Scripture Memory Verse for May
My youngest granddaughter was in elementary school, and the movie “Frozen” had captured her heart – especially that cute little snow creature. One day when I asked her what she was studying in school, she distinctly pronounced that she was learning about Olaf Hitler. (Grandmoms treasure moments like that.)
I mention this because on this day, April 30th, in 1945 the Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler, committed suicide. He was known as Der Fuehrer (The Leader), a man who wanted to conquer the world and wanted that world to worship him.
You and I know there is only One who is worthy of our worship, worthy of our praise, worthy of our testimony. The Bible has many passages explaining how to become a worshiper of Jesus Christ, but this one puts it quite clearly and succinctly:
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Timothy Keller has written a book entitled “Counterfeit Gods.” In it, he explains that worship is not optional – we all worship something or someone. But we determine what we choose to worship.
At different times in history, people have worshipped corrupt leaders – leaders unworthy of worship – unworthy of respect! Today’s objects of worship may include fame, fortune, beauty, mansions, athletes, musicians, movie stars, even preachers! Any of those idols of our heart are clear violations of the first commandment.
But you and I worship a God who is alive, who is good and kind, who is full of grace and mercy, and who loves us more than we can imagine. He is the One whose Lordship we need to confess.
Our Bible verse for today makes two things quite clear:
1 - Becoming a follower of Christ is more than just saying the words, “Jesus is Lord.” We must also believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead. In a busy world, it’s healthy to step back and reflect on what we believe about Jesus. Do we believe the views of our misguided world, or do we believe the truth of God’s Word?
2 – Becoming a follower of Christ is more than just believing the truth in your heart. It is also confessing with your mouth – letting others know that, for you, Jesus is Lord!
Confess and believe – believe and confess – the salt and pepper of our faith – both evidence of our salvation and our continuing walk with Christ.
By Judy Shrout
I mention this because on this day, April 30th, in 1945 the Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler, committed suicide. He was known as Der Fuehrer (The Leader), a man who wanted to conquer the world and wanted that world to worship him.
You and I know there is only One who is worthy of our worship, worthy of our praise, worthy of our testimony. The Bible has many passages explaining how to become a worshiper of Jesus Christ, but this one puts it quite clearly and succinctly:
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Timothy Keller has written a book entitled “Counterfeit Gods.” In it, he explains that worship is not optional – we all worship something or someone. But we determine what we choose to worship.
At different times in history, people have worshipped corrupt leaders – leaders unworthy of worship – unworthy of respect! Today’s objects of worship may include fame, fortune, beauty, mansions, athletes, musicians, movie stars, even preachers! Any of those idols of our heart are clear violations of the first commandment.
But you and I worship a God who is alive, who is good and kind, who is full of grace and mercy, and who loves us more than we can imagine. He is the One whose Lordship we need to confess.
Our Bible verse for today makes two things quite clear:
1 - Becoming a follower of Christ is more than just saying the words, “Jesus is Lord.” We must also believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead. In a busy world, it’s healthy to step back and reflect on what we believe about Jesus. Do we believe the views of our misguided world, or do we believe the truth of God’s Word?
2 – Becoming a follower of Christ is more than just believing the truth in your heart. It is also confessing with your mouth – letting others know that, for you, Jesus is Lord!
Confess and believe – believe and confess – the salt and pepper of our faith – both evidence of our salvation and our continuing walk with Christ.
By Judy Shrout
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