Category: Verse of the Day

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

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November 25, Luke 19:10

“Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.””

Luke 19:10 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.
Jesus’ words ring true even today.  He comes to find and restore the lost.  Sometimes, the lost don’t even realize they are lost, and they aren’t even looking — unless, of course, they’re looking like Zacchaeus was looking — from the sidelines.  And then, they realize that Jesus has come to them, for them.
 
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November 24, I Chronicles 16:34

“Give thanks to God — he is good and his love never quits. Say, “Save us, Savior God, round us up and get us out of these godless places, So we can give thanks to your holy Name, and bask in your life of praise.””

1 Chronicles 16:34 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.
His love never quits! How much more simple an assurance can one find?  It never quits; it never gives up on you; it is always there; it is eternal.  When this sinks in completely, take a moment to consider what the appropriate response to such a love ought to be?  It ought to be one of gratitude, plain and simple.  So, let us give thanks to God because he is good and his love never quits.
 
 
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November 23, 2 Corinthians 9:15

“Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!”

2 Corinthians 9:15 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.

The benefits of “carrying out this social relief work” are manifold! There is so much more to it than meets the eye, Paul is telling his readers, not the least of which is to show your gratitude to God for the great gifts that you have received of him. May this always be the motivation for doing whatever you can to help those less privileged.

 

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November 22, Ephesians 4:1-3

“In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.”

Ephesians 4:1-3 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.
It’s not easy trying to work with people all the time.  Especially when you aren’t appreciated or recognized, or when you’re taken for granted.  But here’s Paul writing to the early Christians in Ephesus telling them to walk the Christian faith not in “fits and starts” but steadily, continuously, and intentionally.  May it be that we are able to put this into practice everyday.
 
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November 21, Psalm 3:3

“But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain.”

Psalm 3:3 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.
David is fierce in his trust in God’s provision and protection to him.  There is physical protection that he speaks of in this verse — shielding him on all sides, grounding his feet, lifting his head high.  This is a God who cares about all aspects of our being — our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  May it be that we never fail to remember this.
 
 
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November 20, Proverbs 13:20

“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.”

Proverbs 13:20 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.
I suppose it doesn’t get any clearer than that now, does it? Choosing one’s company is an intentional choice that speaks volumes to one’s natural proclivities as well as the consequences of those choices.  Here’s some advice that ought to be taken seriously by those who care about themselves.  And who doesn’t?
 
 
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November 19, Psalm 37:4

“Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.”

Psalm 37:4 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.
A more traditional translation offers these familiar words to this verse:  4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  To me that reads as if to mean that in addition to everything else that our busied selves take pleasure in, include God on that list.  Take pleasure in spending time with God in prayer; take pleasure in his Word; take pleasure in serving others.  The key phrase is to take pleasure, or to “delight yourself”.  Don’t make it a drudgery or a chore.  Take pleasure in it!
 
 
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November 18, Psalm 119:11

“How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.”

Psalm 119:11 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.
David’s passionate proclamations and promises both to himself and to God are inspiring in that they inform us about how intentional and personal this whole business of loving God truly is.  It isn’t about yourself, about doing and being and living a certain way just because you are out to prove your goodness, but because it is the least that you can do for so great a gift that God has given to you — your life itself, and eternal life, for those who believe.