Verse for Today - 2 Corinthians 13:14 (click for mini-blog)

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. "

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Read all of  2 Corinthians 13

This is perhaps the most common New Testament benediction.  And what, you might ask is a benediction?  Well, it literally means "to speak well of."  It is a pronouncement of blessing or favor toward another.   It is sometimes (and I might add should be) spoken by parents to their children and by grandparents to their  grandchildren, but perhaps most commonly pronounced at the end of a church worship service.  We should never underestimate the affect of our words on those who hear them.  

In Today's Verse, the words are spoken by the Apostle Paul to the believers in ancient Corinth and with official authority.   That is to say, while the Apostle Paul is speaking, he is really speaking with "Apostolic" authority.   He is declaring that those who come to God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are really and truly the recipients of this "grace," "love" and "communion" with the Triune God. 

While we might might hear such a blessing, and even take it for granted, it is really a remarkable thing.   The God of all grace, who from all eternity determined to save a people for himself through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has in the present time extended His grace and mercy to us.

The Grace of Christ is the extension of God's undeserved favor in Christ to guilty sinners.  The Love of God is the embrace and acceptance of those purchased by Him.  The Communion of the Holy Spirit is incorporation of those who were lost into the fellowship of His own special people-- His Church.  Pretty remarkable.  Amen?  Amen!

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Psalm 86:5

"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,

And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."

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Read all of Psalm 86

Psalm 86 is a pretty remarkable Psalm.  It is a personal entreaty... a prayer to God for help.   And yet it is more than this.  The Psalmist takes the opportunity of his prayer and meditation upon the things of God to identify the remarkable blessings that belong to all of God's people.

Verse 5 is the first of three such affirmations (see also verses 10 + 15) that encourage us to trust and rely upon the Lord Himself.  The goodness of God might sound routine or a cliche, bit it refers to God's very nature.  He is good, and all that that means.  Because He is good, he is ready to forgive and rich in mercy toward those who call upon him. 

Part of the mystery of the Christian faith is that we can't and don't see all things as they really are.  We live as we say by faith (another potential cliche), trusting and hoping in the God of Scripture.  Herein lies the rub, we ought not to just trust and believe in the idea of God or the concept of God, but in God Himself.  This is what the Psalmist was doing... and this is what we must do. 

Verse for Today - Ephesians 6:12,13

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on thefull armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

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Read all of Ephesians 6

The Apostle Paul is reminding the Ephesian Christians (and us) that we live in a spirit (aka demonically) influenced world.  He had just concluded and extended series of exhortations (5:21-6:9) of how the Christian ethic involves submission to rightful authority. 

In the verses just preceding today's verse he exhorted his readers to be strong in the Lord and His power by putting on the armor of God.   Doing this will enable us all to stand against the wiles (or trickery) of the devil.   The unstated premise is that if we don't put on the armor of God we will not be able to stand.

Today's verses, 12 and 13,  explain why this armor should be diligently worn.   There's a spiritual host of wickedness (many evil influencers) that wants you to fail... and fall.  Many times life seems monotonous and routine, but don't be confused.  Our enemy is real and  pretty tricky.  If he can get you to give in or to give up, he wins.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Verse for Today - James 4:10 (Click to READ)

James 4:10

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

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Read all of James 4

This verse in James 4 is found amid of exhortations in which the inspired author instructs believes how to see themselves and live in the world.  I remember when I first read and preached on this passage I was almost embarrassed by the strong language and forceful words.  Verse 10 is mild by comparison.

We're told to humble ourselves before the Lord... we do this by recognizing his greatness and our sinfulness.  He is the Lord and Master of all and we are unworthy and undeserving creatures.  I've said before that when we pray with out faces to the ground, we are modeling the proper relationship between ourselves, others and God.  

A little earlier in this passage an important verse from Proverbs 3:34 is quoted: . 

"God opposes the proud 

 but shows favor to the humble."

That should be reason enough for us to obey today's verse... and yet there is also a promise... "and He will lift you up."  How cool is that.

Verse for Today - James 1:5 (Click to Read Brief)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

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Read all of James 1

James 1 is a profound chapter on many levels.  In this first section he is explaining how trials and troubles are commonplace in the Christian faith.  With a tinge of hyperbole he says we should count it a joy when we face these difficult times.  This exhortation is not based on the idea that we should "enjoy" the difficulties, but rather the beneficial affect of them.  

The exhortation of Today's Verse is a good reminder and concludes with an encouraging promise.  If these difficult times are leaving you at a loss, pray to God... ask him for wisdom and understanding.  Lean on Him and He will supply what you need.  

Earlier today (before even thinking about sending out this verse) I found myself singing the verse of "How Firm a Foundation."  Notice the question in Stanza 1 is answered in Stanzas 2-5 (especially 4).  I think they fit.

1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
   Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
   What more can He say than to you He hath said—
   To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2. “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
   For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
   I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
   Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
3. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
   The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
   For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
   And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
4. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
   My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
   The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
   Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
5. “The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
   I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
   That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
   I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

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

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

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Read all of Matthew 7

I mentioned the other day that this verse, which we frequently call the Golden Rule, is in a sense, a summary of the Summary (of the law) of the Summary (the Ten Commandments).   There are hundreds if commands in first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch)... according to some rabbi's count over 600.  The Ten Commandments are a distillation of God's revealed will... most all of the other 600+ commands can be arranged under the primary Ten Commandments.

The Summary of the Law, is stated by Christ in the New Testament, but he actually is quoting from Leviticus 19 and Deuteronomy 6.  

"Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:37-40

In today's verse Jesus states all this even more plainly.   If you ever want to know how you should treat others or whether you should do, pass your decision through this filter and the way will be clear.  Would you want others to do this unto you? 

 "FOR THIS SUMS UP THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS."

Verse for Today - I John 4:20-21

1 John 4:20-21

"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."

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Read all of 1 John 4

Today's verse is one of those gut-check verses that is hard to ignore.  You see the Scriptures are described as being "living and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12) and in another place,  "All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable..." (II Timothy 3:16). 

Well, as were read a passage like I John 4:20-21, it reveals what's in our hearts.  The Word of God is applied by the Spirit of God to the individuals who read and hear it.  Of course, for those who might have a deep and sincere hatred for someone or anyone really, this verse might be a discouragement.  However, the intent is not to discourage but foster transformation... change.   

What should we do?  How do we get past such thoughts?  Certainly, we need God's help (grace).  Even with it, it will take earnest effort on our part.  The key is doing the things that we can.  I'm convinced that actions and feelings are connected (part of the same circle if you will)... and that "actions" are best in the driver's seat.  In time right feelings will follow right actions.  Do what you know is right.  Treat others (even those under your skin) with kindness and respect and if nothing else YOU will begin to feel better.  :) 

Verse for Today - II Corinthians 5:18-20 (click to read mini-blog)

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."

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Read all of 2 Corinthians 5

In these verses the Apostle Paul is emphasizing the centrality of God in providing salvation.  How much more clearly could he state it?  "All this is from God." He is the one that provided His Son as our Savior. And Jesus would be true to His name, "For He would save his people from their sin" (Matthew 1:21).  

These truths become the basis for what the apostle says next.  God does it all, but He administers His grace through the ministry of Gospel preaching... "the message of reconciliation."  Ambassadors represent those who send them.  They don't have authority beyond their charged responsibility.  In the case of Christian ministers, they plead the Gospel message on behalf of God and Christ.  They are exhorted to exhort you: 

"BE RECONCILED TO GOD!"

(If you haven't already, know that your present and future happiness depend on it.)

Verse for Today - Galatians 3:26-28 (click to read mini-blog)

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

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Read all of Galatians 3

These verses are found in the middle of the Apostle Paul's epistle to the churches or Christians in the region of Galatia (central modern day Turkey).  As a whole the epistle addresses the fact that some had tried to unite the free grace of God in Christ to the requirement of formal religious acts of obedience to the law.  In today's verses we're actually reading the conclusion to his argument that no one was ever saved by keeping the law or acts of religious service.  

All who will be saved are saved by the promise of God's grace in Christ whereby they find acceptance in and through His completed work on the cross.  We're saved by grace not works; by adoption not merit.  This is stated succinctly in verse 24: "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."  

The Galatian churches were composed of both Gentile believers and Jewish converts.  This makes his statement almost remarkable.  He says that those who "were baptized" have become sons of God through faith in Christ.... such that the former distinctions (Jew, Greek, male, female, bond, free) are overshadowed by their greater unity in the Gospel of God's Grace. 

If you're a genuine believer, you are in Christ; AND if you are in Christ then you the true offspring of God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:4), as the last verse of the chapter concludes:

²⁹ "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Verse for Today - Psalm 118:5-6 (click to read mini-blog)

 "I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

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Read all of Psalm 118

Psalm 118 is a Psalm of distinction for a number of reasons.  

1. It's overall message and theme are edifying and encouraging.  The first and last verse of the Psalm urge us to "Give thanks to the Lord; for His mercy endures forever."

2. It is located between the shortest and the longest Psalms, #117 and #119.

3. More than this (and I'm relying on an article I once read), Psalm 118 is said to be middle chapter of the Bible.  Incidentally, this is why if you take your bible in hand and open it to the middle, you will probably open to one of the 150 Psalms. 

 

4. The Psalm progresses from the writer's personal experience of deliverance (vss. 5,6), to the Messianic expectation of Christ and His ultimate victory over all his enemies (and ours) (vss. 21-28)... esp. verses 22,23 and 26:

²² The stone which the builders rejected
         Has become the chief cornerstone.
²³ This was the LORD’s doing;
         It is marvelous in our eyes.

²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
         We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

Verse for Today - 1 Peter 1:15-16 (click to read mini-blog)

1 Peter 1:15-16

"but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” ”

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Read all of 1 Peter 1

Today's verses are brief and obligatory.  In context these verses affirm the close connection between faith and its fruits.  

Some of you may have heard me explain that in this brief section from 13-15 there are really only two main verbs.  The other words that are frequently translated as commands are actually participles describing the manner in which the main verbs are to be carried out.  The first imperative (or command) instruction is "rest your hope fully in the grace that is to be brought to you..."  In other words, have faith... trust and rely upon God's gracious promise of redemption in Christ.

The other command is found in verse 15, "be holy in all your conduct..." which is then repeated in the quotation "Be holy, for I am holy" from Leviticus 19:1.

In a nutshell these verses make the same point as the song, "Trust and Obey."  What should you trust in?  The grace of God offered in Christ's atoning sacrifice.  What should you obey?  God's revealed will, His commandments.  

Clear? 

Verse for Today - Isaiah 1:16-17

Isaiah 1:16-17

"Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

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Read all of Isaiah 1

Isaiah 1 is an interesting chapter.  I would recommend reading it.  I have a memory from my early childhood of a minister reading the first verses about how a oxen and donkeys have more sense than God's covenant people.   I think there's supposed to be something appalling about it.  People should pay proper respect to the One who brought the forth, clothed and cared for them.  The prophet goes so far as to say that the people of Israel would have become like Sodom and Gomorrah (completely destroyed and consumed by the anger of the Lord), except the LORD had left a remnant among them... a few examples of His grace and mercy.

As painful and sore as this is, the most remarkable part of the chapter is found in and after the verses we're looking at today.  Our verses today are a call to repent, turn from sin, and do what God commands.  Pretty tough call for spiritually dead, sinful people.  But there is hope.  Jesus said that His people will hear His voice and follow Him.  It is His voice that we hear in these verses.  They awaken and bestow spiritual life to those who hear. 

In fact, they form the premise to the wonderful Gospel call in verses 18 and following.    Hear and heed God's voice!

“ Come now, and let us reason together,” 
      Says the LORD, 
      “ Though your sins are like scarlet, 
      They shall be as white as snow; 
      Though they are red like crimson, 
      They shall be as wool. 
      If you are willing and obedient, 
      You shall eat the good of the land; 
      But if you refuse and rebel, 
      You shall be devoured by the sword”; 
      For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Verse for Today - Micah 6:8 (click to read mini-blog)

Micah 6:8

" He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? "

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Read all of Micah 6

As a person comes to faith and becomes aware of what it means to be a Christian and live out the Christian faith, they often ask the question answered by the Prophet Micah in this verse.  What does God want from us?  Why would he call us out spiritual death and darkness into His spiritual Light?  

The ultimate answer to these questions is stated by saying "for this glory."  God has chosen to reveal his justice and mercy by condemnation and salvation.  The why's and wherefore's on this level are hidden in the secret counsels and will of God.  However, these questions can also be answered more directly in terms of how should we respond to God for the act of His grace whereby we go from being children of wrath, to the children of God.

This is where Micah 6:8 is helpful.  How should we act and live in God's world?  How can we show  our thankfulness to God for his Grace?  

1. Live justly.  Be fair and kind.  If you know the right thing to do, do it.  You will never regret honoring God with your good conduct.

2. Love Mercy.  Be gracious and to forgiving.  Remember others have weaknesses just like you.  Don't hold others to a higher standard than you hold yourself.

3. Walk Humbly with your God.  Recognize your place before Him.  He has given His only Son to pay the price of your redemption.  The least you can do is thank Hhim and show this thankfulness with your time, prayer and worship.

Verse for Today - Titus 2:11-12 (click to read mini-blog)

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”

 Read at Bible Gateway

Read all of Titus 2

 This is a good verse for us to consider as we begin the New Year.  The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle/letter to a you pastor named Titus.  He was left in Crete to organize and minister to the believers there.  He was challenged by the culture and popular opinion to go with the flow, but was urged to faithfully teach by words and example how to live the Christian faith.  

In fact, this is precisely how Chapter 2 begins… he tell Titus what he should teach to the different age groups that compose the church… to older and younger, to the men and women, even to servants and masters (basically equivalent to today’s employees and employers).  The Scriptures are relevant to all.  Whatever weaknesses challenge us most are those that are to be taught against. 

As we begin a new year, we too should “say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright and godly lives…”   In the next two verses the Apostle concludes:

“looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

How zealous are you gonna be in 2012?