BC - Day 333

Reading:  Acts 20:2;  Romans 1-4


For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20


Footnote:  What kind of God does nature reveal?  Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail; a God of order and beauty; a God who controls powerful forces.  That is general revelation.  Through special revelation (the Bible and the coming of Jesus), we learn about God's love and forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.  God has graciously given us both sources that we might fully believe in him.


They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator -- who is forever praised.  Amen  Romans 1:25


Footnote:  People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own selfish, personal beliefs.  Today, more than ever we need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs.  With TV, music, movies and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles and unwholesome values, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible.  Be careful about what you allow to form your opinions.  The Bible is the only standard of truth.  Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings.  


God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished -- Romans 3:25


Footnote:  What happened to people who lived before Christ came and died for sin?  If God condemned them, was he being unfair?  If he saved them, was Christ's sacrifice unnecessary?  Paul shows that God forgave all human sin at the cross of Jesus.  Old Testament believers looked forward in faith to Christ's coming and were saved, even though they did not know Jesus' name or the details of his earthly life.  Unlike the Old Testament believers, you know about the God who loved the world so much that he gave his own Son (John 3:16).  Have you put your trust in him?

JUST KEEP READING...........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 332

Reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13


We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5


Footnote:  Paul uses military terminology to describe this warfare against sin and Satan.  God must be the commander in chief -- even our thoughts must be submitted to his control as we live for him.


I heard a teaching years ago on this verse that has been life-changing.  It's very powerful to use scripture in spiritual warfare.  Next time you have a thought that doesn't line up with scripture -- a thought that's negative, sinful, angry, discontented, etc. -- try using this verse and take EVERY thought captive to the obedience of Christ!  


This next passage of scripture is about Paul.  It's only a portion of his trials and sufferings.  Read it slowly.....let the depth of Paul's ministry really sink in.


Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.  


Three times I was beaten with rods, 


once I was stoned, 


three times I was shipwrecked, 


I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 


I have been constantly on the move.  


I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; 


in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.  


I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; 


I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; 


I have been cold and naked.  


Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.   


2 Corinthians 11: 24-28


Footnote:  Paul was sacrificing his life for the gospel, something the false teachers would never do.  The trials and hurts we experience for Christ's sake build our character, demonstrate our faith, and prepare us for further service to the Lord.


JUST KEEP READING..........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 331

Reading:  2 Corinthians 7-9


Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.  2 Corinthians 7:10


Footnote:  "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation" refers to the sorrow for our sins that results in changed behavior  Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught ("worldly sorrow").  Compare Peter's remorse and repentance with Judas's bitterness and act of suicide.  Both disowned Christ.  One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.


Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
2 Corinthians 9:6-8


Footnote:  People may hesitate to give generously to God if they worry about having enough money left over to meet their own needs.  Paul assured the Corinthians that God was able to meet their needs.  The person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return.  Don't let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously.


Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give.  We don't have to be embarrassed if we can give only a small gift.  God is concerned about how we give from the resources we have.  According to that standard, the giving of the Macedonian churches would be difficult to match (8:3).


JUST KEEP READING........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 330

Reading:  2 Corinthians 4-6


Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16


Footnote:  It is easy to lose heart and quit.  We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away.  Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).  Don't let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job.  Renew your commitment to serving Christ.  Don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain.  Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.


For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10


Footnote:  While eternal life is a free gift given on the basis of God's grace, each of us will still be judged by Christ.  This judgment will reward us for how we have lived.  God's gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement for faithful obedience.  All Christians must give account for how they have lived (see Matthew 16:27; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).


JUST KEEP READING...........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

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Gold - Britt Nicole

I just heard about Britt Nicole's new album: Gold, and went to check it out on YouTube. I love it! I'm gonna have to buy it or something it's just so good! I'd love to post all of the songs on the album of course, but i just picked one so you people aren't sitting here all day =D :-)

Gold - Britt Nicole 

ENJOY!!!!! <3

BC - Day 329

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5


Footnote:  Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. We must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you.  Remember that every trial you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles.


And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18


Footnote:  The glory that the Spirit imparts to the believer is more excellent and lasts longer than the glory that Moses experienced.  By gazing at the nature of God with unveiled minds, we see the truth about Christ, and it transforms us morally as we understand and apply it.  Through learning about Christ's life, we can understand how wonderful God is and what he is really like.  As our knowledge deepens, the Holy Spirit helps us to change.  Becoming Christlike is a progressive experience (see Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2).  The more closely we follow Christ, the more we will be like him.


JUST KEEP READING..........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.