Verse of the Day 10/9

 

Deuteronomy 13:4  You shall walk after the Lord your God and [reverently] fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and cling to Him.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

In yesterday's verse we had the image of a child clinging onto a parents finger while the Father held them with His strong hand.  Today's verse follows up on that thought of clinging to Him and just how we go about doing that.  We do it by following Him, obeying His commands both written and conveyed by His Spirit, serving Him and giving Him the reverence and respect that is due Him.

 

The passage goes way back to Old Testament times and speaks of God's people being distracted and led astray by "other gods".  In today's society we may not think of other gods by name, but there are plenty of gods in our lives as well as false prophets with plenty of suggestions of philosophies to follow.

 

Today, the read through the Bible plan that I'm following brought me to Colossians 1 where I read the following:

 

Colossians 1:10-12 "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. ¹¹ May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, ¹² giving thanks^[a] to the Father, who has qualified you^[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." 

 

This past Sunday we sang Matt Maher's "You Alone Have Done Great Things".  It is a reminder that God alone is the great God, He has done great things, we should follow Him, cling to Him and hold onto Him for dear life (v.12 The Message below).  It is His name that we should be shouting out, shouting out loud.

 

You alone have done great things
I can't boast of anything
Mighty one, and King of kings, Jesus
You alone have done great things
By Your living word in me
Mighty One, and King of kings, Jesus

My soul proclaims Your greatness, Lord
Rejoicing in my Saviour
Your mercy belongs to those who fear Your Son
His blessings You have given them forever

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Deuteronomy 13:4

The Message (MSG)

13 ^1-4 When a prophet or visionary gets up in your community and gives out a miracle-sign or wonder, and the miracle-sign or wonder that he gave out happens and he says, "Let's follow other gods" (these are gods you know nothing about), "let's worship them," don't pay any attention to what that prophet or visionary says. God, your God, is testing you to find out if you totally love him with everything you have in you. You are to follow only God, your God, hold him in deep reverence, keep his commandments, listen obediently to what he says, serve him—hold on to him for dear life!

Verse of the Day 10/8

 

 Psalm 63:8  My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

As part of our youth group's service on Sunday night we were all asked to read Psalm 63 three times and to look for a word or few words that caught our attention, that spoke to our hearts, or that moved or inspired us.  Its a good practice to get into as we read the Bible, not just to read through it just for the sake of reading it as if to check it off on a to do list, but to stay there, to think about it and let it speak to you.

 

As I read it those three times, the words that spoke to me were "your right hand upholds me".  I was reminded of walking along with a child or grandchild with them holding onto your finger when walking along.  Their grip would be tight but even if they were holding with all of their might, their strength is relatively weak and it could fail them, they could fall.  But their father or parent's hand is much stronger, it can take hold of them and keep them safe or bring them to safety should they stumble.

 

So it is with us.  We may think we are strong enough to hold on in our own strength, but our strength, our faith may fail or falter at times.   Thankfully, God's right hand is much stronger, He will hold onto us, set us back on our feet and set us back on the right path should we stumble or fall.

 

In those times when our faith is struggling, have confidence in the strength of His right hand to see you through.  Read through the passage below, perhaps three times.  See what word or words jump out and grab your attention.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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Psalm 63:1-8

English Standard Version (ESV)

My Soul Thirsts for You

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

63 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
² So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
³ Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
⁴ So I will bless you as long as I live;
    in your name I will lift up my hands.

⁵ My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
⁶ when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
⁷ for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
⁸ My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

Verse of the Day 10/7

 

1 Peter 3:10  For

"Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;   English Standard Version (ESV)

Our country is based upon some guiding principles including "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".  In this modern society this pursuit all to often is towards self gratification in such things as money, houses, cars, vacations, fine clothes and the best of food and drink.  It also can lead to headlong pursuit after drugs and sex.  Today's verse is timeless.  It is quoted from Psalm 34 in the Old Testament, a psalm of David who knew something of vain pursuits but also what it meant to follow hard after God.

 

When you look back in your life, to the good days, do you see these things or do you rather look back on times with family and friends?  Do you think of raising your children, raising them, nurturing and loving them and being loved in return?

The person who has these things in mind will be one who tends to speak the truth in love,  is not bent towards evil and deception, from deceitful motives.

 

As we head into the work week, may we keep this verse in mind.  May we "say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all we're worth".  May we "Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble."  May we pray for more of it from our leaders.

 

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 3:10

The Message (MSG)

Suffering for Doing Good

^8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Whoever wants to embrace life
    and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
    Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
    run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
    listening and responding well to what he's asked;
But he turns his back
    on those who do evil things.

Verse of the Day 10/6

 

Romans 16:25-27  Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages ²⁶ but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Today we'll conclude our walk through the book of Romans with Paul's doxology, his anthem to Jesus Christ and the only wise God, the One that is able to strengthen you for whatever may come whatever we may face.

 

Yesterday, I went for a walk and was thinking how surprised I was that I hadn't become emotional about the weekend, that was until I listened to Chris Tomlin's song "I Will Rise" as I was walking.  Tears came flooding down my cheeks as I walked and as I sang along.  The song is an anthem to all of those who are in Christ, who have suffered from illness, injury and loss.  At some point we will all face pain, suffering and loss in this life.  The song points to our realization that "we will rise on eagles wings" at some point beyond the circumstances, to be with Him.

 

14 years ago today our family's  lives were turned upside down.  In the following weeks both Jean and I woke to  the song "It is Well With My Soul" at different times.  Preparing us, giving a hope for a peace that we would come to know through the dark days ahead.  May Chris Tomlin's song and these verses serve as a benediction, as an anthem to our faith in Christ from all of the family of God.

 

There's a peace I've come to know 
Though my heart and flesh may fail 
There's an anchor for my soul 
I can say "It is well" 

Jesus has overcome 
And the grave is overwhelmed 
The victory is won 
He is risen from the dead 

[Chorus:] 
And I will rise when He calls my name 
No more sorrow, no more pain 
I will rise on eagles' wings 
Before my God fall on my knees 
And rise 
I will rise 

There's a day that's drawing near 
When this darkness breaks to light 
And the shadows disappear 
And my faith shall be my eyes 

Jesus has overcome 
And the grave is overwhelmed 
The victory is won 
He is risen from the dead 

[Chorus:] 
And I will rise when He calls my name 
No more sorrow, no more pain 
I will rise on eagles' wings 
Before my God fall on my knees 
And rise 
I will rise 

 

If you are in need today, call on the One who is strong enough to make you strong today and for eternity.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 16:25-27

The Message (MSG)

^25-26 All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter.

²⁷ All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!

Verse of the Day 10/5

 

Romans 15:33  May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.    English Standard Version (ESV)

 

In yesterday's devotional we were encouraged to "keep believing".  In the verse< Romans 15:13, Paul referred to the Lord as the God of hope.  God is the source of eternal hope, eternal life, our salvation, and should be the object of hope for all of us as believers.  In today's verse, a benediction, Paul is reminding his readers and us that our Lord, our God, this God of hope is also the God of peace.  These realities, these benefits are available to us if we "keep believing".

 

In my devotions this morning I was reading in Mark 11:22-24 "And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. ²³ Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received^[a] it, and it will be yours." ESV

 

You have probably heard people say that it doesn't matter who or what you believe in as long as you have faith.  The Bible, and life as a Christian teaches us something totally, radically different.  It makes all the difference in the world who you have faith in, who you trust and who gives you hope.  Jesus said "have faith in God", believe in Him, trust in Him, hope in Him and marvelous things will be done for you.  I know, in my life I've seen many answers to prayer that the world can't explain or account for, but I can, our family can, it is faith in Christ.

 

Keep believing and "oh yes", may the God of peace be with "y'all".

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 15:30-33

The Message (MSG)

^30-33 I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me—to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the Spirit—that I will be delivered from the lions' den of unbelievers in Judea. Pray also that my relief offering to the Jerusalem believers will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given. Then, God willing, I'll be on my way to you with a light and eager heart, looking forward to being refreshed by your company. God's peace be with all of you. Oh, yes!

Verse of the Day 10/4

 

Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

The last few days have been fairly hectic for me and I have neglected to send out a verse for the day.  I needed to hear about the hope, joy and peace that is available to me, to all of us, no matter what we have been through or what we may be facing.  The verses in the Bible that speak of hope are precious to me, mainly because of my son Jeff.  For two years after suffering a TBI, he did not speak.  Since that time he has been a young man, now a grown man of relatively few words but some of them have been of great inspiration.  One of his matter of fact sayings has been "hope is my favorite thing to have".

 

Today's verse brings me back to that.  He has joy and peace and hope because He believes in Jesus.  He trusts in Him, hopes in Him, and rejoices in Him daily.  Today, once again, Jeff is a reminder for me that I need to be the same way.

 

Don't let the "busy-ness" of life choke out your joy, your peace, and your hope.  Keep believing.

 

So when doubts arise and cloud your mind
My friend, don't be deceived
For with a knowledge of the Word of God 
In our hearts we can believe

You can take God at his word
He is faithful kind and true
Not a prayer will go unanswered
In His time He'll see you through

Keep believing in what you know is true
Keep believing, you know the Lord will see you through
When troubles rise in your life 
and you don't know what to do, 

 

If you're looking for answers and you can't find your way
And the enemy tells you that there's no need to pray
You just remember God is faithful and His word is true
Everything He's promised is what He's going to do
And you'll be fine if you just keep believing   (Keep Believing  - Gaither Vocal Band)

 

Read the passage from The Message below.  May it encourage you to sing a hymn and keep believing.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 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 15:7-13

The Message (MSG)

^7-13 So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:

Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I'll sing to your name!

And this one:

Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!

And again:

People of all nations, celebrate God!
All colors and races, give hearty praise!

And Isaiah's word:

There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,
    breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,
Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!

Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!

Verse of the Day 10/1

 

Romans 14:19  So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.   Amplified Bible (AMP)

When raising a family you may have one or several children but one of the things that is anticipated and expected is growth.  In this passage Paul has been dealing with some of the arguments of the day about "freedoms" and differences of opinions in the church.  There have been arguments within church families over various topics over the years.  Focusing on these thing sometimes leads to divisions within the church.

 

Paul is encouraging the church then and now to put these things aside and focus on nurturing one another's faith.  Growing the faith, maturing the faith.  Instead of arguing about "freedoms", be they the clothes that are to be worn to what we may eat or drink, focus on serving, building and developing one another.  John Piper writes, "Don't flaunt your freedom.  Love your brothers and sisters.  And do not do it in your own strength, but in the Holy Spirit.  This is the Kingdom of God.  This is His rule in our midst."  The Amplified Bible says that we should "definitely aim for this".

 

As said in verse 19 in The Message, "So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault."

 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at http://www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com/

 

Romans 14:19

The Message (MSG)

^19-21 So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. You're certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God's work among you, are you? I said it before and I'll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.