In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. There was the true light, even the light which lighteth every man, coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me. For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 74:1-11 American Standard Version
Maschil of Asaph.
O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever?
Why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast gotten of old,
Which thou hast redeemed to be the tribe of thine inheritance;
And mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual ruins,
All the evil that the enemy hath done in the sanctuary.
Thine adversaries have roared in the midst of thine assembly;
They have set up their ensigns for signs.
They seemed as men that lifted up
Axes upon a thicket of trees.
And now all the carved work thereof
They break down with hatchet and hammers.
They have set thy sanctuary on fire;
They have profaned the dwelling-place of thy name by casting it to the ground.
They said in their heart, Let us make havoc of them altogether:
They have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
We see not our signs:
There is no more any prophet;
Neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
How long, O God, shall the adversary reproach?
Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
Why drawest thou back thy hand, even thy right hand?
Pluck it out of thy bosom and consume them.
Mid-Week Message - Standing for Truth
"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." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
One of the very first things I remember learning about the Bible was that the Word of God is to be treasured. I must have been about seven or eight years old. The place was South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. It was an evening class right before the evening service. I had laid my Bible on the window ledge and put something else on top of it. My sweet teacher instructed me that the Word of God is precious and to be treated with respect. She told me never to place other things on top of it.Now, I don't necessarily think the Bible must always be on top of a physical stack. But I do believe it is to be esteemed above any other book or item we have. It contains our "love letter" from God. His words, delivered over the ages, preserved through time so that we can hear directly from Him. He uses them to teach us, to guide us, to comfort us and to assure us that He is intimately involved in our lives.
A week or so ago as I sat and watched the news, I saw a report about a Bible being burned in the street. After my shock and anger came incredible sadness and I wept. In my mind, I saw Jesus on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I wondered if, at any time in their lives, these persons involved had ever personally cradled a Bible in their hands, opened it and been exposed to the powerful truths contained therein.
We are witnessing large groups of individuals who are turning their backs on morality and attempting to rewrite the rules of society. They want nothing to do with obedience to the law, with patriotism or any other system that directs behavior. Instead they want to do what feels good to them even if that means destroying the life of another. God's Word stands as a beacon of truth which directs us to forego our own will and desires and to follow Him. It stands to reason that they would lash out at it as well.
It is vitally important that those of us who believe in Almighty God and the Bible as His inerrant Word, be willing to stand up for what we know to be right. It is time for churches to return to preaching God's Word rather than tickling ears with "feel good" messages. Some of what God has to say is hard to hear. We don't want to be confronted about the sin in our lives. We want to follow the world's excuses and blame our shortcomings on anyone or anything besides ourselves. But until we encounter Jesus and admit the truth about what we have done we will not find forgiveness.
We must be willing to speak God's truth. We are seeing more and more vitriol being directed at Christianity. It will only continue to worsen. This is not the time to hide our heads but to boldly stand in the name of Jesus. Our children need to be raised in true Bible believing and teaching churches and what they learn there needs to be modeled by parents and reinforced at home. We need to be fully aware of what they are hearing as "truth" at school so that we can make sure they are not confused and led away.
I know how difficult it is. It is frightening to speak out. We could encounter disapproval, criticism, mocking or even worse. But in this day of kneeling to lies, we must be careful to kneel only before our Lord. He left Heaven, came to earth and died a torturous death for us. What are we willing to do for Him?
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 6:6-19 American Standard Version
Go to the ant, thou sluggard;
Consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no chief,
Overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her bread in the summer,
And gathereth her food in the harvest.
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?
When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep:
So shall thy poverty come as a robber,
And thy want as an armed man.
A worthless person, a man of iniquity,
Is he that walketh with a perverse mouth;
That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet,
That maketh signs with his fingers;
In whose heart is perverseness,
Who deviseth evil continually,
Who soweth discord.
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly;
On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy.
There are six things which Jehovah hateth;
Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood;
A heart that deviseth wicked purposes,
Feet that are swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that uttereth lies,
And he that soweth discord among brethren.
Consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no chief,
Overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her bread in the summer,
And gathereth her food in the harvest.
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?
When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep:
So shall thy poverty come as a robber,
And thy want as an armed man.
A worthless person, a man of iniquity,
Is he that walketh with a perverse mouth;
That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet,
That maketh signs with his fingers;
In whose heart is perverseness,
Who deviseth evil continually,
Who soweth discord.
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly;
On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy.
There are six things which Jehovah hateth;
Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood;
A heart that deviseth wicked purposes,
Feet that are swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that uttereth lies,
And he that soweth discord among brethren.
Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 American Standard Version
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Ephesians 1:3-14 American Standard Version
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 73 American Standard Version
Book III
A Psalm of Asaph.
A Psalm of Asaph.
Surely God is good to Israel,
Even to such as are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone;
My steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the arrogant,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no pangs in their death;
But their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men;
Neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck;
Violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness:
They have more than heart could wish.
They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression:
They speak loftily.
They have set their mouth in the heavens,
And their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither:
And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
And they say, How doth God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?
Behold, these are the wicked;
And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.
Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart,
And washed my hands in innocency;
For all the day long have I been plagued,
And chastened every morning.
If I had said, I will speak thus;
Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.
When I thought how I might know this,
It was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God,
And considered their latter end.
Surely thou settest them in slippery places:
Thou castest them down to destruction.
How are they become a desolation in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh,
So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
For my soul was grieved,
And I was pricked in my heart:
So brutish was I, and ignorant;
I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee:
Thou hast holden my right hand.
Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish:
Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, departing from thee.
But it is good for me to draw near unto God:
I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge,
That I may tell of all thy works.
Even to such as are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone;
My steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the arrogant,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no pangs in their death;
But their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men;
Neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck;
Violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness:
They have more than heart could wish.
They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression:
They speak loftily.
They have set their mouth in the heavens,
And their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither:
And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
And they say, How doth God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?
Behold, these are the wicked;
And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.
Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart,
And washed my hands in innocency;
For all the day long have I been plagued,
And chastened every morning.
If I had said, I will speak thus;
Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.
When I thought how I might know this,
It was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God,
And considered their latter end.
Surely thou settest them in slippery places:
Thou castest them down to destruction.
How are they become a desolation in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh,
So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
For my soul was grieved,
And I was pricked in my heart:
So brutish was I, and ignorant;
I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee:
Thou hast holden my right hand.
Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish:
Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, departing from thee.
But it is good for me to draw near unto God:
I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge,
That I may tell of all thy works.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 6:1-5 American Standard Version
My son, if thou art become surety for thy neighbor,
If thou hast stricken thy hands for a stranger;
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth,
Thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself,
Seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbor:
Go, humble thyself, and importune thy neighbor;
Give not sleep to thine eyes,
Nor slumber to thine eyelids;
Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter,
And as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
If thou hast stricken thy hands for a stranger;
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth,
Thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself,
Seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbor:
Go, humble thyself, and importune thy neighbor;
Give not sleep to thine eyes,
Nor slumber to thine eyelids;
Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter,
And as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Morning Scripture Reading - John 7:37-39 American Standard Version
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Monday, February 6, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - James 1:12 American Standard Version
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 72:20 American Standard Version
The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 5:15-23 American Standard Version
Drink waters out of thine own cistern,
And running waters out of thine own well.
Should thy springs be dispersed abroad,
And streams of water in the streets?
Let them be for thyself alone,
And not for strangers with thee.
Let thy fountain be blessed;
And rejoice in the wife of thy youth.
As a loving hind and a pleasant doe,
Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times;
And be thou ravished always with her love.
For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,
And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?
For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah;
And he maketh level all his paths.
His own iniquities shall take the wicked,
And he shall be holden with the cords of his sin.
He shall die for lack of instruction;
And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
And running waters out of thine own well.
Should thy springs be dispersed abroad,
And streams of water in the streets?
Let them be for thyself alone,
And not for strangers with thee.
Let thy fountain be blessed;
And rejoice in the wife of thy youth.
As a loving hind and a pleasant doe,
Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times;
And be thou ravished always with her love.
For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,
And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?
For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah;
And he maketh level all his paths.
His own iniquities shall take the wicked,
And he shall be holden with the cords of his sin.
He shall die for lack of instruction;
And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 2:11-16 American Standard Version
For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words. Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:17 American Standard Version
Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 72:18-19 American Standard Version
Blessed be Jehovah God, the God of Israel,
Who only doeth wondrous things:
And blessed be his glorious name for ever;
And let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen, and Amen.
Who only doeth wondrous things:
And blessed be his glorious name for ever;
And let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen, and Amen.
Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Overwhelmed by Fear
Horror or scary movies are one thing, but sometimes we fear people and what they can do to us. With the spike in crime, some people refuse to enjoy life and allow fear to overcome them. They are paralyzed by fear. They can’t see the beauty in life and concentrate on the ugliness that sometimes creeps into our world.
The author of Proverbs wrote, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)
If you allow your fear of people to get the best of you it will keep you from enjoying life. It is so very easy to give up your happiness when you allow fear to hold you back. This fear does not have to be a physical fear. It can be emotional and mental.
In my years of being a pastor, I have had people ask for help when they are bullied or feel that people dislike them. They often feel that they are being singled out and they cannot do anything right. They have given themselves over to fear.
The fear of man, the fear of what others may think or say about us, can be a trap that holds us back and keeps us from living life to the fullest. It can cause us to make decisions that are not in line with our values, or to avoid taking action when action is needed.
By giving into fear and allowing it to take control of your life, you have given yourself over to fear. It is now in control and you feel powerless to do anything. However, it does not have to be that way. You can look to God for help and He will provide all that you need and even more. In short, you do not have to feel that you are trapped by fear.
The good news is that there is a way to escape this trap. By putting your trust in the Lord, you can find safety and security, no matter what others may say or do. When you trust in God, you are freed from the fear of man, and are able to live with boldness and confidence.
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
You do not have to fear what men think of you or have fear in general. God has given you power, love and self-discipline. You have the ability to overcome fear through the strength that God has already provided you. So, you should never fear anyone. God has given you the power to overcome and to stand tall with your head held high.
Life is a beautiful gift given by God. You should enjoy it and look for the best in the world. Are there things that you should fear? Yes. You do not want to go into harm’s way, but you do not need to live a life where that fear rules your life daily. When you put your trust in the Lord, you can be reassured that He will watch over you and protect you.
So, you should take Proverbs 29:25 to heart, and trust in the Lord with all your heart. Live your life with confidence and courage, knowing that you are safe in the hands of Father God. When you see someone who is allowing fear to get the best of him or her, encourage him or her to seek the Lord and trust in Him.
Joshua, in the book bearing his name, recorded the words of the Lord, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
God will stand with you daily if you let Him. When you give your life and allow Him to direct your steps, you will have peace and joy that comes from putting your trust in the Lord in your heart and be able to stand firm in His grace.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 5:7-14 American Standard Version
Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me,
And depart not from the words of my mouth.
Remove thy way far from her,
And come not nigh the door of her house;
Lest thou give thine honor unto others,
And thy years unto the cruel;
Lest strangers be filled with thy strength,
And thy labors be in the house of an alien,
And thou mourn at thy latter end,
When thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
And say, How have I hated instruction,
And my heart despised reproof;
Neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
I was well-nigh in all evil
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.
And depart not from the words of my mouth.
Remove thy way far from her,
And come not nigh the door of her house;
Lest thou give thine honor unto others,
And thy years unto the cruel;
Lest strangers be filled with thy strength,
And thy labors be in the house of an alien,
And thou mourn at thy latter end,
When thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
And say, How have I hated instruction,
And my heart despised reproof;
Neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
I was well-nigh in all evil
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.
Morning Scripture Reading - Malachi 3:7-12 American Standard Version
From the days of your fathers ye have turned aside from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith Jehovah of hosts. But ye say, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with the curse; for ye rob me, even this whole nation. Bring ye the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith Jehovah of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before the time in the field, saith Jehovah of hosts. And all nations shall call you happy; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith Jehovah of hosts.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 1:2-4 American Standard Version
Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 72:1-17 American Standard Version
A Psalm of Solomon.
Give the king thy judgments, O God,
And thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
He will judge thy people with righteousness,
And thy poor with justice.
The mountains shall bring peace to the people,
And the hills, in righteousness.
He will judge the poor of the people,
He will save the children of the needy,
And will break in pieces the oppressor.
They shall fear thee while the sun endureth,
And so long as the moon, throughout all generations.
He will come down like rain upon the mown grass,
As showers that water the earth.
In his days shall the righteous flourish,
And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
And from the River unto the ends of the earth.
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him;
And his enemies shall lick the dust.
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall render tribute:
The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him;
All nations shall serve him.
For he will deliver the needy when he crieth,
And the poor, that hath no helper.
He will have pity on the poor and needy,
And the souls of the needy he will save.
He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence;
And precious will their blood be in his sight:
And they shall live; and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba:
And men shall pray for him continually;
They shall bless him all the day long.
There shall be abundance of grain in the earth upon the top of the mountains;
The fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon:
And they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
His name shall endure for ever;
His name shall be continued as long as the sun:
And men shall be blessed in him;
All nations shall call him happy.
Thoughts from the Heart - Jeremiah 9:23-24
The verse emphasizes that wisdom, might, and riches are not things to boast about, as they ultimately come from the Lord. It reminds us not to be proud of our own abilities and accomplishments, but to acknowledge that they are gifts from God.
Verse 24 continues: "But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord
who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:24 NLT)
This verse states that the only thing worth boasting about is knowing and understanding the Lord and recognizing that He is the one who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. It reminds us that true wisdom, might, and riches come from knowing and understanding the Lord, and that this is something to be proud of.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. It reminds us that wisdom, might, and riches are not things to boast about, but rather gifts from the Lord. The only thing worth boasting about is knowing and understanding the Lord and recognizing that He is the one who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness on the earth.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 5:1-6 American Standard Version
My son, attend unto my wisdom;
Incline thine ear to my understanding:
That thou mayest preserve discretion,
And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
For the lips of a strange woman drop honey,
And her mouth is smoother than oil:
But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death;
Her steps take hold on Sheol;
So that she findeth not the level path of life:
Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
Incline thine ear to my understanding:
That thou mayest preserve discretion,
And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
For the lips of a strange woman drop honey,
And her mouth is smoother than oil:
But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death;
Her steps take hold on Sheol;
So that she findeth not the level path of life:
Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
Morning Scripture Reading - Lamentations 3:22-24 American Standard Version
It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.
Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.
Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Friday, February 3, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Luke 6:27-31 American Standard Version
But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you. To him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and from him that taketh away thy cloak withhold not thy coat also. Give to every one that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 71 American Standard Version
In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge:
Let me never be put to shame.
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and rescue me:
Bow down thine ear unto me, and save me.
Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:
Thou hast given commandment to save me;
For thou art my rock and my fortress.
Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For thou art my hope, O Lord Jehovah:
Thou art my trust from my youth.
By thee have I been holden up from the womb;
Thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels:
My praise shall be continually of thee.
I am as a wonder unto many;
But thou art my strong refuge.
My mouth shall be filled with thy praise,
And with thy honor all the day.
Cast me not off in the time of old age;
Forsake me not when my strength faileth.
For mine enemies speak concerning me;
And they that watch for my soul take counsel together,
Saying, God hath forsaken him:
Pursue and take him; for there is none to deliver.
O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me.
Let them be put to shame and consumed that are adversaries to my soul;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually,
And will praise thee yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of thy righteousness,
And of thy salvation all the day;
For I know not the numbers thereof.
I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Jehovah:
I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth;
And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not,
Until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation,
Thy might to every one that is to come.
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high;
Thou who hast done great things, O God, who is like unto thee?
Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles,
Wilt quicken us again,
And wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
Increase thou my greatness,
And turn again and comfort me.
I will also praise thee with the psaltery,
Even thy truth, O my God:
Unto thee will I sing praises with the harp,
O thou Holy One of Israel.
My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee;
And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long;
For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt.
Let me never be put to shame.
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and rescue me:
Bow down thine ear unto me, and save me.
Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:
Thou hast given commandment to save me;
For thou art my rock and my fortress.
Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For thou art my hope, O Lord Jehovah:
Thou art my trust from my youth.
By thee have I been holden up from the womb;
Thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels:
My praise shall be continually of thee.
I am as a wonder unto many;
But thou art my strong refuge.
My mouth shall be filled with thy praise,
And with thy honor all the day.
Cast me not off in the time of old age;
Forsake me not when my strength faileth.
For mine enemies speak concerning me;
And they that watch for my soul take counsel together,
Saying, God hath forsaken him:
Pursue and take him; for there is none to deliver.
O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me.
Let them be put to shame and consumed that are adversaries to my soul;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually,
And will praise thee yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of thy righteousness,
And of thy salvation all the day;
For I know not the numbers thereof.
I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Jehovah:
I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth;
And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not,
Until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation,
Thy might to every one that is to come.
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high;
Thou who hast done great things, O God, who is like unto thee?
Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles,
Wilt quicken us again,
And wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
Increase thou my greatness,
And turn again and comfort me.
I will also praise thee with the psaltery,
Even thy truth, O my God:
Unto thee will I sing praises with the harp,
O thou Holy One of Israel.
My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee;
And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long;
For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 4:20-27 American Standard Version
My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thy heart.
For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
Put away from thee a wayward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Make level the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thy heart.
For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
Put away from thee a wayward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Make level the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
Morning Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 3:11 American Standard Version
He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Galatians 6:7-10 American Standard Version
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 70 American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David; to bring to remembrance.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me;
Make haste to help me, O Jehovah.
Let them be put to shame and confounded
That seek after my soul:
Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor
That delight in my hurt.
Let them be turned back by reason of their shame
That say, Aha, aha.
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee;
And let such as love thy salvation say continually,
Let God be magnified.
But I am poor and needy;
Make haste unto me, O God:
Thou art my help and my deliverer;
O Jehovah, make no tarrying.
Make haste to help me, O Jehovah.
Let them be put to shame and confounded
That seek after my soul:
Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor
That delight in my hurt.
Let them be turned back by reason of their shame
That say, Aha, aha.
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee;
And let such as love thy salvation say continually,
Let God be magnified.
But I am poor and needy;
Make haste unto me, O God:
Thou art my help and my deliverer;
O Jehovah, make no tarrying.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 4:10-19 American Standard Version
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings;
And the years of thy life shall be many.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom;
I have led thee in paths of uprightness.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;
And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go:
Keep her; for she is thy life.
Enter not into the path of the wicked,
And walk not in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, pass not by it;
Turn from it, and pass on.
For they sleep not, except they do evil;
And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light,
That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
The way of the wicked is as darkness:
They know not at what they stumble.
And the years of thy life shall be many.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom;
I have led thee in paths of uprightness.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;
And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go:
Keep her; for she is thy life.
Enter not into the path of the wicked,
And walk not in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, pass not by it;
Turn from it, and pass on.
For they sleep not, except they do evil;
And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light,
That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
The way of the wicked is as darkness:
They know not at what they stumble.
Morning Scripture Reading - James 1:5-8 American Standard Version
But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways.
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