datethewordtest

Category: Verse to DATE

  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 16 (4/16) is 2 Corinthians 4:16

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 16 (4/16) is 2 Corinthians 4:16

    “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, 
    yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
    Giving An Uncommon Answer to the Common Question “How Are You Doing.”

    Not long ago I attended a Bible Study where we were studying 2 Corinthians.  As one works through 2 Corinthians one finds the Apostle Paul is very authentic about his life and ministry. As he defends his apostleship, he tells about the incredible difficulties he was facing as he shared the gospel.  However, over and over he tells of how he just would never give up,   You might recall in 2 Corinthians 4:8 -10 that he wrote, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — 10  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”  There just was no quit in Paul.

    As we come to our verse to DATE he reaffirms that he is not quitting.  He started out chapter 4 “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”  Now he states again, “Therefore we do not lose heart.”  Regardless of the suffering, the persecution, or the disappointment he was UPBEAT and determined about getting the gospel to the lost and equipping saints to live for Jesus. 

    One might wonder how the Apostle Paul could keep this mindset.  Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he reveals one of the great principles for staying in the ministry even though it is VERY TOUGH!  

    He starts by defining a reality that our outward man is PERISHING.  And boy did he get that right. While we do start as babies growing and getting bigger and stronger the truth of the matter is the moment we are born we start perishing and the longer we do live the more evident it is.  The outward man, our bodies, the flesh wears down.  If you don’t want to know your future do not read Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.  Just saying.  Don’t read it because it tells that “difficult days” are coming regarding the decline (the perishing) of the outward man.  

    YET.  Don’t miss YET.  Paul says that while the outward man is perishing YET he needs to tell you something that is opposite. Paul writes, “Yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” In comparison to the outward, physical part declining, the inward, spiritual man is getting stronger day by day.  For Paul, the work of God in transforming him and enabling him with grace and mercy was bringing about an inward growth that was REFRESHING.  To be renewed has the idea of being rejuvenated, to be re-energized.  No wonder he was not losing heart!

    Paul’s relationship with the Lord was one of abiding in the Lord.  The grace and the mercy were flowing in renewing his spirit.  Outwardly he was perishing but inwardly he was renewed!  Our relationship with the Lord has Him WORKING in, on, and for us and renewing our spirit.  As we ABIDE in Christ the inward man will get stronger even though the outward man declines.  

    So in thinking about this consider that the common question you are usually asked by another person is HOW ARE YOU DOING?  And how do you answer that question?  The teacher of the Bible study gave us a great challenge by saying, “Why don’t we tell people what Paul said.”  When asked, “How are you doing” answer by saying, “Well my outward man is perishing, but my inward man is getting stronger!”  

    Now that would be an uncommon answer to a common question, and it just might open a door for a spiritual conversation! 

    So, how are you doing?  If you ask me I will tell you that my outward man is perishing but my inward man is growing and getting stronger every day! 

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 16 (4/16) is 2 Corinthians 4:16. It says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

    Continue Strong being renewed day by day,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 15 (4/15) is Hebrews 4:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 15 (4/15) is Hebrews 4:15

    “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
    He not only knows you – HE UNDERSTANDS!

    Our Savior and Lord is also our HIGH PRIEST and He knows first-hand about the struggles of life because He came to this earth and lived life as a human. He faced the very struggles and temptations we face. Because He knows our weaknesses, He sympathizes with us.  Let that sink in really deep.  He sympathizes with you!   

    Let us know that His sympathy is far more than feeling sorry for us.  Being sympathetic means He is ready to take action to help us handle what we are facing.  We have an open invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace to get help anytime we need it!  Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

    Growing up we would sing a Hymn titled Does Jesus Care?  The chorus would give a resounding YES.  

    One of the stanzas goes:
    Does Jesus care When I’ve tried and failed
    To resist some temptation strong?
    When for my deep grief there’s no relief
    Though the tears flow all the day long.

    Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares His heart is touched with my grief
    When the days are weary the long night dreary I know my Savior cares!

    WHAT A SAVIOR!!! What a High Priest!!  Does He CARE? OH YES! HE CARES!!!!
     
    Verse to DATE the Word on April 15 (4/15) is Hebrews 4:15. It says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” 

    Continue Strong knowing He CARES about you!
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 14 (4/14) is Esther 4:14

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 14 (4/14) is Esther 4:14

    “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the
    Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows
    whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14
    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 14 (4/14) is Esther 4:14. Esther 4:14 says, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

    Step UP and Step INTO your assignment as it is your TIME!

    I am thinking that many of you know the captivating story of Queen Esther.  Most likely growing up she never dreamed of being a queen, especially being the wife of at that time the most powerful man in the world.  Most likely she never dreamed that she would find herself as a great rescuer of her people.  Yet Esther would become the QUEEN and yes, she would find herself being used to RESCUE her people from an evil plot to annihilate them.  If you have not read the Book of Esther lately, I would tell you it is worth your time as it is very INSPIRING and a reminder that every person can make a difference for God if they will step up and step into their assignment.

    Our verse to DATE tells of a pivotal moment in the story and in the life of Esther.  Her uncle, Mordecai, has called on Esther to use her influence with the King to put a stop to the evil plan of Haman to annihilate the Jews.   You find this appeal in Esther 4:6-8.  Esther, however, is hesitant as she knows the rules of the house that say you cannot just show up in the presence of the king. To show up uninvited could very well mean the king could have you put to death.  She is greatly concerned as he has not asked to see her for 30 days. 

    As Mordecai hears of her hesitation to step up and step into this moment he sends words that define reality for her.  He also appeals to her about this incredible opportunity.  In defining reality he tells her to not forget she herself is a Jew and her failure to act will bring about her death as well as her family.   From Mordecai’s viewpoint, this is ESTHER’S moment but he is clear that if she does not step up and step into this role God will get someone else as He is going to take care of His people but Esther and her family will perish.  Reality is defined!  

    But then Mordecai appeals to her to consider the enormity of the moment.  He wants her to define the reality of all that God had done that was totally so unexpected.  He tells her to consider if just maybe all the doors that opened for her to be queen and enjoy life in the palace, married to the great king were for a GREATER PURPOSE.  Maybe, just maybe, she was in this place in this position for this very purpose to rescue/protect God’s people.

    Most likely you know what does happen as Esther does step up and step into her God-given assignment.  It is inspiring to read how she decided that the lives of others were more important than her own. In the end, she is able to convince her husband the king to allow God’s people to protect themselves from those who would kill them.   (READ THE BOOK OF ESTHER)

    I would like you to consider the place and the position you find yourself in these days.   What is God’s present purpose for you?  
    It could be that you find yourself like Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was in the palace as a cupbearer to the king but he realized he needed to be in Jerusalem building a wall. Nehemiah had to move so he could be where God wanted him.  Worth noting that when things got really tough in getting that wall rebuilt Nehemiah pointed God’s people to GOD.  Nehemiah 4:14 says, “I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”  By moving he was in the right place in the right position fulfilling the right purpose.

    Deborah told Barak that he was at the right place in the right position with the right purpose, so he needed to rise up and get into the battle.  Judges 4:14 says, “Then Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.”  

    It is crucial that you are seeking to be God’s vessel for carrying out His purpose.   Whether you are Esther or Nehemiah or Barak God has a plan and purpose for you.  There are going to come moments throughout your life that will be moments in which are just for you to be God’s man or God’s woman to STEP INTO THE GAP! At those moments let your light shine!  At those moments be an example of what is right.  At those moments, speak up!  You don’t have to be a pastor or a preacher to make a difference.  You can do so as a doctor or a lawyer or as business person or as a teacher or as a coach or as soldier/sailor, etc.  Look at your place and position as a platform to make Jesus known! Step out by faith and step into His assignment as it is your time!

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 14 (4/14) is Esther 4:14. It says, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

    Continue Strong fulfilling His purpose for your life,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 13 (4/13) is Ecclesiastes 4:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 13 (4/13) is Ecclesiastes 4:13

    “Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who 
    will be admonished no more.” – Ecclesiastes 4:13
    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 13 (4/13) is Ecclesiastes 4:13. Ecclesiastes 4:13 says, “Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.”

    YOU ARE NEVER TO BE TOO OLD TO LEARN or BE CORRECTED

    There is an old statement that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks.  It is used to speak of a person who has become resistant to change.  The “old stubborn dog” usually follows that statement with “I am too old to change.”   While one might understand how as we get older it is harder to change, we MUST be careful not to become resistant to CORRECTION. 

    As you have gotten older have you become more resistant to being corrected?

    A reality check is that each of us will continually face temptations no matter our age. Unfortunately, we will still commit sins. When that happens, we are going to be admonished by the Holy Spirit and at times the Holy Spirit will use another person to say a word of rebuke or reproof, a word of warning to correct us.  Will you, regardless of age, be willing to be admonished?  Will you receive the rebuke?  

    Our verse to DATE is a verse of comparative wisdom.  A comparative is when you have BETTER and THAN in the verse.  Here Solomon writes that a poor youth with wisdom is BETTER THAN an old king who is foolish and cannot be corrected.  The poor youth may not be viewed with much value, but he has more going for him than the powerful king. The poor youth is wise, which means he can be corrected, whereas the powerful king is foolish and will not be corrected.  

    As a reminder about who the wise are notice some verses from Proverbs:
    Proverbs 13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
    Proverbs 15:31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. 32  He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
    Proverbs 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

    How do you respond to admonishment (someone speaking the truth into your mind)?  

    How do you respond to someone loving you enough to point out a character flaw?  

    Do you have a mindset, no matter your age, that you would want a righteous person to admonish you?  Do you still pray Psalm 141:5?  It says, “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it.”

    The poor youth is wiser and better off than the old king because the youth is coachable and teachable and most importantly can be corrected and will change.  When you can be corrected you can get back on the right path.  When you resist and reject the admonishment to return to the right path you continue down a path to destruction.  

    Let us not become an old stubborn, foolish “dog” that cannot be corrected!  Stay humble and be humble.  Keep listening and keep learning.  Receive rebukes.  Make adjustments as you receive admonishment!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 13 (4/13) is Ecclesiastes 4:13. It says, “Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.”

    Maybe in reading this today you need to repent of not being receptive to the call to repent.  

    Continue Strong being receptive to the rebukes of life,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 12 (4/12) is 1 Timothy 4:12

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 12 (4/12) is 1 Timothy 4:12

    “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word,
    in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – I Timothy 4:2
    How you LIVE speaks LOUDER than the Lesson you Teach

    Norman Vincent Peale said, “Nothing is more confusing than people who give good advice but set bad examples.” Whether a parent, pastor, professor, teacher, coach, boss, etc. we teach more with our LIFE than with our LIPS!! Your LIFESTYLE speaks LOUDER than the LESSONS you teach.
     
    1 Timothy 4:12 conveys that an example is one of our best tools for evangelism and discipleship. Being an example gives evidence that one has been changed and being an example has the ability to help equip another believer. I like that before Paul told Timothy to be an example, he himself had determined he must be an example.  For instance, Paul said to the Philippians in Philippians 4:9 to do what he taught as well as what they SAW in him! It reads, “The things which you learned and received and heard and SAW IN ME, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”   To the Corinthians, he wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  Paul was an example of being an example.   Paul practiced what he preached!

    Please take time to review the 7 essential actions that Paul challenged Timothy to put on display to OTHERS.  
    He starts with WATCH YOUR WORDS.    
    Be CONSISTENT with your CONDUCT, living CHRIST-LIKE! Live your life like the Lord lived His. 
    (One of the worst things I think that could be said about me (or you) is BELIEVED, not LIVED.)
    Love to LOVE for LOVE makes all the difference.  Love never fails.  
    Have a great ATTITUDE.  Remember that ATTITUDE determines ALTITUDE! (BTW: Your attitude overshadows your abilities.) 
    WALK by FAITH, not sight (2 Cor. 5:7) Feed your FAITH to starve your doubts.  
    PURSUE and PRACTICE PURITY!!  You can wreck a great testimony with impurity!! 

    Ask yourself if your words/conversations, if your behavior/conduct, if your love, if your attitude, if your faith, and if your purity shows another person the way to Christ and the way a Christian should live their life.  Or if in these various areas, do they see a hypocrite? 

    SERMONS WE SEE by Edgar Guest
    I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; 
    I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. 
    The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, 
    Fine counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear; 
    And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, 
    For to see good put into action is what everybody needs.
    I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done; 
    I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. 
    And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, 
    But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do; 
    For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, 
    But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
    And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today 
    Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
    Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say, 
    I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 12 (4/12) is 1 Timothy 4:12.  It says, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 

    Continue Strong being an EXAMPLE TO OTHERS
    And remember to DATE the Word

    BONUS BTW To those who are shepherds/pastors/elders there are clear instructions to be an EXAMPLE:
    1 Peter 5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder…..2 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3  not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
    Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 11 (4/11) is 1 Thessalonians 4:11

    “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work
    with your own hands, as we commanded you,” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11
    What are your ASPIRATIONS?

    There is no question that a Christian is to be living DIFFERENTLY and the 3 areas of aspiration found in 1 Thessalonians definitely convey living differently.  Being very transparent I do not recall hearing many if any messages on 1 Thessalonians 4:11. And being very transparent I do not recall ever writing down on a priority sheet the three things that Paul has commanded to be priorities in my life.  I do believe that as we DATE this verse we are going to see how profitable and practical these three areas of living will be for us and others.

    As we start our DATING, our getting to know this verse, we want to look first at the word ASPIRE. The KJV uses the word STUDY. The NASB and NIV use the word AMBITION.  The NLT uses the word GOAL.  All of these words help to guide us in understanding what we should be PURSUING. The Greek word conveys the idea of HONORING.  To “aspire” is to demonstrate by actions what we LOVE TO HONOR.  Paul says to the Thessalonians that these are three areas that need to be a TOP PRIORITY.  These are not three suggestions for daily living.  These are three top priorities for everyday living.  

    With such a high priority, it is vitally important to LEARN how we live.  First, Paul says, PURSUE a QUIET LIFE. (Do you have that on your To Do List?)   A quiet life has the idea of peace or the absence of strife. Proverbs 17:1 “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.”  We are not to go around STIRRING UP TROUBLE, stirring up strife.  We are not to be CONTENTIOUS with one another.  Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”  2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “….be of one mind, live in peace…”  Romans 14:19 says, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 

    This idea of pursuing quietness is so important that Paul will restate this command in 2 Thessalonians writing in 2 Thess. 3:12  says, “Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

    Do you pursue a QUIET LIFE, a PEACEFUL life, in your home, where you work, the church you attend, the team you are on, etc.?  Leading a quiet life will see us ceasing to be contentious with one another and pursuing peace with one another.  

    The Apostle Paul now steps on everyone’s toes as he commands us to MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS.  We are not to be BUSYBODIES! We are not to be investigating what’s going on with others and then giving our unsolicited opinion. Proverbs teaches “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” (Proverbs 26:17) Do you stick your “nose” WHERE IT DOES NOT BELONG? 

    To lead the quiet life and not be in everyone else’s business Paul gives the third command, the third priority, in telling us to GET TO DOING OUR OWN WORK!! If one is busy with their own life, one will not have time to interfere with someone else’s life. Getting busy with our own business takes away time to be sticking our “noses” in someone else’s business.  

    Getting up close and personal: Do you “stir up strife?” Do you stick your “nose” where it does not belong? Are you spending too much time in someone else’s business and not taking care of your own work? Maybe 1 Thessalonians needs to be a verse we memorize and put into action.  

    BTW: Why do this?  Verse 12 says, “Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 11 (4/11) is 1 Thessalonians 4:11. It says, “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,” 

    Continue Strong PURSUING the QUIET LIFE taking care of YOUR BUSINESS,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 10 (4/10) is James 4:10

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 10 (4/10) is James 4:10

     “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  – James 4:10
    YOU ARE GOD AND I AM NOT

    For the second time in chapter 4, James calls the believer to humble themselves before the Lord.  Just a few verses earlier in James 4:6 he wrote “But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”  James pulls this from Proverbs 3:34. One of the contrasting themes of Proverbs is the proud versus the humble.  God’s response could not be more different as He RESISTS the proud.  A word to describe resists would be a stiff arm.  On the other hand, God lifts up the humble.   Psalm 147:6 says, “The LORD lifts up the humble;”  

    To the one who humbles themselves and confesses their sin, He forgives and restores.  

    To the one who humbles themselves and asks for help in doing God’s work, God empowers and enables.  
      
    To humble oneself is to empty oneself of ego and declare a dependence on another. Instead of one saying I CAN they declare they CAN’T, even though they may think they can. To humble oneself is to refuse to continue to rely on oneself and resolve reliance on another.   

    Over the years I have watched students at school declare to their teachers I CAN DO IT MYSELF and then they make a MESS of things. I have watched adults do the same thing.  I have watched myself declare I can DO IT MYSELF and I make a mess of things!  Hmmm.  It even happens with those in ministry as we RELY ON OURSELVES, believing it is a weakness to rely on God.  Oh, what a mess we make of things.

    The Lord calls to us to RELY on Him.  We are to ABIDE in Him.  We are to TRUST Him. We are to COMMIT our ways to Him. To do these actions means we need to DECLARE unequivocally that WE are NOT GOD!  God is GOD AND I AM NOT HIM.  God is GOD and YOU ARE NOT HIM.  

    HUMBLING oneself releases God to do great things through you!  Make the move today and LET GOD DO FAR MORE THROUGH YOU than you could ever imagine. 

    In closing ponder why is it so hard for you to be humble, to humble yourself before God.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 10 (4/10) is James 4:10. It says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.“

    Humble yourselves before Him, declaring total dependence, and watch Him work!

    Continue Strong living humbly before God
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are
    of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –
     meditate (THINK) on these things. – Philippians 4:8
    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” 

    RIGHT THINKING LEADS TO RIGHT LIVING

    Our minds are incredible as we have the ABILITY TO THINK!  We can be CREATIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE in our thoughts. We can dream and come up with NEW ideas. We can imagine and INVENT.  We can think through problems and solve complex issues.  Maybe someone has said to you, “How did you think of that.”  

    While our minds can be constructive our minds can be destructive. Our thoughts can be corrupt, twisted, and yes, evil. The first time we come across the word “thought” in the Bible is in Genesis 6:5 and it is not good.  Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  

    Both good and bad actions follow thinking.  Anyone ask you lately WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

    Our attitude comes from thinking. We can have a positive, optimistic outlook. We can have a negative, pessimistic outlook based on our thinking. 

    As we DATE our verse for the date of 4/8, we place it in the context of Philippians 4 where the apostle Paul is laying out how to NOT be ANXIOUS from verse 6. Anxiety brings about a divided mind as our mind/thoughts are like in a tug-a-war. Instead of having a mind that is tearing itself apart, the Apostle tells us to PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING and one will then find peace — a peace that passes all understanding. 

    Now along with praying comes instructions to change our thinking and he writes what to THINK on, what to be thinking about.  He gives 8 proactive words for us to be thinking on.   

    We are to be thinking on things that are TRUE.   (Factual, Correct, Right, Honest)
    We are to be thinking on things that are NOBLE. (Honorable, Decent, Upright)
    We are to be thinking on things that are JUST.     (Fair, Impartial, Appropriate)
    We are to be thinking on things that are PURE.    (Authentic, Wholesome, Clean)
    We are to be thinking on things that are LOVELY.  (Pleasant, Delightful, Winsome)
    We are to be thinking on things that are of a GOOD REPORT,  (Beneficial, Decent)
    We are to be thinking on things that are VIRTUOUS,  (Righteous, Worthy, Excellent)
    We are to be thinking on things that are PRAISEWORTHY.   (Commendable, Admirable)

    8 proactive positive words; TRUE, NOBLE, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, PRAISEWORTHY. 

    Putting your “thinking” through this filter how is your thinking? 
    Are you thinking on things that are FALSE?  
    Are you thinking on things that are DEBASED?
    Are you thinking on things that are CORRUPT?
    Are you thinking on things that are UNCLEAN?
    Are you thinking on things that are UGLY?
    Are you thinking on things that are of a BAD REPORT?
    Are you thinking on things that are IMPURE?
    Are you thinking on things that are WORTHLESS?

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. It says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” 

    How does your “thinking” need to CHANGE?  A good verse to go with Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your thinking is Psalm 19:14. It says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

    Continue Strong with RIGHT THINKING
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/7) is 1 John 4:7

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/7) is 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. – I John 4:7
    A Mark of Salvation is our LOVE for OTHERS.

    The Apostle John is very concise and direct in his writings as he conveys what it means to be a believer.  His purpose for writing 1 John is stated in 1 John 5:13. It reads, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”  Thus, as one reads through the five chapters of 1 John one is going to read about the actions of a true believer.   

    Before we probe into our verse for the date let me point out that 1 John is the go-to letter for helping a person have the ASSURANCE of salvation.  Whenever I have dealt with a person doubting their salvation I have them read 1 John as it will either CONVINCE them that they are saved or it will CONVICT them that they are not saved.   

    1 John 4:7 is a verse that helps a person determine if they are really a believer and if they are really saved.  As John instructs believers (beloved) to love one another he also makes it clear that what he is instructing them is something that is already happening because if one is born of God and knows God they will be loving one another. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:9 loving others starts happening with a believer because God goes to teaching this the moment one is saved.  I Thess. 4:9 says, “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.”   

    If you are a believer your heart has changed toward God and toward others.  Now that Christ indwells you and you are a child of God (Galatians 4:6-7 “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father! 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”) your heart will be like the heart of God which LOVES, loving even to the point of sacrificing for sinners so they may be saved.  (Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.) 

    How do you know you are a believer?  You now love people that you may never ever thought you would love.  

    How do others know you are a believer?  The answer to this question reveals one of the reasons John is so resonant about believers loving one another.   In his gospel, he tells what Jesus conveyed to them shortly before heading out to go to the cross.   You may recall that Jesus gave a new commandment.  He said, “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.”  (John 13:34-35) 

    Loving others can be (is) at times very challenging and difficult.  One of my guiding principles is “the time a person needs love the most is the time they deserve it the least.”  I wrote this principle based on when God loved me the most, He loved me when I deserved it the least.  Again, we look at Romans 5:8 as “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

    If we are truly loving others with the actions that describe love from 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) and loving others like Christ loved us then we will be demonstrating love to fellow believers who don’t deserve it but need it!  When this is happening we can know that we are believers.

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 7 (4/7) is 1 John 4:7. It says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

    Power quote: The time a person needs love the most is when they deserve it the least.

    Continue Strong LOVING ONE ANOTHER
    And remember to DATE the WORD

    PS  Here are a few other verses for April 7 (4/7) you might want to consider:
    Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 

    2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

    Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

    1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

    2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

    Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6

    “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
    DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

    Life is, well, difficult and challenging.  We can easily become consumed with daily concerns. Martha, for example, was so overwhelmed, worried, and concerned with getting a meal prepared for Jesus and friends, that she got all out of sorts with her sister, Mary, and even with her honored dinner guest, JESUS.  Jesus told her that she was worried/anxious and troubled about many things.”   Is it possible your life is being consumed by daily concerns like Martha’s?   

    The Apostle Paul knew the reality of being anxious and addressed the subject head-on in Philippians 4:6.  He literally gives a command to STOP BEING ANXIOUS.  

    Why such a command?  Well, to be anxious is to have a divided mind as one does not know WHAT TO DO.  Instead of having this divided mind that paralyzes a person Paul says, pray. Instead of turning things over and over in your head turn things over to God.  Instead of tossing and turning with all your cares and concerns cast your cares on the Lord.  STOP WORRYING AND START PRAYING! 

    As one probes the depths of this very practical verse there are two words that do present a challenge and they should be examined and yes, applied as we pray.  Now, without a doubt, Paul wants us to take everything to God in prayer.  He tells us not to be anxious.  We are not to be worried.  He tells us to make our request to God regarding the things that have us worried and anxious.  Yet within this most wonderful and helpful verse are the words WITH THANKSGIVING.   As we make our request it is to come “with thanksgiving.”

    WITH THANKSGIVING.   Those two words are challenging as most of our prayers are for God to change something, something that we do not like.   I am not saying all our prayers are this but if I am being honest and you are being honest a lot of praying takes place because we do not like the situation or the circumstances we are facing.  To add to the prayer request THANKSGIVING seems to indicate an acceptance of the circumstance that we want God to change.   

    And that just might be the purpose behind the Holy Spirit guiding Paul’s hands in writing WITH THANKSGIVING to this invitation to pray.   As we give God thanks for the circumstance we want to be changed, we might find God wants to use the circumstance to change us.   Offering thanksgiving with our request may just change our perspective and instead of asking God to get us out of the circumstance, we ask God to get us through the circumstance.  

    Ultimately Philippians 4:6 is one of the great verses in the Bible that reminds us that God does want us to bring everything we are facing to Him in prayer.   We don’t need to be living a life of fear and anxiety.  We don’t have to have a divided mind.  We don’t have to be consumed with cares, and concerns.   

    Oh, by the way, just in case you were wondering what God does when we do bring these requests to Him we only have to look at verse 7.   Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  To our prayers God beings PEACE.  As Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

    Do not forfeit the peace of God all because you do not take everything to God in prayer.   

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

    DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

    Continue Strong praying about everything,
    And remember to DATE the Word