Verse of the Day 10/31

 

Verse of the Day 10/31

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. English Standard Version (ESV)

I was watching game 4 of the World Series last week and went to bed after the 6th inning because it looked like the Dodgers pretty much had it wrapped up, especially with the reputation of their bullpen. The next morning after I had done my devotions, which included today's verse, I was surprised to find out that the Red Sox had posted nine runs in the final three innings. It all started when one of their star pitchers went on a tirade before the start of the 7th inning. I watched the video, there was no sound but he got in the other players faces and you might say he was "exhorting" them to get back in the game. In watching it, I thought that I could read Chris Sale's lips saying "wake up, wake up". I also heard that he had said "two pitches" that the opposing pitcher had only two pitches, inferring that they should be able to sit on one or the other and be ready for it. Whether it was inspiration from his "speech" or not, who knows, but he was telling the team to wake up and play ball, have faith in the team, fight the good fight if you will.

Sometimes things in our lives get us down. We may know the scripture but we keep it inside and it may take someone else to come along and "wake us up", it could be a family member, pastor or other friend, but we are exhorted to fight the good fight of faith, to keep believing, to take a stand against the opposition and hold onto the things we have learned.

The Red Sox didn't finish the season with the best record in baseball by rolling over once they lost the lead in games. They assembled that record by playing good fundamental baseball and relying on the talents that God gave them while encouraging, challenging and rallying around each other, running hard down the baseline and around the bases.

The next time that you are down, let someone else encourage you, to start the rally and to go back to the fundamentals that you have learned from God's Word and put into practice those fundamentals that brought you to where you are in the first place.

Read the passage below from The Message which goes under the caption of "Running Hard".

Blessings,

Mike

1 Timothy 6:11-16 The Message (MSG)
Running Hard
11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

13-16 I'm charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn't give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don't slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He'll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He's the only one death can't touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He's never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can't take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.

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Verse of the Day 10/26

 

Verse of the Day 10/26

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. New King James Version (NKJV)

1 & 2 Timothy were written by Paul to a young pastor. In today's verse he encourages him not to let anyone look down on him because of his age, but to overcome their derision by being an example.

In today's society, it is not uncommon for us "older" people to be dismissed or disregarded in our stance on things. If Paul were around today, he would probably give us the same kind of message; " be and example". Show others "the way" by living it out day by day.

Notice the areas in our lives that Paul focuses on. In word; our speech, the way we talk, the words we choose; in conduct - how we act, how we carry ourselves, setting an example to follow; in love - how we love, putting others first, showing compassion, grace and mercy; in spirit - this is not spirit with a capital "s" but reflects our demeanor, our outlook on life and how we react to life and it's curveballs; in faith - go back to Hebrews 11:1-2 "faith is the assurance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen", our lives are to reflect our faith as substance; and in purity - living a godly life.

Whether you are young or old, let no one look down on you because of your age, but be an example in word, conduct, love, in spirit, faith and purity.

Read the passage below. Immerse yourselves in God's Word and may God cultivate it in your life.

Blessings,

Mike

1 Timothy 4:12-16 The Message (MSG)

11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

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Verse of the Day 10/25

Verse of the Day 10/25

1 Peter 1:20-21 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. English Standard Version (ESV)

When you read today's verses, was there anything that jumped out at you? Perhaps it was the mention of the last times. Looking at the world around us it is not difficult to imagine that we are in the last times and that Jesus' return will be soon.

Perhaps it was a reminder that our hope and faith are in Jesus, whom God raised from the dead and that He will do the same for all who had turned to Him as Savior through the ages. May it encourage us.

For me, what I saw were the words "for the sake of you", not only mine but for your sake too. Jesus came into the world, lived, breathed, healed, taught, died and rose again for our sake. Consider that today. What will you do in response to that?

The other day we considered how Spurgeon spoke of searching, a " strict, close, diligent search" of the scriptures to know and treasure Him more. If He came to the world for our sake we should want to more or our purpose in this world and we will find it in Him, through the searching of His Word and the guidance of the Spirit.

Set your faith and hope in Him today and as The Message below states; be "preparing your minds for action". Read the passage below "and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." (V.21 The Message)

Blessings,

Mike

1 Peter 1:13-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

Called to Be Holy
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

 

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Verse of the Day 10/24

 

Verse of the Day 10/24

 

Hebrews 11:3   By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

In Hebrews 11:1 we read that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction  of things not seen".  In today's verse which follows we read that "by faith we understand" God's role in the universe, that of being the Creator and revealer of things not seen.  Faith allows us to see.

 

This morning I was reading in Revelation 21 and I read how by faith, the Apostle John,  saw how "⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away".

 

The other day in church we sang a new version of Amazing Grace which focused on the "now I see" raising to a crescendo.

 

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T'was blind but now I see

 

I see, I see

Oh, oh I see

 

Sometimes the trials, struggles and temptations in life prevent us from seeing what lies ahead.  However, with faith, we can see beyond the trials and tribulations to a new day, a new life in the city that is being prepared for us.  While we wait for that city, faith in Jesus Christ is "our handle on what we can't see".  (The Message)

 

 

Blessings,

 

Mike

 

Hebrews 11:1-3 The Message (MSG)

Faith in What We Don't See

11 ^1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

³ By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see.

 

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Verse of the Day 10/23

Verse of the Day 10/23

John 5:39    You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,   English Standard Version (ESV)

One of my wife Jean and my favorite shows is "This is Us".  The central character is Jack, who is a husband, father who passed away (last season) but who lives on in their memory.  The family continues to be led by his example, they continue to find out more about him and his impact on their lives continues to grow.  As they grow they also learn more about his impact on others, which they were unaware of while he lived.

I was reminded of this when I read today's verse.  The Scriptures, the Bible, is all about Jesus.  Some books of the Bible, such as the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; are all about Jesus, His life and ministry to His death and resurrection.  The Old Testament points to Him, from Genesis to Malachi.  The rest of the New Testament tells about Him and the impact He had on all those whom He came in contact with in word or in deed.  He continues to come in contact and influence those who seek to know Him in His Word and in prayer.

Charles Spurgeon writes:

Take this Book and distill it into one word--and that one word will be JESUS! The Bible itself, is but the body of Christ, and we may look upon all its pages as the swaddling bands of the infant Savior--for if we unroll the Scripture, we come upon Jesus Christ Himself.

  Where is Christ in your theological system? He Himself is . . .    the Doctor and Doctrine,     the Revealer and Revelation,     the Illuminator and the Light of men.     He is exalted in every word of truth, because He is its sum and substance.     Do you search the scriptures?  Do you long to learn more about Him and live for Him?    More from Spurgeon:    The Greek word here rendered "search" signifies a strict, close, diligent, thorough search--such as men make when they are seeking gold. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the Spirit, we must deliberately seek out the spiritual essence of the Word. Holy Scripture requires searching--much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men.    No man who merely skims the book of God, can profit from it. We must dig and mine, until we obtain the hidden treasure. The door of the Word can only opened with the key of diligence! The Scriptures warrant searching. They are the writings of God--we dare to treat them with levity. He who despises them--despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account. The Word of God will repay searching. Scripture grows upon the student. It is full of wonders!    Don't be satisfied with a casual or "superficial reading".  Search through the scriptures, not for the scriptures themselves but for Christ Himself, the scriptures point to Him.  the Doctor and Doctrine, the Revealer and Revelation, the Illuminator and the Light of men.  

--   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    

John 5:37-40 New Living Translation (NLT)

³⁷ And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, ³⁸ and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you.

³⁹ "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! ⁴⁰ Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

Verse of the Day 10/18

 

Verse of the Day 10/18

Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. New King James Version (NKJV)

In reading today's verse what caught my attention today was the statement "to those who eagerly wait for Him." When you think about that, what comes to mind as something you "eagerly wait for"? The thought comes to mind of a child waiting for Christmas or perhaps their birthday's for the things that they will receive. You may also think of the words from "Santa Claus is coming to town" along with the you bettter not pout you better not shout. It point to eagerly waiting with good behavior because of the one who is coming and the gifts that he is bestowing.

Our greatest gift is Jesus Christ Himself and the result of that is the forgiveness of sins, wiping the slate of our sins clean and offering us the gift of eternal life. How should we be living in anticipation of that? It shouldn't be pouting or shouting complaints. We should eagerly wait His return, preparing our hearts, and conforming our mind and our lives to His will.

A. W. Tozer writes, "because Jesus covered our sins so thoroughly, no devil in hell or angel in heaven will be able to uncover them. When God does something, He does it thoroughly and in such a way that it can never be undone. My sins are permanently covered." Praise God.

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
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

May we eagerly be awaiting that glorious day.

Blessings,

Mike

Hebrews 9:28 The Message (MSG)

27-28 Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ's death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation.

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Verse of the Day 10/16

 

Verse of the Day 10/16

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. New King James Version (NKJV)

We often read today's verse during the Christmas season, celebrating the birth of Christ. Our attention is easily drawn to the thoughts of Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace and rightly so. Many translations put Wonderful and Couselor together as one name. The New King James keeps them separate. In reading and meditating on the verse that way we are more likely to think about the word wonderful in terms of God. He is worthy of wonder, worship and praise. It brings about thought of awe, majesty and glory.

I'm reading "Beauty for Ashes: Sermons on Isaiah (Spurgeon Through the Scriptures)" by Charles Spurgeon, Bart Byl and wanted to share this quote with you.

"You have come now to the very summit of everything that may be wondered at. There are no mysteries equal to this mystery, there is no surprise equal to this surprise; there is no astonishment, no admiration that should equal the astonishment and admiration that we feel when we behold Christ in the glories of the past. He surpasses everything."

Reading the verse that way, reading of Spurgeon's thoughts reminded me of the old hymn that we used to sing.

His name is wonderful
His name is wonderful
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord

He is the mighty King
Master of everything
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord

He's the great Shepherd
The rock of all ages
Almighty God is He

Bow down before Him
Love and adore Him
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord. (Merrill Osmond)

As you see the autumn colors around you, the majesty of the mountains, the oceans or the wonder of a new born baby, think about God who created all of this as Wonderful. Worship Him today.

Blessings,

Mike

Isaiah 9:2-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation
And [a]increased its joy;
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
The rod of his oppressor,
As in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior's [b]sandal from the noisy battle,
And garments rolled in blood,
Will be used for burning and fuel [c]of fire.
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

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Verse of the Day 10/12

Verse of the Day 10/12

Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  New International Version (NIV)

Today's verses came from the read through the New Testament plan that I am following.  The verse in the ESV begins with it, other translations use "since" or "therefore", they point back to the previous passage where in Colossians 2:20 we are to have died to the world having been made alive in Christ.  It goes along with what we read in Ephesians chapter 2 where we read that we were "dead in our trespasses and sins" "but God, ... made us alive together with Christ"   Ephesians 2:4.

The things that drew my attention in reading today's verses are "set your hearts" (v.1) and "set your minds" verse two.   Our hearts are at our core, they pump our life giving blood.  If our hearts stop, we die.  We are to set Christ, as our lifeblood, at the center of who we are, to draw from Him and rely on Him while we "live and have our being".  The setting our minds it setting the things that we think about, things we plan for things we live for that define who we are and are borne out by our actions.

And what should be the result of that?  We find that later in the passage - Colossians 3:12-17 from The Message:

^12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

^15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Are you ready, willing and able to set your hearts and minds on the things above today?  It won't be easy with the challenges that lay ahead, but without Him, it would be impossible.  Never leave home without Him.

--   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    

Colossians 3:1-4 The Message (MSG)

He Is Your Life

3 ^1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

^3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

Verse of the Day 10/11

Verse of the Day 10/11

Deuteronomy 29:29   "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."    English Standard Version (ESV)

There are a lot of things, a lot of questions to which we will never know the answer this side of heaven.  A lot of them have to do about "why", why did this or that happen.  These are the secret things known only to God.  However, there are many questions that we have where the answers can be found in Scripture, in God's Word and in the teaching of Jesus and the Apostles.

We are not wrong in coming to God and asking why and other questions when we seek understanding.  It is natural to do so and it always has been.  I was reading in Psalm 55 this morning where David wrote:

Psalm 55:17   Evening and morning and at noon

    I utter my complaint and moan,
    and he hears my voice.    English Standard Version (ESV)

David question God and he called on God, he sought Him in prayer and God led him "the Lord was his Shepherd" after all, and following His leading was the "doing" mentioned in today's verse.

Author John Eldredge writes, "Jesus, come into this — we invite You into this" is a great place to start. Whatever the need — guidance, direction, encouragement, healing, protection; the cancelled flight, the report from the doctor, the tension in relationship — this is the place to start. Invite Jesus right into the heart of it all, right there, in the moment. "Jesus, come into this — we invite You into this."

We are to go to God with our questions but understand that there are "secret things" that we won't get the answers to in this life, but in seeking Him He will reveal the things we truly need to know to live this life, and live it according to His Word.  As The Message says below, " God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business."

  --   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    

Deuteronomy 29:29 The Message (MSG)

²⁹ God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. It's up to us and our children to attend to all the terms in this Revelation.

Verse of the Day 10/10

Verse of the Day 10/10

Philippians 4:9  The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. 

Amplified Bible (AMP)

As I read today's verse in my read through the New Testament plan the peace that it speaks about is what caught my attention.  Read the passage below, it speaks of not fretting or worrying, it speaks of praying to God, praising Him and filling our minds with good, true and noble things. 

Take a look at the world around us.  Don't look too hard or it can bring you down, but realize that there is a better way than all of the rancor, anger and craziness that is going on.  Turn it off and turn to God, The Message says, " Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down."  That settling down is the peace that comes from following the verse and the passage's advice for life.

David Jeremiah writes, " Eat well to be well physically. But more importantly, feed your heart on the Word of God and that which honors Him (Philippians 4:8-9)."

Philippians 4:9  The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. 

Amplified Bible (AMP)

What have you learned, received and seen in Christ?  Put them into practice and see the change that will take place.

--   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    

Philippians 4:4-10 The Message (MSG)

^4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

^6-7 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

^8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.