Verse of the Day 4/16

 

John 20:19 (ESV)  On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

In yesterday's verse from Luke 24 Jesus approached, drew near, to two disciples on the way to Emmaus.   As I had mentioned, their world had been rocked and they were talking about it as they walked along the road.

 

People, individuals and groups, react to adversity differently.  The two yesterday were not of Jesus' inner circle and talked about the events of the past days as they headed toward Emmaus.  Jesus closest disciples, the apostles, withdrew behind locked and closed doors fearing what might come next, that those that had crucified Jesus might now come looking for them.  Today's verse tells us that Jesus came to his closest disciples that first evening.  It must have been after meeting the two men on the road.  They two had many questions and were cowering in fear and uncertainty.  He revealed himself in a supernatural way with a message of peace.

 

Jesus met the two men along the road.  After revealing himself they wanted him to stay with them, but he disappeared.  He had more work another mission in mind.

 

Jesus revealed himself first to the two through the Word then revealed directly who He was and is.  He met the apostles directly in their world in the midst of their circumstances. 

 

David Murray writes in an article in "Tabletalk", "The all-wise God has all the answers, and He has revealed all the ones we need directly or indirectly in His Word and in His world.  An answer in God's Word may take the form of a verse, doctrine, or deduction from a passage.  It may be a story, commandment, promise, proverb, psalm, or summary of truth from various places.  Sometimes the answer is obvious; sometimes it is found only through study..... He has also placed much helpful wisdom in the world, which we locate, read, and interpret through the lens of His Word."

 

If your world has been or is being rocked, may Jesus peace be with you.  May He reveal Himself to you in His Word or through the world by the lens of His Word.

 

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

John 20:19-22 (ESV) Jesus Appears to the Disciples

¹⁹  On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Verse of the Day 4/15

Luke 24:15(ESV) While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.

Two disciples were walking to Emmaus from Jerusalem.  Their world had just been rocked.  Jesus had been crucified, rumors were swirling about events that were happening.  It was at this time that Jesus came to them and walked with them without them realizing that He was with them.

 

Sometimes it feels like that in our lives.  In times of trouble and uncertainty if feels like Jesus has left us or at least we don't feel or recognize his presence.  But whether realize it or not He is there with us.

 

Yesterday we considered what it means to abide with Christ.  The thoughts brought to my mind the old hymn, "Constantly Abiding".  The last few lines should be of comfort to us.

 

There's a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I've a peace that has come here to stay!

 Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
"I will never leave thee"—Jesus is mine.

 

Jesus went on to reveal himself to the two weary travelers after He had shared the gospel references from the Old Testament.  This brought about the famous reaction:

 

Luke 24:31-32(HCSB) Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight. ³² So they said to each other, "Weren't our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?"

 

In those times when we don't feel His presence to abide means to seek Him in His Word.  At some point he will reveal himself.  Looking  back, we may realize that he had been there all along.

 

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

Luke 24:28-34 New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁸ By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, ²⁹ but they begged him, "Stay the night with us, since it is getting late." So he went home with them. ³⁰ As they sat down to eat,^[a] he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

³² They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" ³³ And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, ³⁴ who said, "The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.

Verse of the Day 4/14

John 8:31-32(ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

In reading our Bibles, being involved in Bible studies or listening to sermons we will hear and come across the word "abide". It has to do with dwelling, remaining and in the context of this verse it has to do with God's Word and that dwelling there, spending time in it is spending time with Jesus, "continuing" with Him.  In a sermon on these verses John Piper writes that this continuing involves "not ceasing":

• Abide means not ceasing to be persuaded by its truth, and never elevating any other truth above it.
• Abide means not ceasing to be attracted by its beauty and value, and never seeing anything as more beautiful or more valuable or more attractive than the word and the Lord it reveals.
• Abide means not ceasing to rest in its grace and power—never turning away as though greater peace could be found anywhere else.
• Abide means never ceasing to eat and drink from the word as the bread of heaven and living water, as if life could be sustained anywhere else.
• And abide means never ceasing to walk in the light of the word, as though any other light could show the secrets of life.
• http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/if-you-abide-in-my-word-you-are-truly-my-disciples

 

Does this describe your walk, your life with Christ?

 

As a side note, please continue to pray for the arrival of Jason and Kristen's baby Ava, still waiting but things are progressing.

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

 

John 8:31-36  New King James Version (NKJV)The Truth Shall Make You Free

³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

³³ They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?"

³⁴ Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Verse of the Day 4/13

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (ESV)  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹²  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

 

I read these verses in my devotions this morning and they were fitting for the day.  They are fitting for our lives.  We don't know what any day will hold, but as Christians we hold onto these words with hope and in prayer.

 

They are especially fitting for me today as we wait for the arrival of our granddaughter Ava.  My daughter in law, Kristen's water broke, giving notice to Ava's approaching arrival.  She is coming 7 weeks early according to the doctors view, but apparently the Lord had a different time table.  We lift our prayers to God for her welfare, for her future, for her salvation.  The verses are fitting for expectant parents, grandparent's, great grandparents for all of their children.

 

The verses and these thoughts brought to mind an old hymn, "Praise the Saviour, Ye Who Know Him". 

Praise the Savior, ye who know Him!
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him
All we are and have.

Jesus is the Name that charms us,
He for conflict fits and arms us;
Nothing moves and nothing harms us
While we trust in Him.

Trust in Him, ye saints, forever,
He is faithful, changing never;
Neither force nor guile can sever
Those He loves from Him.

Keep us, Lord, O keep us cleaving
To Thyself, and still believing,
Till the hour of our receiving
Promised joys with Thee.

Then we shall be where we would be,
Then we shall be what we should be,
Things that are not now, nor could be,
Soon shall be our own.

Praise Him today as your future and your hope and as your vital necessity.  Call on Him and He will hear.

 

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

Jeremiah 29:11-13 Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹¹For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

    ¹²Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.

    ¹³Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Verse of the Day 4/11

 Luke 15:10 (AMP) Even so, I tell you, there is joy among and in the presence of the angels of God over one [^[especially] wicked person who repents (^[changes his mind for the better, heartily amending his ways, with abhorrence of his past sins).

The read through the New Testament plan that I'm following has come to Luke 15 where we find the parable of the prodigal son (tomorrow's reading).  Today's verse immediately precedes that passage on the prodigal son.  The Amplified Bible translation (above) gives us a good picture of what repentance looks like;  a change in our mind, perhaps our world view, for the better;  heartily, not reluctantly changing our ways, and abhorring, hating our past sins - never wanting to go back to them.

 

John Calvin comments on repentance, saying, "Repentance is an inward matter, which has its seat in the heart and soul, but afterwords yields its fruits in a change of life."   It is not just confessing and expressing remorse over sins, it is changing our lives, our behavior in the power that Christ gives us.  Eventually it will permeate our lives.  Can you picture the angels in heaven cheering, "way to go!" to a prodigal child returning to the Father?

 

Have you experienced the change or desiring continued change in areas of your life?  I would encourage you to read the parable of the prodigal son today or tomorrow.  Take a look at the characters, who do you identify yourself with?

 

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

Luke 15:8-10 (NKJV)  The Parable of the Lost Coin

⁸ "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' ¹⁰ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Verse of the Day 4/10

 Psalm 25:17-18 (NKJV) The troubles of my heart have enlarged;  Bring me out of my distresses!
¹⁸ Look on my affliction and my pain, And forgive all my sins

 

Psalm 25 is a psalm that I've turned to many times when feeling distressed, troubled, and in need of comfort.  A dear friend handed me a note with references to several of the verses during our family's deepest trial.  I've kept it in my study Bible since the day he gave it to me, every time I see it I'm reminded of how the Lord helped me through that time.

 

In Spurgeon's evening devotional for today, he made a profound observation: "The special lesson of the text is this:--that we are to go to the Lord with sorrows and with sins in the right spirit. Note that all David asks concerning his sorrow is, "Look upon mine affliction and my pain;" but the next petition is vastly more express, definite, decided, plain--"Forgive all my sins." Many sufferers would have put it, "Remove my affliction and my pain, and look at my sins." But David does not say so; he cries, "Lord, as for my affliction and my pain, I will not dictate to thy wisdom. Lord, look at them, I will leave them to thee, I should be glad to have my pain removed, but do as thou wilt; but as for my sins, Lord, I know what I want with them; I must have them forgiven; I cannot endure to lie under their curse for a moment." A Christian counts sorrow lighter in the scale than sin; he can bear that his troubles should continue, but he cannot support the burden of his transgressions."

 

It is natural to seek relief and comfort from our afflictions.  Spurgeon asks us to consider the weight of our sins.  Which are heavier?  Knowing how God hates sin, which should weigh more on our hearts?

 

Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV) He who covers his sins will not prosper,  But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

 

Blessings,

Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Psalm 25:16-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
¹⁷ The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
¹⁸ Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
¹⁹ Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
²⁰ Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
²¹ Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.

Verse of the Day 4/9

Acts 17:28 (NKJV)  for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'

 

After celebrating Easter yesterday, knowing what Jesus has done for us, how should we live our lives heading into the next week?  In short, we should live for Him.

Without going into a long commentary, I thought I'd post the lines from the hymn "Living for Jesus" by Thomas Chisholm.

 

1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
   Striving to please Him in all that I do;
   Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
   This is the pathway of blessing for me.
   • Refrain:
     O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
     For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
     I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
     My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
   Bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace;
   Such love constrains me to answer His call,
   Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
   Doing each duty in His holy Name;
   Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
   Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4. Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
   My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
   Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
   Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

May the words of the verse and this hymn inspire us to answer His call to live for Him and treasure Jesus as Saviour.

 

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

Acts 17:26-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶ And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, ²⁷ so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; ²⁸ for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' ²⁹ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. ³⁰ Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ³¹ because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."