Verse of the Day 2/22

Verse of the Day 2/22

1 John 5:13

New International Version

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

It is hard to watch someone deal with the anxiety of whether or not they will go to heaven, especially with those you know have professed faith in Christ.  Satan would like nothing better than to raise questions and put doubts in their minds, trying to prevent them from becoming a witness.  We need no better example of how impactful that witness can be than the thief on the cross and his 11th hour conversion.  But his testimony continues to give hope to people today.

In today's verse John writes that the very purpose of his writing this letter was that the readers could "know", know for certain that they have eternal life.  They have it now, it cannot be taken away from them.  The statement "this is how we know" occurs 8 times in 1 john and "know" in various forms occurs over 40 times.  Do you think that John is trying to drive home a point?  YES!

This is nothing new with John.  In the gospel of John he writes:

John 20:31

New International Version

31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

If you have put your faith in Christ count on it.  If you haven't yet, do it now.  By believing you'll have life in His name and have that "blessed assuraance" and testify of it.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

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

Verse of the Day 2/21

Verse of the Day 2/21

Psalm 34:13-14

New International Version

13 keep your tongue from evil

    and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.

I read today's verses in my devotions in the Psalms this morning.  Psalm 34 is a psalm of praise, David begins the psalm saying "I will bless the Lord at all times", followed shortly by "Oh magnify the Lord with me" (v.3) ; "the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him (v.7); and "taste and see that the Lord is good" (v.8).  Oh that our hearts would echo those feelings.  If they do, most likely you will be following the advice of today's verses.

How much better would our days be if we follwed this advice? A lot of the troubles, stress and anger would be avoided if we did so.  Also, if we follow this advice we would likely come full circle around to prasing Him again.

Charles Stanley writes, "Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work—believers' testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God's name.

Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He's done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don't just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God's throne room ring with worship."

I'm reminded of the following from James in the New Testament.

James 3:9-10

New International Version

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

May our tongues be used to praise and bless today.

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

Psalm 34:1-14

New International Version

Psalm 34

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
    for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Whoever of you loves life
    and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.

Verse of the Day 2/19

Verse of the Dayb 2/19

Ephesians 2:13-14

New Life Version

13 But now you belong to Christ Jesus. At one time you were far away from God. Now you have been brought close to Him. Christ did this for you when He gave His blood on the cross. 14 We have peace because of Christ. He has made the Jews and those who are not Jews one people. He broke down the wall that divided them.

Many of us have probably had parents or parents of friends that expressed uncertrainty in their faith as the end of life here approached.  It is hard to witness, but if we have knowledge of their faith we can enourage them with verses like today's that offer that peace that they long for.  Just think of that statement that begins this verse in the New Life Version, "now you belong to Jesus Christ".  You can encourage them that, that"now" began the moment God called you and you received Him as your Savior.  It has continued through your life and  will apply to you when you die and you pass into eternity for a new lif in Christ.

You've probably noticed how often I quote hymns that relate to what I post.  It is because of all those hymns I sang in church and heard my mom practicing week in and week out on the piano preparing for church services as a child. Many of them are directly from scripture and help reinforce what we believe.  I believe that they played over and over in my mom's later years as she continued to play those hymns from memory on the piano right up to the time of her passing.

If you know of someone that is struggling with fears, even after years of believing, remind them that they belong to Jesus, not for the years of time alone but for eternity,

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;

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

Nothing can separate us from God's love.

Romans 8:38-39

New International Version

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

Ephesians 2:11-22

New International Version

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Verse of the Day 2/16

Verse of the Day 2/16

Matthew 18:3-4

English Standard Version

3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

If you follow sports, over the last few years your hear a lot of talk about someone in a particular sport being a GOAT, (Greatest Of All Time), There can be a great debate about it depending on where you are from, what sport, what team and what favorite player you followed and rooted for.

I recently saw that one of my childhood favorites had passed away.  Back in the sixties when I was a kid growing up in the Chicago area, my dad used to take me to Blackhawks hockey games and the star and arguably one of the greatsest of all time was Bobby Hull.  He was a star but what made him first in my mind was how he would stay long after the game each home game and sign autographs.  My dad brought me to back to back to back games and we stood inline and got autographs.  My dad told Bobby that the next game would be my 9th birthday and asked if he could bring me something because we'd be coming back to the next home game.  We returned with an autobiography of him which he signed "Happy 9th Birthday Johnny (that's my first name), best wishes Bobby Hull.  He also gave me a Blackhawks hockey puck. Fan for life.

Some stars shrug off signing autographs and I've always appreciated those who would take time to sign autographs and more with kids.  Perhaps it was because someone did the same for them when they were kids. Either way, they are an example of "humbling" themselves and reaching the heart of a child that comes to them.  It makes the childs day and makes them a fan for life.

What about Jesus? He shows us the example of taking time and never turning away a chld.  A child is not afraid to ask, and Jesus is always willing to meet His children wherever they are when they come to Him.

David McCasland writes, "Not many children seek position or power. Instead, they want acceptance and security. They cling to the adults who love and care for them. Jesus never turned children away. " 

When was the last time that you took the time with a child, got down on their level? When you do so, you just may become that childs friend for life.

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

Matthew 18:1-6

English Standard Version

Who Is the Greatest?

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,

 it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Verse of the Day 2/15

Verse of the Day 2/15

Ephesians 5:15-16

New King James Version

Walk in Wisdom

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Last weekend our church hosted an event for the youth from several local churches, called "Walk Wisely Weekendl".  it has taken place for several years and it is a time for the youth and their leaders to spend a weekend worshipping, having fun, and hearing from God's Word and learning how it can be applied in their lives.

One of the focuses was what we are called to to do, using our gifts to serve God. Much like Henry Blackaby had stated years ago in his Expriencing God study, if you are not sure what your gifts are, see where God is at work and join Him.. This weekend that were encouraged to see where God was working and calling them and "cooperate with Him".  Basically the same thing.

That's where today's verse comes in.  The New King James Version above says "walk circumspectly".  It doesn't take much to break down that would "circum" where we get the word circumference, the picture of a circle, and in this reference 360 degrees arouond us, and "spectly", think of the word specticles or glasses, or "inspection", to look closely at something. That is what our walk, or life as a Christian is to be like, living while being fully aware of what God is doing all around us.

They were also introduced to a statement  by Charles H. Spurgeon - "Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter."

J.D. Greear expounds on this as he  writes, "If Jesus is precious to you, you will not be able to keep your good news to yourself; you will be whispering it into your child's ear; you will be telling it to your husband; you will be earnestly imparting it to your friend; without the charms of eloquence you will be more than eloquent; your heart will speak, and your eyes will flash as you talk of his sweet love.

Every Christian here is either a missionary or an impostor. Recollect that. You either try to spread abroad the kingdom of Christ, or else you do not love him at all. It cannot be that there is a high appreciation of Jesus and a totally silent tongue about him. Of course I do not mean by that, that those who use the pen are silent: they are not. And those who help others to use the tongue, or spread that which others have written, are doing their part well: but that man who says, "I believe in Jesus," but does not think enough of Jesus ever to tell another about him, by mouth, or pen, or tract, is an impostor."

They are humbling, perhaps sobering words for all of us as Christians, young or old.  May we walk wisely, walk circumspectly today.

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

Ephesians 5:15-21

New King James Version

Walk in Wisdom

15 See then that you walk [a]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of [bGod.

Verse of the Day 2/14

Verse of the Day 2/14

John 13:34-35

English Standard Version

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

There are many verses that have to do with "love" that could be posted as appropriate for Valentine's Day.  They all revolve arouind God's great love for us and how we are to love God and love others.  Obviously we can go to 1 Corinthians 13 and consider these verses:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

English Standard Version

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

You can also go back to Matthew 22 where Jesus was questioned about "the greatest commandment", HIs response was all about love, God's love for us and what should characterize our love for others.

Matthew 22:35-40

English Standard Version

35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."

Perhaps you have some other "favorites".  Whichever ones that you choose, spend some time thinking and praying over them and ask the Lord to present opportunities to share that kind of love with someone eles today.

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

John 13:31-35

English Standard Version

A New Commandment

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.' 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."