DECEMBER 1-31

January 1
December 1 REWARD OF OBEDIENCE

Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.
Psalm 128:4

We all know that actions have consequences. Our actions are judged, and they are either rewarded or punished by parents, teachers, employers, and law enforcement. We much prefer reward over punishment. There is no mystery to reward. Obedience brings reward, and disobedience brings discipline. The Christian life is an exact parallel. We all prefer reward over punishment. The result is linked to obedience. We all choose either reward or punishment when we choose either obedience or disobedience. Do you want to be rewarded for your obedience?

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Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 8:1-27
1 John 2:1-17
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 28:25-26

PRIORITIES
December 2
HELP!

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord.
Psalm 130:1

We are taught very early the importance of communication. If a child is tired or hurting, they need to let their parents know. If a child sees another person hurting, they are to let their parents know. This communication leads to those children getting the help they need. Without communication, you are on your own. A Christian knows the benefits of sharing our needs and struggles with God. We also should share them. God will provide all the help we need if we ask. Have you asked God for help lately?
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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 9:1-11:1
1 John 2:18-3:6
Psalm 121:1-8

Proverbs 28:27-28

DAILY WORKOUT
December 3 RESTORATION

But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
Psalm 130:4

We are not perfect. Try as we might, at some point, we will let our family and friends down. How a person handles his imperfections is the key to the results. If he fails to acknowledge his faults, it will lead to problems. Those who admit their wrongs are restored. This restoration is a perfect mirror of the Christian walk. All make mistakes. Those who admit their faults and ask for forgiveness are restored. All others stand on the wrong side of the law. Have you asked for forgiveness?
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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 11:2-35
1 John 3:7-24
Psalm 122:1-9

Proverbs 29:1

January 1
December 4 WAITING

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5

An aspect of life that is often overlooked is waiting. Some things only work if you wait until the right moment. Hurry them, and they fail. Knowing this and believing this will help us wait for the right moment. Then after waiting, we get the joy of seeing it work. For a Christian, waiting is important as well. We must wait and trust that God will bring things to pass in His timing. Then when God brings them to pass, we get the joy of celebrating. What are you waiting for?

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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 11:36-12:13
1 John 4:1-21
Psalm 123:1-4

Proverbs 29:2-4

PRIORITIES
December 5
RELIANCE

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5

No one person can make do everything all the time. So there are times he must stand and wait and rely on someone else to do whatever needs to be done. This reliance and dependence on one another is the essence of teamwork. Without the ability to rely on each other, the team breaks down into individuals. As followers of Christ, we have to learn reliance as well. The great thing about this is that God is dependable. He always does what He promises. The challenge is to learn to rely on Him instead of on ourselves. Are you relying on God?
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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Hosea 1:1-3:5
1 John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8

Proverbs 29:5-8

DAILY WORKOUT
December 6
KEEP IT SIMPLE

O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Psalm 131:1

An employee or student who tries to focus on others’ responsibilities can often be so focused on that they fail to take care of their own responsibilities. Many times the philosophy is to keep things simple. This ensures understanding and keeps people from overthinking. A Christian likewise must not try to concern himself with everyone else’s responsibilities. That is God’s job. He needs to focus on his own obedience. God has made it clear what He asks us to do. Are you focused on what God is saying to you?
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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Hosea 4:1-5:15
2 John 1:1-13
Psalm 125:1-5

Proverbs 29:9-11

January 1
December 7
AT PEACE

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; As a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.
Psalm 131:2

As a Christian approaches life, his emotions must be at peace. Excitement and anticipation are positive emotions and help to improve performance. Worry, fear,
and dread are negative emotions and usually lead to poor performance. This mirrors the Christian walk. When our lives are filled with worry, fear, and dread, we tend to make poor choices and withdraw from challenges. When we put our trust in the Lord and are walking at peace, our lives reflect His greatness. Are you living in peace?
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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Hosea 5:16-9:15
3 John 1:1-14
Psalm 126:1-6

Proverbs 29:12-14

PRIORITIES
December 8
DEDICATION

How he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, 3 “Surely I will not enter my house, Nor lie on my bed;
Psalm 132:2-3

Successful people live a life of dedication. They are no stranger to saying no to food and sleep, to say yes to working out and pushing their bodies to the limits. This dedication helps them to make the most of the talents and abilities they were blessed with at birth. A follower of Christ could learn much from their example. By saying no to things of the flesh and yes to things of the Spirit, we begin to develop the gifts and abilities the Lord blessed us with. Then we can become what He planned all along. Does your life reflect a dedication to God?
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Lesson 49
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READING PLAN:
Hosea 10:1-14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5

Proverbs 29:15-17

DAILY WORKOUT
December 9
STABILITY

O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.
Psalm 131:3

All teams tend to form distinct personalities, with the personnel filling different roles. One thing that makes the team strong is stability. Having a person you can count on every time to go out and give their all makes the team stronger. Without this, a team will struggle. As a follower of Christ, He is the one that we can count on every time He says He will do. He always keeps His Word. Knowing this, we take the courage to face life’s challenges without fear. Are you finding your stability in God?
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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Joel 1:1-3:21
Revelation 1:1-20
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 29:18

January 1
December 10 FAVOR

For the sake of David Your servant, Do not turn away the face of Your anointed.
Psalm 132:10

Children understand the importance of favor. Whether it is the favor of their parents, other siblings, or even their grandparents, it is essential. Favor allows them opportunities that they would never have enjoyed otherwise. They never want to lose the favor they have. As a Christian, we have favor with the God of the universe. Not that we command Him, but that we are given opportunities that we would never have had. Knowing His favor helps us to value keeping it. Are you living in God’s favor?

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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8

Proverbs 29:19-20

PRIORITIES
December 11
REWARDS

If your sons keep My covenant and My testimony which I will teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever.
Psalm 132:12

A wise athlete knows the benefits of keeping the team’s rules. The rewards of this are favor and usually increased playing time. By not following the team’s rules, you incur a different type of reward. Players that break rules can lose playing time or be kicked off of a team. There are rewards for being a follower of Christ. There are also consequences for not following Him, even though we can’t get kicked off His team. Is your life earning good rewards or bad rewards?
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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8

Proverbs 29:21-22

DAILY WORKOUT
December 12 UNITY

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

A necessary ingredient of a successful family or company is unity. Unity does not mean that everyone looks alike or does the same thing. It means that they each take their unique abilities and talents and put them together for a common vision and purpose. This ingredient is also important among Christians. God created us differently with the wisdom of knowing that when we work together in unity, powerful things will happen. Unity happens when we all work together for His vision and purpose. Are you living a life of unity?
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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Amos 7:1-9:15
Revelation 3:7-22
Psalm 131:1-3

Proverbs 29:23

January 1
December 13
CHOSEN!

For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation.
Psalm 132:13

We all know what it is like as a child waiting to be picked for a team during recess. It feels wonderful to be chosen for the team. To be selected last is a lonely feeling. The feelings of rejection are powerful and often difficult to overcome—we all long for the moment when he is chosen. The Christian understands this moment as well. If you are a Christian, you have been chosen! You have been picked to be a part of the winning team for all eternity. How has knowing you are chosen changed your life.

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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18

Proverbs 29:24-25

PRIORITIES
December 14
THE EXTRA EFFORT

Behold, bless the Lord, all servants of the Lord, who serve by night in the house of the Lord!
Psalm 134:1

For anyone wanting to succeed, it is normal to give extra effort. They know they can’t make themselves taller, smarter, or extraordinarily gifted. What they can do is work hard to get the most out of the talent they do have. By giving extra effort, they can sometimes outperform those who have more ability but don’t put out as much effort. A Christian should live the same way. We can’t do anything about the abilities we don’t have. We are responsible for using the gifts that we do have. By giving more effort, we please the one who gave us the gifts. Are you giving extra effort to following Christ?
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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Jonah 1:1-4-11
Revelation 5:1-14
Psalm 133:1-3

Proverbs 29:26-27

DAILY WORKOUT
December 15
STANDING OVATION

Praise the Lord, for the Lord, is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.
Psalm 135:3

A special moment during any performance is marked by the audience standing up and cheering. These moments are usually the highlights of the show. The moments of cheering motivates the performers to give more. While God cannot give more than He already has or work any harder, He is blessed by our praises. He is always worthy of our standing and cheering. He has done so much for us. He deserves more applause than we can give in one lifetime. Are you giving God praise?
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Lesson 50
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READING PLAN:
Micah 1:1-4:13
Revelation 6:1-17
Psalm 134:1-3

Proverbs 30:1-4

January 1
December 16
ACCOUNTABLE

For the Lord will judge His people and will have compassion on His servants.
Psalm 135:14

Students quickly learn that they are accountable to their teachers. At some point in a child’s school life, the teacher corrects them for not doing something right. And even more severe is when you are called to his office to discuss something you have done. This is not usually a pleasant experience. Similarly, we are all accountable to God. He never yells at us, but we have often grieved His heart. We may not have to go to the office, but we will all stand before Him one day. How well this goes depends on what we do now. Are you living life to please Him?

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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Micah 5:1-7:20
Revelation 7:1-17
Psalm 135:1-21

Proverbs 30:5-6

PRIORITIES
December 17
NOT EQUAL

For I know that the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods.
Psalm 135:5

We all know but don’t often talk about that we all have different levels of skills and abilities. Some are just better at doing certain things. This ability also translates into those with more skill receiving more attention and praise than those with less. As Christians, we know that whatever abilities God has given us, and He deserves all credit for them. We can work hard, but we will never be equal to Him. We should gladly give Him the praise/credit because we would be in trouble without Him. Are you giving God all the credit?
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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Nahum 1:1-3:19
Revelation 8:1-13
Psalm 136:1-26

Proverbs 30:7-9

DAILY WORKOUT
December 18
TRUSTWOR-THY

They have mouths, but they do not speak; They have eyes, but they do not see;
Psalm 135:16

Most people are cautious by nature. They know if you put confidence in the wrong person, they will let you down when moments get tough. Many times trust is earned in day to day activities. A Christian should likewise be careful about who they put their trust in. God is always trustworthy. The more we follow Him, the more reliable we should become. We don’t want to be the one to let others down. Are you becoming trustworthy like our Lord?
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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19
Revelation 9:1-21
Psalm 137:1-9

Proverbs 30:10

January 1
December 19 RESPECT AND PRAISE

O house of Levi, bless the Lord; You who revere the Lord, bless the Lord.
Psalm 135:20

In this world, you praise those whom you respect. Respect and criticism do not belong together. It is easy to see respect when you hear how one person speaks of another. Our words reveal the attitudes of our hearts. In the Christian realm, one should expect to hear praise for the Lord. Often,
some lack respect for the Lord; therefore, they question Him instead of praising Him. One thing is sure. If you respect the Lord, you will praise Him. Is your mouth full of praise for Him?
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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
Revelation 10:1-11
Psalm 138:1-8

Proverbs 30:11-14

PRIORITIES
December 20
A GREAT GAME PLAN

To Him who spread out the earth above the waters, for His lovingkindness is everlasting;
Psalm 136:6

Anyone who has planned out a party or vacation enjoys nothing more than watching that plan unfold and watching things come together. He admires the wisdom in putting it together and knows that those involved had a big part in the success. As Christians, we know that God has a great plan and that it will lead to victory. What we don’t often stop and think about is that plan includes us completing our assigned tasks. We play a role in God fulfilling His plan, or we are in His way. Are you filling your role?
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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Haggai 1:1-2:23
Revelation 11:1-19
Psalm 139:1-24

Proverbs 30:15-16

DAILY WORKOUT
December 21
DESERVING PRAISE

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 136:1

It seems natural when we see certain athletes perform that we applaud and shout our appreciation for their efforts. It would be harder to sit still than it is to cheer them on. In our hearts and minds, they have earned this praise. Similarly, we should applaud and shout our appreciation for our God. He has done much for us and continues to overlook our failures and pours His goodness into our lives. It should be easier to praise Him than to sit still. Do you find yourself praising Him?
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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 1:1-21
Revelation 12:1-17
Psalm 140:1-13

Proverbs 30:17

January 1
December 22
POWER OF BELIEF

Who remembered us in our low estate, For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
Psalm 136:23

Athletes don’t start with a dazzling array of moves and sharp skills that amaze us. Sometime, somewhere, somebody took the time to teach and encourage them to develop the talent that maybe no one else had seen. What we admire is the finished product. Like that beginning athlete, God knew what He had put in us and what we could become if we let Him teach us. God believes in what He can make of you if you let Him. He knows what you can become. Are you allowing God to make you into more than others believe you can be?

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Lesson 51
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 2:1-3:10
Revelation 13:1-13:18
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 30:18-20

PRIORITIES
December 23
AGONY OF DEFEAT

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion.
Psalm 137:1

One thing every person experiences at some point is the agony of defeat. There may even be tears. Defeat can be crushing. Some people face failure and come away with the resolve to continue to fight for victory.
Often the most significant victories come after the most bitter defeats. Even as followers of Christ, we sometimes taste defeat. It can either make us bitter or better. We need to rise with a steely resolve to face the challenges ahead of us. One day we will taste the sweet taste of victory. What happens in your life when you face defeat?

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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7

Proverbs 30:21-23

DAILY WORKOUT
December 24 A NEW DAY

May those who fear You turn to me, Even those who know Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:79

Citizens in third world countries often long for a new day. They have often heard promises of a new day. What they want to see is the reality of that day unfold before their eyes. They want to celebrate. There was a time in history when God’s people had heard of a new day when things would be different. They longed to see and celebrate that day. When it was time, God announced it to people. And they came and celebrated the birth of a King. Are you celebrating Jesus’ birth?
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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 6:1-7:14
Revelation 15:1-8
Psalm 143:1-12

Proverbs 30:24-28

January 1
December 25 SAVIOR

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Luke 2:30

Sometimes a person is called the Savior of a team, whether it be a sports team or a business. Many times this is before they have done anything. The expectation is that they will deliver the team or business from mediocrity and make them winners. It doesn’t always work out. But one time, it did. He was called Savior before He did anything. He came to deliver us from our sins and set us free. It has worked out wonderfully for those who will accept Him. Is He your Savior?
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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 8:1-23
Revelation 16:1-21
Psalm 144:1-15

Proverbs 30:29-31

PRIORITIES
December 26 WELL ROUNDED

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:52

A well-rounded person works at more than just developing his physical skills. The ability to relate to others is key in playing team sports. Character is an important key to maintaining any success our physical abilities can give us. This is true for Christians as well. We need to develop more than just our spiritual gifts. We need to develop our walk with God, our faith, our giving, as well as our character. We should be maintaining our physical bodies as well. Are you working on your character as well as your gifts?
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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 9:1-17
Revelation 17:1-18
Psalm 145:1-21

Proverbs 30:32

DAILY WORKOUT
December 27
LISTENING

O Lord, I call upon You; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to You!
Psalm 141:1

A good student knows the importance of listening. In college, the professor only says something once and expects you to know it. One key to listening is knowing that it is a one time opportunity and focusing on the speaker. The same is true in our walk with God. When He speaks, we should be listening. Then we should do what He asks us to. He sets the example in that He listens to us when we pray. We should focus on Him knowing that this is a one-time opportunity. Are you listening when God speaks to you?
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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 10:1-11:17
Revelation 18:1-24
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 30:33

January 1
December 28 DISCIPLINE

Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; it is oil upon the head;
Psalm 141:5

All children, at some point, face discipline from their parents. Whether it was for not working hard or breaking a rule, discipline is sure to come. How they respond to it makes all the difference. Knowing that the parent wants them to be their best, they should accept it as a gift from a loving parent. Christians struggle with the same issues. God’s discipline is always for our benefit. When God disciplines you, do you accept it as a gift for your long term benefit, or do you resent the pain it brings?

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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 12:1-13:9
Revelation 19:1-21
Psalm 147:1-20

Proverbs 31:1-7

PRIORITIES
December 29
BOUNDARIES

Do not incline my heart to any evil thing to practice deeds of wickedness, With men who do iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies.
Psalm 141:4

We all know that there are things that we shouldn’t do. Things that will negatively impact their lives. But we still have to choose not to do what they shouldn’t do. Many people have destroyed their lives and careers by doing things they knew not to do. For the Christian, the situation is the same. We need to put boundaries around our lives and stay away from the things we know not to do. The choice is up to us. Are you choosing to stay away from things that will destroy your life?
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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Zechariah 14:1-21
Revelation 20:1-15
Psalm 148:1-14

Proverbs 31:8-9

DAILY WORKOUT
December 30
GRATEFUL-NESS

O Lord, I call upon You; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to You!
Psalm 144:1

A teacher or a coach’s job is to help that student or player be all he can, which will make their lives better. To do this, he pushes, prods, sometimes yells, and demands more than the player often thinks he has. All this to benefit that person. A wise person responds with gratefulness to this difficult training. God is even more committed to helping us be all that He created us to be. He will ask and teach a person to do more than he thinks he can do. He does all of this so that we won’t look back on our lives with regret. Are you responding to his training with gratefulness?
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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Malachi 1:1-2:17
Revelation 21:1-27
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 31:10-24

January 1
December 31 A NEW THING

Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19

We all know that with a new season, some things will be different. We have to learn to adapt to new things because old things are no longer being used. Anticipating and even looking forward to these new things help us to learn quickly and perform better. For the Christian, a new year is a time to prepare themselves with anticipation for the changes that are sure to come. Resisting the changes will only keep us stuck in the past doing what hasn’t worked. Are you asking God about the changes for this new year so that you can change with Him?

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Lesson 52
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READING PLAN:
Malachi 3:1-4:6
Revelation 22:1-21
Psalm 150:1-6

Proverbs 31:25-31

PRIORITIES



DAILY WORKOUT