Monthly Archives: December 2015

Study the text book (Hebrews 4:1-13) December 11, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Hebrews 4:1-13

Set – Philemon; Hebrews 4

Go! – Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

Hebrews 4:1-13
¹That’s why, as long as that promise of entering God’s rest remains open to us, we should be careful that none of us seem to fall short ourselves. ² Those people in the wilderness heard God’s good news, just as we have heard it, but the message they heard didn’t do them any good since it wasn’t combined with faith. ³ We who believe are entering into salvation’s rest, as He said,
That is why I swore in anger
they would never enter salvation’s rest,
even though God’s works were finished from the very creation of the world. ⁴ For didn’t God say that on the seventh day of creation He rested from all His works? ⁵ And doesn’t God say in the psalm that they would never enter into salvation’s rest?
⁶ So if God prepared a place of rest, and those who were given the good news didn’t enter because they chose disobedience over faith, then it remains open for us to enter. ⁷ Once again, God has fixed a day; and that day is “today,” as David said so much later when he wrote in the psalm quoted earlier:
Today, if you listen to His voice,
Don’t harden your hearts.
⁸ Now if Joshua had been able to lead those who followed him into God’s rest, would God then have spoken this way? ⁹ There still remains a place of rest, a true Sabbath, for the people of God ¹⁰ because those who enter into salvation’s rest lay down their labors in the same way that God entered into a Sabbath rest from His.
¹¹ So let us move forward to enter this rest, so that none of us fall into the kind of faithless disobedience that prevented them from entering. ¹² The word of God, you see, is alive and moving; sharper than a double-edged sword; piercing the divide between soul and spirit, joints and marrow; able to judge the thoughts and will of the heart. ¹³ No creature can hide from God: God sees all. Everyone and everything is exposed, opened for His inspection; and He’s the One we will have to explain ourselves to.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Many quote those last verses often, but what do they really mean to you? My word is alive and moving; sharper than a double-edged sword; piercing the divide between soul and spirit; joints and marrow; able to judge the thoughts and will of the heart. No creature can hide from Me: I see all. Everyone and everything is exposed, opened for My inspection; and I’m the One you will have to explain yourselves to.

It’s nice to memorize it, but do you meditate on it? Do you think about what that means to you? Do you take it to heart and realize what My word can do for you or what it will do to you if you don’t follow it’s precepts?

Just consider the first phrase, My word is alive and moving. Many translations say it is alive and active. It doesn’t stay still, it doesn’t let you remain the same. It changes you. It continues to transform you into My likeness if you let it. If you read it and let it become part of you, it will work in your life in amazing ways. But it also judges your thoughts against Mine. Perhaps that’s why so few read and study My word today, you’re afraid of what you will find. You’re afraid you’ll have to change your ways to conform to My will or find yourselves lacking.

Whether you read My word or not, I will still be your judge at the end of the age. You cannot hide from Me. I see everything you do. I know every thought you think. As My word tells you, everyone and everything is exposed, opened for My inspection. You will have to explain yourself to me one day. And I will examine you according to the precepts explained in My word. I left them with you long ago. They’ve been available to you long before you could read and study them. They were available before I created the world.

If you refuse to take advantage of the many avenues by which you can read and hear My word, should you blame Me for that? Am I at fault for your failure to heed what has been at your fingertips for all the time you’ve been alive? Is it My failure or yours when you let My word sit on your bookshelf while you engage in frivolous activity?

I will still judge you by those precepts in My word. Suppose you pick up that book on your shelf that so seldom gets used and read it. Then read it again. Then make a few notes in the margin about what you need to do about a few of those verses that speak to you. Then study some of those precepts one more time. Maybe memorize some of those passages. You have the rest of your life to make that book part of your life. Remember, that’s the test you must ultimately pass when I give you your final exam at the judgment. Don’t you think it’s about time to study your text-book if you know there’s going to be a test?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

You can believe, too (2 Timothy 1/3-18) December 10, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Timothy 1:3-18

Set – 2 Timothy 1-2

Go! – 2 Timothy 1-4

2 Timothy 1:3-18
^3-4 Timothy, you are constantly in my prayers. Day and night I remember you before God and give thanks to Him whom I serve with a clean conscience, as did my ancestors. I really want to see you, especially when I remember how you cried the last time we were together. Yes, I know it would make me joyful to see you again. ⁵What strikes me most is how natural and sincere your faith is. I am convinced that the same faith that dwelt in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, abides in you as well. ⁶ This is why I write to remind you to stir up the gift of God that was conveyed to you when I laid my hands upon you. ⁷ You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.
⁸ So don’t be embarrassed to testify about our Lord or for me, His prisoner. Join us in suffering for the good news by the strength and power of God. ⁹ God has already saved us and called us to this holy calling—not because of any good works we may have done, but because of His own intention and because eons and eons ago (before time itself existed), He gave us this grace in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King. ¹⁰ And now, the time has come! That grace was revealed when our Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appeared; and through His resurrection He has wiped out death and brought to light life and immortality by way of this good news. ¹¹ I was appointed a preacher, emissary, and teacher of this message. ¹² This is exactly why I am suffering. But I am not ashamed because I know Him and I have put my trust in Him. And I am fully certain that He has the ability to protect what I have placed in His care until that day.
¹³ Remember the words that you heard from me. Retain them as the model for healthy and sound teaching in the faith and love that are available in Jesus the Anointed. ¹⁴ As for the precious thing entrusted to you, protect it with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
¹⁵ You may know by now that all those in Asia have turned their backs on me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. ^16-17 But Onesiphorus was not ashamed of my chains. So when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me and found me. May the Lord show mercy to his house because he has often stopped by to refresh my weary soul. ¹⁸ And may the Lord shower him with divine mercy on the last day. You are well aware of all he did to serve me in Ephesus.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Today I want to call your attention to the mission I gave Paul and one that I think speaks to everyone in many ways. “I was appointed a preacher, emissary, and teacher of this message. This is exactly why I am suffering. But I am not ashamed because I know Him and I have put my trust in Him. And I am fully certain that He has the ability to protect what I have placed in His care until that day.”

In the first couple of sentences that Paul shares here, he clearly understood his mission and that the very mission I gave him caused the suffering he endured. But I want you to pay attention to his next words. Paul wasn’t ashamed of his imprisonment as were most of his prison mates. They found themselves incarcerated for wrong doing. Paul found himself in chains for doing good. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel and whatever suffering or pain came with it, he was willing to endure.

Why wasn’t Paul ashamed? Because he knew Me. He not only saw Me on the road to Damascus that one extraordinary day, but he talked with Me and listened to My words as he prayed and read the scriptures. He died to self and let My Spirit guide his life. Paul gave his all to Me. He knew Me and had faith that I would see him through whatever circumstance he found himself or would usher him into My presence in paradise. Either option fit him just fine.

Paul knew I could protect him from whatever he faced. He didn’t hold any doubt in his mind. Paul knew with certainty I could do what I said I would. I never fail. When I make a promise, I keep it. Paul knew that about Me. His confidence in Me was sure. So he could face the trials that came his way. But Paul was just a man. There was nothing special or unusual about him. I didn’t give him some special DNA that enhanced his faith. He just exercised the faith he had. That’s it. That’s why people remember him. That’s why Paul was such an exceptional disciple. He just believed, always.

You can, too.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Set a good example (Titus 2) December 9, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Titus 2

Set – 1 Timothy 5; Titus 2

Go! – 1 Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

Titus 2
¹ As to you, Titus: talk to them; give them a good, healthy diet of solid teaching so they will know the right way to live.
² Here’s what I want you to teach the older men: enjoy everything in moderation, respect yourselves and others, be sensible, and dedicate yourselves to living an unbroken faith demonstrated by your love and perseverance.
³ And here’s what I want you to teach the older women: Be respectful. Steer clear of gossip or drinking too much so that you can teach what is good ⁴ to young women. Be a positive example, showing them what it is to love their husbands and children, and teaching them to ⁵ control themselves in every way and to be pure. Train them to manage the household, to be kind, and to be submissive to their husbands, all of which honor the word of God.
⁶ Encourage the young men in the same way: in every situation, they should learn to control themselves.
^7-8 Titus, you have to set a good example for everyone. Go out of your way to do what is right, speak the truth with the weight and authority that come from an honest and pure life. No one can argue with that. Then your enemies will cower in shame because they have nothing bad to say against us.
⁹ Advise all the servants: Work hard for your masters, and be loyal to them. Strive to please. Don’t be rude or sarcastic. ¹⁰ Don’t steal or embezzle your masters’ property. Show them you are trustworthy, and all the credit will go to the teaching of God our Savior.
¹¹ We have cause to celebrate because the grace of God has appeared, offering the gift of salvation to all people. ¹² Grace arrives with its own instruction: run away from anything that leads us away from God; abandon the lusts and passions of this world; live life now in this age with awareness and self-control, doing the right thing and keeping yourselves holy. ¹³ Watch for His return; expect the blessed hope we all will share when our great God and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appears again. ¹⁴ He gave His body for our sakes and will not only break us free from the chains of wickedness, but He will also prepare a community uncorrupted by the world that He would call His own—people who are passionate about doing the right thing.
¹⁵ So, Titus, tell them all these things. Encourage and teach them with all authority—and rebuke them with the same. You are a man called to serve, so don’t let anyone belittle you.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Paul’s words to Titus fit anyone who calls themselves a Christian, not just pastors. My name should mean something to you. It should also mean something to those outside the faith that see you when you use My name to identify yourself. As Paul told Titus, it’s your life lived out in front of others that speaks so much louder than your words.

I see a lot of hypocrisy, though, among those who call themselves Christian, today. Not unlike the Pharisees that walked the streets of Jerusalem. They plotted murder to stop My voice. Murder! Talk about getting off track. Yet some bomb clinics, stores, homes, and more in My name. Is that different? Some slander the names of others and do everything they can to discredit those who disagree with their views, all in My name. Is that different than what the Pharisees did?

I encourage you to stop and consider whose name you wear. Then think about what it means to represent Me. How do you know what that looks like? I give you lots of instructions. I left My word with you through the centuries. I encourage you to read it. If you struggle with reading, listen to it. Technology today gives you a multitude of ways to hear My word, but delve into it – often. Don’t take someone else’s word for what it says, explore it yourself. Paul commended the Berreans for their study of My word, not taking anything he or anyone else said at face value, but going back to scripture and proving what was said is true.

Be a student of My word. Then teach it correctly. Don’t let those around you take favorite verses or phrases out of context to prove a point. Remember My word doesn’t contradict itself. It tells you who I am and My will for your life. It tells you how you should live and how to live forever. Paul admonished Titus to remember those teachings and pass them on to others. As a person wearing My name as your identity, I expect you to live a life that honors My name. I expect you to adhere to the advice Paul gives his young ‘son in Christ’, Titus. I want others to see the transformation I can bring to their lives as I brought it to you. Don’t disappoint through actions that discredit or dishonor My name.

If you decide you don’t want to live up to My kind of life, then don’t use My name. Names are important. Too many will soon be called out for taking My name in vain, misusing it as an excuse to do what you want. How is that supposed to win others to My kingdom? It’s time to take Paul’s message to heart. “You have to set a good example for everyone.” My name deserves it.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Read and pray (1 Timothy 4:1-16) December 8, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Set – 1 Timothy 3-4

Go! – 1 Timothy 1-4

1 Timothy 4:6-16
⁶ Place these truths before the brothers and sisters. If you do, you will be a good servant of Jesus the Anointed, raised and fed on words of true belief, trained in the good instruction you have so clearly followed. ⁷ Reject worldly fables. Refuse old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself toward godliness. ⁸ Although training your body has certain payoffs, godliness benefits all things—holding promise for life here and now and promise for the life that is coming. ⁹ This statement is worthy of trust and our full acceptance. ¹⁰ This is what we work so hard for! This is why we are constantly struggling: because we have an assured hope fixed upon a living God who is the Savior of all humankind—especially all of us who believe.
¹¹ So go out and insist on these things. Teach them. ¹² Don’t let anyone belittle you because you are young. Instead, show the faithful, young and old, an example of how to live: set the standard for how to talk, act, love, and be faithful and pure. ¹³ Until I get there, make sure to devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. ¹⁴ Don’t neglect the gift that was given to you through the prophecy spoken when the company of the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Cultivate all these practices; live by them so that all will see how you are advancing and growing. ¹⁶ Take care of yourself, concentrate on your teaching, and stick with these things. If you do, then you will be effective in bringing salvation to yourself and all who hear you.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You hear all kinds of churches coming into existence today. They share all kinds of messages. Many give you messages you like to hear so you’ll feel good about yourself. In some instances, you should feel good about yourself, but only after you acknowledge that everyone is first and foremost a sinner, lost and separated from Me unless they repent of their sins.

I don’t like the fact that everyone has sinned, but it began with Adam and Eve. They taught their children selfish instincts and those lessons have passed through the generations without interruption. Everyone wants their own way until they finally come to the realization that their way doesn’t work. You can’t find the peace you’re looking for until you abandon yourself and let Me take control of your life. That’s the way I created the world.

You might not like that I created it that way, but it’s My world and that’s how it is. Hey, I’m God. I can do what I want with My world. And what I did was make a way for you to get over your selfish desires. I made a way for you to come back to Me. I became like you so you would know I understand what it’s like to live in your shoes and then I died for you to pay the penalty for your sins. That wasn’t fair either, but it’s My world and I can do what I want. I’m God. And I want you back.

But I want you to want to come back to Me. I won’t make you. And therein lies the rub. There are too many today who way they want to come back to Me, but don’t like the rules I make. They don’t like the fact that I am holy. They want to preach the grace and mercy side of Me, but want to wish away the wrath that comes from My holiness in supressing evil in the world. There is that side of Me, too, if I am to remain a holy God. I cannot be only grace and mercy if I remain holy. I must also pour out wrath on wickedness.

So how do you know if the church you attend is in line with Me? How do you know if they just teach what you want to hear or really teach My word? How can you guard yourself against the false prophets My representatives always warn about in their writings?

It’s really pretty simple. Do two things consistently and you’ll figure out the counterfeits. You’ll know whether your church is sound in doctrine if you do these two things. Ready? First, read and study My word every day. Read it from cover to cover. Don’t just pick your favorite verses and pull them out of context. Read chapters and books at a time. Get the story I’m trying to tell you through My prophets and apostles. My word does not contradict itself. The theme is the same from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. The Bible is My story of redemption for you (insert your name in that pronoun).

Second, pray. As you read My word again and again, you will begin to pray fervently. Your prayers may begin for yourself, but as My word is absorbed into your life you’ll begin to pray My will for your life and for the lives of others. You’ll find yourself absorbed by the concepts in My word and as they transform your mind, your prayers will help you discern truth from falsehood.

Do those two things faithfully, read My word and pray, and you’ll know if your church is true to Me and My word. You’ll know if it’s a place that will feed your soul or take you to troubled waters. Be careful in these last days. It’s important to you, your family, and friends. Know you can trust the leaders where you worship.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Forgive! (Colossians 3:1-16) December 7, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Colossians 3:1-16

Set – Colossians 3-4

Go! – Colossians 1-4

Colossians 3:1-16
¹ So it comes down to this: since you have been raised with the Anointed One, the Liberating King, set your mind on heaven above. The Anointed is there, seated at God’s right hand. ² Stay focused on what’s above, not on earthly things, ³ because your old life is dead and gone. Your new life is now hidden, enmeshed with the Anointed who is in God. ⁴ On that day when the Anointed One—who is our very life—is revealed, you will be revealed with Him in glory! ⁵ So kill your earthly impulses: loose sex, impure actions, unbridled sensuality, wicked thoughts, and greed (which is essentially idolatry). ⁶ It’s because of these that God’s wrath is coming upon the sons and daughters of disobedience, so avoid them at all costs. ⁷ These are the same things you once pursued, and together you spawned a life of evil. ⁸ But now make sure you shed such things: anger, rage, spite, slander, and abusive language. ⁹ And don’t go on lying to each other since you have sloughed away your old skin along with its evil practices ¹⁰ for a fresh new you, which is continually renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One who created you. ¹¹ In this re-creation there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian and conqueror, or slave and free because the Anointed is the whole and dwells in us all.
¹² Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. ¹⁴ But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together. ¹⁵ Let your hearts fall under the rule of the Anointed’s peace (the peace you were called to as one body), and be thankful.
¹⁶ Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

It seems that every day there’s news of another shooting. Another terrorist or someone filled with anger loses control and unleashes that anger on the innocent just because they can. Lives face eternity instantly and families are changed for a lifetime. Do I expect you to really live the life Paul talks about in the face of such wickedness in the world? A life of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Do I expect you to forgive even those who wreck families forever because of their wonton disregard for life?

The answer is yes. Think about the conditions Paul faced. When he wrote these words he found himself chained to a Roman guard in prison. He didn’t know if he would live or die. He faced trumped up charges of treason against the state, a clear sentence of death if found guilty. After 25 years of following My directions, Paul had been beating, imprisoned, flogged, stoned, and left for dead. But I wasn’t finished with him yet. I still had work for him to do.

What does Paul do with each of his tormentors? He forgives. He tells you to live a life such that your persecutors, your enemies will marvel at your failure to seek revenge for their cruelty. As I did from the cross, Paul understood those who persecuted him didn’t know what they were doing. Satan blinded their eyes. He pulled a veil over them so they could not see the truth of My word and acted out of ignorance. Just look at the actions they took. Plotting murder to uphold their law! How could they justify breaking the law to keep the law? Their blindness caused by Satan’s schemes.

Forgiveness is not for your enemies so much as it is for you. Forgiveness is important for you to move on with your spiritual and emotional health with things go badly for you at the hands of others. They may or may not even know the trouble they’ve caused you and sometimes wouldn’t care if they did. But living a life of unforgiveness hurts you much more than it does them. It creates bitterness in your life. It causes you to think like the world instead of like Me. It keeps you from a life of love.

There’s another important reason to forgive. I told you several times as I walked with you that you would experience forgiveness from Me in the same measure you forgive others. So you need to forgive. You need to let go of vengeance and revenge. You must release your anger and hateful thoughts against your brother. You must forgive the wrongs done against you. I forgive in the same measure you forgive, so you must forgive your brothers and sisters if you want My forgiveness.

It might sound impossible, but not when you give yourself fully to Me. When you let Me control your life, I give you the strength to forgive. I let you see others the way I see them. So you can say, like Paul, Peter, Steven, James, Thomas, John, and all My saints who have gone before you, “Forgive them Father, because they don’t know what they are doing.”

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Please God and work for Him (Philippians 2:5-18) December 6, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Philippians 2:5-18

Set – Philippians 2-3

Go! – Philippians 1-4

Philippians 2:5-18
⁵ In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. Remember:
⁶ Though He was in the form of God,
He chose not to cling to equality with God;
⁷ But He poured Himself out to fill a vessel brand new;
a servant in form
and a man indeed.
The very likeness of humanity,
⁸ He humbled Himself,
obedient to death—
a merciless death on the cross!
⁹ So God raised Him up to the highest place
and gave Him the name above all.
¹⁰ So when His name is called,
every knee will bow,
in heaven, on earth, and below.
¹¹ And every tongue will confess
“Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord,”
to the glory of God our Father!
¹²So now, my beloved, obey as you have always done, not only when I am with you, but even more so when I can’t be. Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, ¹³ because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.
¹⁴ Do all things without complaining or bickering with each other, ¹⁵ so you will be found innocent and blameless; you are God’s children called to live without a single stain on your reputations among this perverted and crooked generation. Shine like stars across the land. ¹⁶ Cling to the word of life so that on the day of judgment when the Anointed One returns I may have reason to rejoice, because it will be plain that I didn’t turn from His mission nor did I work in vain. ¹⁷ Even if my lifeblood is to be poured out like wine as a sacrifice of your faith, I have great reason to celebrate with all of you. ¹⁸ And for the same reason, you can be glad and celebrate with me.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Paul inserted the words of a hymn the early Christians sang as they gathered together for worship. They wanted to remember who I am and why I came to live alongside you. It’s a good hymn. It tells the story of My departure from heaven to be with you. It tells of My death and resurrection and intercession for you at the right hand of the Father. But Paul doesn’t stop with the short hymn. He lets the Philippians and you know your responsibility because of the truth of they hymn those early Christians passed on to you.

Paul says, “Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.”

That doesn’t mean good works will get you to heaven, but James also reminds you that faith without a demonstration of your faith by good works is dead. Paul tells you often it is by faith you are saved so that none may boast. I told you that all who believe in Me will not perish but will have eternal life. So it’s faith that gets you to heaven, but your good works demonstrate the faith you have in Me. The demonstration comes not because of duty, but because of love. Love for Me and love for your brothers and sisters in My kingdom.

That’s also why in the next breath Paul says do everything for Me without complaining. If you do good works for Me out of duty, you’ll begin to complain. You can’t keep it up without grumbling. Just look at the history of the Israelites. They couldn’t help but grumble when they followed Me out of duty. It takes love to continuously do good works without grumbling. And until My love lives in you, you can’t please Me. You can’t live the life I want you to live. You can’t do the good works I have for you.

So work out your salvation. It requires faith first, but I created you to work. I didn’t create you to just sit around. I intend for you to do good works so that all may understand that I am a God of love and grace and mercy. You are the instrument of those attributes when you give yourself fully to Me. Never forget everything starts with faith. Without it you can’t begin to please Me, but then do what I ask of you, and I will ask you to good works for Me, because it pleases Me.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

The beauty of God’s laws (Psalm 119:1-16) December 5, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 119:1-16

Set – Psalms 119:1-16; Ephesians 5

Go! – Psalms 119:1-80; Ephesians 5-6

Psalms 119:1-16
¹ Happy are the people who walk with integrity,
who live according to the teachings of the Eternal.
² Happy are the people who keep His decrees,
who pursue Him wholeheartedly.
³ These are people who do nothing wrong;
they do what it takes to follow His ways.
⁴ You have given us Your precepts
so we would be careful about keeping them.
⁵ Oh, that every part of my life would remain in line
with what You require!
⁶ Then I would feel no shame
when I fix my eyes upon Your commands.
⁷ With a pure heart, I will give thanks to You
when I hear about Your just and fair rulings.
⁸ I will live within Your limits;
do not abandon me completely!

⁹ How can a young person remain pure?
Only by living according to Your word.
¹⁰ I have pursued You with my whole heart;
do not let me stray from Your commands.
¹¹ Deep within me I have hidden Your word
so that I will never sin against You.
¹² You are blessed, O Eternal One;
instruct me in what You require.
¹³ My lips have told how
You have delivered all Your wise rulings.
¹⁴ I have celebrated Your testimonies
as though rejoicing over an immeasurable fortune.
¹⁵ I will fix my mind on Your instructions
and my eyes on Your path.
¹⁶ I will find joy in Your ordinances;
I will remember Your word forever.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The psalmist wanted others to understand not just the importance, but the beauty of the laws I gave you. So he put them in the form of a beautiful acrostic poem. This longest book of the Bible tells you a lot about My law. What it is. Why I gave it to you. Why it’s important to follow it. Why it helps you along the path of life. The beauty it holds within its words. The peace you find by following it. The love that grows in your heart when you follow My precepts.

Many think that if you don’t read My word or hear My laws you will be exempt from them. But that isn’t true. You have them available to you so you have no excuse. In fact, in the West, you probably have multiple Bibles in multiple versions in your home. The question is, do you read them? Do you make them an everyday part of your life? The psalmist understood the importance of making My law a part of his heart as he talks about hiding it in his heart so he will not sin against Me. Do you follow his example?

A lot of you think My laws are only there to punish you. You assume I’m looking for reasons to find you guilty of some sin so I can zap you with a lightning bolt or some evil plague. Nothing could be further from the truth. I give you My laws in hopes that you will understand better the holy life I want you to live. I want you to stay away from the things that will destroy your relationship with Me or with your fellowman. I give you My laws to protect you, not to punish you. But Satan has lied to you and made you turn them around to think otherwise. That’s why I came to live with you and show you the beauty of My laws. I didn’t abolish them when I came. I fulfilled them. I glorified them. I put them in your heart so you could abide by them out of love rather then by a sense of duty.

Those who understand My laws in the way the psalmist understood My laws know the benefits that come from learning them. Making them a part of your very thought process as you conduct your daily life. Whether in business, dealing with family and friends, or in conflict with you greatest nemesis, living by My precepts will always be in your best interest. You will come out ahead every time when you abide by My laws.

So don’t put My laws on the shelf. Begin to make them a part of your life. Learn to love them like the psalmist and understand just how important they are to keeping your life pure and spotless not just in My sight, but in the sight of those around you. When you live by My laws, there is little anyone can say negatively against you. Your life will shine with the glory that spills over from serving Me.

Take some time and read Psalm 119 and take to heart what the psalmist says. Discover for yourself what he has learned about Me and My laws. You’ll be surprised at how your life can change when you do.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Will you be among the few? (Ephesians 1:15-23) December 4, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Ephesians 1:15-23

Set – Ephesians 1-2

Go! – Ephesians 1-4

Ephesians 1:15-23
¹⁵ This is why, when I heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus that is present in your community and of your great love for all God’s people, ¹⁶ I haven’t stopped thanking Him for you. I am continually speaking to Him on your behalf in my prayers. Here’s what I say:
¹⁷ God of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, Father of Glory: I call out to You on behalf of Your people. Give them minds ready to receive wisdom and revelation so they will truly know You. ¹⁸ Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. ¹⁹ Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power.
Friends, it is this same might and resurrection power that ²⁰ He used in the Anointed One to raise Him from the dead and to position Him at His right hand in heaven. There is nothing over Him. ²¹ He’s above all rule, authority, power, and dominion; over every name invoked, over every title bestowed in this age and the next. ²² God has placed all things beneath His feet and anointed Him as the head over all things for His church. ²³ This church is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all in all.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus reminds them and you of the power at your disposal. Many Christians today forget what I told you while I was with you in the flesh. I told My disciples that when I went away and sent My Spirit in My place that you would do miracles on My behalf and you would do more than I was able to do while I lived alongside you. It’s an important promise to remember. And it is absolutely true.

Because so few really experience what Paul experienced in his life, you don’t see the things that happened in Paul’s day on a wholesale basis. I can still do those things through you, and do around the world. I still perform miracles of healing, feeding, financing, driving out unclean spirits. I still heal broken relationships, mend confused and broken minds, guide decisions. I still save you from the penalty of sin.

You see, I chose men and women to carry out the tasks in My plan for the world. I chose you to share the message of My good news. I chose ordinary people to do extraordinary things through the power of My Spirit within them. And all it takes is letting Me have control of your life and then letting Me work through you.

Paul talks about the power available to you. Do you ever think about that power? The power I give you? The resurrection power. So many of you try to do things in your own strength. Consequently, you do so little. Your strength gives out. Your muscles, intellect, and spirit are never strong enough to do the work I have for you to do. You might try, but you just can’t do it alone. You’ll never be strong enough by yourself. No matter how much you try, you’ll never have the strength to complete My tasks.

Paul knew that the power that raised Me from the dead is available to you when you give yourself completely to Me. Paul gave himself to Me and let My Spirit control him. He saw what My power in you can do and so he penned those words in very opening of his letter to the Ephesians. “Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power.”

It only takes believing. It only takes letting go of self. It only takes dying to your will and letting My will live out through you. It only takes being resurrected a new creature in Me, being reborn into My kingdom. It only takes becoming what Paul called a living sacrifice for Me. It only takes becoming an instrument for My bidding. Then, like Peter and Paul, you’ll do things you never imagined. You’ll tap into My power source. You’ll use the strength of the Creator of the universe.

When you do My will at all times, letting Me really live in you, you will experience remarkable things. Your schedule will turn upside down as you live for Me. Your journey will take you along paths you never imagined. You will know the full extent of My power at work in you as you do My will. Others will be amazed, but others will want to know more about the power in you.

Few will pay the price to know My power within them. Few will really die to self to let Me truly live within them. Will you be among the few?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Listen to God’s Spirit’s guidance (Romans 14/1-12) December 3, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 14:1-12

Set – Romans 13-14

Go! – Romans 13-16

Romans 14:1-12
¹ It’s high time that you welcome all people weak in the faith without debating and disputing their opinions.
² Here’s the issue: One person believes that nothing’s off the menu; he’ll eat any food put before him. But there’s another believer—we’ll call him the weaker—who eats only vegetables because the meat is tainted through contact with an idol. ³ If you are an eater of all things, do not be condescending to your vegetarian brother or sister. In turn, those who abstain from certain foods on religious principles should not judge your brothers and sisters who eat meat—if God has accepted them, you have no reason to reject them. ⁴ How could you think for a moment that you have the right to judge another person’s servant? Each servant answers to his own Master, and he will either stand or fall in His presence. The good news is that he will stand because the Master is able to make it so.
⁵ There may be a believer who regards one day as more sacred than any other, while another views every day as sacred as the next. In these matters, all must reach their own conclusions and satisfy their own minds.⁶ If someone observes a day as holy, he observes it in honor of the Lord. If another eats a particular diet, he eats in honor of the Lord since he begins by giving thanks! If yet another abstains from that same food, he abstains out of respect for the Lord and begins his meal by thanking God too. ⁷ The truth is that none of us live for ourselves, and none die for ourselves. ⁸ For if we live, we live for the Lord. If we die, we die for the Lord. So in both life and death, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ The Anointed One, the Liberating King, died and returned to life to make this a reality: through His death and resurrection, He became Lord of the living and the dead.
¹⁰ So how is it that you continue to judge your brother? How is it possible for you to look down on a sister? We will all stand before the judgment seat of God. ¹¹ For it is written,
“As I live, so I promise,” says the Lord, “every knee will bow down to Me.
Every tongue will confess to God.”
¹² So every one of us, regardless of our eating habits, should expect to give an account for our own lives to God.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You know that My word tells you some things are flat wrong – stealing, murder, sexual immorality, lying, and so forth. There are many things that you’ll come across day by day, though, that My word doesn’t say anything about. Some churches hold firm views on certain activities and others will tell you those activities are okay. So what’s the truth? What is the real story? What do I say?

I say, listen to My spirit within you.The concepts within My word do not change. So first listen to them and judge your actions according to the concepts and precepts within My word. But often I will give you personal convictions and commands to follow that I do not give to others. I do it for a reason. I know your weaknesses just like Satan knows your weaknesses. But when you give your life to Me, I protect you from the evil one, just as you ask Me to do.

So, I give you personal convictions around your area of weakness to keep you from falling to the temptations that Satan might put in your path. For instance, I might know that because of your genetic makeup you have a predisposition to addictive behaviors. My spirit might tell you I don’t want you to drink alcoholic beverages because I know you would become an alcoholic. I give you that conviction to protect you. Or suppose you have difficulty with handling money. I won’t give you a lot to handle to tempt you. I won’t necessarily make you poverty stricken, but I probably will keep you from being wealthy to keep you from falling into Satan’s money traps.

I will ask you to do things to keep you out of trouble and avoid your weak areas if you’ll listen to Me. I’ll give you personal instructions and guide you through this life in ways that will keep your heart pure and away from the snares the tempter lays out for you. I’ll put you on a path of righteousness fit just for you. Your convictions will not fit anyone else, so don’t try to impose them on anyone. They will be yours. And other’s convictions may not fit you. So live by My spirit and let Me guide your path. My word will tell you many things to do and not do, but My spirit will guide you if you listen. Trust Him to lead you well.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Use your gifts well (Romans 12:1-8) December 2, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 12:1-8

Set – Romans 11-12

Go! – Romans 9-12

Romans 12:1-8
¹ Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. ² Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.
³ Because of the grace allotted to me, I can respectfully tell you not to think of yourselves as being more important than you are; devote your minds to sound judgment since God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith. ⁴ For in the same way that one body has so many different parts, each with different functions; ⁵ we, too—the many—are different parts that form one body in the Anointed One. Each one of us is joined with one another, and we become together what we could not be alone. ⁶ Since our gifts vary depending on the grace poured out on each of us, it is important that we exercise the gifts we have been given. If prophecy is your gift, then speak as a prophet according to your proportion of faith. ⁷ If service is your gift, then serve well. If teaching is your gift, then teach well. ⁸ If you have been given a voice of encouragement, then use it often. If giving is your gift, then be generous. If leading, then be eager to get started. If sharing God’s mercy, then be cheerful in sharing it.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The words I gave Paul to share with you tell you so much about how I want you to live. Today everyone wants to think they are independent and can do everything themselves. But you can’t. Just admit it. You can’t do everything. In fact, you can’t do most things. I gave you a few gifts and talents that I want you to share with the world. I gave others skills and talents you need.

I separated the talents and skills necessary for successful living to different people for a reason. I want you to need each other. I want you to become interdependent just as the parts of your body are interdependent. Your brain cannot operate outside your body, nor can your body operate without your brain. You can live without your limbs, but considered handicapped when you do because your body can’t do the things it is designed to do. Each of your internal organs serve vital functions that when they cease to function, you cease to function well and often you die.

So it is with My church. I designed you to be interdependent as people. For My church to operate effectively and efficiently, I need all My church’s members to use the skills and talents I gave them to pull together for a common purpose – to spread the good news of My salvation. I want each of you to understand the importance of bringing others into My church. Each person coming into the community of My fellowship adds to the effectiveness of the spread of My message to the world. As the right skills add to the spreading of the message, more and more will come to the saving knowledge of My sacrifice for them. But I need you.

Also, I want you to know I don’t need spectators. I didn’t give you the skills and talents you have to just sit and watch. I want you engaged in the mission I gave My church. I intend for all participate in that mission. When I made Adam, his job satisfied him, but it wasn’t easy. He cared for every plant and every creature I created. Not an easy job, but a satisfying one. Only after the fall did the job become unsatisfying to him because of his disobedience.

The mission I give you as a part of My church will satisfy you when you work at it with the skills and talents I entrusted to you when I made you. When you do the tasks I give you to do, you will wonder at the joy you experience. You will know the kind of satisfaction Adam had when he fulfilled the tasks I gave him to do at the end of My creation.

So use what I give you. Be satisfied with the gifts, skills, and talents I give you. Then use them well. As Paul says, if I give you the gift of teach, teach well. If the voice of encouragement, use it often. Use whatever I have given you to build My kingdom. You won’t be disappointed.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.