Saturday, January 4, 2020
Afternoon Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:9-11
Philippians 1:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 11:28-30
Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Footnotes:
- Matthew 11:29 meek
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:10-19
Proverbs 1:10-19 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like [a]Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious [b]possessions,
We shall fill our houses with [c]spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in [d]vain the net is spread
In the sight of any [e]bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.
Do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like [a]Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious [b]possessions,
We shall fill our houses with [c]spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in [d]vain the net is spread
In the sight of any [e]bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 1:12 Or the grave
- Proverbs 1:13 Lit. wealth
- Proverbs 1:13 plunder
- Proverbs 1:17 futility
- Proverbs 1:17 Lit. lord of the wing
Friday, January 3, 2020
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 1:4-5
Psalm 1:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Afternoon Scripture Reading - John 3:16-21
John 3:16-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 8:26-30
Romans 8:26-30 New King James Version (NKJV)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Footnotes:
- Romans 8:26 NU omits for us
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:8-9
Proverbs 1:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV)
Shun Evil Counsel
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 1:4-5
Psalm 1:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
Afternoon Scripture Reading - Matthew 6:25-27
Matthew 6:25-27 New Living Translation (NLT)
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 10:8-10
Hebrews 10:8-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
8 First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). 9 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 1:7 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Happy New Year - Evening Scripture Reading
Psalm 98:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 98
A psalm.
1 Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.
His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!
for he has done wonderful deeds.
His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 1:1-3
Psalm 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
BOOK ONE
Psalms 1–41
The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Afternoon Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Mid-Week Message - Looking Ahead
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NIV)
One of my favorite Christmas presents ever received was given to me by my grandfather. It was a Chatty Cathy doll. Oh, how I loved her! Of course, as toys that are played with do, eventually she no longer talked and was discarded into the memories of my youth. When my daughter was around six, they began remaking the doll. I saw it in a catalog and showed it to my husband. My mother also saw it and that following Christmas I was given an identical box from each of them. Two lovely Chatty Cathy dolls!
During this time I was collecting rag dolls. My little one knew that the dolls were not to be played with. However, when the Chatty Cathy dolls arrived, it was almost too much for her. One day she asked me if she could play with one of them. My response was, "No. But one day all of my dolls will be yours." When she asked for clarification I explained that someday I would die and she would become the owner of many things that I had, including the dolls. She then perked up and asked me quite eagerly, "When are you going to die?" That is still something we laugh over.
As I grow older and think of my own mortality, I realize how precious the time I have on this earth is and how vital it is that the time I have left is used wisely. I make a sincere attempt to show appreciation for the blessings I have been given and to share love and encouragement with the people God brings into my pathway. But I have begun to understand that more is needed.
My prayer has become that the Lord would open my eyes and enable me to see as He sees. I have walked with Him now for many years and He has taught me that His perspective is much more complete than mine. But, He is more than willing to grant wisdom when it is sought and that wisdom is able to remove the blinders from my earthly eyes to allow me to more clearly see into the hearts of those created in His image. When that occurs, love can more freely flow because there is a deeper understanding of the pain and need that others experience which creates a fervent desire to accompany them to the foot of the cross where they might find forgiveness and healing.
As we all enter this new year, may we do so agreeing in prayer that our Father would open our hearts, minds and eyes to see as He sees? Rather than a fuzzy image, we need to clearly understand that His desire is that none should perish. We do not have control over whether someone accepts the salvation that is offered to them, but we certainly have control over whether we treat those around us with compassion and love and share the Good News with them. They may turn away from the gospel, but, oh, beloved, what if they embrace the Savior? We will never hear the rejoicing if we never share Him.
I wish you all a blessed 2020. May we enter this decade understanding the urgency that the passing of the years creates and may we all look forward to His return. God bless.
One of my favorite Christmas presents ever received was given to me by my grandfather. It was a Chatty Cathy doll. Oh, how I loved her! Of course, as toys that are played with do, eventually she no longer talked and was discarded into the memories of my youth. When my daughter was around six, they began remaking the doll. I saw it in a catalog and showed it to my husband. My mother also saw it and that following Christmas I was given an identical box from each of them. Two lovely Chatty Cathy dolls!
During this time I was collecting rag dolls. My little one knew that the dolls were not to be played with. However, when the Chatty Cathy dolls arrived, it was almost too much for her. One day she asked me if she could play with one of them. My response was, "No. But one day all of my dolls will be yours." When she asked for clarification I explained that someday I would die and she would become the owner of many things that I had, including the dolls. She then perked up and asked me quite eagerly, "When are you going to die?" That is still something we laugh over.
As I grow older and think of my own mortality, I realize how precious the time I have on this earth is and how vital it is that the time I have left is used wisely. I make a sincere attempt to show appreciation for the blessings I have been given and to share love and encouragement with the people God brings into my pathway. But I have begun to understand that more is needed.
My prayer has become that the Lord would open my eyes and enable me to see as He sees. I have walked with Him now for many years and He has taught me that His perspective is much more complete than mine. But, He is more than willing to grant wisdom when it is sought and that wisdom is able to remove the blinders from my earthly eyes to allow me to more clearly see into the hearts of those created in His image. When that occurs, love can more freely flow because there is a deeper understanding of the pain and need that others experience which creates a fervent desire to accompany them to the foot of the cross where they might find forgiveness and healing.
As we all enter this new year, may we do so agreeing in prayer that our Father would open our hearts, minds and eyes to see as He sees? Rather than a fuzzy image, we need to clearly understand that His desire is that none should perish. We do not have control over whether someone accepts the salvation that is offered to them, but we certainly have control over whether we treat those around us with compassion and love and share the Good News with them. They may turn away from the gospel, but, oh, beloved, what if they embrace the Savior? We will never hear the rejoicing if we never share Him.
I wish you all a blessed 2020. May we enter this decade understanding the urgency that the passing of the years creates and may we all look forward to His return. God bless.
Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 40:30-31
Isaiah 40:30-31 New King James Version (NKJV)
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Happy New Year - Morning Scripture Reading
Isaiah 43:19 New Living Translation (NLT)
19 For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
19 For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Beginning of Knowledge
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To [a]perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
To [a]perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 1:2 understand or discern
- Proverbs 1:5 acquire
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