Verse of the Day 12/25

Verse of the Day 12/25/20

 

Micah 6:8  But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
    what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
    take God seriously.  The Message (MSG)

 

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope that you have been able to spend time in worship of our Lord as we celebrate His birth and I also hope that you've had the opportunity to spend some time with family and friends this season.

 

As I thought about a verse for today I thought back to this verse that I had read in my Old Testament reading devotions this past week.  As we consider the greatest gift that has been given to us perhaps the thought at some point had crossed your mind of what you can give back to God?  It is not as if we can actually attempt to give back anything near what He has given us and to try to give with that intent goes against the whole thought of our salvation, let alone Christmas.  Today's verses remind us of what we can do, we can live for Him, day by day.  I

 

I like the way The Message translates the end of verse 8.  Our daily living should actually begin with this though "take God seriously" and as you are doing so, realize what He does expect of us.  To do what is fair and just; be compassionate and loyal in your love; and don't take yourself too seriously.".

 

Perhaps it is something that we can begin to put in practice today as we sit around the Christmas table with family and friends today.  Talk about what we can do to be more "fair" in our dealings with others.  Show compassion to others and love those in your family with a loyal love.  To do so could be considered a courageous act.

 

I thought of the Casting Crowns song "Courageous".  It may not be a Christmas song, but it could be a good one for a new years' resolution.  Read the stanzas below.

 

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of god arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees, with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your god.

 

--   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.  

Micah 6:6-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

What Does the Lord Require?

⁶ "With what shall I come before the Lord,
    and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
    with calves a year old?
⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with^[a] thousands of rams,
    with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"
⁸ He has told you, O man, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,^[b]
    and to walk humbly with your God?