearly,

Love thee more dearly,

Follow thee more nearly,

Day by day.

 

Blessings,

Mike

Living as Children of Light

Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

 ²⁰You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.   NIV

Verse of the Day 7/20

Through the Bible - Psalms 33-35, Acts 23:12-35

 

Good morning,

A friend responded to yesterday's devotional with the following.

 

This part of the passage, Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me, brought to mind another similar verse I have been wrestling with lately:

 

1Cor. 4:16, "I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me." NASB

 

"The confidence of Paul, in and through Christ, to be able to exhort those (not just advise or suggest) he's teaching to imitate him is really quite staggering. It's pretty simple and non-threatening to ask someone to imitate oneself relating to a profession, i.e. a carpenter or a pitching coach etc. But as MacArthur points out in his commentary on this verse, being a "spiritual father" like Paul was is entirely different. How are our lives at home? "Often the hardest place to discipline is in the home. When we disciple those outside our families, they often see us only in ideal situations, where it is easy to act spiritual and mature. But our children see us in all moods, in all attitudes and actions…"  You get the picture. MacArthur goes on to say, "Having godly children is required of an elder (1Tim. 3:4-5) in part, at least, because that is good evidence that he himself is godly." 

What Paul is teaching is a lifestyle not an occupation or vocation. A greater emphasis of defining an elder should include an intentional effort to be one worthy of imitation which  I think is missing from all the research I have done. Yikes, when one looks at it that way it really magnifies the weight and responsibility of serving the church as elder. I realize this concept could be defined as, "role model", "mentor", even "father" when looked at in a family as MacArthur points out, so being worthy of imitating is arguably implied to be an elder, but I think it really needs to be emphasized loud and clear."

 

For today's verse I'd like to go to Psalm 119, one of my favorite chapters which focuses on the Word of God and how important the Word is for us if we desire to be imitators of God.  The passage starts out with a question with the short answer.

⁹ How can a young person stay pure?
      By obeying your word.

Read the passage below for a longer explanation capped by today's verses.  If we are to be imitators we need to know His Word and obey it, "delight in it, put it into practice and not forget it. 

Psalm 119:15-16 (New International Version) I meditate on your precepts
       and consider your ways. 

 ¹⁶ I delight in your decrees;
       I will not neglect your word.

 I'll close with this quotation from C.S. Lewis which challenges us not just to dabble in God's Word, but to lauch out into it, to explore it's depths.  I think it captures the heart of the psalmist and of Paul.  Does it convict or capture yours?  What are you holding onto that is holding you back?

 

"This is my endlessly recurrent temptation: to go down to that Sea (I think St. John of the Cross called God a sea) and there neither dive nor swim nor float, but only dabble and splash, careful not to get out of my depth and holding on to the lifeline which connects me with my things temporal."    C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 Psalm 119:9 -16 How can a young person live a clean life?
      By carefully reading the map of your Word.
   I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
      don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
   I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
      so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
   Be blessed, God;
      train me in your ways of wise living.
   I'll transfer to my lips
      all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
   I delight far more in what you tell me about living
      than in gathering a pile of riches.
   I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
      I attentively watch how you've done it.
   I relish everything you've told me of life,
      I won't forget a word of it.   - The Message

 

Verse of the Day 7/19

Through the Bible – Psalm 30-32, Acts 23:1-11

 

Good morning,

A commentary that I've been reading as I've read through the book of Acts said this of Paul in Acts 22.  "It was perhaps part of the secret to his success as a missionary that Paul was able to move effortlessly between the three aspects of his identity – Jewish, Gentile, and Roman.  In the next few scenes (in Acts 22) he will need to deploy all of those – and remain true to his underlying calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ."

For today's verse we'll go to Philippians chapter 4.  When your read the verse on its own you may think that it was Jesus speaking, but the words come from the Apostle Paul.  Think of the previous statement and how they relate to the following verse.

Phil 4:9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.  NLT

or from the Amplified Bible:

Philippians 4:9 (Amplified Bible) Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.

 

 Perhaps today moreso than ever, Christians are being encouraged to go out into the world, out of their holy huddles and witness in our homes, neighborhoods and workplaces.  Paul was able to fit in and relate to people from many walks of life.  The key to it, was to remain true to "his underlying calling" and not become of the world.

It's something that we should be mindful of  in spreading the gospel, the good news.  Would we be able to say to a small group or Bible study member, a co-worker, or a neighbor or your child "put into practice all you've learned from me" that the peace of God may be with them?

The only way it is possible is to follow Christ and to follow Paul's advice from the previous verse and put these things into practice as we live our lives for Him.

Phil 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.   NKJV

Blessings,

Mike

 

Phil 4:1-9

Paul's Final Thoughts

 

2 And now I want to plead with those two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.

 

3 And I ask you, my true teammate, to help these women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. And they worked with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

 

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice!

 

5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

 

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

 

7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

 

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

 

9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

NLT 

   

 

 

Verse of the Day - weekend 7/18

Through the Bible - Psalm 25-29. Acts 21:17- 22:30,

 

Good morning,

We considered Pastor Tim's question "Why pray?" for a few days last week.  Pastor's Eric's message for this weekend is "Why forgive?".  I read a verse yesterday that, for me, brought these two topics, questions together.  See if it does for you as well.

Isaiah 43:1-2 (Amplified Bible)  ¹BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

What jumped out at me as I read these verses this time, was the cry from the heart of God "O Jacob" and "O Israel".  This statement, this combination, occurs 21 times in the book of Isaiah.  It takes us back to the book of Genesis where Jacob wrestled with God all night and wouldn't let go until God blessed him.  He did so, and left Jacob a changed man, with a new name.  Out of this came the nation of Israel.

Genesis 32:28 (Amplified Bible)  And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed.

Our salvation, our redemption is based on forgiveness.  The story in Genesis 32 and 33 revolves around the confrontation between Jacob and Esau.  The reason for Jacob's prayer in the first place was fear of retribution for old sins committed against his brother Esau.  God answered Jacob's prayer in a remarkable way.  The meeting went better than Jacob could ever have imagined.  Jacob purchased the land and built an alter there.

Then he bought the piece of land on which he had encamped from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of money.

    ²⁰There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel [God, the God of Israel].  Gen. 33:19-20 Amplified Bible

Why pray, why forgive?  It is part of God's plan for our benefit and for His eternal glory.  Jacob was overwhelmed.  He sought God and God was with him and He would be with the nation of Israel as they passed through the waters.  He'll be with us when we go through the fires or pass through the waters in our lives when we pray, when we're forgiven and when we forgive.

 

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

Isa 43:1-8

 

43 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by your name;You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God,The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;I gave Egypt for your ransom,Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight,You have been honored,And I have loved you;Therefore I will give men for you,And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you;I will bring your descendants from the east,And gather you from the west; 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'And to the south, 'Do not keep them back!'Bring My sons from afar,And My daughters from the ends of the earth —  7 Everyone who is called by My name,Whom I have created for My glory;I have formed him, yes, I have made him."      NKJV

Verse of the Day 7/16

Through the Bible - Psalm 23-24, Acts 21:1-16

 

Good morning,

A while back I read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  After that I began listening to his sermons on line while I've worked with and stretched our son Jeff on his excercise table.  It became evident that he was not afraid to tackle some of the tough questions and passages in the Bible such as the end of Romans 1. 

 

He has recently felt the call to head out into a new ministry.  All this reminded me of the Apostle Paul as we read and consider his life and ministry, especially in yesterday's New Testament reading in Acts chapter 20 where we'll go for today's verses.

Acts 20:26-27 (Amplified Bible)  Therefore I testify and protest to you on this [our parting] day that I am clean and innocent and not responsible for the blood of any of you.   ²⁷For I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God.

Francis Chan can probably look back at his ministry and say that he had not held back from teaching the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God.  We need more of that today in our churches, Bible studies, and yes devotionals.

 

John MacArthur describes the "whole counsel of God" as "The entire plan and purpose of God for man's salvation in all its fullness; divine truths of creation, election, redemption, justification, adoption, conversion, sanctification, holy living, and glorification.  Paul strongly condemned those who adulterate the truth of scripture."

 

The verses and MacArthur's comments should cause us to step back and take a look at our churches and ministries.  Are we, am I, falling short of "declaring" the whole counsel of God?  If we are we are likely to challenge the beliefs of some and ruffle some feathers.  If we are not, what are we doing by holding back from the whole truth?

 

Francis Chan has felt the call to leave the comforts of his church to reach out to the inner city.  As far as I know, he does not know where as yet.  Would you say a prayer for Him 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

Acts 20:22 "And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don't know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

 

25 "And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it's not my fault, 27 for I didn't shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.

 

28 "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

 

32 "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.   NLT

Verse of the Day 7/15

Through the Bible - Psalms 19-22, Acts 20:17-38

 

Good morning,

I read the following quote from C.S. Lewis the other day, "God's love is relentless in determination that we be cured of our sins, at whatever cost to us or Him."

 

Think about that for a moment.  Often we think of "relentless" in terms of an enemy that just won't give up, that "dogs" us.  C.S. Lewis points out that God is relentless in His pursuit of us to bless us.  He'll do whatever it takes, His grace reaches lower than our worst mistakes (Philipps, Craig, and Dean).

 

These thoughts lead me to Psalm 23 and in particular verse 6 points to this.  Some translations say "follow me" but I've heard and read different commentators that the word uses should be "pursue".  The NLT captures the thought.

 

Ps 23:6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.  NLT

It is a thought that we should take to heart for our lives today and each day.  If we are "constantly abiding" we will experience His goodness and unfailing love not only in the here and now but we "will live in the house of the Lord forever."

I'll close with the Third Day song that started ringing in my mind when I read C.S. Lewis quote and considered Psalm 23:6.

King of Glory - Third Day

Who is this King of Glory that pursues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing of His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder of forgiveness that I need
Who is this King of Glory who offers it to me

Who is this King of angels, O blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of Heaven and all its mysteries
My spirit¹s ever longing for His grace in which to stand
Who's this King of glory, Son of God and son of man

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart
The King of glory

Who is this King of Glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the graceous King of kings
the Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
Who is this King of Glory, He's everything to me

The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of glory, He's everything to me

Has God been relentless in His determination in pursuing you?

 

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

 

23 1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.    NLT

 

 

Verse of the Day 7/14

Through the Bible -Psalm 16-18, Acts 20:1-16

 

Good morning,

Jean and I recently invited some friends over for dinner.  As we sat down and prepared to eat our friends. five year old son asked, with joy, if he could pray. It was a simple child's prayer expressed in childlike faith.  It brought joy to my heart and was another reminder not only why we should pray, but how, with that kind of joy, from the heart.

 

That event reminded me of a song that my daughter Laurie and I had the privilege to sing in our church when she was still a teenager.  We could both look back in our lives and see the meaning.  Now she has two young ones of her own that will soon be offering up these "children's prayers".

 

The song was "Still Listening" by Stephen Curtis Chapman.

 

I would lay me down to sleep
And pray the Lord my soul to keep
And though I never saw Him there
I believe He heard each prayer
For God was great, And God was good
And I knew if I spoke the words
He would be listening

The years can take us far away
From the simple child like faith
But I am longing to return
To the place where I first learned
That God is great, and God is good
So, I will speak the words

CHORUS
God, our Father, once again
I bow my head to pray
You are my Father and my friend, and You hear every word I say
A prayer for forgiveness, A desperate cry for help
Or praise flowing from a thankful heart
Like each time before, I come knowing You're still listening

I will never understand
How the words of mortal man
Can reach the ears of One so pure
And touch His heart, but they do I'm sure
For God is great, and God is good
And He is love

Now I lay me down to sleep
And pray the Lord my soul to keep
Though I may not see You there
I believe You'll hear each prayer

Today's verse comes from this morning's Old Testament reading in Psalm 17.  It was the basis of this song.

 

Ps 17:6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.  NLT

 

Have the years taken you away from your simple childlike faith?  Do you long to return, to regain some of the wonder?  Spend time in God's Word (especially the Psalms), reflect on His Word, reflect on what He has done, and pray that your faith would be strengthened, knowing He is still listening.  For God is great, and He is good.

 

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 17:1-9

 

17 1 O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips.
2 Declare me innocent,
for you see those who do right.

 

3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
I am determined not to sin in what I say.
4 I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you.

 

6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.  NLT

Verse of the Day 7/13

Through the Bible - Psalms 13-15.Acts 19   

 

Good morning,

There are times in our lives when we need God's presence, His guidance, more than other times.  One of those times is during a time of transition.  It may be considering or taking on a new job, deciding on and going away to school, or getting married and taking on the leadership of a family.

 

I started reading through the book of Joshua recently and Pastor Tim's message from Sunday, considering how important it is for us to know and experience that God is with us, was put on display.

 

Joshua had pretty much been the closest follower of Moses as he had guided God's people through the desert.  Now Moses had gone to be with the Lord and Joshua was left to lead this group of grumbling fair weather people.  Joshua had seen their rebellion in the desert and knew he faced a daunting task.  It was at this time of transition that God spoke this message to him from Joshua chapter 1.

 

Josh 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  NLT

 

One way that we hear from the Lord is from His Word.  We are to read and study it continually.  As we do, God will speak to us, guide us and direct us.

 

God's leaders through the ages from Abraham to  Moses to Joshua to Isaiah, Jeremiah, Paul ..... spent time with God daily.  They may not have had the commentaries and different Bible translations that we do, but they knew what they had and prayed to God regularly.  Since we have these study tools with us why don't we use them more?

 

I'll mention again that Tim's message this past weekend was "Why Pray?".

 

I'll share a prayer from another devotional from David Jeremiah which is based on God's Word and should encourage us to remember that God is with us.

 

"Lord God, enable me to be strong and of good courage, may I not be afraid; for you, Lord God, are the one who goes with me. You will not leave me or forsake me.  You, Lord, are the One who goes before me.  You will be with me; so I do not fear, nor am I dismayed.  Have you not commanded me?  So I will be strong and of good courage; I will not be afraid nor be dismayed, for You, Lord God, are with me wherever I go.  In all my ways I acknowledge You and You shall direct my paths.

You have said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  So I boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"  My sufficiency is from You, Lord God.

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in me who walks to direct my own steps.  My times are in your hand."

(Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 3:6, Hebrews 13:5-6, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Matthew 6:13, Jeremiah 10;23, Psalm 31:15)

 

Are you facing a time of transition?  Call on God, depend on His Word, He will be with you wherever you go.

 

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
Josh 1:1-10

 

The LORD's Charge to Joshua

 

1 After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant. He said, 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— 4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

 

6 "Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  NLT

Verse of the Day 7/12

Through the Bible - Psalm 10-12, Acts 18

 

Good morning,

It looks like Pastor Tim's message is going to be on my mind and in these devotionals these week, at least for a few days.  After hearing the message and spending some time in His Word over the last couple of days, it's amazing to see how often the word "with" shows up in very important passages.

 

Take this one from Jeremiah 15   "for I am with you to rescue and save you,"   declares the Lord. Jer 15:20-21 NIV

For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 37.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.   NKJV

What does it, will it mean to you today to have the Lord with you, their to uphold you, to lift you up?

 

 

Pastor Tim shared how as a high school student, he was facing a group of boys that were going to put him through and "initiation" process.  Thankfully a strong and powerful friend stepped in and basically said.  "If you are going to do that to him, you'll have to go through me."  The boys left and never came back to bother Tim.

 

I read the following in a devotional from David Jeremiah for yesterday July 11.  It fit right in with the subject and I thought I'd share it with you.

 

"Lord God, shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of the righteous be delivered?  You say even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for You will contend with him who contends with me.  All flesh shall know that You, the Lord, are my Saviour, and my Redeemer, the mighty one of Jacob.  So I fear not, for You are with me; I will not be dismayed for you are my God.  You will strengthen me, yes, You will help me.  You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand.

I do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with my weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as I am, yet without sin.  In that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid me when I am tempted.  Lord God, You order my steps as of a good man, and You delight in my way.  Though I fall, I shall not be utterly cast down; for You, Lord, uphold me with Your hand."

(Isaiah 49:24-26, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 2:18; Psalm 37:23-24)

 

What would it mean to you to have that kind of friend with you today?  Do you realize that you 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
Ps 37:23-32

 

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

 

25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

 

27 Depart from evil, and do good;
And dwell forevermore.
28 For the Lord loves justice,
And does not forsake His saints;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell in it forever.

 

30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.   NKJV