Verse of the Day 6/28

Verse of the Day 6/28

2 Corinthians 9:8

New King James Version

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

I've mentioned before in these posts how reading "all things" in verses always catches my attention.  I goes back to Romans chapter 8 beginning with verse 28 and "all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes." What catches my attention in today's verse is that Paul says that God's grace will abound to us and give us sufficiency to face all things with an abundunce overflowing towards every good work.

We often may think of grace in accordance with the hymn Amazing Grace.  This is not wrong, but it is not complete.  We focus on the pardon aspect but often don't pay much attention to the power to change us and the power to work through us to overcome all that we may face.

David Jeremiah writes, "Because God is able, we are able. When we say, "I can't give, love, forgive, reconcile, repent, be kind, be compassionate, be content . . ." we are saying, "God isn't able to make that grace abound to me. Don't limit yourself by limiting God. Let His grace abound to you."

When the Holy Spirit prompts us to do something, may we never say "I can't".  God gives us the grace, the power to do what we have been called to do.  May it abound and overflow into the lives of those around you.

My soul, do you not love to dwell on that all-abounding grace! Your own insufficiency in everything, met with a divine "all-sufficiency in all things!"

Grace in all circumstances and situations.

Grace in all vicissitudes and changes.

Grace in all the varied phases of the Christian's being.

Grace in sunshine--and in storm.

Grace in health--and in sickness.

Grace in life--and in death.

Grace for the old believer--and the young believer.

Grace for the tried believer, and the weak believer, and the tempted believer.

Grace for duty--and grace in duty.

Grace to carry the joyous cup with a steady hand--and grace to drink the bitter cup with an unmurmuring spirit!

Grace to have prosperity sanctified--and grace to say through tears, "May Your will be done!" John MacDuff

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

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

New King James Version

The Cheerful Giver

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [a]bountifully will also reap [b]bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [c]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:

"He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever."

10 Now [d]may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, [e]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

Verse of the Day 6/26

Verse of the Day 6/26

Isaiah 64:4

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

4 From ages past no one has heard,

    no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
    who works for those who wait for him.

Today's passage starts out with a heartfelt cry for God's help.  That little one letter word in the NRSV version contains a lot.  It is a heartfelt cry of desparation, of need and a recognition of a situation that won't take care of itself, it calls for an act of God.  In this instance the prophet looks back on what God has done in the past in delivering His people and looks for God to step in once again.

Today's verse makes clear the fact that there is no one else besides the Lord God who can accomplish what needs to be done.  He can do what He has in the past and Isaiah calls the people to that remembrance.  The key word that jumps oout in the NRSV is "works".  Other translations say "acts".  The meaning is the same.  No one has or ever will hear of a God who sees, hears and does what God does.  This God works for us, for those who call on HIm.

Pastor John Piper writes, "Only a few things have gripped me with greater joy than the truth that God loves to show his God-ness by working for me, and that his working for me is always before and under and in any working I do for him. ......At first it may sound arrogant of us, and belittling to God, to say that he works for us. But that's only because of the connotation that I am an employer and God needs a job. That's not the connotation when the Bible talks about God's working for us. As in: "God works for those who wait for him" (Isaiah 64:4)......The proper connotation of saying God works for me is that I am bankrupt and need a bailout. I am weak and need someone strong. I am endangered and need a protector. I am foolish and need someone wise. I am lost and need a Rescuer....."God works for me" means I can't do the work.

As you go about your day, your week, don't try to "do it yourself".  Remember, "God works for me", we can't do it ourself.

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

Isaiah 64:1-4

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

64 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,

    so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
2 [a] as when fire kindles brushwood
    and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
    so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
3 When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
    you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4 From ages past no one has heard,
    no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
    who works for those who wait for him.

Verse of the Day 6/15

Verse of the Day 6/15

2 Corinthians 5:9

English Standard Version

9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

As I read today's verse in my devotions this morning, the thought came to mind that it is a good verse for this time of year (actually for anytime of year).  The reason for this is school is out and many people will be taking vacations.  The verse serves as a reminder that we should be the same people at home or away and our aim should be "to please Him".  Whether we are traveling on a family vacation, for work or any other reason it should not cut into our time with God in prayer and in His word.  Actually, we may have more time to do so while on a plane or riding as a passenger in a car.

Another thought that occurred to me in reference to this verse had to do with an adversting campaign that we've all heard someone say at one time or another, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".  Thet should never be something that could across in our minds, whether it be Las Vegas or any other destination. We are to be the same people and of the same character and integrity no matter where we go. Our goal should be, when we travel somewhere to try to leave the place a better place if possilbe.  We may not be able to make a huge contribution to society, but we don't have to cave into the mindset expressed above.

As we head off somewhere in the coming weeks, let us keep today's verse in mind and "walk by faith and not by sight". (2 Corinthians 5:7)

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

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

English Standard Version

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Verse of the Day 6/15

Verse of the Day 6/15

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

 English Standard Version

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.

In yesterday's post from Colossians 1, the Apostle Paul spoke of the preeminence of Christ, that He is before all things, created all things and holds all things together.  In today's verses we go back to the Old Testament and read where David had the same kind of feelings towards the Lord God.  He didn't use the exact wording and while He doesn't say "say all things", he very well could have. He states "all that is in heaven and earth is yours", "you rule over all", and "you are exalted as head above all".

David was the king in Israel, yet he knew that the he did not possess power or anything that wasn't directly attributed to God.  He exalts the Lord God, gives Him the glory for all that He has done.

Reading these verses and the thinking about what is written above, the hymn "O Worship the King" came to mind.  There are earthly kings but there is One Almighty King who is over all.

1. Oh, worship the King, all-glorious above,
   Oh, gratefully sing His pow'r and His love;
   Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
   Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
2. Oh, tell of His might, oh, sing of His grace,
   Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
   His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
   And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
3. Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
   It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
   It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
   And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
4. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
   In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;
   Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
   Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!

How will you praise and magnify Him 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

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

English Standard Version

David Prays in the Assembly

10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

Verse of the Day 6/14

Verse of the Day 6/14

Colossians 1:16-17

English Standard Version

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

As I was sitting on my back screened in porch this morning I was blessed to see the sun rising in the sky and all creation singing.  Birds chirping, flowers blooming, crepe myrtles begiinning to bloom, sunshine filtering through the trees and a cool pleasant June morning.  I'm blessed to. know the God who created all of this.  As the end of verse 17 above states He is also the One who "holds things together."

Romans 8 is my favorite chapter in the Bible largely because of the "all things" statements that we find there beginning in verse 28 with "all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."  Becasue of the "all tings" contained in Romans 8, whenever I read "all things" in the Bible I take notice.  In today's passage, in the span of two verses Paul states "all things four times."  He declares to us that "all things were created by Him"  twice as well as He is before all things and that "all things" are held together by Him.

Stop and think of the ramifications of these all things statements today for each of us.  God created everything, is before all things and holds all things together.  I don't know if thers is any other passage in the Bible that succintly summarizes who God is.  Now think about what it means that He loves us; works for us, guides us and will lead us through this life until He brings us home to be with Him.

I'm reminded of the old Fannie Crosby song and we'll close with that today.

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.
3. All the way my Savior leads me,
   Oh, the fullness of His love!
   Perfect rest to me is promised
   In my Father's house above.
   When my spirit, clothed immortal,
   Wings its flight to realms of day
   This my song through endless ages:
   Jesus led me all the way;
   This my song through endless ages:
   Jesus led me all the way.

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

Colossians 1:15-20

English Standard Version

The Preeminence of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Verse of the Day 6/12

Verse of the Day 6/12

Psalm 46:10

Holman Christian Standard Bible

10 "Stop your fighting—and know that I am God,

exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."

Most kids are through with school for the summer or at least part of it.  With that, many families will be goiing on vacation, some will be taking the traditonal triip in the car.  The mini-van and SUV's have supplanted the family station wagon.  Entertainment systems and iPads or iPhones have replaced the radio for entertainment, but there will still be plenty of examples of siblings fightiing in the back seat.  If you had siblings and took trips back in the day, you can probably remember fights between you and your siblings errupting because one or the other crsoosed the line on the seat and when mom asked what was going on the response to mom or dad was  "she touched me" or "he keeps looking at me".  The respsomse was probably similar to what we read today.  "Stop your fighting or be quiet!".

Many translations for this verse state "be still and know that He is God" and it is read or perceived as being a gentile call, almost a whisper to be still, to be at peace.  I remembert R. C. Sprouln saying that it could have easily have have been "Shut Up!"  Some of us have been through bickering even among friends or church members which rose to flat ouit arguments, perhaps about what color of carpet should be ordered for the sanctuary or some other trivial matter.  The call is to stop it, change your focus.  Know tjhat He is God and He is what is important and His will will be done.  Come to agreement on the trivial matters without getting your feathers rattled.  Focus on the things that are important in our lives and in His church.

If you prefer the old translation, "be still, and know that He is God", perhaps you can think about it this way.

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still             (Be Still and Know - Steven Curtis Chapman)

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 46:9-11

Holman Christian Standard Bible

9 He makes wars cease throughout the earth.

He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces;
He burns up the chariots.

10 "Stop your fighting—and know that I am God,

exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
11 Yahweh of Hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.Selah

Verse of the Day 6/4

Verse of the Day 6/4

Matthew 11:4-5

English Standard Version

4 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

As I read these verses this monring I thought of the miracles that Jesus performed bringing healing, renewal and hope to people that desparately needed it.  But then I stepped back and thought, it doesn't end there.  No matter what we need, no matter what we face Jesus is there for us and we will receive what we need.  i was reminded of the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" which came a few verses before today's  (Matthew 10:29-31).

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

What is troubling you today?  Take courage that His eye is on you and He is for you,  You don't have to be blind or lame or a leper to realize this.  He will be there for you, He is watching over you and He cares for you.

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 11:1-6

English Standard Version

Messengers from John the Baptist

11 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" 4 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers[a] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."