Let us then approach Godʼs throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
It's hard to have confidence when we need grace and mercy. When we are at our lowest we feel we may never get back to where we were. But this verse tells us to approach God with confidence...with faith...that he will do as he promised and provide help in time of need.
I love that promise. I love that we can rest on that promise.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
I like that this verse follows yesterday's message..the message of hope that God will help in time of need. I also like how God seems to know that we need a word of encouragement and if we trust him and spend time in his word every day, that encouragement is what we will find. If we're not looking we won't find it.
It may be cold and dark where you're at. You may feel like you are sliding into an abyss. You may think there is no hope. But God has already provided you hope and a future if you will trust him and take him at his word.
Find your eagle and soar.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Despite the formal tone of the KJV, newer more modern versions are almost the exact same wording, which I love because that means that these words are simple and timeless, easy to understand and unchangeable. This is one of my favorite promises from God. Don't fear because he is with you and will hold you up no matter what happens.
It's easy to get discouraged when things around you don't go right. Life can get very messy. But we must have faith that God is good to his word and will help us. He doesn't just say he might help if we ask. He will help. Period.
Trust God to help in time of need.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19 KJV
Go and teach. In order to teach you must first learn it yourself. Jesus spent much of his ministry teaching others. Some he had to teach a lesson to more than once. But he modeled what he wanted his disciples to do. He taught them and now they were to go and teach others.
Once we learn about God we are not to keep it to ourselves. We are to teach others about him. We do this through discipling, loving and modeling God's principles, just as Jesus did.
So go today. Learn and then pass on the knowledge.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 NIV
When you hear a news story or see a headline or when someone says, "hey, did you hear?", there are times when you just can't quite believe the story. That is until you hear it from a reliable source or see it for yourself. The shepherds believed because what they saw.matched what they had been told.
God's word is our reliable source. Faith helps us to believe what we don't physically see. If we question God, we lessen the reliability of his word. There's no greater satisfaction than to know you know the truth about all else.
Seeing isn't believing...believing is seeing.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV
We have many roles in life. Some large, some small. We are sons, daughters, wives, husbands, neices, uncles, friends, co-workers, bosses. These title help explain to others our relationships to those around us.
The names, or titles, that Jesus is given here do the same thing. They seek to explain God's relationship to us in the form of his son. He is Jehovah. He is Alpha and Omega. He is the Prince of Peace.
Let us worship and adore him as his titles are befitting a king worthy of praise.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14 KJV
I like the KJV of this verse. It's the one Linus quoted in Charlie Brown Christmas when telling Charlie Brown the real meaning of Christmas. It's Jesus. Angels rejoiced. We should rejoice. For on this night the past can be forgiven and the future be rewritten. In the morning when we wake we will find that God has taken form.
Let's rejoice with the angels. Merry Christmas to all and glory to God in the highest.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 KJV
I love that my Bible app is pulling verses from the birth of Jesus. It's what most Christians refer to as the Christmas Story. We know that Jesus was born during the taxing season which is why Joseph and Mary had to travel back to Bethlehem. But over the years we have come to celebrate what was originally a winter harvest celebration as christmas...Christ's birthday.
It's funny but just like Joseph and Mary travelled home, a lot of people go home for the holidays. There's something about this time of year that makes us yearn to be with loved ones and friends. Gifts or no gifts, the true magic of Christmas is in being with those you love.
Merry Christmas.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 NIV
So I pretty much stink at buying gifts for people....gift giving in general is not one of my finer points. I admit it and hopefully no one will take anything I give them too seriously. But I do it all with a loving heart because I want to show them I care. We show our love by giving of our time, our resources or our feelings.
But no matter how much I love someone I don't know if it would be humanly possible for me to give up my child because I loved them. As a parent I cannot fathom the depth and breadth of this selfless act. God loves us that much. He just does. Accept what he has given in the true spirit in which it was intended...to be forever with him.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV
Most people know that the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Joshua, Yeshua...all these mean the same thing: God with us. But look at the rest of the verse. His name will be Jesus because He...because God...will save us. Because God. That's very powerful.
We know he lives...because God. We have faith...because God.
We have joy...because God.
Because God came down and sent his Son, we have eternal life. Let us celebrate this greatest gift and rejoice...because God!
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 NIV
Too often we feel pushed aside, degraded, put down....condemned...by the world. That's the reality we live in. It happens to us more than we would like to admit. So it may be hard to believe the truth of this verse.
No matter what you've done, no matter how low you've gone, Jesus didn't come here to push you aside and tell you how awful you are. He came to love you. To save you. To make you new.
As the Christmas song goes, "Mary did you Know," "this child that you delivered will soon deliver you." Let yourself believe this. Let yourself accept God's greatest gift.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 NIV
I did a little research on this verse because I was curious about how the NIV version read. Two things stood out to me. One is that the word "you" in this verse is in the plural. The sign is for everyone because God's salvation is for everyone.
The other was how it said that he, the son, shall be called Immanuel. There are several references to who will call him Immanuel. One of those is the plural, "they". Again, Immanuel is for all, everyone will call him God with us...again in the plural.
This verse is inclusive of everyone. God sent his salvation for us all. So go tell everyone that God is with us!
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 NIV
I'm sure you've heard the saying, 'I'd rather ask for forgiveness than for permission.' I'm also sure you've said you were sorry for something only to be told if you were truly apologetic you would stop doing it. Well, here is the truth of both of these: do what's right and you'll not have to apologize or ask for permission. How hard is that? Harder than you think.
You see we have one job. Love God with all our heart. That's it. Everything else is just the end result of us loving God. But we find ourselves toiling over daily tasks and forget what our one job is.
So today be better at loving God and you'll find yourself naturally doing what's right and just.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 NIV
This is my plea to God. I want to please him. I want to walk in his word. But I am only human and most days, if not all, I will fail miserably. So I understand this please from the Psalmist. He knows he will fail but he also knows God can keep him in the word.
I've grown more in the few months since I started these daily readings than in all my years of Christian school. I'm not ignorant of the fact that at this point in my life love and family mean more than things. But I also know that in doing these daily devotionals, no matter how short or small, that I am staying in his word. It puts it at the forefront of my mind and I dwell on these words all day long.
So keep me in your word Lord. Do not let me stray. Amen.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV
Love and truth always hope and persevere. Love and truth always hope and persevere. And love protects. God is love. So God protects. Protects us with hope. Protects us with perseverance.
If we are in God we have hope even if we don't feel it some days. We can rest in the truth even if evil seems to be taking over. We can know we are protected from the Devil's schemes even if he is closing in. We must trust in the truth that is Jesus our Lord.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Godʼs likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10 NIV
I'm not sure I need to expound on this one. It's pretty clear. It hit me right in the ticker and thinker when I read it. Far too often we speak poorly of some and only praise others. How can we be acting in God's likeness and unfathomable love if we do this.
Surely there are people who we may find difficult to love. But we're we any different outside of God's grace and forgiveness? See them through his eyes. Speak of them through his words.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 NIV
When we die we leave a will stating how things should be divided amongst our surviving family and friends. Sometimes people contest the will and then no one gets anything until it's settled. Not one person can get anything outside that will.
And it is so much more with God's will. We can ask anything we desire. But if we are not in his will, if we are not walking in faith, if we are asking for something outside that will....nothing will happen. We must operate in God's will for our lives. Once we desire him, nothing else matters. We will then only ask of him what we desire within his plan for us.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
It's not very often in our human existence that we want to boast about our weaknesses. We feel ashamed. We feel inadequate. We feel insecure and unworthy. We don't want to feel this way because we then feel out of control. I don't know own about you but I like to be in control. That's when we can feel confident and secure.
But when we are confident in our own abilities we don't look to others to help us out, especially God. We figure we got it so we don't need any help. And that's when God cannot work in us. In order for him to do his work we must realize where we need him the most. Then all we must do is ask. I like the end result the apostle speaks of: Christ's power resting on us. I need more of that.
Lord, I know where I am weak and give that to you today. Amen.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of Godʼs grace. Acts 20:24 NIV
I'm a notorious task lister, meaning I write down all the things I need to get done. As I finish things, I mark them off. As new things pop up, I add them. So my list is pretty much continuous. So I usually feel very awesome when I'm down to just one job left on my list. Do you know that feeling?
If so, you know how'd you feel of you truly believed this verse. I love the way the NIV version reads. My only aim is to do the task...the single task...that God gave me. What a wonderful thing to have that accomplished feeling everyday that you have but one thing to do.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
How many times in your life have you said, "I'll believe it when I see it." Probably about as many times as I have. Humans have limited ability to understand things we can't see or touch.
But we are helped in our faith to understand things we have not yet seen. Some people call it a sixth sense. In Star Wars, it's the force. Others call it having a third eye. It's our way of trying to understand it in our limited capacity to know that which we don't. Faith enables us to see and know. As we grow in our faith we understand more and are at peace.
So let God help you grow your faith.
He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:8 NIV
In order to understand this verse, I read the verses around it. The writer is referring to John the Baptist. The chapter I'm begins talking about Jesus being the Word and being made flesh, and how he is the light of the world. Then the writer references John and to ensure no one confuses him for the light, they specifically say he came as a witness and is not the light.
As I thought about this, I thought how cool would that be if people had to distinguish us in this way so that others don't confuse us with the savior. For us to be so in Christ that people see God in us. This is what it means to be Christ-like. I know I need to ask myself if I've been Christ-like today. Probably not so I have work to do.
Let others see God in you and let men say of you that you bear witness to the light of the world.
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
I'm pretty sure God was trying to tell me something today. Even before I read this verse, FB freida posted the flowing verse:
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Colossians 3:12-13)
In forgiving others we perfect the holiness of our spirit. As we develop forbearance and patience, we become more like God. I guess God knew I would need a little but of patience today so he was reminding me what my higher purpose is. And that's to be more like him; to show his love and mercy to others as it has been shown to me.
I am thankful that God knows what message I need before I do. He cares so much for you and me that he anticipates our needs and makes sure we get our needs met. How much more should we do for those around us.
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28 NIV
Have you ever gone to the movies and then stayed until the end credits were done rolling? Sometimes filmmakers put little gems at the very end that give hints about the movie or another project that ties to it. It's usually worth waiting for. Next time you go, stay for the end credits. Then look around the theatre. There likely will be very few people who waited around. But you get to walk away with a little something extra.
I had a doctor who for the longest time was so busy I sometimes waited 3 to 4 hours past my appointment time. I knew this and planned for it. Oh it was worth it! He was the absolute best and I miss him since he retired.
These are two human examples where the result was worth the wait. How much better will it be if we are patient and wait on God to return for us? So don't give up. Don't get weary. Wait! He promises a great reward.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV
I love this verse, especially in light of the Christmas season. Everything about this verse tells of God's glory, grave, mercy and being. He is the word. He chose to dwell among us. He chose to give himself as a sacrifice.
And because he came to live among us, we can bear witness to his glory. We see it every day in the sunrise and sunset, we hear it in a child's laugh, and we kiss his cheeck when we kiss our babies. God's glory is all around us. See it for the truth that it is.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
I don't know that this is humanly possible...to consider it joy when you go through trials. But what I do know is that nothing worth having is easy. I also know that of I want something or want to accomplish something, I have to work at it and I might fail or have trouble. In the end though is the reward. That's what I think the apostle was talking about.
God does test our faith. We wish he didn't just like we wish we never had to face any troubles. But I know that God is in control and he is more concerned about my faith and eternal well being than my comfort here.
So I must trust him or all is in vain.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a motherʼs womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV
With advances in science andntechnology, we have far more access to information than the contemporaries for whom this verse was written. However, even though we know how babies are made and can predict the weather, there are still many aspects of science, nature and space that we don't know. But God does.
We should not think so highly of what we know, because it is God who grants wisdom. We can learn all we want from books, but we will never, in our human minds, be able to fully understand God's ways. That is why we must live by faith.
Take delight in the Lord , and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV
Take delight in. Now here's a word I wanted to delve into a little. Dictonary.com defines the word delight as "a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture". Similar words include contentment and enchantment. For me, I would think it's similar to how I feel when I'm walking through a Christmas wonderland. I'm enchanted and delighted at the sights and sounds.
Now imagine being that delighted with God. If your heart takes delight in him, he'll give you your desires which would be to be more like him. It's not the earthly desires he's talking about. It's our soul and eternal desires. Imagine being so contented in him you desire nothing more in this life.
Delight in him. Be enchanted by him.
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 NIV
My husband and I were in the yard pulling up weeds today. It was actually relaxing, something real I could sink my hands into. He asked if our weed pulling would go in my blog and wouldn't you know it that today's verse is perfect! There are several life lessons to be learned from pulling weeds, and I don't mind getting down in the dirt. But when I get up I'm dirty. That's what happens. That's just another way of saying what this verse says.
If you surround yourself with fools, you will end up a fool...or worse. That's what happens. We must be careful who we surround ourselves with, especially our inner circle.
Learn from those who you can trust, who thirst after the one true God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
As humans we have a tendency to believe that we 'work harder' at something than someone else, therefore we are more deserving of a reward. We get especially upset when someone is promoted or praised because of work they didn't do. How then would we feel if we had to work our way into heaven and someone else got in that we felt didn't deserve to be there?
God's answer is that his grace is a gift, freely given to all who ask and believe in him. God's in this business to bring mankind back tonhim, to restore what sin took away. He's not interested in how hard you work. He's interested in your faith and in your soul.
Let his grace set you free and accept his gift of eternal life.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 NIV
Another verse talking about praising God through trials. Is your soul downcast? Meaning, are you stressed or worried about anything? Stress can manifest itself in physical ailments. I'm going through this now. Work and life are very stressful. I felt great while I was visiting my daughter because I could relax. But that doesn't help when I'm back at work or worried about anything.
So how do I handle stress? I have various outlets, but none of them are as effective as this little devotional I type each night. Through this small act of faith and spending time in God's word, my faith has grown. My heart is more tuned into what God wants to do through me. So I am not worried. I do still feel stress, but I will do as this verse says. I will praise him and put my hope in God.
So tell your soul to not be sad. Rejoice and praise him!
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9 NIV
How can any person stay on the path? Young and old and in between...we all need to live according to his word. And this seems to be such a simple explanation for our young people and our children.
When they ask how they stay away from drugs: live according to God's word. When they ask ask to abstain from drinking: live according to God's word. When they ask how to escape gangs and unlawful behavior: live according to God's word. The devil says it's not that easy. God says yes it is. Live in Him and he will live in you and that alone is more powerful than any earthly force.
So let us gird ourselves and keep ourselves in God's word. For us. For our elders. For the generations to come.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
As I was driving home from North Carolina today, I put my iPod on to listen to Christmas music. One of the songs that appeared randomly twice was one of my favorites...Hallelujah. One of the verses is, "Hail, hail to the guiding light, that brought us tonight to the stable. Hail, hail to the newborn child, cast aside your fear and be thankful." What a perfect complement to today's verse. I have a lot going on at work and it's hard to be out, but in reality what needs to be done is out of my hands...I've done my part. But I still worry. Why would God care about that?
Well, He cares for me, enough to send his son to die for me, so I'm pretty sure he cares about all aspects of my life. As try as I might I can't solve everything on my own. Sometimes I need help...from others or through divine intervention. It's possible! But he can't work through me if I'm weighed down with worry, so he wants me to lean on Him. I do my part. He does his. And his is perfect.
So as we come into the season in which we celebrate his birth, cast aside your fear, cast your cares on him, and be thankful.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:1 NIV
I don't know of one celebrity or politician who doesn't have 'messengers', those who arrive at a destination beforehand to prepare the living and working quarters, arrange for cars and appointments, etc. That's what they do. When they arrive, people waiting anxiously to get a glimpse of the celebrity know it won't be long till they show up.
Now just think about that in God's terms. He sent his messenger to prepare the way. Shouldn't we be just as, if not more anxiously awaiting His coming? God's messenger has come. Jesus came and prepared the way for us to be with him. That means God is not far behind.
We should be watching and waiting!
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
So here's an excellent follow up to my previous post. I have one job to do: fear God and keep his commandments. Oh, and love others. That doesn't seem to hard right? Then why do I always want to do things my way? Why do I want to cross the street when he told me not to? Why do I want to judge others when I don't want to be judged ( and God makes it very clear that's His job). So why do we do this? Because we are human and we make mistakes.
God knows this. He even says that all have sinned, there is no one righteous enough. So then why would God even care to use us if we can't keep up? You're gonna love this answer: because the human condition is broken and scarred. If we can show God's love to others through all of this sorrow, we may lead them to him and to eternal life. That is God's goal. Not our comfort. Not our wants. Our soul. All souls.
Be the broken vessel God uses by letting him live through you by keeping his commandments.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
It's taken me a few days to get back to these little vignettes. I've been reading and contemplating on my daily verses but not recording my thoughts here. I've not done a good job of obeying God's request of me to do this. I have been like a child who forgets that her father told her it was dangerous to cross the street alone. But I did anyway. And now it's going to be hard to get back because the street is busy and I've no one to hold my hand.
Oh but I do have someone! You see, God is not unlike any earthly father. He does chasten us when necessary and if I've disobeyed it may be harder to get back, but he is always there to help. He's calling to me when it's safe to cross. He's ready and waiting to take my hand and walk me home.
But for the grace of God go I.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 NIV
For certain today was a good reminder to be thankful for the abundance we have. It's evident in the amount of food eaten today all across America. But as we revel in our fortune, let us not forget where the blessings come from. We are to be thankful each and every day because God sustains us each and every day.
Earlier today we were talking about what we are thankful for. I said George Lucas and Star Wars. I was chided somewhat but I had a good reason. We should be thankful for innovation and vision that enables us to live with the conveniences we have, some of which helped cook the food we ate today. And of course I am very thankful for my family and the many, many blessings.
So yes, let's be thankful for it all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13 NIV
I love that my Bible app has been posting verses of Thanksgiving this week. There are so many hidden all through the Bible, tucked away just waiting for us to find them. They peek around corners of stories that may cause us to be afraid, or of verses echoing troubles we may have. With every trial or tribulation, there is praise to be found.
So as we celebrate our traditional thanksgiving holiday, remember that even through troubles we may have, crisis that come our way, and things that happen that we think may crush us, there is praise to be found, there are praises to sing to God.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV
I am loving these verses of Thanksgiving. I see people posting things each day that they are thankful for, which is cool. So these daily verses of thanks fit right in. I am so thankful for the victory we have...victory over death, sin, and eternal separation from God. This is truly something to be thankful for!
I love the word 'victory' here. In daily life it's not often we experience a victory. Most people are burdened by life's struggles and may not even know what real victory feels like. But we can have it in Jesus!
So praise him for your victory today!
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV
I am loving these verses of Thanksgiving. I see people posting things each day that they are thankful for, which is cool. So these daily verses of thanks fit right in. I am so thankful for the victory we have...victory over death, sin, and eternal separation from God. This is truly something to be thankful for!
I love the word 'victory' here. In daily life it's not often we experience a victory. Most people are burdened by life's struggles and may not even know what real victory feels like. But we can have it in Jesus!
So praise him for your victory today!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV
Short, sweet and to the point. God's indescribable gift! Praise him! Thank him!
Earlier in this chapter, the writer is telling those in Achaia that he appreciated their generosity and encourages them to give abundantly, that it shows obedience to God. And not just provisions, but sharing of the gospel, sharing of knowledge, sharing of love. The more they share the more they receive. This is how God works through us.
So share him today with someone. Share God's love. Share your talents. And praise him for all he has given us!
Lord , you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV
When I read this verse I asked if there was anything specific I could read into it. And the truth is, there is not. It's a verse of praise. It's a verse of knowing who God is and trusting him completely. I'm sure a theologian could unpack this verse, but I love it for what it is....simple praise of our wonderful Lord.
Praise him for completing wonderful things in your life that he planned before you were born.
But you, Lord , are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 NIV
I had to clean a shelf on the refrigerator today. Something spilled and was stuck to the glass. I had to take a glass scraper and chip away at the edges until it was gone. If you've ever done this you know you have to start with the outside. You won't have much luck trying to get to the middle part without chipping away the edges first.
I had been thinking on this verse today and realized this was a good analogy. We are that blot. If we are in God, he is a shield around us. In order for Satan to get to us, he'd have to chip away at the edges. Well guess what? God has defeated him. God is stronger. There is no chipping of his armor. Satan loses. Wow.
We can feel safe and secure knowing God is our shield.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:3-4 NIV
We often say that we love something more than life itself. I certainly feel that way about my children and my spouse. But what about God? Do I love him more than life? We don't see him here physically, we don't have a physical blood bond. We do however have a bond that is greater than life itself...his promise of eternity with him.
So yes, I do love him more than life itself because I know that this life will end, but praise God he never ends! I will praise him as long as I live, and guess what? Because he lives in me I will live forever with him!
Let your heart sing his praises today!
I will give thanks to you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 NIV
This verse seems very straightforward in light of the coming thanksgiving holiday. It is a day that reminds us to be thankful.
But how can we possibly tell all that God has done for us in just one day? It would take me an eternity...and so it shall. I shall have an eternity to praise God. But I should also be praising him here everyday. And how should others know how awesome he is if we don't say it? People need to see and hear God's work in us.
Be thankful every day.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Oh what a perfect verse for today. Not only because I am fervently praying for sweet friends going through trials, but also because just last night I knew exactly what I wanted and asked God. In faith I knew I could ask. This verse went through my mind as I did. And my heart swells knowing God is not only able but willing! Imagine the possibilities if you just let yourself have faith and believe his word!
So praise him who is able and willing to do what we ask beyond our imagination. Oh what a freedom that is. This verse is so very powerful. I'll say here what I often do...just repeat as necessary.
Praise him. Ask him. He is able! Praise God!
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in Godʼs love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21 NIV
We know we have earthly things to attend to, so walking around all day doing nothing but praying seems counterproductive. My dad used to say, don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good. I think he was right, and this verse backs that up.
If we are walking in God's way, our hearts are always tuned in. At times I find myself praying in my heart even though my mind is on something else. The Holy Spirit prays through me, and I think that is the best kind of prayer. For who knows us better than the Holy Spirit?
I'm going to change my daddy's statement a little: be heavenly minded while you do earthly good.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
I love this verse. You can't help but swell with faith when you read it. But I want to focus on two words, "I know." God says, "I know." Not 'I guess', or 'I think', or even 'maybe'. "I know." Period. God knows. Let that sink in for a minute. Think back to when you were in school and you needed to know your grade, so you asked your teacher, the one person who should know. And the teacher answered, "I'm not sure." Do you remember how you felt? Unsure. Afraid. Worried. Because the one person who should know, didn't.
But God knows. That's pretty definitive. And because he knows, should you worry about anything? Should you be afraid? Should you wonder how you're going to move on or get out of a situation? No! God is certain of his plans for you. He doesn't want you to despair. He wants you to have hope and for you to be as certain about your future as he is. Isn't that cool?
Let this verse be your praise today and let it build your faith.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV
I decorated for Christmas a little early this year. I couldn't help myself. We put halloween away and put Christmas out. Maybe I'm rushing the season a little but but it fills me with "inexpressible and glorious joy." Maybe it's the hope and love we experience this time of year. Maybe it's the food and gatherings with friends. But whatever physical expressions the season brings, I know why we celebrate Christmas the way we do. Because of Jesus.
I understand and know that Jesus wasn't really born at this time of year and that Christmas started as a secular winter harvest celebration. But we use the season now to celebrate Christ's birth, a miracle that also fills me with inexpressible and glorious joy.
And even though I've never seen him, I believe. If you have ever looked into a child's eyes, if you have ever seen a sunset, if you have ever seen someone help the homeless, you have seen him and you have witnessed what this verse talks about.
Be that glorious joy.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:13-14 NIV
Wow. This one hits close to home. I've been angry at God. He knows it so there's no use in me hiding it. I've asked him why did he do this to me or to my family. Yep. Been there, done that.
But I was wrong and I asked for forgiveness. God doesn't 'do' stuff to us. He doesn't tempt us or throw sinful things our way to get us to trip up. God loves us. He loves us but allows us free will so that we should love him in return. Satan roams around throwing rocks in our path. But God send his angels so that we don't trip over those stones.
So the next time you want to shake your fist and ask why, remember that God loves you and will help of you just ask.
Yours, Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV
This verse is exactly why we as Christians should never worry about anything really, especially things like elections and changes in leadership whether at a national level or even at our jobs or in a church. God is on the throne. Nothing surprises him.
Does this mean we shouldn't pray or be involved? Absolutely not. As Christians we have a duty to pray and be willing to lead when necessary or help our leaders. We don't sit back and do nothing.
So pray, lead and do God's work. And know he's got it all under control.
For it is Godʼs will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as Godʼs slaves. 1 Peter 2:15-16 NIV
This is the 2nd day in a row that my daily verse is a perfect reminder for our poloticians. It's also a stern reminder for the rest of us. In every wall of life we will either encounter someone that does this, or we will find ourselves as that person. Haven't you ever used your good reputation for something less than kosher? Maybe you've thought about it, thinking "they know me and would believe anything I tell them."
God warns us to not be deceitful. That it's better to do good rather than talk a good game and not follow through. Be a man or woman of your word, of God's word. Living under God's rules will not enslave you but free you to walk in the path he has chosen for you.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Wow. Just wow. This verse is not only powerful, but very timely. And I'm not just talking about the race for president, but all political races. Why did they seek office? Was it a career choice? Was it to have the ability to effect change in their community? These are just a few of the questions any candidate should have asked of him or herself prior to seeking a political seat of any kind. Because if the answer is for their own selfish ambition and pride, then they do not have a servant's heart. Of they do not have a servant's heart, they cannot serve those who elected them.
Just think how great our community, our state, or our country would be if those elected to serve actually served others in all humility. This is true of all leaders, not just elected officials.
As Christian leaders we should model this. As Christians, we should pray for our leaders to model this.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV
I am happy I was able to return to college and obtain my bachelor's degree. I learned a lot during those years. I've also earned a lot since, especially when tackling something new. I learn what works and what doesn't, and then use that knowledge the next time around.
I've dwelled on this verse for a bit and while I don't have all the answers around what it might mean, I know God. I fear him. So I don't have to have all the answers because I trust the one who does. I know my Savior will lead me in the direction I need to go. He will gently push me away from things I don't need. That's all I really need to know.
Who do you trust to guide you?
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV
My daughter and I were watching the movie, "Recount", about the 2000 election fiasco in Florida. Perfect movie for election-eve. And the fact that her dad and I were extras in the movie had no bearing on our decision to watch...but I digress. She was confused about all the commotion...just recount the ballots! I explained that 20 plus attorneys, justices, etc could not come to a decision about one election law. There were mediators and advisories issued but no one heeded them.
But praise God we don't need 20 lawyers in order to win our case that we should go to heaven. Jesus is our mediator. And he had no hidden agenda, he wasn't in it to win. He was in it to save us, to defeat death and forever bring us to be with God. I don't remember one attorney or judge from that time who would have given up their own life for justice and for right.
But Jesus did. His is the ultimate ransom for our souls.
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Proverbs 15:31-32 NIV
I just called the dentist for a problem that I want to just go away. It sounds very complicated, not to mention expensive, to get one tooth fixed that has a possible infection. I really don't want to go. But what happens if I ignore the infection? There could have serious repercussions if I don't take care of it.
This is what sin is like if we don't heed advice from God's word and those he's placed in our lives to give us good instruction. It will just sit and fester and not get any better. God loves us and wants to see us whole and well, ready to do his work.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Godʼs mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
I spent time yesterday thinking what this verse might mean. As I was growing up, preachers and teachers talked about how this verse meant we should dress modestly, not have tattoos or piercings, and eat good things. But those are all earthly responses. I exercise regularly, dress modestly and try to eat right. But none of those things are going to show any other human that I worship God.
I believe that this verse tells us to give God not just our mind or our hearts...but all of our bodies. We praise him with our mouths saying his words, we worship him with our hands doing good works, we honor him with our minds dwelling on him, we pursue his kingdom with our feet as we go where he tells us. This is presenting our whole body.
It takes all of ourselves every day.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV
I think the proper response to this verse would be, 'word'. I like to think that I am a people-pleaser. But with this verse in mind, what does that really say about me? Am I trying to please people for the wrong reasons? Or am I of good intention and following God's word in being kind and gentle with people? It really does warrant some introspect.
We should want to do good work and do good for others not to please them but to be pleasing to God and walking in his word.
Don't be a people pleaser, be God's vessel to serve others.
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord ; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2 NIV
When I read this verse my heart began to sing. Sometimes we don't need to ask God for anytbing. We don't need to tell him anything. We just need to praise him. Let your soul praise him all day long. Smile to yourself knowing your heart is in his presence.
It's not about what God can do for us. It's about what he's already done. And for me, that's enough.
My eyes are ever on the Lord , for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:15 NIV
I love this verse. We all get in situations, snares, that bind us and hinder us from moving forward. I've certainly been there. Sometimes it's our own doing, sometimes not. We look around trying to find some way out. We squirm and fidget and forget how we got there in the first place. Sometimes, like a wild animal caught in a snare, we chew off our own foot to get free. But all that does is hurt us more.
David says that when he gets in situations like that, he keeps his eyes on God. He praises him. He prays. Because he knows only God can truly free him. We must wait for God's hand to move to free us.
What snare are you in that you've been working to get out of?
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19 NIV
As a parent I am tuned into the cries of my children. When I hear them cry I immediately come to their aid. It's my duty as a parent. We care for our children and want to take care of them. I want to shield them from all harm and make sure they are safe.
God is our father and he is no less of a concerned parent than we are. He hears us when we cry out to him and he comes to help. He may not always be able to keep us from the consequences of our actions, but he will be there to see us through.
He loves us and wants to save us.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
This verse is perfect for today. It's Halloween! The night of spooks and frights. The night of dark spells and magic. In the name of fun we dress up our houses and ourselves to celebrate darkness. If we're not careful, we stay in the darkness where it's scary, frightening, and it seems there is no way out. Even Christians find themselves in darkness once in a while.
But in this verse Jesus himself promises that He is the light, and if we believe in Him we will walk in the light with him. We don't have to be afraid. We don't have to worry.
Expel the darkness with God's love and forgiveness.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 NIV
This is David's song of praise after God delivered him from Saul. David praised God during the trial and then praised him after. David knew God's promise of deliverance would see him through but he praised him anyway.
It's hard to praise God when we are going through trials. Sometimes we even get mad and refuse to ask him for anything. But God comes through anyway. He answered prayers for me that I never even prayed. He takes care of the little things so we can handle each day that comes.
Let's take a lesson from David and praise God always, even when it's hard.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NIV
With Halloween almost here I'm thinking about haunted houses. Not that I want to go in one, but that I like the idea of them. I'm thinking about the way you feel when you are in the house. It's dark. You don't know who or what is around. And you jump at everything. You are cautious and possibly frightened. Then, you come out at the end. It's light and the scary part is over.
That's what I thought of when I read this verse. Being separated from God is like being in a haunted house. It's dark, scary, and maybe even dangerous. But with God, we are safe. We walk with others and have safety in numbers...our brothers and sisters in Christ who help us along the way.
So leave the haunted houses for Halloween. Walk in the word of God.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
This is a familiar verse for Christians young and old. It may be one of the first verses memorized in Sunday school. It promises you will have trouble. God never said come to me all ye who are rich and happy. He said come to those who are weary because He knows we are only human.
But today this verse speaks victory to me and I just want to praise Him. Please join me.
Thank you Lord for giving me this word this morning when you knew I would need it for the day. Thank you for taking care if my need before I even asked or knew I needed it. Thank you for the small victory I had today and for bringing me through the rest. Thank you for your promise to be here when I need you and showing me your love never fails. There is more to us than this flesh and we should not turn away from you and what you have taught to avoid earthly troubles. Thank you for providing the strength to face those everyday.
I love the Lord , for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalms 116:1-2 NIV
There is a song to this verse that is beautifully scored for a wonderful way to worship the Lord. As Christians, we often think we should be immune to human emotions. This verse very clearly proves we are not. We have times when we cry out in pain, stress, fear and despair. It can be overwhelming because we also believe if we show fear or stress that it is a sign of weakness.
But over and over again, God's word tells us to give Him our weakness, our fear, our distress. Cry out to him. And this verse is the promise that when we do, He will hear our cry. He loves us and longs to be that safe haven for us.
We must then believe that He will see us through.
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 NIV
Most of us have been hungry or thirsty at one time, although I imagine our hunger and thirst are minor inconveniences compared to those who are truly impoverished. And we have all experienced that hunger that has nothing to do with food but with a drive to want to do more, accomplish great things.
I have also experienced a hunger where I longed for relief from trouble or for something I couldn't have. The Bible doesn't promise days without struggle, sorrow, and strife. God's promises transcend everyday struggles, not to keep us from experiencing them, but to keep us from staying in them.
This verse says those who believe will never be hungry, be thirsty. It doesn't promise we won't ever feel that way, but promises we won't stay that way. Praise God!
And that promise is one I can hold onto each day.
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16 NIV
David wrote this psalm while Saul was lying in wait to kill him. I'd say that's trouble. We all have trouble. We all go through times of distress.
But we know, as David knew, that God would be his fortress during those times. It is God's grace and mercy and love that will see us through.
We must have faith. We must, in times of trial, remember to praise Him. I needed this reminder today. Thank you Lord.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Freedom. We long for it, we fight for it, we demand it. We struggle every day to be free. It's time to stop! Christ has set us free and it was through His grace. We don't have to fight for it any longer.
But there is something that burdens us all and prevents us from fully enjoying our freedom. It may be a job or a relationship, but it keeps us from being truly free. Stand firm in your faith so you are not burdened by it any longer. Let God set you free by taking your yoke for you as he promised.
Be free and be strong.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for Godʼs wrath remains on them. John 3:36 NIV
This is part of God's promise of eternal life. We have that hope if we believe in His son and accept Him as our savior. But God makes it very clear in this verse what happens when we reject Jesus. We will not see heaven. We will suffer for eternity.
Everyone has suffering in this life. Rich or poor, famous or unknown...we have all known sadness and sorrow. But we have a hope of an eternity with our savior if we just believe.
Believe today. Live in faith always.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 NIV
I have to admit that this verse stumps me a bit. Not the do good to all people part, but the exclusivity of doing good to other believers. Taken out of context it appears to favor believers above others. In our teachings of God's love we stress that God sees all men the same. But we also know that God does have His favorites whom He blessed above others for their faithfulness.
I also believe this verse is talking about showing God's love to all, especially to other believers so that we don't lead them astray. If we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ poorly, how much less well will we treat those who are not believers. What we must not do is pick and choose who we do good for because one day, the beggar and the rich man will both stand before the king and be judged on just one thing: whether or not they believe.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NIV
What a powerful verse this is. During this election season we have politicians from all parties promising change, to make things better, to save America. This one simple verse makes it very clear: there is no one on this planet who can save us.
Only God can save us and change our hearts. When that change happens, we can positively affect those around us. But even then we cannot save them. We can however lead them to He who can, and that is what we are called to do.
Pray for our leaders that they may understand they cannot save us but they can lead us to the Savior, if only they are brave enough to do so.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV
This verse has several readings, at least two that I can see: 1) that we shouldn't worry; or 2) that today is bad enough. There is a saying about not borrowing trouble because it will find you. I believe that stems from this verse.
I'm sure if I cross referenced this I'd find many places in the Bible where God tells us not to worry for one reason or another, but mostly because He has it all under control. I also believe He wants us grounded in what we are doing at the moment because He knows that tomorrow is not promised. If we are always worrying about something that has yet to happen, we miss the blessings happening around us every day.
So no need to worry. Take it all to him in prayer and lay that worry at His feet.
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV
I thought all day about what this verse is saying to me. I think in simple terms it means that when hearing words of rebuke or praise, you need to consider the source. Words of rebuke from a fellow Christian, someone you trust, are better than words of praise from an enemy. We all like to hear that we've done a good job, that were great at what we do. But if the source can't be trusted, those words are just lies to get you to follow them where you should not go.
But those we love and trust can point out where we might improve and can give us honest feedback to help us see ourselves how we really are. Those words can be trusted.
So be careful in your words and consider the source.
