Verse for Today - Hebrews 9:27-28 "EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM?"

"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."

Biblegateway.com Hebrews 9:27-28

Biblegateway.com Hebrews chapter 9

This is an important verse.  For a long time I have understood it as primarily focusing on the fact that men live and die once... And that after this living-and-dying-once it is too late to change one's spiritual state or future.

As I reflect on this passage today... it does teach what I always thought, but there's two additional points to be made by what follows.

1. Christ's atoning death is a once and done event.  It was and is a wholly sufficient payment for all the sins of His people (those who hope in and receive God's grace).

2. His people are then described as "those who eagerly wait for Him."

I guess this is the part that intrigued me... Do we eagerly wait for Him? What does, or what should, that look like?  As Chapter 9 concludes and Chapter 10begins, it is clear that we should trust in Christ's perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.  

Verses 19-25 are worth a careful reading.  Look for the words: "faith," "hope," and "love."

Then notice his final exhortation.  "...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some..."  Wonder why?  Short answer: God says so and we can trust He knows what we need.

Verse for Today - Psalm 2:9-11 (click to read)

"Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him."

 These verses from Psalm 2 are remarkably pointed.  They speak prophetically of the coming Messiah... and more.  They warn the mighty, the rich and powerful people of earth.  By logical extension, the commands and warnings to them, are commands and warnings to all (ourselves included).

The Kings and Judges of the world might have influence and wealth now, but one day THEY will all give account before the Lord of all.  They are told to respond rightly, with wisdom, to the Christ the Lord.  "Be wise," "Be instructed," Serve the LORD with fear and Rejoice with trembling."  "Kiss the Son." 

Why?  Because when He returns, it will be for judgment.  How one responds to the Gospel of Christ makes all the difference.  Those who pay Him no respect will perish; but "blessed are all those who put their trust in Him."    

"God's grace is free, but it costs you everything."  If you have questions, I can tell you about the One who has the answers.  :)

Verse for Today 2 Corinthians 12:9-12 (click to read mini-blog)

I've been thinking about a quotation I heard from Allistar Begg in a recent message I heard a while back:  

"If dependence on God is the objective, then weakness is advantage."

I think this is quite profound. It certainly seems to be corollary to the Apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-12

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

How often don't we resist or even resent weaknesses, trials and troubles? Yet, these are the very means by which the Lord draws us closer to Him. Any trial or adversity that draws us nearer to the Lord or causes us to depend more upon Him, is in the bigger picture, a blessing.

Ironically, in recent months, one of my recurring prayers has been that the Lord would mold me into a more effective and faithful minister of the Gospel. My hope is that the Lord would use me to strengthen the church I pastor and advance the broader work of the Kingdom. In recent weeks I've faced a few trials and discouragements, and have concluded that these were in affect the Lord's answer to my prayers.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong."

When we recognize our own inadequacies or weaknesses, we learn afresh our need of God and His grace.  When we recognize this, we will the more earnestly seek His aid and depend upon Him.

Truth be told we all need to believe and endure like Job. He endured loss of loved ones, financial ruin, and even his health, and responds to his exasperated wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” The Lord works in mysterious ways. He is pleased when we persevere through trials, when we trust His Word and hold fast to our integrity for His sake. As Peter says, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

Seems the point is that we should trust in God all the time, especially when going through trials.

Verse for Today - Luke 12:6-7 (click to read mini-blog)

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Read at Bible Gateway

Read all of Luke 12

This is one of those verses that no matter how many times you read it, it's almost too amazing to grasp.  

Note, first:  God is omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing).  This is pretty amazing too.  How can God know everything about everything?  Not sure, but these are some of the words Jesus spoke, so they must be true.  (How could Jesus have been a good teacher or a great man and not be telling the truth?)  This is part of why we as humans have a hard time comprehending the greatness of God.  It is completely beyond us, or as Job 36 says: "How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out."  

OK, so how much does God know?  Two particulars are noted:  1. He knows all the insignificant sparrows (little birds) on the planet.  2. He knows the number of hairs on your head.  In other words, God has exhaustive knowledge.

What's the point?  Well, it's a logical relationship of the lesser to the greater.  If God knows those little details, don't you suppose he also knows and understands everything bigger?  The doubts, struggles, fears and questions that you have?  Of course he does.  AND (here's the kicker) He cares for you.  

Seems to me that if you have struggles, He's the One to whom you should go.   :)

Verse for Today - Mark 8:36

"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

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Read all of Mark 8

These semi-familiar words of Jesus strike at the heart of human existence.  Almost everyone everywhere evaluates their success or importance by material wealth.  To some extent this is probably true for each of us.   Advertisers know well how easily we are led along.  If only we had the next, new, better, shiny, even useful new thing, then we would be happy... or at least happier than we are right now.  If you think about it you know this isn't really true.  Material things and improved appearance won't make you happy...in fact they can't make you happy.

We are not random compilations of DNA.  No, we are special creations of Almighty God.  In fact, we were all created in the image of God Himself.  To suppose that we could find the fullest expression of earthly happiness apart from God is to not be thinking too clearly.  The Apostle Paul speaks of this inRomans 1:25, where he says unbelieving people "exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."

So what does this have to do with Mark 8:36?  Well, I'm just agreeing with Jesus.  It does NOT profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul.   Instead, all should humble themselves before God, confess their sins and pray to Him for grace and forgiveness through His Son, the only Savior Jesus Christ.  

If you have questions, I know the One with the answers (and I'm sharing).

-- 

Verse for Today - Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

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Read all of Philippians 4

The Problem:

Sometimes we let life get us down.  We worry about our finances, our friendships, our jobs, our activities, our time... our futures.  How will everything ever work out?  

If this is something you do, then Today's Verse is just what you need hear. 

First off the verse tells us not to worry or be to be anxious.  Easier said than done, right?  Well, most any time when the Bible tells us not to do something, it's because we naturally tend to.  This might be our initial response, but we shouldn't stay there.

The Solution:

We should voice our concerns to God.  As the Apostle says, "in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  We're never stronger than when we're relying upon the grace to God to help.  It might seem artificial or forced at first, but God will hear the prayers of those who call upon Him.  He is near to the brokenhearted.  While these verses are written to believers, there is an implicit promise those who are still coming to him.  We pray... God listens.

Then the peace and presence of God will help you through... it "will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."   

Pretty encouraging, don't you think?

Verse for Today - Romans 12:12 (click to read mini-Blog)

Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

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Read all of Romans 12

This verse was forwarded to me from Biblegateway.com and I'm forwarding it to you.   :)   As a whole Romans chapter 12 is describing and urging believers to properly live-out the Christian life.  Some of the commands are negative, describing what they should NOT do, but many are positive describing appropriate actions and steps that should be taken.  

As a rule the Scriptures meet us where we are.  They tell us to do things we tend not to do; and to not dothings that we tend to do (reread that).  This is especially the case in the three exhortations of verse 12.  "Joyful in hope"... be joyful about waiting for the thing you're waiting for.  "Patient in affliction"... I really do not like my present trials, but I will be patient. 

And finally (and appropriately as its the National Day of Prayer)... "faithful in prayer".  Do we really have to pray and spend time in prayer?  Just depends.  What does it mean to be "faithful" in prayer?  Certainly it means being earnest and consistent in praying.  Let's be hearers and doers of the Word.

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Quotation: "Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong."   Tim Keller

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Verse for Today - Romans 8:1,2 (click to read mini-Blog)

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you 

free from the law of sin and death."

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Read all of Romans 8

Not only were the Scriptures first written in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT), they also use words and concepts that sometimes escape our understanding.  For instance, Today's Verse says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  While many would objectively hope and grant that this statement is TRUE, to be fully appreciated it needs to be heard with the awareness of one's sin and guilt before God.  

In verse 2 we read about "the law of sin and death." What is that law?  It is the humanly unbreakable connection between sinning/being a sinner and being punished for that sin.  Whether you think of this in terms of the Fall, "on the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" or Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death...." the law or rule convicts sinners of both their guilt (fact of sin) and their misery (its consequence).

The Good News (literally the Gospel) is that  this  "law" or unbreakable connection between sin-and-punishment has been overcome by Christ Jesus Himself.  

This should make guilty (but forgiven) sinners like us pretty happy.

Verse for Today - Hebrews 11:6 (click to read mini-Blog)

^"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

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Read all of Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11 is a remarkable chapter.  As 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the Chapter on Love, Hebrews 11 is called the Chapter on Faith.  It tells us what faith is, does, and has looked like in the lives of those who had it.  If you've not read through this chapter in a while, I would recommend it.

From my perspective, a proper grasp of verse 6 is essential.  Right off we're reminded that Christianity is grace based, not works based.  It is as the Apostle Paul says in  Galatians 2:16c,"by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight."    

The second part of the verse shows what the experience of true faith looks like.   True faith believes... that "God is"... and that He rewards "those who diligently seek Him."   God's grace is free, but costs you you.

The old Gospel hymn got it right:  "Trust and obey for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."  (click for words and midi)

Verse for Today - Romans 10:9-10 (click to read mini-blog)

"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

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Read all of Romans 10

These verses from Romans 10 are HUGE.  They proclaim several of the key elements to true or saving faith.  We don't find here a magic formula, which if we say or do it just right can change our relationship to God.  No, we read here about what saving faith looks and sounds like.

It really just confirms the words that Jesus himself had taught.  "From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks."  In Mark 7 where this verse is found, he is telling his listeners how uncleanness (or evil-ness) does not come from the outside and defile us... it actually arises from within us.   

Well, Today's Verse shows that this works both ways.  If the heart is renewed--born again, and now believes that God raised up the Lord Jesus, "the mouth" will proclaim its allegiance by saying "Jesus is Lord."   It is in this way that you believe and are justified and profess with your mouth and are saved.  PTL.  :)

Have a great weekend.

Verse for Today - Luke 9:23-24 (click to read mini-Blog)

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.""

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Read all of Luke 9

I once read a sermon by Charles Wesley on this verse.  Something he said struck me.  He posed the question why so few sermons are preached on this verse or those like it?   I guess my first thought is because this is is not a very popular concept.  It involves work and self-discipline.

In a culture where you can believe what you like and do whatever you feel like, these verses are pretty contrary.  And yet, they may be exactly what has to be heard.

Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me are such clear and uncompromising commands.  Maybe we don't really have to keep these exhortations. 

[collective sigh of relief]  

 After all, did you notice how the first part of the verse begins?  It says "Whoever wants to be my disciple...."   So here's the deal, you don't have to deny yourself... you don't have to take up your cross daily... and you don't have to follow Christ... UNLESS... (and here's the tricky part) unless you want to be His disciple. 

Something to think about.  How are you going to follow Christ?

Verse for Today - Romans 5:6-8 (click to read Mini-blog)

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Read at Bible Gateway

Read all of Romans 5

Parts of the first 11 chapters of Romans are pretty intense.  Romans 5 would certainly be included in this.  Understanding the severe affect of the Fall and its consequences in the hearts and minds of men is essential.  

Today's verses are pretty clear on the affect of sin on our spiritual selves.  We are called "powerless."  In Ephesians 2:1-3 we are called "dead in sins" and "children of wrath."  All of which indicate the desperate and dark condition of the human heart.  None of this is new.  Before and after the Flood, the assessment of mankind was "only evil all the time" and the Prophet Jeremiah proclaims that the heart is "deceitful above all things" and "desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9).  

All this provides the amazing back drop for God's grace in the Gospel:  "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

If you can see your sin, look to the Savior. 

Verse for Today - Ephesians 6:10-11 (Click link to Read mini-Blog)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

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Read all of Ephesians 6

This verse begins the final section of the Epistle to the Ephesians.  It's the section that talks about our need of spiritual armor to fend off the wily attacks of Satan and the world.  Verse 10 begins with a pretty bold assertion.  "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  Of course this is probably easier said than done.  It seems there's always a tension between knowing what we're supposed to do and doing it.

Well, as this section unfolds we are given some pretty good clues about how we might do the things we're supposed to do.  We are to "put on the full armor of God."  After we're given this command we're told that this armor is essential in standing up to the devil's schemes.  Another way of saying this is that if we don't put on the armor and rely wholly upon the Lord, we will fall.  These verses shouldn't make us live in fear of Satan, but they should make us draw closer to God for his protection.  AND if we're going to draw near for his protection, it means that we had best be sure we're keeping "in step with the Spirit" by hearing and heeding His Words.  

Think also of the Lord's prayer and the Sixth Petition.  "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."  Now think about this just a moment.  We're taught to pray (even commanded to pray) for God's protection and then we're commanded to do the very things that will provide for our protection.  Something to think about.  

Verse for Today - Psalm 23:1-3

" The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. "

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Read all of Psalm 23

There's something to be said for beautiful simplicity.  Psalm 23 is probably one of the most widely known and memorized Psalms.  What do we learn from these three verses?

1. God Almighty is like a shepherd to us. What do shepherds do?  They lead the sheep where they go.  They keep them safe from natural dangers and wily predators.

2. The Psalmist is speaking of his relationship to and dependence upon the Lord.  On the basis of this relationship he affirms that all that he needs has been supplied.  The first verse is really a look back over life.  The Lord has taken care of me in the past, and on this he trusts in what the Lord will provide in the future.

3.  The references to green pastures and quiet waters indicate the supply of needs.  They refresh his soul.

4. The Psalmist trusts the Shepherd completely.  He trusts that the Shepherd knows what he's doing... and more... He recognizes that the Shepherd has a vested interest in the sheep.  He provides, cares for and protects the sheep... "For His name's sake."  God has identified himself with His people. 

If then in OT times, how much more now that Christ has come and His Spirit given to indwell his people.  Amen? 

Verse for Today - Acts 4:10,12 (click to read min0-blog)

Acts 4:10,12

"then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

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Read all of Acts 4

These verses are part of the foundation on which the Christian Church is built.  The first verse is part of the Apostle Peter's explanation of the healing of the lame man.  The issue wasn't if a miracle had been done.  It had.  The question was "How did it happen?" or "By whose power?"  Peter makes clear it was NOT by his power or will, but that of the risen Christ, the Lord Jesus of Nazareth.  

The second verse affirms the exclusiveness of Christ.  Jesus was and is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  He is the the only way to God the Father.

Established then.  1. Jesus was alive and He was powerful. 2. Jesus is the one from whom forgiveness of sins and salvation should be sought.

I Timothy 2:5 makes a similar point: 

 "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Jesus Christ."

Verse for Today - 2 Peter 1:5-8 (click to read explanation)

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

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Read all of 2 Peter 1

These verses from 2 Peter are pretty direct.  He is not describing how we can or might be saved, but rather how we as believers--who've been redeemed by the grace of God through Christ's death on the cross-- should strive to live.  

First off there is a string of qualities that becomes our bulls-eye in living out the Christian life.  These don't just happen.  They are the result of earnest prayer and effort.  Will we do these perfectly?  Not likely, but it does become the standard by which we measure ourselves.  This is where the second sentence comes in... that if we see these qualities growing within ourselves, we will know we are on the right road and making progress in living for Christ.  The big word that describes this process of becoming more faithful and fruitful is sanctification.

However, we should not go too easy on ourselves... you know right a way thinking that mediocrity and half-hearted devotion is OK.  Peter follows these verses with a pretty sharp warning:

^9 "For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins." 

Verse for Today - II Corinthians 1:3-4 (click link to read mini-blog)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

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Read all of 2 Corinthians 1

In these verses the Apostle Paul is proclaiming his undying devotion and commitment to the Lord for his grace.  At the heart of his words is the conviction that Christianity works.  That when we worship God and sing His praises, we are doing exactly what we were created to do.

But he pushes this to a level beyond ourselves.  He says, not only did and does God do this for us, He comforts us so that we can comfort others.  What do you say to someone who has lost a child, a parent and friend?  Sometimes nothing... sometimes you just go and share their sorrow, try to help them to bear the pain.  

We live in a broken world, but one day all will be made right.  As Revelation 21 says, 

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Verse for Today - I Corinthians 13:1-3 (Click to read mini blog)

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

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Read all of 1 Corinthians 13

These verses are beautiful, as is the chapter as a whole.  The Apostle Paul is describing the necessity, nature and value of LOVE.  In these first three verses he mentions several acts of piety and religious zeal, but indicates that the essential element is love.  So much is this the case, that if any or all of these things are done without love, they lack any value or worth.

The Corinthians were contentious.  They sought to build up their own esteem and importance.  The Apostle had spent most of chapter 12 admonishing them regarding spiritual gifts and how they were to use them for the benefit of others.  When he comes to this chapter, he extols the virtue of love.  He describes how love acts, what it looks like, how a person with love thinks and treats others.

Of course one of the important points in this chapter is that reveals the nature and character of God and His love... and of course how we should love each another. In John 15:2 Jesus said,

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." 

Think about that. 

Verse for Today - Psalm 33:4-5 (click to read about)

"For the word of the Lord is right,

And all His work is done in truth.
^{He loves righteousness and justice;}The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."

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Read all of Psalm 33

Psalm 33 is remarkable on a number of levels.  In recent years it has become a favorite of mine.  It is subtitled in the NKJV "The Sovereignty of the Lord in Creation and History."  Verses 4 and 5 follow a five-fold exhortation to worship and rejoice before the Lord.  Verses 4 and 5 provide the "short" answer for why all of God's people should give glory to God.  The "long" answer is really the remainder of the Psalm.

Now let's consider these two verses.    The Lord Almighty and all that He does is impeccable... without sin.  He is and is the source of truth and righteousness.  These virtues (His virtues) are part of why we should worship and serve him.  Can we trust God?  Can we trust his words, will and commands?   ABSOLUTELY!  Listen to Deuteronomy 32:4:

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect;
For all His ways are justice,
A God of truth and without injustice;
Righteous and upright is He."

These things cannot be said of anyone else.  Trust and worship the Living God.

Verse for Today - Deuteronomy 6:4,5 (click to read)

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

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Read all of Deuteronomy 6

This verse should be familiar to most.  I'd like to draw your attention to three parts of these verses.  

1. The last part is quoted by the Lord Jesus as part of what we call the Summary of the Law.  Any effort or exercise of the Christian faith the doesn't begin and end with the desire to love, honor and please God is something else.

2. The affirmation of Oneness is that God the One True and Eternal God has revealed himself in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  This is called the Doctrine of the Trinity. The three persons are not mentioned here, but the affirmation of Oneness is.  They are mentioned elsewhere.   We hold and believe what the Bible teaches.  Period.

3.  I remember reading a Morning and Evening meditation by CH Spurgeon years ago where he says he things the most amazing part of this verse is the pronouns "OUR" and "YOUR"   The Almighty Lord and Master of the Universe has identified Himself with His people.  The same is true today.

"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."  Rev. 1:5a, 6