Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“The will of God is not always clear, especially with regard to the intricacies of daily conduct in our baffling world. But often the will of God is clear, and its main directions are always clear. A man ought not to expect light on God’s will in life’s intricacies of conduct if he is unwilling to follow a clear will in life’s simplicities.”

George A. Buttrick (1892-1980)

Christian pastor, author and lecturer 

Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

 Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭(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.

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.

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Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Just because some people are fueled by drama doesn’t mean you have to attend the performance.”

Cheryl Richardson

Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.

Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

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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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James‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

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Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, ‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom agotquestions.orgpplies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him." 

(gotquestions.org)

 Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, ‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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...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.

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Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.

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Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

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Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

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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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Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”

Thomas Merton (1915-1968)

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

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Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

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.

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Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Sometimes good things don't happen to you, because your the good thing that supposed to happen to others."

Unknown

Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

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Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

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Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“We will lie down for such a long time after death that it is worthwhile to keep standing while we are alive. Let us work now; one day we shall rest.”

Agostina Pietrantoni (1864-1894)

Nurse at Santo Spirito hospital in Rome

NOTE: Her quote to others one day prior to her murder.

Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.

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Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬) Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.

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Psalms‬ ‭144‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.

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Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭32‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Anytime we sin we affect others. Like a stone tossed in a quiet pond, the ripples of human sins go on and on, disturbing not only our own peace but also the peace of others. Before we sin knowingly we should pause and consider how our act might affect others who love or depend on us."

Lawrence O. Richards (1931-2016)

The 365 Day Devotional Commentary

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭32‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 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. 

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 

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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John 8:12 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.”

D.L. Moody (1837-1899)

Evangelist and founder of Moody Church in Chicago, Ill.

John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

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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.“

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

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Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭44‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"I'd rather stay ready than get ready."

Harrison Burton

NASCAR driver

Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭44‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

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Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.

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.

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Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Before you ask God for anything, first thank him for everything."

Unknown

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 

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.

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Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“If you want the truth to go round the world you must hire an express train to pull it; but if you want a lie to go round the world it will fly; it is as light as a feather, and a breath will carry it."

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

English pastor, evangelist and Bible expositor

Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

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Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.

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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.

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Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense, and knowledge, so that I may carry out your holy and true command.”

Francis of Assisi (1182-1228)

Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

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Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

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1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right...

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Proverbs 24:16 (NLT)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"The story continues. If you fail on Monday, the only way it’s a failure is if you decide to not progress from that. To me, that’s why failure is not existent. If I fail today, I’m going to learn something from that failure. I’m going to try again."

Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)

NBA player

LA Lakers

Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again...

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Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 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.

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Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭14‬, ‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads...The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

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Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look you take at self, take ten looks at Christ."

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843)

Church of Scotland minister and author

Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(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.

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