Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬, ‭7‬, ‭23‬, ‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance of greater than 30 feet. Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall. Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see, and with faith we are freed  from the flimsy enclosures of life that only fear allows to entrap us.”John Emmons

Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬, ‭7‬, ‭23‬, ‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper...

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you...

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes...

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives...

The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

‭‭

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

We are the only Bible

The careless world will read,

We are the sinner’s gospel,

We are the scoffer’s creed,

We are the Lord’s last message,

Given in deed and word.

What if the type is crooked?

What if the print is blurred?

Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 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.

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"I walked a mile with Pleasure

She chatted all the way,

But left me none the wiser

For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow

And ne’er a word said she;

But, oh, the things I learned from her

When Sorrow walked with me!"

Robert Browning (1812-1889)

English poet and playwright 

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭(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.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Proverbs 14:17 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"I recall a man once saying to me, ‘I have a fierce temper, but I suppose that is my cross.’

“'My friend,’ I said to him (lovingly, I hope!), ‘That is not your cross. It is your wife’s cross, but it is your sin!’"

Alan Redpath (1907-1989)

British evangelist, pastor and author

Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭10‬, ‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him....

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.

‭‭

Image: CC (pexels.com)

Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"In time of trouble, say, ’First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest.’ Next, ’He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.’ Then say, ’He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.’ And last, say, ’In His good time He can bring me out again. How and when, He knows.’ Therefore, say, ’I am here (1) by God’s appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time.’ "

Andrew Murray (1828-1917)

South African writer, teacher and Christian pastor

Author of "My Utmost For His Highest"

 Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken...Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great as the knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

English Baptist Pastor/Preacher

Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 

Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 

Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. 

For the Lord grants wisdom! 

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. 

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 

He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. 

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. 

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

‭‭

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Love is more than a feeling or an emotion. It is a decision about how we treat one another."

Nicky Gumbel

1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬b-8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Some thoughts and reminders from the Bible for daily living...

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭(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. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

‭‭

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10 (NLT‬‬) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

‭‭

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.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Without rain, nothing grows. Learn to embrace the storms of your life."

Anonymous 

Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

 Jeremiah‬ ‭14‬:‭22‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.

‭‭

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“One of the real tests of Christian character is to be found in the lives we live from day to day.”

Billy Graham (1943-2007)

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23 (NLT‬‬) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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.

Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

1 John 5:14-15 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Our prayers are for God to answer in a way that directs my life to fulfill his will for my life." (Paraphrase)

Pastor Corey Watson

Upstate Church Harrison Bridge

1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

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.

‭‭

Image: CC (Unsplash.com)

Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“If you don’t leave your past in the past, it will destroy your future. Live for what today has to offer, not for what yesterday has taken away.”

Unknown

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.

‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

‭‭

Image: (Unsplash.com)