Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Psa 61:1-4; Eph 6:10-13)

 

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith. For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (Isa 40:28; Rom 16;25-26; Isa 57:15; 1Tim 1;17)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I can do all things through him who strengthens me, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. (Eph 6:10; Isa 41:10; Php 4:13; Col 1:11; 2Cor 3:4-5)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (Rom 12;2; 1Cor 3;18-19; Eph 4:18-20; 2Cor 4:6)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (1John 4:9-10; Isa 53:3-5; John 3:36)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. (2Pet 1:19-21; Rom 15:4; John 20:31; 1Pet 1:10-11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (1John 1:5-6; James 1:13-14; 1Cor 10:13; 2Tim 2:22; Col 3:2)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. All this I have tested by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (Pro 1:5; Ecc 7:23; Job 28:12-16; Pro 2:6; James 1:17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (Psa 19:7-9; Rom 15:4; 2Tim 3:16-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Heb 12:1-2, 10:36; 1Cor 9:24; Col 3:23-24)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. (Pro 4:7, 3;13; James 1:5; 1Cor 1:30; James 3:17; Ecc 9:17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (Pro 3;5-6; Psa 46:1-3; Rom 8:15; 1John 4:8)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Heb 6:10; Eph 4:7; 1Pet 13:16; Gal 6:9-10)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (Eph 4:1; Heb 12;2; 1Pet 1:8-9; 2Cor 4:18; 2Thes 2:16-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (2Thes 3:5; Pro 16:17; 1Pet 3:10-11; Jude 1:21; Titus 2:11-13)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 2:8; Php 1:6; Rom 16:25-27; Eph 3:20-21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Rom 8:34; 1John 2:1-2; 1Tim 2:5-6; Heb 7:25)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 1John 4:9; 2COr 5:20-21; Psa 147:10-11, 149:4; Isa 61:10)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (John 14:1-3; James 5:7-8; 1Thes 4:16-18)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2Tim 3:12; Php 3;20-21; Col 3:1-4; 2Cor 5:5)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (Mat 16:26; Psa 49:7-8; 1Tim 2:5-6; 1Pet 1:20-21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Mic 6;8; 1Pet 3:8; 1Cor 10:24; Rom 12:10, 16, 3)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Mat 7:15-16; John 13:34-35; Rom 12:4-5; 1Pet 4:10; Php 2:4)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Rom 15:1; Col 3:15; Php 4;5-7; Heb 13:20-21)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (Psa 16:2, 31:14; 2Cor 4;6; 1Cor 1:30; Rom 5:19; 2Cor 5:21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom 5:1-2; Eph 1:3; 1John 3:1-2; Rom 8:32)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (Titus 3;3; Rom 5:20-21; 1Pet 1:3-5)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Psa 89:1-2; Rom 5:6-8; Eph 2:4-7)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. 1John 5:13; Rom 8:15-17; 1John 3:2, 2:25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2Tim 2:19; 1John 5:20; Eph 1:3-6; Col 3:1)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. But, as it is written, “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (John 14:2-3; 1Pet 1:3; Rom 8:24-25; 1Cor 2:9)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (Psa 90:12, 144:4; Php 3:20-21; 2Cor 4:16-18)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life... For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (1Pet 2:9; Php 2:14-16a; Eph 5:8; 1Cor 4:6)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (2Tim 2:19; Eph 2:19-21; 1Cor 3:9-11)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. (Gal 5:13; John 13:16-17; Rom 12:10; Php 2:3; 1Cor 12:12)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2Cor 1:3-4; Rom 12:4-5; 1Thes 5:11; 2Thes 2:16-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. (Php 4;19; 2Pet 1:3-4; 2Cor 9:8; 1Pet 4:10)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Rom 8:33-34; John 10:27-30; Jude 1:24-25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (Rom 3:12; Jpb 35:10-11; Psa 32:8-9; 1Pet 5:6-7)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:3)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Pro 9:10; Jer 9:23-24; Pro 4:7; 2Cor 4:6; Heb 1:3)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me! (Psa 17:6; Heb 13:15; Col 1:12; Php 4;4-7; Psa 66:19-20)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (Psa 105:1-4; Eph 6:11-13; 1COr 15:57; 1John 5:4)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Psa 113:1-3; Jer 32:17; Job 42:2; Eph 3:20-21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (1John 4:9; john 1:14Isa 42:1; 2Pet 1:17; Php 2:9-11)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (1Tim 2;1-3; 1Pet 2:13-14; Rom 13:1)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1Pet 3:14-16; Pro 22:1; 1Pet 4:14, 2:12)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Ecc 7:14; Psa 46:1-3; Php 4:6-7; Col 3:2)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Rom 12:1-2; Php 4:8; Psa 19:13-14)

 

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Isa 26:19; 1Cor 15:21-23; 1Thes 4:13-14; Jude 1:24-25)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (1Cor 1:28-30; 1Pet 2:4-5; Heb 13:15)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ (Deut 5:32; Isa 30:21; 1Pet 2:2-3; 2Tim 4:3-4; Jer 6:16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.” For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (Gen 3:17-18; Rom 8:20-23; 2Pet 3:13)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Job 38:2; Pro 30:5-6; Heb 4:12; James 3:17; 2Tim 2:15; Col 3:16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (John 1:12-13; Eph 1:5-6; Gal 4:6-7; Rom 8:31-32)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (1Cor2:12; Rom 8:14-16; Gal 5:16-17, 25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Isa 41:10, 40:28-29; Eph 3:16-19)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psa 55:22; 1Cor 15:57-58; Gal 6;9-10; Psa 27:14)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (2Cor 1:3-4; Heb 12:12, 3; Col 2:23-24)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Rom 15:5-6; 1Thes 3:13; Php 1:9-11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (Rom 12:18; James 3:16-18; 2Cor 13:11; 2Thes 2:16-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Psa 92:12-13; Rom 12:1-2; 1Pet 4:10; Php 1:11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. (John 8:32; Rom 6:17-18; Gal 5:1; 1Pet 2:16; Rom 6:13; Heb 2:1; Pro 23:23)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. (2Tim 2:15; Rom 14:18-19; 2Cor 10:18; 1John 2:24-25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Eph 2:8-10; Gal 5:22-23; Php 1:9-11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Isa 26:3-4; Psa 62;7-8; Php 4:6-7; Col 3:1-2)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Col 2:6-7; 2Tim 3:1-5; Col 3:16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (James 4:1; Php 2;3; Gal 5:15; Col 3:12; Rom 12;3; Gal 6:3)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1Pet 2:9; Titus 2:11-13; 1Pet 1:14-16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (1Cor 3:16; Rom 8:11, 6:12-13; Php 2:13)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought: 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began. (1Tim 2:1-2; 1Pet 2:13-15, 3:15; Titus 1:2)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rom 8:19-23; 2Pet 3:13; Rev 21:5)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. (Psa 37:16; 1Tim 6:6-7; 2Pet 3:11; Col 3:1-2; Heb 13:5; Pro 15:16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Lam 3:21-24; Psa 89:1; Rom 15:4, 13)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (John 1:11-13; Gal 4:7; 1Pet 1:3-5)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Pro 5:21-23; Rom 6:17; Titus 3:4-6)

Today's Thought:

 Today's Thought:

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Rom 5:1-2; Col 1:12-14; Heb 1:3)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (Psa 104:1-3; John1;18; 1Tim 6:13-15, 1:17)