Verse of the Day 12/6

 

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.   English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Today's verse comes from one of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament, especially the end of it where the prophet speaks of the Lord renewing our strength that we may rise on wings like eagles.  But reading this verse yesterday, my mind was brought to this season of Christmas and all of the gift giving.  Perhaps you can look back to one Christmas where you received that one special gift that didn't think you'd have a chance to receive it.  Much like Ralphie in A Christmas story, dreaming of his Red Rider BB gun.  In that story, the memory of the gift stayed with him for his lifetime.

 

Many gifts will be given that will be broken, worn out or become obsolete.  Like the flowers referenced in today's verse they will be tossed out, sold in a garage sale, or tossed away and the memories themselves will be gone.  But the greatest gift, the gift of God's Son will remain with us.  The importance of it will grow and it will become larger to us, a treasure to us, and one that will be with us and carry us into an eternity with Him.  We have the Word of God to be with us, in our hearts and in our minds, even in our i-phones and i-pads.  It won't fade but will stand.

 

As we prepare for Christmas, take some time this weekend and think of some of the things that we have as a result of Jesus, the Living Word,  who came to dwell among us.

 

In Jesus are . . .
riches--if you are poor;
honor--if you are despised;
friendship--if you are forsaken;
help--if you are injured;
mercy--if you are miserable;
joy--if you are disconsolate;
protection--if you are in danger;
deliverance--if you are a captive;
life--if you are mortal; and
all things--if you have nothing at all.

Time and eternity are His--and He can give you all the glorious things of eternity! 

Moreover, He can deliver you . . .
from all your fears;
from sin--the worst of all evils;
from self--the most hurtful of all companions;
from death--the most dreadful of all changes;
from Satan--the most subtle of all enemies;
from Hell--the most horrible of all prisons; and
from wrath--the most horrifying doom of all sinners!  James Meikle, 1730-1799 

You'll never find, never receive another gift like the gift of Jesus.

 

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

 

Isaiah 40:7-11The Message (MSG)

^6-8 A voice says, "Shout!"
    I said, "What shall I shout?"

"These people are nothing but grass,
    their love fragile as wildflowers.
The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,
    if God so much as puffs on them.
    Aren't these people just so much grass?
True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,
    but our God's Word stands firm and forever."

^9-11 Climb a high mountain, Zion.
    You're the preacher of good news.
Raise your voice. Make it good and loud, Jerusalem.
    You're the preacher of good news.
    Speak loud and clear. Don't be timid!
Tell the cities of Judah,
    "Look! Your God!"
Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power,
    ready to go into action.
He is going to pay back his enemies
    and reward those who have loved him.
Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock,
    gathering the lambs in his arms,
Hugging them as he carries them,
    leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.