2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“After grief for sin there should be joy for forgiveness.”

A. W. Pink (1886-1952)

Pastor, Theologian, and Author

2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

Psalms‬ ‭30:3-5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

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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1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“This life, no matter how long it lasts, is a momentary affliction preparing us for eternal glory. We shouldn’t pray for an easy life, but the strength to endure a difficult one. Because the experience of suffering is the fullest expression of God’s love. It is a chance to be closer to Christ. Now, no one suffers perfectly. For sure not me. Even Christ had his moment of despair.”

Mark Wahlberg (as Father Stu)

1 Peter‬ ‭2:21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

Romans‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I (Jesus) 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.

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Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“It’s not what I don’t understand about the Bible that bothers me. It’s what I do understand!” 

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910)

His pen name is Mark Twain

Hebrews‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭(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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

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Matthew 4:3-4 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Remember, man does not live on bread alone: sometimes he needs a little buttering up.”

John C. Maxwell

American pastor, author, and leadership coach 

Matthew‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

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1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9-11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

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.

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1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“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 (1611-1684)

Scottish Bishop

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

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.

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Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."

Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Irish-British statesman, economist, and philosopher

Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Titus‬ ‭3:14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

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Psalm 51:7-10, 12 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Disobedience is fairly easy to diagnose. Among the usual symptoms are sluggish moral reflexes, an uneasy conscience that interferes with your digestion, a load of guilt that makes you tire easily, and a low-grade depression that saps you of creative energies.”

Eugene H. Peterson (1932-2018)

Every Step An Arrival, from bible.com

Psalms‬ ‭51:7-10, 12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Romans‬ ‭5:18-19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

Romans‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“To err is human, to forgive divine.”

by Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

from a poem An Essay on Criticism

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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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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Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit down and shut up.”

Ann Bradford

 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.

Romans‬ ‭12:21‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“There have been two great eras in American history, the passing of the buffalo and the passing of the buck.”

Will Rogers (1979-1935)

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

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James‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

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Proverbs 27:6 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“The truth will make you free, but first it will make you miserable.”

James A. Garfield (1831-1881)

US American President (assassinated and died on September 19, 1881 six months into his presidency)

Proverbs‬ ‭27:6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

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.”

Hebrews‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭(CSB‬‬) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

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Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

I'm not avoiding housework. In fact, I run into it all the time. We're just not speaking to each other right now." 

Phyllis Diller (1917-2012)

American comedian, actress and author

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.

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2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“The correct way to manage fear I think is to gradually broaden your comfort zone until your comfort zone includes things that previously seemed impossible.”

by Alex Honnold, professional rock climber

NOTE: Free soloed (no rope) El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

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.

Psalms‬ ‭56:3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

James 2:14-20 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“Faith is not faith which is not tried.”

by Katharina Schutz Zell (1498-1562) 

Reformer and writer during the Protestant Reformation

James‬ ‭2:14-20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

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Luke 22:31-32 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“When Peter was indulging in his post-supper snooze in Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for him. In fact, Jesus had been praying for him since the beginning of their relationship. We all need the prayers of others—godly parents and siblings and friends. But behind all those prayers are the prayers Christ offers for us. Even if those who love you are gone, Christ keeps praying for you.”

R. Kent Hughes, Luke, Vol. 2

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:31-32‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Romans‬ ‭8:34‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Hebrews‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

Image: "126 Jesus prays in the Garden" by fz1844 is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Titus 2:12-14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

Always a good reminder…

“We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.”

Adrian Rogers (1935-2002)

Pastor and author

Titus‬ ‭2:12-14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Image: (“couple watching sunset in venice" by Anthony Citrano is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)

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Psalm 143:8, 10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING…

“In prayer we can approach God with complete assurance of His ability to answer us. There is no limit to what we can ask, if it is according to His will.”

John F. Walvoord (1910-2002)

Pastor and President of Dallas Theological Seminary

 Psalms‬ ‭143:8, 10‬ ‭(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…Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

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1 John‬ ‭5:13-14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

James‬ ‭4:2b-3‬ ‭(CSB‬‬) …You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Image: ("Praying Hands" by C Jill Reed is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

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