Verse of the Day 1/31

Verse of the Day 1/31

Romans 14:7-8  For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. ⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.     New International Version (NIV)

Have you ever gone to an event where you end up asking yourself "why am I here"?  The idea may have sounded good when proposed to you by someone else or it came to your mind on your own, but once you've been there for a while you realize that it was a waste of time.  Many people come to a place in their life when they ask the same question regarding the "bigger picture".  As Christians we should know why we're here; we are Christ followers and we have purpose - to serve Him with a goal in mind, to make Him famous.

Charles Spurgeon writes, "Why are his children still wandering hither and thither through a maze, when a solitary word from his lips would bring them into the centre of their hopes in heaven? The answer is--they are here that they may "live unto the Lord," and may bring others to know his love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the "salt of the earth," to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for him, and as "workers together with him." Let us see that our life answereth its end. Let us live earnest, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of the glory of his grace." 

May we remember today that "we are workers here for him, and as "workers together with Him".  If we are workers for Him we are living for Him.

1	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.
	O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou, in Thy [redemption],* 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.
2	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.
3	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.
4	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.    (Thomas Chisholm)

--   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    

Romans 14:5-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. ⁶ He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; ^[a]and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. ⁷ For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. ⁸ For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. ⁹ For to this end Christ died ^[b]and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Verse of the Day 1/30

Verse of the Day 1/30

Psalm 16:7-8   I praise you, Lord,

    for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
    your teachings fill my mind.
⁸ I will always look to you,
    as you stand beside me
    and protect me from fear.      Contemporary English Version (CEV)

I woke up this morning with the hymn "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" going through my mind.

All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His faithful mercies?
Who through life has been my guide
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort
Ere by faith in Him to dwell
For I know whate'er fall me
Jesus doeth all things well

All of the way my Savior leads me
And He cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me strength for every trial
And He feeds me with the living bread
And though my weary steps may falter
And my soul a-thirst may be
Gushing from a rock before me
Though a spirit joy I see

And all the way my Savior leads me
Oh, the fullness of His love
Perfect rest in me is promised
In my Father's house above
When my spirit clothed immortal
Wings it's flight through the realms of the day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way

Life is full of uncertainty, but if we are a Christ follower, if we have faith in God we believe that God "has got this".  He knows where we are going, He knows the path to lead us down.

Jeremiah 29:11 came to my mind and I thought of posting that as today's verse.  If fits in well with the hymn and the thoughts that were going on in my mind and the prayers being offered for healing for friends and loved ones including my wife Jean.

Jeremiah 29:11 English Standard Version (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare^[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Then, I read Psalm 16 in my reading in the Psalms this morning, and I've posted it from the Contemporary English Version which I as using this time through the book.  The psalmist praises God for being His guide; teaching him through His Word; always being there at his side; and protecting Him from fear.  Aren't those things we all need, especially when facing uncertainty?

One day our lives will come to an end and we'll be ushered into His presence and we'll realize and "sing through endless ages, Jesus led me all the way."  Read the passage below or the whole Psalm from your translation of choice. May God's Word speak the words that you need to hear today.

--   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 16:5-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
⁶ The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

⁷ I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.^[a]
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

⁹ Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being^[b] rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.
¹⁰ For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.^[c]

¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Verse of the Day 1/29

Verse of the Day 1/29

Luke 22:31-32  Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks.^[a] 32 But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others."    Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In today's short passage where Jesus predicts Peter's denial we are reminded once again of our human nature and our confidence, or over confidence in ourselves and our power, our will power.  Peter was one of the leaders of the disciples and was the one who expressed his faith in Christ "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" and of whom Jesus said "on this rock I will build my church",about that statement.

You've heard the saying nobody's perfect.  The greatest pitchers in baseball don't strike everyone out or win every game.  The best hitters only get hits less than 4 out of 10 trips to the plate.  For us, there will be times when we fail, when we let God down.  Jesus' prayer for Peter is also prayed for us.  He prays that we may have faith, and part of that faith is coming back to Him, seeking Him even when we have failed.  When we do so we can also strengthen those who go through the same challenges, the same failures.

John Piper reminds us of the importance of the small word "when" in today's verses when he writes, "Not if you return. But when you return. I have prayed for you! You will return. And when you do, it will be my sovereign grace that brought you back from the precipice of apostasy."  Peter did fall, but he got up and returned by God's grace.  Peter then realized that no power in this world could ultimately keep him from the love of Christ.

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

Once I was lost in sin's degradation,
Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,
Now I belong to 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    

Luke 22:31-34 English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

³¹ "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,^[a] that he might sift you like wheat, ³² but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." ³³ Peter^[b] said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." ³⁴ Jesus^[c] said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me."

Verse of the Day 1/28

Verse of the Day 1/28

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.    English Standard Version (ESV)

In Sunday's post from Matthew 7 we considered the necessity of prayer and God's word to do the Lord's calling in our lives and accomplish His work.  We never reach a point where we have "arrived" and can do things on our own in our own power and expect to see the same results.  

In today's passage Paul prays for the Thessalonian church and that their works of faith would be done by God's power.  Do you see the relationship?  The Thessalonians had a "resolve" a desire to do good works, and Paul prays for them that God would fulfill that resolve in HIs power.  John Piper writes:

That means the giver gets the glory. God gave the power. God gets the glory. We have faith; he gives power. We get the help; he gets the glory. That's the deal that keeps us humble and happy, and keeps him supreme and glorious.  Then Paul says that this glorification of Christ is "according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus.  God's answer to Paul's prayer that we rely on God's power to do good works is grace. God's power to enable you to do what you resolve to do is grace.

As we head out into the day may we "resolve" to do good works in ministry but before we do may we spend some time in His Word and  go to the Father in prayer and rely on His power to do good works by His grace.

1. I am resolved no longer to linger,
   Charmed by the world's delight,
   Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
   These have allured my sight.
   • Refrain:
     I will hasten to Him,
     Hasten so glad and free;
     Jesus, greatest, highest,
     I will come to Thee.
2. I am resolved to follow the Savior,
   Faithful and true each day;
   Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
   He is the living Way.

Blessings, 

Mike 

2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

5 It is a clear evidence of God's righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God's kingdom, for which you also are suffering, 6 since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you 7 and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, 8 taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord's presence and from His glorious strength 10 in that day when He comes to be glorified by His saints and to be admired by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed. 11 And in view of this, we always pray for you that our God will consider you worthy of His calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Verse of the Day 1/26

Verse of the Day 1/26

Matthew 17:19-20  Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" ²⁰ He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."   English Standard Version (ESV)

Today's verses came up in the read through the New Testament plan that I'm following.  I've been doing this for over 20 years and I'm often surprised by how things will come out of a passage that I had never seen before.  Today was just one of those instances.  In this passage the disciples were surprised by the fact that they were not able to cast out a demon.  They had done it before, they had performed healings and other demonstrations of the power of the Holy Spirit before, so why not this time.  Jesus stated that it was due to their lack of faith.  If His disciples lacked enough faith then what about us?  We need to dig a little deeper.

John MacArthur writes, "the deficiency did not consist in a lack of confidence; they were surprised that they could not cast out this demon. The problem lay in a failure to make God - rather than their own gifts - the object of their confidence."  The issue was that the disciples did not rely on God, they had fallen into an expectation for God to work through them without seeking Him and praying.  Do we do the same type of thing?  Jesus told them "this kind" of work (the casting out of this demon) could only be accomplished through prayer and fasting.

Think about it.  When we begin some new ministry we seek God in prayer in preparation for it, we depend upon His grace, His wisdom and His power.  It may be preaching, leading a Bible study, teaching a Sunday School class, working with the youth group or any other kind of ministry.  We are nervous about it at first and we need to come to Him week by week.  Then something happens, we become confident in "our" preparation, perhaps we come up with "our own system" of preparation and we drift away from the prayer and communion with God without even realizing it.

The faith of a mustard seed may be small at first but it continues to grow as it receives its nourishment from God's Word and prayer and is put into practice in ministry.  Jordan Feliz has a song out "Faith" that says "you just gotta have faith".  The faith that he writes and sings about points to searching and praying and waiting, depending on God day by day for the grace and the faith that can move mountains and part oceans.

There is no ocean that can't be parted
There is no mountain that can't be moved
I know there's help for the heavy-hearted
The weak will find their strength renewed

You just gotta have faith
You just gotta have faith

Searching for purpose in all the waiting
Praying through so many silent hours
Finding a breath when you feel like fading
Learning to love where you are right now (where He's got you now)

You just gotta have faith
You just gotta have faith

--   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    

Matthew 17:14-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

A Boy Is Healed

¹⁴ And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ¹⁵ "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is ^[a]an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. ¹⁶ So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him."

¹⁷ Then Jesus answered and said, "O ^[b]faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." ¹⁸ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"

²⁰ So Jesus said to them, "Because of your ^[c]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ^21 [d]However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."