Galatians 5:19-26 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/31/2014)...

The way to control our emotions is to control our minds, renewing them by the daily input of scriptural principles, the knowledge of God, and meditation on His attributes. Then the Holy Spirit, along with the Word of God, will bring about appropriate emotions based on truth. When we immerse ourselves in the only means of our sanctification—the Bible—we arm ourselves with the only effective weapon against out-of-control emotions. Then we can control our emotions instead of them controlling us. In themselves, emotions are not unbiblical, but they are indications of what is in our hearts
- gotquestions.org

Galatians 5:19-26 (NLT) When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. 

Revelation 3:20 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAYS'S READING (10/30/2014)..,

Jesus is standing at your heart's door,

Standing and knocking, He's knocked before;

This is the question we face once more:

What will you do with Jesus?

At your sad heart he is knocking still,

Longing to enter your soul to thrill;

You must accept or reject His will:

What will you do with Jesus?

Oh, will you leave Him alone outside?

Or, will you choose Him what e'er betide.

This is the question you must decide:

What will you do with Jesus?

What will you do with Jesus?

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking:

What will He do with me? 

Revelation 3:20 (NLT) Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 

Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/29/2014)...

A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was.

- George Washington

Titus 2:7-8 (NIV) In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 

Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/27/2014)...

Executive Mansion
Washington, December 23, 1862.

Dear Fanny

It is with deep grief that I learn of the death of your kind and brave Father; and, especially, that it is affecting your young heart beyond what is common in such cases. In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and, to the young, it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes them unawares. The older have learned to ever expect it. I am anxious to afford some alleviation of your present distress. Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You can not now realize that you will ever feel better. Is not this so? And yet it is a mistake. You are sure to be happy again. To know this, which is certainly true, will make you some less miserable now. I have had experience enough to know what I say; and you need only to believe it, to feel better at once. The memory of your dear Father, instead of an agony, will yet be a sad sweet feeling in your heart, of a purer and holier sort than you have known before.

Please present my kind regards to your afflicted mother.

Your sincere friend
A. Lincoln

NOTE: Abraham Lincoln wrote this beautiful letter of condolence to Fanny McCullough, the daughter of William McCullough who was the former clerk of the McClean County Circuit Court in Bloomington, Illinois. William McCullough knew Abraham Lincoln well. Fanny could remember when she was a child Lincoln would hold her and her sister Nanny on his knees. During the Civil War McCullough, a Black Hawk War veteran, enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and he was killed in a battle near Coffeeville, Mississippi, on December 5, 1862. Mutual friends of Lincoln and McCullough informed the president of Fanny's depression over her father's death. With the help of Lincoln's letter, Fanny eventually recovered, married, and lived until 1920.

Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith (see Hebrews 11) let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. 

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

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/28/2014)...

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip, set up their tent, and fall asleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes his faithful friend.

"Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

Watson replies, "I see millions of stars."

"What does that tell you?" asks Holmes

Watson ponders for a minute. 
..."Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. 
...Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn
is in Leo. 
...Horologically, it appears to be approximately a
quarter past three. 
...Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.
...Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. “

The after a pause, Watson says: “Well, Holmes, What does it tell you?"

Holmes is silent for a moment and then he speaks. "Watson, you imbecile, can’t you see that someone has stolen our tent."

There is a danger, when we come to Scripture that we look for the complicated rather than looking for the obvious. 

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. 

James 1:22-25 (NLT)...

​FROM TODAY'S READING (10/24/2014)..,

A mirror does not lie, always showing a true image and reflection of what is before it. You only get out of it what you put into it. 

- Unknown

James 1:22-25 (NLT) 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23  For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.​

Malachi 1:6-9, 12-13 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/24/2014)..,

God's law required that only perfect animals be offered to God (see, for example, Leviticus 1:3). But these priests were allowing the people to offer blind, crippled, and diseased animals to God. God accused them of dishonoring him by offering imperfect sacrifices, and he was greatly displeased. The New Testament says that our lives should be living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). If we give God only our leftover time, money, and energy, we repeat the same sin as these worshipers, who didn't want to bring anything valuable to God. What we give God reflects our true attitude toward him.

- Life Application Bible (LAB) study note

Malachi 1:6-9, 12-13 (NLT) The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’ “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar. “Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices? ’ “You defile them by saying the altar of the LORD deserves no respect. When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you! But when you bring that kind of offering, why should he show you any favor at all?” asks the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you dishonor my name with your actions. By bringing contemptible food, you are saying it’s all right to defile the Lord’s table. You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the LORD. 

Psalm 56:8 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/22/2014)...

What do you weep over? What do you laugh about?

Psalm 56:8 (NLT) You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. 

Ephesians 4:31-5:2 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/21/2014)...

Funeral/memorial services provide opportunity for folk to experience and express deepest feelings of regret and appreciation. Do not put off restoring a relationship, realizing and admitting a fault, forgiving an offense, sincerely sharing your love, or passionately expressing your kindest thoughts with those you love.

Ephesians 4:31-5:2 (NLT) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/20/2014)...

"We must not confuse being 'informed' with being 'Transformed.' Transformation doesn't just happen automatically or effortlessly. It is the fruit of application and action."

- C. J. Mahaney 

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT) So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/17/2014)..,

You've got to decide sometimes in your life when it's okay not to listen to what other people are saying. ... If I had listened to other people, I wouldn't have climbed Mt. Everest." 

- Stacy Allison (first American woman to climb Mt Everest)

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT) Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 

John 13:34-35 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/16/2014)...

"What we love, we want to learn about. And what we love to study, we come to love even more."

- C. J. Mahaney 

Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT) Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

John 13:34-35 (NLT) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/15/2014)...

"We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining - they just shine."

- D. L. Moody

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

Psalm 146:2-5 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/14/2014)...

“I had no real communication with anyone at the time, so I was totally dependent on God. And he never failed me.” 
― Diet Eman, Things We Couldn't Say

Psalm 146:2-5 (NLT) I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. 

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (3/13/2014)...

If you don't deal with your problems, your problems will soon deal with you.

- Unknown

Matthew 6:34 (NLT) So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. 

1 Peter 3:9-12 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/10/2014)...

Never wrestle with a pig, you both get dirty and he enjoys it.

- Unknown

1 Peter 3:9-12 (NLT) Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” 

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

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/9/2014)...

"Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal."

- Reader's Digest (Aug. 1990)

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. 

Acts 4:13 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/8/2014)...

"His disciples will have to look more saved if I am to believe in their Savior."

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Acts 4:13 (NLT) The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 

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

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/7/2014)...

"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else."

- Will Rogers

Proverbs 24:17-18 (NLT) Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the LORD will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them. 

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/3/2014)...

What appears to be a dead end could really be a doorway.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 

James 4:13-17 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/2/2014)...

1 year, 12 months, 365 days, 8760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,00 seconds

​James 4:13-17 (NLT) 13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17  Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.