datethewordtest

Author: admin

  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 20 (3/20) is Ephesians 3:20

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 20 (3/20) is Ephesians 3:20

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 20 (3/20) is Ephesians 3:20
    Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
    EXPECTING Great Things from God

    As the Apostle Paul wraps us section one of the two sections of his letter to the Ephesians (section one is doctrine and section 2 is practical) he gives a doxology of praise just as he did at the start of the letter. Here he expresses that God gets all the glory (v. 21 to Him be glory,) for how God WORKS in us and that work so exceeds anything that we could ask or even think. 

    To express how God works Paul will connect three Greek words to make one word that gives to us three English words describing the ABLENESS of GOD. Paul tells u that God is able to do EXCEEDINGLY (that is 1) ABUNDANTLY (that is 2) ABOVE (that is 3) anything that we could even think or ask.  Any one word is enough to describe the ABLENESS of GOD, but Paul wants there to be no DOUBT at all that God is ABLE! 

    I remind you that HOW YOU THINK ABOUT GOD DETERMINES HOW YOU PRAY.  As you pray you should EXPECT GOD to answer and to do MORE, exceedingly more, exceedingly abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly above more than what you ask or even think!

    A great example of God doing exceedingly abundantly above what someone prayed is found in the life of Nehemiah. As he prayed for an opportunity to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls he presented his request to God and then to the king.  Nehemiah needed God to work in the heart of the king to give him permission to rebuild the walls and he needed supplies from the king to do the work.  After making these two requests to the king in Nehemiah 2:5 and 7-8 the king grants the request and sends Nehemiah on his way.  In verse 9 we find an interesting addition to what Nehemiah had requested.  Verse 9 says, “Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.”

    Nehemiah did not ask for what would be a security detail. Nehemiah would tell us that God did exceedingly abundantly above more than he asked or thought!

    The great missionary from England to India, William Carey said, “Expect great things from God! Attempt great things for God.” 

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 20 (3/20) is Ephesians 3:20. It says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”

    May we attempt great things for God with expectations of great things from God.  He is ABLE, able to do exceedingly abundantly above anything we ask or think!

    Continue Strong with GREAT EXPECTATIONS of God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
     
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 19 (3/19) is Habakkuk 3:19

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 19 (3/19) is Habakkuk 3:19

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 19 (3/19) is Habakkuk 3:19
    Habakkuk 3:19 says, “The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.”
    Joy does come in the morning

    The short minor prophet book of Habakkuk is a dialog between the prophet Habakkuk and God about the wicked Babylonians.  Habakkuk opens his book by expressing QUESTIONS he has for God regarding the judgment that is happening to Judah at the hands of the Babylonians.  The opening verses reveal his fears and his doubts.  Habakkuk 1:2-3 says, “O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? or cry out to You about violence and You do not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?

    Talk about having an honest conversation with God. Habakkuk is so transparent here.  He just does not understand how God can use such evil and wicked people as the Babylonians to be His instrument for judging His disobedient children.  He knows Judah has been disobedient and he knows they need to be corrected but he is having a hard time wrapping his head around God using the wicked to judge His people.  So he asks the WHY questions. As one reads through the book God will give answers, howbeit, hard answers.   As Habakkuk hears God’s answers, he will still have questions yet at the conclusion of the book he states unequivocally that he will TRUST the LORD GOD!! 

    Our verse to DATE is Habakkuk 3:19 and it is the last verse of the Book of Habakkuk.  While struggling with God and what he is doing Habakkuk is going to come to a conclusion about God and a conclusion about himself.  Starting in verse 16, Habakkuk restates what has been happening and then states his commitment to God regardless of what is going to happen and then he makes his declaration of trust and confidence in verse 19. 

    Notice his conclusion starting at Habakkuk 3:16.  “When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he (the Babylonians) comes up to the people, He (the Babylonians) will invade them with his troops. 17  Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls — 18  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

    Why could Habakkuk rejoice in the Lord even in the worst of times?  He could do so because He knew WHAT God COULD do and WOULD do.  Habakkuk 3:19 is Habakkuk’s confession. “The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.”

    I don’t know what is making your knees shake and knock.  The world we live in is scary.  There is ALWAYS uncertainty.  In the midst of the uncertainty and news that stir up inward fear, we are to be making disciples and shining as lights in this dark scary world.  Habakkuk 3:19 helps as it reminds us that while we feel we can’t HE CAN!  Habakkuk reminds us that God is our strength.  Just as He was a strength for Moses and Joshua and David and Isaiah and Jeremiah and Habakkuk, He will be your strength.  As Paul stated in Philippians 4:13, you can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens you.  

    Not only does God strengthen you, He provides stability.  Habakkuk says that God will take the one who has shakey and unsteady legs and make their feet like a deer’s feet.  As a deer can stand securely on unsteady ground we can stand securely in unsteady times. These words from Habakkuk convey his CONFIDENCE in God.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 19 (3/19) is Habakkuk 3:19.  It says, “The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

    Joy does come in the morning.  Times may be dark and difficult but KEEP TRUSTING GOD!  HE IS YOUR STRENGTH!  

    Continue Strong with full CONFIDENCE in God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18
    1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
    He GAVE HIS LIFE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

    As we move toward Easter one of the most enlightening and illuminating verses for the Easter season is 1 Peter 3:18.  I will seek to unpack this verse so that we might know what Christ did for each of us and for the entire world with the hope you will come away having read this crying WORTHY IS THE LAMB!

    Our attention should immediately be drawn to the word, the name Christ as Peter makes it abundantly clear WHO will be doing all that follows in the verse.  Christ is our Messiah.  Christ is our Savior.  Christ is our PASSOVER lamb.  

    The next word is SUFFERED.  The church I attended growing up would have us recite the Apostle’s Creed and in it were the words “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.”  HE SUFFERED are painful words to read, are they not?  To think of Christ dying is difficult to comprehend but to wrap one’s thoughts around His suffering is so much more painful, especially in light of the next words in which He suffered for sins that He did not commit.  

    I would ask that you pause and consider just some of His sufferings (yes, plural).  He was alone and in agony in the garden. He was arrested after being betrayed. He beaten and bruised.  He was crucified. (Think excruciating pain).  He was despised.  He was embarrassed as He hung naked on the cross.  He was called an evildoer.  He was falsely accused. He was forsaken by His Father.   He watched as they gambled for His clothing.  They hung Him on a cross beam.  He was insulted as they jeered at Him.  His betrayer kissed Him. They laughed at Him.  Our sins were laid on Him.  They mocked Him.  They nailed Him to the cross.  He was oppressed.  They punched Him in His face and they pierced His side.  He was questioned relentlessly and taunted to prove He was the Son of God, to self-incriminate Himself.  He was ridiculed.  They spit on Him.  He was smitten. He was scourged. (as with the word crucified let this one grip your soul)  They placed a crown of thorns on His head. They tempted Him to come down from the cross.  He would speak of His agonizing pain with the words “I Thirst.”   Everything done was unjust, but nothing more so that the irreligious unjust trial by the ungodly religious leaders.  He was treated with such contempt, even being offered vinegar to His cry of “I thirst.”   They wagged their heads at Him in rejection of Him.  

    He SUFFERED.  He suffered the shame and indignancy and the pain of a cruel crucifixion.  

    Our verse tells us why He suffered as it was for sins, the just for the unjust.   In theology, we learn that His death was a vicarious substitutionary death.  He who had done no sin nor had done no wrong will take the place of all the UNJUST, wicked, sinful, ungodly, etc.  He will die in my place and He would die in your place.  He would die for everyone!  

    We again will ask why and the answer is so that He might BRING US TO GOD.  Because of His death on our behalf, we can be RECONCILED to God!  We can have access to God.  Our acceptance of His gift of salvation will cause us to be ADOPTED into the family of God.  Our status goes from a child of the devil to a child of God.  

    Peter concludes this verse with His death and then His resurrection.  He GAVE His life to SAVE our life.  He was RAISED AGAIN so we could be BORN AGAIN.

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18. It says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

    No wonder heaven is filled with the singing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

    Continue Strong in adoration of the Lamb of God that suffered for your sins!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 17 (3/17) is Colossians 3:17

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 17 (3/17) is Colossians 3:17

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 17 (3/17) is Colossians 3:17
    Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 
    The Golden Rule for the Believer

    Colossians 3 may very well be the most informative and instructional chapter for the believer on how to live the transformed Christian life.  Starting with Colossian 3:1 we find an appeal to live differently since we are now believers.  It says, “Therefore, since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

    As the chapter continues one will see the word “therefore” two more times as it lays out instructions on what the transformed Christian life looks like.  Since we have been raised up with Christ, we are told to PUT TO DEATH certain behaviors as they are not to be a part of the new life.  It then tells us to PUT OFF actions that are not to be a part of the new life and then it tells us to PUT ON the actions of the new life.   Notice from Colossians 3:5-13:

    Colossians 3:5 “Therefore PUT TO DEATH your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
    8 But now you yourselves are to PUT OFF all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
    12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, PUT ON  tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;  13 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. 

    Do you see the PROGRESSION for transformation? For the Christian to live the transformed life, the new life we have in CHRIST, we PUT TO DEATH, we PUT OFF and we PUT ON.  

    NOW, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse.  14 But above all these things PUT ON LOVE, which is the bond of perfection.   
    Then, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 15 And let the PEACE OF GOD rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  
    Then, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 16 Let the WORD OF CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  
    Then, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

    With Colossians 3:17 we not only get one more INSTRUCTION we get a summation of all the previous actions.  Our verse to DATE has been described as the GOLDEN RULE for the believer.  After laying out all the actions to take from putting to death, to put off, to putting on and then PUTTING ON LOVE and letting the PEACE OF GOD rule your heart and letting the Word of God DWELL in you Paul SUMS UP the transformed life with WHATEVER YOU DO in WORD or DEED do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.  In this one verse, we are instructed to do everything we do by doing what is CONSISTENT with who CHRIST IS.  “In the name of the Lord Jesus” means to do what He would do.  Whatever we do is to be consistent with the character of Christ!   As Paul said in Romans 14:13 we “PUT ON the Lord Jesus Christ,”

    Along with 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, (we are to) do all to the glory of God” we have a second guiding verse for all of our behavior.  Everything we do is to be consistent with who Christ is.  And without question, we offer thanks to God for this changed life! 

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 17 (3/17) is Colossians 3:17. It says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 

    Continue Strong living out the new life you have in Christ,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16
    John 3:16 says,  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

    HIS LOVE IS SEEN IN THAT HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

    Where does one even begin and what does one even say as one looks at the greatest words ever spoken and written? Before us is “the golden text” of Scripture. It is the “greatest verse” in all of the Bible.  It is the summation of the entire message of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  It has within it the deepest and most profound theological truths in which a theologian can write volumes on each word yet these 25 words are so simple and easy to read and understand that a 3-year-old can know that God loves them and can save them.   

    What should we know and understand from this verse?  I humbly submit we know and understand the LOVE of God.  To DATE John 3:16 is to understand and comprehend the LOVE of God.  The apostle Paul prayed that we would comprehend the LOVE of God in Ephesians 3 starting at verse 17.  He prayed, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;

    If I want to comprehend the love of Christ and the width of that love and the length of that love and the depth of that love and the height of that love I only have to look at what Jesus said in John 3:16.  Notice how wide and long and deep and high is God’s love for you!

    “For God so loved the world” is the width of His love.  His love is for everyone everywhere.  All humanity from sea to sea and from continent to continent is LOVED by God.  Jesus loves ALL the children of the world.  Red and yellow black and white they are PRECIOUS in His sight!   As His hands were stretched out on the cross it symbolized Him reaching around the world.  His commission is to take the gospel to the world, to the ENDS OF THE EARTH!  How wide is the LOVE of God?  His love is for everyone everywhere who has done everything wrong and against Him.  How wide is the LOVE of God?   It is demonstrated to us in that while we were SINNERS Christ died FOR US – for the ENTIRE WORLD OF SINNERS.

    “That He gave His Only Begotten Son” is the length of His love. The grave penalty for sin is death.  Sin must be punished.  To satisfy the wrath of God there had to be a perfect sacrifice.   Though He had created the universe with all the various elements there was not one thing that could redeem a man.  Peter explained it this way in 1 Peter 1:18 saying, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”  

    Micah asked the rhetorical question “With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”  (Micah 6:6-7)  

    There is nothing in God’s created world that can save sinful man.  So, God has to go the full length of love and give what is most precious to Him and He GIVES His only begotten Son.  

    “That whoever believes in Him should not perish” is the depth of His love.  Romans 5:6 “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Ungodly and sinners represent all the wickedness and unrighteousness and filthiness of mankind.  His love reaches to the vilest of all and pulls them out of the pit of iniquity.  There is no sinner that has gone too far from His reach to keep them from perishing!

    “But have everlasting life” is the height of His love.  He takes the one doomed, destined and deserving of hell who believes in His Son and gives them a home with Him in heaven for all eternity!  
    Verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16. It says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

    God loves you!  He loves you and everyone in the world.  He loves you even though you are a filthy sinner to GIVE His Only Son for you. He will give His life so He can give you life!  He so loves you He will change your eternal destination from hell to heaven if you will believe!

    Continue Strong knowing and accepting the greatest love you will ever know.  
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

    BTW – let others know about God’s love!  Share John 3:16 with others today!
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15
    1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  **The ESV reads, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

    Be READY TO TELL HIS STORY

    As believers, we will face trials and we will go through times described as suffering.  We will face persecution.  As trials, sufferings, and persecution come into our lives we respond differently.  In verse 14 of 1 Peter 3, Peter writes, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.”   This is a definite difference.  Burdens are blessings.  Instead of becoming more FEARFUL, we become more FAITHFUL!  The test does not trouble us as we see it developing our testimony.  

    YOUR TEST DEVELOPS YOUR TESTIMONY!

    Peter follows up his teaching on how our response is different by telling us to now be READY TO GIVE THE REASON FOR SUCH A RESPONSE.  As unbelievers see a response of hope in the midst of hopelessness they will WANT TO KNOW WHY AND HOW you could respond as you have responded.  Your response of trusting God in the trial and/or the suffering is OPENING a door to SHOW and SHARE your SAVIOR!  Your trust in God as you face the test creates an opportunity to tell your testimony!  Thus, you need to BE READY!!!

    It is worth noting that the Greek word for “a defense” gives us our English word apology.  While an apology is immediately thought of as an acknowledgment of having done something wrong it is also an explanation or a justification.  From this Greek word, we get what is called APOLOGETICS.  A person involved in APOLOGETICS explains Christian BELIEFS.  They help us to know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe it. 

    While it is worth knowing about apologetics and that its origin is here in 1 Peter 3:15 what we need to know is each of us should be ready to share with simplicity how God is impacting our lives.   

    How has He impacted your life in the past?  What is your story of being saved?  
    How is He impacting your life in the present?  What is your story of God’s present provisions?   
    How is He impacting your life for the future?   What is your story of trusting God with all your tomorrows?  

    My hope from looking at 1 Peter 3:15 is each of us will be looking for opportunities to share our story.  As I grew up one of my favorite hymns to sing was, I Love to Tell the Story. The third stanza says, “I love to tell the story; ’Tis pleasant to repeat What seems each time I tell it,  More wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story; For some have never heard The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word.” 
    Then the chorus says, “I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” 
    I trust you love to tell the story of Jesus and are looking for opportunities to tell His story!

    Now here is a thought from DATE THE WORD.  Tomorrow is March 16 or 3/16 and when we think of 3/16 hopefully John 3:16 comes to mind.  Plan now to share John 3:16 through the variety of social media avenues you have.  Tell the story of Jesus to someone using March 16 (3/16) as an opening and share John 3:16.

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15. It says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

    Continue Strong telling His Story
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14
    Titus 3:14 says, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

    DOING GOOD WORKS

    The Apostle Paul over and over makes it clear that our WORKS DON’T WORK for salvation.  It is a false gospel to tell a person that good works will save them.  As he writes to Titus he makes it abundantly clear how one OBTAINS salvation. Notice Titus 3:3-7 “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.  4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  It is hard to miss that we are “NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE.”  Works don’t work to save!  

    However, while works do not work to save, once one is saved one will be diligent to do good works! Following verse 7 Paul writes in verse 8 “This is a faithful saying and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”   It is hard to miss that we who “have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.”  

    GOOD WORKS DON’T WORK TO SAVE BUT THE SAVED WILL DO GOOD WORKS!

    I think I can make a strong argument that the Apostle Paul was PASSIONATE that a person is justified by faith and faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ AND that he was passionate that a believer will be fully engaged in doing good works.   Three times in the book of Titus alone he stressed the necessity of believers doing good works.  Notice these verses: Titus 2:14 says “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
    Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
    And our verse to DATE: Titus 3:14  “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

    You might recall his teaching on good works followed after being saved from Ephesians 2:8-10.  He wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

    Are you learning to MAINTAIN good works?  Are you watching for opportunities to DO GOOD, to do good, especially to members of the household of faith?  (Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.)

    As we do good to and for others we glorify God and even cause the unbelieving world to notice and glorify God.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

    I read that Benjamin Franklin liked to ask two questions each day, one in the morning and one in the evening.  The morning question was WHAT GOOD SHALL I DO TODAY? The one in the evening was WHAT GOOD HAVE I DONE TODAY?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14. It says, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful,”

    I can’t think of a much worse commentary of a believer’s life than to hear one is unfruitful!   Be good and DO good!!  

    Continue Strong DOING GOOD WORKS!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

     
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13
    2 Thessalonians 3:13 says, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

    The REMINDER

    I titled this devotion the REMINDER because a very important truth is being revealed in the Apostle Paul’s ENCOURAGEMENT to not grow weary.   The truth that we need to be reminded of is one can grow WEARY in DOING GOOD!  Please let that truth sink in.  You can become tired, exhausted, and worn out DOING GOOD.  While we think the way of the wicked is hard (and it is according to Proverbs 13:15) DOING GOOD can be hard on you.  

    In case you are not convinced, this truth is so important to the Apostle Paul that he stated this to the Galatians as well.  Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

    How should we respond to this reminder?

    I think we begin by recalling that it was Jesus who told His disciples to come apart and rest.  This story is in Mark 6.  Jesus sends His disciples out to do ministry and in Mark 6:30 they return with their reports of doing good.  In response to their reports, “He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) The KJV says, “Come ye yourselves apart.”  I heard it said many times either come apart or you will come a part.  

    Jesus told His disciples to REST.  Periodic rest is needed as we are doing good so we don’t become weary and worn down, worn down to the point of giving up and quitting.  

    Pausing to rest, to relax, may very well be difficult for some of you reading this.  Is it for you?  I am not sure where I first heard this but a speaker said that he did not believe in taking a vacation.  He said the devil never takes a vacation so why should he take a vacation?  Then he realized that the devil was not his role model.  Jesus is His role model.  Jesus took naps and Jesus told His disciples to come away and REST.  He then recommended we take vacations!  

    BEING A CANDLE OR BEING AN OIL LAMP, that is the question.

    As I considered taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and yes, spiritually so that I can be my best at doing good when my best is needed, I changed the analogy of being a candle to that of an oil lamp.  Maybe you have heard that we can look at our lives like a candle.  Early in my ministry, I would hear speakers talking about the dangers of burning the candle on both ends yet I also heard speakers say they would rather burn out than rust out.   It was a great sound bite, but I did not want to burn out.   For me, it made more sense to be an oil lamp rather than a candle. 

    Let me quickly tell you about the oil lamp and why I chose the oil lamp over the candle analogy.  Because of where I grew up our home had several oil lamps as we are prone to lose our electricity.  Early on I was taught how to REFUEL an oil lamp.  Did you know that the refueling of an oil lamp meant the oil lamp was not burning?  To refill meant blowing out the light and then unscrewing the top so you could pour more lamp oil in.  The light had to stop burning for a period of time.   By stopping the use of the oil lamp we were able to continue using the oil lamp.  

    On the other hand, you have a candle, and it just keeps burning until there is nothing left.   

    So, picture the Oil Lamp versus the Candle. The oil lamp will “rest” and be refueled and goes back to burning.  The candle burns out.  Which do you want to be?

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13. It says, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

    Be proactive to REST so that you might stay strong in the race God has for you. REST!! REFUEL!!

    Continue Strong coming apart so you don’t come a part.
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12
    Philippians 3:12 says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” 
    Dogged Determination to BECOME MORE for Jesus 

    As a believer, I have come to understand that I am permanently saved because of justification. With permanent salvation though comes progressive sanctification. There will come a day of perfect salvation. I was taught to look at salvation as I am saved, I am being saved and I will be saved.  I am saved is justification.  I am being saved is sanctification and I will be saved is glorification. As a believer, I am now BECOMING what Jesus wants me to be and do.  As the Apostle Paul writes of his spiritual journey that he had not attained I can surely say the same.   His personal evaluation and then his statement of commitment is inspiring to me and I trust to you as well!

    As we unpack our verse to DATE we have the apostle Paul giving his personal testimony in Philippians 3. He will review his past and then evaluate his present. I like to call what he is doing as DEFINING REALITY.  He is being very honest with himself and freely admits that he is NOT what he should be or could be for Christ.  In doing the difficult self-inspection he RESOLVES with DETERMINATION to REACH WHAT CHRIST WANTS ME TO BE! 

    As I read Philippians 3:12 I am reminded of a quote I came across probably 40 years ago that said, “Great leaders are never satisfied with present levels of success.”   More from a spiritual growth component I found that I resonated with that quote because of my studying Philippians 3.   The Apostle Paul was never satisfied with his spiritual development or his spiritual service.  My thinking is if the apostle Paul is not satisfied with his spiritual development and his spiritual service then how could I be satisfied?

    Are you satisfied with your spiritual development?  Are you satisfied with your spiritual service?  Are you presently drifting away from what you had attained and were doing for Christ?  Does your conversation have a lot of “I USE TO” statements?  Is there complacency or worse apathy to pursuing growth and service?  

    As the Apostle Paul defines present reality, he gives a very powerful resolve that starts with a word we associate with contrast saying BUT…  This word BUT is more than a contrast here as Paul is using this word to convey COMMITMENT.  While he is NOT, he makes it clear WHAT HE IS.  He is PRESSING forward.  He is PURSUING.   His dissatisfaction with the present level has brought about a determination, a dogged determination, to be more like Christ and do more for Christ. 

    His determination will be followed up with discipline as he writes in Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

    DID YOU CATCH THE DISCIPLINE?  He said ONE THING I DO!  

    Are you in pursuit of becoming all you can be for Jesus?  If your answer is yes then you are going to have moments of dissatisfaction that turn into new determination followed by a new discipline to PRESS ON!

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12. It says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”

    Define your spiritual life reality and determine to improve, never be satisfied.  

    Continue Strong, 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11
    Ruth 3:11 says “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” 
    HOW ARE YOU KNOWN AROUND TOWN?

    As one moves through the beautiful story of Ruth one comes to chapter 3 to find that Ruth is made aware by her mother-in-law Naomi that Boaz is a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Naomi instructs Ruth to inform him and request that he consider being her kinsmen redeemer.  Ruth 3:11 is his response to her request and while the response of yes is what is most important to the story, his reasoning is what is most important to this devotion.  Boaz tells her that he will do all that is requested of him FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF MY TOWN KNOW THAT YOU ARE A VIRTUOUS WOMAN!”

    How are you known around town?  What is the first thought someone has upon hearing your name or upon seeing your face as you enter a room?  How are you known?  What is your reputation?  What is your TESTIMONY?

    In the book of Ruth, we could if we had the time, trace how Boaz had noticed the activities of Ruth. I will put just a few highlights.  First, Boaz had seen her gathering grain in his fields and had learned that she was not gathering grain just for herself but for her mother-in-law Naomi.  He had learned that after Ruth’s husband had died she made the difficult decision to leave her family and country to come to a foreign country with her mother-in-law Naomi, who was also a widow.  Boaz had heard of Ruth’s kindness and devotion to Naomi.  And not only had Boaz noticed these things about Ruth but others had as well and Ruth had become the talk of the town for all the GOOD she was doing.  

    I return to my earlier questions. How are you KNOWN around your TOWN?  How are you “known: at your school? How are you known at your place of employment? How are you known at the Gym? At the Golf course? At church? How are you known in your home?

    As you read the questions there is the temptation to say that you really don’t care what others think. That would be a mistake.  As believers, there are numerous challenges from the Bible to be examples to others.  Those who are to be placed in leadership roles in the church are to have a GOOD REPUTATION (Acts 6:3) and a GOOD TESTIMONY.  That good testimony is not just for those inside the church they are leading but for those on the OUTSIDE.  (1 Tim. 3:7) 

    The reasoning of Boaz for saying yes to Ruth’s request is a serious reminder to each of us just how important daily decisions matter.   I heard a preacher say once that our salvation is secure, but our testimony is not.  It is very possible to have a life of doing good destroyed by one bad, sinful act. As I recall he challenged us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and guard our testimony (1 Timothy 3:7).  

    As a reminder about the importance of a good name notice as we wrap up:
    Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
    To those who serve in churches: Titus 2:7 “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11. It says “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” 

    Let us have a good testimony! Let’s be known for integrity and virtue around town!

    Continue Strong,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD