1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬a (NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"In a way, this is similar to asking why Christians should share the gospel with another person rather than simply praying and asking God to reveal the gospel to that person directly. Or why should we speak words of encouragement to a Christian who is discouraged rather than just praying and asking God himself to encourage that person directly? Why should we speak a word of rebuke or gentle admonition to a Christian whom we see involved in some kind of sin rather than just praying and asking God to take care of the sin in that person’s life? The answer to all these questions is that in the world that God has created, he has given us a very active role in carrying out his plans, especially his plans for the advancement of the kingdom and the building up of the church. In all of these cases, our direct involvement and activity is important in addition to our prayers."

Wayne Gruden

Theologian, seminary professor, and author

(Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine)

1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬a (NLT‬‬) Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear... 

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.

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Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Some helpful guidance for daily living from Apostle Paul...

Be careful

Be wise

Be thoughtful 

Be be sober

Be Holy Spirit controlled 

Be worshipful 

Be thankful

Be Christ-focused

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭(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. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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James‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Just as an old-fashioned doctor examined a patient’s tongue to assist in diagnosis, so James tests a person’s spiritual health by his or her conversation. Self-diagnosis begins with sins of speech. James would agree with the modern wit who said, 'Watch your tongue. It’s in a wet place where it’s easy to slip!'"

William MacDonald (1917-2007)

President of Emmaus Bible College

James‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. 

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

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Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"The best route out is always through."

Robert Frost

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.

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Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

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Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” 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.

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Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"We all will fail at some point in our life. Failing is a learning experience so we can do better next time...Determination and failure leads to success. You fail and you get up and you try again. Eventually you will get it right. Just ask Thomas Edison. When you give up that is failure."

Biblereasons.com

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 ‭145‬:‭13‬b-14‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬, ‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads...The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth...I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.

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Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 

Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965)

British Prime Minister 

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.

Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. 

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.

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John 8:45 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

Here are some tactical destructive methods used by Satan and his evil team to tempt and destroy followers of Christ...

• Lying
• Deception 
• Murder
• Spiritual blindness
• Spiritual bondage
• Temptation 
• Doubt
• Fear
• Confusion
• Envy
• Pride
• Slander

...just to mention a few.

John‬ ‭8‬:‭44‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

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1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Revelation‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So humble yourselves before God. 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.

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Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Of course, the question is not 'Do I perfectly exemplify all of these characteristics in my life?' but rather 'Are these things a general characteristic of my life? Do I sense these attitudes in my heart? Do others (especially those closest to me) see these traits exhibited in my life? Have I been growing in them over a period of years?'"

Wayne Gruden

Theologian, seminary professor, and author

(Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine)

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭26‬ ‭(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! 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

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Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Be decisive. Make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision."

Unknown

Isaiah‬ ‭50‬:‭7‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.

James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

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Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"It's better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction."

Jennifer Grant

Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭133‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

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Psalms‬ ‭148‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Why wish upon a star when you can pray to the One who created it?"

Psalms‬ ‭148‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies!...Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars!...Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked.

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Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

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Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"We are now in the midst of a vast universe full of life - but there was a period when there was nothing - not a grain of sand, not a blade of grass, not a flower, not a leaf, nor the tiniest insect - nothing but God...There never was a time, however, when God was not. He had no beginning....The thought is too great for us to grasp! Everything else that we see or of which we know - had a beginning."

James Russell Miller (1840-1912)

Presbyterian Pastor and author

Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.

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Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever.

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1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) "I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”

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Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"The beauty of a snowflake, the majestic power of a thunderstorm, the skill of a honeybee, the refreshing taste of cold water, the incredible abilities of the human hand—all these and thousands of other aspects of creation simply could not have come into existence apart from the activity of an all-powerful and all-wise Creator."

Wayne Gruden

Systematic Theology, second edition 

Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

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Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Do you think you would pay more attention if God spoke to you from heaven or through the voice of a living prophet than if he spoke to you from the written words of Scripture? Would you believe or obey such words more readily than you do Scripture? Do you think your present level of response to the written words of Scripture is an appropriate one? What positive steps can you take to make your attitude toward Scripture more like the kind of attitude God wants you to have?"

Wayne Gruden

Systematic Theology, second edition 

Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

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Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.

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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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