datethewordtest

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  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 24 (11/24) is Acts 11:24

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 24 (11/24)
    is Acts 11:24
    Acts 11:24 says, “For (Barnabas) was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 24 (11/24) is Acts 11:24. Acts 11:24 says, “For (Barnabas) was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

    A Life Verse!

    Acts 11:24 is a verse that one should use as a guide for their character and their contribution during life.  It should be a verse one would want to have read and used to describe their life at their funeral!!  What an excellent description of a person!  

    Barnabas, the encourager, was a GOOD MAN!! Good instead of bad! Good because of doing right instead of doing wrong! Good as in UPRIGHT!  As well he was GOOD because of his service. He was known for DOING good!

    Barnabas was a good man who was good at doing good work doing many good works! 

    Are you good? As the Christmas season grows closer, we pose the question to children “Have you been good this year?” However, this question is not a seasonal question. It should be a daily question. Are you good in character?  Are you doing good in contributing to others? 

    BTW – It is said that Ben Franklin asked himself in the morning, “What good shall I do today?” and in the evening, “What good have I done today?”

    Not only was Barnabas a good man he was full of the Holy Spirit.  He was empowered by the Spirit of God to be and do good! He was filled – controlled – led by the Spirit of God! He walked and worked by the POWER of GOD!  He was DEPENDENT on GOD to do the GOOD that he did!

    He was a man of FAITH! The faith spoken of here is not faith for salvation but faith to believe God to do what God was placing on his heart to do. He walked and worked by FAITH! He moved fearlessly forward! 

    As a result of such living, we learn that many were saved!  

    What a one verse TESTIMONY! He was GOOD and DID GOOD! He was EMPOWERED by God, being FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! He lived and worked by FAITH in God!  AND many are SAVED! 

    Some might say such a person is rare and maybe so but I would pray that there would be many who are Acts 11:24 people!

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 24 (11/24) is Acts 11:24. It says, “For (Barnabas) was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

    Continue Strong being good and doing good!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 23 (11/23) is Acts 11:23

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 23 (11/23)
    is Acts 11:23
    Acts 11:23 says, “When he arrived and saw the evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 23 (11/23) is Acts 11:23. Acts 11:23 says, “When he arrived and saw the evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.

    The JOY of A Testimony

    There are numerous things that bring happiness and yes, true joys to our lives.  If I asked each reader to tell what has brought the most joy to your life, we would get a wide variety of answers.  For some, it would be the birth of a child.  For some, it could be a special celebration with your spouse.  It could be a sports team FINALLY winning a championship.  It could be getting a promotion at work.  It could be getting accepted at a desired school.  As you can see from the shortlist, there are numerous things that can bring happiness and joy to our lives.  I do however wonder if on your list of things that bring great joy is learning of God’s working and blessings. 

    In our verse to DATE for November 23 (11/23) we see in Acts 11:23 that Barnabas was filled with joy because he had learned by seeing firsthand that God was blessing the ministry at Antioch.  Knowing that lives were being changed by God was exciting.  Knowing that God’s people were learning and growing and living like Christ and making Christ known to others was thrilling. 

    Barnabas, the encourager, then did what he did best, and he lived up to his name and spoke words of encouragement to the believers that they might stay true or fully committed to the Lord.   

    May I ask you if you are on the lookout for evidence of God’s blessings?  Do you ask people to share how God is working in their lives and in the ministries where they are involved?  I encourage you to do so!!  

    May I also ask how do you respond when you do hear of God’s blessings in a ministry or at a church or in a person’s life?  Do you find yourself filled with joy (you might need to brace yourself, and put on some steel-toed shoes), or do you find yourself having feelings of jealousy?   It is a real possibility that upon seeing or hearing of God’s work and blessings you can become dismissive or jealous instead of filled with joy.  I hope you will be like Barnabas and be excited and overflowing with joy as you hear of God’s work and blessing!  

    Now may I ask one more question?  Are you sharing with others what God is doing in your life?  As Christians, we do have to balance being boastful with being humble.  I would encourage you to make sure you are bragging about God, not yourself.  And I would encourage you to SHARE what God is doing!! I heard a Christian leader say one time that if we don’t tell our story no one else will. 

    The sharing of a testimony will bring joy to other believers.  I know that you know to share your burdens with one another but also share your blessings with one another!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 23 (11/23) is Acts 11:23. It says, “When he arrived and saw the evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.”

    Be filled with joy when you hear of God working and blessing and share your testimony of God working and blessing so other will be filled with joy!

    Continue Strong looking for the evidence of God’s blessings,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

    PS.  An easy question for Thanksgiving Dinner asking for testimonies of how has God been working in your life this past year. 

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 22 (11/22) is Hebrews 11:22

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 22 (11/22) is Hebrews 11:22
    Hebrews 11:22 says,  “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.”  
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 22 (11/22) is Hebrews 11:22.  Hebrews 11:22 says,  “By faith Joseph when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.” 

    Joseph is the last of the 4 major characters of the book of Genesis.  We start with ABRAHAM. He is regarded as the FATHER OF FAITH.  Then we have ISSAC and then JACOB.  Starting in Genesis 30 we have the adventures of JOSEPH, adventures filled with adversities.  He would go from being his father’s favorite to being cruelly sold into slavery BY HIS BROTHERS.   While finding favor as a slave he is promoted to the overseer of Potiphar’s house in Egypt, yet he will be cruelly falsely accused of sexual assault by a very wicked and ungodly woman, known only as Potiphar’s wife. He was persecuted for his conviction to live PURE!  The decision of Joseph to live pure and the lie of Potiphar’s wife landed him in PRISON.  He finds favor in prison but is painfully FORGOTTEN.  God, though, had not forgotten him and at just the right moment Joseph is raised up to be the PRIME MINISTER of Egypt.  Having the ability to interpret dreams he is able to prepare Egypt for the coming famine.  This famine will then allow him to be reacquainted with his father, Jacob, and with his brothers.  What a story to read!

    With the quick summation of the life and times of Joseph we pause to ponder our verse for November 22 from Hebrews 11:22. Unlike the faith of Abraham or Issac or Jacob, Joseph’s faith was futuristic.  The faith he has is not for himself but for the children of Israel in later years.  He knew that one day THEY would return to the promised land and he wanted his bones to be buried in the promised land.  By faith, HE KNEW!!  He knew they would be returning one day!

    Please allow me to highlight one very important piece of information.  Many times it seems we believe Joseph’s last word in Genesis was his perspective on his life.  You might recall in Genesis 50:20 he had said to his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.  As great as that is it is not his last words. Hebrews 11:22 says when he was dying, he made mention of the departure, which is the end of Genesis 50.  In making mention of the departure, he was letting them know of his confidence, his faith, in God’s PROMISES.  And it was not just the promise to get them back to the promised land but that God would take care of them.  Notice Genesis 50:24 as Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

    Oh, friends, GOD WILL SURELY TAKE CARE OF YOU!!!   Until you get to your heavenly home hear this dying man’s last words.  GOD WILL SURELY TAKE OF YOU!

    The verse to DATE the Word on November 22 (11/22) is Hebrews 11:22. It says, “By faith, Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.” 

    GOD WILL SURELY TAKE OF YOU!

    Continue Strong knowing of God’s great care for you!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 21 (11/21) is Hebrews 11:21

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 21 (11/21) is Hebrews 11:21
    Hebrews 11:21 says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.” 
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 21 (11/21) is Hebrews 11:21. Hebrews 11:21 says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”

    The story of Jacob begins in Genesis 25 with the birth of him and his twin Esau to Rebekah and Isaac. Jacob’s story is then weaved through the rest of the book of Genesis with a concluding statement in Gen. 49:33, which says, “And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.” 

    As we look at our verse from Hebrews 11:21 we see that just before he would die he would not just bless his sons but would bless Joseph, whom he had for years thought was dead.  And not only did he bless Joseph he was able to bless the sons of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh.   

    What a moment that must have been to bless Joseph and then bless his sons!  If you have read Jacob’s story you will recall that for many years, he only had a memory of a most precious and cherished son that left him struggling with the promises of God. There came a point with Jacob that he hit rock bottom as not only was Joseph “dead” but his wife Rachel had died and they were in a famine, and after going to get grain in Egypt Simeon was kept as a prisoner and to get more grain Benjamin has to go down to Egypt.  In this low moment, Jacob cried out in anguish in Genesis 42:36 “You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me.” 

    Let 4 words and then 6 words sink in:
    YOU HAVE BEREAVED ME! ALL THESE THINGS ARE AGAINST ME. 
    Read them again slowly
    YOU HAVE BEREAVED ME!  ALL THESE THINGS ARE AGAINST ME.

    That is the mind of Jacob in Genesis 42:36. God has bereaved him or God had ROBBED him as that is what the word bereaved means.  From the standpoint of Jacob God has robbed him and EVERYTHING IS AGAINST HIM!   

    But now, at the end of his life, he is seeing both Joseph and his grandsons and he tells them as he blesses them that God is the One “who has fed me all my life long to this day.” (Gen. 48:15) 

    Please don’t miss the keyword spoken in Hebrews 11:21 as one reads “AND WORSHIPED!” What a great ending for Jacob!  While his story is filled with wondering about God, even being very upset with God, it ends with him WORSHIPPING!!  

    And you too can have a great ending!  Know that what you see today happening in your life is not the whole story. While Jacob was thinking all things were against him God was working all things out for his good! So keep trusting God! 

    The verse to DATE the Word on November 21 (11/21) is Hebrews 11:21. It says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”

    Continue Strong believing that God is WORKING ALL THINGS OUT FOR HIS GLORY!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD!
    PS. I find with the story of Jacob it is good to read Footprints in the Sand!

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 20 (11/20) is Proverbs 11:20

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 20 (11/20) is Proverbs 11:20
    Proverbs 11:20 says, “Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their ways are His delight.”
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 20 (11/20) is Proverbs 11:20.  Proverbs 11:20 says, “Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their ways are His delight.”

    As far as contrast goes Proverbs 11:20 may be one of the greatest for contrasting God’s feelings (attitude and actions) toward our behavior. Toward those who are perverse (think crooked, think twisted, think depraved, think dishonest) He finds them to be an abomination, to be DETESTED and despised.  Let us make no mistake that one’s perverse and depraved behavior is detested and despised by God.  On the other hand, toward those who are blameless (think upright, think one with INTEGRITY) He finds them to be His DELIGHT.  

    One might say the perverse brings PAIN to God’s heart while the blameless brings PLEASURE.   

    It should be the AIM of each of us to do that which brings pleasure to God, doing what is PLEASING to God.  2 Corinthians 5:9 says “We make it our AIM – our AMBITION – to be WELL PLEASING to God.”  Our actions are acceptable to God!

    As well, it should be our desire to despise any depraved action.  That which is despised by God should be despised by His children.  Proverbs 8:13 says, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”

    A great example of how one might live is found in Job. The book of Job opens with a description of Job and it is a description we should desire to be used to describe us.  Job 1:1 says, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil (turned away or stayed away from evil.)   I trust you agree that this is a description that should be desired!  Job was right with God and right with people!  There was nothing crooked in his dealings with people.  

    In considering Proverbs 11:20 we asked what is your heart’s daily desire. Is it to bring pain to the heart of God or pleasure to the heart of God?  Is it to have God despise your actions or be delighted in your actions?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 20 (11/20) is Proverbs 11:20.  It says, “Those who are of a perverse (crooked, twisted, depraved, dishonest) heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless (honest, upright, having integrity) in their ways are His delight.”

    Your choices have consequences!

    Continue Strong, desiring to delight the Lord!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 19 (11/19) is Deuteronomy 11:19

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 19 (11/19) is Deuteronomy 11:19
    Deuteronomy 11:19 says, “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 19 (11/19) is Deuteronomy 11:19.  Deuteronomy 11:19 says, “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

    The T in PARENT means TEACHER

    Looking at Deuteronomy 11:19 we need to immediately know that the “them” refers to God’s Word from verse 18.  Deuteronomy 11:19 gives instructions to PARENTS to INSTRUCT their children and gives parents a variety of ways to INSTRUCT children.
     
    I want to say that as a former Head of a Christian school and a former Campus Pastor at a Christian University there is no doubt, I believe in Christian School education.  And as a pastor, I believe in Sunday School and Youth Groups.  BUT more than Christian Schools and Sunday Schools I believe in HOME SCHOOL for BIBLICAL TRAINING. The BIBLE clearly teaches that PARENTS are to be TEACHING the WORD of GOD to their CHILDREN. One of the key verses for this belief comes from Deut. 11:19. Read it again. It says, “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

    So often we think of a place to teach our children but it is a PERSON(s) that is to teach our children and the first person with the top responsibility of teaching God’s Word to their children is the PARENTS of the children.   

    For some of you, this is INCREDIBLY challenging.  It was for me.  It is one thing to be a learner and a whole different thing to be a teacher.  I had to learn to teach.  One of the lessons I learned for teaching was that I was to be learning not just for myself but for my children.  This meant that during my quiet time I was reading for me and for them.  This meant that when listening to a sermon I was listening for me and for them.  There would be numerous times I would read or hear something that I knew the Holy Spirit was impressing me to share with my children.  

    Another big lesson for me was to be watching for as well as creating TEACHABLE MOMENTS in order to pour into my children Biblical truth.  Teachable moments arise when questions come up.  Be ever so careful when your child is curious and asking questions about spiritual things. Don’t quench that curiosity.  Give answers to their question or find the answers. Matter of fact fuel curiosity by you asking questions.  Jesus not only answered questions from the disciples He Himself would ask questions! 

    As you look at the instructions from Deut. 11:19, it really does give some very practical “suggestions” for teaching your children.  There is the time sitting in your house which today may be when you are eating a meal. There is the time when you are walking which today would be driving.  Then there is when you lie down and when you rise up.  I have a friend, Stu Epperson, Jr, who likes to say BIBLE BEFORE BED and BIBLE BEFORE BREAKFAST. Friends, end each day with a Bible verse and start each day with a Bible verse.  It could be the same one for a week. It could be a different one for each day.  What is important is you are teaching some of God’s Word to your children!

    Parents (and grandparents) may I ask what is the last Biblical truth you taught one of your children? How are you applying the teaching of Deuteronomy 6 and Deuteronomy 11:19 to TEACH your children?

    It takes WORK and TIME to be a TEACHER!  (Just ask any who does it for a living.) God has entrusted you with children in which you are to TRAIN THEM UP in the way they should live (Prov. 22:6)!  Be diligent to do the hard work and MAKE the time to teach.  Look back at Deuteronomy 11:18 as it gives ideas for keeping God’s Word before your eyes AND (listen) your children’s eyes!

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 19 (11/19) is Deuteronomy 11:19. It says, “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

    Continue Strong passing God’s Word on to the next generation!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 18 (11/18) is Deuteronomy 11:18

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 18 (11/18) is Deuteronomy 11:18
    Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 18 (11/18) is Deuteronomy 11:18. Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”

    KEEPING GOD’S WORD VISIBLE for VIABILITY

    In order to obey the instructions of God’s Word we are given instructions for PLACING God’s Word so that it can be easily seen, remembered, and applied. As one reads and hears God’s Word, we are to lay it up or “hide” God’s Word in our hearts.   David said in Psalm 119:11 that he had hidden God’s Word in his heart so that he might not sin against God.  Some versions translate “hidden” for TREASURE.   Solomon writes in Proverbs 7:1 that his son should “keep his words, and TREASURE his commands within him.”

    One of the most important spiritual disciplines is memorizing God’s Word.  We read and hear it, but we also must memorize it so we can have immediate recall as we face decisions, especially when we face temptations.   Are you memorizing God’s Word? 

    To help with the memorization we are instructed to bind them on your hand and put them in places where they can be seen.   For us today that means having them on a note card or on your phone in notes.  It means placing verses in frames and hanging them on walls.  It means placing a verse on your refrigerator or on a mirror in the bathroom.  I challenge you to be creative in placing key verses in places where you can easily see to be reminded of what God’s Word says!   

    Not only should your heart be filled with Scripture, but have your home filled with Scripture. 
    For me, it seems that as I keep God’s Word visible it helps to make it more viable!  

    Take a little inventory based on Deuteronomy 11:18.  How much of God’s Word is hidden in your heart?  Look around your house and see how much of God’s Word you see.  What about where you work?  If allowed you should have Scriptures on your desk and maybe on your walls.  Inventory and put Deuteronomy 11:18 into practice. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 18 (11/18) is Deuteronomy 11:18. Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”

    Continue Strong, 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 17 (11/17) is Luke 11:17

    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 17 (11/17) is Luke 11:17
    Luke 11:17 says, “But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.”

    DIVISION = DESOLATION

    Whether it is a family or an organization or a team or a church, etc. unity is essential for success. I believe it was from Dr. John Maxwell that I first heard the concept, “WORKING TOGETHER PERCEDES WINNING TOGETHER.”  For years it has been said TEAM stands for TOGETHER EACH ACCOMPLISHES MORE.  The military tells us there has to be UNITY IN THE UNIT!

    From the teaching of Jesus in Luke 11:17, we must learn and understand the DANGER OF DIVISION for it leads to DESOLATION and DESTRUCTION.   

    Without going into a full discipleship lesson on unity it is worth considering one of the root causes of division which is PRIDE.   Notice a few verses:
    Proverbs 16:18  Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
    Proverbs 13:10  By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.

    As I deal with conflicts I ask the question, “Who is displaying pride?”   Who wants to have it THEIR WAY?  You probably can think of a time that someone brought division to a team because of THEIR pride.  And you probably can think of a time that YOU brought division to a team because of YOUR pride.  

    In working to bring about unity there are a couple of quotes I like to use.  Dr. Maxwell taught the 101% rule saying find the 1% you do agree on and give that 100%.  I am not sure if he got this from studying Philippians 4:2.  In Philippians 4:2 Paul implored “Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”   The 1% was they were both IN THE LORD so they now needed to give 100% to both being in the Lord.  

    Steven Covey taught that we should SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE SEEKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD.  (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.)  Not sure if Mr. Covey was drawing from Phillipians 2:3-4 or not but the idea of looking out for the interest of others is clearly taught by the Apostle Paul and taught for bringing about unity.  

    Philippians 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, (PRIDE) but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  4  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.

    Friends, we are ALL different and we have differences and we have differences of opinions.  What we must guard against is allowing those differences to divide us to the point we destroy each other.  Growing in maturity means learning to disagree agreeably.  I have many friendships in which we have decided to agree to disagree.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 17 (11/17) is Luke 11:17.  It says, “But He (JESUS) knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.“

    Know the DANGER OF DIVISION for it leads to DESOLATION and DESTRUCTION.

    Continue Strong seeking unity in whatever unit you are in!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD!!

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 16 (11/16) is Deuteronomy 11:16

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 16 (11/16) is Deuteronomy 11:16
    Deuteronomy 11:16 says, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them,”  
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 16 (11/16) is Deuteronomy 11:16.  Deuteronomy 11:16 says, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them,”

    Guard your HEART!

    “Take heed” is a warning that is used in Scripture 50 plus times with Jesus using TAKE HEED fifteen times. Several times the emphasis of the warning is to NOT BE DECEIVED, especially being deceived into who or what should really be worshipped. Instead of trusting the One and only true God, we find ourselves deceived into placing trust in false gods. These false gods are usually tangible and for a time seem to be able to meet our immediate needs. We make idols/false gods of money or pleasure or fame or people or even of ourselves. We turn from the true to the false. Being deceived we pour energy into serving these false gods. Being deceived we will soon experience great disappointment for they never satisfy the true longing of our hearts!

    Regarding experiencing great disappointment, the Psalmist’s words come to mind from Psalm 115.  Starting in verse 4, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; 6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; 7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. 8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.” 

    The idol looks SO REAL, but it is completely DEAD!  What a sad state of affairs for one who makes his own idols.  

    Pause for just a second and compare Deuteronomy 6:4-5 with what you just read,
    Deut. 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!  5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

    With our God, we have a RELATIONSHIP!  We have a living, loving relationship.  He loves us! We love Him! And yes, we love Him because He first loved us.  

    Friend, please heed Deuteronomy 11:16 and “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them,”  Hear the truth of Scripture that those false idols, false gods DO NOT LOVE YOU and CANNOT LOVE YOU!  

    Honest assessment: Are you worshipping the living God or dead idols?

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 16 (11/16) is Deuteronomy 11:16.  It says, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them,”

    Love and serve God who loves you!

    Continue Strong guarding your heart!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on November 15 (11/15) is Revelations 11:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 15 (11/15) is Revelations 11:15
    Revelations 11:15 says, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 
    Our verse to DATE the Word on November 15 (11/15) is Revelations 11:15. Revelations 11:15 says, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

    And HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER!!!

    We live in a world that is known as the kingdom of darkness
    See Eph. 6:12 … against the rulers of the darkness of this age.” 
    See Eph. 2:2 “in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” 
    See 1 John 5:19 “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 
    See Matthew 4:8-9 “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”

    These kingdoms oppose and resist Christ, but they will not win. Revelation 11:15 tells that there is coming a day when Christ will conquer.  His first coming was to be crucified.  His second coming will be to conquer. There will be no kingdoms that will be able to stand against Him. Individually or corporately, make no mistake HE WILL REIGN OVER ALL FOREVER AND EVER!

    What a glorious day that will be! May His kingdom come!

    BTW, when I pray the Lord’s prayer that appeals “Your kingdom come” my mind goes to Revelation 11:15.  And then I add Revelation 22:20 “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

    Verse to DATE the Word on November 15 (11/15) is Revelations 11:15. It says, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

    Yes – play and/or sing Handel’s Messiah “The Hallelujah Chorus”  It is based on Rev. 11:15!

    Continue Strong,
    And remember to DATE the Word