1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"[God] Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything."
Peter Marshall (1902-1949)

Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

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

Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭12 ‭(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. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father...

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Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬-‭27‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”
Conrad Hilton (1887-1979)

Founder of Hilton Hotels

Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬-‭27‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬-‭12‬, ‭14‬-‭18‬, ‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying...

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone...

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

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Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.”
Unknown

Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

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

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James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“He rightly reads Scripture who turns words into deeds.”
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

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Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

by Thomas Ken (1637-1711)

Anglican bishop

Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!

Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!

Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.

Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

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Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭19 (NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Hope is like an anchor. Our hope in Christ stabilizes us in the storms of life, but unlike an anchor, it does not hold us back."

Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Insight For Living

Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭19 (NLT‬‬) Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. 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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Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“The strength for our conquering and our victory is drawn continually from Christ. The Bible does not teach that sin is completely eradicated from Christians in this life, but it does teach that sin shall no longer reign over you. The strength and power of sin have been broken. The Christian now has resources available to live above and beyond this world...It is like the little girl who said that when the devil came knocking with a temptation, she just sent Jesus to the door.”

Evangelist Billy Graham (1918-2018)

Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

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Psalms 56:3 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Fear is never very far from any of us. Even when we have experienced God’s blessing...we’re prone to forget if some setback comes. Looking back and remembering what God has done for us brings comfort. Looking ahead and worrying about what might happen is both foolish and useless."

Lawrence O. Richards (1931-2016)

The 365 Day Devotional Commentary

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.

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

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Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

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

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Psalm‬ ‭141‬:‭8‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“We have to pray with our eyes on God and not the difficulties.”Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭18‬, ‭37‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions...Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

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Psalm‬ ‭141‬:‭8‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

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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.

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Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” 

Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)

American self-improvement author and lecturer 

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.

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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Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

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John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"It’s a mistake too for us to say about our own lives, 'That didn’t turn out well, so it must not have been God’s will.' We can’t judge God’s will that way, for He has a habit of turning 'bad' results into unexpected good."

Lawrence O. Richards (1931-2016)

The 365 Day Devotional Commentary

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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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.

1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

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Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“I never prayed earnestly for anything but it came sooner or later, and oftentimes in the way I least imagined. But it came.”Adoniram Judson (1788-1850)

Baptist missionary in Myanmar (Burma)

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

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Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

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Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Good morning, God, I love You! What are You up to today? I want to be a part of it.”

Norman Grubb (1895-1933)

British Christian missionary and Evangelist, writer, and theological teacher

Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

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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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Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Have thy tools ready; God will find thee work.”

Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)

British minister, professor, and author

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

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Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

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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.

Psalm‬ ‭90‬:‭17‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

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