Verse of the Day 4/29

Through the Bible - Numbers 5-6, Revelation 16

 

Good morning,

Have you ever gone to a carnival or an arcade where they had different mirrors, one that would make you look taller and skinnier and another that made you look shorter and fatter than you really are?  The mirrors may look like any other, but they give a distorted view of the object which they are reflecting.   The mirrors in Biblical times were most often polished metal and gave a dim view of their subject when compared to today's high quality mirrors.  We may see things more clearly today, but our spiritual view is still distorted.

 

One of the lines in the song "Teaching the Truth in Love" from yesterday asks the question, "Will they see Him in our message, will they see Him in our heart". It begs the question, what kind of mirror am I in reflecting Christ in my life?

For today's verse we'll return to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, for a compelling verse.

 

1 Cor 13:12 For  now we see in a mirror dimly, but  then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as  I have been fully known.

 

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.   ESV

 

No matter how mature in Christ we are, or should I say, we think we are, we should be aware that we have a dim understanding and are a dim reflection of Christ.  We should strive to think and live Biblically, to be as Christ like as possible, but at the same time we must know that we will not have an accurate view of our Saviour until we meet Him face to face and get to know Him as He really is.  For now, we should strive to know and apply the scriptures in our lives with the faith hope and love of Jesus Christ abiding, taking up residence in our lives.

 

Regarding faith, hope, and love, consider the words to the "Song of Reconciliation" sung by Ashton, Becker and Dente.

 

Where there is love there is a peace
And in the cages that bind the bitter heart it is release
Hold it close to your chest, let it move and let it rest
For it is here to set your mind at ease
Where there is love there is a peace

Where there is hope there is a dream
To rise above, to remit and to redeem
To go back, to go where there's no hurt or anger there
To find the song that you once could sing
Where there is hope there is a dream

Where there is faith there is a chance
To alter the course and fight the winds of circumstance
Not to scar, but mend, not to break, but to bend
And not to know but to understand
Where there is faith there is a chance
Where there is hope there is a dream
Where there is love there is a peace

If faith, hope and love like this is seen in us, we will be a better reflection of Christ while we wait to see Him face to face.  While we wait, let us love "extravagantly" as described in these verses from The Message below.

 

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 Cor 13:12-13

 

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

 

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
The Message

Verse of the Day 4/28

Through the Bible - Numbers 3-4, Revelation 15

 

Good morning,

Anyone who's been watching the news or has been watching the goings on in the political arena can easily get frustrated and fed up with the constant bickering.  Much time is often spent on what turns out to be insignificant issues while the weightier matters are pushed to the side and left unattended to.

 

The same thing can happen within the church and between denominations.  Arguments take place on matters that are not of salvation and for which there will not be a definitive answer this side of heaven.  While the weightier matters, especially loving one another, are left unattended to.

 

For today's verses we'll go to 2 Timothy where Paul is advising a young pastor not to get caught up in such debates, but concentrate on being kind especially with "difficult people".

 

2 Timothy 2:23-24 (New Living Translation)  Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. ²⁴ A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

 

The single word translated here as "able to teach" literally means "skilled in teaching".  Jesus was the the perfect example.  Pharisees and others often tried to trap him with "ignorant arguments" but He responded with the truth, He didn't back down from it, but spoke it, taught it and displayed it in love.

 

This all reminded me of the song by Accapella, "Teaching the Truth in Love".  Read the words, Jesus showed that He could teach the truth in love letting us know that we can too.
 

He was teaching the truth in love
Telling it like it is
While holding pure motives
And showing that He can
He was teaching the truth in love

 

Sometimes it's hard to know exactly how we are to share
With our Master's words of confidence, directly, do we dare?
Should we water down the message, should we tell them only parts?
Will they see Him in our message, will they see Him in our heart?

 

Are we teaching the truth in love
Telling it like it is
While holding pure motives
And showing that we care
Are we teaching the truth in love

 

How do we share, will others see Him in our message and in our hearts? 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

2 Timothy 2:23-26 (New Living Translation)

 ²³ Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. ²⁴ A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. ²⁵ Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. ²⁶ Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Verse of the Day 4/27

Through the Bible - Numbers 1-2, Revelation 14

 

Good morning,

Those who don't follow Christ, who don't believe in the Bible may ask "how can a book written over 2000 years ago be relevant to me , to modern man"?  To answer that question one has to have read and experienced the Bible and to know the God of the Bible who inspired the Bible.  It is His autobiography.

 

One of the great things, great themes of the Bible is the consistency of the character of those "who follow hard after God".  Today, we'll turn to Job chapter 23, the middle of this great book where Job is in the midst of his trials.  He is still seeking God and won't be swayed or dismayed.  His God knows all and sees all and he has confidence in Him, that his God will see Him through.

 

Job 23:10 But he  knows  the way that I  take; when he has  tried me, I shall come out as gold.  ESV

Today's verses follow:

 

Job 23:11 My foot  has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have  not turned aside.
12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have  treasured the words of his mouth more than my  portion of food.  ESV

Have we been able to say these words in and through our trials?  Our trials may be the simple irritations that we considered yesterday to the most severe trials where we are concerned for our very life or the lives of others.    In either case, may our heartfelt sentiment be that of Job as we read in these verses.  The Christian finds hope, finds comfort, strength and rest through His Word.

 

As I read and considered these verses the Apostle Paul came to mind, in particular, his words "I press on".  We'll close with what is, hopefully, a familiar passage in Philippians that show the similarity of Paul's and Job's hearts.  Hearts that press on and press through, while seeking and holding on to their God.  Who else comes to your mind?

Phil 3:12-16   Focused on the Goal

 

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward — to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

 

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision — you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.   The Message

 

Are you "well on your way", pressing on, reaching out for Christ?

 

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

Job 23:8-14

 

8 "Behold,  I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
10 But he  knows  the way that I  take;
when he has  tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11 My foot  has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have  not turned aside.
12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have  treasured the words of his mouth more than my  portion of food.
13 But he is unchangeable, and  who can turn him back?
What he  desires, that he does.
14 For he will complete what he  appoints for me,
and many such things are  in his mind.   ESV

Verse of the Day 4/26

Through the Bible - Ecclesiasties 10-12, Revelation 13

 

Good morning,

You've probably seen commercials for products that help deal with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).  A person who suffers from this has a stomach that gets set off by certain foods.  If ingested, they set off a chain reaction of things in the stomach that take control of the body, they take first precedence - find a bathroom.

 

For today's verse we'll go to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter to a few verses that I needed to read this morning.

 

1 Cor 13:4  Love is patient and  kind; love  does not envy or boast; it  is not arrogant 5 or rude. It  does not insist on its own way; it  is not irritable or resentful;   ESV

At times, especially lately, I suffer from a similar thing, "irritable man syndrome".  Little things irritate and set me off, seemingly taking control of my thoughts and actions.  It might be leaky pipes, something breaking on Jeff's wheelchair, or any number of things that in and of themselves are not a big deal but coupled together with other perceived problems, are enough to set me off.

 

R. C. Sproul's "Tabletalk" devotional had some good advice.  "Those who control their emotions instead of letting their emotions control them will not be irritable.  This entails striving not to get angry over petty things or at situations over which we have little control.  A love that is not irritable refuses to make everything a big deal.  It encourages us to know our weaknesses so that we can rightly assess our situation, maintain self control, and respond appropriately to the circumstances we face.  Love does not blow up in anger whenever things go awry."

 

Boy if that does not suit me to a T at times.  I needed that reminder this morning.  I thank the Lord for His Word.

 

Gal 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
 

I need more of that fruit and less of the fruit that comes from irritability today.  How about you?  When our temper is short and we are quick to exaggerate things and make the worst of a situation, think of these words of wisdom from God's Word as God's cure to the "syndrome".

 

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 Cor 13:1-14:1

 

The Way of Love

 

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have  prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith,  so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3  If I give away all I have, and  if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

 

4  Love is patient and  kind; love  does not envy or boast; it  is not arrogant 5 or rude. It  does not insist on its own way; it  is not irritable or resentful; 6 it  does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but  rejoices with the truth. 7  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,  endures all things.

 

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For  we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but  when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For  now we see in a mirror dimly, but  then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as  I have been fully known.

 

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.   ESV

Verse of the Day 4/24

Through the Bible - Ecclesiastes 4-6, Revelation 11

 

Paul Harvey, the late radio broadcaster, made famous the line " and now you know the rest of the story".  The other day I quoted a few of the stanzas from the hymn "O Glorious Day" which spoke of His coming, His journey to and death on the cross.  But the neither the song or the story end there.  As for the song, I'll post the last two stanzas today in celebration of Easter. 

 

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved One bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming—O glorious day!

 

For today's verse we'll go to Matthew 22 which speaks of the hope we have now as we wait for the "rest of the story" and His second coming.

 

Matt 22:31 "But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven't you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead."   NLT

 

Jesus affirmed that death is not the end.  He proved it by rising from the dead on Easter morning.

 

As you celebrate Easter in your own way today, think about what it means to you to know that Christ has conquered death.  Death can bring separation, sadness and gloom for a time.  But as Christians, there is hope as we look forward to a glorious day because we can say,  He is risen, He is risen indeed!

 

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

Matt 22:31 "But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven't you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead."

 

33 When the crowds heard him, they were astounded at his teaching.  NLT

Verse of the Day 4/23

Through the Bible - Ecclesiastes 1-3, Revelation 10

 

Good morning,

Today is a day when it is easy to think of the in between times.  They are times of waiting, times of uncertainty, and they are also a time of action.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Mark 15.  Jesus has been crucified and Pilot has released the body to Joseph of Arimathea.

 

Mark 15:45 The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. 46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.  NLT

 

It is Joseph and Nicodemas who come forward and take Jesus body for proper burial preventing a likely public spectacle of what might have been done with the body. They had kept their allegiance to Jesus secret while Jesus was alive but now come forward while Jesus disciples who had followed Him openly now went off into hiding.   Warren Wiersbe writes that "It was Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:38-42) that God had prepared to protect the body of Jesus and bury it (Isa 53:9; Matt 27:57). Nicodemus had come to Jesus by night (John 3), but now he stepped out into the light and took his stand for Christ. Had these two brave men not buried the body of Jesus, it might have been disposed of in some humiliating manner. It is important to the legitimacy of the Gospel message that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ be authenticated as historic facts (1 Cor 15:1-4)."

In going through times of illness or other serious trials, we may be surprised to see who God sends forward as His instruments to help in times of need, the ones who will step forward when others fade into the background. 

 

There were insiders and outsiders among Jesus' followers then as there are now.   God would call each of them.  In this case, Joseph and Nicodemius had been called had been prepared earlier for "such a time as this".   We should be careful in how we judge either side, insiders our outsiders, for we don't know how God will use any of us to achieve His purposes.  When the going gets tough and the tough are long gone God will bring someone along to carry on, to carry out His plan.  Perhaps you'll be such a person.

 

We are still in the in-between time now.  In-between the first and second coming.  Our actions will show our allegiance while we wait and hope for His return.

 

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
Mark 15:42-16:1

 

The Burial of Jesus

 

42 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) 44 Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. 45 The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. 46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid.  NLT

Verse of the Day 4/22

Through the Bible - Daniel 11-12, Revelation 9

 

Good morning,

Good Friday as much, if not more than, any day of the year should show us the degree the magnitude of God's love for us.  Through Jesus, not only taking on flesh and blood, but taking it on in order to die on a cross for sinful mankind, God showed us His love for us and has given us hope.  He conquered death and in doing so rendered Satan powerless against all who are saved.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Hebrews 2 which speaks to us about the incarnation.

 

Hebrews 2:14-15 (The Message)  ^14-15Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it's logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death

 

As I read these verses I thought of Jesus, God incarnate, with skin on, I thought of how he lived for us, died for us, rose again and shows us the way to the Father, I thought of the hymn "O Glorious Day".

 

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises 
One day when sin was as black as could be 
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin 
Dwelt among men, my example is He 
Word became flesh and the light shined among us 
His glory revealed 

Living, He loved me 
Dying, He saved me 
Buried, He carried my sins far away 
Rising, He justified freely forever 
One day He's coming 
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day 

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain 
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree 
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected 
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He 
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree 
And took the nails for me 

While He did this for humanity, think of how He did it personally for you, when things are as black as can be, He comes forth for you and for me.  On this Good Friday, think of how he took the nails for you and for me.  Let us not "cower through life" but face it in the hope of life eternal.

 

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

Hebrews 2:10-18 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹⁰ In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. ¹¹ Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.^[a] 12 He says,

   "I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; 
   in the assembly I will sing your praises."^[b]

 ¹³ And again,

   "I will put my trust in him."^[c]

   And again he says,

   "Here am I, and the children God has given me."^[d]

 ¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them,^[e] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Verse of the Day 4/21

Through the Bible - Daniel 8-10, Revelation 8

 

Good morning,

This week that leads up to Easter, for Christians, is probably one that best exemplifies Romans 8:28 " And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  NKJV  It started with palm Sunday and the triumphal entry, it has now moved into the dark hours of Judas' betrayal, followed by the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.  But there is light at the end of that dark tunnel, the resurrection that we celebrate with Easter.

 

I've been reading in Genesis where the story of Joseph perhaps gives the best example of the principles of Romans 8:28 in the Old Testament.  Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers.  But God had plans and a purpose in and through this act.  The weight and guilt of it would weigh on the brothers in the years following.  Joseph rises to prominence in Egypt, and through the great famine, God brings his brothers back to him.  Their hearts are put to the test, Benjamin the younger brother is brought back to Egypt and his held captive after the silver cup had been found in his sack. 

 

For today's verses we'll go to Genesis chapter 44 where Judah takes a stand for his brothers and offers to stand in Benjamin's place.

 

Genesis 44:33-34 (New Living Translation)  "So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. ³⁴ For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn't' bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!"

What a change has taken place.  The same brothers that years ago had conspired to sell a brother into slavery were now willing to do  whatever it would take to save their brother from such a fate.  J. M. Boice writes, "Oh, glorious transformation!  Glorious to God who alone is able to bring life out of death and righteousness to a sin scarred conscience."  He is still doing the same today in the hearts and lives of His people.

 

Boice quotes Chuck Colson who had spent time in prison for things that he had done, but God delivered him and worked it for good. "It is not what  we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us.  God doesn't want our success; he wants us.  He doesn't demand our achievements; he demands our obedience.  The kingdom of God is a kingdom of paradox, where through the ugly defeat of a cross, a holy God is utterly glorified.  Victory comes through defeat; healing through brokeness; finding through losing self." 

 

These examples show us that God works through brokeness, defeat and loss of self in order to bring victory and ultimate blessing through which others are blessed and God is glorified.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Genesis 44:30-34 (New Living Translation)

 ³⁰ "And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my father without the boy. Our father's life is bound up in the boy's life. ³¹ If he sees that the boy is not with us, our father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be responsible for sending that grieving, white-haired man to his grave. ³² My lord, I guaranteed to my father that I would take care of the boy. I told him, 'If I don't bring him back to you, I will bear the blame forever.'

 ³³ "So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. ³⁴ For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn't bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!"

Verse of the Day 4/20

Through the Bible - Daniel 5-7, Revelation 7

 

Good morning,

How many times have you asked yourself the question "what is God's will for my life"?  It may have been when you were trying to make a decision between jobs, making a move, choosing a church, or just realizing that some change needed to be made but you just weren't sure what it would be.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Ephesians 5 where we find some good advice as to what the will of God is.  We may not get direct, specific answers, but if we follow the things that God lays out for us, other things will "fall into place" according to His will.

 

Ephesians 5:15-17 (New King James Version)  ¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
 

Verse 15 contains one of my favorite words, "circumspectly".  I think of it as walking with your eyes wide open, aware of what is going on around you.  If it is in the power of the Holy Spirit, He will reveal where the opportunities are to redeem, to make the most of your time, however long it will be.

 

We may not know specifics in all instances but we can be sure about some things about God's will.  John MacArthur in his study Bible indicates that people should know that they should be saved, Spirit filled (v.18), sanctified -set apart for God, submissive to God, willing to suffer for Him, and to be thankful.  Jesus is the supreme example of all of these.

 

What other things could you add to this list of what the will of God is in your life?  To be forgiving, faithful, loving, and to be a peacemaker?  Give some thought to it today, wake up,  while walking "circumspectly", looking for the opportunity to do good, to redeem the time.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 5:14-21 (New King James Version)

¹⁴ Therefore He says:


      " Awake, you who sleep,
      Arise from the dead,
      And Christ will give you light."

Walk in Wisdom

   
¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Verse of the Day 4/19

Through the Bible - Daniel 3-4, Revelation 6

 

Good morning,

I had another verse in mind for today, but my reading in Psalms caused me to change course.  For today's verse we'll go to Psalm 3 where God is referred to as my shield and the lifter of my head.

 

Psalm 3:3-4 (Amplified Bible) ³But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.  ⁴With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

 

The image of "the lifter of my head" struck me.  Our son Jeff, in his long recovery from his TBI was weak in many ways.  For the longest time he could not hold his head up straight.  As time went on and he gained strength his head would still droop when he would get tired or fatigued.  Our hearts would go out to him, we'd often lift his head in order to hug it, to hold him, to look at his beautiful face, and let him know that we loved him.  It is the picture that I have, the prayer that I have for several friends who are facing the battles of and for their lives.  That the Lord would be the lifter of their head today, to show His love, His favor, and answer their cry with a song of deliverance.

 

As God lifts our head, He turns our head to look at Him to seek His face, and receive the grace that we need.

 

James Smith wrote (in 1856) "God requires you to look upon Himself as your Father, and to walk before Him as such--in faith, love, and holy obedience. He has provided grace to enable you to perform all that He requires--and He bids you to ask and receive.

His doctrines are to enlighten you,
His promises are to comfort you,
His precepts are to direct you, and
His providence is to supply you. "

If you are weary and troubled, as He lifts your head, "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 3 (English Standard Version)

Psalm 3

Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

 ¹O LORD, how many are my foes!
   Many are rising against me;
²many are saying of my soul,
    there is no salvation for him in God.
                         Selah

 ³But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,
   my glory, and the lifter of my head.
⁴I cried aloud to the LORD,
   and he answered me from his holy hill.
                         Selah

 ⁵I lay down and slept;
   I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
⁶I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
   who have set themselves against me all around.

 ⁷ Arise, O LORD!
   Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
   you break the teeth of the wicked.

 ⁸ Salvation belongs to the LORD;
   your blessing be on your people!
                         Selah

Verse of the Day 4/18

Through the Bible - Daniel 1-2, Revelation 5

 

Good morning,

Yesterday we observed palm Sunday bringing us into the "passion week".  Within this week Jesus heard shouts of hosanna and cheers to begin the week yet by the end he would hear the cry "crucify him, crucify him" from many of the same people.  Much of it came from their expectation of who he was and what they were expecting him to bring about,.  They may have asked the question "what will you do for me or for us?"  The same might be asked today along with "are you open minded"?

 

In Matthew 16 Jesus asks His disciples "who do people say that I am"?   If you were to ask that same question on the street today, you would get a similar answer, along with a great teacher, a great  example to follow, or possibly a lunatic.     The disciples answered correctly in saying that some say John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets.  For today's verse we'll go to the key question for the ages.

 

Matt 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 

16 Simon Peter answered and said,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."   NKJV

 

 To call Jesus one of the prophets after four hundred years of silence would seem to be quite an honor.  To call some one a great if not the greatest teacher or greatest role model  would seem to be an honor.  But they fall miserably short of giving Jesus the honor due his name, they fall short of the glory of God. The prophets pointed to Jesus, the Messiah as the One who is to come.   Rev. Kevin DeYoung points out that "the crowds were dead wrong.  Jesus is not one of; He is the One.  Jesus is not a pointer like John, He is the point...... And if you say that Jesus is only one of and not the One, you haven't understood Him.  You don't see who he really is.  He is the Christ, the Son of the living God."    

             
It is a question for times of transition in our lives and for every day of our lives.  As our children grow and get ready to leave home for college or head off for a career or possibly off to kindergarten for the first time, it is important that they know for themselves, and be willing and able to say that Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

 

Jesus is still asking the question "who do you say I am"?   Think about what your response is this week.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Matt 16:12-20
Peter's Declaration about Jesus

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 

14 "Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets."

15 Then he asked them, "Who do you say I am?" 

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

17 Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 

18 Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 

19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven." 

20 Then he sternly warned them not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

NLT

Verse of the Day - weekend 4/16

Through the Bible - Leviticus 25-27, Revelation 3

 

Good morning,

Yesterday we read in Isaiah that in salvation God has set up walls and bulwarks.  They help us to stand, to cope in this day and age against those things that would smother us.

 

This morning I was reading in Song of Solomon and was struck by the following verses about love.  As Christians God has put His seal upon our hearts with His love.  He has also ordained and given us the love of our wives and husbands, bonds that help hold things  together through life's trials and most challenging times.  The waters and floods cannot drown or quench this love that comes down from above.

 

Song 8:6 Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as  a seal upon your arm,
for  love is strong as death,
 jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very  flame of the Lord.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his  house,
he would be utterly despised.   ESV

In his commentary on these verses, John MacArthur points out that these verses represent the qualities of love from 1 Corinthians 13 here in the Old Testament.  He writes, "Four qualities of love appear.  1) love is unyielding in marriage, as death is to life.  2) love is intense like the brightest flame, perhaps as bright as the glory of the Lord.  3) love is invincible or unquenchable, even when flooded with difficulty.  4) love is so priceless that it cannot be bought, it can only be given away."

 

As you prepare for worship this weekend.  Think about the love of God and how He's blessed us with it.  If you are married, thank the Lord for the love of your spouse.  He has put His seal upon both.

 

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
Song 8:6-8

 

Hang my locket around your neck,
wear my ring on your finger.
Love is invincible facing danger and death.
Passion laughs at the terrors of hell.
The fire of love stops at nothing —
it sweeps everything before it.
Flood waters can't drown love,
torrents of rain can't put it out.
Love can't be bought, love can't be sold —
it's not to be found in the marketplace.   The Message

Verse of the Day - 4/15

Through the Bible - Leviticus 23-24, Revelation 2

 

Good morning,

I have several friends that been battling cancer.  They have been in my prayers, and in my heart and mind often.  While there prognosis here is not good, their eternal prognosis, their eternal destiny is secure in Jesus Christ.

This morning's "Daily Bread" devotional is from Isaiah 26.  It was fitting for what was on my heart this morning.  We'll go there for this familiar verse.

 

Isa 26:3  You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.  ESV

The author of today's Daily Bread writes, "Whether we're facing annoying inconvenience or heartbreaking loss, this rock solid promise is worth memorizing and repeating."

 

The hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", written by Martin Luther was based upon Psalm 46 where we read that "God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble." (v.1).  The reference here in verse 4 that the Lord God is our "everlasting rock"and that our salvation (v.1) serves as our walls and bulwarks,  brought this hymn to mind.  Especially the following words:

 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

God is our everlasting rock, our "bulwark" against the flood, the tsunami, as it may seem at times in our lives.

 

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Yesterday we considered what it means to "wait on the Lord".  We'll close for today with verses 8 and 9 from Isaiah 26.  For those souls that seek Him, yearn for Him earnestly, He will be found, He will bring peace.

 

Isa 26:8 In the path of your judgments,
O Lord, we wait for you;
 your name and  remembrance
are the desire of our soul.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.  ESV

 

Whether you are facing annoying inconveniences or heartbreak today, remember and hold onto the promise of these verses.

 

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 26:1-9

 

26 In that day  this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

 

"We have a strong city;
he sets up  salvation
as walls and bulwarks.
2  Open the gates,
that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
3  You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
5  For he has humbled
the inhabitants of the height,
the lofty city.
He lays it low, lays it low to the ground,
casts it to the dust.
6 The foot tramples it,
the feet of  the poor,
the steps of  the needy."
7 The path of the righteous is level;
 you make level the way of the righteous.
8 In the path of your judgments,
O Lord, we wait for you;
 your name and  remembrance
are the desire of our soul.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.  ESV

Verse of the Day 4/14

Through the Bible - Leviticus 21-22, Revelation 1

 

Good morning,

I read two different passages this morning that I had never considered in conjunction with each other before.  They had to do with "waiting" on the Lord in Psalm 130 and seeking the Lord in Luke 11. 

 

When we first think of waiting it is easy to think of it as a passive thing, just sitting around and waiting for something to happen.  That is not how we are to be.  In the Psalm we have the picture of the soldier or watchman who has been on duty through the long dark hours of the night with the threat of war, the enemy hanging over him.  He longs for the morning, but waits on and rest in the Lord in the meantime.

 

Ps 130:5 I  wait for the Lord,  my soul waits,
and  in his word I hope;
6 my soul  waits for the Lord
more than  watchmen for  the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.  ESV

There are many things that can put us in this condition, personal illness or that of a loved one, the loss of a job and income with the uncertainty of what the future holds, or waiting for someone to return home from the battlefield or a mission.  The picture also came to mind of the father waiting for the prodigal son in Luke 15.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Luke chapter 11 where Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock.

 

Luke 11:9 And I tell you,  ask, and  it will be given to you;  seek, and you will find;  knock, and it will be opened to you.  10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.    ESV

When we are in the position of waiting in the Lord, this acronym should be in our minds and help us as we pray - ASK - ask, seek, knock.  The New Living translation actually picks up on the correct tense of the verbs.

 

Luke 11:9 "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.   NLT

 

The Christian's waiting is not passive.  We are to keep asking - asking for guidance, wisdom, healing, blessing, peace.  We are to keep seeking Him, His will for our lives, while praying  through His Word, devoted to Him even if we don't feel His presence.  We are to keep knocking, looking for open doors of opportunity, for service, ministry, serving others.  In doing so we will find, can have hope, and peace.  Wait and watch and hope in His word.

 

Ps 130:7-  O Israel, wait and watch for God —
with God's arrival comes love,
with God's arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it — he'll redeem Israel,
buy back Israel from captivity to sin.   The Message

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Luke 11:1-10

 

11 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

 

2 Jesus said, "This is how you should pray:

 

"Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don't let us yield to temptation."

 

5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' 8 But I tell you this—though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

 

9 "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.   NLT

Verse of the Day 4/13

Through the Bible - Leviticus 19-20, Hebrews 13

 

Good morning,

The members of a small group that I'm in recently went through an exercise, (actually a labor of love and encouragement), where instead of sharing our spiritual gifts we took turns sharing the gifts that we had seen in the lives of other members of the group.  It was an encouraging, challenging and humbling experience.  I don't know what the specific goal was intended to be but I don't think anyone could go away from that experience and not feel "spurred on".

 

 Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. NIV

Today's New Testament reading is from Hebrews 13 where we read that it is Jesus and what He accomplished for us that "equips us with everything good".

 

Heb 13:20 Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21 may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.  NLT

Every spiritual gift that we have is from God who "equips us" with them in order to do His will.  John MacArthur writes that the word "equip" here "is not the Greek word for "perfect" or "perfection" used throughout Hebrews to indicate salvation but is a word which is translated "prepared" in 10:5 and "created" in 11:3.  It refers to believers being edified.  The verb has the idea of equipping by means of adjusting, shaping, mending, restoring, or preparing."

 

May the Spirit adjust, shape, mend, restore and prepare us to use those gifts to do and accomplish His will in our lives.

 

Spirit of the Living God

 

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.

 

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 13:17-22

 

17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

 

18 Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. 19 And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon.

 

20 Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21 may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.  NLT

Verse of the Day 4/12

Through the Bible - Leviticus 17-18, Hebrews 12

 

Good morning,

We recently considered Esther and her response to Mordecai's prompting "who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"   Esther 4:14 NKJV  Have you ever asked yourself that question, that God put you where you are time and place for a particular purpose?  How did you or will you respond?

 

For today's verse we'll go to John 12 where Jesus shows that He knew the reason that He came, to earth, to that time and place, and faced it, followed through.

 

John 12:27 "Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name."   NLT

 

Henry Thiessen writes, "Christ did not come primarily to set an example, or to teach us doctrine, but to die for us.  His death was not an afterthought or an accident, but the accomplishment of a divine purpose in connection with the incarnation.  The incarnation is not an end in itself; it is but a means to an end, and that end is the redemption of the lost through the Lord's death on the cross."

 

We don't seek those hard times, the trial's, the tough days and decisions, but they are part of life.  Would we face them differently if we were brought to the realization that God had a purpose in it, that we were placed here for it, and that He will see us through it for His honor and glory?

 

Jesus realized that there was no going around the situation, He had to go through it.  His willingness to do so brought the following response from the Father:

 

John 12:28  Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."   NKJV

 

Glorify Thy Name

 

Father, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Jesus, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Spirit, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

(And we will)
Glorify Thy Name

Glorify Thy Name (unto all the earth)
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth (in all the earth)

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

John 12:27-37

 

Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross

 

27 "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.  28 Father, glorify Your name."

 

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."

 

29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him."

 

30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.  31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.  32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."  33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

 

34 The people answered Him,"We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"

 

35 Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.  36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.   NKJV

Verse of the Day 4/11

Through the Bible - Leviticus 14, Hebrews 11:20-40

 

Good morning,

One of the things that we often take for granted and that we should be most grateful for is the opportunity pray to God; having direct access to Him through what Jesus Christ has done for us.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Hebrews chapter 4, where we are encouraged to "come boldly" to the throne of grace in times of need.

 

Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  NKJV

Most ancient rulers and even some modern day dictators are virtually unapproachable by anyone but their highest advisors.  To approach them directly would be at great risk of punishment or even death.  Esther risked this in going before the king, thankfully, he extended the golden scepter to hear Esther's case.  In Jesus, we not only have our King, in Him we have a friend.

 

Whether facing trials or temptations, let us have this confidence and take to heart the words to the old hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".

 

      What a friend we have in Jesus,        all our sins and griefs to bear!  	What a privilege to carry  	everything to God in prayer!  	O what peace we often forfeit, 	O what needless pain we bear,  	all because we do not carry  	everything to God in prayer.   	Have we trials and temptations?  	Is there trouble anywhere?  	We should never be discouraged;  	take it to the Lord in prayer.  	Can we find a friend so faithful  	who will all our sorrows share?  	Jesus knows our every weakness;  	take it to the Lord in prayer.  

	Are we weak and heavy laden,  	cumbered with a load of care?  	Precious Savior, still our refuge;  	take it to the Lord in prayer.  	Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  	Take it to the Lord in prayer!  	In his arms he'll take and shield thee;  	thou wilt find a solace there.

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 4:14-5:1

 

Our Compassionate High Priest

 

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.   NKJV

 

Verse of the Day 4/8

Through the Bible - Leviticus 11-12, Hebrews 10:1-18

 

Good morning,

I read the following quote this morning from J. C. Ryle,  "True Christians shall never perish. Kings of the earth and mighty men shall depart and be no more seen; thrones and dominions and principalities, rich men and honorable men shall be swept into the tomb—but the humblest Christian cottager shall never see death everlasting, and when the heavens shall pass away as a scroll, and earth shall be burned up, that man shall be found to have a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." - from "The Privileges of the True Christian"

 The statement is made based upon hope, specifically hope in the promises of God.  It is a hope that comes from ages past and looks to a bright and glorious future in spite of the dark valleys that we may have to go through on this earth.

For today's verse we'll go to Titus 2.

Titus 2:12-13 (New International Version, ©2011) ¹² It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

The "it" in verse 12 is God's grace as stated in verse 11.  It is God's grace that causes us to look to the Saviour as our hope, our anchor in troubled times.  The verses and related thoughts bring many songs to mind, "Standing on the Promises of God", "Bridge over Troubled Waters",  "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus", "Jesus, There's Something about that Name",   and "It is Well With My Soul".

 

If you are in troubled waters today, may God's Word and perhaps one of these songs encourage you.  If you are not, perhaps you can encourage some one who is in the valley.

 

I'll close with the last couple of stanzas of "It is Well With My Soul" written by Horatio Spafford who knew something of being in the valley.  It is a song that brought strength and peace to Jean and I in our darkest hours, looking for that "blessed hope".  As our son Jeff would say "hope is my favorite thing to have."

 

But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

 

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Titus 2:11-15 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

 ¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Verse of the Day 4/7

Through the Bible - Leviticus 8-10, Hebrews 9

 

Good morning,

I don't often do this, but this morning I would ask you to pray for a friend.  Pastor Al, our former pastor at Grace Community Church in Illinois is in the advanced stages of a battle with cancer.  My heart goes out to him and his family.  I would ask you to pray for healing, comfort, strength and peace through this battle, and that he would feel the presence and grace of His Saviour during this time.

 

For today's verse I'd like to go to the short book of Philemon, to a verse that reminds me of Pastor Al.

 

Philemon 7  For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.  RSV

 Pastor Al is good at comforting others, having a listening ear and a servants heart.  He isn't afraid to pitch in and help in any number of circumstances and lend a helping hand.  I remember one day he came  by when I was trying to remove a tree stump from my yard.  He quickly joined me in the work and helped finish the task.

 

Many who read these devotionals know Al and have had our hearts refreshed through Christ working through him.  As we have an opportunity to lift him up,  my hope and prayer is that he would feel the strength, protection, and security of the Father's hand in these days.

 

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Philem 4-7

4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,

5 because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints,

6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may promote the knowledge of all the good that is ours in Christ.

7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
RSV

Verse of the Day 4/6

Through the Bible - Leviticus 6-7, Hebrews 8

 

Good morning,

You may have noticed that I didn't send out a devoitional for several days.  It wasn't a case where my mind drifted to other things, it was because I had computer problems and didn't have access to the internet.

 

Sometimes things come into our lives that upset the apple cart and keep us from doing the things that we normally do.  Sometimes these disruptions can cause us to drift away from important things.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Hebrews chapter 2, where we are encouraged not to "drift" in our spiritual lives.

Hebrews 2:1 (English Standard Version) Warning Against Neglecting Salvation

 ¹Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
 

Due to travel schedules and other thing, the men's small group that I'm in stopped meeting for several weeks.  The potential was there for that time away to cause us to drift, to question whether we should go on meeting, to occupy Monday mornings with other things.

 

When we got back together on Monday (at 6 am), it was apparent to us all that we were happy to be back together and would continue to, that we hadn't drifted apart.

 

Things can sometime get in the way with our relationship to God as well.  The question is what do we do in those times?  Do we allow ourselves to drift or do we look forward to the time, make plans for the time when things can be made right?

 

C. S. Lewis wrote: "When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased."

 

Putting time spent with God first may cause you to eliminate other things from your life.  But you will find that in putting first things first, the blessing will increase in other areas while the vain things will fade.  May we drift away from those "vain things" and their deceptive charms.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Hebrews 2 (New Living Translation)

Hebrews 2   A Warning against Drifting Away

 ¹ So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. ² For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. ³ So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? ⁴ And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.