datethewordtest

Author: admin

  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 18 (2/18) is Ephesians 2:18

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 18 (2/18) is Ephesians 2:18

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 18 (2/18) is Ephesians 2:18
    Ephesians 2:18 says, “For through Him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit to the Father.”   
    ALL-ACCESS to the FATHER

    CLOSED.  CLOSED.  Think about the meaning of that word, CLOSED.  Think of a time you SAW it and what your immediate feelings were.  Like a time you just pulled off the Interstate to go the bathroom and the sign on the bathroom door read CLOSED.  CLOSED is a word that brings about a variety of emotional reactions, which usually are negative (Unless you are a student (or teacher) and school is closed). You just pulled up to your favorite restaurant and the sign says CLOSED. hmmm. You are running low on gas and you pull off the Interstate and the gas station has a sign saying CLOSED.  You get to your favorite amusement park and the moose is holding a sign saying Sorry folks, WE’RE CLOSED. (yes I got a sermon illustration from National Lampoon’s Vacation).
    CLOSED! How does that word hit you? What does it say to you?  CUT OFF –  BLOCKED –  UNAVAILABLE!  NOT OPEN!!!  INACCESSIBLE.

    INACCESSIBLE – let that word sink in. That is a powerful word to describe our ability to enter heaven – it is CLOSED.  HEAVEN is INACCESSIBLE.   Let that thought sink in.

    HEAVEN is INACCESSIBLE except FOR —- EXCEPT for – – Jesus Christ made it ACCESSIBLE!!! Jesus Christ OPENED – what a beautiful word – OPENED the door of heaven and gave to those who ACCEPT Him ACCESS – I repeat – ACCESS, ALL ACCESS to the Father!!

    For a believer – one who has repented and received Christ as Savior – one who is born again – one who has called on the Lord and is saved they no longer face the CLOSED sign of heaven’s door.  Heaven is no longer INACCESSIBLE!! The believer has ACCESS!!!   The believer has so much ACCESS to the Father the believer can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that they may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:16)

    What a SAVIOR!! What a SALVATION!! 
     
    BTW – if you have not received Christ the opportunity is still open!  Revelation 22:17 says, “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 18 (2/18) is Ephesians 2:18.  It says, “For through Him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit to the Father.”

    Do you have your ALL-ACCESS pass for Heaven?  

    Continue Strong knowing what you have in Jesus!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 17 (2/17) is Nehemiah 2:17

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 17 (2/17) is Nehemiah 2:17

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 17 (2/17) is Nehemiah 2:17
    Nehemiah 2:17 says, “Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”
    A Brief lesson is CASTING the VISION

    As one reads the Book of Nehemiah one encounters a man daring to dream a dream that will make life better for others!  Miles away in a palace in Shushan. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to the king. heard the conditions of a place (Jerusalem) and a people (the Jews). He heard that the walls of Jerusalem remained broken down and that gates that were burnt down had never been replaced and this left the people living there in great distress.  As he hears what is broken his heart is broken and is moved to take action to make a difference.  He will ultimately receive permission to go to Jerusalem.  Upon arriving he will see first-hand those conditions. Hearing about these conditions was hard but seeing them was heart-wrenching.  He knows this cannot continue.   Changes must happen and it must happen now, regardless of obstacles and opposition.  He is determined to end the great distress of people.  He dares to dream!

    The story of Nehemiah is very inspiring, is it not? We have a man who hears and sees a people and a place in great distress and he dreams of doing something that will make a difference so people will have BETTER LIVES!  As he dreams of making this difference, he realizes that ONE IS TOO SMALL OF A NUMBER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  He knows he must have help.  The dreamer must become a RECRUITER.  The one with the CAUSE now must CAST the Vision for others to join.  Nehemiah’s dream has to move from “my dream” to “our dream.”  As he has decided to OWN the dream, he must get OTHERS to OWN the dream!  He must now CAST the VISION!

    Our verse to DATE is the casting of that vision.  It is the communication of the concerns that have created the cause and calls for others to commit to the dreamer’s cause and make the dream, the cause, their cause. Re-read Nehemiah 2:17. It says, “Then I (Nehemiah) said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 

    I have no idea if Nehemiah had a speech class.  I don’t know if he read a book on how to be an effective communicator. What I do know is Nehemiah 2:17 sets the standard for how someone is supposed to cast a vision.  

    For those who are leaders (which is all reading this), you are going to have to learn and be able to clearly and concisely communicate the vision, the dream, the cause, that God has given you to people. YES, to people.  People, YOUR PEOPLE!  They have to see what you see!  I recommend that you study Nehemiah, especially Nehemiah 2:17.  In this one verse a leader gives a clear, concise explanation of the concerns with a clear, concise call for a commitment to bring in others to join in the cause to bring about the needed change.   Nehemiah reveals the cause (rebuild the walls) and gives reasons to commit to being involved (that we may no longer be a reproach) with a clear, concise call for others to commit to the cause (come and LET US.)

    How are you at casting vision?  Evaluate yourself by how Nehemiah did it.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 17 (2/17) is Nehemiah 2:17. It says, “Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 

    A leader’s responsibility is to create the future.  Communicating clearly the cause is crucial to involving others to commit, and answering the call to action!

    Continue Strong, 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 16 (2/16) is Galatians 2:16

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 16 (2/16) is Galatians 2:16

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 16 (2/16) is Galatians 2:16
    Galatians 2:16 says, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
    FAITH ALONE IN JESUS BRINGS JUSTIFICATION

    Job asked in Job 9:2 “how can a man be righteous before God?”  As we search the Scriptures the ANSWERS are clear for the Bible teaches how a person is made right with God and how a man is NOT made right with God.  Over and over Scripture conveys the truth that a person IS NOT – listen- IS NOT made right with God, is not saved by works!! A man is made right only by FAITH ALONE in Jesus Christ. These two answers are clearly conveyed in Galatians 2:16.

    From Galatians 2:16 we read first “that a man is not justified by the works of the law.” 
    WORKS DO NOT WORK!     Your works, no matter how good they are, no matter how many they are, will not save you.  You can never do enough for the scales to balance much less favor you as your weight of sin is too heavy.   While it might seem a worthy effort to KEEP THE LAW James tells us in James 2:10 that “whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he is guilty of all.”  If you tell the smallest of a lie, you are guilty of all.  If you have that one lustful thought, you are guilty of all.  If you have that one hateful thought, you are guilty of all.  In other words, at some point, you will miss the mark set by God.

    The question of how can a man be righteous before God remains.

    Galatians 2:16 has the answer.  A person is saved, made right with God, “by FAITH in JESUS CHRIST!”  A person is made right with God by FAITH ALONE in Jesus Christ as He justifies you and declares you righteous. In what is the greatest exchange Jesus takes your sins and gives to you who have by faith trusted in His atoning work that He did at the cross His righteousness. (2 Cor. 5:21) You, by faith in Jesus are righteous before God! 

    Making this practical: If I were sitting at a table having a cup of coffee with you and I asked you if you were going to go to heaven when you die – if asked if you are saved – and you answered that you hope so I would ask you why are you hoping? Is it because you are concerned you have not done enough good works, good deeds, to outweigh your bad works, bad deeds? Is it that you are concerned you are not good enough?  

    If I heard you say that you “hoped to go to heaven” I would politely tell you that I do not have a “hope so” salvation. I have a “know so” salvation because on the late evening of February 15, 1983, I stopped trusting my works and trusted in the work that Jesus Christ did!!   Galatians 2:16 became real for me as I quit trusting in my works and my effort to do as many good deeds as possible to offset my bad deeds.   I realized once and for all that my only hope of ever being right with God was to trust Jesus and trust Him alone by faith for my salvation.  And based on His Word, His promise, I now know that when I die, I will be in Heaven with Him.  He is presently preparing me a place!  

    The sad truth is there are going to be good people in hell because they believed a false message that good works work.  They don’t.  Please put your trust in Jesus! Your works don’t work! Only His work does work!! What a Savior and what a salvation HE HAS PROVIDED!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 16 (2/16) is Galatians 2:16. It says, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

    Continue Strong knowing by faith you are saved,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

    PS – You might share this e-mail with a person who is believing the false narrative that good works work.  Have a cup of coffee with them and share with them how to have a KNOW SO salvation.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15
    Philippians 2:15 says, “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
    In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus instructs His disciples (this includes you) to be lights in the dark world. Recall His words from Matthew 5:14-16.  It states, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The Apostle Paul here in Philippians 2:15 makes the same appeal to “SHINE as lights in the world.”  

    Paul’s instruction for shining as a light to the world comes with instructions for allowing the light to be bright.  We must pause and go back to verse 14 to get the full picture.  Please note as you read Philippians 2:14 you will see a comma at the end of the verse, not a period.  Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, (comma) v15 that you may become….. What will they become?  Blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world,

    For the Philippian’s light to SHINE brightly to the world Paul instructs them to stop complaining (or murmuring or grumbling) and arguing with one another.  Paul is basically very positive in his letter to the Philippians but in several verses, he does address the division and divisiveness and the disconnect present in the church at Philippi.  Wanting the Philippians to shine as a light to the world Paul tells them to stop the pettiness and the divisive fighting with each other.  These actions were giving them a bad testimony.  For Paul, a good testimony was going to make the greatest impact. 

    To have this good testimony he wanted them to become BLAMELESS.  This means the door for attacking one’s character is closed.  They can look into your closet, but they will not find anything.  Daniel and Job are examples of living blameless lives.  

    He wanted them to be HARMLESS.  This means no one is going to be harmed.  

    Let us think about that for a moment.  A lost person sees Christians ATTACKING one another.  They have to wonder if they show up at a church will they be attacked? 

    The bickering and backbiting of believers will undoubtedly cause the lost to feel unsafe.  

    What Paul is ultimately after is that the Philippian believers would be without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.  To be without fault is to be without blemish. Not perfect, but living in such a way there is nothing for the lost to say bad about them.  In other words, they have a good testimony.  

    With the good testimony, they can now SHINE in the DARKNESS!  And the place for LIGHT to SHINE is in the DARKNESS.  Believers are to be AMONG those in darkness.  Let that sink in.

    BTW – like Paul, Peter conveyed this message and he too was concerned first about the believers’ BEHAVIOR.  Look at 1 Peter 2:12 as it states, “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”  Having honorable conduct sounds like someone has a good testimony.  

    And who is seeing their good testimony?  The lost. They are seeing the testimony because believers are AMONG the lost.  I beg you not to miss this.   We must not be like the lost, but we must be with the lost!  When we ISOLATE ourselves from the lost, we are hiding our light under a bushel basket!  We are still in the world to be a witness for the Lord to this world.  

    Friends, we are instructed to shine the light of the glorious gospel to a dark, sinful world.  When we are no different than the world in how we treat each other the light is dimmed.  But when we live a blameless life, loving and respecting one another the light of the gospel is bright.

    What changes do you need to make to shine your light bright to the lost world?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15. It says, “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”

    Now sing: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel – NO! I am going let it shine until Jesus comes!

    Continue Strong SHINING BRIGHT for JESUS
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14
    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.”
    For God, LOVE is spelled G A V E!!

    On Valentine’s Day, our thoughts naturally turn to LOVE.  While Titus 2:14 does not have the word LOVE in it, it is saturated with LOVE as it tells how Jesus Christ GAVE HIMSELF for us.  He GAVE HIMSELF so we could be REDEEM as we could never pay the price that was owed.  His death PURCHASED us out of the slave market of sin.  He GAVE Himself in order to CLEANSE US from our filthiness and stains of sin that we could never get clean.  He GAVE Himself so He could HAVE us as His own special people, called in Ephesians His BRIDE.  

    OH, HOW JESUS LOVED and LOVES US!!  OH, HOW JESUS LOVED YOU AND LOVES YOU!

    When seeking to define LOVE one of the first words that comes to mind is GIVES! LOVE GIVES!  LOVE SACRIFICES!!!  LOVE DOES for another what one could never DO for themselves. LOVE GIVES for another what one could never GET for themselves. You might recall what Jesus said in John 15:13.  It says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  He laid down His life for us.  He died for us.  He GAVE HIS LIFE for us, for you!

    May I encourage you to take a quick minute and consider the GIVING of Christ starting with our verse for 2/14?  Let His love saturate your heart!
    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.”
    Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
    1 Timothy 2:6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all–the testimony that was given at just the right time.
    1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit,
    Revelation 1:5-6 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has washed us, released us from our sins by His blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nations.”
    John 3:16  “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.
    Romans 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
    Matthew 20:28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
    Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

    With outstretched hands upon a rugged wooden cross, Jesus Christ shouts to I LOVE YOU.  He calls to you to BE MINE!   Have accepted Him?  

    If you have accepted His invitation to BE HIS I propose we should be now asking Him what shall we give back to Him who has given His all for us.

    The answer is to WORSHIP Him AND go to WORK for Him!!! As He GAVE His life for us, we now GIVE Him our life!  As He fulfilled the Father’s will we now seek to know and to DO HIS WILL with our lives. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14.  It 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.”

    “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  John 15:13

    Continue Strong knowing JESUS LOVES YOU!  
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13
    1 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe”
    Offering a Warm WELCOME to the WORD

    1 Thessalonians chapter 2 begins with the apostle Paul reminding them of his time with them.  He reminds them how he CARED for them, and he reminds them of the CHARGE he gave them to live lives worthy of their new calling.  

    In verse 13 he continues to remind them of his time with them, but he first commends them by giving words of appreciation.  His appreciation for them is because they RECEIVED the WORD of GOD and in doing so the WORD of GOD went to WORK in them, like a seed that had been planted and was now growing and producing fruit!  

    And they not only received the Word of God they WELCOMED it.  They received the Word with great pleasure.  They wanted the TRUTH.  There were great expectations and excitement about hearing God’s Word.  Their hearts and minds were eager to learn.  What a great compliment Paul has given them.  They WELCOMED the Word.  

    Our verse to DATE gives us, most likely, a new thought for reacting and responding to God’s Word. We are to hear it and receive it and treasure it.  We are to hide it in our hearts.  We are to obey the Word.  Here we read of a church that WELCOMED the Word.  This is the only time we read of this type of response.  The word “welcomed” conveys to receive with pleasure.  It gives a warm reception! Just as Mary and Martha WELCOMED Jesus to their home (Luke 10:38) the Thessalonians WELCOMED the WORD into their hearts! 

    Getting practical I ask do you have a WELCOMING spirit for hearing and learning God’s Word?  Do you offer a warm reception to the Word of God?  How excited are you to hear God’s Word taught?  Can your pastor or Bible study teacher feel a sense of anticipation from your spirit as God’s Word is being opened and taught?  Do you have an eagerness to read God’s Word for yourself?  Would you describe yourself as one who is WELCOMING to the Word?  Would others describe you as a person who is WELCOMING, receiving with pleasure, the Word of God?  

    Our verse also reveals the great WORK the Word does. The Greek word for work here gives us our English word energy.  The Word of God is energy in us and the energy (work) transforms. When received and applied the Word of God goes to work CHANGING US.  Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”   

    Let us take to heart 1 Thessalonians 2:13 and RECEIVE the WORD, and even more so, WELCOME the Word, for as you WELCOME THE WORD, the WORD goes to WORK!
     
    Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13. It says, “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 

    Continue Strong with a warm, welcoming heart to the Word of God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12
    1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
    Living in a manner WORTHY of the CALLING

    As I read the letters of the apostle Paul it is clear that he was PASSIONATE – totally CONSUMED – with the idea that a believer is to WALK/LIVE WORTHY, living to PLEASE GOD. This theme is stated over and over in letter after letter.  Along with his charge we just read to the Thessalonians, he would write:
    To the Ephesians in 4:1 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner WORTHY of the calling to which you have been called,

    To the Philippians in 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be WORTHY of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

    To the Colossians in1:10 “so as to walk in a manner WORTHY of the Lord, fully PLEASING Him, Here in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 “we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

    To the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 he wrote “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.

    To the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians in 1:11 “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,

    To the Corinthians he wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:9 “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well PLEASING to Him.”

    To the Ephesians, he appealed in Ephesians 5:10 that they would “discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

    What is your purpose today and every day as a believer based on the verses you have read and in considering the charge and exhortation of the Apostle Paul for “you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”  

    The answer is easy, is it not? 

    The question then is how do you go about day by day, minute by minute living a life that is worthy of God who has made you part of His family and of His kingdom?  

    For me, it having questions that serve as a filter for decision making, such as does this action or attitude live up to the EXPECTATIONS of my Lord?  Is the action ACCEPTABLE to the Lord?  Does the action/attitude PLEASE Him?

    Another answer we might give is to LIVE LIKE Jesus as He pleased His heavenly Father.  I heard a friend say that more than seeking to LIVE LIKE Jesus we need to ABIDE in and with JESUS because who we hang around is who we become.   Make the decision to abide with Jesus and you will find yourself living life Jesus and then you will be doing things WORTHY of your calling!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12. It says, “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

    Continue Strong living worthy of your high calling!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11

    Verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11

    Our verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11
    Luke 2:11 says, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 
    Matthew 2:11 says, “And when they (the wise men) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” 
    Responding to the Savior

    February 11 is not normally associated with Christmas unless you are looking at verses that connect to a date.  Even though we are in February, just days from Valentine’s day,  I could not resist using Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11 for February 11 (2/11).   I do recall from the movie A Christmas Carol that Scrooge said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Thus we seek to learn and live out lessons from Christmas all year!

    Our two verses combine to tell of the MOST AMAZING ANNOUNCEMENT the human race could hear and the MOST INCREDIBLE RESPONSE to the SAVIOR.  The amazing announcement brings to us the answer to our greatest problem.  The response challenges us, and inspires us, on how to respond to the Savior. 

    Let us first consider the amazing announcement.   While each word has significance the word SAVIOR stands out above the rest.  Jesus came to SAVE.  Matthew 1:21 says, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” John 1:29 says, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  In Matthew 18:11 “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. In Luke 19:10 we read, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    His purpose was to be our SAVIOR!  What makes this such an amazing announcement may be best shown by the words of Roy Lessin who wrote: If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.

    How do we respond?  From Matthew 2:11 we read of how Wise men came to Him and they fell down and worshipped Him.  What these wise men did was a preview of what is happening in heaven.  Revelation tells several times of those in heaven falling down, bowing down, laying prostrate before the Lamb, THE SAVIOR, and worshipping Him.   

    When is the last time you fell down, knelt down, bowed down, and laid prostrate before the Lamb?  When was the last time you poured yourself out in worship?  Worship comes from a word meaning to COUNT WORTHY.  Our worship is considering the Lamb WORTHY thus from your heart comes WORTHY IS THE LAMB!  

    Their response continues with GENEROSITY.  They gave, they PRESENTED gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”  So much can be learned here about the gifts, but for now please let the word PRESENTED hold your attention.  The Apostle Paul calls us in Romans 12:1 to PRESENT ourselves to God as a holy vessel, a living sacrifice.  As the wise men presented from their treasures, we present ourselves, our lives to Him.  Just as the Corinthians gave themselves to the Lord we GIVE ourselves to the Lord.  (2 Cor. 8:5)

    Yes, let us keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.   Hear the amazing announcement that the Savior has been born and let us now be the ANNOUNCERS as His ambassadors.  Let us daily kneel before Him and offer worship and present ourselves as His holy vessels to be used as He sees fit!

    Verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11. Luke 2:11 says, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  Matthew 2:11 says, “And when they (the wise men) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” 

    Continue Strong with adoration of your Savior,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10
    Titus 2:10 says, “not stealing, but demonstrating complete faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.”
    Living a Life that Makes the Gospel Attractive

    In the Apostle Paul’s writings to churches and to individuals, you cannot help but see challenges and instructions to live differently as a believer.  There were things the believer is NO LONGER TO DO.  Our verse tells us NOT to STEAL – no longer stealing.  There are new things we are TO DO. Our verse says we are to demonstrate complete FAITHFULNESS.  The person who has trusted Christ as Savior is a changed person.  

    The apostle now connects living differently to the sharing of the gospel. Don’t miss the two words “SO THAT.”  One of the reasons we live differently is SO THAT we can PRESENT the teachings of Christ to OTHERS in an ATTRACTIVE WAY!

    Our daily actions can make the gospel appealing and attractive or appalling and ugly. 

    By the things we do and say we can draw a person to wanting to know more about becoming a Christian or by the things we do and say can become a major turn-off for a person of ever wanting to be a Christian.  

    In Titus 2:10 Paul says our actions can be thought of as our APPEARANCE.  The verse has the word “ADORN”.  The Greek word that is translated as ADORN gives us the English word COSMETIC. 

    Now, why does one use cosmetics?  One uses cosmetics to make one more attractive, if you will, more acceptable, and yes, more appealing.  Some put on make-up.  Some put on after-shave. Hopefully, all put on deodorant.   We use a variety of COSMETICS to make our appearance more attractive and acceptable.

    As we think about making ourselves PHYSICALLY attractive and acceptable we need to think about our ACTIONS making the gospel ATTRACTIVE. Living lives of integrity and lives of loving others and lives of service and generosity and living a life of joy will make the gospel attractive. Living hypocritically, saying one thing but doing another is a huge turnoff. 

    Are your daily actions making the gospel attractive and appealing?  

    BTW – I find an excellent guide for making the gospel attractive in 1 Timothy 4:12.  I Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”  I draw from the actions of being an example to believers that these are significant actions as well toward unbelievers.  I encourage you to look at and live these actions before both the believer and the unbeliever.  

    Let us diligently act accordingly ADORNING the gospel, making it ATTRACTIVE and APPEALING!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10. It says, “not stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

    “You are writing a Gospel,
    A chapter each day,
    By deeds that you do,
    By words that you say.

    Men read what you write,
    Whether faithless or true;
    Say, what is the Gospel
    According to you?”

    Continue Strong as an “ATTRACTIVE” witness for Jesus
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9
    Hebrews 2:9 says, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”
    BUT WE SEE JESUS

    The writer of Hebrews wants the reader to know JESUS IS BETTER! He is BETTER than any Old Testament Prophet. He is BETTER than any angel.  He is BETTER than any sacrificial system.  He is BETTER than Moses.  He is BETTER than Joshua. He is BETTER than any covenant.  He is BETTER than any promise.  He is BETTER than any man!  In short, CHRIST IS BETTER!!  

    As we look and consider our verse to DATE, we are pointed to SEE JESUS as HE is the only One worthy of being seen.  While it is true that for a little while He was made a little lower than angels, He carried out the Father’s will and He SUFFERED and DIED.  Don’t read that too quickly.  He SUFFERED AND DIED.  As the verse says, suffering death….that He might taste DEATH for everyone.  On the cross where He was CRUCIFIED, on that cruel cross, He DIED.  He experienced DEATH.  

    SEE HIM!!  As the hymn writer Isaac Watts wrote in When I Survey the Wonderous Cross, See from His head His hands His feet.  SEE HIM!  He is there for you, tasting, experiencing DEATH that He did not deserve.  

    Let 1 Peter 3:18 explain why He tasted death.  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,

    Let Hebrews 2:14 explain why He tasted death. Hebrews 2:14 says, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
    Let Hebrews 9:15 explain why He tasted death. Hebrews 9:15 says, “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

    How do we respond to the one who has SUFFERED and TASTED DEATH for us?  The verse says He is “crowned with glory and honor.”  His Father has crowned Him with glory and honor.  His Father has placed Him at His right hand.   His Father has decided that He is EXALTED and has a name ABOVE which is above every name.  Philippians 2:9 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    SEE HIM!!!  BOW BEFORE HIM!!!  CONFESS THAT HE IS LORD!!!  CRY OUT with HEAVEN “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:11) “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. (Rev. 5:11-14)

    WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN, who TASTED DEATH!  Worthy to receive GLORY AND HONOR!   Let that be our response!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9. It says, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”

    Love so amazing demands my life, my soul, my all!

    Continue Strong with humble gratitude for the one who tasted death for you!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD