Category: Verse of the Day

“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”

“There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.”

John was an emissary.  He did not shy away from his calling, and made it clear that he wasn’t announcing himself, rather he was announcing one whose shoes, he said, he was not worthy to untie.  With great humility as well as confidence, John brings the message to the people.  If you are a believer today, are you an emissary for Christ also? 

“With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.”

“Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation.”

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

John1:14 MSG – A verse of the day from the Bible presented in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary version called The Message. Accompanied by a personal reflection below.

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

Consider it a gift?  That’s exactly what he says — consider it a GIFT!  In a season that celebrates gift-giving, here’s something to think about:  the “tests and challenges” of life are a “sheer gift” in disguise.  It certainly helps to look at life in this way, doesn’t it?  Remove the irony from it, and you will see that there is certainly something valuable and significant that is to be had from those difficult life-experiences.  The author says there is much to be had.  Here’s hoping that we remember this in all seasons of our lives, especially the difficult ones.

“Just as you’ll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, So you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does.”

“So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you.”