Translated from the Greek word nepso, the verb means “to be sober-minded, watchful, and circumspect.” Variations of the verb include ananephō, translated to become sober; eknephō, meaning “to return to one’s sense from drunkenness, become sober” and nēphálios: sober.
This passage gives the reason for being sober: . . . because our adversary, our “opponent in the court of justice” (Zechariah 3:1), the accuser of the brethren, our arch enemy, who only seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, walks about as roaring lion, that attempts to instill fear and startle its prey before pouncing on the petrified victim. As believers, we are to resist, to stand firm in our faith—rooted, established, immovable. We are consoled in knowing that our brothers and sisters throughout the world encounter similar situations and stand strong. We are not alone.
Not only is October 30, the eve before “All Hollow’s Eve,” better known as “Halloween,” but today is also the day before Reformation Day. In actuality, on October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany, igniting the Protestant Reformation.
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
This passage relates to one of the five phrases that summarized the movement. Using the word Sola the Latin word for “alone,” these basic theological beliefs stood boldly in opposition to the prevailing teaching of the Roman Catholic Church at the time.
Sola gratia (“by grace alone”) teaches that salvation comes by God’s grace or “unmerited favor” only. This means that salvation is an unearned gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
With Scripture alone as the sure foundation, Luther and the Reformers associated with the movement, affirmed that justification is by grace alone, received through faith alone because of Christ alone — for the glory of God alone. Today Christians around the world give thanks to God for Martin Luther’s bold proclamation which occurred 498 years ago, as God’s design for Church continues to unfold.
[ Dedicated Service ] Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.
El–stone upon stone–Bethel–I build this altar.
seeking to forge with words, this joy unspeakable.
a lively stone, known, read by all with eyes to see.
So I return to teach the meaning of these stones.
17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
So, when you pick up your Bible, you’re not reading the word of men, you’re reading the Word of God that was written down by men who were moved along in the process by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Not only is all scripture “God-breathed” but its purpose is that believer, the one who puts his trust in God, might be “complete and proficient,” fully equipped, as a cruise ship is thoroughly prepared and outfitted for its maiden and subsequent voyages.
Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.
The Verse(s) of the Day are wonderful reminders of the source and the purpose of the God-breathed Word of God.
16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
These two passages remind us that expressing our gratitude to God is to be connected to everything that we do: “Always giving thanks to God the Father for all things” with the exhortation reinforced that no matter what you do in word or deed, it is to be done with gratitude, giving thanks to God the Father through Christ.
The Word of God reveals that the giving of thanks is to be more than an occasional act of gratitude; it is to be an ongoing part of our lives. There is to be a continual overflow of gratitude to God, as we encourage ourselves through psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, as we allow the Word of God to dwell in us richly or to make itself at home in our hearts. Not only are we to edify and reassure ourselves, but we are to become a source of strength and encouragement for one another.
From everlasting I was established and ordained, From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed].
The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].
The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord; His praise endures forever.
In order to comprehend more fully the essence of wisdom, we must go back to the beginning.
Redeemed and justified by Christ, our righteousness.
As You search the earth, may we find grace in Your sight.
Beloved ones, whose heart Your Word purifies.
As we pursue wisdom, growing in the fear of the Lord.
Tags:beginning of wisdom, Genesis 1:1, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10, We choose the fear of the Lord.
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.
Another related scripture from the Book of Psalms is Psalm 119:11, a special verse that I committed to memory by composing a melody to facilitate memorizing the scripture, the first of a long series of scripture memory songs.
Here is a similar Bible Memory Verse for Kids for Psalm 119:11 by Shannon Linville.
The Verse of the Day comes from Psalm 37:4 (NLT) where the Psalmist tells us to take action, and there will be a corresponding action on God’s part.
In the good pleasure of His will we long to abide.
After fifty-five years, I still find great pleasure in the Psalms which continue to be one of the delights of my life.
Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.
I could give you all you seek and pleased you would be.
You’d not know the depths of my love for each saint.
You’d not know the power I give to the faint.
You’d not learn to see through clouds of despair.
You’d not know the joy of resting in me.
But you would not know the depth of the love of my heart.
The glow of my comfort late into the night.
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you ask.
But, oh, the loss, if I lost what I’m doing in you.
That the greatest gift is to truly know me.
My most precious of all is still, “WAIT”!
“Waiting in Gilgal” describes “The City of My Soul”, as I wait at this time in my life.
To be launched from here to my desired haven.
Like Job in the midst of all his troubles, I will worship while I wait.
These examples of psalms, hymns, and spiritual song come to mind while reflecting on Psalm 27:14.