Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/30/2020)...

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not deter or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Stephen Grellet (attributed)

Proverbs‬ ‭11:17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

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Colossians‬ ‭3:12-15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 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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Psalm 84:5-7 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/29/2020)...

“...the Valley of Weeping...”

“The pilgrimage of the Temple passed through the barren Valley of Weeping. No specific valley has been identified. The “weeping” may have been a symbolic reference to the times of struggles and tears through which people must pass on their way to meet God. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness even more deeply. If you are walking through your Valley of Weeping today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from him.”

Life Application Study Bible note (Psalm 84:5-7)

Psalms‬ ‭84:5-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-7‬ ‭(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. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

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Psalm 80:3, 7 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/28/2020)...

“Before God can turn us to himself, we must turn away from sin. Repentance involves humbling ourselves and turning to God to receive his forgiveness. As we turn to God, he helps us see ourselves, including our sin, more clearly. Then, as we see our sin, we must repeat the process of repentance. Only then can we constantly be restored to fellowship with God.”

NLT Study Note (Psalm 80:3, 7)

Psalms‬ ‭80:3, 7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved...Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

‭‭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.

 ‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:6-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

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Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/27/2020)...

“I want to thank all the many, many people who were thinking of and praying for me over the last few weeks. I just went through a battle with COVID-19, and God just wasn’t ready to take me Home yet to be with Him.

I’ve always said that the only thing you can take to Heaven is your kids, and for 71 years of marriage, Ann and I have tried to live our lives and share our Christian faith with them so that one day we will all be there together.

But until that time, we are here on earth, and America is the greatest country this side of heaven. We have the freedom to pursue our faith in God, our dreams for our career, and our love for our families. For too long now, politicians in Washington have run America down and apologized for our greatness. I’m tired of it.”

Coach Bobby Bowden (Born 11/8/1929...age 90)

Jeremiah‬ ‭17:7-8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Psalms‬ ‭2:10-12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities— for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

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1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/26/2020)...

“I totally reject and have rejected throughout my entire career the proposition that the end justifies the means or that a judge should decide cases based on a desire to reach a certain outcome.”

Judge Amy Coney Barrett

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-5‬ ‭(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.

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Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/23/2020)...

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. Don’t quit.”

Zig Ziglar

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

 Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

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2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

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Psalm 14:1-2 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/22/2020)...

“If anyone believes that our smiles involve abandonment of the teaching of Marx, Engels, and Lenin, he deceives himself. Those who wait for that must wait until a shrimp learns to whistle.”

Nikita Khrushchev (September 17, 1955 speech in Moscow)

Psalms‬ ‭14:1-2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) “Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.

Psalms‬ ‭10:4, 11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead...The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us! He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do!”

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1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-4‬ ‭(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.

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1 Peter 2:22-25 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/21/2020)...

“We cannot present a reason for Christ to finally close off his heart to his own sheep. No such reason exists. Every human friend has a limit. If we offend enough, if a relationship gets damaged enough, if we betray enough times, we are cast out. The walls go up. With Christ, our sins and weaknesses are the very resumé items that qualify us to approach him.”

Crossway 

1 Peter‬ ‭2:22-25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

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Hebrews 13:5-6 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/20/2020)...

“God is with you in your moments of darkness because he will never leave you. But your darkness isn’t dark to him. Your mysteries aren’t mysterious to him. Your surprises don’t surprise him. He understands all the things that confuse you the most. Not only are your mysteries not mysterious to him, but he is in complete charge of all that is mysterious to you and me.”

Paul David Tripp

Hebrews‬ ‭13:5-6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:5-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

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John 14:23-24 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/19/2020)...

“I am in love with the letter "J" because of a man called Jesus

born by a man called Joseph from the tribe called Judah in the region called Judea and baptised by a man called John in a river called Jordan in the land called Jerusalem.”

Unknown Author

John‬ ‭14:23-24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.”

Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/16/2020)...

“God doesn’t need your good works, but your neighbor does.”

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

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.

Matthew‬ ‭5:15-16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

Galatians‬ ‭5:13-15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

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 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/15/2020)...

“Our salvation is not dependent on work, but our salvation leads us to work; and the mission of God will only go forward by us deciding to work.”

Upstate Church (Simpsonville SC)

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.

Romans‬ ‭12:11-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

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Colossians 3:23-25 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/14/2020)...

“We should not fear being wrung out for the right thing. We should fear being wrung out for the wrong thing.”

Pastor Dallas Wilson 

Colossians‬ ‭3:23-25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

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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Mark 7:21-23 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/13/2020)...

“It is as though in those last minutes he [Adolf Eichmann] was summing up the lessons that this long course in human wickedness had taught us—the lesson of the fearsome, word-and-thought-defying banality of evil.”

Hannah Arendt (“Eichmann in Jerusalem”)

NOTE: According to “The World of Hannah Arendt” (March 2001): To enter the world of Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) is to encounter the political and moral catastrophes of the 20th century. Her life spanned the convulsions of two world wars, revolutions and civil wars, and events worse than war in which human lives were uprooted and destroyed on a scale never seen before.

Library of Congress

Mark‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.

Romans‬ ‭5:12, 15-19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned...But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 

Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

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James 1:12-15 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/12/2020)...

“Every great mistake has a halfway moment, a split second when it can be recalled and perhaps remedied.”

Pearl S. Buck

James‬ ‭1:12-15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James‬ ‭4:7-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 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. 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. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

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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Psalm 74:1-12 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/9/2020)...

“When enemy armies defeated Israel [586 BC], they sacked and burned Jerusalem, trying to wipe out every trace of God. This has often been the response of people who hate God. Today many are trying to eliminate God from our public life and particularly from our schools. Do what you can to maintain a Christian influence, but don’t become discouraged when others appear to make great strides in removing all traces of God. They cannot eliminate his presence among believers.”

LAB Study Note (Psalm 74:8)

Psalms‬ ‭74:1-12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) O God, why have you rejected us so long? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture? Remember that we are the people you chose long ago, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem, your home here on earth. Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary. 

There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries; there they set up their battle standards. They swung their axes like woodcutters in a forest. With axes and picks, they smashed the carved paneling. They burned your sanctuary to the ground. They defiled the place that bears your name. Then they thought, “Let’s destroy everything!” So they burned down all the places where God was worshiped. 

We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end. How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. 

You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.

Image: CC "In God We Trust (Reversed Len)" by wilson.cheong 

Psalm 73:2-14, 21-26 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/8/2020)...

“There are no perfect human beings! Persons can be found who are good, very good indeed, in fact, great. There do in fact exist creators, seers, sages, saints, shakers, and movers...even if they are uncommon and do not come by the dozen. And yet these very same people can at times be boring, irritating, petulant, selfish, angry, or depressed. To avoid disillusionment with human nature, we must first give up our illusions about it.”

Abraham Maslow

Psalms‬ ‭73:2-14, 21-26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?

Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain...

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

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Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/7/2020)...

“The difference between a good haircut and a bad one is knowing where to quit.”

Karl Manke, America’s Barber (Owosso, MI)

Proverbs‬ ‭22:3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

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Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/6/2020)...

“Dare to care.”

Pastor Wayne Bray

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.

Matthew‬ ‭25:31-36‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”

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Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/5/2020)...

“The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn’t some broad, general outline – it’s a long walk with a real Person. Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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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Psalm 16:9-11 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/2/2020)...

STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

Whose woods these are I think I know. 

His house is in the village though; 

He will not see me stopping here 

To watch his woods fill up with snow. 

My little horse must think it queer 

To stop without a farmhouse near 

Between the woods and frozen lake 

The darkest evening of the year. 

He gives his harness bells a shake 

To ask if there is some mistake. 

The only other sound's the sweep 

Of easy wind and downy flake. 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 

But I have promises to keep, 

And miles to go before I sleep, 

And miles to go before I sleep.

by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Psalms‬ ‭16:9-11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

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James 5:16 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/1/2020)...

“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”

John Maxwell

James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Psalms‬ ‭32:5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Proverbs‬ ‭28:13-14‬ ‭(NLT‬) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

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