datethewordtest

Category: Verse to DATE

  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16
    John 3:16 says,  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

    HIS LOVE IS SEEN IN THAT HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

    Where does one even begin and what does one even say as one looks at the greatest words ever spoken and written? Before us is “the golden text” of Scripture. It is the “greatest verse” in all of the Bible.  It is the summation of the entire message of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  It has within it the deepest and most profound theological truths in which a theologian can write volumes on each word yet these 25 words are so simple and easy to read and understand that a 3-year-old can know that God loves them and can save them.   

    What should we know and understand from this verse?  I humbly submit we know and understand the LOVE of God.  To DATE John 3:16 is to understand and comprehend the LOVE of God.  The apostle Paul prayed that we would comprehend the LOVE of God in Ephesians 3 starting at verse 17.  He prayed, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;

    If I want to comprehend the love of Christ and the width of that love and the length of that love and the depth of that love and the height of that love I only have to look at what Jesus said in John 3:16.  Notice how wide and long and deep and high is God’s love for you!

    “For God so loved the world” is the width of His love.  His love is for everyone everywhere.  All humanity from sea to sea and from continent to continent is LOVED by God.  Jesus loves ALL the children of the world.  Red and yellow black and white they are PRECIOUS in His sight!   As His hands were stretched out on the cross it symbolized Him reaching around the world.  His commission is to take the gospel to the world, to the ENDS OF THE EARTH!  How wide is the LOVE of God?  His love is for everyone everywhere who has done everything wrong and against Him.  How wide is the LOVE of God?   It is demonstrated to us in that while we were SINNERS Christ died FOR US – for the ENTIRE WORLD OF SINNERS.

    “That He gave His Only Begotten Son” is the length of His love. The grave penalty for sin is death.  Sin must be punished.  To satisfy the wrath of God there had to be a perfect sacrifice.   Though He had created the universe with all the various elements there was not one thing that could redeem a man.  Peter explained it this way in 1 Peter 1:18 saying, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”  

    Micah asked the rhetorical question “With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”  (Micah 6:6-7)  

    There is nothing in God’s created world that can save sinful man.  So, God has to go the full length of love and give what is most precious to Him and He GIVES His only begotten Son.  

    “That whoever believes in Him should not perish” is the depth of His love.  Romans 5:6 “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Ungodly and sinners represent all the wickedness and unrighteousness and filthiness of mankind.  His love reaches to the vilest of all and pulls them out of the pit of iniquity.  There is no sinner that has gone too far from His reach to keep them from perishing!

    “But have everlasting life” is the height of His love.  He takes the one doomed, destined and deserving of hell who believes in His Son and gives them a home with Him in heaven for all eternity!  
    Verse to DATE the Word on March 16 (3/16) is John 3:16. It says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

    God loves you!  He loves you and everyone in the world.  He loves you even though you are a filthy sinner to GIVE His Only Son for you. He will give His life so He can give you life!  He so loves you He will change your eternal destination from hell to heaven if you will believe!

    Continue Strong knowing and accepting the greatest love you will ever know.  
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

    BTW – let others know about God’s love!  Share John 3:16 with others today!
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15
    1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  **The ESV reads, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

    Be READY TO TELL HIS STORY

    As believers, we will face trials and we will go through times described as suffering.  We will face persecution.  As trials, sufferings, and persecution come into our lives we respond differently.  In verse 14 of 1 Peter 3, Peter writes, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.”   This is a definite difference.  Burdens are blessings.  Instead of becoming more FEARFUL, we become more FAITHFUL!  The test does not trouble us as we see it developing our testimony.  

    YOUR TEST DEVELOPS YOUR TESTIMONY!

    Peter follows up his teaching on how our response is different by telling us to now be READY TO GIVE THE REASON FOR SUCH A RESPONSE.  As unbelievers see a response of hope in the midst of hopelessness they will WANT TO KNOW WHY AND HOW you could respond as you have responded.  Your response of trusting God in the trial and/or the suffering is OPENING a door to SHOW and SHARE your SAVIOR!  Your trust in God as you face the test creates an opportunity to tell your testimony!  Thus, you need to BE READY!!!

    It is worth noting that the Greek word for “a defense” gives us our English word apology.  While an apology is immediately thought of as an acknowledgment of having done something wrong it is also an explanation or a justification.  From this Greek word, we get what is called APOLOGETICS.  A person involved in APOLOGETICS explains Christian BELIEFS.  They help us to know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe it. 

    While it is worth knowing about apologetics and that its origin is here in 1 Peter 3:15 what we need to know is each of us should be ready to share with simplicity how God is impacting our lives.   

    How has He impacted your life in the past?  What is your story of being saved?  
    How is He impacting your life in the present?  What is your story of God’s present provisions?   
    How is He impacting your life for the future?   What is your story of trusting God with all your tomorrows?  

    My hope from looking at 1 Peter 3:15 is each of us will be looking for opportunities to share our story.  As I grew up one of my favorite hymns to sing was, I Love to Tell the Story. The third stanza says, “I love to tell the story; ’Tis pleasant to repeat What seems each time I tell it,  More wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story; For some have never heard The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word.” 
    Then the chorus says, “I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” 
    I trust you love to tell the story of Jesus and are looking for opportunities to tell His story!

    Now here is a thought from DATE THE WORD.  Tomorrow is March 16 or 3/16 and when we think of 3/16 hopefully John 3:16 comes to mind.  Plan now to share John 3:16 through the variety of social media avenues you have.  Tell the story of Jesus to someone using March 16 (3/16) as an opening and share John 3:16.

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15. It says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

    Continue Strong telling His Story
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14
    Titus 3:14 says, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

    DOING GOOD WORKS

    The Apostle Paul over and over makes it clear that our WORKS DON’T WORK for salvation.  It is a false gospel to tell a person that good works will save them.  As he writes to Titus he makes it abundantly clear how one OBTAINS salvation. Notice Titus 3:3-7 “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.  4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  It is hard to miss that we are “NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE.”  Works don’t work to save!  

    However, while works do not work to save, once one is saved one will be diligent to do good works! Following verse 7 Paul writes in verse 8 “This is a faithful saying and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”   It is hard to miss that we who “have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.”  

    GOOD WORKS DON’T WORK TO SAVE BUT THE SAVED WILL DO GOOD WORKS!

    I think I can make a strong argument that the Apostle Paul was PASSIONATE that a person is justified by faith and faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ AND that he was passionate that a believer will be fully engaged in doing good works.   Three times in the book of Titus alone he stressed the necessity of believers doing good works.  Notice these verses: Titus 2:14 says “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
    Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
    And our verse to DATE: Titus 3:14  “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

    You might recall his teaching on good works followed after being saved from Ephesians 2:8-10.  He wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

    Are you learning to MAINTAIN good works?  Are you watching for opportunities to DO GOOD, to do good, especially to members of the household of faith?  (Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.)

    As we do good to and for others we glorify God and even cause the unbelieving world to notice and glorify God.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

    I read that Benjamin Franklin liked to ask two questions each day, one in the morning and one in the evening.  The morning question was WHAT GOOD SHALL I DO TODAY? The one in the evening was WHAT GOOD HAVE I DONE TODAY?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 14 (3/14) is Titus 3:14. It says, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful,”

    I can’t think of a much worse commentary of a believer’s life than to hear one is unfruitful!   Be good and DO good!!  

    Continue Strong DOING GOOD WORKS!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

     
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13
    2 Thessalonians 3:13 says, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

    The REMINDER

    I titled this devotion the REMINDER because a very important truth is being revealed in the Apostle Paul’s ENCOURAGEMENT to not grow weary.   The truth that we need to be reminded of is one can grow WEARY in DOING GOOD!  Please let that truth sink in.  You can become tired, exhausted, and worn out DOING GOOD.  While we think the way of the wicked is hard (and it is according to Proverbs 13:15) DOING GOOD can be hard on you.  

    In case you are not convinced, this truth is so important to the Apostle Paul that he stated this to the Galatians as well.  Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

    How should we respond to this reminder?

    I think we begin by recalling that it was Jesus who told His disciples to come apart and rest.  This story is in Mark 6.  Jesus sends His disciples out to do ministry and in Mark 6:30 they return with their reports of doing good.  In response to their reports, “He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) The KJV says, “Come ye yourselves apart.”  I heard it said many times either come apart or you will come a part.  

    Jesus told His disciples to REST.  Periodic rest is needed as we are doing good so we don’t become weary and worn down, worn down to the point of giving up and quitting.  

    Pausing to rest, to relax, may very well be difficult for some of you reading this.  Is it for you?  I am not sure where I first heard this but a speaker said that he did not believe in taking a vacation.  He said the devil never takes a vacation so why should he take a vacation?  Then he realized that the devil was not his role model.  Jesus is His role model.  Jesus took naps and Jesus told His disciples to come away and REST.  He then recommended we take vacations!  

    BEING A CANDLE OR BEING AN OIL LAMP, that is the question.

    As I considered taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and yes, spiritually so that I can be my best at doing good when my best is needed, I changed the analogy of being a candle to that of an oil lamp.  Maybe you have heard that we can look at our lives like a candle.  Early in my ministry, I would hear speakers talking about the dangers of burning the candle on both ends yet I also heard speakers say they would rather burn out than rust out.   It was a great sound bite, but I did not want to burn out.   For me, it made more sense to be an oil lamp rather than a candle. 

    Let me quickly tell you about the oil lamp and why I chose the oil lamp over the candle analogy.  Because of where I grew up our home had several oil lamps as we are prone to lose our electricity.  Early on I was taught how to REFUEL an oil lamp.  Did you know that the refueling of an oil lamp meant the oil lamp was not burning?  To refill meant blowing out the light and then unscrewing the top so you could pour more lamp oil in.  The light had to stop burning for a period of time.   By stopping the use of the oil lamp we were able to continue using the oil lamp.  

    On the other hand, you have a candle, and it just keeps burning until there is nothing left.   

    So, picture the Oil Lamp versus the Candle. The oil lamp will “rest” and be refueled and goes back to burning.  The candle burns out.  Which do you want to be?

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 13 (3/13) is 2 Thessalonians 3:13. It says, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

    Be proactive to REST so that you might stay strong in the race God has for you. REST!! REFUEL!!

    Continue Strong coming apart so you don’t come a part.
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12
    Philippians 3:12 says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” 
    Dogged Determination to BECOME MORE for Jesus 

    As a believer, I have come to understand that I am permanently saved because of justification. With permanent salvation though comes progressive sanctification. There will come a day of perfect salvation. I was taught to look at salvation as I am saved, I am being saved and I will be saved.  I am saved is justification.  I am being saved is sanctification and I will be saved is glorification. As a believer, I am now BECOMING what Jesus wants me to be and do.  As the Apostle Paul writes of his spiritual journey that he had not attained I can surely say the same.   His personal evaluation and then his statement of commitment is inspiring to me and I trust to you as well!

    As we unpack our verse to DATE we have the apostle Paul giving his personal testimony in Philippians 3. He will review his past and then evaluate his present. I like to call what he is doing as DEFINING REALITY.  He is being very honest with himself and freely admits that he is NOT what he should be or could be for Christ.  In doing the difficult self-inspection he RESOLVES with DETERMINATION to REACH WHAT CHRIST WANTS ME TO BE! 

    As I read Philippians 3:12 I am reminded of a quote I came across probably 40 years ago that said, “Great leaders are never satisfied with present levels of success.”   More from a spiritual growth component I found that I resonated with that quote because of my studying Philippians 3.   The Apostle Paul was never satisfied with his spiritual development or his spiritual service.  My thinking is if the apostle Paul is not satisfied with his spiritual development and his spiritual service then how could I be satisfied?

    Are you satisfied with your spiritual development?  Are you satisfied with your spiritual service?  Are you presently drifting away from what you had attained and were doing for Christ?  Does your conversation have a lot of “I USE TO” statements?  Is there complacency or worse apathy to pursuing growth and service?  

    As the Apostle Paul defines present reality, he gives a very powerful resolve that starts with a word we associate with contrast saying BUT…  This word BUT is more than a contrast here as Paul is using this word to convey COMMITMENT.  While he is NOT, he makes it clear WHAT HE IS.  He is PRESSING forward.  He is PURSUING.   His dissatisfaction with the present level has brought about a determination, a dogged determination, to be more like Christ and do more for Christ. 

    His determination will be followed up with discipline as he writes in Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

    DID YOU CATCH THE DISCIPLINE?  He said ONE THING I DO!  

    Are you in pursuit of becoming all you can be for Jesus?  If your answer is yes then you are going to have moments of dissatisfaction that turn into new determination followed by a new discipline to PRESS ON!

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12. It says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”

    Define your spiritual life reality and determine to improve, never be satisfied.  

    Continue Strong, 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11
    Ruth 3:11 says “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” 
    HOW ARE YOU KNOWN AROUND TOWN?

    As one moves through the beautiful story of Ruth one comes to chapter 3 to find that Ruth is made aware by her mother-in-law Naomi that Boaz is a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Naomi instructs Ruth to inform him and request that he consider being her kinsmen redeemer.  Ruth 3:11 is his response to her request and while the response of yes is what is most important to the story, his reasoning is what is most important to this devotion.  Boaz tells her that he will do all that is requested of him FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF MY TOWN KNOW THAT YOU ARE A VIRTUOUS WOMAN!”

    How are you known around town?  What is the first thought someone has upon hearing your name or upon seeing your face as you enter a room?  How are you known?  What is your reputation?  What is your TESTIMONY?

    In the book of Ruth, we could if we had the time, trace how Boaz had noticed the activities of Ruth. I will put just a few highlights.  First, Boaz had seen her gathering grain in his fields and had learned that she was not gathering grain just for herself but for her mother-in-law Naomi.  He had learned that after Ruth’s husband had died she made the difficult decision to leave her family and country to come to a foreign country with her mother-in-law Naomi, who was also a widow.  Boaz had heard of Ruth’s kindness and devotion to Naomi.  And not only had Boaz noticed these things about Ruth but others had as well and Ruth had become the talk of the town for all the GOOD she was doing.  

    I return to my earlier questions. How are you KNOWN around your TOWN?  How are you “known: at your school? How are you known at your place of employment? How are you known at the Gym? At the Golf course? At church? How are you known in your home?

    As you read the questions there is the temptation to say that you really don’t care what others think. That would be a mistake.  As believers, there are numerous challenges from the Bible to be examples to others.  Those who are to be placed in leadership roles in the church are to have a GOOD REPUTATION (Acts 6:3) and a GOOD TESTIMONY.  That good testimony is not just for those inside the church they are leading but for those on the OUTSIDE.  (1 Tim. 3:7) 

    The reasoning of Boaz for saying yes to Ruth’s request is a serious reminder to each of us just how important daily decisions matter.   I heard a preacher say once that our salvation is secure, but our testimony is not.  It is very possible to have a life of doing good destroyed by one bad, sinful act. As I recall he challenged us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and guard our testimony (1 Timothy 3:7).  

    As a reminder about the importance of a good name notice as we wrap up:
    Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
    To those who serve in churches: Titus 2:7 “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 11 (3/11) is Ruth 3:11. It says “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” 

    Let us have a good testimony! Let’s be known for integrity and virtue around town!

    Continue Strong,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 10 (3/10) is 2 Timothy 3:10

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 10 (3/10) is 2 Timothy 3:10

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 10 (3/10) is 2 Timothy 3:10
    2 Timothy 3:10 says, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,”

    ESSENTIAL TOPICS TO TEACH as a DISCIPLER

    As my boys were growing up, they played little league baseball.  It wasn’t long after they started playing that I was asked to help as an assistant coach.  This was something I had never done before so there was a LEARNING CURVE.  I was blessed early on to assist a coach who had played in college and I was able to LEARN how to run a practice.  While baseball is a simple game it is also a very complex game I learned from him that we wanted to get the team not only to practice the basics of fielding, throwing, catching, hitting and running but also what to do in a variety of game situations.  When we arrived at practice he had a list of things to go over and do so each player could get some practice in the basics and in game situations.  He knew the areas that needed to be developed and as a result this team did very well.   

    I share this about me learning about what needed to be practiced because I have found that like baseball, discipleship, while simple, can be complex.  I have found that most people know they are to be discipling other people and many would like to but they don’t know how to run the practice.  Being transparent I was in this category.  I knew I was to be discipling others and I wanted to disciple others but I DID NOT KNOW what I should be teaching.  

    As I struggled with what was involved with discipling I had a couple of young men come to me and ask if I would disciple them.  Now I had to get an answer as I agreed to meet with them once a week.  To get the answer I recalled someone somewhere saying 2 Timothy was a book that revealed how the Apostle Paul discipled Timothy.  So I grabbed my Bible and I read through the four chapters and sure enough, I saw how one could conclude 2 Timothy was a book about discipleship.  The first major conclusion came from 2 Timothy 2:2 which says, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  I reasoned that to disciple another was to teach what I had learned from the various men who had discipled me.  

    The second conclusion that this was a book about how to disciple came from our verse to date on March 10, (3/10), 2 Timothy 3:10. It starts with, “But you have carefully followed my…”  As I consider those words I am realizing that what would come next would be things that Paul taught, (discipled) Timothy to do.  So, then I read that Paul had taught Timothy “doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,”
     
    From 2 Timothy 3:10, I saw seven essential areas to pour into the two young men that wanted me to disciple them.  I would teach them what we believed as believers (doctrine) and how we should behave as believers (manner of life).  I would want to spend time with them about determining what God wanted them to do with their life (purpose).  I would be spending time with them on how to trust God to do what He wanted them to do (faith).  We would look at how to get along with people by being patient (longsuffering) and showing them love. And we would consider what it took to stay in the race that God had set before us (perseverance.)

    Like coaching a baseball team the essentials, I now had the essentials for discipling.  And now you have them as well.  If you are going to fulfill the Lord’s commission of going and making disciples I strongly encourage you to read 2 Timothy and especially drill down on 2 Timothy 3:10. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 10 (3/10) is 2 Timothy 3:10. 2 Timothy 3:10 says, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,”

    Continue Strong making disciples,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
     
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 9 (3/9) is 1 Kings 3:9

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 9 (3/9) is 1 Kings 3:9

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 9 (3/9) is 1 Kings 3:9
    1 Kings 3:9 says, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

    ASK FOR WISDOM!!

    King Solomon has been granted the grand prize of prizes in that he can ASK God for anything. The story of God’s offer to Solomon is found in 1 Kings 3:5-15.  Starting at verse 5 we read of the offer.  “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”  

    Have you ever pondered how enormous this offer is? The One who OWNS it all (Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein) says Ask! What shall I give you? Solomon could ask for RICHES and WEALTH!  The One who is all POWERFUL; the One who is all KNOWING says, ASK! What shall I give you? Solomon could be asking for power and fame.  

    WHAT WOULD YOU BE ASKING FOR IF THIS WAS PRESENTED TO YOU?

    Before making his request, the passage shows us how Solomon came to make his request.  He confesses that he does not have the understanding nor wisdom nor discernment to be the leader that a king needs to have. 1 Kings 3:7 says, “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.”  There is great humility here as Solomon is wise enough to know he is not wise enough.  

    Knowing that he does not know what he needs to know he makes the wisest of decisions to ask for understanding, discernment, yes, for WISDOM! While he could have asked for power yet he understood that without wisdom one could easily misuse power. He could have asked for wealth but without wisdom, one’s wealth would lose its value. He could have asked for fame but without wisdom fame and honor goes to one’s head bringing about arrogance. So instead of asking for things almost any human would have asked for he asked for wisdom.  Oh, the wisdom of asking for wisdom! 

    WHAT WOULD YOU BE ASKING FOR IF THIS WAS PRESENTED TO YOU?

    I place the question before you a second time because the truth of the matter is as believers every moment is living the Solomon dream because God has said through Pastor James in James 1:5 that if any man lacks wisdom LET HIM ASK GOD! Read it and read it again! James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” 

    Quick story: As my father-in-law was driving across several states on a long drive with his grandson he kept asking questions about the different things he was seeing.  To his surprise, his grandson was rattling off the answers. Being impressed at how smart his grandson was he complimented him. His grandson then revealed that he was simply entering the question into Google.  My father-in-law then said you might be stupid but there is now no reason to be ignorant since there is Google at your fingertips.

    Friends, it is true that with GOOGLE you have so much knowledge of things but more than not being ignorant I would say to you that you don’t have to be stupid!  You can ask GOD for WISDOM, wisdom for making life decisions!  

    I appeal to you to APPLY the wisdom that tells you to ASK and to ACQUIRE wisdom! Get into God’s Word where you will find wisdom for living.  One approach I take is to read a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs.  Today is the 9th day so I read Proverbs 9. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 9 (3/9) is 1 Kings 3:9. It says, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

    WISDOM says, ASK for wisdom and ACQUIRE wisdom, and APPLY wisdom!

    Continue Strong getting WISDOM from God!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8
    1 Peter 3:8 says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

    HOW TO GET ALONG WITH OTHERS 

    Teddy Roosevelt once said, “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.”  While I agree with Mr. Roosevelt, I also have this quote: To live above, with saints we love, that will be glory. To live below, with the saints we know, that’s quite a different story!

    Getting along with others is …….  How do you finish the sentence?   I doubt any of you are answering with the word EASY.  Getting along with others is….CHALLENGING.  Can be difficult.  Can be excruciating.  

    We know that getting along with others is challenging simply because of how many books have been written to help us.  For instance, Dale Carnegie wrote, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” in 1936 and it is still being sold.  (I would add that it is a must-read for every teenager.)  Dr. John Maxwell has sold millions of books to help leaders lead and some of the top sellers are on the subject of becoming a people person!  In Steven Covey’s book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 3 of the habits focus on PEOPLE SKILLS.  There is no question that we all need help with getting along with others.  

    Do you want some help on getting along with others and not having to go buy a $20 book (and then read it) or go to an all-day seminar paying $225 to learn to play nice?   Well, we have the help we need in our verse for the date of March 8 (3/8). Let’s read it again (and maybe save you some money!)  Peter says in 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

    When I was a Campus Pastor at Liberty University, I would have posters made with this verse to have put in every Residence Hall room.  At some point, every room had a conflict.  In seeking to HELP ROOMMATES get along we placed 1 Peter 3:8 before their eyes. We also used Ephesians 4:32 which said, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”  

    What can we learn from 1 Peter 3:8?
    1.     Be of the same mind.  We must be unified.  There has to be UNITY in the UNIT.   As Christians, we are ALL on the same team.  Like a football team, we DIFFER in assignments and roles but we are ALL on the same team.  Like a great orchestra, we play different instruments but we play the same song.  
    2.    Be compassionate – caring for each other – lifting one another up
    3.    Be loving as bothers.  It has the idea of having the other person’s back.  And never forget that the time a person needs love the most is when they deserve it the least. 
    4.    Be tenderhearted.  This has the idea of seeking to understand.  
    5.    Be courteous to one another.  The idea is to always be RESPECTFUL.  Treat each person with dignity.  
    6.    Add Kindness from Ephesians 4:32.  Kindness is active goodwill.  
    7.    Add Forgiveness from Ephesians 4:32.  Forgiveness is the glue that holds all relationships together.  As Christ forgave you forgive.  

    While the books can be helpful, I can tell you that the best guidance for how to get along is found in 1 Peter 3:8.   With the addition of Ephesians 4:32 and Philippians 2:4 that tells us to esteem others better than ourselves and look out for the interest of others before looking out for ourselves we have the essential ingredients to GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER.  

    The challenge is….no, it is not the other person.  The challenge is with us.  The challenge is PUTTING INTO ACTION 1 Peter 3:8. When we humble ourselves and start practicing these instructions we will start seeing better results in our relationships!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8. It says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

    Continue strong getting along with others,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 7 (3/7) is Proverbs 3:7

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 7 (3/7) is Proverbs 3:7

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 7 (3/7) is Proverbs 3:7

    Proverbs 3:7 says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.”
    I CAN DO IT MYSELF

    Having just told us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEART and NOT LEAN ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, to ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL OUR WAYS AND HE WILL DIRECT OUR PATHS, Proverbs 3:7 follows up with a timely admonition to NOT BE WISE IN OUR OWN EYES; FEAR THE LORD AND DEPART FROM EVIL.”  

    When I look at these three verses together verse 7 speaks volumes because it challenges me to NOT LEAN ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING.  I don’t know about you, but I am prone to believe I can do it myself.  Experience, however, has taught me time and again that those five words have gotten me in a lot of trouble.  And I have seen it get a lot of other people in trouble.  While there is something to be said positive about being self-sufficient and something to be said about being able to live independently, choosing to live INDEPENDENTLY of God is not going to end well.   

    An illustration here might be good.  A child so wants to be able to DO IT THEMSELVES.  Can you picture this as a parent, and/or grandparent, and or teacher of preschoolers?   There is orange juice for the child and THEY WANT TO POUR IT FOR THEMSELVES.  They grab the carton and immediately you step toward the child saying, “No Johnny, let me help you.”  And then you hear those famous last words before there is a mess to clean up I CAN DO IT MYSELF.  

    Just curious how many times have you MADE A MESS with life because you said to God, I CAN DO IT MYSELF?  Instead of applying the TRUST IN THE LORD part of Proverbs 3:5 you LEANED ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.  How did that turn out for you?

    I find Proverbs 3:7 to be a timely reminder to one of the most valuable instructions we have on handling the decisions of life.  The placement of this verse really could not be at a better place. While it seems to be a stand-alone verse it really should be viewed in connection to Proverbs 3:5-6. Having been instructed to TRUST GOD rather than TRUST SELF we find INSTRUCTIONS to NOT BE WISE IN OUR OWN EYES but rather FEAR THE LORD and in doing so DEPART FROM EVIL. Instead of I CAN DO IT MYSELF we acknowledge the authority of God and our need of God and He then leads us, leading us away from temptations and in paths of righteousness.  

    I trust you made the connection with the last sentence to the Lord’s Prayer and to the work of the shepherd in Psalm 23.  When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we pray that He will not lead us into temptation.  With the prayer, we are submitting to His guidance and from Psalm 23 we learn the shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness.   Rather than leaning on our own understanding and being wise in our own eyes, we TRUST and RELY on the Lord and then WE DON’T MAKE A MESS OF THINGS.  

    Not being wise in our own eyes is difficult because we all have an EGO.  I like to define EGO as EDGING GOD OUT.  The decision of decisions will be whether the Lord will be Lord of your life or will you be lord of your life.  When one FEARS THE LORD they have removed self from the throne of their heart and have placed the Lord as LORD of their heart.  One moves from self-dependence to Savior dependence.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 7 (3/7) is Proverbs 3:7. It says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.”

    Will it be I CAN DO IT MYSELF or I NEED YOU, LORD?

    Continue strong TRUSTING IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD