March 24 – Proverbs 14:2
Proverbs 14:2 NIV The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. I picture that: God looking down, finding my house, finding my heart. What does He see? Doesn’t it sound to you like “understand” and “seek God” are synonymous? Like, if we really did understand what it’s all about, we would know that it’s about seeking God. Life is about seeking... Read More
March 23 – I Timothy 4:15-16
I Timothy 4:15-16 NIV Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. This is all-out training. Like life and death. And isn’t that what he’s saying? It’s not just for us. Others are watching and listening. Our diligence and whole- heartedness are being... Read More
March 22 – I Timothy 4:12b
I Timothy 4:12b … but be an example (pattern) for the believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. More of the spiritual training. Paul gives just five specific areas to be training ourselves in. “Just.” Think about yourself in each area separately. Pretty heavy, huh?! Aren’t you glad Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us?!! I know I sound like a broken record, but I am unrepentant – —... Read More
March 21 – I Timothy 4:8
I Timothy 4:8 Amp For physical training is of some value — useful for a little; but godliness [spiritual training] is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. Just like an athlete trains his physical body, we are to train our spiritual “bodies.” And here is the reason: it’s valuable for every thing! And that doesn’t stop with... Read More
March 20 – I Timothy 4:7
I Timothy 4:7 Amp Train yourself toward godliness (piety) — keeping yourself spiritually fit. Paul here is saying the same thing Solomon said yesterday, or at least we can get the same message. It takes work to build the walls; it takes work to train yourself. “Train” is an active word. Seems to involve a plan, and then regular practice. Hard work and denying yourself. Getting back up when you fall down. But you should be seeing some... Read More
March 19 – Proverbs 25:28
Proverbs 25:28 Amp He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. The walls of the city were meant for protection from its enemies. The same for us. Our rule over our spirits protects us from our enemies. Satan knows our weaknesses — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. (I John 2:16) There are other lists of weaknesses, too — jealousy, gossip, envy, etc. ... Read More
March 18 – Matthew 7:23
Matthew 7:23 NIV Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you.” A sad ending to a sad story. But can’t you hear the sadness in the Father’s voice, too? “I never knew you.” Not only does He want us to know Him, as we’ve learned, but He wants to know us, too. Wants that intimacy. How do you let God know you, Annie? The same way as anyone else — talk to Him, share your heart. He wants to be part... Read More
March 17 – Psalm 25:14
Psalm 25:14 Amp The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear — revere and worship — Him, and He will show them His covenant, and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning. Doesn’t that make a longing in you that almost hurts? To know and experience the secret of the sweet satisfying companionship of the Lord! And what is so amazing is that He longs for it even more than we do. He died for... Read More
March 16 – Psalm 25:1
Psalm 25:1 NIV, Amp To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. – NIV Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life. – Amp So few words; such a huge concept. This verse stopped me in my tracks one day. I knew there was a small, nameless corner of my heart that I was withholding from God. How the enemy lies to us! Who better than God could take those places and bring light and life? One morning a few years later as I was dancing before God, He opened... Read More
March 15 – Philippians 3:15
Philippians 3:15 Amp So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions, and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. This verse is SO comforting to me! If I’m off-base, God will show me! I do think we can be stubborn and resist, but if we want to know what is the right way to think about something, He will show us! Ask! To catch... Read More
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