Category Archives: encouragement

Difficulty; October 1, 2020


Psalm 116:10 I believed; therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” I definitely prefer the Japanese translation of this verse, which the NIV gives as a footnote: “I believed even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’” Acknowledging difficulty doesn’t … Continue reading

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No Fear; September 30, 2020


Psalm 112:7-8 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. This whole … Continue reading

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The Fear of the Lord; September 29, 2020


Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. The first line of this verse is justly famous, and is echoed in Proverbs 9:10. … Continue reading

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Gratitude; September 28, 2020


Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. This Psalm is a litany of the benefits of following God. I like the way the Japanese puts it here: “Don’t forget a single one of … Continue reading

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Attitude; September 27, 2020


Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. This prayer of David is one of the most fundamental in the whole Bible. … Continue reading

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Focus; September 26, 2020


Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. We don’t always get instant responses to our … Continue reading

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Evangelism; September 25, 2020


Psalm 67:1-2 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. It is refreshing to have such a “Great Commission” … Continue reading

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Loneliness; September 24, 2020


Psalm 25:16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. It is very interesting to have this right after the magnificent statements of faith in the first 15 verses. This demonstrates both that David … Continue reading

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The Fear of the Lord; September 23, 2020


Job 33:29-30 “God does all these things to a man– twice, even three times– to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.” Elihu is a very interesting character in Job, because … Continue reading

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Trusting God; September 22, 2020


Ezra 8:22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, … Continue reading

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