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.

Verse of the Day 12/5

Verse of the Day 12/5

John 8:12

New King James Version

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

One of the things I like most about celebrating Christmas is the decorations and in particular the lights.  I like the lights on the Christmas tree when all the other lights in the room are turned off. I like all the candlls, the little lights that illuminate a darkened sanctuary at the end of the Christmas service as we sing "O Holy Night". But it goes beyond that.

We celebrate that Jesus, the light of the world came into the world to save us from our sins, to bring salvation to deliver us from the darkness of this world into His marvelous light, the light of life.

Our world is full of pain, sorrow and darkness, but as we celebrate His birth it dispells that darkness.  "We can sing Joy to the World" as we look for Him to come again to set us free and into His light for eternity.

1. Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

2. Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

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

John 8:1-12

New King James Version

Jesus the Light of the World

8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Now [a]early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, "Teacher, [b]this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now [c]Moses, in the law, commanded us [d]that such should be stoned. But what do You [e]say?" 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, [f]as though He did not hear.

7 So when they continued asking Him, He [g]raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being[h] convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up [i]and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers [j]of yours? Has no one condemned you?"

11 She said, "No one, Lord."

And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go [k]and sin no more."

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Verse of the Day 12/4

Verse of the Day 12/4

Colossians 3:12-14

New King James Version

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Today's passage came up in my devotions this morning.  I normally post one or two verses, but how could I post verses 12 and 13 and omit how verse 14 begins, "and over all these virtues put on love". Yesterday we considered how God's mercies are new every morning. In today's verses Paul tells us that we are to "put on" tender mercies. Clothe yourselves with them wear them, put them on display for all to see. Not for the applause but for the glory of God.

As I was writing these words the song that I learned in Sunday school came to mind, "I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever" came to mind, singing of His mercies and faithfulness, singing His praises forever.  Singing those praises may not be in words but in our actions as we put on kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness and love.

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
I will sing, I will sing,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness,
With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness to all generations,

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
I will sing, I will sing,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

Put on His tender mercies today, and show it with the qualities mentioned.

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

New International Version

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.