Verse of the Day 12/31

Exodus 33:13  Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight. And [Lord, do] consider that this nation is Your people.
14 And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

In yesterday's verse we were encouraged/challenged to "look for the ancient paths".  Today's verses are a good example of one of those "ancient paths".  Seeking, asking for God's grace, favor and guidance; to lead us into this coming year in the path and direction that He chooses will lead to finding rest.

 

It was a prayer of Moses, it was the prayer of a leader, of a follower of God.  The Amplified Bible reveals what seeking those "ancient paths" will entail, "progressively" becoming more deeply acquainted with God, and recognizing and understanding more clearly" how He would have us live according to His Word.  If we as Christians would give our lives to doing so we might show to others that this nations is "His people".

 

"Show me your way that I may know You"; may that be our simple prayer (simple to say at least), to finish out this year and head into the New Year.

 

Notice God's response to the prayer of Moses in the New Living Translation "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest.  Wouldn't you like to insert your name there?

 

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

Exodus 33:12-14  New Living Translation (NLT)
Moses Sees the Lord's Glory

 

12 One day Moses said to the Lord, "You have been telling me, 'Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, 'I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.' 13 If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people."

 

14 The Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you."

Verse of the Day 12/30

Jeremiah 6:16  Thus says the Lord:
"Stand by the roads, and look,
    and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
    and find rest for your souls."   English Standard Version (ESV)

 

As we come to the end of one year and look forward to the start of a new one on Tuesday, all of us stand at some sort of cross roads.  We can look back at the past year, at the paths chosen and see where they have brought us.  They may help us to look ahead and to where we will start the New Year.

 

The words to a country gospel song come to mind.

 

Take the narrow way, walk the high road,

Like an arrow stay straight on the line,

If you find yourself where you have to decide,

Stay away from the path that is wide,

Take the narrow way.

 

We will have the opportunity to take the highway, the multi-lane highway where "everyone else" travels.  If we choose that course I doubt that we will find true happiness, lasting joy or peace.  Choosing the narrow path may not bring some of the thrills of the moment, but it will bring the peace and rest for your souls that this verse talks about.  Choose the ancient path of following Christ.

 

Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it." Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

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

Jeremiah 6:15-17  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
15 Were they ashamed when they acted so abhorrently?
They weren't at all ashamed.
They can no longer feel humiliation.
Therefore, they will fall among the fallen.
When I punish them, they will collapse,
says the Lord.
Disaster because of Disobedience

 

16 This is what the Lord says:

 

Stand by the roadways and look.
Ask about the ancient paths:
Which is the way to what is good?
Then take it
and find rest for yourselves.
But they protested, "We won't!"
17 I appointed watchmen over you
and said: Listen for the sound of the ram's horn.
But they protested, "We won't listen!"

Verse of the Day 12/29

Deuteronomy 11:18  Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  New International Version (NIV)

 

It's been great to have our kids and grandkids around the house this past week to celebrate Christmas together.  There will be memories that we'll treasure for our lifetimes, as long as we remember them.  I plan on writing down some of those things to pull out and share as we celebrate Christmas years from now.  We especially enjoyed some of the words said by our grandchildren.  For me, one example was what my granddaughter Layna.  We had taken the kids to the Alamance Children's Museum where they had a great time.  Layna was anxious to play in one of the interactive displays and I was in her way.  My four and a half year old granddaughter said "step aside gramps".  It was precious.  Whether I write it down or not, I hope that it will stay "fixed"  in my heart and mind, always with me.

 

Today's verse tells us that we are to have God's Word "fixed" in our minds.  The image it to have it etched in stone where it is visible and indelible.  Doing so requires memorization so that we can recall it, remember it when needed for comfort, encouragement or warning.  It needs to affect the way we live.

 

Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "Certainly it is good to carry a Bible in your briefcase, pocket, or purse; but the best place to carry the Bible is in your heart. It is good to go through the Word of God, but it is better for the Word of God to go through you. It is great to mark your Bible, but it is best if your Bible marks you. It must affect the way you live."

 

As we head towards the new year.  What are some of the events that will remain fixed in your mind?  What verses or passages of scripture have you memorized to remain fixed in your mind?

 

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

Deuteronomy 11:18-20   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
18 "Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Verse of the Day 12/28

1 John 2:28   And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.   New International Version (NIV)

 

Yesterday we considered what it might look like to have the "power of Christ in me".  In today's verse John encourages, his readers, listeners, followers and us to continue in Him.  Other translations use the words, abide, remain or to "stay one" with Him.

 

Looking at the preceding verses, John shows concern for these Christians, knowing that there are deceivers out in the world trying to lead them astray from adhering to the things that they had been taught, believed, followed and put into practice.  To abide, remain or continue indicates a way of life.  The old has gone, the new has come, let us not go back to the old path arrayed with new trappings.

 

J. M. Boice writes, "Truth, as it is contained in Scriptures and as it is revealed in Jesus Christ, is an objective standard.  It provides a basis for making judgments, and it reveals error.  Consequently, Christians should be concerned with truth, should seek to understand it with increasing fullness, and should proclaim it to the world...... The Word abides in Christians, but for this reason they are to allow it to abide in them increasingly."

 

Just as we desire that the little children in our homes grow and mature, so it is with God's children as addressed in this passage.  It is in keeping with what others have taught in the New Testament.

 

2 Peter 3:18  But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

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 John 2:26-28  Amplified Bible (AMP)
26 I write this to you with reference to those who would deceive you [seduce and lead you astray].
27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].
28 And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.

Verse of the Day 12/27

Verse of the Day 12/27   

 

2 Corinthians 6:16   What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

Yesterday we considered how in Christ, "the Word became flesh and dwelt, literally "tabernacled" among us.  Tabernacled conveys the thought of setting up residence, going back to the Old Testament and the Feast of the Tabernacles.  The tabernacle was a temporary residence.

 

Today's verse speaks of God taking residence in us.  The Amplified paints a good picture, dwelling "in and with and among us".  He takes up residence with us here on earth in our temporary bodies, while we look ahead to the time when we will take up permanent residence with Him in our "mansion just over the hilltop".

 

What will it look like to have Jesus dwelling in and with and among us?  It is living as  one of "His people", It is living by the power of Christ in me.

 

To reach out with Your hands
To learn through Your eyes
To love with the love of a savior
To feel with Your heart
And to think with Your mind
I'd give my last breath for Your glory 

 

Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
Where I'm blind, You shine Your light on me
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me   (from "In Me" - Casting Crowns)

 

I listened to this song yesterday and as the chorus was sung the last time there was a subtle change.  Instead of "when I'm blind" it was changed to where I'm blind.  We all have areas in our lives where we have blinders on, we don't see ourselves as we are.  May the light of His Word shine light on our understanding to see and remove those areas of blindness to learn through His eyes and to live by the power of Christ.

 

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 6:15-17  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
15 What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God's sanctuary have with idols? For we are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said:

 

I will dwell among them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be My people.
17 Therefore, come out from among them
and be separate, says the Lord;
do not touch any unclean thing,
and I will welcome you.

Verse of the Day 12/26

John 1:14  And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

The Bible begins with 10 words that are the foundation of the Christian faith, the worldview that at the beginning of all things there was God and that He created all things, and not only that but He holds and keeps things together according to His plan.

 

Today's verse from John 1 has similar overtones for us.  We can reduce it to 5 Words that are the foundation for those who believe in Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior whose birth we just celebrated.  "And the Word became flesh".

Since creation and going back to Genesis 3, the Old Testament foretold of One who was coming according to God's plan.  God took on flesh in the form of Jesus to teach us, to show us how we should think, act, live, pray, and worship; in grace, showing God's favor and loving-kindness.

 

The Amplified Bible points out that He fixed His tent of flesh and made it His temporary dwelling.  He lived, He died, He rose again giving us hope.  He said that He would return, that He would come again and bring His children home. 

 

Now that Christmas has passed for this year, let us live in anticipation of His coming again, and if He tarries, until we celebrate it again next year.  Let us consider what "and the Word became flesh" really means to and for us.

 

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

John 1:13-15  The Message (MSG)
9-13 The Life-Light was the real thing:
    Every person entering Life
    he brings into Light.
He was in the world,
    the world was there through him,
    and yet the world didn't even notice.
He came to his own people,
    but they didn't want him.
But whoever did want him,
    who believed he was who he claimed
    and would do what he said,
He made to be their true selves,
    their child-of-God selves.
These are the God-begotten,
    not blood-begotten,
    not flesh-begotten,
    not sex-begotten.
14 The Word became flesh and blood,
    and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
    the one-of-a-kind glory,
    like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
    true from start to finish.

Verse of the Day 12/24

Luke 2:17  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.   New King James Version (NKJV)

 

Many people will boast of the gifts that they receive this Christmas.  TV commercials show cars, diamonds and all kind of other extravagant gifts.  As Christians, we are celebrating the greatest gift ever.

 

This year our church held a church wide "10 Word" study which focused on "making Jesus famous".  It is the goal of our ministries and in our lives in the community.  Today's verse is a reminder of that.  Many will go to a Christmas Eve service today.  May we truly let our hearts "prepare Him room".  Prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth, singing hymns and carols, reading and listening to the gospel story and message, then going out and make it "widely known" as we get together with extended family and friends to share what the "Mighty One has done for us.

 

After all the message is good news "for all people".

 

Luke 2:10  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  New King James Version (NKJV)

 

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

 

Luke 2:10-17  New King James Version (NKJV)
10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."

 

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

 

14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

Verse of the Day 12/22

 

 

Luke 1:49-50   for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.  New International Version (NIV)

 

Today's verse comes from the Magnificat, Mary's song.  The song was in response to what the angel had told her and how things were progressing prior to Jesus being born.  The best was yet to come, yet she could still look back and see that the Mighty One had done great things for her.

 

As our families get together and spend time with each other this long weekend leading up and through Christmas may we look back, reflect and share how the Mighty One has done great things for us this year.  Don't neglect the "small things", they may yet lead to great and wonderful things.  Generations will gather, children need to hear what God has done in their parents, grandparents and perhaps great grandparents lives.  They will be memories to treasure and pass on.  May it help them, may it help all of us to treasure the Mighty One who came to earth as a little helpless baby. 

 

Quite often we think that too many people think that the world revolves around them.  In some ways it does, it revolves around all of us.  Jesus thought so much about all of us that He came into the world to save sinners, however great they may be.  That is what all of history is about.  The Bible starts with "in the beginning God".  The Bible ends not only with God in His glory, but  with Christ returning bringing with Him the redeemed clothed with new clothes, dwelling with God and praising HIm.

 

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

Luke 1:46-52  New International Version (NIV)
Mary's Song

 

46 And Mary said:

 

"My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.

Verse of the Day 12/21

Luke 1:38  And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

The angel had just explained to Mary how she would miraculously become the mother of the "Son of God".  When she questioned him with "how can this be?"  he answered with the response of the ages "for nothing will be impossible with God".  Think of the confidence that these words gave her.  The things that were said would come true.  They would unfold not only before her eyes, but in her heart, body and life.  The story goes forward to Mary's song "The Magnificat".

 

As I thought of Mary's submission to God, and her statement "let it be according to your word" I thought about our submission to God in our lives.  We have our hopes and dreams and we pray for them.  But when a curveball is thrown at us how often have we responded to God "let it be".

 

The words of the verse brought to mind another hymn, not one directly associated with Christmas, but it goes along with the song in Mary's heart.  "Blessed Assurance" or "This is My Story This is My Song".  I'll post a couple of stanzas but not in their original order.

 

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
 visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
 angels descending bring from above
 echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

 

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
 I in my Savior am happy and blest,
 watching and waiting, looking above,
 filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

 

This is my story, this is my song,
 praising my Savior all the day long;
 this is my story, this is my song,
 praising my Savior all the day long.

 

May we be willing to submit to Him in our lives with the attitude of "let it be according to your word" and praise Him for what He has done for us.

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

Luke 1:37-39 English Standard Version (ESV)
37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

 

Mary Visits Elizabeth

 

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,

Verse of the Day 12/20

 Mark 5:19   But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been."    New Living Translation (NLT)

 

After what has already been a long week, this afternoon I will head home where I will be for Christmas.  Like many others we will have a house full with great grandparent, grand parents (Jean and I), children and grandchildren under one roof.  It will be the first time that we've seen everyone in a long time.  This verse should help remind us to focus not on "stuff" and the gifts that have been purchased for each other, but on what the Lord has done for us and our extended family through the year.

 

In this passage, the demoniac had been healed and he desired to follow Jesus where he would go.  Instead, Jesus sent him home to tell what God had done for him.  If you read the verse that follows (below), he didn't stop with his immediate family but went to Decapolis which was actually a grouping of 10 cities. 

 

As we head home or have relatives "heading home" for Christmas as we travel, while we're "home" with our family, and as we head back to our own individual homes may we spread the news about what God has done for us this past year, this season or even this day.  May our lives touch others with blessing.

 

John MacDuff writes, "Wherever a Christian goes--his life ought to be an inspiration. Our silent influence ought to touch other lives with blessing. People ought to feel stronger, happier, and more uplifted--after meeting us. Our very faces ought to shed light, shining like holy lamps into sad, weary hearts. Our lives ought to be blessings to repair human sorrow and need all around us."

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Mark 5:18-20  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹⁸ As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed kept begging Him to be with Him. ¹⁹ But He would not let him; instead, He told him, "Go back home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you." ²⁰ So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed.

Verse of the Day 12/19

Verse of the Day 12/19
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call to Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked one abandon his way
... and the sinful one his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord,
so He may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for He will freely forgive. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
I read Isaiah 55 in my devotions yesterday. It is one of my favorite chapters in the book. It begins with God's call to "come", the call is to those who are thirsty and destitute. It is a passage of hope God's faithfulness and His blessings.
Today's verses call us to seek Him while He is near. Max Lucado wrote a book "God Came Near" dealing with the subject. God is always near us but in the Christmas season, His presence is recognized and felt perhaps more than any other time of the year. Christmas stories give examples of "wicked ones" that abandoned their way of wickedness to do good. You can think of Ebenezer Scrooge or even the Grinch.
This Christmas season may we truly seek Him while he may be found, more importantly may we be His instruments in helping others that are seeking to find Him, and find rest, peace, hope and joy in and through Jesus, the greatest gift.
Blessings,
Mike

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Isaiah 55:6-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call to Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked one abandon his way
and the sinful one his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord,
so He may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for He will freely forgive.


8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not My ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
9 “For as heaven is higher than earth,
so My ways are higher than your ways,
and My thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven
and do not return there
without saturating the earth
and making it germinate and sprout,
and providing seed to sow
and food to eat,
11 so My word that comes from My mouth
will not return to Me empty,
but it will accomplish what I please
and will prosper in what I send it to do.”

12 You will indeed go out with joy
and be peacefully guided

Verse of the Day 12/18

Psalm 85:10-11  Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
    and righteousness looks down from the sky.

I don't recall hearing of these verses being spoken of in relation to the Christmas season but as I read them this morning the message of Christmas was clearly seen.

 

Notice what these verses describe and think about how "they meet" in Jesus, steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace.  Don't we need all of these things?  They are offered to us as gifts, sent from above, in Jesus Christ.  (James 1:17).

 

Think of a refreshing spring coming out of the ground, cold clear water to quench the thirst of the day.  I think of David in Psalm 42 "as the deer pants for water so my soul longs for you".

 

Read through the verses again.  Think of how many Christmas carols or other scriptures come to mind.  May they spring up in you and help to bring joy and peace to you today.  The words "look down from the sky" remind me of Away in a Manger.

 

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the night sky look down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm 85:9-11  English Standard Version (ESV)

⁹ Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
    that glory may dwell in our land.

¹⁰ Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
    and righteousness looks down from the sky.

Verse of the Day 12/17

1 John 2:7-8  Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

The Beatles had a hit song, "All You Need is Love".  You know the tune the question is how do you define that love? 

 

We looked at this passage in our men's small group.  The command goes back to the Old Testament and the law.  John wrote to the church in Ephasus about it in Revelation, go back to what you did at first, which was to love one another.

J.M. Boice writes, "What is love after all?  It is not just a certain benign feeling.  It is not a smile.  It is an attitude that determines what one does.  Therefore, it is impossible to speak of love in the Christian sense without at least suggesting some of the actions that ought to flow from it, just as it is impossible to speak of the love of God without mentioning such things as the creation of man in His image, the giving of the Old Testament revelation, the coming of Christ, the cross, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and other realities."

 

The church needs to show love but must also show where it truly comes from and what is behind it.  Love is more than attitude, it is a motivating factor in all that we do.  It will show in our actions to our loved ones, neighbors, friends and yes, even our enemies.  How will your love motivate you in the coming week as we prepare the celebration of the "coming of Christ"?

 

John 13:34-35 "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

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 John 2:7-11  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

 

9 The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he's going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Verse of the Day 12/16

Romans 8:23-24 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved.  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Our son Jeff suffered a traumatic brain injury as a teenager which left him disabled.  Since that time, when he is put to bed, and often, at various times he'll wake up and we'll hear him moaning.  We'll ask him what is wrong and he can't even tell us.  Jeff trusts Jesus as his savior, perhaps he's groaning, longing for the release from the suffering while hoping for eternal healing.  After all he has told us "hope is my favorite thing to have".

 

Barring a true miracle, Jeff will be disabled during his life here on earth.  There are many others suffering from various disabilities that will last through their lifetimes.  Jesus healed many in the Bible but not all.  But He did offer hope, and a future restoration, and a peace for the hear and now.

 

In his sermon "Healed for the Sake of Holiness" John Piper writes "The main issue in this age till Jesus comes back is that we meet him—meet him—in our brokenness, and receive the power of his forgiveness to pursue holiness. In this calling to faith and holiness, the disabled often run faster and farther than many of us who have our legs and arms. And in the mentally disabled, we simply don't know how far they are running. Perhaps farther than we think. Jesus knows. Jesus knows everything. And he is compassionate. And he is sovereign.  May the Lord open your eyes to know Jesus personally, as one who knows you, and has compassion on you, and is sovereign over your body and your soul, the one who has come with saving and healing power, first for the sake of your holiness, and then for the sake of your everlasting health."

 

While we wait for that future hope, what are we to do?  In  Psalm 82 we read,

Psalm 82:3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.  New International Version (NIV)

 

 

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

Romans 8:22-25  GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
22 We know that all creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time.

 

23 However, not only creation groans. We, who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts, also groan inwardly. We groan as we eagerly wait for our adoption, the freeing of our bodies from sin. 24 We were saved with this hope in mind. If we hope for something we already see, it's not really hope. Who hopes for what can be seen? 25 But if we hope for what we don't see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Verse of the Day 12/15

 

1 Corinthians 6:20  You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

Last week in our youth group we talked about how many people look at their relationship with God as a transactional relationship.  If I do this for God, He will do something for me.  Quite often it goes way beyond this to the effect if I'm good, (and I'm the judge of that) God owes me something.  That is not how it is at all.

 

The important transaction that did take place is One sided, on God's side.  We celebrate it this season at Christmas as we think how "heaven came down" with the birth of Jesus Christ.  We celebrate it at Easter when we acknowledge that He rose from the grave as proof of the resurrecting power of God, and the forgiveness of sins that we have through His sacrifice.

 

When I heard that word transaction regarding our relationship to Christ, I remembered the hymn "Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul"sang so often as a kid in church.  I never thought of it as a Christmas song/hymn, but when you read the words below you will realize that it truly fits with the season.  The greatest gift in the world is offered to us if we will receive it.  The accepting of the gift, coming as a sinner is our only part in the transaction.  Having taken hold of it how can we help but praise Him when we think about the "preciousness" in which it was paid for.

 

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior made me whole;
My sins were washed away -
And my night was turned to day -
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

 

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's fam'ly divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer - He saved me, O praise His dear name!

 

 

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 Corinthians 6:19-20   Amplified Bible (AMP)
19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,
20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

Verse of the Day 12/13

John 9:5   As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."   English Standard Version (ESV) 

Today's verse comes from John 9 and speaks of Jesus as being the light of the world.  A fitting thought for the Christmas season.  It comes from a passage where Jesus heals a blind man who had been blind from birth.  The passage starts by saying that as Jesus passed by he "saw a  man blind from birth".  Unlike other healings that he had performed where people called out or reached out to Him, in this case Jesus saw the man.  He knew his situation and had compassion.

 

I just started reading John Piper's book "Disability and the Sovereign Goodness of God" where he deals with this passage at length.  He points out that the disciples were "engaged" because Jesus was engaged.  Having a son with a traumatic brain injury, I was struck by the following words that he wrote, "If you want to be one of the most remarkable kinds of human beings on the planet - a Jesus kind - see people with disabilities.  See them.  And move toward them.  God will show you what to say."

 

We attend a fairly large church with 3 services on Sunday.  Some feel that it is easy "get lost" or blend in with the crowd in a large church.  I don't find that to be the case, greatly because there are several people that are "a Jesus kind", they see Jeff and his disability move toward him and reach out to Him, give him a hug and talk to him.  When Jeff sees these people, his friends, his face just beams and he get so excited that he almost comes out of his chair.

 

In the hustle and bustle of this season, if you notice someone with a disability or special needs, "see them", move towards them and let God show you what to say.  You'll be a blessing to that person, you'll be Jesus to that person.   Others may become engaged because you are engaged.  Show that He is still in the world as the light of the world.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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John 9

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

³ "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. ⁴ As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

⁶ After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. ⁷ "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

Verse of the Day 12/12

 Matthew 2:10-11 When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy.   And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

We've been considering presents and presence.  Today's verses continue the theme.

 

My wife and I are looking forward to Christmas in a few weeks and the opportunity to spend it with much of our family, including our three grandchildren.  Speaking for Jean and I, we're not looking or expecting presents, but are eager and will experience joy in their presence.  I know for a fact that gifts to the children will follow, but they will be because we adore and treasure them.

 

Notice in the verses that the gifts followed the ecstatic joy of the star, the news, and the worship of the Christ child.  John Piper writes in "Good News of Great Joy" - "When you give a gift to Christ like this, it is a way of saying, 'the joy that I pursue is not the hope of getting rich with things from you.  I have not come for your things, but you yourself.  And this desire I now intensify and demonstrate by giving up things, in the hope of enjoying you more, not things.  By giving you what you do not need, and what I might enjoy, I am saying more earnestly and more authentically, "You are my treasure and not things." 

 

May we treasure our families, church family and friends, but most of all may we treasure Jesus Christ in this way this Christmas.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Matthew 2:9-11

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

 

Verse of the Day 12/11

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].   Amplified Bible (AMP)

 The Christmas season is one of joy, peace, hope and celebration.  But for many it is difficult to experience this due to illness, chronic pain, the loss of a loved one or job loss.  They are not interested in presents, they will not bring true joy.  They need encouragement and hope but where will they find it?

 

Pastor Greg Laurie in his daily devotional writes, "There are many who are in need of encouragement at this time of year. They don't need a Christmas present;   need His Christmas presence. They need to be reminded of what this season is all about. It is not about things. It is not about presents."

Today's verse is quoted in Matthew 1:23 in the New Testament story of Christmas.  Talk about a couple that needed hope that needed encouragement.  The circumstances leading up to their child's birth would have stressed out any couple.  But what a change took place when Jesus was born and came forth in their lives.  Not only did they receive a son, but God was with them.

 

May we focus less on presents and more on His presence this season.  May we do our best to share it and convey it to others that need hope and encouragement.  May they find it in Him.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Matthew 1:22-24

Amplified Bible (AMP)

²² All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet,

²³ Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us.

²⁴ Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife.

Verse of the Day 12/9

Verse of the Day 12/9

 

Galatians 4:3-5  We were once like children, slaves to the useless rules of this world. 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son who was born of a woman and lived under the law. 5 God did this so he could buy freedom for those who were under the law and so we could become his children.  New Century Version (NCV)

 

Many stories, especially children's stories or "fairy tales" begin with the line "once upon a time".  For me the words convey a sense of randomness or chance and that these things "just happened". 

 

In these verses the apostle Paul speaks in terms of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Other translations say  "in the "fullness of time".  It was at just the right time, the planned and ordained time set forth by God the Father for Him to reach down, send His Son to come near to us, to reach out to a lost mankind.  There is a sense of wonder and awe in this and it is at the forefront of our minds in this Christmas season.

 

In our personal lives, think of when the fullness of time or the right time when God came into your life.  It may not have seemed as supernatural as the story of Jesus birth, but it was miraculous in its own right.  God reached down through the Holy Spirit to breath new life into you.  If you can't relate to this, perhaps the right time is now. 

 

May we not be slaves to the "useless" rulers of this world .  May we instead live and experience the "thrill of hope" in this world this season.

 

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

Galatians 4:4-7  The Message (MSG)
4-7 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

Verse of the Day 12/7

 

Psalm 73:23-24 Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.  New International Version (NIV)

 

Today's devotional is dedicated to my Aunt Gladys who passed away yesterday.  She loved the Lord with her heart and her life. 

 

This season we celebrate Jesus as "Immanuel" , God with us.  He came to dwell for a time on this earth and then to dwell in our hearts to lead us in this life and when the time comes, to lead us to our Heavenly Father.

 

The verse fits well with what I believe was her favorite hymn which she asked to have sung to her in her final days.   Do the words ring true in your heart today?

 

Children of the heav'nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in Heaven
Such a refuge e'er was given.

 

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.

 

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

 

Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne'er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

 

Charles Spurgeon writes, "Seek to be better to your Master every day; be more generous to his cause, more active to labour for him, more kind to his people, more diligent in prayer; and take heed that as you grow in years you grow in grace, so that when you come at last to the river Jordan, and the Master shall give you the best wine, you may also give to him the best wine."

 

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  New International Version (NIV)

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 73:23-26 New International Version (NIV)
23 Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

 

Verse of the Day 12/6

 

Matthew 3:1-2   In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!"  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

Yesterday we considered a few of the lines from Matt Maher's song "Turn Around" , "if you're looking for a Savior all you gotta do is turn around".  In the Bible turning around means repentance.  The message of John the Baptist was to turn from the ways of the world and to look for the coming Savior.

 

In the Westminster Shorter Catechism, #87 we read, "the motive for repentance is not only sorrow for sin but also a sense of the mercy of God in Christ.  We have zero motivation to repent, unless we see the mercy of God awaiting us.  Not the slap of God, but the embrace of God.  Repentance is not just turning from sin, not even that primarily.  Repentance is primarily turning to God, moment by moment, because he has promised his mercy to the penitent."

 

In this Christmas season may we be turning to God moment by moment.  Instead of spending so much time looking for that perfect gift, competing with the crowds at the stores, why not spend more time thinking and worshipping God for the perfect gift that has already been given?  Pastor Greg Laurie writes, " the message of the season is not, "Let it snow" or even, "Let us shop." The real message of Christmas is, "Let us worship." That is what the wise men came to do. And that is what we should be doing as well."

 

We sing the hymn that says "come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the newborn King".  The call to come and worship is a call to turn to the newborn King this season.

 

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

Matthew 3
New International Version (NIV)  John the Baptist Prepares the Way

 

3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

 

"A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.'"

Verse of the Day 12/5

Psalm 23:6 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.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

Many people think of Psalm 23 in relation to funerals and death and wouldn't think of it as a celebration of Christmas.  Some translations say "surely goodness and mercy will follow me".  But the HCSB and a few others use the word "pursue".  When you think about it, in sending His Son Jesus, God the Father sent Him to pursue us with His faithful steadfast love, to save us, to be our Great Shepherd.

 

In many Bibles following Psalm 23 there is a heading for Psalm 24, King of Glory.  Reading that made me think of the Third Day Song, King of Glory, where we read or sing ".  Who is this King of Glory that pursues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing of His softly spoken words, My conscience, a reminder of forgiveness that I need. Who is this King of Glory who offers it to me?  His name is Jesus.

 

This Christmas Season, as with others, many will be walking around searching for meaning, searching for hope, searching for healing.   As I was walking and getting some exercise the other day I was listening to Matt Maher's song "Turn Around" and heard the following line.

 

If you're scared that you don't matter
If you're lost and need to be found
If you're looking for a Savior
All you gotta do is turn around

 

My hope and prayer is that those who are searching this season will "turn around" and find the Shepherd, Jesus, the Savior.  May we be instruments as individuals and through our churches or ministries to encourage or cause them to turn around and have their life renewed by the shepherd who will lead them to green pastures.

 

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 23  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Good Shepherd

A Davidic psalm.

 

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths
for His name's sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.
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.

Verse of the Day 12/4

 

2 Corinthians 4:6  For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).  Amplified Bible (AMP)

What makes light so powerful?  It changes the character of darkness.  What is hidden is revealed.  We can walk without stumbling.  We can see beauty that was previously hidden from our eyes.  We can see love in the face of a child as he or she smiles and lights up the room and our hearts.

 

One of the things that jumped out at me as I read the Amplified Bible translation and notes in parentheses, were the words to "beam forth".  They reminded me of our son Jeff.  When he sees a close friend or loved one his face just beams.  His smiles are like no other.  As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas may Christ "beam forth" in our hearts as we consider how God sent His Son Jesus, who stepped out into darkness and opened our hearts to see.

 

As you read the words to "Here I Am to Worship", think of them as "here, I AM, to worship" , "here, I AM, to bow down" and say that you are my God.  Focus on God, the great I AM.  Thank Him for the light that shines in your heart and hopefully in your smile.

 

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

 

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

 

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 4:5-7  Amplified Bible (AMP)
5 For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your servants (slaves) for Jesus' sake.
6 For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

Verse of the Day 12/2

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

What a message these verses bring to us in this season and in our lives today and through eternity.  God has given us the greatest gift ever, truly the gift that keeps on giving.  We look and hope for eternal life, this gift is about a new life that starts here and will continue into eternity with Him.  If we don't have Christ in our lives, we won't have life as it should be now or ever.  Sobering thoughts.

 

How can we have assurance?  We look back to verses 4 and 5 of this chapter.

 

1 John 5:4-5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?(ESV)

 

Our faith gives us the assurance.  It is not our faith, people can have faith in many things, it is Who our faith is in.  If our faith is in Christ and our lives are lived in that faith, our lives will give testimony to the fact that He is the One that gives life a life that overcomes. 

 

Faith is the Victory

 

To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv'n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav'n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus' conqu'ring Name.

 

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

 

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 John 5  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him. 2 This is how we know that we love God's children when we love God and obey His commands. 3 For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, 4 because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5 And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

The Certainty of God's Testimony

 

6 Jesus Christ—He is the One who came by water and blood, not by water only, but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the One who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 9 If we accept the testimony of men, God's testimony is greater, because it is God's testimony that He has given about His Son. 10 (The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him. The one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about His Son.) 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

 

12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life.

Verse of the Day 12/1

1 John 4:10-11 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

Tomorrow will mark the beginning of the Advent season.  It is a season of celebration, a season of joy, and as we've been considering it is a joy that "remains" for those who are in Christ.

 

Oftentimes we realize how much someone loves us by how much or how far they will "go out of their way" for us.  As we prepare our hearts for the Christmas season, stop and reflect for some time this weekend and think of how far out of His way Christ went for us.  I'm reminded of the Christmas hymn "There is Room in My Heart for Thee"

 

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

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

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

The wondrous thing about this love is that when we make room for it, there will be still more room for others, to love one another.  " If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:12
(HCSB)

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 John 4:9-12  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.

Verse of the Day 11/30

1 John 3:23-24 Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps His commands remains in Him, and He in him. And the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He has given us.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
 

Yesterday we considered some of what it means to remain in Him, to abide in Christ and have Him abiding in us.  Today's verse comes from the following chapter, 1 John 3 which continues the theme, the thought line.  Here we have three of the recurring features of this letter - believing, loving and obeying.

 

The person that remains or abides in Christ will give evidence, will testify of this in their words and actions in life.  What we truly believe will have an active role, no, should have a dominant role in our lives.  That believing is trusting, it involves some risk taking in loving others. This is one risk that will pay off with certain results.

 

John Piper writes, "A testimony is the presentation of evidence that should help a jury decide the truth of a claim.  A testimony is valuable to the degree that it can be counted as good evidence in deciding if a claim is true.  The evidence that the Holy Spirit presents to our own spirits and to the community is first of all the evidence of love.  The Spirit puts within us a humble heart of love and so gives evidence of his presence and power.  His testimony is the love he producess.  He bears witness to his presence by what he alone can produce - the overflow of joy in God that flows out to meet the needs of others."

 

May His presence produce this love for one another this day, this season, for His honor and glory.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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1 John 3:21-24  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

²¹ Dear friends, if our conscience doesn't condemn us, we have confidence before God ²² and can receive whatever we ask from Him because we keep His commands and do what is pleasing in His sight. ²³ Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps His commands remains in Him, and He in him. And the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He has given us.

Verse of the Day 11/29

1 John 2:24-25   What you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.   HCSB

There is a lot of talk these days about "green energy" and "sustainability" and "renewable energy".  It is a concept that should not be unfamiliar to a Christian, a Christ follower.  With solar power, as long as that solar panel is directed to the sun, as long as the sun comes up each day it will receive power, energy, it will remain productive.

 

This morning I read Psalm 51:12 in the NASB in which David prays,  ^"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." (NASB)
 For a time he had been disconnected from his power source during his time of sin with Bathsheba.  His desire was not just a restoration but one that would be sustained, would remain.

 

Today's New Testament reading in the read through the Bible plan came to 1 John 2.  3 times in the verses above and several more times in the chapter the HCSB quotes John as saying "remain".  It is about staying staying power, being renewed, remaining to be renewed, sustained in that newness of life which David referred to as a "right spirit" and the "joy of His salvation".

 

My prayer today would be that we would experience this today and that it would remain, be sustained in our hearts as we rely on His promises.  To do so we must be turned toward the Son and draw from His never ending supply.

 

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

1 John 2:24-27

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Remaining with God

²⁴ What you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. ²⁶ I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

²⁷ The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don't need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie; just as He has taught you, remain in Him.