Verse of the Day 12/31

Verse of the Day 12/31

Revelation 21:4-5

New International Version

4 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death'[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Today's verses came up in my year end read the New Testament plan reading.  It speaks of a new heaven and earth and the wiping awayb of no more tears, crying, death and mourning.  It points to restoration and all things new or "anew". Restoration is a common theme in the Bible. From God being the rebuilder of walls and lives in Nehemiah and Esther, the Shepherd in Psalm 23 restoring the soul and the triumphant return of Jesus to make all things new.

As we move from what has been a year filled with trials and struggles for many of us, the verses and God's Word as a whole give us hope.  Not a wishy washy hope, but one grounded in the promises of Jesus who gave His life that we might have eternal life with Him.

In his devotional today, Max Lucado writes:

Try this. Imagine a perfect world. Whatever that means to you, imagine it. Does that mean peace? Then envision absolute tranquility. Does a perfect world imply joy? Then create your highest happiness. Will a perfect world have love? Ponder a place where love has no bounds.  Whatever heaven means to you, imagine it.

Get it firmly fixed in your mind. Delight in it. Dream about it. Long for it. And then smile as the Father reminds you from the apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:9: "No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." No one. No one has come close.

Think of all the songs about heaven. All the artists' portrayals. All the lessons preached, poems written and chapters drafted. When it comes to describing heaven, we are all happy failures!

Coming from an imperfect year to be sure we look forward to a better one, but ultimately to a day when Jesus will return and make all things new.

Come Lord Jesus, come!

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

Revelation 21:1-6

New International Version

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth,"[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death'[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Verse of the Day 12/18

Verse of the Day 12/18

Romans 8:26-27

New International Version

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

Today's passage in one of my favorite, if not the favorite passage in the Bible.  Today's verses speak of prayer and encourages us to go ahead and pray even if we don't have the words to say. Confess that you know that He knows your heart and what you need no matter what the situation that brings you to your knees in your need.

Arthur Pink writes, "

"Often, we find ourselves overwhelmed--our thoughts confused, our emotions storm-tossed, our words failing in prayer. Yet even in these frail moments, the believer is not alone. For within him dwells the Spirit of God, the divine Helper, who prays with and for him.

In this verse, we see the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit, so often overlooked, yet profoundly necessary. The Spirit does not merely assist us when we are strong; He helps us in our "weakness". He comes alongside us when we do not know what to say. When the burden is too deep for words, when the pain is beyond expression, He intercedes with groanings that reach the heart of the Father. These are not groans of despair, but of holy longing, divinely wrought desires for the will of God, rising from within the soul.

The Spirit's intercession is continual and unceasing. It is perfectly aligned with God's will. Unlike our prayers--so often mixed with selfishness or ignorance--His groanings are pure and effective. The Father, who searches hearts, hears not merely the faltering words of His children, but the Spirit's cry within them. And because the Spirit is God, His intercession always prevails.

What comfort this brings to the struggling saint! Prayer is not a performance to be perfected, but a dependence to be expressed. Even when we cannot articulate our need, the indwelling Spirit lifts our cries heavenward. We may feel that our prayers are weak, but they are carried by One who cannot fail. Though we stumble in the darkness, the Spirit groans with us, guiding our souls before the throne of grace."

Think of the line from the paragraph above for a moment. "prayer is not a performance to be perfected, but a dependence to be expressed." It is opening ourselves up to God admitting I can't do this on my own, I need you, in fact I'm desparate for you. Now think about this, "the Spirit's intercession is continual and unceasing". He's got you covered.

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

[Chorus]
And I... I... I-I-I, I'm desperate for You
And I... I... I-I-I, I'm lost without You
And I... I... I-I-I, I'm desperate for You
And I... I... I-I-I, I'm lost without You.    (Michael W. Smith - Breathe)

We need HIm like we need air to breathe. Open up your heart to Hiim.

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

Romans 8:18-30

New International Version

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Verse of the Day 12/15

Verse of the Day 12/15

Philippians 4:18-19

New International Version

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

During this Christmas season just about everyone will be asked "what do you want for Christmas"? Most people are prepared to give an answer off of their wish list. How many do you think would answer I have everything I need, in fact I have more than enough. The Apostle Paul has already received gifts and they have met his needs and he speaks with confidence that God would meet the needs of his readers "according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  God will give out of His abundance to supply all of our needs.  He didn't say wants. 

Many years ago, a friend of mine that attended Bible study with me, when prayiing for or about a specific need or issue would pray "meet the need".  Can we pray that, not Lord I want this, but Lord give me what I need. It is probably a good way to approach Christmas.  What we all need most is more of Jesus.

James 1:17-18

New International Version

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

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 4:14-20

New International Version

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse of the Day 12/14

Verse of the Day 12/14

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 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.

You hear a lot of calls for world peace in the world today, but if is not in prayer in the Name above all names, I don't think it accomplishes much. In today's verses the writer of the book/letter if offering a prayer on behalf of his readers and to us. He knows that in this world there will be trouble and that the only way to true peace in our hearts and lives is through our Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead to give us the hope and promise of eternal life.

God it the rain maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness giving us what we need to complete the good works that He has given us to do.

I read the words to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" this morning written by Henry Longfellow in a time of turmoil.  The words of the 4th stanza struck a chord with me.  Through it all, through all time God has remained, He is not dead, nor does He sleep.  He is there for us when we seek Him and He draws us in close to bring peace to our hearts with the hope of peace on earth in His day and time.

1 I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace of earth, good will to men.

2 I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

3 And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

4 Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

May you do what is well and pleasing in His sight today in the power working in 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

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 12/12

Verse of the Day 12/12

Psalm 9:1-2

New King James Version

9 I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

When was the last time that you told yourself that "I just don't feel like" doing something. It can be a bad mood, the weather or any number of things that cause us to feel that way.  But we can overcome those feelings, we can persevere and we can overcome. I believe that today's verses remind us that oftentimes praise, joy and singing can be a matter of the will.  I will ..... Responding this way to a situation can make a huge impact on our lives and those around us.

I'm reminded of the song that we often hear around Thanksgiving, "Give Thanks".

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

[Chorus]
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

As you read those words do you see that like the Psalmist, it is a matter of the will. We may not feel strong or rich, but we are in the power of the Lord.

Find a way today to give thanks, with a grateful heart, to sing praise, with a joyful heart and be looking for ways to count your blessings in what the Lord has done 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

Psalm 9:1-6

New King James Version

Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Lord's Righteous Judgments

To the Chief Musician. To the tune of [a]"Death of the Son." A Psalm of David.

9 I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies turn back,
They shall fall and perish at Your presence.
4 For You have maintained my right and my cause;
You sat on the throne judging in righteousness.
5 You have rebuked the [b]nations,
You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

6 O enemy, destructions are finished forever!
And you have destroyed cities;
Even their memory has perished.

Verse of the Day 12/10

Verse of the Day 123/10

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall [a]direct your paths.

There are times in our lives when we feel like we're at a crossroads,sometimes with no evident path let alone a road. Today's verses give us strong advice. The passage begins in verse 1 by saying "my son, do not forget my teaching".  We can be so tempted to head off, sometimes aimlessly in our own direction, influenced by external things that have nothing to do with our faith. We are to recall and stick to God's Word before going anywhere.

The next thing we need to do is trust. However, I don't believe this trust is passive, we must be looking for and aware of what or who God places in our path. Trust that He will quide us. Acknowledge Him in it, thank you Lord. Pray again about it if you are still unsure.

He who habitually . . .

consults God's holy Word,

believes His faithful promises,

pleads at His gracious throne for direction,

watches His working hand,

submits to His righteous will, and

gratefully acknowledges His sovereign favors--

will never be allowed to go far wrong, or to go wrong for long; for "He shall direct your steps!" James Smith

Notice that last line,  "never be allowed to go far wrong, or to go wrong for long".  We may take a wrong step, we may head down the wrong path, but if we are being guided by His Word and prayer, trust also that He will direct our steps back on or to the right track, the next path in our 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

Proverbs 3:1-6

New King James Version

Guidance for the Young

3 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and [a]high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall [b]direct your paths.