2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/29/2021)...

"King Solomon once searched for a cure against depression. He assembled his wise men together. They meditated for a long time and gave him the following advice: Make yourself a ring and have thereon engraved the words 'This too will pass.' The King carried out the advice. He had the ring made and wore it constantly. Every time he felt sad and depressed, he looked at the ring, whereon his mood would change and he would feel cheerful"

Israel Folklore Archive # 126

 ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

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Image: CC "this too shall pass" by m.gifford is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/28/2021)...

“Go up the mountain, and the things in the plain will look very small; the higher you rise the more insignificant they will seem. Hold fellowship with God, and the threatening foes here will seem very, very unformidable. Another way is, pull up the curtain and gaze on what is behind it. The low foothills that lie at the base of some Alpine country may look high when seen from the plain, as long as the snowy summits are wrapped in mist; but when a little puff of wind comes and clears away the fog from the lofty peaks, nobody looks at the little green hills in front. So the world’s hindrances and the world’s difficulties and cares look very lofty till the cloud lifts. But when we see the great white summits, everything lower does not seem so very high after all. Look to Jesus, and that will dwarf the difficulties.”

Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910)

Psalms‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, 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.

Image: (pxhere.com)

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/27/2021)...

“Twasn't me, 'twas the Lord! I always told Him, 'I trust to you. I don't know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me,' an' He always did.”

Harriet Tubman (1822-1913): American abolitionist and political activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women's suffrage. (Wikipedia)

Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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Image: "Harriet Tubman National Historical Park" by National Park Service is licensed with CC BY 2.0.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/26/2021)...

"Criticism comes in abundance, but courage is sometimes very seldom."

Sgt. Johnny ‘Joey’ Jones, Marine veteran 

Proverbs‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

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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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Ephesians 1:1-2 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/25/2021)...

“Faithful followers of Christ Jesus”—what an excellent reputation! Such a label would be an honor for any believer. What would it take for other believers to characterize you as a faithful follower of Christ Jesus? Hold fast to your faith, one day at a time; faithfully obey God, even in the details of life. Then, like the Ephesians, you will be known as a person faithful to the Lord.”

LAB/NLT Study Note

Ephesians‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Philippians‬ ‭2:12-15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

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John 8:31-32 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/22/2021)...

“By your grace, O God, I will go nowhere today where you cannot come, nor seek anyone’s presence that would rob me of yours. By your grace I will let no thought enter my heart that might hinder my closeness with you, nor let any word come from my mouth that is not meant for your ear. So shall my courage be firm and my heart be at peace.” 

John Baillie, Scottish Minister (1886-1960)

John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:14-17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

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Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/21/2021)...

“So we should not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. This is crucial. Because of the abounding evil and the shortness of the time, we might be tempted to spend our days in frantic and feverish activity of our own choosing. But this would amount to nothing but wasted energy. The important thing is to find out God’s will for us each day and do it. This is the only way to be efficient and effective. It is all too possible to carry on Christian work according to our own ideas and in our own strength, and be completely out of the will of the Lord. The path of wisdom is to discern God’s will for our individual lives, then to obey it to the hilt.”

William MacDonald (Bible Believers Commentary)

 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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Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/20/2021)...

“It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It’s a natural law to harvest what we plant. It’s true in other areas, too. If you gossip about your friends, you will lose their friendship. Every action has results. If you plant to please your own desires, you’ll harvest a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you’ll harvest joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you planting?”

LAB Study Bible note

Galatians‬ ‭6:7-9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 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.

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John 15:13 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/19/2021)...

“Okay. In closing, I think probably most importantly I want to thank all those brave people that have served and continue to serve our country, from the firefighters to the paramedics to the men and women in law enforcement, those that lay it on the line every day for all of us. And to our combined Armed Forces, all the soldiers out there and all the squids and flyboys and jarheads, gyrenes, all those that stand tall for our beloved country anywhere across God's green earth, let me say this: That my family and I rest easy at night underneath the canopy of freedom that you deploy. I am eternally grateful, and I salute you, thank you.”

Kevin Greene (1962-2020)

2016 NFL Hall of Fame speech

John‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

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Ephesians 5:6-14 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/18/2021)

“I remember fishing once on Lake Saguaro near Phoenix, Arizona. My boys and I got on the lake when it was still dark. We motored up the familiar shore—and suddenly I was completely lost. Strange shapes that appeared to be unknown islands loomed out of the darkness. What could they be? Where was I?

Then, as the sun peeked over eastern cliffs, I saw what had happened. In the dark I’d missed a point and turned into a different arm of the lake than I intended. In the growing brightness I knew where I was, and where I should go.

That’s what Paul is telling us here. In the darkness it’s so easy to become lost. Wander into the realms of darkness, and we’ll lose all sense of reality, and not even know what to do. But if we choose that life of love and holiness that keeps us in God’s light...Walk in the light. Where you are and where you want to go will be clear.

Lawrence O. Richards (The 365 Daily Devotional)

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:6-14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

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Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/15/2021)

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

Albert Einstein 

Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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.

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Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/14/2021)...

“Social media is a great place to subtly brag about your accomplishments. And just because you preface it with the phrase “incredibly humbled for the opportunity to…” and follow it up with #blessed, doesn’t mean you aren’t trying to parade how great you are. If you’re tempted by pride, don’t forget who you would be without Christ.

When you post something online, ask yourself if you are bringing unnecessary attention to yourself or if you are hoping to elicit comments that feed your ego. To God, pride is one of the ugliest sins because it seeks to receive the glory that he alone deserves. Social media provides you with an exciting opportunity to spread God’s fame to a huge audience. Don’t try to steal that spotlight.”

Aaron Berry (Crosswalk.com/contributing editor)

Jeremiah‬ ‭9:23-24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!

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Proverbs‬ ‭26:12‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

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1 Peter 2:16-17 (ESV)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/13/2021)...

“Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such thing as Wisdom; and no such thing as publick Liberty, without Freedom of Speech; which is the Right of every man, as far as by it, he does not hurt or controul the Right of another: And this is the only check it ought to suffer, and the only bounds it ought to know.” 

Benjamin Franklin

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:16-17‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

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Acts 11:19-21 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/12/2021)...

“For us, a two-week trip to the third-world to share the gospel is generally a culturally accepted thing—it’ll get you applause and maybe even a newspaper article if your town is small enough.

Yet for the early church, they had no choice but to become missionaries; right after Stephen’s death, such a great wave of persecution arose because of their “Radical Christianity” that the believers fled for their lives to other nations, carrying the Gospel with them. They didn’t plan their trip, make a budget or take little bottles of hand sanitizer with them…they only took the Gospel…and they took it into every place they went—even as they were running for their lives.”

Kyle Donn (The Dangerous Allure of “Sexy Christianity”)

Acts 11:19-21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

Acts 20:24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

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Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/11/2021)...

"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking God to do His work through me." 

Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)

China Inland Mission

Philippians‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

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.

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Psalm 138:7-8 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/8/2021)...

"The key is this: Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today."

Max Lucado

‭‭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.

Psalms‬ ‭143:8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

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Image: CC (pxhere.com)

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/7/2021)

"I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right; but it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation may be on the Lord's side." 

Abraham Lincoln

“Only by standing together and not against each other, will any of us stand at all.” 

Abhijit Naskar

"To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees." 

Billy Graham

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14-15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.

Jeremiah‬ ‭29:7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.

Image: Unknown origin

Romans 12:17-18, 21 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/6/2021)...

“It's when we care for each other - choosing inclusion and love over division and hatred - that this great country is at its greatest.”

Tulsi Gabbard 

Romans‬ ‭12:17-18, 21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone...Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

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Ephesians‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

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1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭(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.

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1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/5/2021)...

"It doesn’t make sense to run faster if you are running in the wrong direction. It doesn’t make sense to work harder if you are working on the wrong thing. Speed and diligence are only virtues once you have a clear and worthy goal."

Michael Josephson

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:25-26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

Philippians‬ ‭2:16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

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1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (1/4/2021)...

Pastor Robert Jeffress suggested the following during a recent news interview: “Forget 2020 and just move on? Not so fast. Do this first... 1. Reimagine where you’re going 2. Re-evaluate how you’ll get there 3. Reconnect with your Maker.”

He then challenged everyone to seriously contemplate the following: “My reason for existing is to _________________.”

Care to provide your heartfelt contemplative conclusion?

1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

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.

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