Hosea 4:1-3, 6 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"The plant cannot be taken into the darkness without suffering; its vitality is at once enfeebled, and gradually diminishes until it dies. It is so with the soul; it is so with the nation. This is a solemn warning to those who love moral darkness rather than light. It is an admonition to those who have the light that they walk therein."

The Pulpit Commentary 

Hosea‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...The Lord has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere— one murder after another. That is why your land is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away. Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea are disappearing...My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me..."

‭‭

1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(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. who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

Image: ("dying flower 2" by Peter Heilmann is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

Psalm 43:2-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"What we need most when hurting is not answers, or even relief. What we need is to come into God’s presence, there to find hope and to offer praise."

Lawrence O. Richards (1931-2016)

Christian author and Bible editor 

Psalms‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies? Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! 

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!

Image: CC (unsplash.com)

Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭7‬-‭10‬, ‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"True repentance is a continued spring, where the waters of godly sorrow are always flowing."

Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

English Puritan preacher and author

Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭7‬-‭10‬, ‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt...Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 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.

‭‭

 Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭36‬-‭39‬, ‭47‬-‭48‬, ‭50‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them...

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!..."

"I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 

Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven..."

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

‭‭

Image: CC (pexels.com)

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings."

Okakura Kakuzo (1863-1913)

Japanese scholar and art critic 

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

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.

‭‭

Image: ("Readjusting to the sun" by ilouque is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

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.

2 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.

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.

Image: CC (openverse.org.

John 10:10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Pirates do not...set upon poor empty vessels; and beggars need not fear the thief. Those that have most of God, and are most rich in grace — shall be most assaulted by Satan, who is the greatest and craftiest pirate in the world."

Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

English Puritan preacher and author

John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

‭‭

James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

‭‭

Image: (https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-oojuf)

1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"If my critics saw me walking [on water] they would say it was because I couldn't swim."

Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

British Prime Minister 

1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) He (Jesus) did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness...The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.

‭‭

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.

Image: CC (https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/hledej.php?hleda=Critics+)

Psalm 25:4 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING..

"If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.“

Dolly Parton

Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

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.

‭‭

Image: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-oklgi

Psalm 73:24-26 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"We may encounter defeats, but we must not be defeated."

Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

American poet and civil rights activist

 Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Apostle Paul 

‭‭

‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Image: "I Will Never Accept Defeat" by ShanMcG213 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other."

Walter Elliot (1888-1958)

British politician

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

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)

Psalm 51:1-5 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"To render good for evil is divine, to render good for good is human, to render evil for evil is brutish; but to render evil for good is devilish; and from this evil deliver my soul, O God."

Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

English Puritan preacher and author

Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

‭‭

Image: (get.pxhere.com)

Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“These are the few ways we can practice humility:

To speak as little as possible of one's self.

To mind one's own business.

Not to want to manage other people's affairs.

To avoid curiosity.

To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.

To pass over the mistakes of others.

To accept insults and injuries.

To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked.

To be kind and gentle even under provocation.

Never to stand on one's dignity.

To choose always the hardest.” 

Mother Teresa

The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living

Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

‭‭

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭(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.

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬, ‭26‬ ‭(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!...Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Image: CC (publicdomainpictures.net)

1 Peter 3:16-17 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"I have used all the manure that has been thrown on me as fertilizer to make me stronger."

Eartha Kitt (1927-2008)

American singer and actress

1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...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!

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.

Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

‭‭

Image: CC (openverse.org) 

Proverbs 14:34 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself within. The essential causes of Rome’s decline lay in her people, her morals, her class struggle, her failing trade, her bureaucratic despotism, her stifling taxes, her consuming wars.”

Will Durant (1885-1991)

American historian and philosopher

Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭34‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

‭‭

2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭(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.

1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭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. who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

Image: CC (unsplash.com)