datethewordtest

Category: Verse to DATE

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 6 (1/6) is Luke 1:6

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 6 (1/6) is Luke 1:6
    Luke 1:6 says. And they (Zacharias and Elizabeth) were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
    A Tremendous EXAMPLE

    Luke has begun to unpack the story of Jesus and starts with the introduction of the parents of John the Baptist, Zacharias and Elizabeth.  Verse 5 tells us the time period and the occupation of Zacharias and the lineage of Elizabeth.  Luke 1:5 says, “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.”  Verse 6 now tells of their CHARACTER with verse 7 telling of their CHALLENGE.  Verse 7 says, “But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.”  That would change as God would answer their prayers and to them would be born the forerunner to the Messiah, John the Baptist.

    Our verse to DATE challenges us and hopefully inspires us in the area of CHARACTER.  Notice first that both Zacharias and Elizabeth are described as RIGHTEOUS before God.  This speaks of both internal and external.  Inwardly they could only be righteous because like Abraham they had to believe God for salvation.  Their own righteousness was as filthy rags but for this to be said of them they would have had to place their FAITH in God.  Externally they lived doing what was RIGHT in God’s sight.  Proverbs 20:7 says the righteous walk/live with integrity.  

    Not only was this godly couple righteous before God they walked in all of God’s commandments and ordinances.  In other words, they lived OBEDIENT LIVES.   They OBEYED God.  While involved in the work of a priest offering sacrifices, I surmise that they both understood what Samuel said to Saul in 1 Samuel 15:12 saying, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”  Zacharias and Elizabeth were far more than “religious people.”  Their love and devotion to God brought about a heart of obedience to God.   The apostle John would write later in 2 John 1:6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”   

    Because of living righteous and obedient lives, Luke described them as BLAMELESS.  Not perfect, but BLAMELESS.  To be BLAMELESS is to be above reproach or questioning.  Noah,  who may have been an example for Zacharias and Elizabeth, was known as blameless.  From Genesis 6:9 we read “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.  Job was known for being blameless.  Notice Job 1:1 and his character description; Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.”  Daniel was known for being blameless and from the lion’s den he told the king that God had protected him because he was blameless.  See Daniel 6:22. One who serves as a deacon in a church is to be examined to see if they are BLAMELESS.  “And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:10) Psalms119:1 tells us that “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!”

    So, a person, who could be a friend or family member, a co-worker, or maybe a pastor, picks up a pen to write some words about you as Luke did about Zacharias and Elizabeth.  What do they write?  How do they describe your CHARACTER?

    As a reminder from this godly couple, your character is constantly under construction and constantly on display.  Remember that daily you sow a thought and reap an act.  You sow an act, and you reap a habit. You sow a habit and you reap a CHARACTER.  You sow a CHARACTER, and you reap a destiny.   

    What are you sowing – doing today to develop a godly CHARACTER?  Would your character be an example to others?

    verse to DATE the Word on January 6 (1/6) is Luke 1:6. It says. And they (Zacharias and Elizabeth) were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

    Continue Strong living right before God, obeying God and walking blamelessly before God and man!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 5 (1/5) is James 1:5

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 5 (1/5) is James 1:5
    James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
    GREAT NEWS! There is heavenly help for earthly living.

    Pastor James tells us that as we are facing the challenges of life our heavenly Father makes His insights for living available.  His WISDOM is available at the ASKING!  His wisdom allows us to see and understand life from His perspective.  His wisdom provides the skills for living life. 

    Do you need help with living life? Of course, you do.  Now a fool might answer differently because they are a know it all.  Don’t be a fool.  Recognize and acknowledge that you know that you don’t know it all.  A man by the name of Solomon becomes king.  In a dream he is told that he could ask God for ANYTHING.  As he looked at all the responsibilities that had been entrusted to him he ASKED FOR WISDOM.  In 2 Chronicles 1:10 he asked, “grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people.”  Why did he ask for wisdom?  The answer is found in the last statement of verse 10.  Solomon says, “For who can judge this great people of Yours?”  Solomon recognized and acknowledged that he knew he did not know what he needed to know. 

    Instead of being a know it all, go to the One who knows it all!

    I surely do not know what trial you are facing but I do know there is heavenly help available at the asking.  Heed the advice of Pastor James that screams ASK OF GOD! Please DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK!! And if there is a hesitation to Pastor James’ advice, I remind you that Hebrews 4:16 extends an invitation stating, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

    Day by day and moment by moment hear God’s voice saying to you DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK ME FOR HELP.  DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK ME FOR WISDOM!

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 5 (1/5) is James 1:5. It says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

    GREAT NEWS! There is heavenly help for earthly living.  There is God’s wisdom available at the asking.

    Continue Strong with heaven’s help,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 4 (1/4)
    is Nehemiah 1:4

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 4 (1/4) is Nehemiah 1:4
    Nehemiah 1:4 says, “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” 
    Heartbroken to Action

    The book of Nehemiah begins with a delegation of Jews from Jerusalem visiting Nehemiah at Shushan where Nehemiah was serving as the king’s cupbearer.  In verse two we read that Nehemiah ASK a question.  This question may have been just a courtesy question or even a curious question or it may have been a very intentional fact-finding question in which Nehemiah wants to know HOW ARE THINGS IN JERUSALEM.  He specifically asked about the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  He wanted to know about the people and the place.  

    Verse 3 reports the answer to his question with the delegation saying, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”

    We may read this quickly, but I beg you to pause and ponder.  This is more than a status report.  It is a critical analysis of a group of people and a very special city.  The people are in GREAT DISTRESS and REPROACH.  There is tremendous fear as their enemies ridicule them.  The walls that provide security, as well as significance, are broken down and the gates that would serve as checkpoints are nonexistent.  GREAT DISTRESS WITH GREAT DESTRUCTION.    

    How will Nehemiah react and yes, RESPOND to such dismal, dreadful, shall we say agonizing news? After all, he is MILES away and he himself is not really impacted by the misery and pain.  He is the king’s cupbearer that has him in very high places around very important people.   Life is not too bad personally for Nehemiah.  Will he feel bad?  Will he shrug his shoulders?  Will he take this to heart and decide something must be done?  

    Verse 4 now tells us of his reaction and his response:  “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days;”  That is his reaction.  He is heartbroken.  What he has heard with his ears has gripped his heart.  He will not dismiss the news.  

    Verse 4 continues, “I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”  This is his response. He goes to work.  No, not work with his hands but with his knees.  He knows the work that must be done to bring about change NEEDS GOD.  In these moments a DREAM of born that immediately DEMANDED DEPENDENCE on GOD!  He begins to FAST AND PRAY!!   Nehemiah’s heart is broken and burdened and now he GOES to …… not the king (yet)….not Jerusalem (yet)…not even his friends (yet). HE GOES TO GOD.   

    May I ask you if there is anything that is breaking your heart? 
    Maybe I should be a little more direct.  Are you asking about the conditions of people and places so that your heart might be broke?  It is easy. is it not, to live in our own little bubble and forget there is a world (a neighborhood, a neighbor) in GREAT DISTRESS?

    I think based on Nehemiah’s reaction and response to the painful report we should ask what is your usual reaction and response to bad news.  Is it easily dismissed?  Or does a dream start forming of how you can make a difference? 

    I think an action that should come from reading about Nehemiah is that we pray a prayer that says, “God break my heart with the things that break Your heart!”

    As you think on Nehemiah 1:4 I am praying that you will see yourself as a NEHEMIAH who will live to make a difference for the Lord.  AND Nehemiah was a difference-maker.  Here in Nehemiah 1 the people are in great distress.  When you get to the end of Nehemiah 8 they are in great gladness.   He made a DIFFERENCE! 

    I pray you will a dream that drives you to your knees in total dependence on God and you will make a difference!

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 4 (1/4) is Nehemiah 1:4. It says, “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” 

    How will life be different for others because you became a NEHEMIAH?

    Continue Strong with a broken heart!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 3 (1/3) is Jude 1:3

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 3 (1/3) is Jude 1:3
    Jude 1:3 says, Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
    DEFEND WHAT WAS DELIVERED

    It has been said that Christianity is one generation from extinction.  The faith that we have received is to be SHARED from one generation to the next generation.  As well Christianity has to be DEFENDED as it is under constant attack.  The reason for the strong EXHORTATION to contend  earnestly for the faith is found in verse 4 as it says, “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    As a believer who is to contend earnestly for the faith, one will need to not just know WHAT one believes but WHY one believes what one believes.   As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15 we are to GIVE A REASON for the hope that is in you.  

    When we think about what we are to earnestly contend for regarding our faith what are the crucial doctrines we are to earnestly contend and defend?  With this devotion notice 5 essential doctrines traditionally called the FIVE FUNDAMENTALS.

    We believe in the INSPIRATION of SCRIPTURE.  
    We believe in the VIRGIN BIRTH AND DEITY OF CHRIST.
    We believe in the SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH OF CHRIST.
    We believe in the BODILY RESURRECTION OF CHRIST.
    We believe in the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

    These five fundamentals are non-negotiable.  My discipler, Bill Crawford, told me there could be no compromise of these five doctrines.  He told me that I was to stand for the faith!  

    In a world that hates Christianity and demands tolerance and acceptance of all beliefs and behaviors you, as a believer, must be firm on your beliefs.  Without being arrogant or contentious you give solid reasons, defending, yes, contending for the faith that has been delivered to you!

    Do you know what you believe about your Christian beliefs?  Do you know why you believe what you believe?  What are some areas that need to be strengthened so that you might give solid reasons and as needed defend what you believe?   

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 3 (1/3) is Jude 1:3. It says, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”


    Continue Strong defending the faith delivered to you,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 2 (1/2) is Psalm 1:2

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 2 (1/2) is Psalm 1:2
    Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”
    Psalm 1 is one of the FOUNDATIONAL chapters of the Bible for how to live life!  It is one of the first chapters I recommend being memorized. One of the main reasons for learning this Psalm is that verse 1 starts with the word BLESSED as this Psalm tells what one is to be doing to be blessed by God.  After the word BLESSED, we find there are two actions that a person needs to do in order to be BLESSED.  There will be a NOT action and a DO ACTION.  

    With the NOT ACTION we do NOT associate with people who will influence us AWAY from God and INTO sinful living.  Verse 1 says, “Blessed is the person who walks NOT in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners nor sits in the seat of the scorner.”  I draw the principle from verse 1 that one TAKES PRECAUTION in ASSOCIATING WITH THE WICKED! 

    To be blessed you need to TAKE PRECAUTION IN ASSOCIATING WITH THE WICKED!

    While we have a NOT action in verse 1 we have a DO action in verse 2 as it tells us the blessed man’s delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”  The principle I draw here is one TAKES PLEASURE in MEDITATING ON THE WORD! 

    To be blessed you need to TAKE PLEASURE IN MEDITATING ON THE WORD!

    One way of looking at Psalm 1:1-2 is:
    in v 1 the WORLD influences the person. 
    in v 2 the WORD influences the person.

    To be BLESSED, a person will NOT just REJECT what the world says but will REMOVE the WORLD’S influencers from their lives.  You should be asking WHO and WHAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED from your life as we begin a New Year.

    To be BLESSED means that you BRING the influence of the WORD into your life by DELIGHTING in DISCOVERING what God’s Word says and DOING what it says.  It will be in the DOING that God’s blessing begins to FLOW and one will begin to be fruitful and flourish!

    BTW – to BRING the influence of God’s Word into your life means you will be READING IT, HEARING IT, MEMORIZING IT, STUDYING IT, and MEDITATING on it. (Meditation means to chew the cud as a cow does with her food.)  

    I so want you to know the blessings of God.  Make the decision to daily be INFLUENCED by the WORD.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 2 (1/2) is Psalm 1:2.  It says, “But the blessed person’s delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

    Continue Strong filling your heart and mind with the WORD OF GOD
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 1 (1/1) is Genesis 1:1

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 1 (1/1) is Genesis 1:1
    Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
    IT ALL BEGINS WITH GOD!

    Genesis 1:1 is the beginning verse of our Bible, and it clearly tells us first and foremost there is GOD. Only a fool can say in their heart that there is no God.  From Genesis 1:1 there is GOD.  And everything there exist begins with GOD.  He is working.  He is CREATING the heavens and the earth. 

    Pause and ponder that. God created the HEAVENS and the EARTH. 

    I am not sure what you have seen that is man-made that you would label IMPRESSIVE, maybe a building or bridges, paintings, etc. but no one has done anything as IMPRESSIVE as the creation of the heavens and the earth.  He created the oceans, rivers, seas, and mountains.  He created the sun, the stars, and the planets.  He created animals and flowers and trees.  He created it ALL!  INCREDIBLY IMPRESSIVE!  INCREDIBLY POWERFUL!  As the psalmist wanted to give a solid reason for looking to God when needing help he said “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

    In Genesis 1 the story of creation will continue until there is the creation of man and then woman. As God evaluated the sixth day. in which He created man and woman, He said it was VERY GOOD.  I encourage you on this first day of the New Year to not only consider Gen. 1:1 but read the entire chapter of Genesis 1.  

    How might we respond to Genesis 1:1?  While it surely is a fact that answers the huge question of where this world and we humans come from, Revelation 4:11 gives us the answer for how to respond to God, the creator.  Revelation 4:11 says, “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.”  

    The answer to how to respond to Genesis 1:1 is to worship the CREATOR!  Revelation 4:11 is a doxology, a doxology of PRAISE to GOD. YOU were created to WORSHIP GOD!  

     As we begin a new year let us remember how it all began with GOD, and let us worship our CREATOR and, yes our REDEEMER!  A phrase I like to say is “Worthy is the Lamb!” 

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 1 (1/1) is Genesis 1:1. It says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

    Happy NEW YEAR!  May you enjoy a blessed new year being a BLESSING!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Monthly THEME verses to DATE the Word in 2023

    12 THEME Verses to DATE the Word during 2023
    2 Kings 23:3 Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant.
    For January 1 Corinthians 1:23
    1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
    Theme: PREACH CHRIST and Him Crucified regardless of how it might be received! 

    For February Exodus 2:23
    Exodus 2:23 “Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.”
    Theme: CAST YOUR CARES & the cares of others on the Lord.  Come to the throne of grace to find help & grace. 

    For March Colossians 3:23
    Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
    Theme: Autograph your work with passion and excellence, doing it all for the Lord

    For April Proverbs 4:23
    Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
    Theme: Guard your heart and have regular spiritual heart check-ups!

    For May Proverbs 19:23
    Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
    Theme:  Live fearing the Lord that you might live in satisfaction

    For June  Proverbs 6:23
    Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
    Theme: Receive God’s Word and rebukes for to have LIFE with your life

    For July  Jeremiah 7:23
    Jeremiah 7:23 “But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’
    Theme: Commit to keeping His commands

    For August  Leviticus 8:23
    Leviticus 8:23 as instructed Moses killed the bull.  He then took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.
    Theme:  From head to toe be fully dedicated to the Lord

    For September  Luke 9:23
    Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
    Theme: Commit to dying daily to self to live completely following the Lord, 

    For October  Proverbs 23:23
    Proverbs 23:23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
    Theme:  Commit to ACQUIRING and appling wisdom to  your life

    For November  Acts 11:23
    Acts 11:23 “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
    Theme: Recognize where God is working and rejoice about it and give all the encouragement you can for them to continue strong

    For December 1 Samuel 12:23
    1 Samuel 12:23 says, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.” 
    Theme: Make the COMMITMENT TO BE A PRAYER WARRIOR AND A DISCIPLER!

    The CHAPTER I have chosen for 2023 is 2 Kings 23
    In 2 Kings 23 good King Josiah hears and reads God’s Word and responds to it personally and then challenges others to obey it and in doing so there is REVIVAL.  May we read and hear God’s Word and respond with obedience personally and then call on others to read and hear God’s Word that they too might obey.  Might we have a revival in 2023.  BTW – I define revival as a renewed obedience to the Word of God! 

    2 Kings 23:1  Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him.
    2  And the king went up to the house of the LORD, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
    3  And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.
    4 ¶  And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel.
    5  And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens.
    6  And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the LORD, outside Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron and beat it to dust and cast the dust of it upon the graves of the common people.
    7  And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes who were in the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah.
    8  And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had made offerings, from Geba to Beersheba. And he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on one’s left at the gate of the city.
    9  However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.
    10  And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech.
    11  And he removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the entrance to the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the precincts. And he burned the chariots of the sun with fire.
    12  And the altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, he pulled down and broke in pieces and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.
    13  And the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
    14  And he broke in pieces the pillars and cut down the Asherim and filled their places with the bones of men.
    15  Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah.
    16  And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the mount. And he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the LORD that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things.
    17  Then he said, “What is that monument that I see?” And the men of the city told him, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and predicted these things that you have done against the altar at Bethel.”
    18  And he said, “Let him be; let no man move his bones.” So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria.
    19  And Josiah removed all the shrines also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which kings of Israel had made, provoking the LORD to anger. He did to them according to all that he had done at Bethel.
    20  And he sacrificed all the priests of the high places who were there, on the altars, and burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
    21  And the king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.”
    22  For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah.
    23  But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.
    24  Moreover, Josiah put away the mediums and the necromancers and the household gods and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might establish the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.
    25 ¶  Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.
    26  Still the LORD did not turn from the burning of his great wrath, by which his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked him.
    27  And the LORD said, “I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city that I have chosen, Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.”
    28  Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
    29  In his days Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates. King Josiah went to meet him, and Pharaoh Neco killed him at Megiddo, as soon as he saw him.
    30  And his servants carried him dead in a chariot from Megiddo and brought him to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father’s place.
    31 ¶  Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
    32  And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.
    33  And Pharaoh Neco put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
    34  And Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz away, and he came to Egypt and died there.
    35  And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money according to the command of Pharaoh. He exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, from everyone according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Neco.
    36  Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.
    37  And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.

    May you enjoy a BLESSED NEW YEAR!

    Continue Strong observing and obeying God’s Word
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on December 31 (12/31) is Luke 12:31

    Our verse to DATE the Word on December 31 (12/31) is Luke 12:31
    Luke 12:31 says, “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 
    HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!!!!  

    What are you SEEKING?

    Portions of what we call the Sermon on the Mount that is found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7 are found in Luke 12.  Luke places the teaching on worrying and being consumed with concerns about the present after Jesus has addressed people about being covetous.  Being consumed with the cares and concerns of life chokes out our life.  (See Luke 8:14) Our lives are so much more than food and drink and clothing.  And our lives are not about GETTING and HAVING THE MOST and BEST of everything.  We draw from Luke 12:15 that the best things in life are not things. 

    If life is not about getting things and not even about making sure we survive by focusing all our attention on getting the basics for living, what then is life about?  Luke 12:31 says, “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33 reads, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

    Luke 12:31 reminds us of what our top priority should be.   I am not sure what you are SEEKING but based on Scripture seeking and doing the will of God should be the preeminent priority of the Christian’s life.   
     
    Consider a few other verses to help solidify that seeking and doing God’s will is to be your top priority;

    Joshua 24:14 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

    Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

    Psalm 27:8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”

    Finally, notice a comparison of Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, and Philippians 2:21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
    Will you be a 1:21 person or a 2:21 person in the new year?

    Our verse to DATE the Word on December 31 (12/31) is Luke 12:31. It says, “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

    Continue Strong with Jesus always being FIRST!!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Resolve TO RESOLVE on 12/31 for BETTER RESULTS in 2023

    Resolve TO RESOLVE on 12/31
    Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved
    During the days of December 30-31 take the challenge to Resolve to RESOLVE for BETTER RESULTS in 2023. 

    Some people struggle with making New Year’s resolutions and I get that.  However, I am a big believer in EVALUATING where one is and MAKING PROPER ADJUSTMENTS!  I have found that the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a great week to evaluate the past year and write out dreams (goals) and resolutions for the coming year.  Here are a few evaluating questions: What were the highlights of 2022?  What were the challenging moments of 2022?  What do you wish you could do over?  (It could have answers of both good and bad.)  As you look back what do you wish you would have done?  As you look back what do you wish you would have done differently? 
    As we think of making resolutions let us remember that if we keep doing what we have been doing we will keep having what we have been having. 
    And let us remember that though we cannot go back and make a brand new start we can start today and make a brand new end. 

    As a way to help you make some new resolutions, start with the challenge to RESOLVE TO RESOLVE.  Daniel was DIFFERENT because he RESOLVED in his heart to do some things and not do some things!  

    For 2023 please allow me to challenge you to RESOLVE.

    Resolve to be RESPONSIBLE with your RESPONSIBILITIES
    Proverbs 12:27  The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence (being responsible) is man’s precious possession.

    Resolve to EXERCISE doing spiritual disciplines. 
    1 Timothy 4:7  But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
    Some of the spiritual exercises include having a daily Quiet Time; Bible reading; Prayer; Fellowship; Witnessing; at times Fasting; Cooperate worship; discipling, etc.
    BTW – the Greek word for exercise here gives us our English word gymnasium.    
    Resolve to going to the spiritual gymnasium and exercising daily! 

    Resolve to SERVE like Christ
    Galatians 5:13    : For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
    Remember it is not about TITLES! It is about TOWELS. See John 13:1-15 especial 13:4 and 13:12

    Resolve to OBEY the ONE ANOTHERS 
    Over the years of study, I have found at least 56 things the NT teaches that I am to be doing for OTHERS.  For example, we have several things to do for others in Ephesians 4:32.  It says. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” 
    I did write OBEY the ONE ANOTHERS because while it might be easy to memorize a verse like Ephesians 4:32 in AWANA, the application can be missing when we get home. 
    Learn and put the ONE ANOTHERS INTO ACTION!

    Resolve to LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE
    Mark 12:28  Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29  Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments [is]: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30  ‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.  31  “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
    As you evaluate the past year is it possible that you lost your first love?  You may have gotten so busy doing the work of the Lord you forgot the Lord of the work.  Is it possible that you see people as a problem rather than seeing people with problems?  Every now and then you need to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 

    Resolve to be VALIANT in the Lord’s Battles.  
    Hebrews 11:32      And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also [of] David and Samuel and the prophets: 33  who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,  34  quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens”
    2 Samuel 23:20  And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen.  21  And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 22  These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and won a name beside the three mighty men.

    Remember that we are to be SALT AND LIGHT in the dark world.
    Matthew 5:13  “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15  “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives lighl to all who are in the house. 16  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
    Be VALIANT in being salt and light for Jesus!

    Resolve to do the work of an EVANGELIST.  
    2 Timothy 4;5  But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
    Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous [is a] tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.”
    Go and TELL the good news to the lost in 2023!

    So I challenge you to resolve to RESOLVE for BETTER RESULTS IN 2023!

    Continue Strong and have a very blessed and fruitful NEW YEAR!!  
    DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on December 30 (12/30) is Mark 12:30

    Our verse to DATE the Word on December 30 (12/30) is Mark 12:30
    Mark 12:30 says, “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” 
    Jesus is being QUESTIONED, EXAMINED if you will, by the religious leaders at the temple.  In Mark 12:28 a scribe presents one of the questions that is greatly debated among the religious leaders asking Jesus WHAT IS THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT?  This was a pretty good question to ask as there were 613 laws or commandments and within those 613 were the Ten Commandments.  One can imagine the interest at this moment as to what Jesus would say.  

    What was His answer?  Starting at Mark 12:29 He answered, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30 ‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31  “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

    What was His answer as we seek to discover truth to apply to our lives?  I don’t mean to oversimplify but I think we can sum up His answer with LOVE GOD! LOVE PEOPLE!

    LOVE GOD!  

    LOVE PEOPLE!

    Love God because He first loved you!

    Love people even if they don’t love you back.  

    LOVE GOD!!  LOVE PEOPLE!!

    As we review the past and look to the future with a new year before us what has been your priorities and what will your priorities be?  Where does your relationship with God fall on your list of priorities?  Where does your relationship with people fall on your list of priorities?  What changes need to be made?

    Verse to DATE the Word on December 30 (12/30) is Mark 12:30. It says, “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. (31 “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”)

    Continue Strong INCREASING in your LOVE FOR GOD and LOVE FOR PEOPLE
    And remember to DATE THE WORD