datethewordtest

Category: Verse to DATE

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 23 (8/23) is Leviticus 8:23

    “Moses killed the ram. Then he took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.” – Leviticus 8:23
    TOTALLY CONSECRATED FROM HEAD TO TOE!

    The ceremonial dedication of Aaron is a beautiful reminder to us of being TOTAL DEDICATED to the Lord from head to toe.  Blood was applied to the right ear, the right thumb, and the right big toe.

    Why these three areas? 

    The right ear represents our HEARING.  We need to be able to HEAR from God!  We need to have a mindset of “SPEAK LORD for your servant is listening.”  We are to use our ears to hear God’s wisdom so that we might live according to God’s ways!  We are to use our ears to hear God’s instructions so that we might implement God’s work!  Hearing is synonymous with obedience.

    The right thumb represents our WORK, and we should have a mindset of HERE I AM LORD, USE ME!  As we do God’s work, we are to have CLEAN hands.   We are to lift holy hands to the Lord!  We are to handle holy things with holy hands.  (Psalm 24:3 says, “Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.”)

    The big right toe represents our WALK and we are to be walking WITH the Lord and walking WORTHY of the Lord! We are to ponder the path of our feet and not walk on the highways of wickedness.  Nehemiah 5:9 calls us to walk in the fear of the Lord!  We are to ask God to teach us that we may walk in truth (Ps. 86:11).  As we hear God’s directions for our lives we are to then WALK in that direction.  (Isa 30:21 says, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”)  

    Ears to hear God’s WAY!
    Hands to do God’s WORK!
    Feet to WALK with God doing God’s work and walking in God’s way!

    HEAD to TOE! Totally consecrated to the Lord.

    Personal note – for years now I have used this dedication ceremony as a guide for the beginning of each day with a prayer to hear and obey God’s voice, to do the work God has for me with clean hands, and to walk with the Lord, walking in a way that is worthy of His calling. Head to toe I belong to the Lord. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 23 (8/23) is Leviticus 8:23, It says, “Moses, as instructed, killed the ram. Then Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.”

    Consecrate yourself today from head to toe using Leviticus 8:23 as a guide for being a consecrated vessel in the hand of God to impact the world for His glory! 

    Continue Strong totally consecrated to the Lord from head to toe, 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD!
     

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 22 (8/22) is Numbers 8:22

    “After that the Levites went in to do their work in the tabernacle of
    meeting before Aaron and his sons; as the LORD commanded Moses
    concerning the Levites, so they did to them.” – Numbers 8:22
    Doing our WORK

    Work is not a four-letter dirty word.  From the very beginning, we find God Himself is at WORK and then He will have a WORK for Adam to do.  God placed Adam in the garden of Eden to take care of the garden (Gen. 2:15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it) and to name all the animals. (Gen. 2:19 says, “Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20  So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field.) After the fall God will pronounce a curse upon the man and the land in which man’s work will be more difficult.  (Gen. 3:17 “Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake;  In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,  and you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.”)  Doing WORK has always been part of the human experience. 

    What is your experience with WORK?  What is your attitude toward WORK?  Our verse to DATE tells us how the “Levites went in to do their work in the Tabernacle.”  Notice that it says “their work.” They began to do the work that had been assigned to them.  Each Levite had a work to do so the work at the Tabernacle could be accomplished.  They had “their work” and they showed up to DO THEIR WORK.

    As a believer reading this, you have a work to do for the Lord. Each of us is to be involved in the work of the ministry as we are to be ministering to one another.  (1 Peter 4:9) Each of us has at least one primary spiritual gift from the list of gifts in Romans 12 and Paul writes that we are to be USING it.  

    A great example of being involved in a work for the Lord comes from Nehemiah where the people agreed with Nehemiah that the wall needed to be rebuilt.  Nehemiah 3 tells how a huge number of people went to work building the wall and in Nehemiah 4:6 we read of an assessment that said half the wall was up because the people had a mind to work.  

    There was however a verse in Nehemiah 3 that always bothered me.  Nehemiah 3:5 says, “Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.”  Wow – some did not put their shoulders to the work.

    May I ask pointedly, are you putting your shoulders into the work of the Lord at your local church?  Do you have a misguided mindset that you are too good to do the work of the Lord?   Do you believe you are part of a church to be served?  

    The work of the Tabernacle was done because the Levites went in to DO their work.  The wall in Nehemiah’s day was rebuilt because the people had a mind to work.  For your local church to grow you need to be doing your work with a mind to work!

    Our verse to DATE the Word on August 22 (8/22) is Numbers 8:22. It says, “After that, the Levites went in to do their work in the tabernacle of meeting before Aaron and his sons; as the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.”

    The church works when you work!

    Continue Strong DOING the WORK God has for you,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 21 (8/21) is Ezra 8:21

    “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might
    humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us 
    and our little ones and all our possessions.” – Ezra 8:21
    The Ezra Fast

    Ponder Ezra pondering.  He has been assigned as the Jewish leader with the huge responsibility of leading a group of his people BACK to JERUSALEM from their captivity in Babylon and he is pondering the path to take. His diligent preparation for this journey has brought him to a moment of “I don’t know.” He is perplexed.  He is unsure.  He is struggling to finalize the crucial decision of the direction they will be taking.   

    I am thinking you have been to this moment of “I don’t know.”   I know I have.  I know I am supposed to DO something but HOW TO DO is not clear.  It is at these crucial moments I am reminded of Ezra and how he handles his perplexing moment of “I don’t know.”  Let’s take a look at what he did.  

    Realizing he did not know his next step he proclaimed a fast.  Not knowing what to do has led him to go to the One who knows what to do!  Ezra will FAST.  He will call on those going with him to FAST.  Instead of relying on his knowledge Ezra will humble himself and acknowledge to God his tremendous need for God to be the guide for the perilous journey!  

    May I ask, are you familiar with fasting?   

    I see fasting as a spiritual discipline to help laser FOCUS my attention on God.  Fasting is the removal of something like food for a period of time (could be other things) that allows for a focused time where one is seeking the face of God.  For me, a FAST is For A Serious Time.  That serious time can be for a variety of things.   Here is Ezra 8:21 it was FOR A SERIOUS TIME of seeking DIRECTION!   

    Drawing from Ezra 8:21 I would encourage you to have times of fasting.  If you want to learn more about how to fast, I highly recommend reading Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts by Dr. Elmer Towns.  He not only writes as a Biblical scholar, but he also writes as a practitioner!  

    While we cannot know if Ezra knew Proverbs 3:5-6 Ezra’s actions in Ezra 8:21 sure look like he was applying Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 21 (8/21) is Ezra 8:21. It says, “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”

    Pondering your next step? Is a FAST in your future so God can determine your future?

    Continue Strong seeking God,

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 20 (8/20) is 1 Kings 8:20

    “So the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; and I have filled the position
    of my father David, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised; and
    I have built a temple for the name of the LORD God of Israel.” – 1 Kings 8:20
    God fulfills His Promises

    As King Solomon recaps all that has taken place in building the temple that was first in the heart of his father David, he tells us that God fulfills His promises. This is the second time in just a few verses that Solomon proclaimed that God keeps His promises.  In 1 Kings 8:15, he said, “And he said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who with His hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father.” 

    Just as God fulfilled His promises to Solomon, you can STAND firm on the promises of God.  

    Do you believe what you just read?   Do you believe that you serve a PROMISE KEEPING HEAVENLY FATHER?  Do you believe that He says what He means and means what He says?  

    I present those pointed questions because how we think and what we believe about God impacts our praying and our living.  One of the greatest questions to be answered is CAN YOU TRUST GOD?   

    CAN YOU TRUST GOD?   Can you truly trust GOD with your salvation?  Can you truly TRUST God with your life?  Can YOU truly trust God to do what He says He will do?  

    In getting an affirmative answer to those pointed questions it is always good to look at one’s track record.  Our God has a long track record of keeping His promises.  As chapter 8 of 1 Kings wraps up Solomon says these words about God’s promises: “Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.”  Not one word has failed.

    Our verse to DATE the Word on August 20 (8/20) is 1 Kings 8:20. It says, “So the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke and I have filled the position of my father David, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised; and I have built a temple for the name of the LORD God of Israel.”

    The apostle Peter wrote that the believer has been given exceedingly great and precious promises  (2 Peter 1:4).  As you ponder on God’s promises what is (are) the most precious promise (promises) you have from God?  

    Continue Strong standing firmly on the precious promises of God,
    And remember to DATE the Word

    BTW – my most precious promise from God is that He will never leave nor forsake me.  His presence is the most precious promise to me!

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 19 (8/19) is Proverbs 8:19

    “(WISDOM’S) fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,
    And my revenue than choice silver.” – Proverbs 8:19
    The VALUE of WISDOM 

    Throughout the book of Proverbs, WISDOM will occasionally brag on itself and unashamedly makes the STRONGEST APPEALS for us to ACQUIRE wisdom.  As one works through Proverbs 8 wisdom will tell over and over of the ADVANTAGES and the benefits one will have as one ACQUIRES and applies wisdom.  To help one make the decision to GET WISDOM she gives common things to compare her with and in verse 19 she wants you to compare her to the REVENUE of gold and of silver.  Wisdom boasts that what she will bring to a person’s life is BETTER THAN having all the gold of Fort Knox and is BETTER THAN having an investment in a silver mine!  

    Let us ask a very important question.  Why is wisdom so valuable to have?  For me, it begins with Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25, which say, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  Man’s thinking about how to live life brings about DEATH.  On the other hand, WISDOM says that one who finds her finds LIFE.  See Proverbs 8:35 as “For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds LIFE,  and obtains favor from the LORD.”

    From the start of Proverbs to the very end wisdom tells that it PROVIDES (gives) LIFE and how it PROTECTS (delivers) a person from DEATH!  Proverbs 13:14 conveys it this way: “The teaching of the WISE (one who has WISDOM) is a fountain of LIFE, that one may turn away from the snares of DEATH.”

    I trust you hear the appeals of wisdom.  What I need and what you need, yes, what the world needs is WISDOM!  When you consider how valuable GOLD is, wisdom says it is BETTER THAN the very best of gold. Wisdom says its revenue is better than the very best of silver! Thus, as one is seeking the best return on an investment BUY WISDOM!!! Wisdom will bring multiple dividends to one’s life.  

    Are you investing in wisdom? 

    BTW:  A guiding principle I have for living life:
    First thing in the morning I give worship to God and then I get wisdom from God and then I learn to walk like God and then and only then do I go to work for God.  
    To do this we suggest reading one chapter a day from Psalms and one chapter a day from Proverbs and one chapter a day from the New Testament.   

    Our verse to DATE the Word on August 19 (8/19) is Proverbs 8:19.  It says, “(WISDOM’S) fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.”

    Ponder: sin always has a price tag and one pays more than they could have ever imagined. Wisdom is so valuable that as one acquires and applies it to their life it is priceless.
    So, which will it be today – sin or wisdom?

    Continue Strong by investing in WISDOM,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 18 (8/18) is Romans 8:18

    “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
    compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
    An ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING

    As we consider our sufferings in this world it is worth remembering that Jesus said in some of His last words that are recorded in John 16:33 that “You (we) will have suffering in this world.” The SAINT of God will SUFFER in this world.  The great Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” (Philippians 1:29)

    So once again I say to us that the SAINT of God will SUFFER.   How, then, are you going to respond?

    For me, any discussion on suffering must include Romans 8:18 because in this verse the Apostle Paul brings an eternal perspective about suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us that something better is coming.  There will be a time when God reveals how HE used our suffering for His Glory and our good and at that moment we will know it was worth it all.

    And God does use our sufferings.  Recall what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians writing, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17) The Apostle Peter was so sure of God using suffering that he wrote to suffering saints that he was rejoicing because of their suffering.  Notice 1 Peter 4:13 as he writes “But I rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

    An ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING: Because God USES our suffering for His glory and our good we must look at the temporal moments through the lens of eternity.

    May you be SUSTAINED in your SUFFERINGS today by the eternal perspective presented by the Apostles Paul and Peter!  Our sufferings are but for a moment, but the glory is eternal.  Our suffering will soon pass away but the glory that will be revealed will never diminish.  

    A practical thought on suffering: Remember that suffering should be sharpening your story as well as softening your story to share your Savior’s story!  Don’t waste your suffering, rather look to be a witness for your Savior!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 18 (8/18) is Romans 8:18. It says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

    So what is your CONSIDERATION – your viewpoint on suffering?

    Continue strong with an eternal perspective on suffering,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 17 (8/17) is Nehemiah 8:17

    “So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths &
    sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the
    children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness.” – Nehemiah 8:17
    From GREAT DISTRESS to VERY GREAT GLADNESS

    AND THERE WAS VERY GREAT GLADNESS. Let that statement sink in. It sure sounds like everyone is having a great time.  And they were.  There was VERY GREAT GLADNESS!  That is the description of God’s people in Nehemiah 8:17. Now for us to truly get the significance of that statement is to recall that the book of Nehemiah did not start with God’s people experiencing great gladness but rather with Nehemiah being told “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress.”  They were in GREAT DISTRESS.

    The legacy of Nehemiah is he took people from GREAT DISTRESS to GREAT GLADNESS.  

    Let us take a moment to consider how he did it as we should be desiring to help others move from great distress to very great gladness.  As you look at the book of Nehemiah and the life of Nehemiah you will see it started with his burden and his burden would eventually bring about many blessings.  His broken heart for a place moved him to rebuild walls and his broken heart for people moved him to rebuild lives.  He heard and then saw with his own eyes the distress they we in.  He then dreamed how things could be different.  With dependence on God and determination of heart, Nehemiah diligently was a DOER, not just a talker. These actions brought about real change!  Changes that are summed up in the conclusion of Nehemiah 8:17 as there was VERY GREAT GLADNESS! 

    Friends, LOOK AROUND and see the distress of your neighborhood, your city, your state, your country, your world.  Maybe you even need to look at the distress of your home, your church, your school, etc.  See the distress and decide to get involved to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  Don’t just dream about it, DO SOMETHING! 

    I know there has been the challenge to DARE to be a DANIEL (BE DIFFERENT) but I would ADD, DARE to be a NEHEMIAH and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  

    Dare to be a Daniel and be DIFFERENT.  Dare to be a NEHEMIAH and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 17 (8/17) is Nehemiah 8:17. It says, “So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths & sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness.” 

    Do something today to move someone from great distress to great, very great gladness.

    Continue Strong as a DIFFERENCE MAKER 
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 16 (8/16) is 2 Chronicles 8:16

    “Now all the work of Solomon was well-ordered from the day of the
    foundation of the house of the LORD until it was finished. So, the
    house of the LORD was completed. – 2 Chronicles 8:16
    The work was WELL-ORDERED!

    The analysis of Solomon’s work in carrying out the assignment of building the temple is that it was well-ordered. What a magnificent description of the diligence and dedication to doing God’s work. It reminds me of a few quotes such as “failure to plan is planning to fail,” “preparation precedes performance,” and “autograph your work with excellence.”  

    How would you define WELL-ORDERED?  What does it look like in your home?  In your work?  In your church? What does it look like in your life?

    As we consider 2 Chronicles 8:16 let us ask a few introspective questions;
    Do you go about your day taking actions that are WELL-ORDERED? 
    Are you BEGINNING WITH THE END IN MIND?
    Are you purposefully PLANNING?  You plan your work and then work your plan.
    Have you counted the COST?
    Are you scheduling TIME to schedule your TIME?

    As a reminder of being well-ordered in your actions please recall Colossians 3:17 as it says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
    As a reminder recall 1 Corinthians 14:40  Let all things be done decently and in order.
    As a reminder recall Proverbs 22:29  “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

    WELL-ORDERED!!!  A great description that I trust is being used of you and your life, your work, and your ministry!   However, with this devotion, you may want to ask what adjustments may be needed to help you be more WELL-ORDERED.

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 16 (816/) is 2 Chronicles 8:16. It says, “Now all the work of Solomon was well-ordered from the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was completed.”

    I heard John Maxwell say in a leadership conference “All’s well that ….”  How do we finish that statement?  All’s well that ends well is what we usually say.  But then Dr. Maxwell said, “All’s well that BEGINS well.” 

    Continue Strong with well-ordered actions,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 15 (8/15) is Romans 8:15

    “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received
    the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15
    From ALIENS against God to ADOPTED by God

    Our conversion to Christianity really does changes everything.  While we immediately think of the change of our eternal destination there is so much more.  For instance, there is what I call a status change as we are changed from being aliens (Eph. 2:12) who are against God to adopted children who are with God.

    ADOPTED. Adopted by GOD!  Ponder for a brief moment the incredible significance of being ADOPTED.  And not just anyone being adopted by just anyone.  Think about being a person who was so against God that now is adopted into the family of God. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? The sinner is now a son and is able to call the God of the universe ABBA, Father.

    I am not sure what this status change from alien to adopted does for you but for me, it is overwhelming to consider that I have such a precious relationship with God.  I feel so unworthy!  It is so hard to comprehend that as a vile sinner, He would even allow me to be His servant, yet He adopts me and declares I am His child, and He is my Heavenly Father!  

    Friends, if you have been saved, shall we say, converted, you have been born again, you belong to God as His child.  1 John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”  

    As you reflect on your relationship with God as a believer, I trust you are humbled and honored to be ADOPTED by the King of Kings and get to call Him FATHER!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 15 (8/15) is Romans 8:15. It says, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 

    What a Savior and what a salvation!!! Worthy is Lamb!!  

    Continue Strong knowing you are His child,
    And Remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 14 (8/14) is Esther 8:14

    “The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the 
    king’s command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel.” – Esther 8:14
    BEING URGENT WITH an URGENT MESSAGE

    The Book of Esther tells of how an evil plot was designed by a man named Haman to annihilate the Jews.  Esther, who has become queen earlier in the book, will reveal the plot to the king and then plead for a revoking of the evil plan.  Because the law had been signed and sealed by the King it could not be revoked but the JEWS could protect themselves if a new decree was issued.  In Esther 8:8-10 a new decree is written that will allow the Jews to defend themselves against any and all who would do them harm.  This new decree now must go to all 127 provinces, from India to Ethiopia.  It is a decree that demands urgency for it could mean death for many Jews if they don’t get the message!

    Our verse to DATE tells of how the couriers immediately take the message to those provinces with this description that they rode on royal horses for they were swift horses (v. 10), and they hastened or raced as fast as they could, being pressed on by the king’s command.”  They understood the urgency of the message and the moment!  They were URGENT with the URGENT message.

    You and I are Ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) and have the eternal life saving message for the world called the gospel.  Do you understand the urgency of the message that we are to be sharing with the lost world?  Like the couriers, we are to be racing as fast as we can to get this message to the world.  Are we doing so as quickly as we can?  Are we using the very best of methods to get the gospel to the world on behalf of the King of Kings?  Do we feel compelled to carry out the great commission given by Jesus to be as quick, as urgent as possible to share the gospel?

    In pressing the point that we are to be urgent in getting the life, yes, eternal life message to the lost I had a friend share about a time they were in New York City many years ago and they saw chiseled on the side of a building “NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN NOR HEAT NOR GLOOM OF NIGHT STAYS THESE COURIERS FROM THE SWIFT COMPLETION OF THEIR APPOINTED ROUNDS.”  He tells of learning that this was the motto of the United States Postal Service.  He then shared this challenging thought: “What a magnificent thing if that could be said about God’s people delivering the message of the gospel personally!” 

    Our verse to DATE the Word on August 14 (8/14) is Esther 8:14. It says “The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel.”

    An URGENT MESSAGE must be delivered with ALL URGENCY.   Let us be found being URGENT with the URGENT message of the gospel! It could mean heaven or hell for someone! 

    Continue Strong,
    And Remember to DATE the Word