Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/31/2020)

“Beauty is vain, but being God’s child is not. Beauty fades, but being God’s child is forever if our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Your adoption into God’s family is much more important than what you look like, the amount of money you make, or the family into which you were born. It’s both an honor and a privilege to be one of God’s precious children. Daily remind yourself of your relationship with the Creator of the universe.”

Aretha Grant

Proverbs‬ ‭31:30‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Romans‬ ‭8:15-16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

Image: CC (pexels.com)

‭‭

John 14:27 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/27/2020)...

“Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.” 

Wanda E. Brunstetter

John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

‭‭

Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

‭‭

Romans‬ ‭8:5-14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

John 8:42-47 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/26/2020)...

“God has given us commandments and principles that are for our good; God never gives us a commandment because He is [impulsive] or because He doesn't want us to have fun. God says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me," not because He is jealous of His own position and prerogatives, but because He knows that if we put anything, anything before Him, it will hurt us. If we understand the principle behind this fact, we can also understand why God chastens us. "Whom the Lord loves, He chastens" ( Heb. 12:6 ). He doesn't want us to back into a lion, for there is a lion, the devil, seeking whom he may devour.”

Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse

John‬ ‭8:42-47‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

Hebrews‬ ‭12:5-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Image: CC (pexels.com)

Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/25/2020)...

“We must cease striving and trust God to provide what He thinks is best and in whatever time He chooses to make it available. But this kind of trusting doesn't come naturally. It's a spiritual crisis of the will in which we must choose to exercise faith.”

Chuck Swindoll

Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

‭‭

Lamentations‬ ‭3:25-26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.

‭‭

Isaiah‬ ‭30:18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.

‭‭

Image: CC (pxhere.com)

Romans 12:12 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/24/2020)...

“The best training is to learn to accept everything as it comes, as from Him whom our soul loves. The tests are always unexpected things, not great things that can be written up, but the common little rubs of life, silly little nothings, things you are ashamed of minding one scrap.”

Amy Carmichael

Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

‭‭

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Image: CC (pxhere.com)

Hebrews 11:24-27 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/21/2020)...

“No matter how good things get in this world, it’s all Egypt! There will never be enough gold chains, fine linen, praise, adoration, or anything else to satisfy the yearning that God has placed in us. Only his presence in the Land of Promise will satisfy his people.”

Voddie Baucham Jr.

Hebrews‬ ‭11:24-27‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Numbers‬ ‭14:1-4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”

Image: CC (pxhere.com)

Psalm 139:3-12 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/20/2020)...

“Our pathways often twist through stormy landscapes; but when we look back, we’ll see a thousand miles of miracles and answered prayers.”

David Jeremiah

Isaiah‬ ‭43:2-3‬a (NLT‬‬) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭139:3-12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/19/2020)...

“I thank God for my failures. Maybe not at the time but after some reflection. I never feel like a failure just because something I tried has failed.”

Dolly Parton

2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Each time [God] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalms‬ ‭73:26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)...

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/18/2020)...

“The truth that we are dependent beings, that we were made by God and for God, is liberating. When I realize that my life is not my own, that it is by and for my very capable Maker, I no longer have to clamor to create my own success. It is not on me to make myself great.”

Jen Oshman

Isaiah‬ ‭64:8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

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.

Image: CC (pxhere.com)

Psalm 147:1-11 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/17/2020)...

“Long ago I came to the total assurance that God loves me, God knows where I am every second of every day, and God is bigger than any problem life's circumstances can throw at me.”

Charles Stanley

Psalms‬ ‭147:1-11 ‭(NLT‬‬) 1. Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting! 2. The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. 3. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. 4. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. 5. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! 6. The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust. 7. Sing out your thanks to the Lord; sing praises to our God with a harp. 8. He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. 9. He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. 10. He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. 11. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. 

Image: CC (pxhere.com)

John 14:27-28 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (8/7/2020)...

“There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without but have to let go.”

Author Unknown

 John‬ ‭14:27-28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.” (Jesus)

Psalms‬ ‭138:7-8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

‭‭

Image: CC (Unsplash.com)

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (8/6/2020)...

“It might hurt when you move on, but then it will heal. And with each passing day, you will get stronger and life will get better.”

Mandy Hale

Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:7-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Image: CC (Unsplash.com)

Psalm 32:8-11 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (8/5/2020)...

“As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.”

Steve Maraboli Read

Psalms‬ ‭32:8-11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Image: CC (pixhere.com)

Psalm 121:1-8 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (8/4/2020)...

“Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, It will definitely destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow! Have a great day!”

Unknown

Psalms‬ ‭121:1-8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! 

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. 

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. 

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”

Image: CC (pixhere.com)

James 4:7-10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (8/3/2020)...

“James has been crying out against the sins of the saints. His words have pierced our hearts like arrows of conviction. They have fallen like thunderbolts from the throne of God. We realize that God has been speaking to us. Our hearts have been bowed beneath the influence of His word. But the question now is, ‘What shall we do?’”

Wm MacDonald (1917-2007)

SIX STEPS TO TRUE REPENTANCE (James 47-10)...

1. Submit to God (7).
2. Resist the devil (7).
3. Come close to God (8).
4. Confess and forsake sins (8).
5. Embrace sincere sorrow for personal sins (9).
6. Humbly accept God’s forgiveness and guidance (10).

 James‬ ‭4:7-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 7. So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

‭‭

Image: CC (pxhere.com)