Verse of the Day 8/31

Verse of the Day 8/31

1 Peter 4:1-2 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. ^2??You won???t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.?? New Living Translation (NLT)

Our men's Bible study group covered this passage in this morning's study.?? It serves as a reminder to us that there will be times in our lives when we will suffer.?? It may be pain, illness, loss or any number of things as varied as the colors of the spectrum.?? The thought is found elsewhere throughout the Bible.?? Jesus' half brother James wrote that we are to "count it all joy when we meet various trials" knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance.

Here, Peter calls on his readers to "arm themselves" with the same attitude that Jesus had.?? The verb in the Greek "hoplizo" means literally to "arm oneself with weapons".?? You didn't see Jesus walking around with weapons so what was He armed with??? Among other things He had resolve; He knew the will of God the Father; and an eternal perspective.?? We can have the same things.?? The mention of being armed should quickly bring to mind what the Apostle Paul wrote of in the book of Ephesians where in chapter 6 he called on his readers to put on the full armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Whole Armor of God

^10??A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.??^11??Put on all of God???s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.??^12??For we^[a]??are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

^13??Therefore, put on every piece of God???s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.??^14??Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God???s righteousness.??^15??For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ^16??In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^[c]??^17??Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

^18??Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.?? New Living Translation (NLT)

One of the things that can happen as a result of suffering is coming to the realization of just how precious life is, giving you a better perspective and focus and causing you to live from that point on with purpose.?? In other words you'll be ready to do God's will.

Purify My Heart,
Let Me be as Gold and precious Silver.
Purify My Heart,
Let Me be as Gold, pure Gold.

Refiner???s Fire,
My Heart???s one desire
Is to be??? Holy;
Set apart for You, Lord.
I choose to be??? Holy;
Set apart for You, My Master,
Ready to do Your will.?? (Purify My Heart?? - Eugene Greco)

--   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 Peter 4:1-6??English Standard Version (ESV)

Stewards of God's Grace

4??Since therefore??Christ suffered in the flesh,^[a]??arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for??whoever has suffered in the flesh??has ceased from sin,??^2??so as to live for??the rest of the time in the flesh??no longer for human passions but??for the will of God.??^3??For the time that is past??suffices??for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.??^4??With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of??debauchery, and??they malign you;??^5??but they will give account to him who is ready??to judge the living and the dead.??^6??For this is why??the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

Verse of the Day 8/28

Verse of the Day 8/28

Ezekiel 11:19-20 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, ^20??so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.?????? New Living Translation (NLT)

My daily reading in the Old Testament is currently in the book of Ezekiel.?? The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel wrote during a time of turmoil and exile in the Old Testament.?? The people of the nation of Israel were prone to stray and to go after false gods.?? But God never left them, He was always at work and spoke through the prophets to "draw them back".?? In today's verse the prophet speaks of "singleness of heart" or as the English Standard Version below states, an "undivided" heart.?? It speaks of unity with the people, the nation having a common focus.

When you think about it, most divisions, whether it be in the family, the workplace or in politics come from moving away from sense of the common purpose and what is best for all to what is perceived to be what is "best for me" in this time or place.?? That what is best for me is often with selfish, self gratifying motives that aren't truly in the best interests of the person or their respective family, work, church or national interests.

The verses give us the answer as to how we are to have and maintain this singleness, this undivided heart.?? It is by God's Spirit softening our stubborn heats, making them tender and responsive to His Word and His promptings.?? We long for unity in our families, churches and our nation and the best way to bring it about is to seek singleness of heart by praying and following God's leading, following His Word.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us
Much we need Thy tender care
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us
For our use Thy folds prepare
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are

We are Thine, who Thou befriend us
Be the guardian of our way
Keep Thy flock from sin defend us
Seek us when we go astray
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus
Hear Thy children when we pray
Blessed Jesus, oh blessed Jesus
Hear Thy children when we pray

--   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    

Ezekiel 11:17-21??English Standard Version (ESV)

^17??Therefore say, ???Thus says the Lord??God:??I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered,??and I will give you the land of Israel.?????^18??And when they come there,??they will remove from it all its??detestable things and all its abominations.??^19??And I will give them one heart, and??a new spirit I will put within them.??I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh??and give them a heart of flesh,??^20??that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them.??And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.??^21??But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations,??I will^[a]??bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord??God.???

Verse of the Day 8/26

Verse of the Day 8/26

2 Timothy 3:16-17   All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ^[a]instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.    New King James Version (NKJV)

I have to admit that I enjoy watching the reality TV series "Alone" where individuals are dropped off in remote areas of the wilderness such as Vancouver Island in Canada or Patagonia in South America.  They can only choose 10 items to bring with them and the goal is to be the last one who remains without "tapping out".  How they choose to be equipped and how they protect their equipment can make all the difference in whether they will have success or not.  Individuals had to tap out because the lost their fire stick or gill net, thus not being able to start a fire or obtains sufficient food.

As I read today's verses in my devotions this morning, what caught my attention in the New King James Version was "thoroughly equipped".  God has given us everything that we need to survive day by day in the spiritual wilderness that we may face any day.  As we draw upon His power we know that we have what we need.  I don't know how I would survive in the wilderness of Vancouver Island, Patagonia or Mongolia but I do know that wherever I am and wherever I'll go, I will carry God's word with me.  It is probably my most important survival tool.

How are you equipped today to go out into the world, into the "wilderness".  Be sure to have God's Word with you, at your fingertips and in your heart.  We don't have to barely get by, we can thrive as we draw upon His power with joy, deep in our hearts.

There is joy in serving Jesus
As I journey on my way
Joy that fills my heart with praises
Every hour and every day

There is joy, joy
Joy in serving Jesus
Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart

There is joy in serving Jesus
Joy; that triumphs over pain
Fills my heart with heaven's music
Till I join the glad refrain

--   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    

2 Timothy 3:10-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

Paul's Charge to Timothy

¹⁰ But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. ¹¹ You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. ¹² Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. ¹⁵ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Verse of the Day 8/25

Verse of the Day 8/25

1 Peter 3:15  but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,  English Standard Version (ESV)

Last week the Democratic National Convention was held and this week it is the Republican National Convention that is in progress.  In each instance there have been and will be 4 nights of speeches from representatives of the two parties making arguments, you might say making a defense for the choices they believe in.  Much time and careful planning have gone into each of these speeches trying to sway the listeners to their beliefs or their side of the debate.  While much of it is looking forward, it has to be based on what has been done, what has been accomplished in the past.  The one with the better argument may or may not win, but they will have made their case.

So it is for us as Christians, Peter is calling his hearers and us to be ready to give a testimony.  It is not just based on belief, but it is based on experience and convictions.  A belief is an acceptance of a truth, a cognitive acknowledgement about something, something that you are willing to argue about.  A conviction goes beyond that.  It is a demonstration of the truth, a belief lived out; something that you'll give anything for, even die for.  This is what we are making a defense about.  Our faith is grounded not just in a belief, but what that belief is grounded on, our Savior Jesus Christ.  We not only believe but we are convicted, convinced of it and are willing to stake our lives, our eternity on it.

Read the passage below.  Others may defame you, putting you down for what you believe.  But if you apply what you believe and do good, do no harm, others will stop take notice and possibly even be ashamed of their behavior.  To do so will mean setting Christ apart in your heart and allowing Him to speak through you in words and actions.

--   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 Peter 3:13-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Suffering for Right and Wrong

¹³ And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." ¹⁵ But ^[a]sanctify ^[b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Verse of the Day 8/24

Verse of the Day 8/24   

1 Peter 3:8-9 Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble, ⁹ not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

For today's verse we'll go to 1 Peter 3 where the heading for the passage in the Holman Christian Standard Bible is "Do No Evil". It begins with the statement "finally" but is not closing out the letter; rather, it is completing what had been started in chapter 2 and into chapter 3 where Peter addressed civil relationships, workplace relationships and relationships with our spouses.  He is calling for all of his readers and all of us as believers to have the same mind, be "like-minded" in this and then lays out these not so easy to live by principles of being sympathetic , show brotherly love with a tender heart and humble mind.  They are not easy to do or apply in our lives but what a change they could bring about if we all followed his advice, his challenge.

The common way of doing things today is returning evil for evil, getting even.  This can be in spoken words, facebook posts or Twitter "tweets".  But you know how it goes, back and forth, with ever increasing emotions and animosity between sides.  Instead of joining in the fray we are to live to be a blessing and in doing so receive blessings of our own.  It is not a new concept but goes all the way back to Genesis 12 with God speaking to Abram.

Genesis 12:2-3  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. ³ I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."  English Standard Version (ESV)

To live this way is to believe what God has said and what He is saying to us in His Word by His Spirit.  Belief is accepting His truth but doesn't end their.  When we are convinced of it and have conviction that it is true, our lives will be a demonstration of that truth, of our beliefs.  When we do so, we will not repay evil with evil but live to be a blessing so that the world will take notice.  Read the short passage below.  How does it speak to you today?

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.

--   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 Peter 3:8-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Suffering for Righteousness' Sake

⁸ Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. ⁹ Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. ¹⁰ For

"Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
¹¹ let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
    and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."