Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/26/2021)...

“There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.”Corrie Ten Boom

Psalms‬ ‭40:1-3‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

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Psalms‬ ‭103:1-5‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion...

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Ephesians 4:21-23 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/25/2021)...

“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not anti-intellectual. It demands the use of [the] mind, but the mind is affected by sin.” 

Billy Graham

Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-23‬ ‭(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.

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Colossians‬ ‭3:10, 16-17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him...Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

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Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

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Psalm 100:5 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/24/2021)...

“Measure not God’s love and favor by your own feeling. The sun shines as clearly in the darkest day as it does in the brightest. The difference is not in the sun, but in some clouds which hinder the manifestation of the light thereof.”

Richard Sibbes

Psalms‬ ‭145:18-19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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Romans‬ ‭8:18, 28, 35, 37-39‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/23/2021)...

“We will stand amazed to see the topside of the tapestry and how God beautifully embroidered each circumstance into a pattern for our good and His glory.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

Romans‬ ‭8:18, 28, 35, 37-39‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later...And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them...Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 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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Psalm 37:8 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/22/2021)...

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

Mark Twain

Psalms‬ ‭37:8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.

 Ephesians‬ ‭4:31-32‬ ‭(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.

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Ephesians 4:21-32 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (2/19/2021)...

“You can put lipstick on a pig, but it won’t win you a beauty contest.”

Pastor Wayne Bray

Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-32‬ ‭(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. 

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 

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.

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2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/18/2021)...

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.”

Erma Bombeck

2 Timothy‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

Apostle Paul

1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:24‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

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Psalm 42:5, 7-8 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/17/2021)...

“Expectation has brought me disappointment. Disappointment has brought me wisdom. Acceptance, gratitude and appreciation have brought me joy and fulfillment.”

Rasheed Ogunlaru (Life Coach)

Psalms‬ ‭42:5, 7-8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God...I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.

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Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/16/2021)...

The following quote is a repost from some months ago...too good not to reshare...

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am” 

John Newton (1725-1807)

NOTE: Newton was former slave trader and author of “Amazing Grace” hymn.

II Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

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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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2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (2/15/2021)...

Here are a few questions to ponder each time I engage in Bible reading...

1. What is God revealing about Himself?
2. What is God revealing about me?
3. Am I open and honest regarding personal struggles God is revealing to me?
4. What does my Bible reading say about my relationship with God?
5. What changes can I make to enrich my daily Bible reading?
6. Am I honestly allowing my Heavenly Father to speak to me through His Holy Word today?

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalms‬ ‭119:18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Romans‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

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Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/11/2021)...

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Psalms‬ ‭86:15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

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Ephesians‬ ‭3:18-19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

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1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/10/2021)...

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.”

Ann Landers 

1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

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Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/9/2021)...

“Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right.”

Tony Robbins

Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Proverbs‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭(NLT) A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.

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Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/8/2021)...

Today’s thought was derived directly from an article titled “10 Ways To Really Be More Like Jesus,” by James Emery White. I pray you find them as engaging and insightful as I did. 

1. Hang out with sinners (Luke 15:1, NIV).
2. Afflict the comfortable (Matthew 23:25-27, NIV).
3. Comfort the afflicted (Matthew 11:28-30, THE Message).
4. Promote the dignity and worth of women (John 20:17-18, NLT).
5. Protect children (Matthew 18:5-6, NIV).
6. Care more about reaching the list than catering to the found (Luke 5:31-32, The Message).
7. Care nothing about power, prominence, position or prestige (Philippians 2:5-7, NIV).
8. Live simply (Matthew 10:9-10, NLT).
9. Be anti-racist (John 4:7-9, NIV).
10. Make sure it’s never about you (Mark 10:45, NLT).

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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Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/5/2021)...

“Good words do more than hard speeches, as the sunbeams, without any noise, will make the traveler cast off his cloak, which all the blustering winds could not do, but only make him bind it closer to him.”

Robert Leighton (1612-1684)

Proverbs‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

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Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Ephesians‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

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James 1:17 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/4/2021)...

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”

Helen Keller (1880-1968)

James‬ ‭1:17 (NLT) Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Luke‬ ‭1:78-79‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.

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Psalm 25:10 (NIV)

FROM TODAY’S READING (2/3/2021)...

“All the paths of the Lord are loving and faithful" (Psalm 25:10). I have pondered this verse lately, and have found that it feeds my spirit. All does not mean "all - except the paths I am walking in now," or "nearly all - except this especially difficult and painful path." All must mean all. So, your path with its unexplained sorrow or turmoil, and mine with its sharp flints and briers - and both our paths, with their unexplained perplexity, their sheer mystery - they are His paths, on which he will show himself loving and faithful. Nothing else; nothing less.”

Amy Beatrice Carmichael (1867-1951)

Missionary in India

Psalms‬ ‭25:10‬ ‭(NIV) All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

Psalms‬ ‭25:8-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

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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.

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Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (2/2/2021)...

NOTE: Today’s reading is posted with deep personal past experience and sensitivity to the engulfing nature of anxiety/panic disorder.   Mine is a story of full recovery (several years ago) from situational panic disorder. Others are not as fortunate. Sincerest empathetic prayer is offered to God on behalf of all those battling this frightful dark enemy. 

1. Worry indicates a defective value system (Matt. 6:19-25)

2. Worry indicates a defective self-image (Matt. 6:26). 

3. Worry indicates a defective way of thinking (Matt. 6:27).

4. Worry indicates a defective trust in God (Matt. 6:28–30). 

5. Worry indicates a defective purpose in life (Matt. 6:31–33). 

6. Anxiety indicates a defective view of tomorrow (Matt. 6:34). 

Robert J. Morgan 

Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT)...

(19-25) Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 

(26) Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 

(27) Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

(28-30) And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 

(31-33) So don’t worry about these things, saying, What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 

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

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Hebrews 6:18-19 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (2/1/2021)...

“Our hope is not hung upon such an untwisted thread as, “I imagine so,” or “It is likely,” but the cable, the strong tow of our fastened anchor, is the oath and promise of Him who is eternal [truth]. Our salvation is fastened with God’s own hand, and with Christ’s own strength, to the strong stake of God’s unchangeable nature.”

Samuel Rutherford (1800-1861)

1 John‬ ‭5:11-12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.

Hebrews‬ ‭6:18-19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls...

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