“Don’t create a massive process to process forgiveness, love, and acceptance.”~TB
Quickly
When you regularly walk with God, you will notice how quickly He is to forgive us when we screw up. He doesn’t read a list of past offenses, He simply acknowledges your repentance and moves on. We know this, yet we still hold the offenses of our peers to a higher standard. How arrogant and how foolish! God doesn’t beat us up because He knows that in order for you to grow, you must be given the space and grace to do so. When you look at a person, in the same way, failing to acknowledge their growth or change, well, that says more about you than the other person.
Move On
I admit, there are times where I get annoyed with my dad when he advises me to move on from offenses. In my frustration, I’d rather wallow in my “rightness” rather than extend the same space and grace that God gives me on a daily basis. I humbly laugh at my misguided nature and continually ask God to improve my resilience in that area. I’ve come to realize that my dad is not trying to diminish/erase my experience, but rather, he’s encouraging me to love people as God loves me. I share this with you to say, whatever the offense, whatever the reason, right or wrong, move on. God gives credit where credit is due, and we all reap what we sow, good or bad. So let God do the judging.
Today’s Question
Are you letting a convoluted process hinder your walk with Christ?
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Proverbs 21
1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD ; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.
3The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD .
31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD .
“Fortify your mind like the walls of Jericho, so that you will rely on God’s perfect peace in all of the relationships within your life.”~TB
God First
When you’ve mastered your mind, you begin to understand how truly helpless you are without God. Friends, your foundation has to begin and end with Him. More to the point, loving God above all else is key to loving anyone at all! Experiencing God’s love informs you on how to properly love your brothers and sisters. You cannot truly love someone if you don’t know God’s love. His love is the only infinite and unyielding love there is! Mold your love after the love of Christ and watch how your relationships change. Because God freely loves and forgives, take those same principles and apply them to every relationship in your life. There will be times of mal-intent. There will be times of friendly fire. No matter the case, when God is first in your life, His Truth will reign supreme, giving you the peace and understanding of what it takes to truly love your neighbor.
Weak Walls
If you love yourself more than you love God, it will show. But, what does that look like? You love yourself more than God when you allow the influence of external factors dictate your mindset, behavior, etc., overriding your connection to Him. Your mind left undisciplined, will lead you to believe that you are the master and commander of this show. Friends, don’t fall for the lies of your ego and the opposition. The devil knows how to use a weak-minded person and he will use you to cause destruction. Because you are weak, you will gladly participate in his foolishness, as you blindly do his bidding, causing chaos amongst God’s people. Fortunately for us, all things work for Christ and even in your weak-mindedness, God uses it to His benefit. Our strength lies in our weakness because God makes up the difference when we fall short. Remember who loved you first so that you rule your mind accordingly.
Today’s Question
Are you giving your weak mind permission to wreak havoc in your life?
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Proverbs 18
1Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
3Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
9A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD .
23The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
“If God has set you free, don’t be dumb by continuing on with your broken lifestyle.”~TB
Restoration
Through salvation, you are set free from the bondage that comes from the evils of the world, the devil, and your flesh. God does this so you can live in freedom, so don’t be dumb! But, what does that mean? When you walk with Christ, you begin to see the many dumb practices society pushes onto you. With this new clarity, you have a choice to abandon your old ways and adopt better behaviors. When you stay the course, you begin to crave discipline, hard work, kindness, and humility– all of the wonderful Christ-like traits that the Holy Spirit instills in you when you accept God’s highest gift. Friends, if you’ve received Christ, chose freedom, not freedumb.
Destruction
If you don’t cultivate your relationship with God, the trappings of this world will consume because you were not careful. Friends, be discerning with what you consider to be freedom. Expensive things trap you in a cycle of debt. Toxic people trap you in a cycle of anguish and trouble. Drugs and bad substances trap you in a cycle of confusion and numbness. Envying your neighbor traps you in a cycle of anger and jealousy within your heart. These things do not set you free, they enslave you. Should you choose this modern slavery, connecting with God’s teaching becomes much more difficult. Avoid the traps and turn to Him. Walking with God helps you see the battlefield as it truly is. He shows you the landmines so that you may not become a casualty.
Today’s Question
Do you understand the difference between freedom and freedumb?
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Proverbs 13
1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
4Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
5The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.
7Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
9The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
11Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.
14The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
16Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
17An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
21Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.
22Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away.
24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
25The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
“A shattered mirror is no longer useful, so leave the pieces and get a new one.”~TB
Implosion
There will be times in your life where things implode. This could be in the form of family, friends, work, etc. In the moment, it will sting, but before you jump to conclusions, let the dust settle.
Break the Cycle
God’s plan is to free us from bondage and restore our relationship with Him. He will implode circumstances that we need to be ripped out of because He knows we would not willingly leave otherwise. Don’t despair as the shrapnel from the fallout is no longer useful to you.
Leave Behind
The broken pieces of the implosion are the image we hide behind to avoid working on our issues. We hide in an effort to conceal our shortcomings while appearing to not have struggles. This facade helps no one as a false testimony is useless. Leave the pieces behind, so that Christ can heal your wounds, freeing you to be who He intended you to be.
Today’s Question
Are you done with your false image?
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Proverbs 12
1To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
2The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
3Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.
4A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
5The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.
7The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.
8A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.
9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.
10The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.
11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
13The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.
14Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
16A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
17An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.
18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
19Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.
20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
21No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.
24Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
28The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death
“When you accept Christ into your life, you must do an about face, leaving behind your past ways and to adopt the new life Christ has given you.”~TB
Abandon
Abandon your old ways, the sinful thoughts and behaviors, and everything else in between so that you can build your foundation firmly on the principles of Christ. The same level of thinking from your previous life cannot remain because you have died from your previous self. A new self must take place and it has to start with The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is because, in our sin-fallen world, before we accepted Christ, we were programmed with corrupted software, making us believe in worldly ideas and principles. Friends, it is a daily work, throwing off the lies of the world and learning the ways of God. Do the work so you can learn and live in the Truth.
Take Up
Arm yourselves with the Word of God each and every day so that you may know how to navigate a broken world. The devil is around, especially among those who are working diligently for the Lord, waiting to steal your peace, joy, and contentment. Friends, do not lose heart if you find yourselves in trying times. If you stay close with God and listen to His wisdom, you will learn how to walk in peace, in every aspect of your life. This peace comes from the understanding of Who is with us. When you know that God is at the beginning, the middle, and the end, the path becomes much clearer. We already know who wins in the end, but we must use our newfound understanding and relationship with God to withstand the realities of this world. Take up the cross and walk in your new life with Christ.
Today’s Question
Are you struggling in your new life because you’re holding on to the old?
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Psalm 150
1Praise the LORD ! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
2Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
3Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp!
4Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
5Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD ! Praise the LORD !
“Keep a watchful eye on the people, places, and things that influence your life. A careless thoughtlife will surely lead to a poor understanding of the Truth.”~TB
Software
God programmed us to be free thinkers. This means that the blank software you were born with is free to download whatever information you choose. You don’t have to follow God or even acknowledge His existence! On the same token, He does not have to acknowledge you come judgment day. Make of that as you will. Some will come to know Christ early on. Some will do so later on. And others, well, they chose what they chose. Thank God that we have a choice! So, why is it important that you understand this distinction? Well, friends, not all information is wise or accurate. More to the point, not every activity or deed will bring you peace or contentment.
Virus
As society advances, so does the ability to easily practice sin, debauchery, and all types of blasphemous activities. Problem is, much of what is not good for you is marketed as delightful and necessary things. This is why analyzing and understanding what you’re listening to and to whom you’re influenced by is of the utmost importance. Evil people seek to give you poisonous information and will claim such acts as good! And if you’re not paying attention, you will download it, like a virus that will corrupt your system. Friends, be discerning! Let the Holy Spirit guide your thought process. If someone is telling you to make concessions on the Truth, run! If someone is trying to change you or make you believe that you are anything less than what God created you to be, ignore them. In a world that is upside down, and evil is packaged as freedom, choice, and pursuit of happiness, if you are not paying attention, life is more challenging.
Anti-virus
Even though we have a choice and God will not inflict His authority on you, He is there! If you are tired of the gnarly viruses of the world, if you are frustrated by the hypocrisy of mankind, turn to the Truth. Forming a genuine relationship with God is beneficial in so many ways. Like the ultimate anti-virus, God will download the Truth, peace, and joy onto your operating system. This new software, The Holy Spirit is not only a useful tool but a true friend that will help guide you in this wicked world. If you take the time to cultivate this relationship, it will serve you well. Make no mistake, to walk with God means to abdicate the sin-fallen world. It means to take up the cross, abandon a flesh-filled life, and to live according to His will. As with anything worth doing, dedication, discipline, and time are necessary to run this race. Friends, you have a choice, make sure you choose wisely.
Today’s Question
Are you downloading the Truth or is your operating system full of viruses?
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Psalm 128
1How joyful are those who fear the LORD — all who follow his ways!
2You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
4That is the LORD ’s blessing for those who fear him.
5May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!
“To experience God’s joyful peace, let go of whatever is weighing you down.”~TB
Release
As humans, we all fall short of the mark. There will be offense, mistreatment, accusations, and unpleasant experience that can erode relationships. Friends, let it go. As brothers and sisters in Christ, the standard has to be forgiveness over condemnation. Look at your neighbor as God looks at you. Using the Holy lens to see others is how you can overlook the small issues and remember the greater objective: We are all God’s children and He loves us the same. Even knowing how stupid we can be, He gives us the opportunity for redemption.
Weighed Down
When you are unable to forgive others, you are unable to forgive yourself because you’ve forgotten the redemption that God has freely given you. It is impossible to truly love someone if you are unable to love yourself. As the body of Christ, the relationships you build among one another have to outweigh the hurts and offenses that occur within them. Remember the One who loved you first, so that you can practice the Godly love He gives to you daily.
Today’s Question
Are you letting go of the small stuff so you can live in God’s grace?
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Psalm 120
1I took my troubles to the LORD ; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
2Rescue me, O LORD, from liars and from all deceitful people.
3O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment?
4You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals.
5How I suffer in far-off Meshech. It pains me to live in distant Kedar.
6I am tired of living among people who hate peace.
7I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war!
“Don’t allow past experiences and events contaminate a growing relationship with God.”~TB
Experience
The world can be a scary and traumatic place, where vulnerable innocent people endure unjust hardships. There is no denying that the human experience can be awful. Some of you have deep wounds, committed by those who were supposed to care for you. Some of those very people probably hid behind ‘religion’, trying to cover up their horrendous practices and abuse. They will be judged and dealt with. Friends, don’t allow the transgressions and evil deeds of others taint your understanding of the Lord. False Christians are exactly that, false. In order to heal, you must step out in faith.
Faith
No matter your experience, God can and will work within you to heal your wounds and provide you a joyful existence. There are hope and restoration after a destructive beginning. In order to grow with Him, you must let go of the weight of your past. It’s impossible to elevate to the next level when the weight of unforgiveness, shame, and sorrow are tied to you like cement bricks. Friends, give your burdens to God because you can’t handle them on your own. Finish your race victoriously on God’s team.
Today’s Question
Are you allowing your experience contaminate your ability to walk with God?
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Psalm 119
1Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD .
2Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
6Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
7As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
8I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
9How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12I praise you, O LORD ; teach me your decrees.
13I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
17Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.
18Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.
19I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me!
20I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.
21You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed.
22Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws.
23Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees.
24Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
25I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.
26I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees.
27Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
29Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.
31I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame!
32I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.
33Teach me your decrees, O LORD ; I will keep them to the end.
34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
36Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
37Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
38Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
39Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
40I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
41LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.
42Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
43Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.
44I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever.
45I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
46I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed.
47How I delight in your commands! How I love them!
48I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.
49Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.
50Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.
51The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions.
52I meditate on your age-old regulations; O LORD, they comfort me.
53I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions.
54Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived.
55I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD ; therefore, I obey your instructions.
56This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.
57LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!
58With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised.
59I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
60I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
61Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
62I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations.
63I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments.
64O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.
65You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised.
66I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
68You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.
69Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
70Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions.
71My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
72Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
73You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
74May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
75I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it.
76Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
77Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.
78Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
79Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws.
80May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed.
81I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word.
82My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?
83I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
84How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?
85These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me.
86All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
87They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.
88In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws.
89Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.
90Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.
91Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.
92If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.
93I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.
94I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
95Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
96Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.
97Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.
98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
99Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws.
100I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
101I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
103How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
104Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
105Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
106I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.
107I have suffered much, O LORD ; restore my life again as you promised.
108LORD, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.
109My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
110The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.
111Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.
112I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.
113I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.
114You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
115Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.
117Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves.
119You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.
121Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right.
122Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees.
125Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.
126LORD, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.
128Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.
129Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!
130The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
131I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.
132Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.
133Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
134Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments.
135Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees.
136Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.
137O LORD, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair.
138Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.
139I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.
141I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments.
142Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true.
143As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.
144Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.
145I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD ! I will obey your decrees.
146I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws.
147I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.
149In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations.
150Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions.
151But you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.
152I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever.
153Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions.
154Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.
155The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees.
156LORD, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations.
157Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word.
159See how I love your commandments, LORD . Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.
161Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
162I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.
163I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions.
164I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just.
165Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
166I long for your rescue, LORD, so I have obeyed your commands.
167I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.
168Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do.
169O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.
170Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.
171Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees.
172Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.
173Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight.
175Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me.
176I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.
“The strength of your character and obedient spirit will bring about an amazing partnership with Christ, being in the center of love, life, and God’s Will.”~ Jon Barnes
Centered
From the top, center page of your life, scroll down and focus with all of your might.See and adjust all of the things that are wrong, particularly the evil behaviors until they are all gone.Justify each side and align them nice and straight, and pray that God accepts you before it’s too late.
Spirited
Respect and take care of what you have so that you can develop the next chapter in your book, enjoying all of the hard work and effort it took.To flow and clean up your own mess, walk in that straight narrow line of love all of the time and during your rest.
Evolution
Notice how everything is getting better with the touch of your hands,which is the personal responsibility of everyone in the land.The game of give and take is a balancing act of love to be shared between you and me for eternity.Otherwise, your evolution process ends up in the fire of hell.
Today’s Question
What do you plan to plant and grow when your partnerships with Jesus Christ, family, and people are not right?
Enjoy The Reading
Psalm 39
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” 2 But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse. 3 The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: 4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. 7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. 8 Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. 9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. 10 But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. 11 When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
12 Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. 13 Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.
“Parting of ways from negative people to pursue your own life is a sign of maturity to follow God’s Will, Ways, and Might.”~Jon Barnes
Stand
Only you can make the choices that stand for something positive in your life. So be bold to look, learn, grow, and work for God to do those things that are right.Taking a stand is an isolated choice of daily decision connected together for a lifetime. In all that you do, understand God’s clues, because you’ll have yours and I’ll have mine.
Search
Search for the missing puzzles of love, joy, liberty, and the freedom to choose from the options you are given. God’s Ways are for you to give and share; never to lose. The Good in life will seek you out, so always find yourself doing good that finds you.Wonderful things will continue to flow your way, as this fact should always be understood and expected.
Quit
After you have put in an amount of quality work into following your heart and dreams,
there comes a point in life and time that you’ll understand what it all means.The clues you get from taking a stand for God becomes more clear each and every day.Before long you realize that this is who you are and you will not quite on God Today!
Today’s Question
Did you know that Today is every day with God or did you part ways to sing and walk with someone else?
Enjoy The Reading
Psalm 1
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
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. 6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Hi Peeps,