Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/17/2018)...

“As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed."

Vincent Van Gogh

Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Colossians 1:11-12 (NLT) 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. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Creative Commons: Wikimedia/Peasant woman binding sheaves

1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/16/2018)...

My wife has been walking approximately six miles per day with one of her friends. And, yes, that is twelve months of the year...that would be  a Maine year. You can imagine my concern for her well-being. 

"Be careful not to injure your muscles."

"You're going to get frost bite!"

"Watch out for coyotes and black bears...and rabid coons...or large gray squirrels!"

"Don't get hit by a school bus or dump truck." 

"Don't get whacked by a drunk, druggy, texters,or person in my age bracket!" 

"Man, it is really cold out there!"

"Man, it is really warm and muggy today!"

"Man, looks like it is going to rain."

"Shouldn't you take a break?" 

"You really should let that blister heal up."

"Wow...congrats...you finished another half-marathon."

I started walking three miles per day last week. This morning I asked her about the cold walking weather...34 degrees. She simply and lovingly replied, "Would you rather be cold, uncomfortable, and healthy walking outside or warm, comfortable, and unhealthy sitting in your easy-chair?"

I just returned from another three-mile walk. :-)

1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

Luke 8:22-25 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/12/2018)...

"No one would ever have crossed the ocean if he could have gotten off the ship in the storm."

Charles F. Kettering

Luke 8:22-25 (NLT) One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 

The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” 

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Image: Creative Commons Wikimedia/The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt 1632

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/11/2018)...

I walked a mile with Pleasure -

She chattered all the way

But left me none the wiser

For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow

And ne'er a word said she,

But, oh, the things I learned from her

When Sorrow walked with me.

by Robert Browning Hamilton

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT) 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.

Image: Creative Commons (Wikimedia Commons)

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/10/2018)...

For every achievement there is a price.

For every goal there is an opponent.

For every victory there is a problem.

For every triumph there is sacrifice.

by William Arthur Ward

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Image: Creative Commons (Wikipedia)

Matthew 9:35-36 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/9/2018)...

If you want to love like Jesus, you've got to...

become more mindful – less detached 

become more approachable – less exclusive 

become more graceful – less judgmental 

become more bold – less fearful 

become more self-giving – less self-absorbed.

by Les Parrott ("Five Relationship Secrets From Jesus" Thomas Nelson, 2018)

Matthew 9:35-36 (NLT) Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Image: Creative Commons (Flickr/GrowWear)

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (10/8/2018)...

"We must always remember that it is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy.”

Senator Susan Collins

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT) People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

Proverbs 16:32 (NLT) Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Image: Creative Commons (Wikimedia Commons)