Verse of the Day 5/28

Verse of the Day 5/28

1 Corinthians 15:58. New International Version

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The words "vain" and "vanity" came up several times in my devotions over the past few days in my reading in Ecclesiastes, here in 1 Corinthians, and yesterday in Philippians 2.  Today's verse and yesterday's were in regards to our labor, our work for the Lord are not in vain.  They count, they are important, that vain things like the vanity mentioned in Ecclesiastes will be gone like the morning mist or your breath on a cold day.

I closed yesterday's post with the words from "At Calvary"  which stated "years I spent in vanity and pride", those are the years spent seeking and doing everything for ourselves.

The verse says "let nothing move you" from your pursuit of God and then "always give yourself fully" to the work of the Lord.  That giving is sacrificing the vain desires for His purposes.  One of the reasons we do this is what He did for us.  Consider the hymn "When I Survey" which "all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood."

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
   On which the Prince of glory died,
   My richest gain I count but loss,
   And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
   Save in the death of Christ my God!
   All the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them to His blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
   Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
   Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   That were a present far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,
   Demands my soul, my life, my all.

What vain things are we willing to sacrifice?

Blessings,

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 15:51-58

New International Version

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[a]

55 "Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?"[b]

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Verse of the Day 5/27

Verse of the Day 5/27

Philippians 2:14-16 New International Version

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

We are currently living in a time when there are a lot of things that we can argue, grumble and complain about.  We see a warped and crooked generation on display every day on the news in politics, the economy, COVID and more.  It is a time when we are aware that we live in the world but are not to be of the world.  Our source of hope, our source of confidence, or source of peace in times of adversity come from out of the world, through our faith in Jesus Christ.

When we live out our faith, it should stand out in stark contrast to the world around us.  In order to do so we must hold firmly to the faith that we have.  We have to believe that what we believe is really real.  As John Piper states, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." We don't live, we don't run or labor in vain, we look for a brighter day.

1. Years I spent in vanity and pride,
   Caring not my Lord was crucified,
   Knowing not it was for me He died
   On Calvary.
   • 
     
   • Refrain:
     Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
     Pardon there was multiplied to me;
     There my burdened soul found liberty
     At Calvary.
2. By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
   Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
   Till my guilty soul imploring turned
   To Calvary.
3. Now I've giv'n to Jesus everything,
   Now I gladly own Him as my King,
   Now my raptured soul can only sing
   Of Calvary!

Blessings,

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 2:12-18

English Standard Version

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Verse of the Day 5/25

Verse of the Day 5/25

Galatians 5:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

13 For you were called to be free, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.

We all have basic needs and this concept has been recognized through the years.  Maslov developed his hierarchy of needs many years ago and he placed "self actualization" near the top.  This could not be achieved without first fulfilling the basic requirements of our physiological, safety, and the need to be loved. The problem with putting "self actualization" so high is that it places "me" first, me at the center, me at the top. People actually can become enslaved to trying to please themselves thinking that it will bring happiness.

Jesus' teachings and those of Paul and other gospel writers point to serving others as something that is freeing and will also break the chains of addiction which are attached to the selfish things that we pursue on our own thinking they will bring pleasure.

Verses 14 and 15 reveal what is required of us, "love your neighbor as yourself" so that we are not consumed by one another through backbiting; things done and said to elevate ourselves at the expense of others.

We should examine our speech and actions. Are we among those who "love one another" or that group that "bites and devours"? This reveals whether we are free indeed.

John 8:36

English Standard Version

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Blessings,

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

Galatians 5:13-15

Holman Christian Standard Bible

13 For you were called to be free, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Verse of the Day 5/20

Verse of the Day 5/20

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15. Holman Christian Standard Bible

14 And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

In yesterday's verse from James 3 we considered what it takes to "cultivate peace" and linked it to gardening. In reading today's verses you can do the same thing, the exhorting, helping and showing patience are all things that are necessary to cultivate what is good for one another.  

David Jeremiah writes, "He mentions three kinds of people before that exhortation: the unruly, the fainthearted, and the weak. Then he sums up by essentially saying, "be patient with all"—the old, young, fit, disabled, responsible, irresponsible. Patience is required toward all."  As with a garden, growth doesn't happen overnight and fruit takes time to develop.  It requires patience and patience is a necessary quality that can be painful to develop in itself.  Our thoughts and our motives need to be under His control.

Read the 3rd and 4th stanzas of "Take Time to be Holy".  Don't run out before Him, let Him be your guide today and every day.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Exhortations and Blessings

12 Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

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

Verse of the Day 5/19

Verse of the Day 5/19

James 3:17-18  Holman Christian Standard Bible

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

I read today's verses in my devotions this morning and in the Holman Christian Standard Bible, the words that caught my attention were "cultivate peace."  This is the time of year when many tomato, zuchini, carrots and other vegetable plants begin to produce fruit.  Where we came from in Illinois, the soil was rich and it didn't take much more than planting the seed or seedling for a plant to grow and bare fruit. Here in North Carolina, the soil is clay and in order to have a good garden, you must work at it.  People plant in raised boxes, which have been dug out, have a layer of mesh to prevent weeds, perhaps cardboard being placed under the soil to hold moisture and then covered with fertilized topsoil.  The plants respond and there will be a harvest.

Cultivating peace as mentioned in today's verses also takes effort.  We are to be peace loving ourselves, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and showing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in our lives.  When this takes place things will be right with God and in our "spiritual garden".

May we put forth the effort, under the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace provided to cultivate peace in our lives.

Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Refrain:
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

Blessings,

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

James 3:13-18

Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Wisdom from Above

13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Verse of the Day 5/18

Verse of the Day 5/18

1 Peter 4:10-11

New International Version

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

As I read these verses yesterday, what stood out was the word "various" reference to God's grace.  Other translations use the word "varied" which brought to mind 1 Peter 1:6 which speaks of "various trials" as well as James 1:2 which tells us that we will face various trials and not only that but to consider it joy as we face them.  Quite a challenge.

The good news is that God gives us the grace to face the multi faceted "various trials".  Often, the way He does so is to supply us that grace through the acts and prayers of other believers using their gifts, which themselves are bestowed on us by God's grace.

This all reminds me of the old Fannie Crosby hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" which speaks of this grace for every trial in the second stanza below.

1. All the way my Savior leads me,
   What have I to ask beside?
   Can I doubt His tender mercy,
   Who through life has been my Guide?
   Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
   Here by faith in Him to dwell!
   For I know, whate'er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well;
   For I know, whate'er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well.
2. All the way my Savior leads me,
   Cheers each winding path I tread,
   Gives me grace for every trial,
   Feeds me with the living Bread.
   Though my weary steps may falter
   And my soul athirst may be,
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see;
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see.

Are you facing a trial today?  May God supply you the grace to overcome it.  If you know of someone who is going through a trial, may you use one of your "gifts" to help them, by God's grace.

Blessings,

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 4:7-11

New International Version

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse of the Day 5/13

Verse of the Day 5/13

John 3:7-8

New International Version

7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Today's verses came up in the read through the New Testament plan that I follow.  It is one of the key passages in understanding what it means to be "born again".  Some may want to "take credit" in finding Jesus, but today's verses, other passages such as Ephesians 2, and the testimony of Christians through the ages tell us otherwise.

Charles Spurgeon, perhaps the greatest preacher of the 19th century shared his view of what happened to him when he writes:

When I was coming to Christ, I thought I was doing it all myself, and though I sought the Lord earnestly, I had no idea the Lord was seeking me. I do not think the young convert is at first aware of this.

I can recall the very day and hour when first I received those truths [the doctrines of sovereign, overcoming grace] in my own soul — when they were, as John Bunyan says, burnt into my heart as with a hot iron, and I can recollect how I felt that I had grown, on a sudden, from a babe into a man — that I had made progress in Scriptural knowledge, through having found, once for all, that clue to the truth of God.

One weeknight, when I was sitting in the house of God, I was not thinking much about the preacher's sermon, for I did not believe it.

The thought struck me, How did you come to be a Christian? I sought the Lord. But how did you come to seek the Lord? The truth flashed across my mind in a moment — I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him. I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, How came I to pray? I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. How came I to read the Scriptures? I did read them, but what led me to do so?

Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith, and so the whole doctrine of grace opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make this my constant confession, "I ascribe my change wholly to God."

If you look back in your life and the time of your conversion, if you look closely you will probably see, as did Spurgeon, "at the bottom of it all" there was the Holy Spirit's call"

Philippians 1:6

New International Version

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

John 3:1-21

New International Version

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]"

4 "How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!"

5 Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[c] must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."[d]

9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

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