Verse of the Day 9/29

Verse of the Day 9/29    

Ezekiel 36:26-27

New King James Version

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Our Monday Men's Bible Study reviewed Ezekiel 36 and 37 this morning, the chapters contain the prophecy about the "dry bones".  God is able to restore, bring back to life the seemingly impossible.  He can take the heart of stone and give life, restore the "dry bones".  The heart of stone is a dead heart, it is not responsive to spiritual matters. It is insensitive and impenitrable. The sharpest knife will not cut into it, strike it hard and you'll break the knife but not the stone.

God, only God can give us the heart of flesh.  It is sensitive to His promptings.  It has feeling, it senses when God's Word pricks it, letting it know it needs to change.  God gives us His Spirit "within" us to lead and to guide, to walk in His ways.

It is similar to what Paul writes about in Ephesians where my read through the New Testament plan is.  Tomorrow's reading there will be in Ephesians 2 where Paul states that we were dead in our sins "but God" made us alive.

Ephesians 2:4-10

New King James Version

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Gone is the guilt of my sin,
Peace is now reigning within;
Since I believed, pardon received,
Happy, so happy I've been!

Chorus
New Life in Christ! Abundant and free!
What glories shine, what joys are mine,
What wondrous blessings I see!
My past with its sin,
The searching and strife,
Forever gone, there's a bright new dawn!
For in Christ I have found New Life!

Brighter the journey each day,
Tho there is much to dismay;
Heaven awaits - Bright pearly gates,
There at the end of the way.   (New Life In Christ - John W. Peterson)

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

Ezekiel 36:22-32

New King James Version

22 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord God: "I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord," says the Lord God, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 29 I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. 30 And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations. 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will [a]loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations. 32 Not for your sake do I do this," says the Lord God, "let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel!"

Verse of the Day 9/23

Verse of the Day 9/23

Ezekiel 36:26-27

New Living Translation

26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.  27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.

I think it was Billy Ray Cyrus who several years ago sang the song "Achy Breaky Heart" which described the condition of his hearrt.  Our Bible study group reviewed Ezekiel 36 last night and today's verses were part of the discussion. The song or the verses may cause us to take a look at the condition of our hearts.  We may face challenges that cause us to withdraw into a cacoon and shut ourselves off from help from others and from God. God has said that He is with us.  He is calling us even in our distress.  Do we listen, do we resspond? 

When He prompts us through His word or through a song He is reaching out to us, how do we respond?  If we turn to Him, He will put His Spirit in us and we will follow Him.

[Verse 1]
Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone?
Does the road you travel, harbor dangers yet unknown?
Are you growing weary in the struggle of it all?
Jesus will help you when on His name you call

[Chorus]
He's always there hearing every prayer, faithful and true
Walking by our side, in His love we hide all the day through
When you get discouraged just remember what to do
Reach out to Jesus, He's reaching out to you

[Verse 2]
Is the life you're living filled with sorrow and despair?
Does the future press you with its worry and scare?
Are you tired and friendless, have you almost lost your way?
Jesus will help you, just call to Him today.            (Reach Out to Jesus - Ralph Carmichael)

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

Ezekiel 36:22-27

New King James Version

22 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord God: "I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord," says the Lord God, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Verse of the Day 9/20

Verse of the Day 9/20

Amos 4:13

New Living Translation

13 For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains,

    stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind.
He turns the light of dawn into darkness
    and treads on the heights of the earth.
    The Lord God of Heaven's Armies is his name!

As I read today's verse in my devotions this morning, the sunlight was streaming through the windows overlooking my back porch and was illuminating my Bible.  I liked the verses becsause they brought to light several of my "favorite things".   i love the mountains, their majesty is inspiring.  I love feeling the wind of the outdoors, the way it rustles through the trees, something I'm experiencing hunting with my son Jeff this weekend.  I love seeing the sun coming up in the morning and being outside to observe the light fading to darkness knowing that Lord willing, it will do a replay tomorrow.  But most of all I love God's Word which brings these things to mind.

In times of grief and sorrow, all of these bring some degree of comfort and hope.  I'm reminded of the song from "The Sound of Music", "My Favorite Things".  Mine revolve around God and His creation, His Word and His Holy Spirit to guide through these times.  I don't know where or who I'd be without them but the wonder of it all is that the creator of all things loves me. It's a wonder that even in my old age, in comparison with eternity, has just begun.

There′s the wonder of sunset at evening

The wonder as sunrise I see

But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul

Is the wonder that God loves me

chorus

Oh, the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all

Just to think that God loves me

Oh, the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all

Just to think that God loves me

verse

There's the wonder of springtime and harvest

The stars, the sky, the sun

But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul

Is a wonder that has only begun.

Blessings,

Mike

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

Amos 4:11-13

New Living Translation

11 "I destroyed some of your cities,

    as I destroyed[a] Sodom and Gomorrah.
Those of you who survived
    were like charred sticks pulled from a fire.
But still you would not return to me,"
    says the Lord.

12 "Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced.
    Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!"

13 For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains,
    stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind.
He turns the light of dawn into darkness
    and treads on the heights of the earth.
    The Lord God of Heaven's Armies is his name!

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 9/14

Verse of the Day 9/14

Isaiah 26:3-4

English Standard Version

3 You keep him in perfect peace

    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

In preparing for the first lesson in this years Bible Study Fellowship I came across Jean's workbook for last years study. I opened it and went to the last two studie which I believe took place in the beginning of May. Due to the cancer her handwriting would soon become illegible but in the last lesson her words were clear enough to read.  She wrote that the study of Revelation were "making hope for a better tomorrow".  She wrote that the most convicting message that God had spoke to her this year had been "come Lord Jesus come", and her short prayer, her last prayer written was "God, I need you."  She wrote that the one word that described her experience this past year with the word was "understand".

She was amazing through those last weeks in her life, largely because she was still hoping, stil praying and still trusting that one way or another Jesus was coming. 

She had received God's message, Jesus came for her and He met her need. She understood and she is now in perfect peace.  Her mind "stayed" on Him and and will trust in Him forever, the everlasting, eternal rock.

May her words encourage you with a hope that leads to perfect peace.

1. Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
   There's mercy with the Lord,
   And He will surely give you rest
   By trusting in His Word.
   • Refrain:
     Only trust Him, only trust Him,
     Only trust Him now;
     He will save you, He will save you,
     He will save you now.
2. For Jesus shed His precious blood
   Rich blessings to bestow;
   Plunge now into the crimson flood
   That washes white as snow.
3. Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
   That leads you into rest;
   Believe in Him without delay
   And you are fully blest.
4. Come, then, and join this holy band,
   And on to glory go,
   To dwell in that celestial land
   Where joys immortal flow.

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 26:1-9

English Standard Version

You Keep Him in Perfect Peace

26 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

"We have a strong city;
    he sets up salvation
    as walls and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates,
    that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
3 You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
5 For he has humbled
    the inhabitants of the height,
    the lofty city.
He lays it low, lays it low to the ground,
    casts it to the dust.
6 The foot tramples it,
    the feet of the poor,
    the steps of the needy."

7 The path of the righteous is level;
    you make level the way of the righteous.
8 In the path of your judgments,
    O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance
    are the desire of our soul.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
    my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.
For when your judgments are in the earth,
    the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Verse of the Day 9/12

Verse of the Day 9/12

2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Holman Christian Standard Bible

16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

Eternity, specifically heaven, has been on my mind a lot lately.  It is in heaven where I will see Jesus face to face.  It is where I will see Jean's face again, cancer free and vibrant, the best Jean ever! Today's passage was in my read through the New Testament plan.  My Old Testament reading included Ecclesiastes 3 where we read of Solomon's "for everything there is a time and season" 13:1 and whene we also read in verse 11 that God "has placed eternity in our hearrts". Putting the two together He has put etnerity in our hearts because the glory that will be revealled about Him in heaven will far outweigh all of life's trials, tribulations and troubles, proving Romans 8:28 fo us that "all things work together for good for those who love Jesus and are called according to His purpose."  Notice, it is for His purpose singular, all things are working togetheer for one thing, the glory of God.

Quoting John Piper, whatever you are going through today "it is not meaningless".  We cannot fathom what God is doing, but we know that it is pointing to, leading us to His glory a glory that will endure through eternity.  That far outweighs the struggles and grief that I go through.

Read the passage from 2 Corinthians from The Message below.  Then come back and take to heart the song from Fernando Ortega, Lord of Eternity

Blessed is the man
Who walks in Your favor
Who loves all Your words
And hides them like treasure
In the darkest place
Of his desperate heart
They are a light
A strong, sure light

Sometimes I call out Your name
But I cannot find You
I look for Your face
But You are not there
By my sorrows, Lord
Lift me to You
Lift me to Your side

Chorus:
Lord of Eternity
Father of mercy
Look on my fainting soul
Keeper of all the stars
Friend of the poorest heart
Touch me and make me whole

If You are my defender
Who is against me?
No one can trouble or harm me
If You are my strength
All I ask, all I desire
Is to live in Your house all my days

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 4:7-18

The Message

7-12 If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!

13-15 We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!

16-18 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.