John 4:9-10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/31/2020)...

“It’s a question of mind over matter. I DON’T MIND & YOU DON’T MATTER!!”

Fort Dix, NJ Drill Sergeant

THOT: I do remember those days...long, long ago (1968). How thankful we should be that we do matter...to God.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:9-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Ephesians‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

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Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/30/2020)...

“An emphasis on rights without the counter-emphasis on responsibilities leaves us with precious little basis for genuine community, as we...are learning to our great regret.”

David T. Koysis

Philippians‬ ‭2:3-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

James‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

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1 John 2:6 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/29/2020)...

“We need to be immersed in God’s Word. We are reminded of who we are because of who Jesus is.”

Pastor Todd Kaunitz

1 John‬ ‭2:6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

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.

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Matthew 9:10-13 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/28/2020)...

“Remember that Jesus didn’t make a distinction in welcoming people into His life based on their behavior, temptations, or lifestyle, as we’re often prone to do. All sorts of people were welcome at His table, because that’s where He taught and displayed the gospel...If our meals are more of a meeting of self-righteous religiosity than a welcoming feast to a motley crew, are we really reflecting the heart of Jesus?...should we not do the same as Christ did—showing hospitality to those who need a family, making room at the table for the outcast, and demonstrating mercy toward sinners?”

Haley Mullins (edited)

Matthew‬ ‭9:10-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum? ” 

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

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Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/27/2020)...

BLESSED ASSURANCE

“Many Christians doubt their eternal security. We can become trapped into thinking that if we aren’t doing enough or aren’t holy enough then we’ve lost our salvation, or maybe were never saved. Fanny Crosby, who wrote the lyrics to [Blessed Assurance], stood firm on her faith in Jesus. As a child, she memorized multiple books of the Bible...Salvation is a gift we don’t earn or deserve. We believe in Jesus and receive it by faith.”

Susan Aken

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior, all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

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Colossians 3:1-4, 15 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/24/2020)...

“In the 1960s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal.”

Anonymous 

Colossians‬ ‭3:1-4, 15‬ ‭(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. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory...And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

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Jude 1:1-2 (NKJV)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/23/2020)...

Jude‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

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“Like his brother James, Jude was too modest to exploit his natural relationship (half-brother) to the Savior. After all, it is spiritual relationship to the Lord Jesus that counts. Did Christ not say, ‘Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother (Matt. 12:50)?’ On another occasion He taught that it was more blessed to hear the word of God and do it than to be a close blood-relative of His ( Luke 11:27-28 ). Like James, Jude took the place of ‘a bondservant.’ Since both brothers disbelieved in their divine Half-brother until after the resurrection, this was a suitable spirit to show.”

Wm. MacDonald (Believer’s Bible Commentary/Jude)

Matthew‬ ‭13:55-56‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?”

1 John‬ ‭3:1-3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

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Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/22/2020)...

“When the Bible speaks of the heart, whether Old Testament or New, it is not speaking of our emotional life only but of the central animating center of all we do. It is what gets us out of bed in the morning and what we daydream about as we drift off to sleep. It is our motivation headquarters. The heart, in biblical terms, is not part of who we are but the center of who we are. Our heart is what defines and directs us.”

Dane C. Ortlund (Gentle and Lowly)

Matthew‬ ‭22:37-38‬ ‭(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.

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Psalm 103:10-14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/21/2020)...

“A mistake should be your teacher, not your attacker. A mistake is a lesson, not a loss. It is a temporary, necessary detour, not a dead end.”

Anonymous 

Psalms‬ ‭51:10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Psalms‬ ‭103:10-14‬ ‭(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.

1 John‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

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Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/20/2020)...

“Grave Soaking.” Ever heard of it? I landed upon this practice while reading this past week. It is the misguided, though seemingly well-intended, practice of physically laying on the grave of noted deceased giants of the Christian Faith. It carries the belief that the spiritual anointing of one of these deceased memorable individuals can be reclaimed and used by a passionate “grave soaker.” Left “unclaimed,” their anointing and/or power is wasted.

The point of this FTR post is not to denigrate someone’s sincere passion to serve Christ...regardless of how obviously unbiblical the practice may be and is. The point is to encourage biblical understanding of and appreciation for God’s indwelling Holy Spirit in the life of every sincere follower of Christ, and encouragement to daily yield oneself to His control.

Yes, by all means, soak up what you can from other (living and deceased) inspiring Spirit-filled Christians. But determine on a daily basis to personally soak up God’s Spirit via prayerful guidance of His Word and obedience to it.

Rocky

 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 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.

Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-20‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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John 9:1-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/17/2020)...

“Understandably, during times of profound crisis, those affected seek definitive answers as to why things are happening as they are. Too often, some put forth divine-like answers that are well beyond their spiritual pay grade to do so. 

Here is a thought. Why not seek ways to be Christ-like on the journey through a crisis? Ways that are clearly mandated in Scripture. Forget attempting to play God. Today and every day, allow God to live His life through you in so many practical and helpful ways.”

Rocky

John‬ ‭9:1-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Philippians‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

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Galatians‬ ‭6:9-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

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John 8:12 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/16/2020)...

“Sometimes when you are in a dark place you think you have been buried, but actually you have been planted.”

Christine Caine

John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

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Colossians‬ ‭2:6-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

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Mark 6:47-51 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/15/2020)...

“When you feel like you’re drowning in life, don’t worry – your Lifeguard walks on water.”

Unknown

Mark‬ ‭6:47-51 (NLT) Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here! ” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed,”

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Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/14/2020)...

“Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.” 

Anne Frank (1929-1945)

Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

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Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

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Ephesians 2:1-2, 15-17 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/13/2020)...

“If your Christianity doesn’t work at home, then it doesn’t work at all.  So don’t export it.”

Howard Hendricks (1924-2013)

Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2, 15-17‬ ‭(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...So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

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Isaiah 41:13 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/10/2020)...

“The comeback is always stronger than the setback.”

Dr. Jill Murray

Isaiah‬ ‭41:13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”

Habakkuk‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

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2 Peter 1:3-7 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/9/2020)...

“Peter lists several of faith's actions: learning to know God better, developing perseverance, doing God's will, loving others. These actions do not come automatically; they require hard work. They are not optional; all of them must be a continual part of the Christian life. We don't finish one and start on the next, but we work on them all together. God empowers and enables us, but he also gives us the responsibility to learn and to grow.”

LAB Study Note (2 Peter 1:7)

2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

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Proverbs 5:21-23 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/8/2020)...

“Sinful habits are hard to break, but if they are not broken, they will bind the client ever more tightly. He is held fast by these ropes of his own sin. He finds that sin spirals in a downward cycle, pulling him along. He is captured and tied up by sin's ever-tightening cords. At length he becomes sin's slave.”

Jay E. Adams (counselor/writer)

Proverbs‬ ‭5:21-23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

Proverbs‬ ‭25:28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

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2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

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Colossians 1:9-12 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/7/2020)...

“When things are going well, anyone can stand tall. Time it counts is when you don’t have the energy to put one foot in front of the other but you still keep going.”

Kerrie Hayes as Esther (“The Mill”)

Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

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Psalm 31:24 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/6/2020)...

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Winston Churchill 

Psalms‬ ‭31:24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

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Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/3/2020)...

“In every ordered society there must be authority and submission to that authority. Otherwise you have a state of anarchy, and you cannot survive indefinitely under anarchy. Any government is better than no government. So God has instituted human government, and no government exists apart from His will. This does not mean that He approves of all that human rulers do. He certainly does not approve of corruption, brutality, and tyranny! But the fact remains that the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

[Christ-followers] can live victoriously in a democracy, a constitutional monarchy, or even a totalitarian regime. No earthly government is any better than the men who comprise it. That is why none of our governments is perfect. The only ideal government is a beneficent monarchy with the Lord Jesus Christ as King.”

Wm McDonald (1917-2007)

Romans‬ ‭13:1-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

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1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-6‬ ‭(NLT) I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

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2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/2/2020)...

“Satan can’t keep God from answering our prayers, but he will keep us from asking.”

Pastor Adrian Rogers (1931-2005)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

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.

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Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (7/1/2020)...

“There are two days in the year that we cannot do anything, yesterday and tomorrow.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Matthew‬ ‭6:33-34‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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