That is one of my favorite parts of how God works through his word, and proof that His word is alive and well. Each time you read a verse it can open your eyes to a new light that had previously been hidden from you due to the way God needed you to understand it. It is wonderful and also encouraging to know that the more involved and in depth you get with the word, The Lord will open your eyes to deeper meaning from things that you have read before in order to apply it to your new and ever changing role in serving him!
Absolutely... I don't know how many times I have read a verse that I had read previously countless times...but all of a sudden its like I read it for the first time. God's word is indeed "alive and exerts power"
Monday, July 20 Support the weak.—1 Thess. 5:14. “Depressed souls” are weak, in a sense, and so are discouraged ones. Proverbs 24:10 says: “Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty.” The words of a deeply discouraged person may become “wild talk.” (Job 6:2, 3) In dealing with such ones, we need to keep in mind that what they say may not be a true reflection of what they really are at heart. A woman named Rachelle, whose mother became severely depressed, learned this from personal experience. Rachelle says: “Many times Mom would say something very hateful. Most of these times, I tried to remind myself of the kind of person Mom really is—loving, kind, and generous. I learned that depressed people say many things they do not mean. The worst thing that one can do is to return evil words or actions.”Proverbs 19:11*states: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression."
Tuesday, July 21 His enemy came and oversowed weeds in among the wheat.—Matt. 13:25. Jesus warned that a newly planted field of wheat (true Christians) would be oversown with weeds (imitation Christians). The groups, he said, would be allowed to grow side by side, undisturbed until the harvest, which would come at “a conclusion of a system of things.” (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) It was not long before Jesus’ words began to come true. The apostasy made some inroads in the first century, but Jesus’ faithful apostles acted “as a restraint,” holding back the contamination and influence of false teachings. (2 Thess. 2:3, 6, 7) However, once the last of the apostles died, the apostasy took root and flourished during a long growing season that lasted for many centuries. Additionally, during that time, the weeds became many and the blades of wheat were few. There was no consistent, organized channel for dispensing spiritual food. However, that would eventually change.
Wednesday, July 22 You, O God, are good and ready to forgive.—Ps. 86:5. How does God demonstrate forgiveness? When God forgives, he does so “in a large way”; he forgives both completely and permanently. (Isa. 55:7) How do we know that Jehovah forgives completely? Consider the assurance found at Acts 3:19. There the apostle Peter urged his listeners to “repent ... and turn around.” When a sinner genuinely repents, he deeply regrets his wrong course. He is also determined not to repeat his sin. (2 Cor. 7:10, 11) Moreover, true repentance moves a sinner to “turn around,” abandoning his wrong course and pursuing a course that is pleasing to God. If Peter’s listeners would manifest such genuine repentance, what would be the result? Peter said that they could get their sins “blotted out.” That expression comes from a Greek word that means to “wipe out, erase.” So when God forgives, he wipes the slate clean. He forgives completely.—Heb. 10:22; 1 John 1:7.
It has always brought me comfort knowing that our Heavenly Father is not only willing, but eager to forgive us. I've made more than my share of mistakes, so this text has a strong impact on me.
Thursday, July 23 By means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves.—Gen. 26:4. That promise revealed that the Messiah—the faithful “seed” of Genesis 3:15—would come through Abraham’s offspring. As Isaac’s firstborn son, Esau had the legal right to that promise. One day when Esau came in from the field, he saw Jacob “boiling up some stew.” “Quick, please,” said Esau, “give me a swallow of the red—the red there, for I am tired!” In reply, Jacob told Esau: “Sell me, first of all, your right as firstborn!” What choice did Esau make? Incredibly, he said: “Of what benefit to me is a birthright?” Yes, Esau chose a bowl of stew over his right as firstborn! To make the birthright transaction legal, Jacob insisted: “Swear to me first of all!” Without hesitation, Esau gave up his birthright. After that, “Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he went to eating and drinking. Then he got up and went his way. So Esau despised the birthright.”—Gen. 25:29-34
Friday, July 24 Honor your father and your mother.—Eph. 6:2. You may find it awkward to talk with your aging parents about their living arrangements and the possible need for change. Yet, those conversations offer opportunities to make practical plans in an atmosphere of closeness and understanding. (Prov. 20:18) Many have found that an exchange of views in advance, handled in a spirit of love and kindness, made the decisions much easier when they had to be made. Even when seniors want to remain by themselves and in control of their own situation as long as possible, there are definite benefits to discussing with their children what kind of care they would prefer if the need arises. Parents, during such a discussion, inform your family about your wishes, financial abilities, and preferred options. That will put them in a position to make appropriate decisions if you at some point are not able to do so. Likely, they will want to honor your wishes as much as possible.—Prov. 15:22.
Saturday July 25 "No one has greater love than this." John 15:13 Jesus set an outstanding example of self-sacrificing love. Self-sacrifice involves unselfishly putting the needs and concerns of others ahead of our own. How did Jesus demonstrate such love? He himself explained: “No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus willingly gave his perfect life for us. It was the greatest expression of love ever made by any human. But Jesus showed self-sacrificing love in other ways as well. Why was leaving the heavens a loving sacrifice on the part of God’s only-begotten Son? In his prehuman existence, the only-begotten Son of God had a privileged and exalted position in the heavens. He had intimate association with his father and with multitudes of spirit creatures. Despite these personal advantages, this dear Son “emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:7) He willingly came to live among sinful humans in a world “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Was that not a loving sacrifice on the part of God’s Son?
Sunday July 26th Joh 8:23 He went on to say to them: “You are from the realms below; I am from the realms above. You are from this world; I am not from this world. Who Is Jesus Christ? How did Jesus’ life begin? Unlike any other human, Jesus lived in heaven as a spirit person before he was born on earth. (John 8:23) He was God’s first creation, and he helped in the creation of all other things. He is the only one created directly by God and is therefore appropriately called God’s “only-begotten” Son. (John 1:14) Jesus served as God’s Spokesman, so he is also called “the Word.” Proverbs 8:22, 23, 30; Colossians 1:15, 16. Why did Jesus come to the earth? God sent his Son to earth by transferring his life from heaven to the womb of a virgin Jewess named Mary. So Jesus did not have a human father. (Luke 1:30-35) Jesus came to the earth (1) to teach the truth about God, (2) to set us an example in how to do God’s will even when we are in difficulties, and (3) to give his perfect life as “a ransom.” Matthew 20:28. Why do we need a ransom? A ransom is the price paid to release a person from the threat of death. (Exodus 21:29, 30) Death and old age were not part of God’s original purpose for mankind. How do we know that? God told the first man, Adam, that if he committed what the Bible calls “sin,” he would die. So if Adam had not sinned, he would never have died. (Genesis 2:16, 17; 5:5) According to the Bible, death “entered” the world of mankind through Adam. Thus, Adam passed on*to all his descendants sin and its penalty, death. We need a ransom to release us from the penalty of death that we inherited from Adam. Romans 5:12; 6:23. Who could pay the ransom to free us from death? When we die, we pay the penalty only for our own sins. No imperfect man can pay for the sins of others. Psalm 49:7-9. Why did Jesus die? Unlike us, Jesus was perfect. So he did not need to die for his sins—he never committed any. Instead, Jesus died for the sins of others. God expressed extraordinary love for mankind by sending his Son to die for us. Jesus also showed love for us by obeying his Father and giving his life for our sins. John 3:16; Romans 5:18, 19.
Monday July 27 Ps 104:5 He has established the earth on its foundations; It will not be moved from its place forever and ever. Why did God create the earth? God gave the earth to men and women. It is our home. Therefore, the first human couple, Adam and Eve, were not created to populate the heavens—God had already created angels to live in heaven. (Job 38:4, 7) Rather, God took the first man and settled him in a delightful paradise called the garden of Eden. (Genesis 2:15-17) God gave him and his future offspring the prospect of enjoying life without end on earth.—Read Psalm 37:29; 115:16. Originally, only the garden of Eden was a paradise. The first human couple were to fill the earth with their offspring. In time, they were to subdue the entire globe and make it a paradise. (Genesis 1:28) The earth will never be destroyed. It will always be mankind’s home.—Read Psalm 104:5.
Hey booner I'd like to share one this morning also Read Nehemiah 9:1-21 Walking In The Word The Israelites continued to listen to God’s Word, and they began to see the way they lived in sin. They fasted and put on sackcloth and ashes; sackcloth and ashes were signs of mourning and grief. After the reading of the Law, they corporately acknowledged the greatness of God and confessed their sins. The Israelites cried out to God for forgiveness; they knew that He was a “God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness” (Nehemiah 9:17). It is important that we are continually in God’s Word to see if there is any area of our life that is displeasing to him. “For through the Law comes the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). When we see an area of sin remaining in our lives, we are supposed to confess that sin to God and to mourn because our sin is grievous to God. Our sorrow is an important step because it leads to repentance; this changes our behavior away from sin and toward God (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). When we humble ourselves and commit to correct our wrong actions, God will forgive us and restore our relationship. Sometimes we can dismiss our sins as no big deal knowing that God is willing to forgive us. Even our “small” sins are grievous to God. If God’s Word has revealed to you an area of sin in your life, confess it in sorrow and commit to move back to God’s ways. God will receive you and forgive your sins.
just found this thread. good stuff. i'll admit i've tried reading the bible a few times but get lost in the verbage. nice to see things explained in a way i can relate too. after the latest SCOTUS ruling. i think this one is appropriate. Leviticus 20:13 - If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.
Try the NLT bible its more of todays language and easier to understand IMO. I started out in NIV and liked it but have come to understand better with NLT. Devotionals as these help understand thing more to. My advice get a good study bible to help guide you through the verses. God Bless
I agree the verbage of some translations can be confusing. It may help to compare various translations to find the meaning of a particular passage. I think sometimes people get hung up on a word for word interpretation of the bible, and in doing so the principle of what is being taught gets lost. Jesus used simplicity in his teachings. Take the sermon on the mount for instance....read through it and try to find a simpler way to write it without distorting the principles he taught.....Jesus didn't have to thrill people with big words and complicated ideas...He reached people's hearts, common people who were largely uneducated. He taught in a way they could understand and relate to. If something you read is confusing or doesn't quite make sense, try reading a different translation, or ask questions to someone who may be able to help you find the answer. It should be noted that unless you are reading the original Hebrew, Greek, or aramaic text, no bible translation will be a word for word rendering of the original bible. Different expressions and phrases unique to a specific time period or language were used during translation in order to make sense to a specific group of people. That's why it's interesting to compare...I read in a bible study guide about principles of bible translation...it said there are several factors that indicate an accurate bible translation.... Accurately convey the original message that was inspired by God.—2 Timothy 3:16. Translate expressions literally when the wording and structure of the target language allow for such renderings of the original-language text. Communicate the correct sense of a word or a phrase when a literal rendering would distort or obscure the meaning. Use natural, easy-to-understand language that encourages reading.—Nehemiah 8:8, 12. For those reasons there are a few translations that I generally do not use, either due to hard to understand text or because passages have been paraphrased or changed due to doctrinal bias.
Tuesday, July 28 He will not allow the ruination to enter into your houses.—Ex. 12:23. When the Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for many years, God sent Moses and his brother, Aaron, to Pharaoh to ask him to liberate His people. That haughty Egyptian ruler would not let the Israelites go, so God struck the land with a series of devastating plagues. Finally, God sent a tenth plague, the death of Egypt’s firstborn, which did move Pharaoh to release them. (Ex. 1:11; 3:9, 10; 5:1, 2;11:1, 5) But what were the Israelites to do before being set free? On Nisan 14, each household was to slaughter a male sheep (or goat) and splash some of its blood on the doorposts and lintel of the house. (Ex. 12:3-7, 22) The family was to have a meal of roasted lamb along with unleavened bread and some herbs. God’s angel would pass over the land and slay Egypt’s firstborn, but the obedient Israelites would be protected, and then they could go free.—Ex. 12:8-13, 29-32.
Wednesday, July 29 With his arm he will collect together the lambs.—Isa. 40:11. God is aware of the needs of those in the congregation and is happy to provide the required care. Just as a shepherd carries a newborn lamb in the fold of his garment when necessary, God—“the Father of tender mercies”—will carry us through trialsome times. He will comfort us when we are experiencing a great test or we are in special need. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) Like God, a spiritual shepherd must be attentive to the needs of the sheep. By knowing what challenges they are facing and what specific needs require immediate attention, an elder will be in a position to offer the necessary encouragement and support. (Prov. 27:23) Clearly, an elder must have good communication with his fellow believers. While respecting their right to privacy, he takes an interest in what he sees and hears in the congregation and lovingly makes himself available to “assist those who are weak.”—Acts 20:35; 1 Thess. 4:11.
Thursday, July 30 You are Jehovah the true God, who chose Abram..., and you proceeded to carry out your words, because you are righteous.—Neh. 9:7, 8. God promised Abraham that his seed would inherit the land of Canaan. Humans often forget what they promise; not so with God. The name Jehovah means “He Causes to Become,” signifying that God, through progressive action, causes his promises to come true. This is beautifully demonstrated in God’s dealings with the descendants of Abraham when they were slaves to the Egyptians. At that time, it seemed impossible that the entire nation could be set free and settled in the Promised Land. However, by a series of progressive actions, God caused his promise to come true, thereby proving himself worthy of the unique and illustrious name Jehovah. May we too imitate our righteous God by always striving to be true to our word.—Matt. 5:37.
Friday July 31 John 8:44-You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie. How did evil begin? Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. Satan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. Adam joined Eve in disobeying God. Adam’s decision led to suffering and death.—Read Genesis 3:1-6, 19. When Satan suggested that Eve disobey God, he was starting a rebellion against God’s sovereignty, or position as Most High. The majority of mankind have joined Satan in rejecting God as their Ruler. Thus, Satan has become “the ruler of the world.”—Read John 14:30; 1 John 5:19. Was God’s creation defective? All of God’s works are perfect. The humans and angels whom God created were capable of obeying God perfectly. (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) God created us with the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. That freedom gives us a way to express love for God.—Read James 1:13-15; 1 John 5:3. Why has God allowed suffering until now? For a limited time, God has allowed rebellion against his sovereignty. Why? To show that no effort to rule without him benefits people. (Ecclesiastes 7:29;8:9) After 6,000 years of human history, the evidence is clear.*Human rulers have failed to eliminate war, crime, injustice, or disease.—Read Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 9:17. In contrast to human rulership, God’s rule benefits those who accept it. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Soon, God will bring all human government to an end. Only people who choose to be ruled by God will inhabit the earth.—Isaiah 11:9; read Daniel 2:44.
