Verse of the Day 10/31

Psalm 37:3-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)  ³Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.   ⁴Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

 

In a study with our high school students on the "rich young ruler" in Mark 10 we referenced today's verses to draw a comparison.  The wealthy young man approached Jesus and asked him what he needed to do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus replied that he had to sell his possessions and give to those in need.  The young man walked away because he was wealthy and his possessions possessed him.  He was trusting in his possessions, what he had accumulated and very likely inherited, and could not give them up.

 

I like the Amplified Bible's explanation of trust in this verse - "lean on, rely on, and be confident" in the Lord, knowing and having the assurance of faith that he will provide what we need.  Physically and spiritually we will be fed.

 

Sometimes we may not feel that we have a lot to offer, that what we have to give may be too small and insignificant to give, that we might as well keep it for ourselves. In a sermon on this passage, John Piper stated "If you start thinking that your gifts are too small, that you don't live up to what the need of the hour is, Jesus does live up to the need of the hour. He can take the tiniest little you and multiply it. I've got a little plaque over my door at home that Virginia Maderis gave me out in Maryland about 15 years ago. It says, "The world has yet to see what could be accomplished by a man wholly consecrated to the Lord. By God's power I aim to be that man" - D. L. Moody.

 

Three times in these verses we are reminded not to "fret" or worry.  When I think of the word fret, I think of the things that keep us awake at night, keep us from sleep, rest and peace.  I'm sure the rich young man in Mark fretted over his possessions, many of us may deal with the same thing.

 

Let us head into this week with these verses as a backdrop.  Trust in the Lord and do good.  What might we be willing to give up in order to achieve this goal?  May we be willing to do so, to give, knowing that we will be fed.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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

 

Psalm 37:1-7 Amplified Bible (AMP) [A Psalm] of David.

 

 ¹FRET NOT yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness (that which is not upright or in right standing with God).

    ²For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

    ³Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.

    ⁴Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

    ⁵Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

    ⁶And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday.

    ⁷Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.

Verse of the Day 10/28

 1 John 2:24-25 New Living Translation (NLT)   ²⁴ So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. ²⁵ And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.

 

The gospel of John and his letters have several common themes.  Among them are light, love, and abiding.  The three of these go together.  The ESV and NKJV translations says "let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you".  Once it enters, let it in, nurture it, let it take root so you will grow.  If you do so He will remain in you and with you all of your days.  From here and into eternity.

 

We will be starting a Sunday morning study with our high school students this coming weekend, it is titled "Rooted".  That is the hope of any teacher to their students.  That what they teach will take hold in the students, that they will be rooted, grounded, and grow in their faith and that Christ would shine forth in their lives.

 

John Piper shares a little bit about what this involves. "Guard yourselves from the deceiver and the antichrist. Love the Word, live in the Word, pray the Word, memorize the Word. And before every sentence lay yourself wide open to whatever the Spirit wants to do with you by the Word. " http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/let-what-you-heard-from-the-beginning-abide-in-you

 

Are we willing to "lay ourselves wide open to whatever the Spirit wants to do" in and through us?

 

Blessings,
Mike
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1 John 2:24-27

New King James Version (NKJV) Let Truth Abide in You

   
²⁴ Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
²⁶ These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. ²⁷ But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Verse of the Day 10/27

 Proverbs 3:9 English Standard Version (ESV)   ⁹Honor the LORD with your wealth
   and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

 It is the harvest season and many crops will soon be gathered in. Not many of us are farmers but we can all relate to this verse.

 

There is a lot of talk these days on just how we can jump start this economy.  Taxing the wealthy, flat taxes, and the creative "999" plan that has been talked about.

As Christians, we may not be concerned about jump starting the economy, but we should be concerned about honoring God and in this verse it relates to giving.

With the farmer it was the "first-fruits", the first of his produce, before it all came in and a calculated amount could even be determined.

 

The tax plans mentioned don't take honoring God into consideration.  If they did, for instance, we might have the 10,9,9,9 plan, ten percent to God first and then let the other things fall in line.  What would it do to and for those in need.  More money would be poured into the economy and it would be meeting needs and honoring God.

Whatever tax reforms end up coming along, the 10 should be at the beginning of it.

 

In his book, "The Treasure Principle", Randy Alcorn writes, "it seems fair to ask, "God, do you really expect less of me - who has Your Holy Spirit within and lives in the wealthiest society in human history - than you demanded of the poorest Israelite."

 

It is a humbling question.  Read the passage while you think about it.  The passage starts as does giving, with trusting God.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Proverbs 3:5-12 The Message (MSG)

 ^5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
   give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
   your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
   don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects; 
   a father's delight is behind all this.

Verse of the Day 10/26

 1 Timothy 6:17-18 English Standard Version (ESV)  ¹⁷As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
 

By the world's standards, most of you reading this would be considered "rich".  Yesterday we considered contentment, this contentment is a foundation for the ability and willingness to give.  Notice in verse 18 that we are called be be generous and be ready to share.  It has to do with a mind set and being ready to act when an opportunity presents itself.

 

Yesterday's passage ended with the statement in verse 10 that "money is the root of all evil".  It didn't say that money is evil, this depends on our attitude towards it and what we do with it.

 

A.W. Tozer brought the thoughts together when he said "As base a thing as money often is, it yet can be transmuted into everlasting treasure.  It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values.  Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth.  Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality."

 

This type of giving will bring contentment and can be built upon " so that they may take hold of that which is truly life" , as we read at the end of verse 19.

 

Think of this statement by Randy Alcorn, "God's money has a higher purpose than my affluence."

Blessings,
Mike
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Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 3-5. 1 Timothy 6

 

1 Timothy 6:17-19 The Message (MSG)

 ^17-19Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.

Verse of the Day 10/25

 1 Timothy 6:6-7  English Standard Version (ESV)  ⁶Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, ⁷for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 

 

I'd like to see these verses posted across the TV screen as you see the daily news of protests, ponzy schemes, and greed.  Many of the rich desperately trying to hold on to what they have, making risky investments to stay ahead of inflation to their ruin.  Others from the other end of the spectrum desiring more by having it taken from others.  None of them being content.

 

In my devotional reading this morning I came to Psalm 23 about the Good Shepherd.  Shepherds weren't wealthy, they lived a simple life but this psalm speaks of a shepherd who has realized contentment, he has it because his heart is in the right place and his mind is not set on things beyond his reach.  But God sets the table for him.

 

Psalm 23:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
    You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows. 

  ⁶ Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
    and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
    as long as I live.

 

My cup overflows, that sums it up.

 

Our son Jeff is 29 years old today.  I can't think of anyone his age that reflects these qualities more than him.  Most of you know that he suffered a TBI at the age of 16 in a car accident which left him permanently (in this life) disabled.  But he has found joy, peace, love, hope and yes contentment by trusting in Christ, the Good Shepherd.  He often thanks us for his wonderful life and we thank God for his.

 

Happy birthday Jeff.  You inspire me.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 1-2, I Timothy 5

 

1 Timothy 6:6-10  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

    ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

    ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

    ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

Verse of the Day 10/24

 1 Timothy 4:12-13  New Living Translation (NLT) ¹² Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. ¹³ Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

 

Today's verse comes from today's New Testament reading in 1 Timothy 4.  The chapter begins with Paul telling Timothy of the things that people are devoted to and focused on.  He encourages him to teach the people to focus on God's Word and to be an example to \others in five areas - our speech, our conduct, love, faith, and purity.  It is not only for our good but also for the good of others.  These traits should be seen in the reflection of Christ in our lives in times of blessing or in need, in joy or in sorrow.

 

Charles Orr writes, "The book of our life is not the making of our own character and destiny only--but it is also helping to make that of others.
There is a wondrous power in personal influence. Your life is helping to mold some other life--and often the one that is dearest to you. What we are--goes to help make another what they are. What we are--engraves itself upon the life of our friend or family. The conduct of the parents--is being written in the lives of the children!
We are either contributing to the world's good--or evil. An evil man is a dangerous man--for he influences others.
We have no right to live as we please. Our children, our friend, our neighbor--has a right to demand a holy life from us--for their own sake." 

Whether you in a time of blessing, need, or both consider the "book of your life", the power of influence that you have with others, be an example for Him today.  It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

 

1 Timothy 4:10 New Living Translation (NLT) ¹⁰ This is why we work hard and continue to struggle,^[a] for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Through the Bible - 1 Samuel 30-31, 1 Timothy 4

 

1 Timothy 4:10-16  English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁰For to this end we toil and strive,^[a] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

 ¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹² Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,^[b] so that all may see your progress. ¹⁶ Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Verse of the Day 10/22

Numbers 6:24-26 English Standard Version (ESV)  ²⁴The LORD bless you and keep you; ²⁵the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; ²⁶the LORDlift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

 

My devotions yesterday brought me to 1 Timothy where we had Paul's admonition to Timothy and his blessing upon him for God's grace, mercy and peace.  My Old Testament reading was in Numbers 6 where we find today's verses.

They are often used as a benediction at church services, but in numbers it was very much like Paul's letter to Timothy.  God was speaking to Moses telling him to bless Aaron and the people in this way.

 

How does God bless us?, He blesses us with gifts.

 

"Pardon, peace, spiritual life—all of them are gifts, divine gifts, brought down from heaven by the Son of God, presented personally to each needy sinner by God.

They are not to be bought, but received; as men receive the sunshine, complete and sure and free. They are not to be earned or deserved by exertions or sufferings, or prayers or tears; but received at once as the purchase of the labors and sufferings of the great Substitute. They are not to be waited for—but taken on the spot without hesitation or distrust, as men take the loving gift of a generous friend.
— Horatius Bonar  "How Shall I Go to God?"

If we have received these gifts,  "God's face" has shined on us.  Which reminds me of my son Jeff's favorite song by the Newsboys, "Shine".  If we've received these gifts let us shine today.  I know Jeff will shine today when I play him this song.

 

shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord

 

If you've been so blessed, you've been blessed to be a blessing.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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

Numbers 6:22-27 English Standard Version (ESV) Aaron's Blessing

 ²²The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ²³"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,
 ²⁴The LORD bless you and keep you; ²⁵the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; ²⁶the LORDlift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

 ²⁷ "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."

Verse of the Day 10/21

 

1 Timothy 1:2 Amplified Bible (AMP) ²To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace (spiritual blessing and favor), mercy, and [heart] peace [be yours] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

I had another verse planned for this morning but when I read this charge to Timothy in the read through the Bible passage for today I changed course.

 

Paul often began his epistles with an opening greeting and a call or prayer for the grace and peace of God to be upon the hearers of the letter.  In this letter to Timothy, a young pastor, he adds to this call mercy.  Verses 13 and 16 of this chapter shed some light on this addition.

 

In verse 13 Paul says that he received and recognized Christ's mercy when he acted in ignorance and persecuted the early church, the earlier followers of Christ in the way.  He considered his actions to make him the worst of sinners but realized that mercy had been extended to him, set him free from the chains of guilt that could have held him back.

 

You might say that the hound of heaven caught him along that road and offered him mercy.  Paul received it, followed Christ, was forever changed and has been involved in changing others since that day in his encouraging, challenging words.  As He has done with each of us, Jesus met Paul at the point of his need.  I was reminded of the Philipps, Craig, and Dean song "Mercy Came Running", I'll share the chorus.

 

Mercy came running

Like a prisoner set free

Past all my failures to the point of my need

When the sin that I carried was all I could see

And when I could not reach mercy

Mercy came running to me.

 

Have you experienced this in your life? If so, may you rejoice and may the grace, mercy and peace that come from the Father and Jesus Christ be yours today.  May you spread it to others along the way.  May it bring you hope.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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 Timothy 1

New Living Translation (NLT)  Greetings from Paul

 ¹ This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.

 ² I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.

   May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

¹³ even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

 ¹⁵ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them all. ¹⁶ But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Verse of the Day 10/20

Verse of the Day 10/20

 

2 Peter 3:17-18  (ESV) ¹⁷You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. ¹⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

 

We've been considering the importance of studying God's word.  Today's verses are the final words given to us by the Apostle Peter in his second epistle.  Final words are important and Peter's words sure are important for us.  He is pointing out here that studying and knowing God's word will help us not to be carried away by the false teaching of those who twist and distort God's word for personal benefit.

 

In a sermon on this passage, John Piper points out that, " the letter begins and ends on the same note of grace and knowledge. I want you to see that again now and how it sums up the main point of the letter. Verse 18 says, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Verse 2 of Chapter 1 says, "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." Though the language is somewhat different, it seems to me the point is the same. Peter's great desire for these people and for us is that we might experience lots and lots of God's grace; that we might suck it up through our roots and grow by it; that we might soak it in like sunshine through our leaves and grow by it."

 

Notice that the verse speaks of grace and knowledge.  It is not knowledge only, but knowledge that is put into practice through God's grace with God's grace showing in and being multiplied in our lives. 

 

Applying God's grace is an act of faith.  E. M. Bounds wrote, "Ask of God more faith. Beg of him morning, and noon and night, while you walk by the way, while you sit in the house, when you lie down and when you rise up; beg of him simply to impress divine things more deeply on your heart, to give you more and more of the substance of things hoped for and of the evidence of things not seen.

 

 Ask for more faith, more grace today,  suck it up through our roots and grow by it; that we might soak it in like sunshine through our leaves and grow by it."

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Peter 3:14-18  New Living Translation (NLT)

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

 ¹⁵ And remember, the Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—¹⁶ speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Peter's Final Words

 ¹⁷ I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. ¹⁸ Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

   All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Verse of the Day 10/19

Philippians 1:27 New King James Version (NKJV) ²⁷ Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

 

Yesterday's verse, 2 Timothy 2:15 and its relation to AWANA clubs (approved workmen are not ashamed) must have still been on my mind this morning when I read today's verse from Philippians 1.  The end of the verse "striving together for the faith of the gospel" brought to mind one of the games that we played in AWANA, it was the tug of war.  There would be 4 teams of 2 that would start with their feet in the ring and at the sound of a whistle, would pull, striving together in unison to reach back for the desired bean bag.  If you weren't striving together you would lose.  It took effort, teamwork and strength.

 

So it is in the Christian life.  We are not to get by as "Lone Ranger Christians" we need friends beside us during the battle.  Often times this is shown in having someone beside us through the struggles and difficult times in life, whether illness, job loss, or a battle with an addiction.  That other person can help you stand fast and win the battle.

 

Ultimately, as Christians, we have Christ by our side.  The thoughts combined to bring to mind a stanza from the old hymn "A Mighty Fortress", I'll share it with you this morning.

 

Did we in our own strength confide,  	our striving would be losing,  	were not the right man on our side,  	the man of God's own choosing. 	Dost ask who that may be?   	Christ Jesus, it is he;  	Lord Sabaoth, his name,  	from age to age the same,  	and he must win the battle.

What battle are you facing today?  We can't win it on our own, He must win the battle.  Perhaps it is you that may bring Him or the thought to go to Him, rely and trust in Him to someone else today, making a cord of 3 strands.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV) ¹² Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. 
      And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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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 1:27-30

New Living Translation (NLT) Live as Citizens of Heaven

 ²⁷ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. ²⁸ Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. ²⁹ For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. ³⁰ We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Verse of the Day 10/18

2 Timothy 2:15  Amplified Bible (AMP) ¹⁵Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

 

Today's verse is where AWANA clubs derives it's name - Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.  The Amplified Bible and King James Version start out with "study" several other translations start off with "do your best".   We are all called to study and this verse expounds upon the attitude and desire of our hearts towards it.  It's humbling and convicting.  Am I doing my best to eagerly study God's Word, applying it in life, through the trials, and teaching it?

 

I listened to a sermon while driving last week that referenced this verse.  The word for "rightly dividing" or "correctly analyzing" literally means to "cut straight".  Think of a carpenter.  How would a table, a floor, or any wood object look if it were not "cut straight" before it was assembled?  There would be gaps, curves and anyone that looked at it would see the poor craftsmanship of the person that did the work.

 

My grandfather was a carpenter and we still have things in our home that he made.  One of them is a footstool, made over fifty years ago that is still used day to day in our kitchen to help us reach otherwise unreachable items in our kitchen shelves.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer shared his thoughts on the proper attitude in reading and studying God's Word; "One cannot simply read the Bible, like other books.  One must be prepared really to enquire of it.  Only thus will it reveal itself.  Only if we expect from it the ultimate answer, shall we receive it.  That is because in the Bible God speaks to us.  And one cannot simply think about God  in one's own strength, one has to enquire of Him.  Only if we seek Him will He answer us.....Only if we will venture to enter into the words of the Bible, as though in them God were speaking to us who loves us and does not will to leave us along with our questions, only so shall we learn to rejoice in the Bible."

 

Approaching the Bible in this manner will help to build us up into what we should be.  Cut straight and assembled, fit together as we are supposed to be and reflect, that we are children of God.  His word, working in our lives will help us reach things in life and in service to Him that otherwise could not be reached.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Timothy 2:14-19

English Standard Version (ESV) A Worker Approved by God

 ¹⁴Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. ¹⁵Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. ¹⁶But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, ¹⁷and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. ¹⁹But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."

Verse of the Day -weekend 10/15

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Amplified Bible (AMP) ⁶[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.

    ⁷Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].

2 Corinthians 9 tells us a great deal about the heart of giving.  In this chapter we see that even though these Christians were dirt poor themselves, instead of coming up with reasons not to give, they looked inside themselves and found reasons to give.  They literally begged for the opportunity to give.  What a contrast to us in this time and place in the United States.

 

As Christians, our giving should be and is a reflection of how God is working in our hearts, encouraging us to give.  This is not just financial, but includes giving of our time for others.  It may be serving in a soup kitchen, dropping of goods at a local food pantry, or helping a family that finds themselves in a tough time.

 

In his book "The Treasure Principle", Randy Alcorn writes, "Christ's grace defines, motivates, and puts in perspective our giving..... Our giving is a reflexive response to the grace of God in our lives.  It doesn't come out of our altruism or philanthropy - it comes out of the transforming work of Christ in us.  This grace is the action; our giving is the reaction."

 

As you have the opportunity to give this weekend, what is behind the giving?  Is it a reflexive response to God's grace in your life or is it reluctantly, grudgingly, or sparingly.  It's another instance where you will reap what you sow.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

⁶ Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not out of regret or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

    He has scattered;

    He has given to the poor;

    His righteousness endures forever.

    ¹⁰ Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness, ¹¹ as you are enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹² For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. ¹³ Through the proof of this service, they will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others. ¹⁴And in their prayers for you they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

Verse of the Day 10/14

Matthew 24:37-39 New Living Translation (NLT)  ³⁷ "When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. ³⁸ In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. ³⁹ People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

Yesterday we considered the importance of our priorities especially  our need to spend time with God.  As our God, He deserves "first importance" and should be a high priority.  Unfortunately, oftentimes all we have left for Him are our leftovers, our crumbs.

 

Today's verses show us that this has been the way of many all the way back to the earliest times.  The people may not have had i-phones, i-pads, and Facebook but they certainly didn't have time for God.  Not only that, the culture put down, ridiculed and mocked Noah, the man with a heart for God. 

 

Pastor Greg Laurie writes, " That is how people will react to believers before Christ returns. The Bible tells us that a specific aspect of the end times is that people will mock Christians who believe that Jesus will come back again. As 2 Peter 3:3–4 says, "Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. . . . ' "

Of course, we see this happening right now. People say things like, "Oh, Jesus promised to come back, did He? Well, where is He?"

They didn't believe it the first time. And they won't believe it the second time either. "

 

Yesterday we read the some of the words to the song "Give of Your Best to the Master".  Let us live our lives in a way that would be pleasing to the Master when He returns, what if it were today?

 

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

Matthew 24:37-39 The Message (MSG)

 ^37-39"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.

 ^39-44"The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Verse of the Day 10/13

Matthew 6:34  The Message (MSG)  "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

It is so easy to get caught up in what the day may bring.  So many thing vying for our attention, so many things to worry about.  All too often we get caught up in things and waste our time on things that don't really matter, that won't have a long term significance.  We hardly have any time left for God, let alone our best.

 

For some reason, as I read this verse in The Message paraphrase, the old hymn "Give of Your Best to the Master" came to my mind.  We may be in a time of need or a time of pain or a time of gain, whatever the situation, may God give us the strength to give our best to God in the situation and build upon what He is doing.

 

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

 

Give him your best, give him first place.  Be more pre- occupied with giving not getting. 

 

  " Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. " Matthew 6:33 The Message
 

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

Matthew 6:33-34The Message (MSG)

 ^30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

 ³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Verse of the Day 10/12

 John 17:17Amplified Bible (AMP) ¹⁷Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.

 

Sanctification, its one of those "big" words in theology, big in the number of letters, big in doctrinal importance, and big in relevance in the life of a Christian.  It is the process of how the Christian is transformed, how their mind is renewed (Rom. 12:2).  The Amplified Bible translation above helps describe what happens in that transformation.  It involves purification, removing things from our lives that hinder our spiritual growth.  Consecration, setting ourselves apart from God, giving Him priority in our lives, changing our motives.  In this process we are set apart for Christ to do His good works, it happens by faith (Eph. 2:8-10). 

It happens through His word, working in and through us to change us.

 

Michael Horton writes, "On my best days, my experience of transformation is weak, but the gospel is an announcement of a certain state of affairs that exists because of something in God, not something in me; something that God has done, not something that I have done; the love in God's heart which he has shown in his Son, not the love in my heart that I exhibit in my relationships. Precisely as the Good News of a completed, sufficient, and perfect work of God in Christ accomplished for me and outside of me in history, the gospel is 'the power of God unto salvation' not only at the beginning but throughout the Christian life. In fact, our sanctification is simply a lifelong process of letting that Good News sink in and responding appropriately; becoming the people whom God says that we already are in Christ."— "The Gospel Driven Life". 

 

John 17 is Jesus prayer for us.  This is His desire for us that we be sanctified, set apart, and transformed through His word, His truth.  Won't you make it a point to spend more time with it, let it sink in?  As it does it will change your life.

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

John 17:15-19  New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁵ I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ¹⁶ They do not belong to this world any more than I do. ¹⁷ Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. ¹⁹ And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

Verse of the Day 10/11

Psalm 34:17-18 English Standard Version (ESV) ¹⁷ When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
   and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
   and saves the crushed in spirit.

The other night my wife Jean and I were visiting some friends.  As our two families sat down for dinner our friends youngest son asked if he could ask the blessing on the food.  He prayed "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him.....  I'm sure that you can all finish the prayer.  It is a simple prayer that many of us learned very early in life.  The first words are the basis for our faith.  Our prayers today should still reflect those thoughts and feelings.

 

Those words "God is great, God is good" also brought the words to one of my favorite Steven Curtis Chapman songs to mind "Still Listening".  The song incorporates the cry for help as described in today's verses.  Read a few of the stanzas to the song.

 

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

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

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

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

What is your attitude towards prayer today?  Does it start with God is great and God is good?  Perhaps you are offering a desperate cry for help or praise, giving thanks for an answer to such a prayer.  Either way, may you realize that God is great and God is good, and that He is love.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm 34:15-18  English Standard Version (ESV)

 ¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
    and his ears toward their cry.
¹⁶ The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
   to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
¹⁷ When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
   and delivers them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
   and saves the crushed in spirit.