Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Verse of the Day 8/9

Verse of the Day 8/9

Psalm 127:1-2
English Standard Version



127 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.



Today's verses came up in my daily reading in the Psalms.  The Psalm is a good one to reflect on especially for those who are parents or grandparents and who have had the responsibility of raising a family.  Right away it reminds us that we need to put our faith and trust in God to build our house, our family and our heritage.

I've been spending a few days with my son's family who recently relocated to Pennsylvania for his work.  Part of that time has been spent discussing our family history with the grandchildren.  What caught my attention is the "watching" part.  It is necessary for the Lord to "watch over the city" if it is to prosper,  So it is with our lives.  My last name means "guardian of the field" and had been modified from "guardian of the house" back in the 1600's from some military exploits.  it is a reminder to me of the importance of holding onto what we believe it.  Solomon had written "guard your hearts".  We should do so and let Him do the rest, leading up to peace and rest.

Read this Psalm below.  How does it speak to you today?  Reflect on how He has blessed your family and household.  May we avoid "anxious toil", and the worries of the day for he "gives to his beloved sleep.".

Philippians 1:6
English Standard Version

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.



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

Psalm 127
English Standard Version

Unless the Lord Builds the House

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

127 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
    are the children[a] of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
    who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.





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Sunday, August 6, 2023

Verse of the Day 8/6

Verse of the Day 8/6



Romans 8:15-16
English Standard Version



15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,


Romans 8 came up in my daily read through the New Testament plan that I follow.  It is my favorite chapter in the Bible for many reasons.  The chapter begins in verse 1 with "there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".  Satan, as the great accuser, does his best to convince us that we have failed and would never accept us. But in His amazing grace and the love of Christ, we are accepted, not to remain as we are but to grow in our faith through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

The chapter ends with verses 38 and 39:

Romans 8:38-39
English Standard Version


38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In between we have the "all things" promises.  "All things work together for good" v.28; He will "graciously give us all things" that we need v.32; in "all these things (the trials of life) we are more than conquerors" through Him; and then He concludes the chapter with "nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God."

All these things should help us to remember that God is for us; we are children of God; ane we need not fall back into fear but continue to call out "Abba Father", "daddy" and His Spirit will confirm His love and secure our faith in Him.

You unravel me, with a melody  You surround me with a song  Of deliverance, from my enemies  Till all my fears have gone  I'm no longer a slave to fear  I am a child of God    I'm no longer a slave to fear  I am a child of God    From my mothers womb  You have chosen me  Love has called my name  I've been born again, into a family  Your blood flows through my veins    I'm no longer a slave to fear  I am a child of God                   (No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music)




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 8:12-17
English Standard Version

Heirs with Christ

12 So then, brothers,[a] we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons

of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.


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Friday, August 4, 2023

Verse of the Day 8/4

Verse of the Day 8/4



Jeremiah 33:2-3
English Standard Version



2 "Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.


One of the things that I like about social media is that I automatically receive posts with photos of our national parks.  I love seeing pictures from Yosemite; the Grand Canyon; Zion National Park; the Grand Tetons and others.  The photos make me appreciate our God, "who made the earth" and established it and keeps it going.  Then I step back in amazement at the thought that the Creator also cares about me, cares abouit all of us and that "He is for us".  

I'm reminded of the chorus by Jack Hayford that we used to sing


Majesty, worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus, be all glory, honor and praise
Majesty, kingdom authority, flow from His throne
Unto His own, His anthem raise
So exalt, lift up on high, the name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus, the King
Majesty, worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all kings.


Next month, Lord willing, I am supposed to spend some time in Montana.  I'm looking forward to it for these same reasons.  If any of you are visiting any national parks or will be enjoying the mountains or sunsets over the ocean.  Take time to call on the Lord, He will answer you and reveal Himself to 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

Jeremiah 33:1-3
English Standard Version

The Lord Promises Peace

33 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard: 2 "Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.


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Thursday, August 3, 2023

Verse of the Day 8/3

Verse of the Day 8/3    



2 Corinthians 13:4-5 English Standard Version




4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
 
Some who were around when Jesus was crucified must have felt that Jesus was weak.  He had showed no power over the "authorities" who carried out a rigged trial and sentenced Him to death.  They were soon proved wrong by the power of God, put on display in Jesus' resurrection and how He overcame the grave.  He is the ultimate "overcomer".

Christians are often looked upon as weak as they face various trials and don't have the power in themselves to overcome them.  But when those who put their faith and trust in Christ through those trials, He is proven strong by their faith and perseverence in Him. They are a living testimony to the hope that they have for the future and He provides the grace to live it out as they wait on Him, looking forward to that day when they willl be transformed, made whole for eternity.

Verse 6 calls on Jesus' followers to "examine themselves", to see how they are living up to what they believe.  As you read His Word and pray He will reveal to you how you're doing and encourage and challenge you to live what you believe.

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.
 O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
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.

2 Corinthians 13:14
English Standard Version



14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.






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 13:1-6
English Standard Version

Final Warnings

13 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.


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Monday, July 31, 2023

Verse of the Day 7/31

Verse of the Day 7/31


Exodus 20:3-4
English Standard Version




3 "You shall have no other gods before[a]


 me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.



Today's verses came up in my daily Old Testament reading this morning.  Any time I read the ten commandments it causes me to pause, consider and reflect.  First four commandments have to do with our relationship to God and the last six have to do with our relationships to other human beings.  Both are extremely important for us to have in our hearts and our minds.  To be mindful of our place and our resposibilities before God and others.

We all know that God has said "You shall have no other gods before me" but the application of this is another matter.  It is an all encompassing statement and we should take it as having no other God before, after or alongside God; the maker of heaven and earth.

What these verses point to is a full surrender to God.  The old hymn I Surrender All comes to mind.

  1. All to Jesus I surrender,
    All to Him I freely give;
    I will ever love and trust Him,
    In His presence daily live.
    • Refrain:
      I surrender all,
      I surrender all;
      All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
      I surrender all.
  2. All to Jesus I surrender,
    Humbly at His feet I bow;
    Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
    Take me, Jesus, take me now.
  3. All to Jesus I surrender,
    Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
    Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
    Truly know that Thou art mine.
  4. All to Jesus I surrender,
    Lord, I give myself to Thee;
    Fill me with Thy love and power,
    Let Thy blessing fall on me.
  5. All to Jesus I surrender,
    Now I feel the sacred flame;
    Oh, the joy of full salvation!
    Glory, glory, to His Name!






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

Exodus 20:1-4
English Standard Version

The Ten Commandments

20 And God spoke all these words, saying,

2 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.


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Thursday, July 27, 2023

Verse of the Day 7/27

Verse of the Day 7/27


saiah 66:2
English Standard Version



2 All these things my hand has made,
    and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
    he who is humble and contrite in spirit
    and trembles at my word.



The nature of man is to focus on external things.  We are impressed by beautiful homes, fast cars and crystal cathedrals, but what we find in the Bible that God is looking at the heart   Today's verse speaks to that.  He is looking for those who honor, respect and stand in awe of His Word and its power to shape hearts, lives and minds.

It is also this person who will have the attitude that Paul put on display in yesterday's verse from 2 Corinthians, realizing that "God's grace is sufficient" to meet our needs and that His power is put on display in meeting them.

The other thing that I'd like to point out is that to tremble at His word, requires that we be in His Word and have it in our minds, our hearts, and in our thoughts often.

Thomas Brooks writes, "Remember, it is not hasty reading--but serious meditating upon holy and heavenly truths, that make them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the bee's touching of the flower, which gathers honey--but her abiding for a time upon the flower, which draws out the sweet. It is not he who reads most--but he who meditates most, who will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian."

John Piper writes, "The first thing that makes a prayer acceptable to God is the brokenness and humility of the one who prays. They tremble at his word."

Have you counted the stars in the heavens  Have you walked the circumference of the earth  Have you measured the boundaries of the universe  Do you tremble at the Word of God  Have you uncovered the souce of the thunder  Have you tamed the crashing mighty sea  Have you defied the force of gravity  Do you tremble at the Wod of God  CHORUS:  The wise will hear Him and obey His word  Long and blessed will be their days upon the earth  The fool will perish in the folly of his ways  Do you tremble at the Word of God.    (Wes King - Do You Tremble)
Have you considered the scope of eternity  In the light of unwavering truth  Have you regarded the works of a strong and mighty hand  Do you tremble at the Word of God































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 66:1-2
English Standard Version

The Humble and Contrite in Spirit

66 Thus says the Lord:
"Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
    and what is the place of my rest?
2 All these things my hand has made,
    and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
    he who is humble and contrite in spirit
    and trembles at my word.


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