Verse of the Day 7/31

Verse of the Day 7/31

 

Matthew 11:29-30 (AMP) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.  30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

 

I recently read Arthur Pink's "The Beatitudes" which begins with Matthew 5:3 (ESV)  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  Pink writes, "the one who is poor in spirit is nothing in his own eyes, and feels that his proper place is in the dust before God.  He may, through false teaching or worldliness, leave that place, but God knows how to bring him back.  And in His faithfulness and love He will do so, for the place of humble self abasement before God is the place of blessing for His children."

 

Today's verses reveal how we are to cultivate that God honoring spirit.  Take His yoke, in humility, learn from Him as you depend on Him.  Not many people would want to but put in a yoke, a harness.  They think that coming to Jesus would be too restrictive.  But the yoke that Christ has for us is one that has been custom fitted for us.  It won't chaff or irritate as long as we move along at His direction.  We won't even notice that it is there.

 

Are you in need of rest, as the Amplified Bible describes as "relief and ease and refreshment, recreation and blessed quietness"?   Are you willing to take on His yoke in order to obtain these, this yoke that is "not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant"?

 

Sometimes, perhaps alll too often,  its the trials of life that God uses to bring us back, to realize our need to come to Him.  Wherever you find yourself today, won't you "come to Him"?

 

Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
Blest assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea, He speaks peace to me,
And the billows cease to roll.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation (NLT)
28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Verse of the Day 7/30

Verse of the Day 7/30

 

1 Timothy 4:8(AMP) For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

 

The Olympics are now in full swing.  Athletes that have been training for years, some for their whole lives with this competition in mind, and now they'll find out if all this training has paid off.  It takes time and effort to be or become physically fit.  But how many of us are spiritually fit willing to put time and training into it?

 

Compared to these athletes punishing training schedules, what does our spiritual training regimen look like?  Paul is not unconcerned about physical well being but he is ultimately concerned over the church's spiritual condition, because, after all, the physical medals can't be taken with us forever but the results of our spiritual training will last through eternity.

 

Paul is encouraging, challenging, and reminding Timothy that fitness is not something easily achieved in the spiritual realm any easier than it is in the physical.  It is not for those who are looking for an easy life, to become fit by wearing some kind of special belt or sprinkling something on your food.  Sometimes it will require effort, where each step is a challenge, as if we're trying to scale Mt. Everest, short of breath and not sure that we can take that next step.

 

Paul challenges Timothy and us to take that next step in hope and faith looking forward in the hope of our calling and the promises of God.  We won't be standing on top of Mt. Everest, we'll be standing on the promises of God.

 

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

 

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

 

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 4:7-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers' tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit].
8 For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.
9 This saying is reliable and worthy of complete acceptance by everybody.

Verse of the Day 7/29

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (HCSB)  And in view of this, we always pray for you that our God will consider you worthy of His calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We've recently been considering the importance of prayer which involves at its core prayer for others.  Paul outlines here some of the things that we should be praying for on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  That they would behave consistent with their identity as "Christians".  That they would live up to their calling, encouraging and challenging them in their faith.  That their lives might demonstrate the goodness of Jesus Christ and that their lives would display powerful works of faith.

These things are not accomplished in our own power but through the power of Christ in us, by His grace imparted to us that the "name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by us, and us by Him."   Steve Green lays out the groundwork for our mission as those worthy of His calling in his song "The Mission"-

There's a call going out
Across the land in every nation
A call to those who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ
A call to true humility, to live our live responsibly
To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit
As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land
The message we're proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness
The offer of salvation to a dying race of man

Chorus:
To love the Lord our God
Is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street
Or around the world
The mission's still the same
Proclaim and live the Truth
In Jesus' name

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Thessalonians 1:10-12  The Message (MSG)
 5-10All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we've been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you.

 11-12Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.

Verse of the Day 7/29

Verse of the Day 7/29

 

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (HCSB)  And in view of this, we always pray for you that our God will consider you worthy of His calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

We've recently been considering the importance of prayer which involves at its core prayer for others.  Paul outlines here some of the things that we should be praying for on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  That they would behave consistent with their identity as "Christians".  That they would live up to their calling, encouraging and challenging them in their faith.  That their lives might demonstrate the goodness of Jesus Christ and that their lives would display powerful works of faith.

 

These things are not accomplished in our own power but through the power of Christ in us, by His grace imparted to us that the "name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by us, and us by Him."   Steve Green lays out the groundwork for our mission as those worthy of His calling in his song "The Mission"-

 

There's a call going out
Across the land in every nation
A call to those who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ
A call to true humility, to live our live responsibly
To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

 

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit
As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land
The message we're proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness
The offer of salvation to a dying race of man

 

Chorus:
To love the Lord our God
Is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street
Or around the world
The mission's still the same
Proclaim and live the Truth
In Jesus' name

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Thessalonians 1:10-12  The Message (MSG)
 5-10All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we've been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you.

 

 11-12Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.

Verse of the Day 7/28

1 Timothy 3:16  NLT 16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body
    and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
    and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
    and taken to heaven in glory.

I read this verse this morning in my devotional reading.  As I sat back and considered it for a time, I was astonished that I had never truly realized what a "gem" it truly is.  A gem has many cuts which reflect light at different angles showing off the gem's brilliance.  This verse can be looked at from many angles, all showing God's brilliance, the glory of the Gospel.

It speaks of the great mystery of our faith (NLT) which causes us to look back at the Old Testament which looked for and anticipated Jesus coming from Genesis, through Psalms, the prophets (major and minor).  They looked forward to the coming of the Messiah when He would be revealed to his people.  We look back to the New Testament, and how God was made manifest in Christ and the power and glory of God was put on display not only in Jesus Himself but in those who believed in Him and followed Him.

The context of the verse is the church of the living God, elsewhere called the bride of Christ.  Through the power of Christ in His church His power and glory continues to shine and spread through the world as we look for that "glorious appearing" of His second coming.

Take some time this weekend to think about the great mystery of your faith.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Timothy 3:14-16 New Living Translation (NLT)  The Truths of Our Faith

14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body
    and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
    and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
    and taken to heaven in glory.

Verse of the Day 7/28

Verse of the Day 7/28

 

1 Timothy 3:16  NLT 16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

 

Christ was revealed in a human body
    and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
    and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
    and taken to heaven in glory.

 

I read this verse this morning in my devotional reading.  As I sat back and considered it for a time, I was astonished that I had never truly realized what a "gem" it truly is.  A gem has many cuts which reflect light at different angles showing off the gem's brilliance.  This verse can be looked at from many angles, all showing God's brilliance, the glory of the Gospel.

 

It speaks of the great mystery of our faith (NLT) which causes us to look back at the Old Testament which looked for and anticipated Jesus coming from Genesis, through Psalms, the prophets (major and minor).  They looked forward to the coming of the Messiah when He would be revealed to his people.  We look back to the New Testament, and how God was made manifest in Christ and the power and glory of God was put on display not only in Jesus Himself but in those who believed in Him and followed Him.

 

The context of the verse is the church of the living God, elsewhere called the bride of Christ.  Through the power of Christ in His church His power and glory continues to shine and spread through the world as we look for that "glorious appearing" of His second coming.

 

Take some time this weekend to think about the great mystery of your faith.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Timothy 3:14-16 New Living Translation (NLT)  The Truths of Our Faith

 

14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

 

16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

 

Christ was revealed in a human body
    and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
    and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
    and taken to heaven in glory.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)  Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We've recently been considering several verses regarding prayer and how it is part of the call as Christians to seek, do and teach the gospel.

Today's verse is a challenge.  It won't come easy, in fact, you might say that it is impossible in our own strength.

I've recently read Milton Vincent's "Gospel Primer" in which I read the following quote from C.J. Mahaney, "Never be content with your current grasp of the gospel.  The gospel is life permeating, world altering, universe changing truth.  It has more facets than a diamond.  Its depths man will never exhaust."

Someone that rejoices always, in all circumstances, prays persistently and gives thanks in all circumstances is putting this life permeating gospel on display.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, such a life will be world altering and universe changing.  It may not be for the whole world or universe, but you can work on one persons world or universe at a time.  Who knows where it will lead?  God knows.

You may be the next Barnabas, (whose name means Son of encouragement), it was through his and Paul's work that people were first came to be known as Christians, "little Christ's", in Antioch (Acts 11:26).  They put today's verses into practice, which changed a town, and is still changing the world.

In Christ,
Mike

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;
20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.

Verse of the Day 7/27

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)  Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

We've recently been considering several verses regarding prayer and how it is part of the call as Christians to seek, do and teach the gospel.

 

Today's verse is a challenge.  It won't come easy, in fact, you might say that it is impossible in our own strength.

 

I've recently read Milton Vincent's "Gospel Primer" in which I read the following quote from C.J. Mahaney, "Never be content with your current grasp of the gospel.  The gospel is life permeating, world altering, universe changing truth.  It has more facets than a diamond.  Its depths man will never exhaust."

 

Someone that rejoices always, in all circumstances, prays persistently and gives thanks in all circumstances is putting this life permeating gospel on display.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, such a life will be world altering and universe changing.  It may not be for the whole world or universe, but you can work on one persons world or universe at a time.  Who knows where it will lead?  God knows.

 

You may be the next Barnabas, (whose name means Son of encouragement), it was through his and Paul's work that people were first came to be known as Christians, "little Christ's", in Antioch (Acts 11:26).  They put today's verses into practice, which changed a town, and is still changing the world.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;
20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.

Verse of the Day 7/25

Verse of the Day 7/25

 

Ezra 7:10(AMP)  For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord [to inquire for it and of it, to require and yearn for it], and to do and teach in Israel its statutes and its ordinances.

 

Notice the verbs, the action words in this verse.  Seek, do, and teach.

 

Prayer, which we've been considering for the past few days, is an important part, at the foundation of the process.  But that kind of prayer will lead to what we see in today's verse.

 

John MacArthur writes, " He studied before he attempted to live a life of obedience, and he studied and practiced the law in his own life before he opened his mouth to teach that law. But the success of Ezra's leadership did not come from his strength alone, but most significantly because "the good hand of his God [was] upon him" (7:9)."

 

Do you feel the need to seek, do and teach in your life or perhaps renew the process.  If so, it is because the good hand of the Lord may be upon you.

 

Seek the Lord in prayers and His word, do what He says, and teach it as you live it out in your life.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Ezra 7:9-11Amplified Bible (AMP)
9 On the first of the first month he started out from Babylon, and on the first of the fifth month he arrived in Jerusalem, for upon him was the good hand of his God.
10 For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord [to inquire for it and of it, to require and yearn for it], and to do and teach in Israel its statutes and its ordinances.
11 Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe [occupied with] the words of the commands of the Lord and of His statutes to Israel:

Verse of the Day 7/24

2 Chronicles 7:14 (AMP)   If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

 

Yesterday we considered how Paul challenged Timothy and us to pray for all people, starting with our leaders.  Today's verse is a reminder of what can happen if the people of a nation would, as a nation pray to God.  The Amplified Bible lives up to its name in today's verse in regards to prayer and seeking God's face.  Pray, seek, crave and require of necessity.  The writer of 2 Chronicles, like Paul in the New Testament gets to the heart of the matter and it is a matter of the heart.

 

How often do we start a prayer by humbling ourselves?  Perhaps we give thanks, praise God, and then go into our lists of wants and desires.  But this praying, seeking, craving, and repenting comes from someone that knows they are dependent on God.  It is a hungry heart.  A hunger unfulfilled in the morning will stay with you all day.  You may be distracted for a time, but when things settle down the hunger pangs are there to remind you of your craving.

 

Getting back to praying for our leaders, these verses have been humbling for me.  I've spent way too much time criticizing and complaining about our leaders and little time, virtually none, praying for them.  That needs to change.  I need to be praying for our leaders and our nation that they and we would seek Him in prayer, change our ways and that He would heal our land.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Chronicles 7:13-15  Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,
14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place.

Verse of the Day 7/23

1 Timothy 2:1-2(NLT) I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

 

After completing the introductions of this letter to Timothy, Paul launches into his instructions for the young pastor.  Note, it wasn't about developing new programs, it wasn't about reorganizing the structure of the church.  It was about prayer and the call didn't start with praying about themselves, it was about "all people", from kings and rulers on down.  This process would put them in the right frame of mind to live with the right perspective and that they would lead godly lives with dignity.

 

In his study Bible, John MacArthur writes, that the key word "Godly indicates "that there needed to be a call back to holy living, which had been negatively affected by the false doctrine. Godliness refers to having the proper attitude and conduct before God in everything; dignified can be translated as "moral earnestness", and refers to holy behavior before men."

 

Prayer is of first importance.  Prayer changes people.  Prayer leads to doing the right thing.  Prayer can lead to dignity and civility.  Don't we need more of that in our homes, churches and government?

 

Our Pastor Fil's message yesterday was on prayer and at the end of the service everyone was given a note card about "How to do a 30 Day Experiment:.  It involved deciding what to pray for; finding prayer partners; praying every day; listening; having an open mind; and reviewing the results.  It is a good challenge for all of us.  I would start with Paul's call to Timothy, "first of all, to pray for all people".

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Timothy 2:1-2 The Message (MSG)

Simple Faith and Plain Truth

 

 1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

Verse of the Day 7/21

1 Timothy 1:16 (NCV) But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever.

 

In this passage Paul takes us to the heart of the "good news", the gospel, that there is salvation for sinners, even the worst.  When Paul mentions the worst, he is not looking down at others he is looking within himself, his past, his nature.  When you read through this passage you should be amazed, as Paul was, at what God has in store for someone like him, like us.  Take a look at the words Paul uses to describe what he has experienced - God's mercy, grace, faith , love, and patience. Not only that but think about Paul's life and the circumstances that he has been through, stoning, shipwreck, spending time in prison, his thorn in the flesh and constantly being under personal attack.

 

Paul had been "zealous" for God in his own power when as Saul he had persecuted the very people that he now serves.  God chose to show patience toward him that all might see it.   Commentator Dick France writes "you could hardly have a more convincing testimony to God's love and power than this "poacher" turned "gamekeeper".  Its a remarkable statement worthy of some thought.  Picture a big game hunter out for trophies who becomes the biggest proponent for conservation and the welfare of the animals that he used to hunt.  It is an example of what the power of Christ did in him and what he can do in us if we are willing to let him transform us.

 

Fill thou my life, O Lord God,

in every part with praise;

that my whole being may proclaim

thy being and thy ways.   - Horatius Bonar

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Timothy 1:12-17 New Century Version (NCV)

 

 Thanks for God's Mercy
 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him.13 In the past I spoke against Christ and persecuted him and did all kinds of things to hurt him. But God showed me mercy, because I did not know what I was doing. I did not believe.14 But the grace of our Lord was fully given to me, and with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
 15 What I say is true, and you should fully accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.16 But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever.17 To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Verse of the Day 7/20

 1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)  The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

 I would imagine that most of those who read these devotionals go to church and are also involved in some kind of Bible study, small group or other activity where learning about God and His Word is at the core of the activity.  In today's verse from Paul's letter to the young Pastor Timothy he lays out some ground work for his ministry.  Paul is concerned about and wants those who teach to be concerned about how people live.  It is not simply head knowledge that he is trying to convey.

 

Take another look at these words - love, a pure heart, clear conscience and genuine faith.  This love is of choice and of the will, it is a sacrificial, caring and hoping love.  A pure heart is an undivided, devoted heart.  A clear conscience is one that doesn't have to look back over the shoulder for sins that are following you, trying to entangle you and take you down.  Genuine faith trusts God, clings to and seeks Him in good times and in adversity and as The Message puts it (below) "is open to God..  As you are being taught or as you teach are these things goals in that teaching and are these goals being achieved?

 

May you "be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith" and do your best to pass it on to others.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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1 Timothy 1:5-7 The Message (MSG)

 ^5-7The whole point of what we're urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

Verse of the Day 7/19

Titus 2:13(AMP) Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Do you remember ordering something by mail order when you were a child and watching and waiting, day by day for it to arrive?  I remember ordering a Sports Illustrated Baseball Game.   Day by day I'd get home from school and ask to see if it had arrived.  Apparently it got "lost in the mail" and it took months to arrive.  Once it did arrive I spent hours and hours playing the game, though is still wonder if it was worth the wait.

 

Do we look towards heaven with the same degree of waiting and looking?

 

 C. S. Lewis wrote, "A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do."

Having gone through trials, struggles, challenges, whatever you want to call them in life, it makes all the difference in the world having the future hope in Christ.  It helps us through those times now knowing that those blessed hopes will come true, hopes for restoration, in body, soul and spirit and more than these, His glorious appearing.  This will not be for a period of time but for eternity.  There will be no question that it was worth the wait.

 

Perhaps you remember singing this song as a child or teaching it to your children.  Does it help remind you of your hope?

 

Heaven is a wonderful place,

Filled with glory and grace,

I want to see my Savior's face,

Because heaven is a wonderful place.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Titus 2:11-13New King James Version (NKJV)  Trained by Saving Grace

¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Verse of the Day 7/19

Matthew 12:19-20(ESV)  He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
²⁰ a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;

In today's verses Jesus quotes Isaiah's prophecy about Himself.  It tells of some of the qualities of the true spiritual leader, the Good Shepherd.  What a far cry it is compared to those who desire to become the leaders of our nation.

All you hear is mud slinging with venom and malice towards one another and the opposing party.

 

I'd like to share a few quotes from a political leader of another time:

 

"While others are disputing, let us be growing.  This will be the best way to convince those who you find will not be convinced any other way."

"I lose nothing by being quiet and leaving all to Him."  - George Whitefield quoted by Arnold Gallimore's biography of Whitefield.

 

Reeds sway in the wind but a bruised reed is fragile, it has been nicked or damaged and when the wind blows it will no longer bend but break.  The smoldering wick is also fragile.  The flame has gone out, only a tiny ember remains.  It won't take much to snuff it out.  Our nation is fragile at this point.  We need the kind of leader who will rekindle the flame who will allow the bruised reed to heal.

 

"With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."  - Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address.
 

The leader that we need is Jesus.

Blessings,
Mike
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Matthew 12:15-21 (ESV) God's Chosen Servant

¹⁵ Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all ¹⁶ and ordered them not to make him known. ¹⁷  This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸  "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
    my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
²⁰ a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
²¹      and in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Verse of the Day 7/17

Joshua 7:13 (NIV)  "Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, 'Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.

 

What is it that keeps us from a right relationship to God, to loved ones and friends?  There are other things that "steal" our attention our devotion from the things that truly matter.  Joshua was calling for the people to consecrate themselves, set themselves apart for God.  To do so would mean putting away, even more than that, destroying those idols that stood in the way of a right relationship with God.

 

The same holds true in our personal relationships.  There are things that we may want to hold onto that get in the way of a right relationship and that relationship will not be right until those things are removed.  Once they are, things will come back into order.

 

In my devotions this morning I read the following verse in Proverbs 21 that illustrated today's verse and showed the benefits of it.

 

Proverbs 21:21(HCSB) The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

 

Righteousness involves being in right standing before God.  Seeking "good standing" in that relationship will carry over into all others.  It is the root of faithful love.  The one who finds that finds life, life as it should be, right standing before God and your loved ones, and honor.

 

Are we willing to remove those things that stand in the way?

Blessings,
Mike
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Joshua 7:10-13The Message (MSG)

 ^10-12 God said to Joshua, "Get up. Why are you groveling? Israel has sinned: They've broken the covenant I commanded them; they've taken forbidden plunder—stolen and then covered up the theft, squirreling it away with their own stuff. The People of Israel can no longer look their enemies in the eye—they themselves are plunder. I can't continue with you if you don't rid yourselves of the cursed things.

 ¹³ "So get started. Purify the people. Tell them: Get ready for tomorrow by purifying yourselves. For this is what God, the God of Israel, says: There are cursed things in the camp. You won't be able to face your enemies until you have gotten rid of these cursed things.

Verse of the Day 7/16

Isaiah 64:4 (NKJV) For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.

We've considered recently what it means to have God with us, and going before us, leading and guiding us through life.  Today's verse from Isaiah gives us more to consider.  The reality of God, His oneness and the fact that He acts for those that "wait" for or upon Him.

 

In Pastor Jeremy's message yesterday he touched on some of the attributes of God.  God is a loving ruler (Genesis 1-2), God is a just judge (Gen. 3-4), God is a faithful rescuer (Gen.3- the gospels) and that God is the ultimate Restorer (Acts - Revelation).  This is the same God that we read and learn of from Genesis to Revelation who is for us, who "acts" for us, on our behalf, for His glory.

 

Pastor John Piper concludes a message on this passage with : "When circumstances arise in which you feel that something must be done, for safety or for service, wait for the Lord, and he will work for you. First, pray, seek his counsel, submit to his wisdom and power. Second, if he says to be still, then leave it all in his hands, trusting his supernatural involvement in the situation. I don't mean laziness or shirking of duty. I mean that when you are most prepared, most capable, most primed for battle, and think that most hangs on you, he may say, "Stay home, be quiet, pray, and watch me act." Third, if the Lord says, "Prepare, train, work, fight, argue, struggle," even then maintain that humble reliance on the Lord. Have a spirit of expectancy that, though your labors are shabby, the final issue is the Lord's, and he loves to work for people who wait for him. "

We all face different challenges.  In your struggle, are you, am I, preparing, training, working, fighting, even arguing to maintain a "humble reliance" on the Lord?   It is not an idle "wait".

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Isaiah 64:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

64 Oh, that You would rend the heavens!
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence—
² As fire burns brushwood,
As fire causes water to boil—
To make Your name known to Your adversaries,
That the nations may tremble at Your presence!
³ When You did awesome things for which we did not look,
You came down,
The mountains shook at Your presence.
⁴ For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.

Verse of the Day 7/15

Jeremiah 9:24 (AMP)  But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.

 

Many translations use the word "boast" instead of glories in the beginning of the verse.  The meaning is the same, but in today's society we recognize and understand and see  "boasting" on display in front of us constantly, especially in this political season.  We see politicians boasting about what they have done and about what they will do.  It was not to be so with God's people, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament.  Paul echoed this sentiment a couple of time to the church in Corinth.

 

The Amplified Bible spells out what "knowing" God means - "personally, practically" and that God knows and recognizes our character.  We have nothing to boast about that He doesn't know the truth about.

 

Theologian D. A. Carson writes, "there is nothing in the universe more important to human beings than to know the Lord (Jer. 9:24a). He is God, not we; he is the Creator, not we; he exercises providential rule, not we. He is the Self-Existent, and we are derived and dependent. He inhabits eternity; we are restricted to our very small segment of time. He is utterly holy and glorious; we are massively contaminated by dirt, and stand under his judgment. But we may know him! That is the only thing truly worth "boasting" about. "

 

This attitude, this frame of mind is one that God can work with to achieve His purposes.  It is echoed in the pre chorus of a current praise song  "King of All Days".

 

Lord of the heavens
King of all days
Without You my world slips away
Redeemed by Your mercy
Consumed by Your grace
Now I live for You

 

May we boast/glory in Him as we live for 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

Jeremiah 9:23-24 New Living Translation (NLT)
23 This is what the Lord says:
"Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom,
    or the powerful boast in their power,
    or the rich boast in their riches.
24 But those who wish to boast
    should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord
    who demonstrates unfailing love
    and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

Verse of the Day 7/14

Verse of the Day 7/14

 

2 Chronicles 20:9 (NLT) They said, 'Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.'

 

Yesterday we considered how we are called to "take our positions", to take our stand, in faith, trusting in God, knowing that He is for us and He is with us.  Today's verses come earlier in that same chapter.  This stand is one of the great ones in the Old Testament.  King Jehosephat called on his God when facing impossible odds.  He took his stand and encouraged his people to do likewise.  He wasn't looking back and casting blame for the circumstances but looked forward, looked to God for deliverance.

 

John MacArthur writes, "the king and the nation appealed to God in prayer and fasting. The fast was national, including even the children (v. 13). Jehoshaphat stood in the redecorated center court praying for the nation, appealing to the promises, the glory, and the reputation of God which were at stake since He was identified with Judah (vv. 5–12). In his prayer he acknowledged God's sovereignty (v. 6), God's covenant (v. 7), God's presence (vv. 8, 9), God's goodness (v. 10), God's possession (v. 11), and their utter dependence on Him (v. 12)."

 

We can look back at others in the Bible, other leaders in history, leaders in this country who have made similar calls, and asked for the people to do the same.  We as individuals need to take a stand so that our nation can also take a stand.  We are not trusting in a temple itself, but God, through Jesus Christ, our deliverer.  When we call out to Him in our trials we are taking our stand.  We should acknowledge His sovereignty, covenant, presence, goodness and our dependence on Him.  When He delivers us we will stand amazed, in His presence.

 

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

 

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: "Not My will, but Thine."
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

 

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

 

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for 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 Chronicles 20:5-9  New Living Translation (NLT)
5 Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. 6 He prayed, "O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 7 O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. 9 They said, 'Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.'

Verse of the Day 7/13

Verse of the Day 7/13

 

2 Chronicles 20:17(HCSB)  You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.'"

 

Yesterday's verse told us that in Christ "we are overcomers" and that we all, as Christians, have God, have Jesus for us, with us in all our trials and struggles.

 

Today's verse spoke to me in relation to this.  The verse ends with Yahweh, the LORD is with us.  He is with us and goes before us.  The key question is are we "positioning" ourselves with Him?  It involves seeking Him in prayer, waiting expectantly on Him, and doing what He calls us to do.

 

Spurgeon's evening devotional verse for last night was Psalm 56:9  "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me."  Spurgeon writes about what this meant to him and means for us : "He has been "for us" in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within--how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if he had not been "for us"? He is "for us," with all the infinity of his being; with all the omnipotence of his love; with all the infallibility of his wisdom; arrayed in all his divine attributes, he is "for us,"--eternally and immutably "for us"; "for us" when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; "for us" throughout eternity. And because he is "for us," the voice of prayer will always ensure his help."

 

He has been for us and with us in the past.  He promises to be with us today in our struggles.  Will we position ourselves with Him in the battle?

 

"Jesus, lover of my soul,
 Let me to Thy bosom fly,
 While the nearer waters roll,
 While the tempest still is high.

 

 Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
 Till the storm of life is past;
 Safe into the haven guide;
 Oh, receive my soul at last.

 

 Other refuge have I none,
 Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
 Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
 Still support and comfort me.

 

 All my trust on Thee is stayed,
 All my help from Thee I bring;
 Cover my defenseless head
 With the shadow of Thy wing."  Charles Wesley

 

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 Chronicles 20:14-17  The Message (MSG)
 14-17 Then Jahaziel was moved by the Spirit of God to speak from the midst of the congregation. (Jahaziel was the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah the Levite of the Asaph clan.) He said, "Attention everyone—all of you from out of town, all you from Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat—God's word: Don't be afraid; don't pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God's war, not yours. Tomorrow you'll go after them; see, they're already on their way up the slopes of Ziz; you'll meet them at the end of the ravine near the wilderness of Jeruel. You won't have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm, Judah and Jerusalem, and watch God's saving work for you take shape. Don't be afraid, don't waver. March out boldly tomorrow—God is with you."

Verse of the Day 7/12

1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)  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?

 

My heart was heavy last night and this morning over concerns for family and friends that are facing all kinds of challenges in their lives.  From chronic pain, to fighting cancer, and on to financial and relational concerns.  It seems almost overwhelming.  I needed to read, to hear, to accept these verses this morning.  In all of these things (think of the end of the chapter in Romans 8) Jesus is with us, God is for us, and the Holy Spirit guides us.

 

We all, as Christians, have God, have Jesus for us, with us in all our struggles, all of life's challenges.  We have a heritage of being overcomers.  Think of the rich history throughout the Bible, through history and in our families how God has established us as overcomers.

 

John MacArthur, in the notes in my study Bible, writes "the overcomers are believers - all of them.  The word for overcomes or overcomers comes from a Greek word meaning "to conquer", to "have victory", to "have superiority", or "conquering power".  The word reflects a genuine superiority that leads to overwhelming success.  The victory is demonstrable; it involves overthrowing an enemy so that the victory is seen by all."

 

We need not be overwhelmed in our circumstances, we are to be overcomers, with God leading to an overwhelming victory.

 

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 5:1-5 (ESV)  Overcoming the World

 

5  Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 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?

Verse of the Day 7/11

Genesis 17:7 (ESV) And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

 

I read this passage in Genesis 17 this morning about the God's covenant with Abraham.  Having just come back from a baptism, the thoughts of future generations following God is fresh on my mind.  As a Christian, that should be our hearts desire for God "to be God" of the future generations and that God would bless them and that they in turn would be a blessing to others.

 

My thoughts went back to God's call to Abram back in Genesis 12.  God had a plan for him and promised blessing to Abram and to future generations of his offspring that would follow Him.

 

Genesis 12:3 (HCSB)  I will bless those who bless you,
I will curse those who treat you with contempt,
and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.

 

May our prayer be "Make Me a Blessing" to future generations of our spiritual family.

 

Out in the highways and byways of life,
many are weary and sad;
are weary and sad
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life
out of my life
May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,
I pray Thee, my Savior,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

 

 Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
His pow'r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev'ry moment you live.

 

Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.

 

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

Genesis 17:4-8(ESV)
4 "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God."

Verse of the Day 7/10

1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)  "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

 

As I mentioned on Sunday, our granddaughter Ava was baptized on Sunday.  It is a tradition, it is a sacrament that is thousands of years old.  But it is more than simply a tradition.  The ceremony is one of dedication, of setting one apart for God.  Images from the Old Testament come to mind.  We don't know what Ava will become, but as a family we are setting her apart, devoting her, devoting ourselves to her relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

From today's "Tabletalk"devotional I read the following: "we must never think of baptism and the Lord's Supper as empty rites.  We cannot understand everything that happens in baptism, for who understands every facet of any of God's works?  But we can expect the Spirit to bless us in a special way that helps us in our Christian growth.  If you are a Christian, the Spirit works in you when you witness the baptism of others."

 

The service was beautiful as family members and friends were able to lay their hands on Ava's head and convey a blessing or a prayer.  Vows were given, sacred solemn, yet joyful vows that she be raised and encouraged and take these things to heart in faith and grow in her faith. 

 

It was a reminder for us and it this verse should be a reminder to you that you have been cleansed, your sins forgiven, you have been set apart for an eternal purpose, and you've been put in right standing before God in the name of the Lord Jesus through His life, death and resurrection.  We cannot fully understand all of this, but let us expect the Spirit to "bless us today in a special way that helps us in our Christian growth."

 

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

Titus 3:5-7 (MSG)
 3-8 It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.

Verse of the Day 7/8

John 1:16 (AMP) For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.

 

Today our family celebrates our granddaughter Ava's baptism, her family's act of dedicating her to the Lord.  It is a special time and I know that both sides of her family are dedicated to bring her up in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

 

F.B. Meyer in "The Blessed Life" writes, "Our Lord Jesus is the perfect resevoir of everything the soul of man requires for a blessed and holy life.  To:

make much of Him

abide in Him,

draw from Him,

receive each moment from the fullness of His grace - si therefore the only condition of soul health." 

 

Our prayer for Ava is that she will know, experience and treasure this grace upon grace, and to make much of, abide in, and draw it from her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We are dedicated to her soul's health.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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John 1:14-17 (ESV)

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ ( John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") ¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.^{[a] 17} For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Verse of the Day 7/6

Hebrews 10:23-24  (ESV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

 

Yesterday we looked at verses in Ezekiel 36 and Psalm 51 which spoke of having a new heart, a clean heart with a desire to have a willing spirit to do the works that God would have us to do.

I read today's verses in Hebrews which speak of holding on to that confession that desire for the clean, new heart.  This passage also speaks of "having our hearts sprinkled" from an evil conscience and being washed with pure water.

 

Again it doesn't come automatically, there is no easy button.   We need to hold on.  This holding on, this  perseverance of the saints, John MacArthur writes "is the human side of eternal security.  It is not something done to maintain salvation, but is rather evidence of salvation".  It doesn't waver through the course, through the challenges in this life.  It is only possible because "he who promised is faithful."  Having this thought in our minds should give us hope, should challenge us to stir up or as the NIV states "spur one another on" to works and good deeds.

 

Think of someone who is in need of encouragement today.  How might you stir, or spur them on today?

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Hebrews 10:19-25  (NIV1984) A Call to Persevere

 

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Verse of the Day 7/5

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (AMP)  A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall heed My ordinances and do them.

 

Yesterday we celebrated our independence at the same time celebrating our dependence on God to sustain us.  Today's verses tell us how that independence from sin and dependence on God is achieved in our lives.  The preceding verse in Ezekiel speaks of "sprinkling" clean water on us, cleansing us from all of our idols, the same idols that deceive and capture our hearts.  Reading these verses brings to mind David and his confession and plea in Psalm 51:

 

Psalm 51:10 ESV  Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
11  Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

 

John MacArthur writes, "The "heart" stands for the whole nature.  The "spirit" indicates the governing power of the mind which directs thought and conduct.  A heart of stone is stubborn and self-willed.  A heart of flesh is pliable and responsive.  The evil inclination is removed and a new nature replaces it."

 

Who has the "governing power" over your life?

 

Jesus Christ has the power to renew, restore, refresh and uphold us with a willing spirit.  May we seek that and call for it as David did.  What a difference it will make in our lives.

 

"I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands"  Ezekiel 36:27-27 The Message

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Ezekiel 36:26-27
The Message (MSG)
 24-28 "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God!

Verse of the Day 7/4

Verse of the Day 7/4

 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (HCSB)  You will keep the mind that is dependent on You
in perfect peace,
for it is trusting in You.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
because in Yah, the Lord, is an everlasting rock!

 

Today our nation celebrates it's independence, when we set ourselves free from oppression and tyranny.  As Christians we have also been set free, free from the power, the tyranny of sin over our lives. 

 

Galatians 5:1 (HCSB) Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery. 

 

As a nation we'd never want to go back to the former position, we treasure our freedoms, including the freedom to worship our God.  As Christians we should never want to go back to being slaves to sin that so easily "entangles" us and tries to drag us down. 

 

The two verses that I've quoted go together.  We have been liberated and set free, but we don't sit back and relax.  We have to take a stand, we have to defend our freedoms.  We trust in our nation to take that stand, realizing that our nation depends on God.  As individuals we've been set free but remain dependent upon God, we trust in God, to enable us to stand firm, never again to submit to the yoke of slavery, the slavery of sin.

 

The words from today's verse were part of a song, read the Read some of the words to the Steven Curtis Chapman song "Declaration of Dependence".  As we celebrate our nation's independence, may we as Christians also celebrate our dependence on the One who has set us free.

 

And I know this is how my life was meant to be
I was made for this dependency
On the one who has created me
So I'll sing my declaration song
For the one I am depending on
And I hope you'll sing along

 

This is my declaration of dependence
This is my declaration of my need
This is my declaration of dependence
On the one who gave His life to me

 

 

Isaiah 26:3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
4 So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].  Amplified Bible

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Isaiah 26:1-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
26 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; [the Lord] sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates, that the [uncompromisingly] righteous nation which keeps her faith and her troth [with God] may enter in.
3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
4 So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].