Verse of the Day 12/31

Acts 1:11 (NLT) "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"

 

The angels were speaking to the stunned apostles who had just seen Jesus taken up to heaven.  John MacArthur writes that their question "denotes more than a routine question about the men's reaction to the miracle.  "Looking" refers to a long gaze; in this instance a transfixed stare as if losing someone.  The question, then, was a mild rebuke to the eleven.  They were not forever losing their Master, as some apparently feared.  The angels went on to stress that Jesus would someday return to earth in the same glorious manner as the apostles had just seen Him ascend."

 

Many will be facing this coming year with the same kind of stare, having lost someone, or perhaps looking and longing for better days yet dwelling on the past, thinking the best days are behind us.  The look of a Christian is both upwards and forwards, looking to a better day coming, relationships will be restored, we will have new heavenly bodies, and we will see our loved ones and our Saviour face to face.

 

Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

 

Titus 2:11-13 (NLT) For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. ¹² And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,¹³ while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

 

As we look towards this new year, may that be our story, may that be our song.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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 1:6-11

New Living Translation (NLT)

Verse of the Day 12/30

1 Samuel  7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.  KJV

Over the next couple of days many, if not most people, will take a look back on the events of the past year and will take a look forward into the new one.  They will make resolutions based on what has (or hasn't) taken place and that they'd like to change.  For many it will be a battle of weight for others it will be a battle of wait.  In today's verse we have another spiritual leader of Israel commending the people.  He commended them to look back on what the Lord had done and looking forward, to place their trust in Him to deliver them from their enemies and lead them to victory. 

 

Some translations will  say "so far, till now, or up to this point "  the Lord has helped us.  Once again, they are good words but don't bring across the full meaning.  "Charles Spurgeon in "Morning and Evening" writes, "The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!

But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesu's likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss."

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

 

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

 

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Over the next couple of days, look back to see how God has brought you to this place.  The word "Ebenezer" means "stone of help, or remembrance" Perhaps you need to take a stone of remembrance, a spiritual marker as a reminder of what He has done in your life, and keep it handy as you head into the coming year.  Depend on Him for deliverance in your battles and against your spiritual enemy.  May the Lord's powerful hand be your help,  give you courage and bring you joy in the coming year.

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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
1 Sam 7:7-14  NLT

 

7 When the Philistine rulers heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, they mobilized their army and advanced. The Israelites were badly frightened when they learned that the Philistines were approaching. 8 "Don't stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!" they begged Samuel. 9 So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the Lord as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him.

 

10 Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived to attack Israel. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven that day, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them. 11 The men of Israel chased them from Mizpah to a place below Beth-car, slaughtering them all along the way.

 

12 Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means "the stone of help"), for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!"

 

13 So the Philistines were subdued and didn't invade Israel again for some time. And throughout Samuel's lifetime, the Lord's powerful hand was raised against the Philistines.

Verse of the Day 12/29

Ecclesiastes 8:15(ESV)  And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

 

In the verses from the past couple of days we've seen where God, through Moses and Joshua, commended courage.  In today's verse King Solomon commends joy.

 

This is one of the verses that is easily twisted, especially when several translations say "eat, drink, and be merry".   I can see where in comes from and the thought may not be totally wrong, but replacing merry with "joy" changes things.

John MacArthur notes that "in no way does Solomon commend unbridled, rampant indulgence in sin.... his focus here is on the resolve to enjoy life in the face of the injustice that surrounded him."

 

There will be plenty of people who will try to eat, drink and be merry over the next few days, but there merriment will lead to a hangover, or worse.  The type of joy expressed by MacArthur is something different, it is deeper, fuller, richer and not dependent on the immediate circumstances.

 

This type of joy requires the courage mentioned over the past couple of days.  My sons, Jeff and Jason, have both shown me this joy and this courage in their lives in the way the have overcome life's challenges.  Jeffrey suffered a traumatic brain injury and his life will be a challenge but he is the most joyful person I know.  Just this morning he thanked me again for "this wonderful life".  My son Jason was diagnosed several years ago with an inoperable brain tumor, but through faith and hope in Jesus, he wouldn't let it keep him down and has experienced great joy through it, especially when earlier this year he found out that the tumor is literally gone.

 

The eat, drink and be joyful her speaks to our basic needs, our sustenance.  We can only truly find this and be satisfied when we acknowledge that they come from God.

May you experience today and in the coming year, the joy in following and serving Jesus.

 

There is joy in serving Jesus
As I journey on my way
Joy that fills my heart with praises
Every hour and every day

There is joy in serving Jesus
Joy; that triumphs over pain
Fills my heart with heaven's music
Till I join the glad refrain

 

There is joy, joy
Joy in serving Jesus
Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15  English Standard Version (ESV) Man Cannot Know God's Ways

 

 ¹⁴ There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. ¹⁵ And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Verse of the Day 12/28

Verse of the Day 12/28

 

Joshua 1:7  (HCSB)  Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.

 

In yesterday's verse Moses commended the people of Israel, including Joshua,  to be strong and courageous.  Here, Joshua has taken the reigns in leading the nation and in the span of four verses, commends the people three times to be strong and courageous.  They were preparing to cross the Jordan (at flood stage) to enter the long awaited promised land.  The journey would not be easy, then, as now, there was not easy button to press, they had to go through it.

 

The commands to be strong and courageous define the mission of Joshua's life.  He would lead the people across the river and in battles with the enemy, but God would go before him.  God, not human strength or wit, would topple the formidable walls of Jericho.  Then as now, it will not be easy.  We may lose close friends who won't agree with our stand or go with us into battle, but God did not have to conduct poles or sponsor popularity contests to know what was the right thing to do, He will guide you in the direction you should go.

 

Spurgeon's "Evening Devotional" for today aptly describes the courage that Moses, Joshua and others have lived and commended to us, "Fearless of all consequences, you must do the right. You will need the courage of a lion unhesitatingly to pursue a course which shall turn your best friend into your fiercest foe; but for the love of Jesus you must thus be courageous. For the truth's sake to hazard reputation and affection, is such a deed that to do it constantly you will need a degree of moral principle which only the Spirit of God can work in you; yet turn not your back like a coward, but play the man. Follow right manfully in your Master's steps, for he has traversed this rough way before you. Better a brief warfare and eternal rest, than false peace and everlasting torment."

 

As God leads, "play the man", follow Him along the path, don't be distracted and stray from the course, be courageous, follow His lead through thick and thin.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Joshua 1:6-9  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 ⁶ "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. ⁷Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you.Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. ⁸ This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. ⁹ Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Verse of the Day 12/27

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)  Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

 

Pastor Bob, in his Christmas message spoke of how Jesus came to the earth into the mess of a stable and how, through history, He has come into the lives of His people in the "messiness", the difficult, challenging times of our lives.

In today's passage, Moses is preparing to transfer the leadership of the nation of Israel to Joshua.  They had gone through 40 years of wandering in the desert.  Now as the promised land is in sight the people will have to realize that it will have to be someone else that will lead them.  What would Moses say to them?

 

He doesn't say that they'll have to just figure it out for themselves.  He doesn't point to a person at this point to lead them.  He encourages to have faith, to trust God, who had led the previous generation through the Red Sea, had led them by a cloud and pillar of fire, who had provided manna, quail, and water in the desert.  He points out that God would still be leading them and that He hadn't brought them to this point only to forsake them.

 

Many things can bring about anxiety about upcoming changes in our lives.  Moses spoke to the people in general and to Joshua in particular, not to be in dread of them, his words from the heart of God, speak to us the same way today.

 

"There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. "Jehovah"--mark the word--"Jehovah shall guide thee continually."  - from Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" for today.

 

Isaiah 58:11 (HCSB)  The LORD will always lead you, 
satisfy you in a parched land, 
and strengthen your bones. 
You will be like a watered garden 
and like a spring whose waters never run dry.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Deuteronomy 31:5-8  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

⁵ The LORD will deliver them over to you, and you must do to them exactly as I have commanded you. ⁶ Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you."

 ⁷ Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the LORD swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it. ⁸The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."

Verse of the Day 10/26

Verse of the Day 12/26

 

Philippians 4:13 (AMP) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

 

Years ago a gasoline company used to advertise by saying "put a tiger in your tank" inferring that if you used their gasoline that you'd experience more out of your car.  The picture was that of the power, agility, and speed of a tiger infused into your car, bringing new life to your tired old beater.

 

Yesterday in the passage in Acts  1 we considered the presence of the Holy Spirit's power that is available to us and living in us.  In today's verse, the word used for "empowers" means to put power in.  Christ infuses His power into us.

MacArthur writes that "because believers are in Christ (Gal. 2:20) He infuses them with His strength to sustain them until they receive some provision (Eph. 3:16-20).

 

These last few weeks around Christmas I'm sure we've all heard references in song and in scripture about Emmanuel, God is with us.  If we are Christians, He is with us, His presence, His power, His strength is available to us to sustain us through all situations.

 

What challenges are you facing today?  May we all be able to draw upon His power, to have the strength for all things in Christ who empowers us. 

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV) God's Provision

 ¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Merry Christmas

 

Romans 5:2 (ESV) Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

What are you rejoicing in this Christmas Day?  The grace mentioned in this verse can also be looked upon as the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit in us.

 

"On this Christmas Day, celebrate not only the coming of Christ but also the power of the Holy Spirit in orchestrating the Son's birth.  He is the same Spirit who lives within and animates your life on a daily basis.  Worship Him today for His involvement not only in history but also in your transformed life."  - John MacArthur.

 

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Romans 5:1-5  The Message (MSG)

Developing Patience

 ^1-2By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

 ^3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Verse of the Day 12/24

Luke 2:10  And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all  the people. 11 For  unto you is born this day in  the city of David  a Savior, who is  Christ  the Lord.
ESV

The good news referenced in this verse is mutli-faceted.  But one that was brought to my attention in recent weeks this season is His victory over death.  As you've noticed in recent posts, the recent loss of my father has influenced my emotions and thoughts this Christmas season.  The fact that Jesus was born, that He died and that He lives again changes everything.  There is a degree of sadness but there is also 'good news of a great joy".  This news is not just for me but it is for all those who put their faith and trust in Christ.

In celebrating the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the victory that He accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection.

1 Cor 15:54-57 "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 

55 "Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?" 

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  NIV

Because of this we can sing:

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hail the heav'nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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
Luke 2:8-15

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord  appeared to them, and  the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all  the people. 11 For  unto you is born this day in  the city of David  a Savior, who is  Christ  the Lord. 12 And  this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby  wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel  a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"  ESV

Verse of the Day 12/23

Luke 2:7 Amplified Bible (AMP) And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

 

Christmas is only a couple of days away.  The malls and highways will be crowded with the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas shopping, looking in stores and even on the internet trying to find that perfect gift.

 

The days will be filled with all kinds of activities=from shopping to  office parties and time spent with family and friends.  Churches will be having services today and tomorrow and they will see the highest attendance of the year.  In some cases it may be difficult to find a seat. 

 

Joseph and Mary were headed to Jerusalem for a census, they faced crowds and the hustle and bustle for a different reason.  Unfortunately, Joseph didn't book his room at the inn online, when he arrived there was not a room to be found.  They ended up settling down in a stable where Mary gave birth to the Saviour.  It was actually a retreat from the hustle and bustle.

 

Perhaps many of us will be caught up in the hustle and bustle when what we really need will be a retreat, finding some quiet time to relive the Christmas story;  To make room amid the chaos of wrapping paper and presents to spend some time in worship and praise of Jesus and experience God's perfect gift.  May we take the time to make room in our hearts for Jesus, who came for us.

 

Spend some time today considering the words of some of the Christmas hymns such as "Joy to the World" and prepare to let your heart make some room.  May we be ready when He comes and calls for us.

 

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

 

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
 Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
Thy holy nativity.

 

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

 

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.

 

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,
That should set Thy people free;
but with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.

 

When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."

 

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Luke 2 New Living Translation (NLT)  The Birth of Jesus

 ¹ At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. ²(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. ⁴ And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. ⁵ He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

 ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. ⁷ She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Verse of the Day 12/22

Haggai 1:5-6 (ESV) Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. ⁶ You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

 

I read these verses the other day and I was struck by the last sentence.  Do you ever feel that your wages go into a bag with holes?

 

I recently received my "rewards" statement from my credit card company.  By how much I've spent I receive miles which can't be used towards air travel or other things.  The sad thing is, you quickly see how much you are spending month by month with little left to show from it.  These verses can help me, help us to consider our ways this season.

 

We tend to focus on buying gifts and hoping that we'll be given some things by others that are on our personal wish list.  But, any one of us should be able to realize that these things won't last, they will not bring us lasting happiness (we'll be disappointed when the latest sand wedge won't help us out of the sand trap).  We would be far better off investing in things that will last.  Spending time and sharing joy with family and friends, creating memories that will last and perhaps be passed on to future generations.  True joy doesn't come from within ourselves.  It comes from Christ and grows as it is shared.

 

The measure of our new self in Christ—the renewed mind—is the degree to which we look away from ourselves to Christ as our treasure. If Christ is more to you, you are more. If Christ is less to you, you are less. Your measure rises and falls with your measure of him. Your valuing him is the value that you have. Your esteeming him is the esteem that you have. Your treasuring him is the treasure that you are."— John Piper

 

John Piper's quote combines the thoughts of "treasure" and "measure".  What we treasure will be evident in how much it occupies our thoughts.  Are we consumed by thoughts of achieving or accumulating more of what we will someday lose or throw away?  Let's invest in something that will bring eternal rewards instead of a few miles. 

 

Luke 12:33-34( ESV)  Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Haggai 1:4-6The Message (MSG)

 ^3-4Shortly after that, God said more and Haggai spoke it: "How is it that it's the 'right time' for you to live in your fine new homes while the Home, God's Temple, is in ruins?"

 ^5-6And then a little later, God-of-the-Angel-Armies spoke out again:

   "Take a good, hard look at your life. 
   Think it over.
You have spent a lot of money, 
   but you haven't much to show for it.
You keep filling your plates, 
   but you never get filled up.
You keep drinking and drinking and drinking, 
   but you're always thirsty.
You put on layer after layer of clothes, 
   but you can't get warm.
And the people who work for you, 
   what are they getting out of it?
Not much— 
   a leaky, rusted-out bucket, that's what.

Verse of the Day 12/21

 John 21:17(ESV) He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

 

John MacArthur writes, "when Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, he used a word for love that signifies total commitment.  Peter responded with a word for love that signified his love for Jesus but not his total commitment....in the past, his life did not support such a claim.  Jesus pressed home to Peter the need for unswerving devotion by repeatedly asking him if he loved him supremely."

 

This verse also brought me memories of my dad.  When I was a kid I wanted to be a baseball player, a pitcher.  My dad taught me how to pitch.  He had a slight disability which did not allow him to squat as a catcher.  He would bend over slightly, putting all of his weight on his "good" leg.  This meant he could not get out of the way of a pitch that bounced in, it would hit him in the shins.  Nonetheless, he never complained and took it in stride.

I believe that I developed into a "control" pitcher because I didn't want to hurt my dad.

 

Later, as I got older and threw harder, I continued to pitch to him.  His hand would be raw from catching the pitches but he wouldn't complain.  He was also having problems with his throwing shoulder, with every toss back he would wince in pain.  Still, after dinner he would ask me if I wanted to go out and pitch.  It was an example of his love and commitment.  It was another instance of his being a "see through-er", the long term and relational benefits were worth the pain endured.

 

One of the ways of "feeding" the sheep is to do it with words.  Another way is in action, in acts of love and devotion, not only to family but to others.

My dad left quite a legacy and an example for me and others.

 

A friend and former "little leaguer" responded to yesterday's verse with the following statement, "I was my honor and privilege to know your father. His smile and his loving, happy spirit will never be forgotten by me . He truly lived "Their is Joy in Serving Jesus".  Thanks Dave.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 21:15-19English Standard Version (ESV)

 ¹⁵When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." ¹⁶He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." ¹⁷He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." ¹⁹(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."

Verse of the Day 12/20

 John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

NKJV

 I gave the eulogy at my father's funeral on Friday.  There was so much to say and even after thinking about it for days, now that it is over, I keep on coming up with other things that I wish I would have said about him, about his life, and about the man he was. 

 

That experience that sense of falling short of capturing the essence of my dad has given me greater appreciation for this verse.  John had completed his marvelous work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit after having much time to put his thoughts together.  Nonetheless, John understood that, it would be humanly impossible for he or any number of writers to fully capture the essence of Jesus.

 

Fast forward to today.  Walk through a Christian bookstore, browse through the aisles, to to an on-line "bookstore" punch in just about any word used remotely related to Christianity and you'll find books, books and more books.  Still, they do not, cannot and will never contain all that there is to know about our Saviour.

May it be our endeavor to know Him more today, here in this life, and experience that Immanuel "God is with us" today and that we will continue to know Him better forevermore. 

 

Martin Luther - " The Bible is alive, it speaks to me, it has feet, it runs after me, it has hands, it lays hold of me."  The Bible is alive because He is alive, the Everliving Word.

 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 21:24-25 Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁴It is this same disciple who is bearing witness to these things and who has recorded (written) them; and we [well] know that his testimony is true.

    ²⁵And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.

Verse of the Day 12/15

Psalm 84:7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.    NLT

 

More and more people these days are living into their nineties.  My dad fell just short of it at 89.  While living longer, most people approaching their 90's seem rather feeble and frail.  That is because man looks upon the outside while God looks at the inside, at the heart.  Today's verse comes from one of my favorite Psalms which earlier states "blessed is the man whose heart is set on pilgrimage".

It is a man looking beyond, today, beyond the current circumstances, even the frailty of our physical bodies and lives, to a new brighter day.

 

On the inside, those with faith may grow stronger.  They long for their eternal home.  The NKJV in verse 87 says "they will go from strength to strength".  A strong faith hear to everlasting strength that won't fade.

 

These few verses of the psalm have strong similarities to Psalm 23 which is read more often at funerals.  They both speak of going through the valley,  they both speak of renewed strength, and they speak of refreshment.  Life for the Christian is a pilgrimage, with our Lord Jesus leading us in the way.

 

"Going they increase in strength, until they appear before God in Zion." This last is doubtless the true idea. As they pass along, as they come nearer and nearer to the end of their journey, their strength, their ardor, their firmness of purpose increases. By their conversation; by their songs; by encouraging one another; by seeing one difficulty overcome after another; by the fact kept before their minds, and increasingly apparent, that they are constantly approaching the end of their journey-that the distance to be traveled is constantly diminishing-that the difficulties become less and less, and that they will soon see the towers and walls of the desired city-they are invigorated, cheered, comforted. What a beautiful illustration of the life of Christian pilgrims-of the bands of the redeemed-as they journey on toward the end of their course-the Mount Zion above! – From Barnes' Notes

 

I want to honor my dad today and tomorrow, and more than that I want to honor our God.  Please pray for me, my mom, and family as we  walk towards that goal, in the strength of His Spirit.

 

In Christ,

Mike

Follow the "Verse of the Day" at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Ps 84:5- Happy are those who are strong in the LORD, who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,  it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains!

 7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

 

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

Verse of the Day 12/14

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

 

When my dad was about 2 years old his mother took him to Sweden to meet and visit with family and friends.  Back in the mid twenties that was quite a trip.  But dad's citizenship was here in the U.S. and his father was there waiting for his return.  It was where he was to return to be the person, the man he would grow up  to be. 

 

This verse speaks of citizenship, the term used relates to being registered to a city.  It was why Mary and Joseph had to go back to Bethlehem for the census.  As Christians, our citizenship is in heaven, when we received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, our names were registered there.  It is our eternal home where our heavenly Father is waiting for us.  It is where we will grow into who we are supposed to be for eternity.

 

R.C. Sproul writes, "At the last day, the bodies of believers will be raised and reunited with our souls that, at death, enjoy God's presence in heaven.  Then we will be complete, and our denial of sinful passions today will be seen as worth it in our enjoyment of eternal bliss."

 

Where is your citizenship?  It will determine where you will spend eternity.

 

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for our family and have expressed their condolences in responding to previous devotionals.  There were too many to respond to all individually.

 

The visitation will be held at:
Saxx Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium, 9568 Belmont Avenue,
Franklin Park from 3to 9 PM Thursday and the Service Friday at 10:00 a.m.
(viewing at 9:00), and time of prayer at the Memorial Chapel at Mount
Emblem Cemetery, Grand Avenue & County Line Road, Elmhurst.

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at 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

Philippians 3:17-21  English Standard Version (ESV)

 ¹⁷Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.