2015 Goal Update

I know I am early with my quarterly review, but with my upcoming surgery at the end of the month I have no idea how I will be feeling later. This quick review will also help keep me on track while I am stuck at home recovering. 

Daily Bible verse reading.

I have failed at this one miserably. Balancing real estate, editing, and family life is proving to be quite a challenge. I plan to take my Bible with me to the hospital and I plan to get on track with this goal while recovering.

Complete editing projects.

One is pretty much done. The second is taking much longer than I planned. I really hope I complete it before going in for surgery.

Complete Amelia's Mission by May 31st.

I finished the last chapter and got it over to my critique group. I'm currently at 20,113 words of my planned 35,000. Amelia just made it to Elms Academy. It doesn't look like it will go well for her.

Reconsider blogging duties.

I still haven't decided what to do about this yet. I currently run the following blogs:

The Book Connection
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection
The Busy Mom's Daily
Cheryl's Christian Book Connection
Books Can Be Deadly
Little Shepherd

I also contribute to the Christian Children's Authors blog twice a month. It is too much to continue now that I am working outside the house. I will probably make a decision soon.

That's it for now. How are you doing with your goals?

Goals for 2015

It's that time of year again! Is is crazy that I look so forward to setting goals for the upcoming year? Even though I often fall short, I'm happy to keep checking my progress throughout the year.

My previous update for 2014 was in October. Here's where I stand to close out the year:

Daily Bible reading between 8 and 8:30 a.m.

I stuck with this goal for a while, but as soon as I started working it fell by the wayside. Though I've read several times since my last posting in October, I'm not reading daily.

Reduce blogging/reviewing duties.

This was an easy goal because I am out of the house so  much I don't get a chance to read as much as I once did.

Complete the first draft of my middle grade historical Amelia's Mission by February 28th.

I'm disappointed that I couldn't meet this goal, but I have plans for 2015 (see below).

Research one new publisher/agent a month. I want to submit more often.

I didn't follow through with this one enough, but I am slowly checking out names and places.

Complete editing projects.

This was an addition in the latter half of 2014 once I received word from these clients they were proceeding. I am currently working on these two projects, but they will overlap into the new year.

2015 Goals

Since I already know that the main focus for 2015 will be on expanding my real estate business, my other goals are very trim. If I find I have more time, they can be expanded.

Daily Bible verse reading.

As long as I read one verse a day, I'll be happy.

Complete editing projects.

Two projects came in at the same time: one moderate and the other substantial. I plan to be done with them by the end of January--God willing.

Complete Amelia's Mission by May 31st.

I have surgery coming up in February, so I'm thinking I might be able to use some down time to complete this story. I'm 15 chapters in, so I really feel that's doable.

Reconsider blogging duties. 

I started two new blogs in 2014 that I would like to post to at least twice a week. I also plan to keep The Book Connection and The Children's and Teen's Book Connection going. I'm considering getting rid of The Busy Mom's Daily or making it strictly posts to its Facebook page.

As far as real estate goes, I've set a monetary goal and I have a business planning meeting all set for next week with my manager. I would like to hire a part-time marketing assistant to help me get my name out there. I've got two listings now--one that will close in January--and another listing on the horizon. I'm also working with some buyers, renters, and landlords, so I know I want to focus on the meeting and greeting end of the business. A marketing assistant will free up more time for me to concentrate on that goal.

Hope you had a wonderful 2014. Feel free to share some of your accomplishments and challenges. Are you setting goals for 2015?

Happy New Year! Blessings of peace, joy, and happiness.

Daily Bible Reading - 2 John, 3 John & Jude

I'm doing my best to get back into the habit of reading daily from my Bible. It's just been hard because I am so tired from working that I often fall asleep without reading anything. The important thing, though, is that I find myself praying more and more these days.

Here is some of what I've read from lately.

2 John

Favorite verses:

1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

1:9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.

3 John

Favorite verses:

1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

1:11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

Jude

Favorite verses:

1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading - I Peter, II Peter and I John

I'm so glad I started with Romans instead of choosing one of the Gospels. I've read the Gospels more than once, but the early history of the church is something I haven't much explored.

I Peter 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Favorite verses

1: 24-25
“All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

3:1-2 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

3:7  Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

4:7-8 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.

II Peter 1, 2, and 3

Favorite verses

1:5-7 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

I John 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Favorite verses

1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Daily Bible Reading - End of Hebrews and James

I'm doing my best to stay in the habit of reading first thing in the mornings, but that might change soon. I'm close to finalizing who I will work under for real estate, so mornings might become a rush out the door once the kids are on the bus. I'm praying it all works out.

I read through to the end of Hebrews and all the way through James (one of my favorites).

Hebrews 10, 11, 12, and 13

Favorite verses:

10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

12:5-6 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 James 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

If I truly followed all the instructions in James, I would be a much better person. Though short in length, it is a powerful reminder of how to live our Christian lives. There are too many favorite verses for me to quote here, so I will restrain myself and only share my most favorite; ones that mean the most to me and encourage me in the areas where I struggle. 

Favorite verses:

1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

 3:8-10 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

 5:16 ...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Daily Bible Reading - Hebrews Continued

How is it more than two weeks have passed since my last update? The girls have kept me running with a variety of things. The Lil' Princess started soccer and the Lil' Diva is in rehearsals for Peter Pan Jr. MCAS testing is finally done for the year, so they are thrilled. As for me, I've been planning book tours for clients and working on finding a real estate broker to work now that I have my license. I've been very bad about my daily Bible reading, which is a shame because I am in a much better frame of mind with it than without it.

We've been studying the tabernacle at church, so some of these chapters in Hebrews solidified that learning.

Hebrews 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

Favorite verses:

6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

7:22  by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

8:12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

9:28 ...so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Daily Bible Reading - 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews

I didn't intentionally fall off the face of the planet. During Holy Week, I spent more time reading the Bible than usual, which helped to focus and prepare me for Easter. Some time was also spent studying for my real estate salesperson exam, which I took--and passed--this past Tuesday. With this new direction in my life, I feel the need to be spending more free time in prayer. I've also discovered how much I enjoy reading the Bible on my Kindle. I can easily highlight passages to remember later. I read more at a time on my device than online. I'll be using this way for a while.

2 Timothy 1, 2, 3, & 4

Favorite verses:

1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2:11-13 This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.

2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ[c] depart from iniquity.”

3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Titus 1, 2, & 3

Favorite verses:

2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

3:2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Philemon

Hebrews 1, 2, 3, & 4

Favorite verses:

2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

2:8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.

4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Day 2 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on Philippians 2:8-9 and John 10:7-18.
Day 3 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on John 3:1-16, Ephesians 3:19, and 1 Peter 1:20.
Day 4 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on Luke 23:32-46 and John 15:13.
Day 5 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on Luke 23:53-55 and Luke 24:1-12.
Day 6 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on Matthew 28:11-20.
Day 7 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on John 20:19-31 and Colossians 2:13.
Day 8 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on John 14:1-6, John 14:18, and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18.
Day 9 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on Romans 6:14-23 and 1 John 4:4.
Day 10 of "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Romans 6:23, and John 14:2.

Bible Reading - 1 Timothy

Doing my best to stick with my daily Bible reading. I also started a 10-day devotional title, "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter."

1 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

Favorite verses:

2:8-10 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

 6:6-7 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

6:11 ...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

Day 1 of  "Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Easter" focuses on Matthew 21:1-11.

Bible Reading - 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians

I've definitely gotten away from reading as much of the Bible as I was at the beginning of the year, but I am still reading, which is what I feel is the most important. It's been tough to stick with it as spring is a busy time for the kids at school and for me in the garden. But if I am to set an example for my children that God must come first, then I need to make sure I'm practicing what I say.

1 Thessalonians 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Favorite verses:

3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

4:13-14 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

2 Thessalonians 1, 2 & 3

Favorite verse:

3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

Bible Reading - Colossians

My Bible reading went by the wayside a couple of weeks ago as I spent the majority of my time studying for my real estate exam. I did get a chance to make my way through Colossians, and hope to get back to regular daily reading this week.

Colossians 1, 2, 3, & 4

Favorite verses:

1: 21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—

3: 1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Bible Reading - Philippians

I'm feeling badly because I've allowed my busy schedule to get in the way of my daily Bible reading. I managed to read Paul's letter to the Philippians, but nothing else last week. This week isn't looking much better.

This book of the Bible is a short one, but it is one of my favorites, especially Chapter 4, which includes my favorite Bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13).

Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4

Favorite verses:

1:6 ...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.

4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Bible Reading Update - Ephesians

I've always liked Paul's Letter to the Ephesians. It inspires and instructs. We taught a portion of chapter 6 for vacation Bible school one year. For a summary of the Book of Ephesians, you can go to http://www.biblestudytools.com/ephesians/

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

Favorite verses: 

1: 22-23 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

2: 8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

4: 4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

4: 31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

 5: 22-24 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

5: 25, 28-33 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her...So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

6: 1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

6: 10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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.

Bible Reading Update - 2 Corinthians Continued and Galatians

Sticking with my Bible reading gets harder around the kids' vacation. The girls ended up with two extra days of vacation this month because of all the snow we had right before Valentine's Day. They head back today after eleven straight days of being home. It will be tough getting back on schedule for everyone, but there is something wonderful about being back on track.

Here is what I've been reading:

2 Corinthians chapters 11, 12, and 13

Favorite verse

12:8 - 10 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I have to admit that I didn't find 2 Corinthians as interesting as 1 Corinthians. You can find more information about this epistle at http://christianity.about.com/od/newtestamentbooks/a/2-Corinthians.htm 

Galatians 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Favorite verses:

2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

3:13 - 14  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”, that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control...

6:9  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Bible Reading Update - 2 Corinthians

Between my writing and family life, I've been very busy lately. I've struggled to keep up with everything, but I hope that changes this week. Here are some of my favorite verses from the past two weeks of Bible reading.

2 Corinthians chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

1:3-4 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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

3:11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

 4:8 - 10 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

9:6-7 ...He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Last Week's Bible Reading - 1 Corinthians Continued

Continuing with my reading of 1 Corinthians, which is one of my favorite books of the New Testament. I had class this past Saturday and Sunday, so I didn't read those days.

Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.

Favorite verses:

12: 4 - 7 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...

13: 1- 3  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

13: 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

15: 33  Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

15: 56 - 57  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

16: 13- 14  Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.

This Week's Bible Reading - 1 Corinthians Continued

I continued this week with 1 Corinthians. The first verses I mention are familiar from last year's vacation Bible school program.

Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. 

Favorite verses:

6: 19 - 20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

7: 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

8:1 ...Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

10:13 ...but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

This Week's Bible Reading

Now that I am finished with Paul's Letter to the Romans, I have moved on to 1 Corinthians. My reading time was less now that my work schedule is back to normal after the holidays, but I still managed the following:

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Favorite verses:

1: 31 ...“He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

2: 4-5 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

 3: 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

3: 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

 4: 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

5: 6-8 ...Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Today's Bible Reading - Romans

Today I read:

Romans chapters 9, 10, and 11.

Favorite verses:

10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Today's Bible Reading - Romans

Today I read:

Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8.

Favorite verses:

8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

8:37-39 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today's Bible Reading - Romans

Today I read:

Romans chapters 3, 4, and 5.

Favorite verses: 

3:23: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.