datethewordtest

Category: Verse to DATE

  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14
    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.”
    For God, LOVE is spelled G A V E!!

    On Valentine’s Day, our thoughts naturally turn to LOVE.  While Titus 2:14 does not have the word LOVE in it, it is saturated with LOVE as it tells how Jesus Christ GAVE HIMSELF for us.  He GAVE HIMSELF so we could be REDEEM as we could never pay the price that was owed.  His death PURCHASED us out of the slave market of sin.  He GAVE Himself in order to CLEANSE US from our filthiness and stains of sin that we could never get clean.  He GAVE Himself so He could HAVE us as His own special people, called in Ephesians His BRIDE.  

    OH, HOW JESUS LOVED and LOVES US!!  OH, HOW JESUS LOVED YOU AND LOVES YOU!

    When seeking to define LOVE one of the first words that comes to mind is GIVES! LOVE GIVES!  LOVE SACRIFICES!!!  LOVE DOES for another what one could never DO for themselves. LOVE GIVES for another what one could never GET for themselves. You might recall what Jesus said in John 15:13.  It says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  He laid down His life for us.  He died for us.  He GAVE HIS LIFE for us, for you!

    May I encourage you to take a quick minute and consider the GIVING of Christ starting with our verse for 2/14?  Let His love saturate your heart!
    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.”
    Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
    1 Timothy 2:6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all–the testimony that was given at just the right time.
    1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit,
    Revelation 1:5-6 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has washed us, released us from our sins by His blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nations.”
    John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
    Romans 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
    Matthew 20:28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
    Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

    With outstretched hands upon a rugged wooden cross, Jesus Christ shouts to I LOVE YOU.  He calls to you to BE MINE!   Have accepted Him?  

    If you have accepted His invitation to BE HIS I propose we should be now asking Him what shall we give back to Him who has given His all for us.

    The answer is to WORSHIP Him AND go to WORK for Him!!! As He GAVE His life for us, we now GIVE Him our life!  As He fulfilled the Father’s will we now seek to know and to DO HIS WILL with our lives. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 14 (2/14) is Titus 2:14.  It 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.”

    “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  John 15:13

    Continue Strong knowing JESUS LOVES YOU!  
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13
    1 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe”
    Offering a Warm WELCOME to the WORD

    1 Thessalonians chapter 2 begins with the apostle Paul reminding them of his time with them.  He reminds them how he CARED for them, and he reminds them of the CHARGE he gave them to live lives worthy of their new calling.  

    In verse 13 he continues to remind them of his time with them, but he first commends them by giving words of appreciation.  His appreciation for them is because they RECEIVED the WORD of GOD and in doing so the WORD of GOD went to WORK in them, like a seed that had been planted and was now growing and producing fruit!  

    And they not only received the Word of God they WELCOMED it.  They received the Word with great pleasure.  They wanted the TRUTH.  There were great expectations and excitement about hearing God’s Word.  Their hearts and minds were eager to learn.  What a great compliment Paul has given them.  They WELCOMED the Word.  

    Our verse to DATE gives us, most likely, a new thought for reacting and responding to God’s Word. We are to hear it and receive it and treasure it.  We are to hide it in our hearts.  We are to obey the Word.  Here we read of a church that WELCOMED the Word.  This is the only time we read of this type of response.  The word “welcomed” conveys to receive with pleasure.  It gives a warm reception! Just as Mary and Martha WELCOMED Jesus to their home (Luke 10:38) the Thessalonians WELCOMED the WORD into their hearts! 

    Getting practical I ask do you have a WELCOMING spirit for hearing and learning God’s Word?  Do you offer a warm reception to the Word of God?  How excited are you to hear God’s Word taught?  Can your pastor or Bible study teacher feel a sense of anticipation from your spirit as God’s Word is being opened and taught?  Do you have an eagerness to read God’s Word for yourself?  Would you describe yourself as one who is WELCOMING to the Word?  Would others describe you as a person who is WELCOMING, receiving with pleasure, the Word of God?  

    Our verse also reveals the great WORK the Word does. The Greek word for work here gives us our English word energy.  The Word of God is energy in us and the energy (work) transforms. When received and applied the Word of God goes to work CHANGING US.  Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”   

    Let us take to heart 1 Thessalonians 2:13 and RECEIVE the WORD, and even more so, WELCOME the Word, for as you WELCOME THE WORD, the WORD goes to WORK!
     
    Verse to DATE the Word on February 13 (2/13) is 1 Thessalonians 2:13. It says, “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 

    Continue Strong with a warm, welcoming heart to the Word of God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12
    1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
    Living in a manner WORTHY of the CALLING

    As I read the letters of the apostle Paul it is clear that he was PASSIONATE – totally CONSUMED – with the idea that a believer is to WALK/LIVE WORTHY, living to PLEASE GOD. This theme is stated over and over in letter after letter.  Along with his charge we just read to the Thessalonians, he would write:
    To the Ephesians in 4:1 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner WORTHY of the calling to which you have been called,

    To the Philippians in 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be WORTHY of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

    To the Colossians in1:10 “so as to walk in a manner WORTHY of the Lord, fully PLEASING Him, Here in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 “we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

    To the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 he wrote “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.

    To the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians in 1:11 “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,

    To the Corinthians he wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:9 “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well PLEASING to Him.”

    To the Ephesians, he appealed in Ephesians 5:10 that they would “discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

    What is your purpose today and every day as a believer based on the verses you have read and in considering the charge and exhortation of the Apostle Paul for “you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”  

    The answer is easy, is it not? 

    The question then is how do you go about day by day, minute by minute living a life that is worthy of God who has made you part of His family and of His kingdom?  

    For me, it having questions that serve as a filter for decision making, such as does this action or attitude live up to the EXPECTATIONS of my Lord?  Is the action ACCEPTABLE to the Lord?  Does the action/attitude PLEASE Him?

    Another answer we might give is to LIVE LIKE Jesus as He pleased His heavenly Father.  I heard a friend say that more than seeking to LIVE LIKE Jesus we need to ABIDE in and with JESUS because who we hang around is who we become.   Make the decision to abide with Jesus and you will find yourself living life Jesus and then you will be doing things WORTHY of your calling!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 12 (2/12) is 1 Thessalonians 2:12. It says, “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

    Continue Strong living worthy of your high calling!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11

    Verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11

    Our verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11
    Luke 2:11 says, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 
    Matthew 2:11 says, “And when they (the wise men) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” 
    Responding to the Savior

    February 11 is not normally associated with Christmas unless you are looking at verses that connect to a date.  Even though we are in February, just days from Valentine’s day,  I could not resist using Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11 for February 11 (2/11).   I do recall from the movie A Christmas Carol that Scrooge said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Thus we seek to learn and live out lessons from Christmas all year!

    Our two verses combine to tell of the MOST AMAZING ANNOUNCEMENT the human race could hear and the MOST INCREDIBLE RESPONSE to the SAVIOR.  The amazing announcement brings to us the answer to our greatest problem.  The response challenges us, and inspires us, on how to respond to the Savior. 

    Let us first consider the amazing announcement.   While each word has significance the word SAVIOR stands out above the rest.  Jesus came to SAVE.  Matthew 1:21 says, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” John 1:29 says, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  In Matthew 18:11 “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. In Luke 19:10 we read, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    His purpose was to be our SAVIOR!  What makes this such an amazing announcement may be best shown by the words of Roy Lessin who wrote: If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.

    How do we respond?  From Matthew 2:11 we read of how Wise men came to Him and they fell down and worshipped Him.  What these wise men did was a preview of what is happening in heaven.  Revelation tells several times of those in heaven falling down, bowing down, laying prostrate before the Lamb, THE SAVIOR, and worshipping Him.   

    When is the last time you fell down, knelt down, bowed down, and laid prostrate before the Lamb?  When was the last time you poured yourself out in worship?  Worship comes from a word meaning to COUNT WORTHY.  Our worship is considering the Lamb WORTHY thus from your heart comes WORTHY IS THE LAMB!  

    Their response continues with GENEROSITY.  They gave, they PRESENTED gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”  So much can be learned here about the gifts, but for now please let the word PRESENTED hold your attention.  The Apostle Paul calls us in Romans 12:1 to PRESENT ourselves to God as a holy vessel, a living sacrifice.  As the wise men presented from their treasures, we present ourselves, our lives to Him.  Just as the Corinthians gave themselves to the Lord we GIVE ourselves to the Lord.  (2 Cor. 8:5)

    Yes, let us keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.   Hear the amazing announcement that the Savior has been born and let us now be the ANNOUNCERS as His ambassadors.  Let us daily kneel before Him and offer worship and present ourselves as His holy vessels to be used as He sees fit!

    Verses to DATE the Word on February 11 (2/11) are Luke 2:11 and Matthew 2:11. Luke 2:11 says, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  Matthew 2:11 says, “And when they (the wise men) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” 

    Continue Strong with adoration of your Savior,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10
    Titus 2:10 says, “not stealing, but demonstrating complete faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.”
    Living a Life that Makes the Gospel Attractive

    In the Apostle Paul’s writings to churches and to individuals, you cannot help but see challenges and instructions to live differently as a believer.  There were things the believer is NO LONGER TO DO.  Our verse tells us NOT to STEAL – no longer stealing.  There are new things we are TO DO. Our verse says we are to demonstrate complete FAITHFULNESS.  The person who has trusted Christ as Savior is a changed person.  

    The apostle now connects living differently to the sharing of the gospel. Don’t miss the two words “SO THAT.”  One of the reasons we live differently is SO THAT we can PRESENT the teachings of Christ to OTHERS in an ATTRACTIVE WAY!

    Our daily actions can make the gospel appealing and attractive or appalling and ugly. 

    By the things we do and say we can draw a person to wanting to know more about becoming a Christian or by the things we do and say can become a major turn-off for a person of ever wanting to be a Christian.  

    In Titus 2:10 Paul says our actions can be thought of as our APPEARANCE.  The verse has the word “ADORN”.  The Greek word that is translated as ADORN gives us the English word COSMETIC. 

    Now, why does one use cosmetics?  One uses cosmetics to make one more attractive, if you will, more acceptable, and yes, more appealing.  Some put on make-up.  Some put on after-shave. Hopefully, all put on deodorant.   We use a variety of COSMETICS to make our appearance more attractive and acceptable.

    As we think about making ourselves PHYSICALLY attractive and acceptable we need to think about our ACTIONS making the gospel ATTRACTIVE. Living lives of integrity and lives of loving others and lives of service and generosity and living a life of joy will make the gospel attractive. Living hypocritically, saying one thing but doing another is a huge turnoff. 

    Are your daily actions making the gospel attractive and appealing?  

    BTW – I find an excellent guide for making the gospel attractive in 1 Timothy 4:12.  I Timothy 4:12 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.”  I draw from the actions of being an example to believers that these are significant actions as well toward unbelievers.  I encourage you to look at and live these actions before both the believer and the unbeliever.  

    Let us diligently act accordingly ADORNING the gospel, making it ATTRACTIVE and APPEALING!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 10 (2/10) is Titus 2:10. It says, “not stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

    “You are writing a Gospel,
    A chapter each day,
    By deeds that you do,
    By words that you say.

    Men read what you write,
    Whether faithless or true;
    Say, what is the Gospel
    According to you?”

    Continue Strong as an “ATTRACTIVE” witness for Jesus
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9
    Hebrews 2:9 says, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”
    BUT WE SEE JESUS

    The writer of Hebrews wants the reader to know JESUS IS BETTER! He is BETTER than any Old Testament Prophet. He is BETTER than any angel.  He is BETTER than any sacrificial system.  He is BETTER than Moses.  He is BETTER than Joshua. He is BETTER than any covenant.  He is BETTER than any promise.  He is BETTER than any man!  In short, CHRIST IS BETTER!!  

    As we look and consider our verse to DATE, we are pointed to SEE JESUS as HE is the only One worthy of being seen.  While it is true that for a little while He was made a little lower than angels, He carried out the Father’s will and He SUFFERED and DIED.  Don’t read that too quickly.  He SUFFERED AND DIED.  As the verse says, suffering death….that He might taste DEATH for everyone.  On the cross where He was CRUCIFIED, on that cruel cross, He DIED.  He experienced DEATH.  

    SEE HIM!!  As the hymn writer Isaac Watts wrote in When I Survey the Wonderous Cross, See from His head His hands His feet.  SEE HIM!  He is there for you, tasting, experiencing DEATH that He did not deserve.  

    Let 1 Peter 3:18 explain why He tasted death.  1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

    Let Hebrews 2:14 explain why He tasted death. Hebrews 2:14 says, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
    Let Hebrews 9:15 explain why He tasted death. Hebrews 9:15 says, “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

    How do we respond to the one who has SUFFERED and TASTED DEATH for us?  The verse says He is “crowned with glory and honor.”  His Father has crowned Him with glory and honor.  His Father has placed Him at His right hand.   His Father has decided that He is EXALTED and has a name ABOVE which is above every name.  Philippians 2:9 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    SEE HIM!!!  BOW BEFORE HIM!!!  CONFESS THAT HE IS LORD!!!  CRY OUT with HEAVEN “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:11) “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. (Rev. 5:11-14)

    WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN, who TASTED DEATH!  Worthy to receive GLORY AND HONOR!   Let that be our response!

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 9 (2/9) is Hebrews 2:9. It says, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”

    Love so amazing demands my life, my soul, my all!

    Continue Strong with humble gratitude for the one who tasted death for you!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 8 (2/8) is Ephesians 2:8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For further study on this, you might consider some sports heroes who lost their crowns after it was determined they cheated.
    You might consider some Christian leaders who made some very bad sinful decisions.  
    You might consider some Biblical examples who made some very bad sinful decisions. 
    Remember that greater men and women have fallen so always be on GUARD.