Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 223 - 231
May 2, 2018
Week 223
Romans 8:18 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
For me daily I feel like I encounter obstacles. These obstacles can be of various kinds, work issues, home issues, family issues, car issues, etc. The one thing that these issues do for me is drive me to a sense of desiring to be home with Jesus. Don't get me wrong it's always a strong desire of mine to live this life fully, but not fully for me but fully for the Lord. As I was reading this morning's devotion, the verse for tonight caught my attention as Paul wrote that no matter what we face in this life that causes us to "suffer" it is not even worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.
My mom lived this life to the best of mom's abilities, though I remember so many times as I got older that this is mom's life, I still have more, but mom, gave up all my had to receive obstacles essentially suffering. Yet towards the end of my mom's Earthly life here I recall mom's strength increasing, and this increase as I ponder this tonight was because of mom's understanding that though this is mom's life the better life for mom was waiting.
This is the truth for all believers who follow Jesus, though we all face obstacles that can cause suffering, it is the glory that we look forward too. For we as followers of Jesus know that this life is not all there is, there is life, and that life is the better life, the life with Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
One lady I heard put it this way, as she talked about her mom's passing, she simply said, "...my mom went home to Glory"
What a thought! Praise God.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home to Glory.
Song: Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah - Lyrics
Week 223
Romans 8:18 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
For me daily I feel like I encounter obstacles. These obstacles can be of various kinds, work issues, home issues, family issues, car issues, etc. The one thing that these issues do for me is drive me to a sense of desiring to be home with Jesus. Don't get me wrong it's always a strong desire of mine to live this life fully, but not fully for me but fully for the Lord. As I was reading this morning's devotion, the verse for tonight caught my attention as Paul wrote that no matter what we face in this life that causes us to "suffer" it is not even worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.
My mom lived this life to the best of mom's abilities, though I remember so many times as I got older that this is mom's life, I still have more, but mom, gave up all my had to receive obstacles essentially suffering. Yet towards the end of my mom's Earthly life here I recall mom's strength increasing, and this increase as I ponder this tonight was because of mom's understanding that though this is mom's life the better life for mom was waiting.
This is the truth for all believers who follow Jesus, though we all face obstacles that can cause suffering, it is the glory that we look forward too. For we as followers of Jesus know that this life is not all there is, there is life, and that life is the better life, the life with Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
One lady I heard put it this way, as she talked about her mom's passing, she simply said, "...my mom went home to Glory"
What a thought! Praise God.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home to Glory.
Song: Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah - Lyrics
May 9, 2018
Week 224:
Job 38:12 ESV
“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,
Admit-tingly in life we all go through ups and downs and this is true for everyone of us living on Earth, No one is 100% happy all the time, or 100% sad all the time, even the most depressed can find something that will cheer them even if it's a mil-second. The biggest thing in this world we live in as a Christian is knowing that how many ups and downs we go through is that we serve a God, that exists beyond space and time that brought this universe into existence, who loves and cares for us. Tonight's verse comes from the book of Job and teaches us that we serve a God that can handle our issues. Job a man of God was inflicted by Satan (which God allowed), because it was said that the only reason Job served God was because of all the good that God allowed into his life.
In Job 38, as Job sat inflicted, God spoke to him, and explained to his faithful servant who He was. God said essentially I created the Universe and all in it that allows you to live here, the infliction you are experiencing is small and I can and will take care of you.
My mom could have had a nice life in India, mom's dad would of taken care of mom. However after a hard marriage here in the US, and having kids, mom knew mom couldn't take us back to India to live as non-citizens there, but here in the states life for us would be better. Mom knew that no matter what God would take care of us, and the pain of never seeing mom's dad again would pale to the pain of not taking care of what God had given mom. Mom knew God was bigger than mom's problems.
In life we can always remember that the pain we experience here is never too BIG for the God we serve, and that God allows the pain to allow us to seek and to find Him and for us to see the ups and downs of life as a way to experience the power of our Creator.
He is BIGGER than any of our inflictions.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home with no afflictions soon,
Song: Kutless - What Faith Can Do (Official Music Video)
Week 224:
Job 38:12 ESV
“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,
Admit-tingly in life we all go through ups and downs and this is true for everyone of us living on Earth, No one is 100% happy all the time, or 100% sad all the time, even the most depressed can find something that will cheer them even if it's a mil-second. The biggest thing in this world we live in as a Christian is knowing that how many ups and downs we go through is that we serve a God, that exists beyond space and time that brought this universe into existence, who loves and cares for us. Tonight's verse comes from the book of Job and teaches us that we serve a God that can handle our issues. Job a man of God was inflicted by Satan (which God allowed), because it was said that the only reason Job served God was because of all the good that God allowed into his life.
In Job 38, as Job sat inflicted, God spoke to him, and explained to his faithful servant who He was. God said essentially I created the Universe and all in it that allows you to live here, the infliction you are experiencing is small and I can and will take care of you.
My mom could have had a nice life in India, mom's dad would of taken care of mom. However after a hard marriage here in the US, and having kids, mom knew mom couldn't take us back to India to live as non-citizens there, but here in the states life for us would be better. Mom knew that no matter what God would take care of us, and the pain of never seeing mom's dad again would pale to the pain of not taking care of what God had given mom. Mom knew God was bigger than mom's problems.
In life we can always remember that the pain we experience here is never too BIG for the God we serve, and that God allows the pain to allow us to seek and to find Him and for us to see the ups and downs of life as a way to experience the power of our Creator.
He is BIGGER than any of our inflictions.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home with no afflictions soon,
Song: Kutless - What Faith Can Do (Official Music Video)
May 16, 2017
Week 225:
Philippians 4:12-13 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
For a lot of us who follow Christ, and trust Him as our Lord and Savior, we might make the mistake that life should be easy. However tonight's verse, shows Paul a faithful follower of Jesus, still struggling in life, the key however is that he has learned something very important.
Paul learns in the verse we chose tonight that it is not Paul that gains strength to carry on through all the anguish and sorrows but it is the strength of Jesus that carries him through.
My mom a follower of Christ I can recall in early life uttering these words "What kind of life is this?". This was a growing phase, as later in my mom's life I could see and witness nothing but praise and admiration for Jesus. Mom raised us and mom saw us grow up. Now mom could reflect and see all the good that the Lord had done.
I think as Christians we too sometimes may feel we need to utter the same words my mom did. However, when these struggles come, remember then and now that it is through His strength that we can carry on.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with my Strength Giver Jesus.
Song: Matthew West - Strong Enough
Week 225:
Philippians 4:12-13 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
For a lot of us who follow Christ, and trust Him as our Lord and Savior, we might make the mistake that life should be easy. However tonight's verse, shows Paul a faithful follower of Jesus, still struggling in life, the key however is that he has learned something very important.
Paul learns in the verse we chose tonight that it is not Paul that gains strength to carry on through all the anguish and sorrows but it is the strength of Jesus that carries him through.
My mom a follower of Christ I can recall in early life uttering these words "What kind of life is this?". This was a growing phase, as later in my mom's life I could see and witness nothing but praise and admiration for Jesus. Mom raised us and mom saw us grow up. Now mom could reflect and see all the good that the Lord had done.
I think as Christians we too sometimes may feel we need to utter the same words my mom did. However, when these struggles come, remember then and now that it is through His strength that we can carry on.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with my Strength Giver Jesus.
Song: Matthew West - Strong Enough
May 23,, 2018
Week 226
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Tonight's verse from the pages of Isaiah, and it strick me and brought a smile to my face as I read it. In a very careful way as Christians we all need reminders. I mean in a careful way because sometimes these reminders, when too often come to the forefront of our thinking may not result in us getting "striked" rather it may lead us to a steady state, a complacent state where we are "OK" with everything in regards to who God is. When scriptures strike us it should be in a manner to call our attention to the truth of who God is and who we are in Him.
I can always remember mom telling us when we were younger that God is watching you, it was a reminder that comes from scriptures that God is there that He is not far from the situation and doing something wrong, though mom may not know, God will.
As an adult it is something that I carry with me, God is watching me, God is with me. It is the truth that was instilled in me, that strikes me and brings a smile to my face knowing that though mom can't be here God is and His truth and protection and discipline are all around me.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home in His Protection
Song: Sanctus Real - Lead Me (Official Music Video)
Week 226
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Tonight's verse from the pages of Isaiah, and it strick me and brought a smile to my face as I read it. In a very careful way as Christians we all need reminders. I mean in a careful way because sometimes these reminders, when too often come to the forefront of our thinking may not result in us getting "striked" rather it may lead us to a steady state, a complacent state where we are "OK" with everything in regards to who God is. When scriptures strike us it should be in a manner to call our attention to the truth of who God is and who we are in Him.
I can always remember mom telling us when we were younger that God is watching you, it was a reminder that comes from scriptures that God is there that He is not far from the situation and doing something wrong, though mom may not know, God will.
As an adult it is something that I carry with me, God is watching me, God is with me. It is the truth that was instilled in me, that strikes me and brings a smile to my face knowing that though mom can't be here God is and His truth and protection and discipline are all around me.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home in His Protection
Song: Sanctus Real - Lead Me (Official Music Video)
May 30, 2018
Week 227
John 8:12
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Some days, the days are full of sun and some days the days are full of clouds. Yesterday the sun was out bright as can be and it seemed like a nice and exciting day. Today the clouds are prominent, we have grey skies and all, it seemingly affects my mood and others. Tonight's verse reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, and although this verse is not meaning that Jesus is a physical light, but that He alone is the Savior of the world the one who brings Salvation to this dark world. It is this fact that we can walk in the light of Christ knowing that our mood should not be affected by the lack of physical light but the fact that we are followers of His.
My mom suffered from depression, and it wasn't until years later that though mom still had the condition I noticed a change in the way mom carried mom's self. As I think back it was proof that mom was realizing more and more that though this condition exists, mom could walk confidently knowing mom's mood was no affected by the things around mom but by Christ.
It's not to say this is a change that can come overnight for any of us, but by constant growth knowing who Christ is. Others will see it, as we walk closer and closer with Jesus.
I love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home with Christ forever.
Song: I Surrender - Hillsong Worship
Week 227
John 8:12
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Some days, the days are full of sun and some days the days are full of clouds. Yesterday the sun was out bright as can be and it seemed like a nice and exciting day. Today the clouds are prominent, we have grey skies and all, it seemingly affects my mood and others. Tonight's verse reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, and although this verse is not meaning that Jesus is a physical light, but that He alone is the Savior of the world the one who brings Salvation to this dark world. It is this fact that we can walk in the light of Christ knowing that our mood should not be affected by the lack of physical light but the fact that we are followers of His.
My mom suffered from depression, and it wasn't until years later that though mom still had the condition I noticed a change in the way mom carried mom's self. As I think back it was proof that mom was realizing more and more that though this condition exists, mom could walk confidently knowing mom's mood was no affected by the things around mom but by Christ.
It's not to say this is a change that can come overnight for any of us, but by constant growth knowing who Christ is. Others will see it, as we walk closer and closer with Jesus.
I love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home with Christ forever.
Song: I Surrender - Hillsong Worship
Click to set custom HTML
June 6, 2018
Week 228
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
One of the things I am learning throughout this journey of life and especially when my mom left this life, is that this life is so fleeting. Tonight's verse comes from the pages of Job. Many have wondered and pondered the purpose of Job. As I grow in my walk with the Lord, I realize more and more that God does things in "many folds". What this means is that we sometimes have things come our way that are unexpected, and it causes us to first see the circumstance whether good or bad on the surface. However, in Romans God tells us that "ALL things work together for good...." (Romans 8:28). Since this is true the unexpected thing, again good or bad as we see it, will ultimately be for God's glory as something perhaps to teach us, for us to have more faith, for us to bare something.
This week a friend mentioned that her dog is weak and frail and it is time for her dog to leave this life, as her pet is in so much pain. As I ponder this it makes me sad, on the surface it is very hard and I know it is harder for my friend. In the book of Job it is through Job's pain and suffering that he learns more and more about who God is. In tonight's passage we learn that God uses the animals of this world to teach us about who He is and who we are to Him. In my friend's case her pet is a loving life long friend, but there comes a time when all things in this life end. My friend's pet can't leave on his own, he is suffering, and is loyal to my friend that he would fight through the pain. It is through this that God teaches us, that our dependency much like my sister's pet is dependent on a higher being. In the pet's case that higher being is us and in our case it is God.
My mom suffered so much in this life, but because of mom's love for us, mom would stick it out fight through the pain and continue to suffer. It took a higher being God to say it is time, no more suffering.
My friend says (though it is very hard) now it is time for my dog no more suffering.
I love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home Imagining life with Jesus.
Song: "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe - cover by One Voice Children's Choir
Week 228
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
One of the things I am learning throughout this journey of life and especially when my mom left this life, is that this life is so fleeting. Tonight's verse comes from the pages of Job. Many have wondered and pondered the purpose of Job. As I grow in my walk with the Lord, I realize more and more that God does things in "many folds". What this means is that we sometimes have things come our way that are unexpected, and it causes us to first see the circumstance whether good or bad on the surface. However, in Romans God tells us that "ALL things work together for good...." (Romans 8:28). Since this is true the unexpected thing, again good or bad as we see it, will ultimately be for God's glory as something perhaps to teach us, for us to have more faith, for us to bare something.
This week a friend mentioned that her dog is weak and frail and it is time for her dog to leave this life, as her pet is in so much pain. As I ponder this it makes me sad, on the surface it is very hard and I know it is harder for my friend. In the book of Job it is through Job's pain and suffering that he learns more and more about who God is. In tonight's passage we learn that God uses the animals of this world to teach us about who He is and who we are to Him. In my friend's case her pet is a loving life long friend, but there comes a time when all things in this life end. My friend's pet can't leave on his own, he is suffering, and is loyal to my friend that he would fight through the pain. It is through this that God teaches us, that our dependency much like my sister's pet is dependent on a higher being. In the pet's case that higher being is us and in our case it is God.
My mom suffered so much in this life, but because of mom's love for us, mom would stick it out fight through the pain and continue to suffer. It took a higher being God to say it is time, no more suffering.
My friend says (though it is very hard) now it is time for my dog no more suffering.
I love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home Imagining life with Jesus.
Song: "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe - cover by One Voice Children's Choir
June 13 , 2018
Week 229
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
So this past week has been so exhausting, between, work, working out and the emotional roller coast of last week, it just seems like life has a way of making things hard, and as Christians however, we must remember all that we do, we do it for the Lord. Tonight's verse is a reminder that while here in our flesh or home with Christ we strive no matter what to please Him.
My mom today is no longer in the flesh, but is with Christ, that is home away from the body. However when mom was here mom had so many obstacles and frustrations, mom had exhausting days and went on many "emotional roller coasters" but today when I think of mom and all these things I realize mom strived. Mom strived to serve and please the Lord, one way mom did this was by raising us to know Christ. Today I can say that because mom raised us to know Jesus I am stronger in faith and this keeps growing, daily.
So no matter the struggle, obstacles the emotional roller coasters, knowing Christ, knowing that we must please and serve Him while we are here and even after, should gives us the strength to carry through our days.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with Jesus away from the body one day.
Song: Jeremy Camp - Walk By Faith - LIVE UNPLUGGED
Week 229
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
So this past week has been so exhausting, between, work, working out and the emotional roller coast of last week, it just seems like life has a way of making things hard, and as Christians however, we must remember all that we do, we do it for the Lord. Tonight's verse is a reminder that while here in our flesh or home with Christ we strive no matter what to please Him.
My mom today is no longer in the flesh, but is with Christ, that is home away from the body. However when mom was here mom had so many obstacles and frustrations, mom had exhausting days and went on many "emotional roller coasters" but today when I think of mom and all these things I realize mom strived. Mom strived to serve and please the Lord, one way mom did this was by raising us to know Christ. Today I can say that because mom raised us to know Jesus I am stronger in faith and this keeps growing, daily.
So no matter the struggle, obstacles the emotional roller coasters, knowing Christ, knowing that we must please and serve Him while we are here and even after, should gives us the strength to carry through our days.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with Jesus away from the body one day.
Song: Jeremy Camp - Walk By Faith - LIVE UNPLUGGED
June 20, 2018
Week 230
Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Sometimes it seems that there are many choices in life and sometimes there seems there are very few. As Christians, that is, as followers of Christ it is so important not to be swayed by emotions and our own self thinking. It's is however so important to be influenced by Jesus, how can this be done? Tonight's verse shows us as Christians how. The verse states that we are to:
1. "receive" the words of God
2. treasure up God's commandments
3. be attentive to wisdom
4. understand
5. ask God for insight
6. raise our cries for understanding
7. search for insight and understanding
Then we will understand an have reverence for God, and gain knowledge, of Him.
As believers this is how we are to live our lives so that when choices come, job change, starting a business, getting married, buying a house, etc. We will already have put in practice these things and be able to make wise godly choices.
I recall after mom passed mom's at home nurse, told us that she will miss our mom, as your mom was always so wise.
This came because mom spent many years alone and I believe mom put these items into practice.
So should we as believers.
I love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home soon with our Good Counselor Jesus.
Song: East To West-Casting Crowns-Live
Week 230
Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Sometimes it seems that there are many choices in life and sometimes there seems there are very few. As Christians, that is, as followers of Christ it is so important not to be swayed by emotions and our own self thinking. It's is however so important to be influenced by Jesus, how can this be done? Tonight's verse shows us as Christians how. The verse states that we are to:
1. "receive" the words of God
2. treasure up God's commandments
3. be attentive to wisdom
4. understand
5. ask God for insight
6. raise our cries for understanding
7. search for insight and understanding
Then we will understand an have reverence for God, and gain knowledge, of Him.
As believers this is how we are to live our lives so that when choices come, job change, starting a business, getting married, buying a house, etc. We will already have put in practice these things and be able to make wise godly choices.
I recall after mom passed mom's at home nurse, told us that she will miss our mom, as your mom was always so wise.
This came because mom spent many years alone and I believe mom put these items into practice.
So should we as believers.
I love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home soon with our Good Counselor Jesus.
Song: East To West-Casting Crowns-Live
June 27, 2018
Week 231
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Sometimes it feels like as Christians we start coasting along and things become steady, and slowly we start relying on our thoughts. emotions and strength. Tonight's verse the Psalmist makes strong, powerful statements. The LORD:
is my ROCK,
my FORTRESS, and my DELIVERER....
REFUGE....
SHIELD,
HORN of MY SALVATION,
MY STRONGHOLD
These are strong and powerful statements that no matter where we are in our Christian walk it is most important to remember that it is never "us" who accomplishes tasks and duties on our own, but the LORD.
I recall many times seeing my mom doing things for us as kids, that I thought about as hard, but never really knew how hard. However now as an adult when I look back and see what mom did I am amazed and I realize more and more that though I myself am tired, frustrated etc., it is God's strength, that carried mom through, and the same is true for me, and for every Christian.
So today when we feel that we can rely on our thoughts, emotions and strength it is important to remember that it is God not us, that carries us through.
I love you mom and I love you LORD.
Home above.
Song: Matt Maher - Lord, I Need You (Official Lyric Video)
Week 231
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Sometimes it feels like as Christians we start coasting along and things become steady, and slowly we start relying on our thoughts. emotions and strength. Tonight's verse the Psalmist makes strong, powerful statements. The LORD:
is my ROCK,
my FORTRESS, and my DELIVERER....
REFUGE....
SHIELD,
HORN of MY SALVATION,
MY STRONGHOLD
These are strong and powerful statements that no matter where we are in our Christian walk it is most important to remember that it is never "us" who accomplishes tasks and duties on our own, but the LORD.
I recall many times seeing my mom doing things for us as kids, that I thought about as hard, but never really knew how hard. However now as an adult when I look back and see what mom did I am amazed and I realize more and more that though I myself am tired, frustrated etc., it is God's strength, that carried mom through, and the same is true for me, and for every Christian.
So today when we feel that we can rely on our thoughts, emotions and strength it is important to remember that it is God not us, that carries us through.
I love you mom and I love you LORD.
Home above.
Song: Matt Maher - Lord, I Need You (Official Lyric Video)
