Verse of the Day 12/31

Verse of the Day 12/31

Psalm 90:4-5

New King James Version

4 For a thousand years in Your sight

Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.
5 You carry them away like a flood;
They are like a sleep.

In the morning they are like grass which grows up:

12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

I remember my grandparents telling me that as you grow older that the years pass by faster.  I didn't really believe it or understand it then, but now as I'm "a senior citizen", I know what they were talking about. Each years seems to go by faster.  What do we need to remember in light of this?  Verse 12 gives us the answer, "teach us to number our days", or we might say "make each day count.

John Piper writes, "Numbering your days simply means remembering that your life is short and your dying will be soon. Great wisdom — great, life-revolutionizing wisdom — comes from periodically pondering these things. The criterion of success, that Paul used to measure his life, was whether he had kept the faith. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7–8). Let this be our test at year's end."

We don't know what the future, what next year holds, but we do know who holds it in His hands. Our goal, our aim for the coming year should be to keep the faith, fight the good fight and finish the race, the victory is ours in the name of Jesus Christ.  It doesn't make sense to the world, but this victory comes by surrender.

1 All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

2 All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine. [Refrain]

3 All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me. [Refrain]

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 12/30

Verse of the Day 12/30

Hebrews 13:20-21

 New King James Version

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you [a]complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

As I read today's verses in my devotions this morning the beginning of the verse caught my attention.  The New King James Versions states "now" may the peace of God ... make you complete.  It could have started simply with May the peace of God but that little word now may something to you as it did to me.  How many of us need peace or know of someone who needs peace.  Seek it, pray for it, pray for them "now".  We don't have to wait to pray we don't have to wait to expereicence it. It is available to us in the resurrection power of Jesus.  The same power that raised Him from the grave is available to us.

John Piper writes, "Christ shed the blood of the eternal covenant. By this successful redemption, he obtained the blessing of resurrection from the dead. He is now our living Lord and Shepherd. And because of all that, God does two things:

he equips us with everything good that we may do his will, and

he works in us that which is pleasing in his sight. 

Think about that.  That power supplies us, equips us to do "everything good" in His will and to be able to please Him in what we do.  That alone should help to bring us peace. As today's verses point out, He is the Good Shepherd and He will lead us in that power.  

I'll close with a favorite hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me".  It is not part of the way, He doesn't start us off and let us go.  He leads us all lhe way, He will lead us into the coming year and accomplish His work in us.  May that bring some peace to our hearts and minds.

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 ev'ry 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

Hebrews 13:20-25

New King James Version

Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you [a]complete in every good work to do His will, working in [b]you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

24 Greet all those who [c]rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Verse of the Day 12/27

Verse of the Day 12/27

Colossians 3:1-2

New King James Version

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

This week between New Year's and Christmas is one where a lot of planning for the year ahead takes place.  Budgets will be looked at, goals will be set; and coarses of action will be laid out.  The big question is what or who are these thiings built on?  Today's verses give us clear direction as to where we should focus our attention.  Seek those things which are above, "set your minds on things above."

As we sit where we're at today, we may not have a clear direction of where we are to go, but we know where we need to look for direction and who it is that will lead us.  Day by day, spend time in His Word, pray, and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit later next year or next year at this time, you will see who it is that led you.

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 ev'ry 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 3:1-5

New King James Version

Not Carnality but Christ

3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Verse of the Day 12/26

Verse of the Day 12/26

1 John 4:4

New King James Version

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

I've previously stated that one of my favorite lines of any of the Christmas hymns is from "O Holy Night" which says "a thrill of hope".  In a weary world we need hope and as we move beyond Christmas and head towards the New Year, we need hope.

As we make plans for what we want to accomplish in the new year and as we make new year's resolutions, we need to hold onto that hope that we have had over these last days and over the years.  Today's verses are a reminder of that, no matter what it is that we face, if we have Christ in us we can overcome, we can accomplish anything that He wants us to do.

If you are unsure of where to turn for help in meeting the challenges, turn or "Cry Out to Jesus".

And to all of the people with burdens and pains  Keeping you back from your life  You believe that there's nothing and there is no one  Who can make it right    There is hope for the helpless  Rest for the weary  And love for the broken heart  And there is grace and forgiveness  Mercy and healing  He'll meet you wherever you are  Cry out to Jesus  Cry out to Jesus                        (Cry Out to Jesus - Third Day)

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 John 4:1-6

New King James Version

Love for God and One Another

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess [a]that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Verse of the Day 12/21

Verse of the Day 12/21

Titus 2:11-13

Living Bible

11 For the free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone; 12 and along with this gift comes the realization that God wants us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures and to live good, God-fearing lives day after day, 13 looking forward to that wonderful time we've been expecting, when his glory shall be seen—the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Most translations begin this verse with "for the grace of God", the writers of the Livijng Bible paraphrased it as gift.  It is not wrong, the two go hand in hand.  God's graces shown to us is a gift, leading to salvation and eternal life. Elsewhere Paul desicribes grace this way:

2 Corinthians 9:15

New King James Version

15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

How are we to react to such a great gift?  The rest of the verses and passage below describe what should occur when this gift is received.  It shows a change in our lives, taking off the old and putting on the new.  It involves a new perspective, a new view, a change in focus.

Well I've got this way of thinking that comes so naturally
Where I believe the whole world is revolving around me
And I got this way of living that I have to die to every single day
'Cause if God's Spirit lives inside of me, yeah
I'm gonna live life differently

What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
What about a life that's showing
I'm undergoing the change, yeah
I'm undergoing the change

What impact, what change has the gift of grace, this indescribable give had on you?  Show it this Christmas and always.

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

Titus 2:11-15

New King James Version

Trained by Saving Grace

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Verse of the Day 12/19

Verse of the Day 12/19

Philippians 2:7-8

New Living Translation

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

    he took the humble position of a slave[b]
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal's death on a cross.

In reading today's verses from Philippians 2 I'm reminded of what Christ "gave up" for us when He came to earth as baby Jesus, leaving His throne to come to earth to be born in a manger, wrapped up and placed in a feeding trough.  I'm reminded of the old Chrstmas hymn "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne".

He was placed in a manger for there was no room for the family in the inn.  How many people today have no room for Jesus in their homes, in their lives.  You can be so wrapped up in "the season" that you forget about just what it is, just Who it is that we are celebrating.

Read through the hymn and the passage below. Remember what He gave up for us and make sure that there is room in your heart for Him this Christmas.

1 Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

2 Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

4 Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

5 When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

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 2:5-11

New King James Version

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [a]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Verse of the Day 12/16

Verse of the Day 12/16

Galatians 4:4-5

New King James Version

4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

When we think of the fullness of time, we may often think of a pregnancy. The life began at conception and as time passes it is evident that it is on the way to fulfillment right up to the time of birth. You can't go back and start over. In the passage, the time had arrived, the "long expected" Savior has been born bringing hope, peace, joy and leading to everlasting life.

In the passage we see references to the Trinity.  God sent His son, Jesus, to be born and God sent His Spirit into our hearts singing "Abba Father". The great thing about this gift to us is that through faith in Him, we are now sons and heirs through God.  As verse seven states below we are no longer slaves, we are children of God.

From my mothers womb  You have chosen me  Love has called my name  I've been born again, into a family  Your blood flows through my veins    I'm no longer a slave to fear  I am a child of God.                    (No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music)

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 4:1-7

New King James Version

Sons and Heirs Through Christ

4 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]"Abba, Father!" 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God through Christ.