2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (NLT).,,

"A genius! For 37 years I’ve practised fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius!"

- Pablo Sarasate

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (NLT) Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 

Psalm 103:10-18 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/29/2014)...

"Within each of us exists the image of God, however disfigured and corrupted by sin it may presently be. God is able to recover this image through grace as we are conformed to Christ.”

- Alister McGrath

“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.”

- Jerry Bridges

Psalm 103:10-18 (NLT) He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 

Proverbs 28:6 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/28/2014)..,

Character is what defines you.  It’s what people see in you.  It’s what people will say about you after you pass away.  Character is one of the most important things you have.  How are you investing in yours?  Do people see your faith in what you do?  Is your character reflected in how you serve the Kingdom?  Remember that when you pass away, Jesus will either say, “welcome brother/sister; job well done” or “I never knew you; be gone!”  You have right now to decide where your future is.

- Derek Hill

Proverbs 28:6 (NLT) Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. 

Titus 1:15-16 (NLT) Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. 

Psalm 23 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/27/2014)...

"Just as sheep will blindly, habitually, stupidly follow one another along the same little trails until they become ruts that erode into gigantic gullies, so we humans cling to the same habits that we have seen ruin other lives."
- Phillip Keller (A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, pg 74)

Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT) The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/26/2014)...

   "The body...is no burden to be discarded. It is God's gift to man for life on earth and for the life to come. 

   Man needs salvation not because he is imprisoned in a body but because he willfully chooses his own way rather than God's way. Man's evil is not in his body; it is in his affections. He loves the wrong things.

   This affection is so deep, so basic to man's life on earth, that only a special Savior can free him from Himself....Man does not need a teacher. He needs a Savior."

- Bruce L. Shelley (Church History In Plain Language, pg. 55)

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 

1 Corinthians 15:53-55 (NLT) For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ” 

Job 12:7-10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/25/2014)...

The atheist can't find God for the same reason that a thief can't find a police officer.

- Author Unknown

 

How to trap an atheist: Serve him a fine meal, then ask him if he believes there is a cook.

- Author Unknown

Job 12:7-10 (NLT) Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you. For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the LORD. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. 

1 Samuel 22:16-19 (NLT)..,.

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/22/2014)...

Why does God allow bad things to happen to "good" people?

Why did God allow 85 innocent priests and their families to be killed? Their deaths served to dramatize to the nation how a king could become an evil tyrant. Where were Saul's advisers? Where were the elders of Israel? Sometimes God allows evil to develop to teach us not to let evil systems flourish. Serving God is not a ticket to wealth, success, or health. God does not promise to protect good people from evil in this world, but he does promise that ultimately all evil will be abolished. Those who have remained faithful through their trials will experience great rewards in the age to come.

1 Samuel 22:16-19 (NLT) “You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!” the king [king Saul] shouted. And he ordered his bodyguards, “Kill these priests of the LORD, for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn’t tell me!” But Saul’s men refused to kill the LORD’s priests. Then the king said to Doeg, “You do it.” So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests’ families—men and women, children and babies—and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. 

Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. 

Galatians 3:26-29 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/21/2014)...

"The church challenged the entire structure of Roman society by welcoming the lower classes and by valuing every human life. The laws of Rome prevented slaves from inheriting property; the customs of the empire treated women as lesser beings. If a Roman father didn't want his child, he left the infant alone in a field, to die. Christians defied such social structures by adopting unwanted infants and by welcoming slaves and women as equal inheritors of God's grace."

- Timothy Paul Jones (Christian History Made Easy)

Galatians 3:26-29 (NLT) For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. 

1 Peter 4:3-6 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/20/2014)...

“I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater. … I have been immoral, drunk, high. I ran with the wicked people for 28 years and I have run with the Jesus people since and the contrast is astounding.”

- Phil Robertson

1 Peter 4:3-6 (NLT) You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead —so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. 

Proverbs 28:6 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/19/2014)...

"A saying I heard years ago: ‘It doesn’t matter what you do. Just do something, even if it’s wrong!’ That’s the most stupid counsel I’ve ever heard. Never do what’s wrong! Do nothing until it’s right. Then do it with all your might. That’s wise counsel."

- Chuck Swindoll

Proverbs 28:6 (NLT) Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. 

Proverbs 20:7 (NLT) The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. 

Colossians 3:23 (NLT) Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 

Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/18/2014)...

“Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering…. The love of God did not protect His own Son…. He will not necessarily protect us – not from anything it takes to make us like His Son. A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process.” 

- Elisabeth Elliot

Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT) I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! 

Psalm 100:1-5 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/15/2014)..,

No Excuse Sunday: Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, “Sunday is my only day to sleep in.” We have steel helmets for those who say, “The roof would cave in if I ever came to church.” Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot. We have hearing aids for those who say, “The preacher speaks too softly,” and cotton balls for those who say, “He preaches too loudly.” Score cards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. Some relatives will be in attendance for those who like to go visiting on Sundays. There will be TV dinners for those who can’t go to church and cook dinner also. One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to worship God in nature. Finally, the sanctuary will be decorated with Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who have never seen the church without them.

- Unknown

Psalm 88:15 (NLT) Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 

Psalm 122:1 (NLT) I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” 

Psalm 100:1-5 (NLT) Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. 

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 

Hebrews 10:31-36 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/14/2014)...

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do- - Helen Keller

Hebrews 10:31-36 (NLT) It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. 

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. 

1 Peter 5:6-8 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/13/2014)...

General...

- Over 39,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.

- In 2011 (latest available data), there were 39,518 reported suicide deaths.

- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 15 and 64 years in the United States.

- Currently, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

- A person dies by suicide about every 13.3 minutes in the United States.

Depression...

- Over 60 percent of all people who die by suicide suffer from major depression. If one includes alcoholics who are depressed, this figure rises to over 75 percent.

- Depression affects nearly 10 percent of Americans ages 18 and over in a given year, or more than 24 million people

- The best way to prevent suicide is through early detection, diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mood disorders.

- Depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. But first, depression has to be recognized.

Source: American Foundation For Suicide Prevention (theovernight.donordrive.com)

1 Peter 5:6-8 (NLT) So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/12/2014)...

I am Thankful : 

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, 

BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. 

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, 

BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS. 

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES 

BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS. 

FOR THE TAXES I PAY 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED. 

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS. 

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT. 

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE 

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME. 

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT 

BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.. 

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION. 

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM. 

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR. 

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR. 

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. 

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS 

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

- Unknown

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/11/2014)...

Don't Quit 

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Edgar A. Guest

Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/8/2014)...

God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but will ask how many people you drove home who didn't have transportation.

God won't ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.

God won't ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.

God won't ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.

God won't ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others

God won't ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn't.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT) Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 

Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/7/2014)...

- Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when

you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

- Isn't it strange how 90 minutes seem so long when you're at church, and how

short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

- Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

- Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?

Colossians 3:2-3 (NLT) Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 

Proverbs 17:17; 18:24 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/6/2014).,,

"Many people walk in and out of your life, but true friends leave footprints in your heart."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. 

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. 

Ephesians 5:25-33 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (8/4/2014)...

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her."

- Max Lucado

Ephesians 5:25-33 (NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. 

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.