Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Four steps to achievement:
1. Plan purposefully.
2. Prepare prayerfully.
3. Proceed positively.
4. Pursue persistently.”
William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)

American motivational writer

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭3‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

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Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭27‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

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Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

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2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“A man who cannot climb a tree will boast of never having fallen out of one.”

Ludwig Klages (1872-1956)

German philosopher, psychologist, graphologist, 

poet, writer, and lecturer

2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

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Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.”

Robert Murray M'cheyne (1813-1843)

Church of Scotland minister

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.

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Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

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Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him.”

C. T. Studd (1860-1931)

Missionary to China, India and Africa

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.

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 ‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) ...Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them...This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

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Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬, ‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"I will never let another man ruin my life by making me hate him.”

George Washington Carver (1864-1943)

American agricultural scientist and inventor

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬, ‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good...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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Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”; Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."

by C. T. Studd (1860-1931)

Missionary to China, India and Africa

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.

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.

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James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

“Achievers are resolute in their goals and driven by determination. Discouragement is temporary, obstacles are overcome, and doubt is defeated, yielding to personal victory. You need to overcome the tug of people against you as you reach for high goals. Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.”
General George S. Patton (1885-1945)

U. S. Army commander of Fifth Army and Seventh Army during World War II (1939-1945)

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.

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Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

FROM TODAY'S READING...

"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"

by Isaac Watts (1707)

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.

‭‭Apostle Paul 

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Apostle Paul 

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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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