Verse of the Day 11/30

Verse of the Day 11/30

1 Peter 1:6-7

Holman Christian Standard Bible

6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Today's verses follow right after yesterday's and Peter is rejoicing in God's mercy and "living", continuing hope for an eternity in heaven with Jesus.  Peter was not a member of the "name it and claim it club" but in today's verses willingly admits that we will face trials.  He says that we have to face them.  We don't run and hide from them but persevere through them. Through these trials are proved, which is a word that comes from the refining process for precious metals.  To be pure, the dross has to be removed through fire.

James had said that we are to "count it all joy" (James 1:2) when we face various trials knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance. 

 The Westminster Shorter Cathechism states that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and to love Him forever".  I believe it was Augustine who wrote that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him".  This is put on display when we continue to love and praise Him in and through our trials becauese they are proving that our faith is genuine.

"Scripture never ignores the reality of our suffering. Peter does not instruct his readers to "just look on the bright side." But God's Word does give us perspective in our suffering. Enduring these trials strengthens our faith. Persevering through times of suffering deepens our joy. We are able to face these challenges, day in and day out, because we focus on God's promise to save us—and we believe that our God always keeps His promises."  (in my Bible notes from an unknown source).

As we love Him forever, He will be loving us with a love that began before we were even born.

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;

 

 

Once I was lost in sin's degradation,

Jesus came down to bring me salvation,

Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,

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.

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 1:3-9

Holman Christian Standard Bible

A Living Hope

3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being protected by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this,[a] though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in[b] praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your[c] faith, the salvation of your souls.

Verse of the Day 11/29

Verse of the Day 11/29

1 Peter 1:3-4

English Standard Version

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

My daily New Testament reading has been in the book of 1 Peter and for the next few posts, Lord willing, we'll be considering some of these verses.  Today's verses serve as an opening to the book and point out several "benefits" and blessings that we receive through faith in Christ.  It is all in accordance with His "great mercy".  Radio financial advisor David Ramsey when asked the question 'how are you doiing" will commonly respond with "better than I deserve".  That is because of God's mercy, and each of us is in the same position, we've received grace, God's pardon with power, not only forgiveness of sins but the power to overcome them in the future.

From there we go to a "living hope".  As in Hebrews 4:12 where the Word of God is referred to as being "living and active", so is our hope.  By God's grace it works in our lives, it takes residence there and is an "anchor of the soul" (Hebrews 6:19) when we feel that we lack the power to hold on.

We also have "an inheritance kept in heaven" for us.  When God says kept, there is nothing that can take it away from us.  Again back to Hebrews knowing that is is being held, kept for us, should anchor us in our faith.

David Jeremiah writes, "The sweet mercy of God covers the highway in front of every sinner headed toward judgment. He blesses the just and the unjust, and His handiwork is manifested in all directions. He is merciful beyond measure and loving beyond limits. Those determined to head down the broad road leading to destruction must wade through the merciful blessings of God who seeks to turn them back. Oh, that the tracks of all who reject Him would be slowed by His mercy until they turn toward eternal life! "

Take some time today' to consider God's mercy and the living hope that we have through Jesus Christ. 

Once there was a holy place
Evidence of God's embrace
And I can almost see mercy's face
Pressed against the veil

Looking down with longing eyes
Mercy must have realized
That once His blood was sacrificed
Freedom would prevail

And as the sky grew dark
And the earth began to shake
With justice no longer in the way

Mercy came running
Like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures
To the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me. (Mercy Came Running - Philips, Craig and Dean)

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 1:3-5

English Standard Version

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Verse of the Day 11/22

Verse of the Day 11/22

Colossians 3:15

English Standard Version

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

As I read today's verse in my devotions this morning, I thought that it was a good verse to share with Thanksgiving coming up tomorrow followed by Advent and Christmas.  In this troubled world we all need peace, and as Christians, it should be "ruling", presiding over our hearts and influencing or controlling what we do and say.  

The verse is also a call for unity.  The body of Christ needs to be unified, in love, in compassion and in thanksgiving.  We are always to be thankful.

Read the short passage below.  May we "put on" compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness (power under control, and patience".  It is a tall order but with the power of Christ through His grace residing in us it is possible.  Then, may we all give thanks and prasie the Lord for what He has done for us.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he's given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he's given
Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say 'I am strong',
let the poor say 'I am rich',
because of what the Lord has done for us;
and now let the weak say 'I am strong',
let the poor say 'I am rich',
because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks…

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 3:12-17

English Standard Version

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Verse of the Day 11/21

Verse of the Day 11/21

Hebrews 13:20-21

English Standard Version

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us[a] that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

As the book of Hebrews is coming to a close, the author writes a bendiction reminding his readers that God the Father who raised Jesus, has the power and authority to equip us with what we need to do what He has called us to do.

Think about that word "equip" and what it means to us.  A soldier is fitted with weapons and everything he needs to do battle against his enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18).  A carpenter is equipped with what he needs to build and construct things for use in life.  A mechanic is equipped with the tools necessary to keep a car going as it should, as it was designed to do.  So it is with us, whatever our role in the church He fits us, He equips us with what we'll need to do the job.  It begins with having His Word in front of us, in our hearts and in our minds, ready to be applied to whatever situation calls for it.

No matter what the profession, no matter what the task, if we take and apply what He has equipped us with it will please Him and we should be pleased ourselves in what He has accomplished in our lives.

Ephesians 6:10-18

English Standard Version

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

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

Hebrews 13:20-21

English Standard Version

Benediction

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us[a] that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Verse of the Day 11/16

Verse of the Day 11/16

Hebrews 11:6

English Standard Version

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Today's New Testament reading brought me to one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, right behind Romans 8.  It is a favorite for many reasons, some personal and others because it contains defines faith and takes a look back at people through history that have exemplified that faith and as it does so; challenges us to have such a faith.  It is a chapter that I turn to often for encouragement and hope.

The verse begins by pointing out that faith "pleases 'God".  I believe it as Augustine who stated "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."  When our faith shows through difficult circumstances, God shines and the verse also reminds us, as does the chapter, that He rewards those those that draw near to Him in faith.  It is the picture of that "abiding" from John 15.

John MacArthur writes, "A person must believe not only that the true God exists, but also that He will reward men's faith in Him with forgiveness and righteousness, because He has promised to do so."  Faith believes that God exists and who God says He is and believes, trusts that, He will reward that belief as we look back at others through history and apply what God has said in our own lives.  Like those in Hebrews 11, our true reward will be to be with Him eternally.

1. This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through,
   My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
   The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
   And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.
   • Refrain:
     O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
     If heaven's not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?
     The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
     And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

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

Hebrews 11:1-7

English Standard Version

By Faith

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Verse of the Day 11/15

Verse of the Day 11/15

Hebrews 10:24-25. English Standard Version

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Today's verses came up in my daily reading in the New Testament.  When COVID hit churches had to cancel corportate worship and many churches began offering "on-line" services and have continued to do so since.  It is a great thing for shut ins and those who are ill, but sitting in your living room in your pajamas is not the same as singing praise songs together and talking with others in your congregation about the service and what is going on in your life.  

Verse 24 begins with "let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works".  While I suppose this can be done through emaiils or phone calls, how often do you think this is being done.  It is much easier and likely more effective to do it in person.  It is easier to share prayer requests and praises for what God is doing in your life and it is more likely that you'll avail yourself for opportunities to serve when you are there in person.

Read the passage below and consider what they mean for you today and this week as we head towards Thanksgiving.

1. We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
   He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
   The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
   Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.
2. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
   Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
   So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
   Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
3. We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
   And pray that Thou still our Defender will be;
   Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
   Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

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

Hebrews 10:19-25

English Standard Version

The Full Assurance of Faith

19 Therefore, brothers,[a] since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Verse of the Day 11/13

Verse of the Day 11/13

Job 1:20-21

English Standard Version

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Our Monday Men's Bible study began a study in the book of Job today.  Job is a book that people often turn to when going throiugh trials, most often asking "why did this happen to me".  Job has to deal with financial loss with enemies stealing livestock, then deals with tragedy and the loss of his family, and the loss of his possesions.  In all this he did not ask God "why" or "what did I do to deserve this", instead he tore his clothes as an outward sign of repentance and worshipped God.

I've been taught by the lives of family members - father, wife, children, that the question is not so much "why' but moreso, "what" or "where"?  What am I to do and where am I to go from here while continuing to trust in God, not being kept "under the circumstances" but keeping our view on what lies ahead, where God will lead us in and through this time.

I'm reminded of one of my favoritie passages in Romans where Paul wirtes "in all these things (hardships and trials), we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ".  If you are facing a trial today.  You may ask why, but moreso, ask what?  Read the passage from Romans below, may you trust and draw near to God and realize/experience that we are more than conquerors .

Romans 8:31-39

English Standard Version

God's Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[a] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[b] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God 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

Job 1:20-22

English Standard Version

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.