Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“There are many who stumble in the noon-day, not for want of light, but for want of eyes.”

John Newton (1725-1807)

English Anglican Minister

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

1 John‬ ‭1:5-10‬ ‭(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. 

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. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

Image: ("Stumbling cheese, sign, cheese shop, Noe Valley, San Francisco, California, USA" by gruntzooki is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

Galatians 6:3-5 (CSB)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Wise people resist seeing life as they would like to see it. They are honest with themselves regarding their capabilities and weaknesses.”

R. Kent Hughes

Galatians‬ ‭6:3-5‬ ‭(CSB‬‬) For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.

Romans‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Romans 5:6-11 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“That night when I…sat alone in my car, my own sin—not just dirty politics, but the hatred and evil so deep within me—was thrust before my eyes, forcefully and painfully. For the first time in my life, I felt unclean, and worst of all, I could not escape. In those moments of clarity I found myself driven irresistibly into the arms of the living God.”

Charles (Chuck) Colson (1931-2012)

Founder of Prison Fellowship (1976)

Special Council to President Nixon (1969-70)

Named one of the “Watergate Seven” 

Romans‬ ‭5:6-11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

‭‭

Romans‬ ‭10:9-10, 13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved….For Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

‭‭

Image: CC ("Born Again Cover" by agitprop is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“It’s not the achievement of the goal that is the greatest reward, it is who you become by pushing yourself past your greatest challenges.”

Fearless Motivation

Romans‬ ‭5:3-4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

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.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“I didn’t come this far to only come this far.”

Fearless Motivation 

Philippians‬ ‭3:14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Colossians‬ ‭1:9-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) …We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

‭‭

Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭(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.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Be careful with trying to get happier with happy.”

Collin Cowherd, Fox Sports

1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Psalms‬ ‭37:3-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:12-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

‭‭

‭‭

James 1:14-15 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“The trouble with trouble is it starts out as fun.”

Unknown author

James‬ ‭1:14-15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:33‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Matthew‬ ‭26:41‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭(NLT‬) And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Life is great, but most of life is hard work.”

Joaquin Niemann

PGA Golf Professional 

Colossians‬ ‭3:23-24‬ ‭(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.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Also constantly with me out there was the thought of my dad. Although he passed years ago, he showed me through example how to bear indescribable hardships with an air of joy and gratitude that is a lesson impossible to teach except through example. We all will face suffering on some level, but having been shown how to navigate that with steadfastness and a constantly developing character is invaluable.”

Jordan Jonas

Alone, season 6 (TV series) winner

Quote from 2020 Blue Ridge Outdoors interview 

Proverbs‬ ‭13:20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

‭

Proverbs‬ ‭4:4-9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Psalm 34-12-14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Golf is a game in which you yell 'fore', shoot six, and write down five.”

Paul Harvey (1918-2009)

Psalms‬ ‭34:12-14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) …Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience and being persistent.”

Billy Graham (1918-2018)

Romans‬ ‭5:3-4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“So this is my old heart that caused me so much trouble.”

Dr. Philip Blaiberg (1909-1969)

NOTE: Philip Blaiberg was a South African dentist and the second person to receive a heart transplant in the world. Some time after the successful transplant, Dr. Christian Barnard asked Blaiberg if he would like to see his old heart. Dr. Blaiberg made today’s quote after seeing his old heart in a glass container.

Romans‬ ‭2:28-29‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

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

‭‭

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:14-17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) …Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Luke 20:20-21 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Flattery is the reverse mirror-image of gossip. Gossip involves saying behind a person’s back what you would never say to his face. Flattery is saying to a person’s face what you would never say behind his back.”

R. Kent Hughes

Luke‬ ‭20:20-21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully.”

‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭26:28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.

Proverbs‬ ‭29:5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“God must have liked ordinary people because he made so many of them!”

Abraham Lincoln

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.

‭‭

‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:8-10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“When we are frightened, seeing Jesus will enourage us to keep on trusting. When we are tired, seeing Jesus will give us strength to go on. When we want to turn back, focusing on Jesus will reassure us that the glory ahead is well worth the present pain.”

Lawrence O. Richards (1932-2016)

 Hebrews 12:1-4 (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. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

James 1:2-8 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.”
Hannah More (1745-1833)

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.”

James‬ ‭1:2-8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Psalms 119:1-16 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Swapping Isaiah for Freud and the Gospels for modern psychology has left a nation of empty souls – and a desperation for meaning…Psychology and mental health disciplines are desperately needed – but alone, they are inadequate. When they replace spiritual disciplines, it is to humanity’s detriment.”

Newt Gingrich

Speaker of the US House of Representatives (1995-1999)

Psalms‬ ‭119:1-16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! 

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Philippians 3:20-21 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“That is how Jesus’ followers are to wait for him. It is not to be a passive, lethargic wait, but one filled with active service, continual preparation, and joyous anticipation.”

R. Kent Hughes

Philippians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Image: CC (Unsplash.com)

Romans 12:21 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Evil exists. Evil hunts for opportunities to infect humans. Humans infected and overpowered by evil do horrible things.”

Newt Gingrich

Speaker of the US House of Representatives (1995-1999)

Romans‬ ‭12:21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Psalms‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Proverbs‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“When we feel as if God is nowhere, He is watching over us with an eternal consciousness, above and beyond our every hope and fear”

George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Psalms‬ ‭139:1-6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 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!

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Psalm 37:4-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Don’t trust what you see more than [God].”

Pastor Wayne Bray

Psalms‬ ‭37:4-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

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.

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

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)