Psalm 74:1-12 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/9/2020)...

“When enemy armies defeated Israel [586 BC], they sacked and burned Jerusalem, trying to wipe out every trace of God. This has often been the response of people who hate God. Today many are trying to eliminate God from our public life and particularly from our schools. Do what you can to maintain a Christian influence, but don’t become discouraged when others appear to make great strides in removing all traces of God. They cannot eliminate his presence among believers.”

LAB Study Note (Psalm 74:8)

Psalms‬ ‭74:1-12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) O God, why have you rejected us so long? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture? Remember that we are the people you chose long ago, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem, your home here on earth. Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary. 

There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries; there they set up their battle standards. They swung their axes like woodcutters in a forest. With axes and picks, they smashed the carved paneling. They burned your sanctuary to the ground. They defiled the place that bears your name. Then they thought, “Let’s destroy everything!” So they burned down all the places where God was worshiped. 

We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end. How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. 

You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.

Image: CC "In God We Trust (Reversed Len)" by wilson.cheong 

Psalm 73:2-14, 21-26 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/8/2020)...

“There are no perfect human beings! Persons can be found who are good, very good indeed, in fact, great. There do in fact exist creators, seers, sages, saints, shakers, and movers...even if they are uncommon and do not come by the dozen. And yet these very same people can at times be boring, irritating, petulant, selfish, angry, or depressed. To avoid disillusionment with human nature, we must first give up our illusions about it.”

Abraham Maslow

Psalms‬ ‭73:2-14, 21-26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?

Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain...

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. 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.

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Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/7/2020)...

“The difference between a good haircut and a bad one is knowing where to quit.”

Karl Manke, America’s Barber (Owosso, MI)

Proverbs‬ ‭22:3‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Image: CC (Flickr.com/shixart1985)

Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/6/2020)...

“Dare to care.”

Pastor Wayne Bray

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.

Matthew‬ ‭25:31-36‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”

Image: CC (Unsplash.com)

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/5/2020)...

“The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn’t some broad, general outline – it’s a long walk with a real Person. Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

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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Psalm 16:9-11 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/2/2020)...

STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

Whose woods these are I think I know. 

His house is in the village though; 

He will not see me stopping here 

To watch his woods fill up with snow. 

My little horse must think it queer 

To stop without a farmhouse near 

Between the woods and frozen lake 

The darkest evening of the year. 

He gives his harness bells a shake 

To ask if there is some mistake. 

The only other sound's the sweep 

Of easy wind and downy flake. 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 

But I have promises to keep, 

And miles to go before I sleep, 

And miles to go before I sleep.

by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Psalms‬ ‭16:9-11‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

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James 5:16 (NLT)

 FROM TODAY’S READING (10/1/2020)...

“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”

John Maxwell

James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Psalms‬ ‭32:5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Proverbs‬ ‭28:13-14‬ ‭(NLT‬) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

Image: CC (pxhere.com)