Verse of the Day 8/31

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!   Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

As I mentioned earlier this week, our church celebrated baptism this past weekend.  It is a public declaration that we are in Christ and Christ is in us.  Many things that I've read this week have expanded upon what it means to be in Christ.  The Amplified Bible does just this at the beginning of the verse.  If we are truly in Christ we are "ingrafted", we have become part of the vine, drawing our life giving power from Him.  We can become channels of His love, power and grace.

 

In a recent blog post, Pastor John Piper lists some of the things that we have in Christ:

 

If you are "in Christ" listen to what it means for you:

 

In Christ Jesus you were given grace before the world was created. 2 Timothy 1:9, "He gave us grace in Christ Jesus before the ages began."
In Christ Jesus you were chosen by God before creation. Ephesians 1:4, "God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world."
In Christ Jesus you are loved by God with an inseparable love. Romans 8:38–39, "I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In Christ Jesus you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins. Ephesians 1:7, "In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses."
In Christ Jesus you are justified before God and the righteousness of God in Christ is imputed to you. 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
In Christ Jesus you have become a new creation and a son of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Galatians 3:26, "In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."
In Christ Jesus you have been seated in the heavenly places even while he lived on earth. Ephesians 2:6, "God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
In Christ Jesus all the promises of God are Yes for you. 2 Corinthians 1:20, "All the promises of God find their Yes in Christ."
In Christ Jesus you are being sanctified and made holy. 1 Corinthians 1:2, "To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus."
In Christ Jesus everything you really needed will be supplied. Philippians 4:19, "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

 

Pick one or two of these things, these verses and meditate on what you have, who you are "in 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 5:16-18  English Standard Version (ESV)
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

Verse of the Day 8/30

2 Peter 1:10-11 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  English Standard Version (ESV)

Yesterday we considered sound doctrine, sound living, and sound speech.  Today's verse starts off with therefore.  We must start with what it is there for.  The passage tells us what we must add to our faith, things that lead to and promote sound doctrine, sound living and sound speech.  These things include but aren't limited to knowledge, self control, virtue and more in verses 3-7.  Peter is driving home the point that true Christians will act like Christians.

 

This diligence is not just for a period of time or a stage in life, but for all of our life.  We are running the race, a marathon, and it takes diligence to press on to the end.  Paul encourages us to not only run but run to win.

 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

 

Reading those words of "there is in store for me a crown" made me think of the chorus to the old hymn "The Old Rugged Cross".

 

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

 

May we cling to the sound doctrine and teaching of the cross of Christ.  May we be diligent in confirming our faith.  May we strive. ,make "every effort" (v.5 below), to run this marathon for the crown.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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

2 Peter 1:5-11  New International Version (NIV)

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

 

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Verse of the Day 8/29

Titus 2:1-2 But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].
2 Urge the older men to be temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, and in the steadfastness and patience [of Christ].  (AMP)

 

Yesterday I quoted the old hymn "Living for Jesus" which starts out with "living for Jesus a life that is true".  In my devotions this morning I read Titus 2:1-10.  Three times in that span of verses the word "sound " popped out.  The word literally means healthy.  It also makes me think of something that is solid, trustworthy and dependable.  Reading in the Amplified Bible it says that this involves "right living that identifies true Christians".  Would that describe our lives?

 

In the passage "sound" is used in conjunction with our doctrine, the foundation of our faith and what we believe in.  If we hold true to our beliefs and live by them in faith we can live sensible, self controlled lives, sound in the love, steadfastness and patience of Christ.(v.2).  Then in verse 8 it points out that our speech will be sound as well.

 

Its another one of those sobering passages that cause us, or should cause us to step back and take a look at our lives, at my life, to see how we are doing.  May we pray to hold to the things mentioned here and for the grace to get rid of the things that may be in the way of our doing so.

 

I'll finish with the final two stanzas of "Living for Jesus". 

 

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

 

 Titus 2:7  But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane.  (MSG)

 

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 2:1-8The Message (MSG) A God-Filled Life

 

 1-6Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.
 7-8But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.

Verse of the Day 8/28

Romans 6:11(ESV)  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

 

Over the weekend our church held its annual baptism service at a nearby lake.  In my devotions this morning I read from Romans 6:1-14.  It is a wonderful passage relating to baptism and what it means to the Christian.  Some of the words commonly used in believers baptism services come from Romans 6:4 " We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (ESV).

 

Have you experienced this "newness of life?  It is a spring in your step, joy in your heart, and hope for the future.  There is a heightened awareness to what is going on around you, your senses are operating as they should.  Fears, doubts and anxieties have been relieved, cast away.  It does not come naturally or easily, we must "consider" our standing, our place in Christ.  It is not living a new life for ourselves, we are alive to God, to serve Him and take joy in His purposes.

 

Several old hymns came to mind.  I'll close with the words to "Living for Jesus" which I probaby quote several times a year.

 

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

 

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 6:4-11 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

 

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Verse of the Day 8/27

Ezra 7:10 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. Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

My personal read through the Bible plan recently brought me to Ezra and will then go to Nehemiah.  God, working through these chosen servants can be seen as the "true and faithful scribe" and the "rebuilder of broken walls and lives".

 

The nation of Israel had fallen into disarray and many had been deported after the nation followed other gods and practices which led to their downfall and defeat to foreign nations.  The two books I've mentioned have to do with God's restoration of the city, the lives of His people, and proper worship.

 

Today's verse gives us an indication of the heart of one who God chose to be His instrument in getting things rolling.  His heart was set on the Lord, yearning for increased knowledge, desiring to be obedient to Him, and teaching others to do the same.  This yearning would also involve prayer.  Prayer would be the key ingredient in Nehemiah's work in the book to follow

 

If there is to be a revival in our country the same things will be required.  Those who will inquire of God, require and yearn for His guidance and will be faithful to teach His Word and those who will lead others in prayer, seeking His will, seeking His heart as they rebuild their walls and lives.

 

Has God been at work in your life, rebuilding it?  If so, may you seek Him diligently, and as you have opportunity, teach others and lead them to pray for restoration in our day.

 

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

Ezra 7:9-11The Message (MSG)

 8-10 They arrived at Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king's reign. Ezra had scheduled their departure from Babylon on the first day of the first month; they arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month under the generous guidance of his God. Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways.

 

11 What follows is the letter that King Artaxerxes gave Ezra, priest and scholar, expert in matters involving the truths and ways of God concerning Israel:

Verse of the Day 8/23

Proverbs 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.  (NIV1984) 
 

The verse from Revelation 2 on Tuesday dealt with the church in Ephasus leaving, walking away from and abandoning "first love".  Today's verse from Proverbs 3 encourages, challenges and exhorts us to hold onto and not let it go.  This can apply to the church and also to our personal lives, our personal "love".  The ESV refers to this love as a steadfast love.  One that hold up, one that clings, one that forgives and forgets.

 

Don't let it leave you, don't allow yourself to be distracted, tempted and deceived.  Treasure it as a precious jewel around your neck. 

 

Writing on the tablet of your heart gives the impression of inscribing something on a stone tablet.  We recently walked through a cemetery in Wilmington NC.  Some of the graves were over two hundred years old.   Words of love were still legible after 2 hundred years of harsh weather, storms and even acid rain.  May our love endure as such, withstanding the storms of live, lasting beyond this life, beyond a couple of hundred years to eternity.

 

The pathway to doing this is summed up in the verses that follow, it starts with trusting in the Lord, with all your heart.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make your paths straight. (NIV1984)

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Proverbs 3:1-6 English Standard Version (ESV)Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

3  My son, do not forget my teaching,
     but let your heart keep my commandments,
² for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.

³ Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
     bind them around your neck;
     write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ So you will find favor and good success^[a]
    in the sight of God and man.

⁵  Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths

Verse of the Day 8/21

Revelation 2:3-4  I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. ⁴ But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].  Amplified Bible (AMP)

In this passage Jesus is speaking to the church at Ephasus but just as well could be speaking to many modern day churches.  The passage starts with a commendation on how they have endured hardship and persevered.  But churches and individuals can become distracted and lose focus of the important things.  The Amplified translation captures this, it is a process of abandonment, deserting, walking away from God.

 

In a recent devotional Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "Jesus did not tell them they lost their first love. You don't lose it; you leave it. If you lose something, you don't know where it is. Hence, it is lost. I lose stuff all of the time. But leaving is different. If I leave something, I know where it is. Therefore, I can come back to it. If I lose something, however, I don't know where it is."

People walk away from God feeling that they can come back to it at a time that is, will be, convenient for them.  In the process they are actually walking away from the love of their lives.

 

Laurie continues, "What does this mean? Their devotion had turned to duty. They had motion, but they lost the emotion. They had substituted labor for love and work for worship and perspiration for inspiration. These Ephesians believers had been so busy maintaining their separation, they were neglecting their adoration. "

 

"They had motion, but lost the emotion".  May it not describe our love for God, His church or our spouses and loved ones.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Revelation 2:3-5  New Living Translation (NLT)

³ You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

⁴ "But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!⁵  Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

Verse of the Day 8/19

 2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.    King James Version (KJV)

 

I seldom use the KJV in the Verse of the Day posts but whenever I think of or come to this verse I revert back to the way I learned it in AWANA clubs.  AWANA stands for "approved workmen are not ashamed".  In place of study other translations use "be diligent" or "do your best" to present yourself to God.  All three can be combined.  Being diligent will involve study and both are necessary if we are to do our best in presenting ourselves, offering ourselves to God in service to Him.

 

We may not all be theologians but we do have our own theology.  The verse challenges us to get it right.  The word for "dividing" literally means to cut straight.  I've built decks and done some woodwork in my time and this "cutting straight" is important when we try to build a deck or glue pieces of wood together in making furniture.  If it is not straight it will not fit together properly.  There would be unsightly gaps or variations in the space of a decks flooring which will reveal the work of the person who built the deck.

 

Study is necessary for our own theology to "fit" together.  There may be times where things we hear may not line up with what we've heard or thought.  God's Word, the Bible is what we need to turn to to "plane" the boards of our theology so that they fit together properly.

 

Let's do our best day by day to "cut straight" as we build and grow in our faith.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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2 Timothy 2:14-18

The Message (MSG)

 ^14-18Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples, throwing believers off stride and missing the truth by a mile by saying the resurrection is over and done with.

Verse of the Day 8/18

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

A large sporting goods chain recently opened in a local shopping center so I went in to see what they had to offer.  I went to the hunting section to see that they had just about every conceivable article of clothing and gear down to the smallest gadgets.  If you wanted to be thoroughly equipped (equipment wise) for hunting, this was the place to be.  Here there are many different manufacturers vying for just about each choice.

 

Oh that we would desire to be so thoroughly equipped for service in our Christian life.  In this day and age there are alll kinds of commentaries. books, studies, and DVD's  to help us in our walk, but at the core we must have the Word of God in our hands, in our hearts, and in our minds.

 

Verse 16 uses four nouns to summarize the role and function of scripture as God's word.  It teaches by telling us the truth about God and how He relates to His people;  it reproves us by showing us where we are going wrong and enables us to "renew our minds" (Rom.12:2) to think as people of God.  It corrects us by guiding us to think Biblically, enabling us to go down the "narrow way".  It trains us in righteousness  by revealing God's will to us and challenging us to follow it.

 

How equipped are you for the good work that He has prepared for you today?

 

Today's verse

In Christ,
Mike

 

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

2 Timothy 3:14-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Verse of the Day 8/17

2 Timothy 3:14  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it   English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Yesterday we considered the word to the hymn One Day, "living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away, and rising He justified".  These things have been revealed to us by the Spirit of God, we believe in faith and we trust in this gospel with our lives.  Today's verse calls us, challenges us and exhorts us to continue in the faith, continue in what we have learned.

 

The "whom" mentioned in this verse is in the plural form.  Yes, we have learned from God and His Spirit, but it also takes into account those who have taught us through our lives.  Pastors, Sunday School teachers, AWANA leaders, youth leaders, Bible study and small group leaders, and Christian family and friends.

 

This continuing has to to with living and learning.  As Christians we never come to a point where we have "arrived", earned a degree and never have to pick up the Book again.  Any professional, in any field will continue to learn and build upon what they've come to know.  So it should be with us.  As we study and learn we will better understand the depths of that hymn.

 

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

 

Continue in what you have learned.  Remember those who you've learned from.  Thank God for them and honor them in continuing in your faith.

In Christ,
Mike

 

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

2 Timothy 3:13-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

 

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Verse of the Day 8/16

1 Corinthians 15:3-4  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,     English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Over the past few days, as I'd considered the verses that we've been looking at, a song, actually the chorus to a song kept going through my mind, it was from the old hymn "One Day".

 

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

 

Yesterday I read the following quote from John Piper in "Joy and the Supremacy of Christ" - "The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came into the world, lived a perfect life, died to bear the penalty for our sins, absorbed the wrath of God that hung over us, and rose from the dead triumphant over death and Satan and all evil, so that all who receive Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Treasure of their lives would be forgiven for Christ's sake, counted righteous in Christ, and fitted to know and enjoy God forever."

 

If we've come to the point where we can acknowledge that statement and today's verse, how then should we live.  Do you desire to be fitted to know and enjoy God forever?   We are told elsewhere in scripture that we are to "put on Christ", be fitted with Him and we will desire to live for Him as we look forward to the day that He will come again to bring us to 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

1 Corinthians 15:3-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I'm not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God's church.

 

10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

Verse of the Day 8/15

Verse of the Day 8/15   

 

1 John 3:24 All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

Yesterday we considered those who were listed in Hebrews 11 in the "Hall of Faith" and how they lived their lives as pilgrims, this world was not their home, they were looking for something much better.  While they lived, their lives displayed the thoughts conveyed in today's verse.  There lives could be described as believing, loving, and obeying God who had called them.

 

Are you joining God's "party", to live, continue to live, to stay, and make your home in Him?  As you do He will make His home, take up residence, abide in you.

 

I was thinking about this verse and the topic of today's devotional and as I drove to work yesterday, I heard the Lincoln Brewster song "Power of Your Name".  The life described in this verse is exemplified in the chorus of the song.  It is a life that proves that He lives and makes His home in us. 

 

Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart

 

(chorus)

And I will live
To carry *Your* compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name

 

Jesus Your name
Is a shelter for the hurting
and Your name
Is a refuge for the weak
Only Your name
Can redeem the undeserving
Jesus Your name
Holds everything I need

 

His name not only holds everything I need, but what the world needs.  May we proclaim it in our lives.

 

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 3:21-24 (MSG) 
 21-24And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him. Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us.

Verse of the Day 8/14

Matthew 19:21 Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect [that is, have that spiritual maturity which accompanies self-sacrificing character], go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me].   Amplified Bible (AMP)

We are, perhaps, at or at least approaching the height of the political season.  All kinds of advertising aimed at convincing the independents to join, to follow their party.  Today's verse comes from the familiar passage of the rich young ruler.  He seems to be an independent that desires the best of both parties.  The kingdom of this world and the kingdom of heaven.  He lists some of the 10 commandments that he's kept to show that he is fairly close to aligning himself with God's party, but  notice Jesus doesn't ask nor does the the young man mention about having no other god before him. 

 

Jesus tells him that if he wants to side with Jesus he will have to give up some of the other things that he is holding onto, then follow him.  Its not that we all don't have earthly possessions, but more, do they have the hold on us?

 

A devotional I read this morning brought me to Hebrews 11 which gave a contrast to the rich young ruler.  In this "Hall of Faith" we have a list of names of saints who had set their hearts on pilgrimage, set their hearts on following God.  They had joined God's party and looked for the day when His kingdom would be fully established.

 

Hebrews 11:16 But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

With what party are you lining yourself up with?  I'm not talking about Democrat or Republican, but God's party, His kingdom, or that of the world?  Is there something keeping you from joining God's party?

 

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 19:16-22  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)  The Rich Young Ruler

 

16 Just then someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?"

 

17 "Why do you ask Me about what is good?" He said to him. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

 

18 "Which ones?" he asked Him. Jesus answered:

 

Do not murder;
do not commit adultery;
do not steal;
do not bear false witness;
19 honor your father and your mother;
and love your neighbor as yourself.
20 "I have kept all these," the young man told Him. "What do I still lack?"

 

21 "If you want to be perfect," Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."

 

22 When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

 

Verse of the Day 8/13

1 John 3:18   Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).    (AMP)

I read this verse over the weekend in connection with 1 Corinthians 13, the "love chapter".  Love is a word, a term, that is thrown around too loosely and to describe too many things in this day and age.  The same word used to express our feelings towards our spouse, or kids, or our God used to describe our feelings towards pizza, football  or a car.  Today's verse reminds us that while we may have sentiments toward some of these things, true love will show itself or be revealed through our deeds for another person, or towards God.

 

Commenting on 1 Corinthians 13:4 holds God's word up as a sort of mirror to reflect, to give us a glimpse of our own love and how it measures up.  He writes, "love is patient, but you are impatient.  Love is kind, but you are unkind toward those who disagree with you.  Love is not jealous, but you envy those with certain spiritual gifts.  Love does not brag, but you are proud of your theology.  Love is not arrogant and does not act unbecomingly, but you are often rude and ill mannered toward one another."

 

It is easy to look out into society, through the news events and the politics of the day and point out a lack of love.  But what about in our own lives.  How are we acting toward the ones we love?  Are we loving merely in theory or in speech or in deed and truth, in practice and sincerity?

 

As we head off into the week, "let us love", as Christ followers, as we are instructed in today's verse.

 

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 3:17-19  New Living Translation (NLT)
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person?

 

18 Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.

Verse of the Day 8/11

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.     -  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

In this passage Paul is encouraging the church in Thessalonica in the same manner that he encouraged and challenged Timothy in yesterday's verse.  In verse 15 he starts off by telling them to "stand firm" in their faith and to "hold on" to the things that they had been taught and put into practice.  It is good advice for us today and to pass along to the next generation.

 

Today, I'd like you to consider that God, that Jesus, "has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace".  We will go through our ups and downs in life and in our walk.   But the thought of "eternal encouragement" should give us hope and comfort us that "He'll go whatever it takes" to see us through.

 

Charles Spurgeon writes, "a sense of acceptance in the Beloved is an everlasting consolation. Moreover, the Christian has a conviction of his security. God has promised to save those who trust in Christ: the Christian does trust in Christ, and he believes that God will be as good as his word, and will save him. He feels that he is safe by virtue of his being bound up with the person and work of Jesus."

 

May your heart, your faith, be encouraged and strengthened for every good work and word.

 

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 Thessalonians 2:15-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
15 Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, either by our message or by our letter.

 

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

Verse of the Day 8/10

 2 Timothy 1:14  Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.    (AMP)

 The context of this verse is that Paul is encouraging and challenging this young pastor to guard and hold onto those things that he has learned after Paul departs.  He knows that Timothy will be challenged in his faith.  Paul also reveals that this guarding is not something that we are left to ourselves to do.  We have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide us.

 

In the coming weeks many families and churches will be sending off some of their children to college, where whether they like it or not, they'll be challenged in their faith and what they believe in.  It will be a test of their faith and maturity in Christ.

 

Dick France writes, "a successful Christian life depends not only on us (if it did, there would be little hope) but on the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  God is not only with the believer; but is in us by the Holy Spirit.  What more could we need?"

 

As much as we have the opportunity let us encourage and challenge those students who are heading off to write the next chapter in their life.  May it be a testimony to the faith that has been instilled in them.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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2 Timothy 1:12-14Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹² But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me^[a] until that day.

Be Loyal to the Faith

¹³ Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.

Verse of the Day 8/9

 Isaiah 41:13   For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, "Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you."  (ESV)

 I've spent some time this past week in Isaiah 40 and 41.  I was struck by the references to being "gathered and carried in His arms" (40:11), being strengthened and upheld (41:10), and how He holds our right hand and helps us in today's verse.

 

We can remember walking hand in hand with our parents or grandparents growing up and doing the same with our children and grandchildren.  It is something that is generally outgrown.  Sometimes people feel that they have outgrown the need to walk with God.  But this is something that we can never outgrow.  Walking with Him involves prayer, time in His word and walking in accord with His will.

 

Stephen Kendall in a recent "These Days" devotional writes, "we are not always the ones being carried.  There are times when our role is to carry others.  At those times we are holding up the weak, the anxious, and the grieving, we become the arms of God."

 

This brought tears to my eyes when I first read it and now as I'm typing this.  I relate to my son Jeff who cannot stand on his own.  Even though I'm not home now, I can feel how he uses his right arm to cling to and hold on to me as I help him stand or take a few steps.  He feels that I am strengthening him while the sense of his hug strengthens and encourages me.

 

Thank you Lord for carrying, holding, and strengthening, and helping me.  May we never want to let go of your hand.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Isaiah 41:10-13 Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁰ Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

¹¹ Behold, all they who are enraged and inflamed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; they who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.

¹² You shall seek those who contend with you but shall not find them; they who war against you shall be as nothing, as nothing at all.

¹³ For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!

Verse of the Day 8/8

2 Timothy 1:6-7  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (NIV)

I have always enjoyed fires in the fireplace or in "the pit" in our backyard in Huntley.  One of my favorite things to do was after the flames had gone out, to go back and arrange the embers and blow on the coals.  You would see them glow brighter and poof, the flame would return.

 

I ended yesterdays devotional with the thought from  Galatians 5 "faith working through love".  This "fanning into flame" in our spiritual life is illustrated in today's verses.

 

Bible commentator Dick France writes, "the combination of power, love, and self discipline (v.7) provides a potent recipe for Christian leadership.  Power alone could be too hard, love alone could be too soft, and self discipline alone too self centered.  But when the three come together in one person, there  is a leader whom others will be glad to follow, and it is such a leader that the troubled church in Ephasus needs.  Timothy has been given that gift and must not let it die down, but rather fan it into flame."

 

We may go through times in our life when our spiritual flame may seem to have gone out.  It may be rekindled and in the process may lead to a rekindling in others.  Do you, does your church need this?

 

Blessings,
Mike
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2 Timothy 1:5-7Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁵ I am calling up memories of your sincere and unqualified faith (the leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), [a faith] that first lived permanently in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am [fully] persuaded, [dwells] in you also.

⁶ That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

Verse of the Day 8/7

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

 

We've been considering how through Christ we've been set free, there is now no condemnation (Rom. 8:1) for those who are in Christ Jesus.  In today's verse Paul is challenging his listeners not to fall back into the old habits of our past but to resist the temptation and stand firm.

 

It won't be easy and there is no easy button.  But we can stand firm in Christ.  The question is how do we position ourselves.  Who do we line up with?  I was reminded of two passages.  The first goes back to Jehosaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:17 where he instructed his listeners "You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. He is with you,".

 

The second one is from Ephesians 6:10-18, the familiar passage on the "full armor of God" where Paul starts off the passage with "be strong in the Lord and the power of His might".

 

Do you feel like you are under an onslaught?  We've been liberated.  Take your stand in your freedom, position yourselves with God and His people, and stay the course, in faith working through love  (v.6).

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Galatians 5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Freedom of the Christian

5 Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery. ² Take note! I, Paul, tell you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. ³ Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to keep the entire law. ⁴ You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love.

Verse of the Day 8/6

Romans 7:24-25 (HCSB)  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body? ²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  

Over the past couple of days we've considered God's amazing grace.  Paul would have related to the words of one of the most treasured hymns of all time.  In Romans chapter 7 he deals with the struggles of sin that would leave us frustrated, discouraged and hopeless were it not for God's grace

 

This verse marks the transition from the past struggles to the new standing we have in Christ.

 

 Romans 8:1-2(HCSB) Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, ² because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you  free from the law of sin and of death.

 

I think of the new chorus that Chris Tomlin added to Amazing Grace:

 

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

We've been set free not for a day or a time but have been offered His unending love.  Truly amazing grace.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Romans 7:24-8:4  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body? ²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!^[a] So then, with my mind I myself am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh, to the law of sin.

The Life-Giving Spirit

8 Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus,^{[b] 2} because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you^[c] free from the law of sin and of death. ³ What the law could not do since it was limited^[d] by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin's domain,^[e] and as a sin offering, ⁴ in order that the law's requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Verse of the Day 8/5

Psalm 62:5-6 My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.
6 He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved.  (AMP)

 

One of the things that I appreciate about David was that he revealed his soul, his heart, his deepest feelings.  When he starts something with "my soul" we should take notice.  He is talking to himself and to us communicating his deepest feelings.

 

As we worship this weekend, may it be a time when we wait on God.  Cry out to Him, submit to Him and hope in expectation to receive from Him.  I know of many that are in need of healing, of forgiveness, of hope.  My prayer would be that these verses would reflect the condition of our hearts.

 

Andrew Murray writes, "It is God who gives all: let this faith enter deeply into our hearts. Before we fully understand all that is implied in our waiting upon God, and before we have even been able to cultivate the habit, let the truth enter our souls. Waiting on God, unceasing and entire dependence upon Him, is, in heaven and earth, the only true faith, the one unalterable and all-comprehensive expression for the true relationship to the ever blessed One in whom we live.
Let us resolve at once that it will be the one characteristic of our life and worship, a continual, humble, truthful waiting upon God. We may rest assured that He who made us for Himself, that He might give Himself to us and in us, will never disappoint us. In waiting on Him, we will find rest and joy and strength, and the supply of every need."

 

Many in our modern society are trying to bring God down as was the case in the time of David as well (v.4 below), may we resolve, may we do our best to exalt Him and praise His name while we wait 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

Psalm 62:4-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
    They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
    but inwardly they curse. Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6  He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Verse of the Day 8/4

Philippians 2:6-7 (AMP)  Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.

 

A dear friend responded to yesterday's thoughts on God's amazing grace with the comment that even after all these years that he cries every time he hears that song.  I echo that remark, especially when I listen to  the recent Chris Tomlin adaption which includes "my chains are gone, I've been set free".  Today's verses go a little deeper into this amazing grace.  What Jesus gave up, what he left to offer us that grace.

 

This morning I read the following quote from  John Flavel - "The condition of Jesus Christ before his incarnation was a state of the highest and most unspeakable delight and pleasure, in the enjoyment of his Father.
He was not liable to any of those sorrowful consequences of that frail and feeble state of humanity, which he afterwards assumed. He was unacquainted with griefs; there was no sorrowing or sighing in that bosom where he lay.
He never underwent reproach and shame in that bosom, there was nothing but glory and honor reflected upon him by his Father, though afterwards he was despised, and rejected of men. His holy heart was never offended with an impure suggestion or temptation of the Devil. There were no hidings or withdrawings of his Father from him; there was not a cloud from eternity upon the face of God, till Jesus Christ had left that bosom.
All these things were new things to Christ; he was above them all — till for our sakes he voluntarily subjected himself unto them. "

What does that grace, what does God's gift do to you?  It may bring tears to your eyes or it may leave you "speechless".  Consider these words from the Steven Curtis Chapman song in relation to the passage in Philippians and John Flavel's remarks.

 

And I am speechless I'm astonished and amazed
I am silenced by your wondrous grace
You have saved me
You have raised me from the grave
And I am speechless in your presence now
I'm astounded as I consider how
You have shown us
A love that leaves us speechless

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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

Philippians 2:5-8  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Christ's Humility and Exaltation

 

5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,

 

6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be used for His own advantage.
7 Instead He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a slave,
taking on the likeness of men.
And when He had come as a man
in His external form,
8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.

Verse of the Day 8/3

 Titus 3:5 (NLT)   he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
 

We've considered how Jesus calls us, we go to Him and He saves us.  There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation although, in our nature, we would like it to be that way.

 

Arthur Pink in "The Beatitudes" writes, "Man wants to have a hand in his salvation.  To be told that God will receive nought from him, that salvation is solely a matter of Divine mercy, that eternal life is only for those who come empty handed to receive it soley as a matter of charity, is offensive to the self-righteous religionist.  But not so to the one who is poor in spirit and who mourns over his vile and wretched state.  The very word mercy is music to his ears."

 

Reading this verse and Pink's words, a couple of hymns come to mind.  Amazing Grace and how God would save a wretch like me, and Rock of Ages from which our hearts can sing and affirm "nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling."  Are these words music to your ears?

 

Blessings,

Mike
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Titus 3:4-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Verse of the Day 8/2

Verse of the Day 8/2

Psalm 57:1(AMP) Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

When I read this verse this morning I thought of Matt 11:28-30 which we considered the other day where Jesus called out "come to me".  Today's verse shows the condition of the heart that is willing to go to Him.  There is a little three letter word that is key to this verse - "for".

 

We come to Him not on the basis of our accomplishments, our rights, or good works.  It is because of who He is and our recognition of the fact that only He can provide what we truly need.

 

John Piper refers to Ruth as an example of this in "A Sweet and Bitter Providence" - "she has set her heart on God for hope and joy.  And when a person does that, God's honor -  not the value of our work- is at stake, and He will be merciful.  If you plead God's value as the source of your hope instead of pleading your value as a reason for God's blessing, then His unwavering commitment to His own glory engages all His heart for your protection and  joy."
 

Are you seeking shelter today?  Set God as your treasure and seek Him, plead to Him as your hope and joy and He will show you mercy.

 

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/713#ixzz22Ny9uK9Z

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm 57:1-2 (ESV)Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth

57  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
    for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
     till the storms of destruction pass by.
² I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

Verse of the Day 8/1

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14  Let all that you do be done in love. (ESV)

 

I had another verse in mind for today but as I read this verse at the end of my devotional time, I changed course.

 

Today's verse comes at the conclusion of 1 Corinthians and Paul is challenging his readers, telling them what they need.  The Beatles had a hit song "All You Need is Love".  These verses tell us the kind of love that we need and the kind of love that we need to share.  We are to be watchful, in love, to guard our hearts.  We need to stand firm in the faith, in love, not compromising, trusting in our faith.  Act like men, in love, standing up for and protecting those we love.  Being strong,strong in the Lord and the power of His might,  in love.

 

These things are possible if we have the love of Christ living in us.  His love is truly all we need.

 

The most popular post on my blog, by far (http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com/2010/06/verse-of-day-611.html)  was from 1 Corinthians 13, the "love chapter".   It is a good indication that it is something that we all recognize that we need and that all that we do should be done in love.

 

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 16:12-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)
12 As for our brother Apollos, I have urgently encouraged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will or God's will that he should go now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!
14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us).