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15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (ESV)
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Day 272, September 29 - Psalm 119:73-96
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76 Now let Your unfailing love be my comfort, in keeping with Your promise to Your servant.
77 Shower me with Your compassion so that I may live because I find great joy in Your law.
76 Now let Your unfailing love be my comfort, in keeping with Your promise to Your servant.
77 Shower me with Your compassion so that I may live because I find great joy in Your law.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Day 271, September 28 - Psalm 119:49-72
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57 The Eternal One is mine. He’s all I need. I have promised to keep Your words.
58 I sought Your blessing wholeheartedly. Show grace to me as You promised.
66 Help me to learn good judgment and knowledge because I believe Your commandments.
71 It is a good thing that I was humbled because it helped me learn Your limits.
72 Your teachings are more valuable to me than a fortune in gold and silver.
57 The Eternal One is mine. He’s all I need. I have promised to keep Your words.
58 I sought Your blessing wholeheartedly. Show grace to me as You promised.
66 Help me to learn good judgment and knowledge because I believe Your commandments.
71 It is a good thing that I was humbled because it helped me learn Your limits.
72 Your teachings are more valuable to me than a fortune in gold and silver.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Day 270, September 27 - Mark 1
click here for today's reading
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
A good habit, I still need to develop...
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
A good habit, I still need to develop...
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Day 269, September 26 - 2 Timothy 4
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1 And now I bring you this charge before God and Jesus the Anointed, the one destined to judge the living and the dead, at His glorious appearance and His kingdom: 2 go out and preach the word! Go whether it’s an opportune time or not! Reprove, warn, and encourage; but do so with all the patience and instruction needed to fulfill your calling 3 because a time will come when some will no longer tolerate sound teaching. Instead, they will live by their own desires; they’ll scratch their itching ears by surrounding themselves with teachers who approve of their lifestyles and tell them what they want to hear.
Paul spends a lot of time talking about calling with Timothy, something I need to hear about right now.
1 And now I bring you this charge before God and Jesus the Anointed, the one destined to judge the living and the dead, at His glorious appearance and His kingdom: 2 go out and preach the word! Go whether it’s an opportune time or not! Reprove, warn, and encourage; but do so with all the patience and instruction needed to fulfill your calling 3 because a time will come when some will no longer tolerate sound teaching. Instead, they will live by their own desires; they’ll scratch their itching ears by surrounding themselves with teachers who approve of their lifestyles and tell them what they want to hear.
Paul spends a lot of time talking about calling with Timothy, something I need to hear about right now.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Day 268, September 25 - 2 Timothy 3
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From the ESV:
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
From The Voice:
All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right 17 so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.
From the ESV:
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
From The Voice:
All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right 17 so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Day 267, September 24 - 2 Timothy 2
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15 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.
15 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.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Day 266, September 23 - 2 Timothy 1
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From ESV: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
The Voice breaks the two verses into to sentences:
6 This is why I write to remind you to stir up the gift of God that was conveyed to you when I laid my hands upon you.
7 You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.
I've always focused on verse 7, but I've noticed in most of the word for word translations (ESV, NRSV) translate verses 6 & 7 as one thought or sentence. I really like that.
From ESV: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
The Voice breaks the two verses into to sentences:
6 This is why I write to remind you to stir up the gift of God that was conveyed to you when I laid my hands upon you.
7 You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.
I've always focused on verse 7, but I've noticed in most of the word for word translations (ESV, NRSV) translate verses 6 & 7 as one thought or sentence. I really like that.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Day 265, September 22 - Psalm 119:25-48
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34 Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law and keep it wholeheartedly.
35 Guide me to walk in the way You commanded because I take joy in it.
47 I will find my joy in Your commands, which I love,
34 Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law and keep it wholeheartedly.
35 Guide me to walk in the way You commanded because I take joy in it.
47 I will find my joy in Your commands, which I love,
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Day 264, September 21 - Psalm 119:1-24
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1 Happy are the people who walk with integrity, who live according to the teachings of the Eternal.
2 Happy are the people who keep His decrees, who pursue Him wholeheartedly.
7 With a pure heart, I will give thanks to You when I hear about Your just and fair rulings.
9 How can a young person remain pure? Only by living according to Your word.
1 Happy are the people who walk with integrity, who live according to the teachings of the Eternal.
2 Happy are the people who keep His decrees, who pursue Him wholeheartedly.
7 With a pure heart, I will give thanks to You when I hear about Your just and fair rulings.
9 How can a young person remain pure? Only by living according to Your word.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Day 263, September 20 - Titus 3
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2 Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone 3 because there was a time when we, too, were foolish, rebellious, and deceived—we were slaves to sensual cravings and pleasures; and we spent our lives being spiteful, envious, hated by many, and hating one another.
The Voice
2 Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone 3 because there was a time when we, too, were foolish, rebellious, and deceived—we were slaves to sensual cravings and pleasures; and we spent our lives being spiteful, envious, hated by many, and hating one another.
The Voice
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Day 262, September 19 - Titus 2
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11 We have cause to celebrate because the grace of God has appeared, offering the gift of salvation to all people. 12 Grace arrives with its own instruction: run away from anything that leads us away from God; abandon the lusts and passions of this world; live life now in this age with awareness and self-control, doing the right thing and keeping yourselves holy.
The Voice
11 We have cause to celebrate because the grace of God has appeared, offering the gift of salvation to all people. 12 Grace arrives with its own instruction: run away from anything that leads us away from God; abandon the lusts and passions of this world; live life now in this age with awareness and self-control, doing the right thing and keeping yourselves holy.
The Voice
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Day 261, September 18 - Titus 1
Click here for today's reading
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
This is something that still happens in today's church and it can be so destructive and as Paul says needs to be silenced.
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
This is something that still happens in today's church and it can be so destructive and as Paul says needs to be silenced.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Day 260, September 17 - 1 Timothy 6
1Ti 6:11-13
Fight the Good Fight of Faith
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 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,
(ESV)
Fight the Good Fight of Faith
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 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,
(ESV)
Monday, September 16, 2013
Day 259, September 16 - 1 Timothy 5
1Ti 5:22
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
(ESV)
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
(ESV)
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Day 258, September 15 - Psalm 118
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1 Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.
27 The Eternal is the True God; He shines His light on us. Let the feast begin. Bring the sacrifice, and tie it to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I give You thanks; You are my God, and I praise You.
29 Give thanks to our Eternal Lord; He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.
1 Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.
27 The Eternal is the True God; He shines His light on us. Let the feast begin. Bring the sacrifice, and tie it to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I give You thanks; You are my God, and I praise You.
29 Give thanks to our Eternal Lord; He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Day 257, September 14 - Psalm 116-117
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From Psalm 116:
5 The Eternal is full of grace and naturally just; our God is compassionate and merciful.
6 And the Eternal watches over the naive. Whenever I was knocked down, He reached down and saved me.
7 O my soul! Return and relax. Come to your true rest, for the Eternal has showered you with His favor.
Psalm 117:
1 Praise the Eternal, all nations. Raise your voices, all people.
2 For His unfailing love is great, and it is intended for us, and His faithfulness to His promises knows no end. Praise the Eternal!
From Psalm 116:
5 The Eternal is full of grace and naturally just; our God is compassionate and merciful.
6 And the Eternal watches over the naive. Whenever I was knocked down, He reached down and saved me.
7 O my soul! Return and relax. Come to your true rest, for the Eternal has showered you with His favor.
Psalm 117:
1 Praise the Eternal, all nations. Raise your voices, all people.
2 For His unfailing love is great, and it is intended for us, and His faithfulness to His promises knows no end. Praise the Eternal!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Day 256, September 13 - 1 Timothy 4
Click here for today's reading
13 Until I get there, make sure to devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
14 Don’t neglect the gift that was given to you through the prophecy spoken when the company of the elders laid their hands on you.
15 Cultivate all these practices; live by them so that all will see how you are advancing and growing.
16 Take care of yourself, concentrate on your teaching, and stick with these things. If you do, then you will be effective in bringing salvation to yourself and all who hear you.
13 Until I get there, make sure to devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
14 Don’t neglect the gift that was given to you through the prophecy spoken when the company of the elders laid their hands on you.
15 Cultivate all these practices; live by them so that all will see how you are advancing and growing.
16 Take care of yourself, concentrate on your teaching, and stick with these things. If you do, then you will be effective in bringing salvation to yourself and all who hear you.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Day 255, September 12 - 1 Timothy 3
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11 Again the same applies to women in key positions; they should also be dignified, not backstabbing gossips but self-controlled and faithful to the core.
This chapter is full of instructions in regards to how deacons and leaders within the church should behave.
11 Again the same applies to women in key positions; they should also be dignified, not backstabbing gossips but self-controlled and faithful to the core.
This chapter is full of instructions in regards to how deacons and leaders within the church should behave.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Day 254, September 11 - 1 Timothy 2
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1 So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. 2 Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy— 3 all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior 4 who desires for everyone to be saved and know the truth.
1 So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. 2 Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy— 3 all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior 4 who desires for everyone to be saved and know the truth.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Day 253, September 10 - 1 Timothy 1
Click here for today's reading
2b May the grace, mercy, and peace that come only from God the Father and our Lord Jesus the Anointed mark your life.
15 Here’s a statement worthy of trust: Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all.
(The Voice)
2b May the grace, mercy, and peace that come only from God the Father and our Lord Jesus the Anointed mark your life.
15 Here’s a statement worthy of trust: Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all.
(The Voice)
Monday, September 9, 2013
Day 252, September 9 - Ephesian 6
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10 Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. 11 Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. 12 We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.
13 And this is why you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. 14 Yes, stand—truth banded around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, 15 and feet protected in preparation to proclaim the good news of peace. 16 Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked one. 17 Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray always. Pray in the Spirit. Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until evil has been stayed.
(The Voice)
10 Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. 11 Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. 12 We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.
13 And this is why you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. 14 Yes, stand—truth banded around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, 15 and feet protected in preparation to proclaim the good news of peace. 16 Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked one. 17 Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray always. Pray in the Spirit. Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until evil has been stayed.
(The Voice)
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Day 251, September 8 - Psalm 115
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4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
Our idols may not be graven images but we also have a tendency to have idols.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
Our idols may not be graven images but we also have a tendency to have idols.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Day 250, September 7 - Psalm 114
Click here for today's reading
3 The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?
Tremble at the Presence of the Lord
3 The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?
Friday, September 6, 2013
Day 249, September 6 - Ephesians 5
Click here for today's reading
9 For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. 10 Make it your aim to learn what pleases our Lord. 11 Don’t get involved with the fruitless works of darkness; instead, expose them to the light of God.
I like "Make it your aim to learn what pleases our Lord." The only way to learn how to please the Lord is to get to know Him.
9 For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. 10 Make it your aim to learn what pleases our Lord. 11 Don’t get involved with the fruitless works of darkness; instead, expose them to the light of God.
I like "Make it your aim to learn what pleases our Lord." The only way to learn how to please the Lord is to get to know Him.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Day 248, September 5 - Ephesians 4
Click here for today's reading
15 Instead, by truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him—the Anointed One, the head. 16 He joins and holds together the whole body with its ligaments providing the support needed so each part works to its proper design to form a healthy, growing, and mature body that builds itself up in love.
(The Voice)
15 Instead, by truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him—the Anointed One, the head. 16 He joins and holds together the whole body with its ligaments providing the support needed so each part works to its proper design to form a healthy, growing, and mature body that builds itself up in love.
(The Voice)
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Day 247, September 4 - Ephesians 3
Click here for today's reading
16 Father, out of Your honorable and glorious riches, strengthen Your people. Fill their souls with the power of Your Spirit 17 so that through faith the Anointed One will reside in their hearts. May love be the rich soil where their lives take root. May it be the bedrock where their lives are founded so that together 18-19 with all of Your people they will have the power to understand that the love of the Anointed is infinitely long, wide, high, and deep, surpassing everything anyone previously experienced. God, may Your fullness flood through their entire beings.
(The Voice)
16 Father, out of Your honorable and glorious riches, strengthen Your people. Fill their souls with the power of Your Spirit 17 so that through faith the Anointed One will reside in their hearts. May love be the rich soil where their lives take root. May it be the bedrock where their lives are founded so that together 18-19 with all of Your people they will have the power to understand that the love of the Anointed is infinitely long, wide, high, and deep, surpassing everything anyone previously experienced. God, may Your fullness flood through their entire beings.
(The Voice)
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Day 246, September 3, Ephesians 2
Click here for today's reading
8-9 For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. 10 For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. (The Voice)
This is another one of my favorite passages but I find the way The Voice says it just amazing and encouraging.
8-9 For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. 10 For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. (The Voice)
This is another one of my favorite passages but I find the way The Voice says it just amazing and encouraging.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Day 245, September 2 - Ephesians 1
Click here for today's reading
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Remember you have been redeemed by Jesus' blood and forgiven of your sins because of God's grace.
Never forget to thank God for your fellow believers and pray that their eyes will be enlightened so they understand.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Remember you have been redeemed by Jesus' blood and forgiven of your sins because of God's grace.
Never forget to thank God for your fellow believers and pray that their eyes will be enlightened so they understand.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Day 244, September 1 - Psalm 112 & 113
Click here for today's reading
Just not on Sundays but everyday!
Psalm 112:1 - Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!
Psalm 113 -
1 Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
Just not on Sundays but everyday!
Psalm 112:1 - Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!
Psalm 113 -
1 Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
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