Verse of the Day 6/30

    

Job 19:25-26For I know that my Redeemer lives,

    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
²⁶ And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I shall see God,   English Standard Version (ESV)

The book of Job is one of the oldest of the Bible.  Today's verses are as relevant today to believers as they were to Job.  They come from the middle of the book, during the midst of his trials, while he was suffering in the flesh and had suffered the loss of loved ones.  Still he declared that he believed and trusted in God, his Redeemer.

John MacArthur notes that "at the point of Job's greatest despair, his faith appeared at it's highest as he confidently affirmed that God was his Redeemer.  He wanted that confidence in the record for all to know."   Job's hearts desire was carried out, his words were recorded and preserved for us.   Job isn't alone in that feeling.  Christ followers through the ages have written down similar thoughts through their trials and they are a great source of consolation, comfort and strength for those of us who read them today.  Some of the greatest hymns ever written came out of the trials of life.

Job's words and those of many others have been "chiseled in stone" (The Message) as it were, declaring the same emotions "I know that my Redeemer lives".  If you find yourself down today, sing one of the old hymns like "Be Still My Soul" or "Amazing Grace", they will encourage you to "only trust Him".

1. Come, every soul by sin oppressed,  there's mercy with the Lord;  and he will surely give you rest,  by trusting in his Word.  Refrain:  Only trust him, only trust him,  only trust him now.  He will save you, he will save you,  he will save you now. 3. Yes, Jesus is the truth the way  that leads you into rest;  believe in him without delay,  and you are fully blest.

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

Job 19:23-27The Message (MSG)

^23-27 "If only my words were written in a book—
    better yet, chiseled in stone!
Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life—
    and eventually he'll take his stand on earth.
And I'll see him—even though I get skinned alive!—
    see God myself, with my very own eyes.
    Oh, how I long for that day!

Verse of the Day 6/28

Job 42:5-6 I had heard rumors about You,

but now my eyes have seen You.
⁶ Therefore I take back my words
and repent in dust and ashes.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The "Today in the Word" devotional from Moody Bible Institute has been going through the book of Job this month.  Job's life and his story are one of following God learning from Him and being counseled by Him.  Through his life Job had heard of God, like most of us probably had, but it was more of rumor, through what others had said but not through personal experience.  Now, through the trails and God's calling directly in his life he knows that he has seen God, has met Him in the midst of it and God has clearly spoken to Him.

The words from "Be Still My Soul" which were written from the words of Psalm 46:10, speak of God's leading through the stormy ways, leading to the joyful end that Job now seeks. "Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. / Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain. / Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend / Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end."

I am also reminded of David in Psalm 51 and the account of his repentence, his turning to God in one of the trials of his life which had been brought on by his own   foolish actions.  The Message puts it this way in verse 10:    Don't look too close for blemishes,      give me a clean bill of health.  God, make a fresh start in me,      shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.    Sometimes are lives seem to be filled with "chaos".  If you find yourself there, do like David, do like Job, turn to God, let Him change your ways, do a Genesis work in your life and let Him lead to a joyful end.    May we seek to know Him better, see Him now spiritually (Amplifed Bible) , and "never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."-- V.46 The Message  In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Job 42:1-6The Message (MSG)

Job Worships God

I Babbled On About Things Far Beyond Me

42 ^1-6 Job answered God:

"I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything.
    Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,
    ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
    made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.
    Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
    now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise!
    I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."

Verse of the Day 6/27

Psalm 32:8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.    English Standard Version (ESV)

Yesterday we considered "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" in relation to Isaiah 30;21 where God tells us "this is the way, walk in it."  I read Psalm 32 in my daily readings in Psalms and it brought me further down the path of God's instruction.

You will notice three key words in the verse instruct, teach, and counsel.  Instruction normally leads you through a process, just like you should follow the instruction manual when assembling and operating equipment.  Teaching involves more of learning and understanding concepts and principles.  We are to learn God's principles and apply them in our lives.  The counsel is more than just advice.  I go back to Isaiah 1:18 where God called Israel, come let's reason together.  Let's argue this out and come to an agreement.  In God's courts, I think you have a pretty good idea of who is on the right side of things.

We should realize that God "has his eye" on us, but not in a negative way.  He is our Teacher and the Mighty Counselor and He has plans and purposes for us.  Walking along His path is the best thing for us.  The question is what will we do with His teaching, instruction and  counsel?

I'll return to "All the Way My Savior Leads Me", today we'll close with the first stanza.  Frances Crosby was blind from the age of 6.  In a day when things were not as handicapped accessible, she truly had to be led where she would go.  She more than anyone else knew that she needed someone to lead and guide her, and most of all she knew that  Jesus needed to lead and guide  her spiritually through this life, looking forward to a time when all things, including her sight, would be restored.

1. All the way my Savior leads me,
   What have I to ask beside?
   Can I doubt His tender mercy,
   Who through life has been my Guide?
   Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
   Here by faith in Him to dwell!
   For I know, whate'er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well;
   For I know, whate'er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 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 32:7-9Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁷ You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

⁸ I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

⁹ Be not like the horse or the mule, which lack understanding, which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you.

Verse of the Day 6/26

Isaiah 30:21  And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.  English Standard Version (ESV)

As I read today's verse and the words "a voice from behind you" the picture that first came to mind was that of a "back seat driver".  We've all had the experience of driving, being in control, knowing where we're going and how we're going to get there when another passenger in back of or beside you; suggests an alternative route.  Sometimes we shrug it off, sometimes we'll actually argue about it and sometimes we'll listen to the direction.

GPS units give us advice.  They are not perfect, but I have had the experience when driving across town in a familiar city that I had traveled "my route " for years, when I took the advice of the voice on the unit and cut the time almost in half.

The flip side of the back seat driver is going on a hike with a person.  It is new for you but they've traveled the path before.  They may let you take the lead, but when you come to a fork in the path they'll say "stay to the right, that other path does not lead to where we're going".  That is the true image of this passage.  Jesus has gone before us, He knows the "winding path that we tread".  If we are in tune and in step with Him, He will lead us down the right trails to bring us to the place that we're going, a place He's prepared  for us.

I'm reminded of the Fanny Crosby hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me".   Here is the second stanza.

1. All the way my Savior leads me,
   Cheers each winding path I tread,
   Gives me grace for every trial,
   Feeds me with the living Bread.
   Though my weary steps may falter
   And my soul athirst may be,
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see;
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see.

Throughout the Bible we'll find people that God has spoken to, given direction, David and Isaiah to name two.  They are there because they listened to His voice.  Our Teacher our Guide is right there behind and beside us, will you listen to His voice?

"This God is my God forever and ever! He will be my guide even unto death!" Psalm 48:14

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 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 30:19-22The Message (MSG)

^19-22 Oh yes, people of Zion, citizens of Jerusalem, your time of tears is over. Cry for help and you'll find it's grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he'll answer. Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he'll keep your teacher alive and present among you. Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: "This is the right road. Walk down this road." You'll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You'll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, "Good riddance!"

Verse of the Day 6/24

Verse of the Day 6/24

Joshua 1:8-9   This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." English Standard Version (ESV)

Quite often you'll find verse 9 from this passage without the preceding verses.   The call in verse 9 is to be strong, be bold, be courageous and not to fear or  be dismayed, for the Lord your God, our God is with us.

It is an important call for us each day of our lives, in every season and every circumstance.  Boldness can begin at a young, think of David defeating Goliath.  It can come in our middle years or it can come in our later years.  Think of how God was with Abraham and Sarah, bringing a child to them when it was well beyond the time when they would normally be able to have children.

Think about your life.  Have there been times, through the storms when you felt God's presence?  It is very likely that a verse or a song from memory came to you at a time when you needed it.  The Book of the Law as mentioned in verse 8 is how we have those things in our minds and in our hearts.  We learn of God's love, His presence, His power, His will and His faithfulness through all generations from His Word.  We also see it by HIs Word being lived out in other people as we considered yesterday.

The passage begins with the death of Moses, their leader for a generation.  Joshua takes the helm of leadership and moves them forward by calling and challenging the people to move forward, to be bold, be strong for the Lord is with them and would lead them into the promised land.

In my "middle years" I remember attending Promise Keepers events where we were challenged to be strong.  One of the songs that we sang was Be Bold Be Strong by Morris Chapman.  It was simple, straightforward and true.  It still is, may it be the attitude of our hearts today.  Come on and walk in faith and victory.....

Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
I am not afraid
I am not dismayed
Because I'm walking in faith and victory
Come on and walk in faith and victory
For the Lord your God is with you

 

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

Joshua 1:8-9The Message (MSG)

1 ^1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses' assistant:

"Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."

Verse of the Day 6/23

Verse of the Day 6/23

Acts 5:20-21 "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of thisLife." ²¹ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.  English Standard Version (ESV)

Today's verses came up in the read through the New Testament plan that I am following.  As I read the verses, especially the part where the Apostles followed the angels commands and spoke to the people "all the words of this life", I couldn't help but think of what has recently taken place in Charleston.  In this passage the apostles faced persecution, arrest and yes hatred for what and for Whom they believed in.

I also could not help but think of the family and congregation of the 9 people who were killed in their church in Charleston SC.  Having been the victims of hate, having family and loved ones killed at the hands of someone filled with hate, but instead of lashing out in hate, they spoke to him the "words of this life" which include forgiveness and love beyond measure.  Teaching may not have been the intention of those who offered forgiveness but the nation was being taught what true faith, true Christianity is about to a country, to a world that is in desperate need of it.   It is a life that is found through faith in Christ and living out His Words of life.

I'm reminded of the old hymn that likely has been sung in that same church.  Jesus offers pardon and peace to all who will come to Him to receive it.

1. Sing them over again to me,  wonderful words of life;  let me more of their beauty see,  wonderful words of life;  words of life and beauty  teach me faith and duty.  Refrain:  Beautiful words, wonderful words,  wonderful words of life.  Beautiful words, wonderful words,  wonderful words of life.  2. Christ, the blessed one, gives to all  wonderful words of life;  sinner, list to the loving call,  wonderful words of life;  all so freely given,  wooing us to heaven.  (Refrain)  3. Sweetly echo the gospel call,  wonderful words of life;  offer pardon and peace to all,  wonderful words of life;  Jesus, only Savior,  sanctify forever.

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

Acts 5:17-23The Message (MSG)

To Obey God Rather than Men

^17-20 Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, "Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life."

Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.

^21-23 Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel's senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn't find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, "We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn't find a soul."

Verse of the Day 6/21

Verse of the Day 6/21

Proverbs 14:26 Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.  Living Bible (TLB)

Happy Father's Day!

Today is a day that is set aside to honor our fathers.  My grandfather and my father have passed away, but the influence of their lives on me continue to be seen in my life day by day.  I continue to use tools and other things that were used by both day by day.  More importantly, I continue to live by things that I learned from them over the years.

Today's verse especially reminds me of my dad.  Having a disability all of his life he never let it keep him down and did not let it limit what he did for his family, for his children.  Although he was not one that was vocal about his faith, his was a deep and quiet trust.  The grace of God gave him the strength to be a "see through-er" and not a "look at-er".  I have seen his influence in my children's life as well, to seek the Lord as a place of refuge and security.

Max Lucado writes, "No one can teach your child like you can. No nanny, Bible school teacher, aunt, or uncle has your authority. What a phenomenal privilege is yours. — Max Lucado."  Nobody else could have taught me with the influence of my parents and grandparents.  Likewise, no one else can teach our children as well as we can a reverence, a faith in God.  The faith of our father's can lead us to the same place of refuge and security if it is founded on a reverence for God.

My prayer is that you, in a world that needs it so desperately, would have this reverence, this deep strength, and that you would pass it along to your children, to the next generation.

All achievements, all possessions    All with time return to dust    Only God can be our reason    For deep and quiet trust    He will guard us from the dangers    That gladly make men fools    Apart from Him and all His meaning    All things fail as they begin    And hearts deceived    Can only know    A chasing of the wind  

Why do we live without Jesus?    Why do we waste another day?    He is the life that sustains us    The only hope for us today    So tell me, why do we live    Why do we live without Him?  (A Chasing of the Wind/ Why Do We Live Without Jesus - Steve Green)  

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

Proverbs 14:25-27The Message (MSG)

²⁵ Souls are saved by truthful witness
    and betrayed by the spread of lies.

²⁶ The Fear-of-God builds up confidence,
    and makes a world safe for your children.

²⁷ The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water
    so you won't go off drinking from poisoned wells.

Verse of the Day 6/19

 

Job 27:3-4English Standard Version (ESV)

³ 

as long as my breath is in me,
    and the spirit of God is in my nostrils,

⁴ 

my lips will not speak falsehood,
    and my tongue will not utter deceit.

 

Today's verses from Job 27 are probably more significant, more important, more relative to our society as they were in the day they were recorded in the Old Testament.  Job has gone through a lot, the loss of many things and his friends have turned on him challenging his integrity.

Job holds on to who he is as he holds onto his faith in God with a steadfastness that few will ever find or see in life.  John MacArthur writes that "Job affirmed his true and steadfast devotion to righteous (in right standing before God) living, no matter what happened.  He refused to live with a guilty conscience (v.6).  This was no brash claim, because God had recognized Job's virtue.  (1:8, 2:3)

What would today's society look like if men and women who profess faith in Christ would strive to hold to that standard?  It does not matter what standing or place we have in society, whatever office we hold from the bottom all the way to the White House, no matter what.

Sadly, just about everything that we see or hear in the news is "spun" to promote a certain agenda.  The truth is distorted and a distorted truth is really no truth at all.  Job holds onto his integrity, at this point it is about all that he has left. Even though others still question it, God sees it, He knows God's heart and He is the rewarder of those who hold on and stay the course.  those who hold on "will never regret it" (V.6 The Message).

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

Job 27:3-6The Message (MSG)

No Place to Hide

27 ^1-6 Having waited for Zophar, Job now resumed his defense:

"God-Alive! He's denied me justice!
    God Almighty! He's ruined my life!
But for as long as I draw breath,
    and for as long as God breathes life into me,
I refuse to say one word that isn't true.
    I refuse to confess to any charge that's false.
There is no way I'll ever agree to your accusations.
    I'll not deny my integrity even if it costs me my life.
I'm holding fast to my integrity and not loosening my grip—
    and, believe me, I'll never regret it.