31 December 2021

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 *Day 365/365 (Dec 31) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*SATAN'S DESTRUCTION & THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH*

Christ destroys the beast and his armies - Revelation 19:11-21

The millennium - Rev.20:1-6

The final battle - Rev.20:7-10

The great white throne - Rev.20:11-15

The new heaven and earth - Rev.21:1-8

The new Jerusalem - Rev.21:9-27

The river of life - Rev.22:1-5

Free invitation to all - Rev.22:6-19

Final promise and blessing - Rev.22:20-21

*A thought*:

The Bible ends with the glorious hope of Christ's coming. Notice how the affirmation "Yes, I am coming soon" is followed by a swift and immediate response - "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus". How swift and immediate is your response to the thought of Christ's coming?

*The last Memory Verse*:

Revelation 7:12

"... Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"

30 December 2021

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 *Day 364/365 (Dec 30) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*THE FALL OF BABYLON*

The seven plagues - Revelation 16:1-21

Vision of the woman sitting on the beast - Rev.17:1-6

Its interpretation - Rev.17:7-18

Destruction of Babylon - Rev.18:1-8

Lament for Babylon - Rev.18:9-19

The Church to rejoice over her fall - Rev.18:20-24

Praise given to God - Rev.19:1-5

The marriage supper of the Lamb - Rev.19:6-10

*A thought*:

"The Bible",someone said, "is like a tale of two cities - Babylon is one, and Jerusalem the other". Babylon represents sin, Jerusalem represents righteousness. How reassuring to

learn that there will be a new Jerusalem, but not a new Babylon. Hallelujah - sin is to be removed - forever.

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love".

29 December 2021

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 *Day 363/365 (Dec 29) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*THE CHURCH AND HER ENEMIES*

The woman, the child and the dragon - Revelation - 12:1-8

Satan cast down to the earth - Rev.12:9-17

The two beasts - Rev.13:1-15

The mark of the beast - Rev.13:16-18

The followers of the Lamb - Rev.14:1-5

The three angels - Rev.14:6-13

Vision of Christ with a sickle - Rev.14:14-20

The song of Moses - Rev.15:1-4

The seven golden vials - Rev.15:5-8

*A thought*:

There have been many enemies of the Church, but there is a day coming when they will be swept away for ever. Make no mistake about it - truth and righteousness will ultimately triumph.

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"

28 December 2021

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 *Day 362/365 (Dec 28) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*THE SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGMENTS*

The multitude in heaven - Revelation 7:9-17

The 7th seal is opened - Rev.8:1-6

The 1st four trumpets - Rev.8:7-13

The 5th and 6th trumpets - Rev.9:1-21

The angel with the little book - Rev.10:1-11

The temple measured - Rev.11:1-2

The two witnesses - Rev.11:3-13

The 7th trumpet - Rev.11:14-19

*A thought*:

If God did not institute a final day of judgement, then the universe would remain unbalanced. Judgment will surely come. If you are a Christian, then rejoice - because for you the judgement has passed. In Christ, there is no more condemnation.

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"

27 December 2021

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 *Day 361/365 (Dec 27) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*THE WAY TO WORSHIP*

Message to the Church in Sardis - Revelation 3:1-6

In Philadelphia - Rev.3:7-13

In Laodicea - Rev.3:14-22

The throne of God - Rev.4:1-11

The sealed book - Rev.5:1-8

Worship of the Lamb - Rev.5:9-14

The six seals opened - Rev.6:1-17

The sealing of the 144,000 - Rev.7:1-8

*A thought*:

"Worship", said A.W.Tozer, "is the missing jewel of the Evangelical Church". It is certainly not the moment missing jewel in heaven. The 24 elders casting down their crowns

is a form of worship. What are you willing to cast down before Him in worship today?

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"

26 December 2021

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 *Day 360/365 (Dec 26) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*MESSAGES TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES*

Second letter of John: Walking in the truth - 2 John v.1-13

Third letter of John: Gaius commended - 3 John v.1-8

Concerning Diotrephes and Demetrius - 3 John v.9-14

The book of Revelation: Introduction - Revelation 1:1-8

John's vision - Rev.1:9-20

Message to the church in Ephesus - Rev.2:1-7

In Smyrna - Rev.2:8-11

In Pergamum - Rev.2:12-17

In Thyatira - Rev.2:18-29

*A thought*:

What does Christ expect of His Church? The answer lies in His words to the seven churches of Asia. His message to each church is characterized by one important word. Love, for example, is the key word for the church at Ephesus. Now find the answers.

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"

25 December 2021

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 *Day 359/365 (Dec 25) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*LOVE AND OBEDIENCE*

*[Writings of John AD 95-100]*

Obedience required - 1 John 2:1-14

Warning against worldliness and unbelief - 1 John 2:15-23

Abiding in Him - 1 John 2:24-28

God's love for us - 1 John 2:29, 3:1-2

Righteousness and sin - 1 John 3:3-10

Love in action - 1 John 3:11-24

Overcoming the world - 1 John 4:1-6

Love is of God - 1 John 4:7-21

Our victory - 1 John 5:1-12

Our confidence and security - 1 John 5:13-21

*A thought*:

"Love", says Thomas Fuller, a great Christian philosopher, "delights not only to ascend, but also to descend". How true. This is precisely what happened at the first Christmas - Love came down. Let that thought simmer in your mind throughout today.

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"

24 December 2021

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 *Day 358/365 (Dec 24) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY*

Paul encourages Timothy - 2 Timothy 1:1-18

The good soldier of Christ - 2 Tim.2:1-13

The Lord's faithful servant - 2 Tim.2:14-26

Apostasy in the last days - 2 Tim.3:1-13

The defence of the good soldier - 2 Tim.3:14-17, 4:1-8

Paul deserted by many - 2 Tim.4:9-18

Final greetings - 2 Tim.4:19-22

*[Martyrdom of Peter and Paul]*

First letter of John: Its purpose - 1 John 1:1-4

Dealing with sin - 1 John 1:5-10

*A thought*:

The second letter to Timothy is really Paul's last will and testament to his spiritual son. What a wealth of wisdom it contains! Pause for a moment and reflect on what you

would write if you had to pass on to a spiritual son or daughter the things you have learnt in

the Christian life. If you can, write down your conclusions.

*Week #52 - Memory Verse*:

2 John v6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"

23 December 2021

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 *Day 357/365 (Dec 23) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PETER'S LADDER OF VIRTUES*

Peter's second letter: Adding to our faith - 2 Peter 1:1-11

Peter confirms the truth of the Gospel - 2 Pet.1:12-21

Signs of the coming apostasy - 2 Pet.2:1-22

Apostasy in the end times - 2 Pet.3:1-10

Exhortation to godly living - 2 Pet.3:11-18

Letter of Jude: History of apostasy - Jude v.1-7

Apostate teachers described - Jude v.8-19

Encouragement to believers - Jude v.20-23

Doxology - Jude v.24-25

*A thought*:

You must have heard at least one sermon on the famous passage found in 2 Peter 1:5-11. Preachers often refer to it as "Peter's ladder of virtues". Go over it again at your leisure some time today, and ask yourself the question: "Which rung am I on?"

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

22 December 2021

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 *Day 356/365 (Dec 22) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*THE SUPERIORITY OF FAITH*

The faith of the patriarchs - Hebrews 11:11-22

Moses and other Old Testament examples - Heb.11:23-40

Exhortation to persevere - Heb.12:1-13

Following peace and holiness - Heb.12:14-17

Superiority of New Testament dispensation - Heb.12:18-29

Various exhortations - Heb.13:1-19

Conclusion - Heb.13:20-25

*A thought*:

What is your favourite definition of faith? A little boy, when asked to define faith, said: "Faith is believing what you know isn't true"! The best definitions, of course, are always Scriptural ones. According to Hebrews, faith is "the evidence of things not seen". "Seeing is believing" is the world's motto. "Not seeing is believing" is the Christian's motto._ And why? Because "faith is the evidence of things not seen".

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

21 December 2021

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 *Day 355/365 (Dec 21) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*THE NEW COVENANT*

The true High Priest - Hebrews 8:1-5

The new covenant is superior - Heb.8:6-13

Description of the Tabernacle - Heb.9:1-10

Its fulfillment in Christ - Heb.9:11-22

Christ's sufficient sacrifice - Heb.9:23-28, 10:1-18

True worship - Heb.10:19-25

Rejection of Christ fatal - Heb.10:26-31

The believer's reward - Heb.10:32-39

Examples of faith - Heb.11:1-10

*A thought*:

It is important to keep in mind that every Bible doctrine is designed to affect our behaviour.

Because Christ is a better High Priest...because He has provided a better way...because He initiates a better covenant...we must respond to that truth with better obedience. Make up your mind that, with God's help, you will be a better Christian today than you were yesterday.

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

20 December 2021

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 *Day 354/365 (Dec 20) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*CHRIST'S PRE-EMINENCE*

Christ greater than Moses - Hebrews 3:1-6

Warning against unbelief - Heb.3:7-13

Necessity for faith - Heb.3:14-19

Our Sabbath rest - Heb.4:1-13

Christ, our High Priest - Heb.4:14-16, 5:1-14

Exhortation to go onto maturity - Heb.6:1-12

God's unchangeableness - Heb.6:13-20

Melchizedek, a type of Christ - Heb.7:1-28

*A thought*:

The truth of Christ's pre-eminence must be applied, not only to the laws and

personalities of the Old Testament, but equally to the many aspects of our own daily lives. Do you, for example, see Christ as superior to your wife, your husband, your bank account, your job and your career? Remember, if you do not crown Him Lord of all, you do not crown Him Lord at all!

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

19 December 2021

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 *Day 353/365 (Dec 19) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE*

The life of peace - 1 Peter 3:1-13

Keeping a good conscience - 1 Pet.3:14-22

The righteous life - 1 Pet.4:1-11

Rejoicing in sufferings - 1 Pet.4:12-19

Exhortation to be strong - 1 Pet.5:1-9

Concluding prayer - 1 Pet.5:10-14

Letter to the Hebrews: Christ greater than angels - Hebrews 1:1-14

He took on man's nature - Heb.2:1-9

His sufferings and victory - Heb.2:10-18

*A thought*:

Are you experiencing some pressure and suffering at the moment? Then make sure you are suffering for doing what is right, not for what is wrong. Remember to imitate Christ

who "when he was reviled, reviled not again" - then you will be sure of an eternal reward.

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

18 December 2021

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 *Day 352/365 (Dec 18) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*ORDER IN THE CHURCH*

Letter to Titus: Selection of elders - Titus 1:1-16

Pattern for Christian living - Tit.2:1-15, 3:1-7

Importance of good works - Tit.3:8-11

Final directions - Tit.3:12-15

Peter's first letter: The Christian's security - 1 Peter 1:1-12

Exhortation to holiness and love - 1 Pet.1:13-25

A chosen people - 1 Pet.2:1-10

Patience in suffering - 1 Pet.2:11-20

Christ's example - 1 Pet.2:21-25

*A thought*:

Read carefully Paul's letter to Titus. It contains some timely words of advice for every Christian- irrespective of their age, sex or level of maturity. Have you spotted a deficiency in your own life, or that of your church, while reading these passages today? Then ask God just what you should do to bring things into harmony with His purposes. 

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

17 December 2021

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 *Day 351/365 (Dec 17) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL INSTRUCTS TIMOTHY*

Guidance for the church - 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Qualifications of elders and deacons - 1 Tim.3:1-16

Timothy to be an example - 1 Tim.4:1-16

The work of a minister (servant of God) - 1 Tim.5:1-16

Elders to be respected - 1 Tim.5:17-25

Value of godliness with contentment - 1 Tim.6:1-10

Paul's charge to Timothy - 1 Tim.6:11-19

Conclusion - 1 Tim.6:20-21

*A thought*:

"Good manners" are a missing ingredient, not only in contemporary society, but also in many of today's Christian communities. Do you know how to "behave in the household of

God"? (1 Tim.3:15) Absorb Paul's teaching in this letter and never again will you be at a loss to know how to behave in the Master's house. 

*Week #51 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

16 December 2021

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 *Day 350/365 (Dec 16) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL IN ROME*

Paul's earnest desire - Philippians 3:1-21

Exhortation to stand firm - Phil.4:1-9

Paul's contentment - Phil.4:10-19

Conclusion - Phil.4:20-23

Paul's conference with the Jews - Acts 28:17-29

Paul stays in Rome - Acts 28:30-31

*[Paul released from prison - AD 64]*

First letter to Timothy: Greeting - 1 Timothy 1:1-2

The purpose of the law - 1 Tim.1:4-11

Paul's call - 1 Tim.1:12-17

His charge to Timothy - 1 Tim.1:18-20

*A thought*:

One Christian wrote out Philippians 4:8 in big, bold letters and hung it by his television set. "Whatsoever things are true... honest... just... pure... lovely... of good report... think on these things". He said it cut down his viewing by 50%. Worth emulating?

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances"

15 December 2021

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 *DAY 349/365 ( Dec 15) – PORTIONS TO READ*

*THE EXALTATION OF CHRIST*

Life in the Spirit - Ephesians 5:1-21

Application to particular relationships - Eph.5:22-33, 6:1-9

 The armour of God - Eph.6:10-18

Conclusion - Eph.6:19-24

Letter to the Philippians: Paul's thanksgiving and prayer - Philippians 1:1-11 

He encourages them - Phil.1:12-30

Christ, the believer's example - Phil.2:1-18 

Paul's future plans - Phil.2:19-30

*A thought*:

The letter to the Philippians was written in a prison cell, but no one would ever know it. One preacher says of this letter: "Philippians with one accord, tells of rejoicing in the Lord". Paul had learned to triumph over all his circumstances. Have you?

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances"

14 December 2021

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 *Day 348/365 (Dec 14) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL'S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS*

The believer's position in Christ - Ephesians 1:1-14

Paul's prayer for wisdom and revelation - Eph.1:15-23

The riches of God's grace - Eph.2:1-10

Jews and Gentiles one in Christ - Eph.2:11-22

The mystery of the Church - Eph.3:1-13

Paul's second prayer - Eph.3:14-21

Ministries in the Church - Eph.4:1-16

The walk of the believer - Eph.4:17-32

*A thought*:

Are you feeling a little jaded or under the weather today? Then here is a guaranteed cure. Count the blessings and privileges you have in Christ as outlined in Ephesians 1:3-14.

We'll be surprised if you don't break into an expression of praise. In Greek, verses 3-14 is one long continuous sentence. It's seemingly endless - just like God's blessings. 

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances"

13 December 2021

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 *Day 347/365 (Dec 13) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL WRITES TO THE COLOSSIANS*

Paul's prayer for the Colossians - Colossians 1:1-14

The pre-eminence of Christ - Col.1:15-23

Paul's labour of love - Col.1:24-29, 2:1-3

His joy in them - Col.2:4-7

Warning against erroneous beliefs - Col.2:8-23

The believer's walk - Col.3:1-25, 4:1-6

Closing greetings and instructions - Col.4:7-18

*A thought*:

One of the most important phrases in the Bible is the one found in Colossians 1:27 - "Christ in you, the hope of glory". One great preacher, while meditating on these words one day, put his conclusions in this way. " Life with Christ is an endless hope; without Him, it is a hopeless end"

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances"

12 December 2021

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 *Day 346/365 (Dec 12) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL'S JOURNEY TO ROME*

Paul sails towards Rome - Acts 27:1-12

They are caught in a storm - Acts 27:13-20

Paul takes command - Acts 27:21-38

They escape safely to land - Acts 27:39-44

The natives receive them kindly - Acts 28:1-10

[ *Journey to Rome AD 60-61*]

They travel on to Rome - Acts 28:11-16

Letter to Philemon: Greetings - Philemon v.1-7

His request on behalf of Onesimus - v.8-22

Conclusion - v.23-25

*A thought*:

Paul's short letter to Philemon is an excellent illustration of what some people call "lathering before you shave". This means emphasizing a person's good points before you

confront them with their bad points. See how Paul commends before he commands. Now make a decision today that, from now on, you will do the same. 

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances"

11 December 2021

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 *Day 345/365 (Dec 11) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL BEFORE THE ROMANS*

Tertullus accuses Paul - Acts 24:1-9

Paul's defence before Felix - Acts 24:10-21

Paul kept prisoner at Caesarea - Acts 24:22-27

Paul before Festus - Acts 25:1-9

He appeals to Caeser - Acts 25:10-12

Festus confers with Agrippa - Acts 25:13-27

Paul before Agrippa - Acts 26:1-23

He persuades Festus and Agrippa of his innocence - Acts 26:24-32

*A thought*:

When faced with a difficult decision, Felix took the path of least resistance. For two years he let Paul's case drag on - all because it was politically inexpedient to release him. Are 

you facing a difficult decision at the moment? Then here's some good advice - decide first to do what God wants, and then all other decisions will fall into line. 

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11 

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances".

10 December 2021

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 *Day 344/365 (Dec 10) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL BEFORE THE JEWS*

Paul is seized in the temple - Acts 21:27-40

His defence before the Jews - Acts 22:1-21

The Jews' rage - Acts 22:22-25

Paul is released - Acts 22:26-30

Paul speaks before the council - Acts 23:1-5

Dissension between the Saducees and Pharisees - Acts 23:6-10

The Lord's promise - Acts 23:11

The Jews' plot is discovered - Acts 23:12-22

Paul sent to Caesarea - Acts 23:23-35

*A thought*:

Whether or not we believe Paul was mistaken in going to Jerusalem, it is certain that his arrest there was due to his clear emphasis on the superiority of the Christian faith over

every other religion. If you were arrested on that same charge, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

*Week #50 - Memory Verse*:

Philippians 4:11

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances"

09 December 2021

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 *Day 343/365 (Dec 9) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL GOES TO JERUSALEM*

Personal greetings - Romans 16:1-16

Warning against those who cause divisions - Rom.16:17-20

Further greetings and conclusion - Rom.16:21-27

Paul at Troas - Acts 20:4-12

Paul meets the Ephesian elders - Acts 20:13-17

His farewell address - Acts 20:18-38

From Miletus to Caesarea - Acts 21:1-9

Agabus' prophecy - Acts 21:10-12

[ *Paul goes to Jerusalem AD 58*]

Paul travels to Jerusalem - Acts 21:13-19

He takes a vow - Acts 21:20-26

*A thought*:

Did Paul disobey the Holy Spirit in going to Jerusalem? Acts 21:4 certainly seems to suggest so. How careful we must be that our enthusiasm to work for God does not lead us to go ahead of the guidance of God.God's will must take precedence over God's work.

*Week #49 - Memory Verse:*

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

08 December 2021

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 *Day 342/365 (Dec 8) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS*

Call for dedication - Romans 12:1-2

Faithful use of spiritual gifts - Rom.12:3-8

The transformed life - Rom.12:9-21

Obedience to authorities - Rom.13:1-7

Love as the fulfilment of the law - Rom.13:8-14

Warning against judging - Rom.14:1-13

Do not offend a brother - Rom.14:14-23

Maintaining unity - Rom.15:1-14

Paul's future plans - Rom.15:15-29

His request for prayer - Rom.15:30-33

*A thought*:

In the first 11 chapters of Romans, Paul has discussed the key doctrines of the Christian faith. Now, however, he moves from doctrine to duty - a necessary consequence. What we believe must affect the way we behave. If it doesn't, then it is not "sound doctrine".

*Week #49 - Memory Verse*:

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

07 December 2021

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 *Day 341/365 (Dec 7) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*ISRAEL'S FUTURE RESTORATION*

Paul's concern for the Jews - Romans 9:1-13

God's sovereignty - Rom.9:14-29

Israel's present failure - Rom.9:30-33

Paul's prayer for Israel - Rom.10:1-4

The righteousness of faith - Rom.10:5-11

Jew and Gentile equal in need - Rom.10:12-21

Israel not finally rejected - Rom.11:1-11

They will be grafted back - Rom.11:12-21

Gentiles cautioned against pride - Rom.11:22-32

Praise of God's wisdom and goodness - Rom.11:33-36

*A thought*:

Ready for a searching test? Then here goes. In the three chapters you have read today, Paul shows his great knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures by quoting from ten

different books. How many can you identify? 1-4 good! 5-7 very good! 8-10 fantastic!

*Week #49 - Memory Verse*:

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

06 Dec 2021

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 *Day 340/365 (Dec 6) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*OUT OF "7" INTO "8"*

Death to sin through baptism into Christ's death - Romans 6:1-14

Servants of righteousness - Rom.6:15-23

Believers united to Christ - Romans 7:1-6

The purpose of the law - Rom.7:7-13

The conflict between the old and new natures - Rom.7:14-25

Freedom from condemnation - Rom.8:1-9

The privileges of the child of God - Rom.8:10-17

Future glory - Rom.8:18-27

More than conquerors - Rom.8:28-39

*A thought*:

Christians sometimes ask each other: Have you stepped out of "7" into "8" yet? They refer, of course, to Romans chapters 7 and 8: In chapter 8, he is gloriously free. What accounts for the difference? The Holy Spirit. Has this experience happened to you? If not, ask God to do something for you - today. 

*Week #49 - Memory Verse*:

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

05 Dec 2021

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 *Day 339/365 (Dec 5) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH*

All men to be judged by their deeds - Romans 2:1-16

Circumcision alone is insufficient - Rom.2:17-29

The advantage of being a Jew - Rom.3:1-8

All mankind are sinners - Rom.3:9-20

Justification by faith - Rom.3:21-31

Abraham as an illustration - Rom.4:1-25

Results of justification - Rom.5:1-11

Adam and Christ contrasted - Rom.5:12-21

*A thought*:

Justification by faith is one of the greatest truths in the whole of Scripture. It means God accepts us just-as-if we had never sinned. Do you understand it? Give yourself this test. List all your Christian activities, then ask yourself: "Am I doing these things in order to be saved, or because I am saved?". If the answer is, "In order to be saved", then you need to think again. 

*Week #49 - Memory Verse*:

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

04 December 2021

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 *Day 338/365 (Dec 4) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL'S THREE GREAT CONFESSIONS*

Folly of legal observances - Galatians 4:1-20

The bondwoman and the free woman - Gal.4:21-31

Freedom in Christ - Gal.5:1-15

The Spirit and the flesh - Gal.5:16-26

Various exhortations - Gal.6:1-10

Conclusion - Gal.6:11-18

Letter to the Romans: introduction and prayer - Romans 1:1-12

The power of the Gospel - Rom.1:13-17

Man's universal sin - Rom.1:18-32

*A thought*:

Researchers are often at pains to point out that in Romans 1, Paul shares three great

confessions concerning the gospel of Christ: (1) I am a debtor (v14), (2) I am ready (v15), (3) I am not ashamed (v16). Reflect on these three statements for a few minutes and ask yourself: "Is this my attitude toward Christ's glorious gospel?"

*Week #49 - Memory Verse*:

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

03 December 2021

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 *Day 337/365 (Dec 3) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*LAW AND GRACE*

Paul's effective service - 2 Corinthians 12:11-18

His honest dealing - 2 Cor.12:19-21

Conclusion - 2 Cor.13:11-14

Paul travels to Corinth - Acts 20:2-3

The Galatian letter: Paul's gospel from God - Galatians 1:1-16, 20-24

His visit to Jerusalem - Gal.2:1-6

Justification by faith - Gal.2:15-21

Bondage under the law - Gal.3:1-18

The law brings us to Christ - Gal.3:19-29

*A thought*:

There is a popular idea abroad today that we are only free when we have no restraints placed upon us: no laws, no authority, no responsibility. Galatians shows, as someone put it, that " freedom is not the right to do what we want, but the power to do what we ought"

*Week #49 - Memory Verse*:

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles"

02 Dec 2021

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 *Day 336/365 (Dec 2) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*PAUL'S THORN IN THE FLESH*

Paul sends Titus - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, 9:1-5

Results of generosity - 2 Cor.9:6-15

Paul defends his authority - 2 Cor.10:1-18

Paul's godly jealousy - 2 Cor.11:1-15

His boasting - 2 Cor.11:16-29

He glories in his weaknesses - 2 Cor.11:30-33

His visions of the Lord - 2 Cor.12:1-5

The thorn in the flesh - 2 Cor.12:6-10

*A thought*:

A good deal of debate has gone down the centuries in relation to what exactly Paul's thorn in the flesh was. Some say it was weak eyesight, others that it was recurring malaria,

or even a speech impediment. One wag said: Paul had a thorn in the flesh and we know little about it. If we had a thorn in the flesh, we would make sure everyone knew everything about it. True of you? 

*Week #48 - Memory Verse*:

Matthew 5:11-12

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ..."