October 2018 Passages
October 1, 2018
Pride has a way of distorting the truth. It is the enemy of relationships and the destroyer of life's plan. In the strength of God open yourself up to admit wrong doing - apologize to the one you hurt and be restored.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
October 2, 2018
As with Job, our faith is tested; our integrity challenged. Two choices: persevere or place blame.
His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
October 3, 2018
Every part of you matters deeply to God. Your eyes, hair color, smile, scars, skin, your laughter, your tears- everything that makes you, you.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
October 4, 2018
We are marked by majesty. A holy covenant made; forgiven, redeemed.
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
October 5, 2018
With indelible ink right from wrong, moral and good judgment we have. By choice we live it or hide it.
"I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
October 8, 2018
Our indignation is not a platform to set another straight. May our words be inspired truth of the Holy Spirit to tear down false hoods and behaviors for the sake of building up.
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
October 9, 2018
At times the endless chatter of people is a distortion of God's character, commands, and wisdom. An open heart and mind will allow you to hear him in the storm when you go to him in prayer.
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?"
October 10, 2018
Do not be swayed by those who live strictly by how they feel; victims, blamers, ungodly in thoughts and actions. Stay strong in the spirit to live as God calls you to live.
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
October 11, 2018
Include the Holy Spirit in your daily walk. Pray to him as the day unfolds, when things take a sudden turn, and in the quiet of the evening so you can build your foundation of faith relying on his wisdom.
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
October 12, 2018
Be willing to take risks for the sake of other's lives.
Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
October 13, 2018
Our quest with God will often leave more questions than answers. Like Job, we wonder why. Yet, he is sovereign and God Almighty. The litany of questions to Job is a reminder God is God and we are not.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"
October 14, 2018
Yes, there is hope for a future, renewed in Christ- before him in awe.
"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes - and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"
October 15, 2018
What is it that you want? Have you asked for it? Have you explored all possibilities? Have you tried?
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
October 16, 2018
Pray to desire that what you do daily and who you are seeks Christ and His will as your treasure.
Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
October 17, 2018
Business, math, science, music, dance, nutrition, psychology, biology, technology, gardening, athletics, spirituality, medicine ...all originate and have been blessed by our Lord the creator.
For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
October 18, 2018
Wisdom is knowing what to do with what you have learned from God. Living this way yields a fruitful life.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
October 19, 2018
Our skills, abilities, organization, knowledge, personalities, purpose exist in us for Jesus.
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.
October 21, 2018
One spiritual gift is self control. Whatever the tendency when you are irritated; whether the need to make your point, finish the sentence, assume you know or need to be right, pray to build your spiritual skill to resist.
Even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you - so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
October 22, 2018
Turn over all grief and anger to Jesus. Stand firm in faith in him and live as the gospel commands. Our time here is very short-term do not let this fester - we have work to do in his name.
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
October 23, 2018
Pray each day to love Jesus from the depth of your soul, your whole mind, and trust him with everything you have.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
October 25, 2018
Some of the many promises: you are chosen, loved, forgiven, comforted, disciplined, and eternal life breathe life and hope in our soul.
I rejoice over Your promise like one who finds vast treasure.
October 26, 2018
Love infused with what you know, using your skills and strength, listening, sacrificing, appreciating, giving of self builds a home.
A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
October 27, 2018
In awe of God, yielding to him and living reverently toward him, provides peace knowing that his power is so much more than any human, storm, or evil has.
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
October 29, 2018
Since there is not a measuring tape that reaches heaven, the sky beyond what can be seen, and the mountains an awesome splendor, know His love for you is infinite!
Your love, Lord , reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord , preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
October 30, 2018
Make no mistake, the life of a Christian has it's challenges, mistakes, trials, suffering, and detours. Yet, the beauty of His grace... we get back up, brush off the dust, and keep on going.
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
October 31, 2018
One way to begin to understand God's love for you is to think of the person you love to the core of your being. How that feels, is to know a glimmer of how the Father loves Jesus and how they in turn love you... to the core of their beings!
“As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love."