datethewordtest

Author: admin

  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 8 (2/8) is Ephesians 2:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 8 (2/8) is Ephesians 2:8

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 8 (2/8) is Ephesians 2:8
    Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,“
    Our Great Salvation Explained

    Before us is one of the most important verses that explains salvation.  We learn what salvation is and how salvation happens and how it does not happen! 

    When we consider our precious salvation, we need to recognize first and foremost it is a GIFT from GOD! A gift is something that is not earned. It is something that is not deserved. In Romans 6:23 Paul wrote that “the wages of sin is death, but (BUT) the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Salvation is a GIFT.  The gift of salvation comes to us because of what Jesus purchased!   We are redeemed by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:19)

    In Ephesians 2:8 we not only learn that salvation is a gift we learn how we receive salvation. Paul tells us how our salvation HAPPENS and please don’t miss this, HOW IT DOES NOT HAPPEN.   

    In describing how it happens, I heard Pastor Adrian Rogers describe salvation from Ephesians 2:8 this way: God reaches His gracious hand down to us and we reach our hand up by faith and salvation happens!!!  What a beautiful picture of the great salvation we have.  God is so gracious to us and He reaches down to provide us the gift of eternal life.  Our response is to reach up to accept it by faith!  He reaches down (grace) and we reach up (faith).

    Then to make sure we understand how salvation happens Paul tells us how it does not happen saying “it is not of ourselves.”   It is something we could never achieve.  We cannot DO enough to ever purchase our salvation.  Works do not WORK for achieving salvation.  When we hear religions talk about salvation, we hear what one needs to DO.  However, when we listen to Christ regarding salvation, we hear the word DONE.       

    Have you trusted, believed, accepted, looked to, called on Jesus for salvation? Have you received His gracious gift of salvation by faith?  If you have you will read this verse and proclaim WHAT A SAVIOR!!! WHAT A SALVATION!!!  If you have not, know that His gracious hand is reaching down to you today you can take His hand BY FAITH and be saved.  

    BTW – You might know someone who is thinking they can get to heaven by being good and/or by doing good works.  As you talk with them consider sharing Ephesians 2:8 with them.  You might add Ephesians 2:9 as well for it says, “not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  WORKS do not WORK!

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 8 (2/8) is Ephesians 2:8. It says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”

    Continue Strong praise God for His gracious gift of salvation,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7
    1 Thessalonians 2:7 says, “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”
    HANDLE PEOPLE WITH CARE

    As the Apostle Paul is reconnecting with the Thessalonians, he takes a moment to remind him of his ministry with them. He first conveyed that his ministry was one of integrity.  He tells them in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 that his “preaching did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.  5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.”

    Having reminded them of how he handled the precious message of the gospel entrusted to him by God, he now reminds them that he handled them with extreme care. He says he was GENTLE. He showed them tender loving care just as a mother handles her precious newborn child.

    One can easily picture this, can one not?  As a mother holds her child in her hands so carefully, tenderly, and lovingly, protecting and providing for her newborn, Paul says his ministry was holding each Thessalonian with care, tenderness, and love, protecting and providing for them.  He was GENTLE with them!

    As we work with people, we must always remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  Even with those who are difficult, we are to handle them with care, with gentleness.  Recall 2 Timothy 2:24-26 says, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26  and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

    From the Apostle Paul’s example, we are called to guide and grow people with GENTLENESS!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 7 (2/7) is 1 Thessalonians 2:7. 1 It says, “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”

    People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
    HANDLE PEOPLE WITH CARE!

    Continue Strong showing gentleness to others,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 6 (2/6) is 1 John 2:6

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 6 (2/6) is 1 John 2:6

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 6 (2/6) is I John 2:6
    I John 2:6 says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
    Walking the WALK that backs up our TALK

    A person who claims to be a CHRISTIAN should live and love like CHRIST. One who claims to be a Christian will ask, “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?  As Christians, we have Jesus living in us so His life is to be lived out of us!  If we claim to believe in Him we live like Him!  If we talk the talk about being a Christian we walk the walk of living like Christ!

    Taking it to the next level we ask what does living as Jesus looks like.  For instance, when it comes to people who does Jesus love. John 3:16 says He loves the world. He loves EVERYONE!  Therefore, not to love someone who Jesus loves does not fit.

    When it comes to extending forgiveness, we read in Ephesians 4:32 that we are to forgive one another as Christ forgave. Failure to forgive does not fit.

    When it comes to helping others, Jesus said He came to serve and Paul wrote we are to serve one another. Being selfish and self-centered does not fit.

    Jesus told His disciples to love one another AS HE HAD LOVED THEM. This was so important that He said it would be the definitive mark of the Christian. To not love a fellow Christian does not fit.

    The call to live like Jesus may be challenging but know that it is the expectation.  John is not alone in this instruction. Paul said in Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
    In Colossians 2:6 we read, “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”  

    Are you asking WWJD? Are you DWJD? (Doing What Jesus Did) Are you LLJL? (Loving Like Jesus Loved)

    Verse to DATE on February 6 (2/6) is 1 John 2:6.  It says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

    The claim to believe and belong to Christ is to be backed up with behavior like Christ!

    Continue Strong walking the talk,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 5 (2/5) is 2 Timothy 2:5

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 5 (2/5) is 2 Timothy 2:5

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 5 (2/5) is 2 Timothy 2:5
    2 Timothy 2:5 says, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
    A Little Mistake can bring a Major Loss. 

    The Apostle Paul is discipling Timothy as he writes 2 Timothy.  Timothy is STRUGGLING so to help him (and us) understand what it takes to FINISH WELL the ministry that has been given to him Paul uses some down-to-earth practical examples.  For instance, he told Timothy to think of himself as a SOLDIER in verses 4 and 5 of 2 Timothy.  He reminds him that the SOLDIER has to be single-minded for his commander and that the soldier must ENDURE HARDSHIPS.  He will tell him in verse 6 about the HARD-WORKING FARMER and that the work will result in a crop to be enjoyed.  
    Here in verse 5 the Apostle Paul uses the world of sports to teach the important lesson of LIVING and MINISTERING WITH INTEGRITY.  Paul gives Timothy a beautiful word picture of ATHLETES competing. Can you see runners standing in their starting positions awaiting the signal to run for the win, for the victory, for the prize, for the gold, for the crown?  To Timothy and to us Paul says there is the absolute necessity that an athlete must compete with character to capture a crown. There can be no CHEATING!   

    I suspect the Apostle Paul knew very well the RULES for competing in the Greek Olympics.  Regarding the rules of the Greek Olympics, I read the following from HISTORY.com. “Athletes breaking the rules could be disqualified and publicly whipped, and competitors and judges found guilty of bribery could pay hefty fines, some of which were used to finance bronze statues of Zeus erected near the entrance to Olympia’s stadium. On the statue for all to see as they entered was the inscription, “Victory is to be achieved by speed of feet and strength of body, not with cash.” 

    In other words, competitors were to compete with character to capture the crown!  They were to compete according to the rules!  The character of the champion counted!! 

    The Apostle Paul spoke of himself regarding running a race with integrity and stated he did not want to be disqualified. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:27 that he “disciplined” his body and brought it into subjection, lest, when he had preached to others, he should become disqualified!”  The mindset of the apostle Paul needs to be our mindset!!  Discipline yourself!  LEAD YOURSELF FIRST!

    Years ago I heard a statement that I have tweaked just a little. It goes like this: 
    Don’t expect your gifts, talents, abilities, and even past achievements to take you where your character can’t keep you. 

    With that challenge it might be good to review Hebrews 12:1. Remember that it speaks of running the race God has for you and running it by LAYING ASIDE THE SIN THAT ENSNARES YOU. “Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 

    Please take the necessary action(s) so you can compete according to the rules and complete the race God has for you!!  Remember that one little mistake can bring a major loss.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 5 (2/5) is 2 Timothy 2:5. It says, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

    Continue Strong with character and integrity
    And remember to DATE THE WORD 

    For further study on this, you might consider some sports heroes who lost their crowns after it was determined they cheated.
    You might consider some Christian leaders who made some very bad sinful decisions.  
    You might consider some Biblical examples who made some very bad sinful decisions. 
    Remember that greater men and women have fallen so always be on GUARD.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4
    Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”
    Putting LOVE into practice (Phil. 2:2 says having the same love) the apostle Paul gives some powerful instructions on how we are to LIVE differently as BELIEVERS by LOOKING OUT for the interest of OTHERS. 

    In verse 3 we are to ESTEEM others better than ourselves. We stop being SELFISH and live SELFLESS lives honoring others better than ourselves.  NOW we are to LOOK OUT for their interest. 

    As I think of “looking out” for the interest of others, I think of James 1:27 where James writes that “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction,” The Greek word for VISIT is “episcope.” A scope brings something very small up close so it can be better seen. We are to LOOK CLOSELY AND CAREFULLY at OTHERS to know what they need. As we determine the needs, we activate LOVE and SERVICE to meet the need.

    The pressing question is while looking out for your own interest, have you moved to LOOKING OUT FOR THE INTEREST of OTHERS?  
    Are you still living for yourself or by being a follower of Christ has there been a change in you to living to serve others?

    BTW – if you are looking for just one word as a mission statement for your life I highly recommend the word OTHERS.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4. It says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

    Just a quick reminder: Except for one person the entire world is made up of OTHERS.  

    Continue Strong with CONCERN for others,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

    Bonus on February 4 (2/4).  2/4 has numerous verses that could be the verse for the DATE.  
    Notice some other really important verses to DATE!
    Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

    2 Timothy 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

    Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

    Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

    1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

    1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

    Haggai 2:4 ‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts.

    Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

    1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

    2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3
    Philippians 2:3 says “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
    HONORING OTHERS BETTER THAN YOURSELF!

    In Philippians 2:3 the Apostle Paul introduces us to the TWINS of TURMOIL.  Their names are selfish ambition and conceit.  They are two very mean and destructive attitudes and whether separately or together DIVISION will be happening.  Proverbs 13:10 says “By pride comes nothing but strife.”  Let’s meet them so we may avoid LIVING LIKE THEM.

    Selfish ambition looks to get ahead by PUSHING OTHERS DOWN. 
    Conceit looks to get ahead by PUSHING ONESELF UP.
    Selfish ambition talks DOWN a person.
    Conceit talks UP themselves.
    Selfish ambition likes to tell others how BAD and PATHETIC others are to make themselves look better.
    Conceit likes to tell others how GREAT & WONDERFUL they are to make themselves look better.
    (Instead of singing HOW GREAT THOU ART, they like to sing HOW GREAT I AM!)
    These twins of turmoil are concerned only about themselves. When a person thinks only of themselves, they become SELFISH.  They maintain that they must always look out for #1 which, of course, is them. 
    They are constantly looking out for what they can GET.  
    The world does revolve around them.  Their keywords will be I. ME. MY. and MINE!

    As a Christian one is challenged to live a very contrasting life. One of the teachings that Jesus gave said, “on the contrary, it shall not be so with you.” The Christian is not living a life of selfishness but of selflessness. It is a life of humility. Humility is not thinking less of self but rather living a life where one is not thinking of self first.  

    The growing Christian moves from selfishness to service. One will begin to ESTEEM others better than oneself.  To ESTEEM means to hold another above, higher than oneself even to the point of seeing them as superior.

    Very few verses challenge us on living as a Christian should be living as Philippians 2:3-4. One stops thinking only of self, only of self first, and being selfish to where one starts thinking of OTHERS before self.  Keywords for the humble are YOUR and YOU and OURS and US.  

    So, who will you be looking out for today? YOURSELF or OTHERS?  
    Will this be a day of selfishness or a day of SELFLESSNESS?  
    Will this be a day of HONORING yourself or HUMBLING yourself?

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3. It says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

    JOY in life comes when Jesus is first; Others are second and You are last!
    Bonus thought:  When you are all wrapped up in yourself, you make for a very small package!

    Continue Strong HONORING OTHERS OVER YOU!
    And remember to DATE the WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word about LOVE for the Month of February

    1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
    Notice verses to DATE the Word about LOVE during February. 

    1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
    Ephesians 4:2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
    Ephesians 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
    2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,
    Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
    Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
    2 John 1:5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.
    2 John 1:6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
    Deuteronomy 6:5  “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
     1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
    1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
    Romans 5:8  but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
    1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
    1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
    1 John 3:11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,
    1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
    1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
    1 Thessalonians 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,
    1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
    John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
    1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 ¶ Love never fails.
    1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
    Colossians 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
    1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
    John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
    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.
    1 John 3:16 By this we know love because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
    1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
    1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
    1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
    1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
    1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
    1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
    1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
    1 John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
    1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
    1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
    Psalms 31:23  Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful,
    1 Corinthians 16:24  My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
    Ephesians 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 
    John 17:26 “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
    Luke 6:27  “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
    Ephesians 5:28  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 2 (2/1) is 2 Timothy 2:2

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

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 2 (2/2) is 2 Timothy 2:2
    2 Timothy 2:2 says, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 
    Making Disciples who Make Disciples is the Mission

    The mission of Jesus Christ to each Christian is to make disciples (Matthew. 28:18-20) and the method of doing so is in 2 Timothy 2:2. We have Paul discipling Timothy and as he disciples him he teaches Timothy to make disciples and to make sure that as he disciples he teaches those he is discipling to make disciples. Thus there are 4 generations here; Paul, Timothy, faithful men, and others.

    For me personally, it started with a man named Jack Finch who would disciple Bill Crawford. Bill Crawford would disciple me. Now whoever I disciple is the fourth generation of Jack Finch. Jack, Bill, Dwayne, and now others.

    Each of us should be being discipled. Who is your Paul? 

    Each of us should be discipling someone. Who is your Timothy? 

    As we disciple our “Timothy” they should start discipling someone. 

    Where are you in the discipling process found in 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”? 

    Are you making disciples that make disciples?
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 1 (2/1) is James 2:1

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

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 1 (2/1) is James 2:1
    James 2:1 say, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
    THE GROUND AT THE CROSS IS LEVEL

    DO NOT claim that you are a Christian if you discriminate.  To hold a person to higher value based on any number of things from social standing to race to economic standing to gender to age etc. is not Christian.  Jesus loves everyone and the gospel is available to all.  As the song says, Jesus loves all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight. Is every soul precious in your sight?

    The teaching of James is backed up by OT teaching and the fair treatment of everyone is a characteristic of God. Proverbs 24:23 says, “These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.” In Leviticus 19:15 we read, “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” Deuteronomy 1:17 says, “You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. 

    In 2 Chronicles 19:5-7, we read that, “He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city. 6 He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment. 7 “Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.” 

    Acts 10:34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,” 

    It is so clear that God does not show partiality.  John 3;16 says, “For God so loved the WORLD!”  Christ died for sinners which means He died for everyone because ALL have sinned.  He died for the Jews. He died for Gentiles. He died for the Romans. He died for the Greeks. A reading of the book of Acts will have one seeing He offers salvation to a man of Ethiopia. Salvation was offered to Saul, called later Paul.  He offered salvation to Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment. Salvation was offered to a woman named Lydia, a demon-possessed woman, and a Roman soldier. 

    Showing partiality – favoritism – is unchristian. It is totally incompatible with Christianity. Favoritism, prejudice, partiality, discrimination, etc. keeps one from obeying the Great Commission. Let the Word of God speak to our hearts on 2/1 from James 2:1 “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 1 (2/1) is James 2:1.  It says, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”

    A converted heart sees the ground at the cross is level and wants the gospel to go to the WORLD that God loves, and Jesus died for!

    Continue Strong,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 31 (1/31) is Genesis 1:31

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 31 (1/31) is Genesis 1:31

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 31 (1/31) is Genesis 1:31
    Genesis 1:31 “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So, the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
    INDEED, it was VERY GOOD!

    Genesis 1:1 informs us that “In the beginning GOD CREATED.”  As He created, He EVALUATED His creation, His work.  In verses 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, and 25 we read His evaluation of His daily creation as “it was good.” However, with the evaluation of day 6 in which He creates man and woman and breathes into them we get an evaluation of “INDEED it was VERY GOOD.”

    Let us take a moment to evaluate God’s 6th-day evaluation.  Why did He give a much higher review? What brought about more than an evaluation of it was good to INDEED IT WAS VERY GOOD?  Many who evaluate God’s evaluation, believe the difference comes because of the creation of the man and the woman.  

    You might ask what makes the creation of man and woman so different?  What makes the creation of humans so special to God?  Let’s take a moment and read the following for an answer.
    Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in OUR IMAGE, according to OUR LIKENESS; let them have DOMINION over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
    27 So God created man in His OWN image; in the IMAGE of God He created him; male and female He created them.
    28 Then God BLESSED them, and God SAID to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

    The words emphasized speak of the difference! We, humans, are made in the likeness – the very IMAGE – of God.  And with the creation of man and woman, we have God SPEAKING to His creation. From the very beginning, God had a special and unique RELATIONSHIP with mankind!  Thus comes the evaluation of INDEED it was VERY good.

    What might we take away from God’s elevated evaluation after the creation of man and woman? We should take away the incredible value and dignity that God has placed on mankind.  EVERY HUMAN IS TO BE VIEW WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT as EVERY human was created by God and created for fellowship.  Even with the fellowship broken because of sin God still wants to see every human reconciled back to Him.  His love for mankind extended all the way to a place called CALVARY where His very own Son died for all humans and wants all to be reconciled.   We who now know Him personally and have a relationship with Him are to be telling others that God so loves them and that He wants them to be reconciled to Him.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 31 (1/31) is Genesis 1:31. It says, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So, the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

    Friend, you are one of God’s special creations, as is every human.   More than “it was good” the creation of man and woman brought “INDEED it was VERY GOOD!”

    Continue Strong,
    And remember to DATE the WORD!