Verse of the Day 8/31

Verse of the Day 8/31

Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.    New International Version (NIV)

We have those big moments in life that we'll remember as long as we live - wedding days, the birth or our children, moving, the start of a new job, the day we received Christ, and the day we were baptized.   Some of these we look forward to and plan ahead for.  But when you think about it, most of our lives are lived "in the meantime", those in between times where nothing "big" is going on.

Several times in his writings, the Apostle Paul speaks of being imitators of God, of Christ and in 1 Corinthians 11:1 says,  "be imitators of me, as I am of Christ".  That statement takes into account all times, yes, in those big moments that are easily remembered but also those uneventful moments, those "dog days", like those dog days of August that are coming to an end today. It is not an easy thing to do, in fact it is probably the most challenging thing we've ever been called to do.  But we won't be doing it alone, we have a steady hand to guide us.

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood      (Lauren Daigle - "Trust in You")

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have others to help, encourage, and challenge us along this walk through life.   "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,".    Many who succeeded in this are recorded in Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Faith".  The formula for doing this is seen in today's verses.  May we be imitators and "live and love like that".

5 ^1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.   Ephesians 5:1-2 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    

Ephesians 5:1-2The Message (MSG)

Wake Up from Your Sleep

5 ^1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Verse of the Day 8/30

Verse of the Day 8/30

1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.    English Standard Version (ESV)

Yesterday we considered from the book of Ecclesiastes how we are not to be vexed, not to live in a state of "vexation"' being continually annoyed, frustrated or worried, but rather we are to remember our Creator which means to trust Him, knowing, as Charles Spurgeon wrote that "God is too good to be unkind and to wise to be mistaken."

For today's verse we go to the end of 1 Corinthians and verse 58 where Paul gives us a picture of what that  proper "state of being is" , steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord."   Abounding carries the picture of overflowing, joy that overflows from a heart that fully trusts in God, always.

If we are to be steadfast, immovable and abounding, God's Word will have to be important to us and along with the Holy Spirit to guide us in those qualities.   C.S. Lewis writes, "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." 

Living the life that is abounding, steadfast, immovable is one that is lived in faith, trust, obedience surrendering our will for His.

In his poem "Invictus", William Ernest Henley comes to the conclusion:

It matters not how strait the gate,         How charged with punishments the scroll,   I am the master of my fate,         I am the captain of my soul.     The course of that captains ship leads to a bitter end.  The one who follows Christ, steadfast and immovable has a different destination:  

⁵⁴ Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

"Death is swallowed up in victory.
⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting^?

⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.  1 Corinthians 15:54-55, 58 NLT

--   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    

1 Corinthians 15:50-58New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵⁰ What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.

⁵¹ But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! ⁵² It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. ⁵³ For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

⁵⁴ Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,^[a] this Scripture will be fulfilled:

"Death is swallowed up in victory.^[b]
55 O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?^[c]"

⁵⁶ For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. ⁵⁷ But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Verse of the Day 8/29

Verse of the Day 8/29

Ecclesiastes 11:10-12:1Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain^[a] from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

12:1  Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";    English Standard Version (ESV)

Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes later in life and was writing to give advice to those who still had time in life to change course to focus on better things than to be vexed by the challenges and frustrations in life.    The word vexation was one that caught my attention when reading and preparing for a Bible study on this passage.  My first thoughts were that "vexation" had to do with being bothered or aggravated by something, but I decided to look up the definition which reads "the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried."  Think about that for a minute.

Notice that the it begins with describing a "state of being", it gives the picture of an attitude towards life and its circumstances, being annoyed frustrated or worried about life.  Does that describe us or at least can we say that we've been there?  What good does it do and what good comes out of it?

When the Bible was written it didn't contain verses and chapters.  This is one of those times that it is good to move right on into the next verse, 12:1 which begins with "remember your Creator in the days of your youth".  Most of us reading this are well beyond our youth, but if vexation has been our state of being we can still change it and it starts with "remembering".  Our Pastor Bob shared a quote from Charles Spurgeon in his sermon on Sunday and it seemed to me that it fit with this verse and the thought of remembering.    Spurgeon writes, "God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart."  Good advice for us to remember when we are "vexed" by something.

We should remember our Creator every day, live our lives with a purpose, His purpose, before the day comes when we can no longer do the things He'd have us do.  Read the passage below, may it encourage us to make today count while our bodies can still serve us and serve God 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    

Ecclesiastes 11:10-12:5The Message (MSG)

¹⁰ Live footloose and fancy-free—
You won't be young forever.
Youth lasts about as long as smoke.

12 ^1-2 Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young,
Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,
Before your vision dims and the world blurs
And the winter years keep you close to the fire.

^3-5 In old age, your body no longer serves you so well.
Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen.
The shades are pulled down on the world.
You can't come and go at will. Things grind to a halt.
The hum of the household fades away.
You are wakened now by bird-song.
Hikes to the mountains are a thing of the past.
Even a stroll down the road has its terrors.
Your hair turns apple-blossom white,
Adorning a fragile and impotent matchstick body.
Yes, you're well on your way to eternal rest,
While your friends make plans for your funeral.

Verse of the Day 8/27

Verse of the Day 8/27

Psalm 67:1-2  May God be gracious to us and bless us

    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
² that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.    English Standard Version (ESV)

As I read these verses in my devotions this morning the sun was coming through the kitchen window and shining on my face.  Coming through the window I still felt the warmth and I had to smile in considering God's grace.

This afternoon our church will be celebrating it's annual baptism service at a local lake.  Scores of people will be going under the water and coming out to symbolize and celebrate rebirth, salvation and making a declaration of the new life found in Christ.  It will be a testimony of His saving power to all that attend and to all that will hear of it as they share news of the event with family and friends who may be close at hand or at the far reaches of the earth.   As verse one ends with "selah" may we do that, stop and think calmly about it.

My prayer for them is that God's face would shine upon them and may they realize and experience that, as verse 7 states:  " You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.  You mark us with blessing, O God.   Earth's four corners—honor him!"

I'll close with a similar prayer for anyone that is reading this:

Numbers 6:24-26English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴ The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.  Psalm 67:3 (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    

Psalm 67The Message (MSG)

67 ^1-7 God, mark us with grace
    and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
    all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
    and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
    you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
    You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
    Earth's four corners—honor him!

Verse of the Day 8/25

Verse of the Day 8/25

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.    New King James Version (NKJV)

Yesterday we considered the picture of an abandoned home which would make anyone wonder what went wrong?  We also considered that in the building of our lives, our faith, we need not have to worry about "our building", our faith, because as we read in Philippians 1:6 "He who started the work will be faithful to complete it in you".

In today's verses there were a few things that caught my attention.  It starts out with the word "now", not tomorrow, a month from now or some time in the distant future, the author is praying for the peace of God for his readers, for us, right now, and the source of that peace is God "through His everlasting covenant".  He will see to it.

Even if our faith may seem incomplete or to have fallen into a state of disrepair, He will "make you complete", He will finish the work.  Other translations use the words "equip you".  The meaning is the same, God will equip you with the tools you need to complete the work that He began in you, your faith.  As you follow Him in His Word it will work in you to live a life that is "pleasing in His sight" (contrast that building falling into disrepair) for His honor and glory.

I'll close with this prayer for you, part the writer of Hebrews prayer as translated in The Message, "Now (may God) put you together, provide you
    with everything you need to please him", this day and forever more.

--   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    

Hebrews 13:20-21The Message (MSG)

^18-21 Pray for us. We have no doubts about what we're doing or why, but it's hard going and we need your prayers. All we care about is living well before God. Pray that we may be together soon.

May God, who puts all things together,
    makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
    the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
    up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
    with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
    by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
    Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Verse of the Day 8/24

Verse  of  the Day 8/24

 

Psalm 138:8  The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands. English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Last night as a friend and I  were heading  to a prayer meeting  and Bible study in a small country church, we took  a  short  cut  through a small  town.  As we were driving,  I noticed the shell  of a home,  the  work  had been started but now sat abandoned.  We don't  know the reason, it could have been the financial collapse of  a decade ago,  an  illness, perhaps  even the  death of someone directly involved, but the work stopped with just the framing and pressboard walls put up,  now  it was all well weathered and probably beyond fixing and finishing.  The home  was the  picture  of "forsaken" that we read in today's verse.

 

The psalmist prays that God would  not forsake him, but in  reality he doesn't abandon us, it is the  other  way around, people tend  to abandon God.  Just as the stars and planets follow God's course we should do the same and realize that He will never abandon us.

 

We are reminded of  this in Philippians 1:6 where Paul writes with confidence and we read:

 

Philippians 1:6  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

 

Christian songwriter and recording  artist Steve Green captures the heart of this in his song based on Philippians 1:6

 

If the struggle you're facing is slowly replacing
Your hope with despair or the process is long
And you're losing your song
In the night you can be sure

That the Lord has His hand on you
Safe and secure
He will never abandon you
You are His treasure
And He finds His pleasure in you

 

He who  started the work will be faithful, with His steadfast love, to complete  it  in you.

 

 

Blessings,

 

Mike

 

Psalm 138:6-8New Living Translation (NLT)

⁶ Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
    but he keeps his distance from the proud.

⁷ Though I am surrounded by troubles,
    you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
    and the power of your right hand saves me.
⁸ The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don't abandon me, for you made me.

 

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