As we walk daily in our faith and face issues in our lives, we must always remember that the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, protect, strengthen and call you as His child. Because of the true grace of God and by standing firm in it, we are able to face tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Colossians 1:24-29 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 88 American Standard Version
I have cried day and night before thee.
Let my prayer enter into thy presence;
Incline thine ear unto my cry.
For my soul is full of troubles,
And my life draweth nigh unto Sheol.
I am reckoned with them that go down into the pit;
I am as a man that hath no help,
Cast off among the dead,
Like the slain that lie in the grave,
Whom thou rememberest no more,
And they are cut off from thy hand.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit,
In dark places, in the deeps.
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me,
And thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah
Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me;
Thou hast made me an abomination unto them:
I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
Mine eye wasteth away by reason of affliction:
I have called daily upon thee, O Jehovah;
I have spread forth my hands unto thee.
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead?
Shall they that are deceased arise and praise thee? Selah
Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave?
Or thy faithfulness in Destruction?
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark?
And thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
But unto thee, O Jehovah, have I cried;
And in the morning shall my prayer come before thee.
Jehovah, why castest thou off my soul?
Why hidest thou thy face from me?
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up:
While I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
Thy fierce wrath is gone over me;
Thy terrors have cut me off.
They came round about me like water all the day long;
They compassed me about together.
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me,
And mine acquaintance into darkness.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 19 American Standard Version
Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good;
And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
The foolishness of man subverteth his way;
And his heart fretteth against Jehovah.
Wealth addeth many friends;
But the poor is separated from his friend.
A false witness shall not be unpunished;
And he that uttereth lies shall not escape.
Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man;
And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
All the brethren of the poor do hate him:
How much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursueth them with words, but they are gone.
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul:
He that keepeth understanding shall find good.
A false witness shall not be unpunished;
And he that uttereth lies shall perish.
Delicate living is not seemly for a fool;
Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger;
And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion;
But his favor is as dew upon the grass.
A foolish son is the calamity of his father;
And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
House and riches are an inheritance from fathers;
But a prudent wife is from Jehovah.
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep;
And the idle soul shall suffer hunger.
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul;
But he that is careless of his ways shall die.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah,
And his good deed will he pay him again.
Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope;
And set not thy heart on his destruction.
A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty;
For if thou deliver him, thou must do it yet again.
Hear counsel, and receive instruction,
That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
There are many devices in a man’s heart;
But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.
That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness;
And a poor man is better than a liar.
The fear of Jehovah tendeth to life;
And he that hath it shall abide satisfied;
He shall not be visited with evil.
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish,
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother,
Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.
Cease, my son, to hear instruction
Only to err from the words of knowledge.
A worthless witness mocketh at justice;
And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.
Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And stripes for the back of fools.
Morning Scripture Reading - Amos 5:24 American Standard Version
Monday, February 27, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Hebrews 10:8-10 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 87 American Standard Version
Jehovah loveth the gates of Zion
More than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as among them that know me:
Behold, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia:
This one was born there.
Yea, of Zion it shall be said, This one and that one was born in her;
And the Most High himself will establish her.
Jehovah will count, when he writeth up the peoples,
This one was born there. Selah
They that sing as well as they that dance shall say,
All my fountains are in thee.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 18 American Standard Version
And rageth against all sound wisdom.
A fool hath no delight in understanding,
But only that his heart may reveal itself.
When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt,
And with ignominy cometh reproach.
The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.
To respect the person of the wicked is not good,
Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts.
He also that is slack in his work
Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
The name of Jehovah is a strong tower;
The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And as a high wall in his own imagination.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty;
And before honor goeth humility.
He that giveth answer before he heareth,
It is folly and shame unto him.
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;
But a broken spirit who can bear?
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge;
And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
A man’s gift maketh room for him,
And bringeth him before great men.
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just;
But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
The lot causeth contentions to cease,
And parteth between the mighty.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city;
And such contentions are like the bars of a castle.
A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth;
With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,
And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
The poor useth entreaties;
But the rich answereth roughly.
He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction;
But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 20:20-28 American Standard Version
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Revelation 21:9-14 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 86 American Standard Version
Bow down thine ear, O Jehovah, and answer me;
For I am poor and needy.
Preserve my soul; for I am godly:
O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
Be merciful unto me, O Lord;
For unto thee do I cry all the day long.
Rejoice the soul of thy servant;
For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee.
Give ear, O Jehovah, unto my prayer;
And hearken unto the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee;
For thou wilt answer me.
There is none like unto thee among the gods, O Lord;
Neither are there any works like unto thy works.
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord;
And they shall glorify thy name.
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things:
Thou art God alone.
Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; I will walk in thy truth:
Unite my heart to fear thy name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart;
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
For great is thy lovingkindness toward me;
And thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.
O God, the proud are risen up against me,
And a company of violent men have sought after my soul,
And have not set thee before them.
But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
Oh turn unto me, and have mercy upon me;
Give thy strength unto thy servant,
And save the son of thy handmaid.
Show me a token for good,
That they who hate me may see it, and be put to shame,
Because thou, Jehovah, hast helped me, and comforted me.
Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Work Together and Love One Another
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 17 American Standard Version
Than a house full of feasting with strife.
A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame,
And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold;
But Jehovah trieth the hearts.
An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips;
And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker;
And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men;
And the glory of children are their fathers.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool;
Much less do lying lips a prince.
A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it;
Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love;
But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding
Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,
Rather than a fool in his folly.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good,
Evil shall not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:
Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
Seeing he hath no understanding?
A friend loveth at all times;
And a brother is born for adversity.
A man void of understanding striketh hands,
And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
He loveth transgression that loveth strife:
He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.
He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good;
And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow;
And the father of a fool hath no joy.
A cheerful heart is a good medicine;
But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom,
To pervert the ways of justice.
Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding;
But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her that bare him.
Also to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
He that spareth his words hath knowledge;
And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise;
When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
Morning Scripture Reading - James 1:5 American Standard Version
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 5:17-20 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 85 American Standard Version
Jehovah, thou hast been favorable unto thy land;
Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people;
Thou hast covered all their sin. Selah
Thou hast taken away all thy wrath;
Thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.
Turn us, O God of our salvation,
And cause thine indignation toward us to cease.
Wilt thou be angry with us for ever?
Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
Wilt thou not quicken us again,
That thy people may rejoice in thee?
Show us thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah,
And grant us thy salvation.
I will hear what God Jehovah will speak;
For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:
But let them not turn again to folly.
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth springeth out of the earth;
And righteousness hath looked down from heaven.
Yea, Jehovah will give that which is good;
And our land shall yield its increase.
Righteousness shall go before him,
And shall make his footsteps a way to walk in.
Thoughts from the Heart - Galatians 5:16
This can be a difficult thing to do, as our sinful nature often leads us down paths of selfishness, greed, and pride. But when we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome these temptations and walk in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Christ.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 16 American Standard Version
But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto Jehovah,
And thy purposes shall be established.
Jehovah hath made everything for its own end;
Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah:
Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for;
And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
When a man’s ways please Jehovah,
He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little, with righteousness,
Than great revenues with injustice.
A man’s heart deviseth his way;
But Jehovah directeth his steps.
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king;
His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.
A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s;
All the weights of the bag are his work.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness;
For the throne is established by righteousness.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings;
And they love him that speaketh right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death;
But a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king’s countenance is life;
And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!
Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:
He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pride goeth before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good;
And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
The wise in heart shall be called prudent;
And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it;
But the correction of fools is their folly.
The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth,
And addeth learning to his lips.
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him;
For his mouth urgeth him thereto.
A worthless man deviseth mischief;
And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
A perverse man scattereth abroad strife;
And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A man of violence enticeth his neighbor,
And leadeth him in a way that is not good.
He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things:
He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
The hoary head is a crown of glory;
It shall be found in the way of righteousness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
The lot is cast into the lap;
But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.
Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 2:1-16 American Standard Version
Friday, February 24, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 7:7-12 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 84 American Standard Version
How amiable are thy tabernacles,
O Jehovah of hosts!
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of Jehovah;
My heart and my flesh cry out unto the living God.
Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even thine altars, O Jehovah of hosts,
My King, and my God.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house:
They will be still praising thee. Selah
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee;
In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Passing through the valley of Weeping they make it a place of springs;
Yea, the early rain covereth it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength;
Every one of them appeareth before God in Zion.
O Jehovah God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah
Behold, O God our shield,
And look upon the face of thine anointed.
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.
I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,
Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For Jehovah God is a sun and a shield:
Jehovah will give grace and glory;
No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O Jehovah of hosts,
Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 15 American Standard Version
But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright;
But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
The eyes of Jehovah are in every place,
Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life;
But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
A fool despiseth his father’s correction;
But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure;
But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge;
But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;
But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah;
But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way;
And he that hateth reproof shall die.
Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah;
How much more then the hearts of the children of men!
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved;
He will not go unto the wise.
A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance;
But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge;
But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are evil;
But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.
Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah,
Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
A wrathful man stirreth up contention;
But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns;
But the path of the upright is made a highway.
A wise son maketh a glad father;
But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom;
But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed;
But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth;
And a word in due season, how good is it!
To the wise the way of life goeth upward,
That he may depart from Sheol beneath.
Jehovah will root up the house of the proud;
But he will establish the border of the widow.
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah;
But pleasant words are pure.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
But he that hateth bribes shall live.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer;
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Jehovah is far from the wicked;
But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart;
And good tidings make the bones fat.
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life
Shall abide among the wise.
He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul;
But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom;
And before honor goeth humility.
Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 5:1-5 American Standard Version
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 20:29-34 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 83 American Standard Version
O God, keep not thou silence:
Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult;
And they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
They take crafty counsel against thy people,
And consult together against thy hidden ones.
They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation;
That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
For they have consulted together with one consent;
Against thee do they make a covenant:
The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab, and the Hagarenes;
Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre:
Assyria also is joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot. Selah
Do thou unto them as unto Midian,
As to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon;
Who perished at Endor,
Who became as dung for the earth.
Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb;
Yea, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna;
Who said, Let us take to ourselves in possession
The habitations of God.
O my God, make them like the whirling dust;
As stubble before the wind.
As the fire that burneth the forest,
And as the flame that setteth the mountains on fire,
So pursue them with thy tempest,
And terrify them with thy storm.
Fill their faces with confusion,
That they may seek thy name, O Jehovah.
Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever;
Yea, let them be confounded and perish;
That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah,
Art the Most High over all the earth.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14 American Standard Version
But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah;
But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride;
But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean;
But much increase is by the strength of the ox.
A faithful witness will not lie;
But a false witness uttereth lies.
A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not;
But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.
Go into the presence of a foolish man,
And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way;
But the folly of fools is deceit.
A trespass-offering mocketh fools;
But among the upright there is good will.
The heart knoweth its own bitterness;
And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy.
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown;
But the tent of the upright shall flourish.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man;
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful;
And the end of mirth is heaviness.
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways;
And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
The simple believeth every word;
But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil;
But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.
He that is soon angry will deal foolishly;
And a man of wicked devices is hated.
The simple inherit folly;
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The evil bow down before the good;
And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
The poor is hated even of his own neighbor;
But the rich hath many friends.
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth;
But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
Do they not err that devise evil?
But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
In all labor there is profit;
But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
The crown of the wise is their riches;
But the folly of fools is only folly.
A true witness delivereth souls;
But he that uttereth lies causeth deceit.
In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence;
And his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life,
That one may depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s glory;
But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to anger is of great understanding;
But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh;
But envy is the rottenness of the bones.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker;
But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.
The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing;
But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding;
But that which is in the inward part of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalteth a nation;
But sin is a reproach to any people.
The king’s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely;
But his wrath will be against him that causeth shame.
Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 7:21-25 American Standard Version
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - James 2:12-13 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 82:3-8 American Standard Version
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
Rescue the poor and needy:
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither do they understand;
They walk to and fro in darkness:
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
I said, Ye are gods,
And all of you sons of the Most High.
Nevertheless ye shall die like men,
And fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth;
For thou shalt inherit all the nations.
Mid-Week Message - A Lesson From a Ferris Wheel
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer..." 1 Peter 3:12a (NIV)
I can still see the look in his eyes. When my daughter was four years old, we went to Texas City, Texas to visit my parents and my aunt and uncle. One of the things I wanted to do was to take her to Galveston to see the beach and the ocean. On the evening that we chose to go, my father, who never wanted to miss a moment with his first grandchild, decided to ride along.
Before we got to the beach, she spotted a roadside carnival and began asking if we could go there after the beach. She liked the sand and all the water, but she was most excited about stopping to have some fun on the way home. Being that I also always loved carnivals, we stopped.
She rode the Merry-Go-Round and a couple of other rides meant for young children. We played a couple of the games and had some cotton candy. She was curious about the Ferris Wheel so I asked the man who was running it if it would be safe for me to take her for a ride, as I am always concerned about my weight causing a problem. After giving me the history of the wheel, he assured me it was more than sturdy enough.
Now my father had never liked this particular ride. He didn't trust it and he surely did not want his daughter and granddaughter on it. He told me he didn't think it was a good idea and he asked me to please reconsider. However, by this time my daughter was excited and, frankly, so was I. After taking our seat and as the wheel started moving, I looked at my father and saw distress. He was so worried.
When I recalled this incident the other day, I began thinking about our Heavenly Father and how diligent He is to watch His children. Psalm 139 tells us that He is always aware of what we are doing, so I wonder what the look would be in His eyes when we put ourselves in danger or engage in sinful activities.
The look in my dad's eyes came from his love for us. If our parents love us that much, just think how incredible the love of God is! I didn't honor Daddy's request and it hurt him because he was trying to keep us safe. When we fail to follow the Lord's leading, we have to be aware that we are choosing our own path rather than staying under the protected cover of His wings.
Thankfully, nothing happened to us that evening. Were I to have the chance to relive the moment, I would take my father's advice because now I understand that, in his wisdom, he knew that I was putting both myself and my daughter in avoidable danger. With age comes a deeper understanding of the frailty of life. I am so grateful for his deep love and that the Lord chose that precious man to raise me. And I am astounded by what the Father has taught me about Himself through my time with my dad.
Lord, thank you that your eyes are always on us. How I'd love to see the look of love that you have for each of your children.
"I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me." 💓
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 13 American Standard Version
But a scoffer heareth not rebuke.
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth;
But the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence.
He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life;
But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing;
But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
A righteous man hateth lying;
But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way;
But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing:
There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.
The ransom of a man’s life is his riches;
But the poor heareth no threatening.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth;
But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
By pride cometh only contention;
But with the well-advised is wisdom.
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished;
But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick;
But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself;
But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
That one may depart from the snares of death.
Good understanding giveth favor;
But the way of the transgressor is hard.
Every prudent man worketh with knowledge;
But a fool flaunteth his folly.
A wicked messenger falleth into evil;
But a faithful ambassador is health.
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction;
But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul;
But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise;
But the companion of fools shall smart for it.
Evil pursueth sinners;
But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children;
And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.
Much food is in the tillage of the poor;
But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.
He that spareth his rod hateth his son;
But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul;
But the belly of the wicked shall want.
Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 6:11 American Standard Version
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Romans 13:8-10 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 82:1-2 American Standard Version
God standeth in the congregation of God;
He judgeth among the gods.
How long will ye judge unjustly,
And respect the persons of the wicked? Selah
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 12 American Standard Version
But he that hateth reproof is brutish.
A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah;
But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
A man shall not be established by wickedness;
But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
A worthy woman is the crown of her husband;
But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
The thoughts of the righteous are just;
But the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood;
But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
The wicked are overthrown, and are not;
But the house of the righteous shall stand.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom;
But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant,
Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast;
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread;
But he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding.
The wicked desireth the net of evil men;
But the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man;
But the righteous shall come out of trouble.
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth;
And the doings of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes;
But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.
A fool’s vexation is presently known;
But a prudent man concealeth shame.
He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness;
But a false witness, deceit.
There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword;
But the tongue of the wise is health.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever;
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil;
But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
There shall no mischief happen to the righteous;
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah;
But they that deal truly are his delight.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge;
But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule;
But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop;
But a good word maketh it glad.
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor;
But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting;
But the precious substance of men is to the diligent.
In the way of righteousness is life;
And in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Morning Scripture Reading - John 1:15-18 American Standard Version
Monday, February 20, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Ephesians 1:3-14 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 81:8-16 American Standard Version
O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me!
There shall no strange god be in thee;
Neither shalt thou worship any foreign god.
I am Jehovah thy God,
Who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt:
Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
But my people hearkened not to my voice;
And Israel would none of me.
So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart,
That they might walk in their own counsels.
Oh that my people would hearken unto me,
That Israel would walk in my ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies,
And turn my hand against their adversaries.
The haters of Jehovah should submit themselves unto him:
But their time should endure for ever.
He would feed them also with the finest of the wheat;
And with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 11 American Standard Version
But a just weight is his delight.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame;
But with the lowly is wisdom.
The integrity of the upright shall guide them;
But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath;
But righteousness delivereth from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way;
But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them;
But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish;
And the hope of iniquity perisheth.
The righteous is delivered out of trouble;
And the wicked cometh in his stead.
With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor;
But through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered.
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth;
And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted;
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom;
But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets;
But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.
Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth;
But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it;
But he that hateth suretyship is secure.
A gracious woman obtaineth honor;
And violent men obtain riches.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul;
But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The wicked earneth deceitful wages;
But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
He that is stedfast in righteousness shall attain unto life;
And he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death.
They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah;
But such as are perfect in their way are his delight.
Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished;
But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
So is a fair woman that is without discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only good;
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more;
And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.
The liberal soul shall be made fat;
And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him;
But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor;
But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall;
But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind;
And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
And he that is wise winneth souls.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth;
How much more the wicked and the sinner!
Morning Scripture Reading - Colossians 1:9-23 American Standard Version
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - John 15:2 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 81:1-7 American Standard Version
Sing aloud unto God our strength:Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.Raise a song, and bring hither the timbrel,The pleasant harp with the psaltery.Blow the trumpet at the new moon,At the full moon, on our feast-day.For it is a statute for Israel,An ordinance of the God of Jacob.He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony,When he went out over the land of Egypt,Where I heard a language that I knew not.I removed his shoulder from the burden:His hands were freed from the basket.Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee;I answered thee in the secret place of thunder;I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah
Sunday Praise & Worship Message - No Matter What Cling to God
When I drive during rush hour traffic, my mind is always processing more and more information in order to stay safe. Informational signs are everywhere and flashing road condition updates as I try to watch out for those driving around me. Add bad weather to that equation and you have a crazy situation that leaves me very little time to listen to God talking to me. I used to listen to music and try to decompress from my busy day at the office. I have a couple of playlists that I listen to, but that has turned into a chore. I have to be on the lookout for emergency vehicles and listen for sirens. In short, my attention is focused wholly and completely on the road and just trying to get home in one piece. The only time I have to myself is the few minutes before I fall asleep. I spend that time with the Lord and focus on His message to me. I am so disappointed that I can only give Him a few minutes of my life. It troubles me a lot just like it troubled the psalmist.
Psalm 42 is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's presence and finding hope in Him, even when we are going through difficult times. It teaches us that we can trust in God's faithfulness and that He will never abandon us.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 10 American Standard Version
A wise son maketh a glad father;But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.Treasures of wickedness profit nothing;But righteousness delivereth from death.Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish;But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked.He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand;But the hand of the diligent maketh rich.He that gathereth in summer is a wise son;But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.Blessings are upon the head of the righteous;But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.The memory of the righteous is blessed;But the name of the wicked shall rot.The wise in heart will receive commandments;But a prating fool shall fall.He that walketh uprightly walketh surely;But he that perverteth his ways shall be known.He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow;But a prating fool shall fall.The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life;But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.Hatred stirreth up strifes;But love covereth all transgressions.In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found;But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.Wise men lay up knowledge;But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.The rich man’s wealth is his strong city:The destruction of the poor is their poverty.The labor of the righteous tendeth to life;The increase of the wicked, to sin.He is in the way of life that heedeth correction;But he that forsaketh reproof erreth.He that hideth hatred is of lying lips;And he that uttereth a slander is a fool.In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression;But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver:The heart of the wicked is little worth.The lips of the righteous feed many;But the foolish die for lack of understanding.The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich;And he addeth no sorrow therewith.It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness;And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him;And the desire of the righteous shall be granted.When the whirlwind passeth, the wicked is no more;But the righteous is an everlasting foundation.As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,So is the sluggard to them that send him.The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days;But the years of the wicked shall be shortened.The hope of the righteous shall be gladness;But the expectation of the wicked shall perish.The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright;But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.The righteous shall never be removed;But the wicked shall not dwell in the land.The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom;But the perverse tongue shall be cut off.The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable;But the mouth of the wicked speaketh perverseness.
Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 9:15 American Standard Version
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:7-21 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 80:8-19 American Standard Version
Thou didst drive out the nations, and plantedst it.
Thou preparedst room before it,
And it took deep root, and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with the shadow of it,
And the boughs thereof were like cedars of God.
It sent out its branches unto the sea,
And its shoots unto the River.
Why hast thou broken down its walls,
So that all they that pass by the way do pluck it?
The boar out of the wood doth ravage it,
And the wild beasts of the field feed on it.
Turn again, we beseech thee, O God of hosts:
Look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine,
And the stock which thy right hand planted,
And the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.
It is burned with fire, it is cut down:
They perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand,
Upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.
So shall we not go back from thee:
Quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name.
Turn us again, O Jehovah God of hosts;
Cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.
Thoughts from the Heart - Matthew 5:17 NLT
When considering the intent and action behind Matthew 5:17, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. The verse was spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that he gave to his followers on a mountain in Galilee.
The Law and the Prophets referred to in Matthew 5:17 refer to the Old Testament of the Bible. The Old Testament laws and regulations were seen as the standard for living a righteous and holy life by the Jews of the time. However, the laws were often misunderstood and misapplied, leading to a focus on outward obedience rather than inward righteousness.
Jesus’ message in Matthew 5:17 was that he had come not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. This meant that he was not doing away with the old laws, but was instead bringing a deeper understanding of their intent and purpose. He was emphasizing the importance of not just following the laws outwardly, but of having a heart change that leads to a change in behavior.
When considering the intent and action behind Matthew 5:17, it is important to understand that the verse is not just about following the laws of the Old Testament, but about living a life that is aligned with God's will. Jesus’ message was that the laws were not just a set of rules to follow, but that they were meant to bring people closer to God and to guide them in living a life that is pleasing to Him.
In order to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, Jesus taught that it is necessary to go beyond just outward obedience and to have a change in heart. This involves having a love for God and for others that motivates actions, rather than simply following the rules because they are required.
In conclusion, when considering the intent and action behind Matthew 5:17, it is important to understand that the verse is not just about following the laws of the Old Testament, but about living a life that is aligned with God's will. Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets by bringing a deeper understanding of their intent and purpose, emphasizing the importance of having a heart change that leads to a change in behavior.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 9:13-18 American Standard Version
She is simple, and knoweth nothing.
And she sitteth at the door of her house,
On a seat in the high places of the city,
To call to them that pass by,
Who go right on their ways:
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither;
And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,
Stolen waters are sweet,
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
But he knoweth not that the dead are there;
That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Morning Scripture Reading - Revelation 21:1-4 American Standard Version
Friday, February 17, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Nahum 1:7-8 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 80:4-7 American Standard Version
How long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?
Thou hast fed them with the bread of tears,
And given them tears to drink in large measure.
Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbors;
And our enemies laugh among themselves.
Turn us again, O God of hosts;
And cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.