OCTOBER 1-31

January 1
October 1
PRAISE HIM

I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed.
Psalm 119:46

One very common pitfall for us is to focus on ourselves. We talk about ourselves, and often our thoughts are focused on ourselves. This is tolerated for a while, but after some time has passed, other people no longer enjoy spending time with us. A well-liked person talks about others and focuses on helping others do better. A true follower of Christ will always speak of God’s things and keep his focus on helping others to follow Him. Is your focus more on Him or on yourself?

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Lesson 40
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READING PLAN:
Isaiah 62:6-65:25
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Psalm 73:1-28

Proverbs 24:13-14

PRIORITIES
October 2
FREEDOM

And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.
Psalm 119:45

Some family members want to set their own rules and continually challenge the system. The result of this is that there can be continual conflict and lots of wasted time and energy. They haven’t discovered the freedom that comes from living within the rules. There are no negative consequences for living by the rules. As a follower of Christ, it is the same. Ultimate freedom comes from living within the guidelines He has given us. When we get off His path, we get into trouble. Are you living in freedom?
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Lesson 40
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READING PLAN:
Isaiah 66:1-24
Philippians 3:4-21
Psalm 74:1-23

Proverbs 24:15-16

DAILY WORKOUT
October 3
I WILL

And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love;
Psalm 119:48

One of the keys to being successful in life is the ability to follow instructions. There are many talented people not playing successful today because they would not follow instructions. People win or lose in life based on following instructions. As Christians, our lives are a blessing or a problem, depending on how we follow the instructions God has given us. The raising of one’s hands is a sign of surrender. Will you lift your hands and surrender to God and follow His instructions for living?____________________________________
Lesson 40
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10

Proverbs 24:17-20

January 1
October 4 THINKING ABOUT IT

And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love;
Psalm 119:48

For us, an often overlooked part of life is the mental part. People who take the time to study their jobs or study in school learn more reap the biggest rewards. In a tense moment, the mental aspect can be the difference between winning and losing. Know your role. The same holds for a follower of Christ. A person who studies the Word and seeks to live it out will have a life that stands in the tough times. Are you thinking about and following His plans for living?

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Lesson 40
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
Colossians 1:1-17
Psalm 76:1-12

Proverbs 24:21-22

PRIORITIES
October 5
STRENGTH

This is my comfort in my affliction That Your word has revived me.
Psalm 119:50

Not only do we get hope from words, but we can also gain strength. Where there was only fatigue, there can be renewed strength and determination. For example, battles have been won and lost based on responding to the words of their leader. The Word of God does this for the believer. When there is only tiredness and fatigue, life can be renewed and restored by the King’s words. Instead of weariness in the battle, there is a change of momentum that can lead to victory. Are you looking to the Word of God for your strength?
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Lesson 40
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
Colossians 1:18-2:7
Psalm 77:1-20

Proverbs 24:23-25

DAILY WORKOUT
October 6
HOPE

This is my comfort in my affliction That Your word has revived me.
Psalm 119:50

A person that has hope has power. A person without hope faces certain defeat. One of the roles of a parent or teacher is to provide encouragement, which fuels hope. He has to recognize when a person needs this encouragement. God is a perfect example of the one who encourages us when we need it. He continually watches us and gives us His Word ahead of time to be there when we need it. Are you finding hope by listening to His words?

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Lesson 40
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 6:16-8:7
Colossians 2:8-23
Psalm 78:1-31

Proverbs 24:26

January 1
October 7
NOT INTIMIDATED

The arrogant utterly deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
Psalm 119:51

As a person, you must never be intimidated. Intimidation wins the battle before it starts. Regardless of the enemy’s size or ability, the battle is not over until someone is defeated. Teams that refuse to be intimidated have won huge upsets. For a follower of Christ, we should never be intimidated by the world or the devil. These things may look tough, but they are already defeated. Their only hope is to intimidate you into handing them a victory. Have you been intimidated by the world?

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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Colossians 3:1-17
Psalm 78:32-55

Proverbs 24:27

PRIORITIES
October 8
CONSISTENCY

I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself.
Psalm 119:52

Most of us are just like many other people in that we don’t like change. We love and find comfort in routine. Following the routine encourages us in our quest for success. Knowing the routine gives us confidence in our daily lives. For a follower in Christ, the same is true. God’s laws do not change and provide comfort and security for the Christian. Are you walking consistently with God?
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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 24:28-29

DAILY WORKOUT
October 9
CONNECTING

This has become mine, That I observe Your precepts.
Psalm 119:56

There is a time for a Christian when what he has been instructed to do becomes automatic. This is the point of connection. When the words equal actions, this is when frustrations cease, and joy is found in the performance. For a Christian, this is a critical moment. When God asks us to do equals how we live, there is tremendous joy and freedom. This moment of connection is an exciting time. It is a product of time and self-discipline. Have you reached the point of connection?
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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
1 Thessalonians 1 :1-2:8
Psalm 79:1-13
Proverbs 24:30-34

January 1
October 10 FIGHT SONGS

Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.
Psalm 119:54

Some of us are like ancient warriors; we like to go into battle singing songs about our exploits. These songs encourage and motivate us to focus on the task at hand. There is something about music that motivates us and gives us joy. For a follower of Christ, this makes sense. Singing songs of worship helps us to be encouraged and motivated in our walk with God. The difference in these songs is the lyrics are focused on God. We also receive joy in the song. What songs are you singing as you face the day?

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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
Psalm 80:1-19
Proverbs 25:1-5

PRIORITIES
October 11
WHOLE HEARTED

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Colossians 3:23-24

One of the keys to being successful is the ability to work wholeheartedly. A person who does not give his total effort will not achieve much and will not draw praise from those around him. A person is at his best when he gives his wholehearted effort. The same is true for a follower of Christ. A Christian who puts no effort into following Christ gains no praise from Christ. A follower of Christ who gives a wholehearted effort will gain praise and recognition. Are you wholeheartedly following Christ?

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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
Psalm 81:1-16
Proverbs 25:6-8

DAILY WORKOUT
October 12 YOUR REWARD

The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.
Psalm 119:57

Whether we admit it or not, we all perform for a reward. It is simply the joy of winning a game; for others, it is the applause of fans, a trophy, or just to be noticed. Anyone who is not seeking a reward tends to perform poorly. The same is true for Christians. For a Christian, the reward can be blessings, but the ultimate reward is Christ himself. If a Christian focuses on anything else, it becomes an idol. A Christian needs to know what his reward is. What is your reward?
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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
1 Thessalonians 5:4-28
Psalm 82:1-8
Proverbs 25:9-10

January 1
October 13
PRIORITIES

I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments
Psalm 119:60

We all have to have priorities. If we do not prioritize the right things, it will impact us in negative ways. For an athlete, the priorities would include healthy eating, adequate rest, and practice. Christians should have priorities, as well. These priorities will determine how effective the Christian will be in his service of Christ. These priorities include Bible study, prayer, and Church attendance. What are your priorities?

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Lesson 41
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 25:11-14

PRIORITIES
October 14
EVALUATED

I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:59

Another key to improving performance is to evaluate your past. Without a truthful and careful examination, there is no hope for improvement. If we focus on our evaluation and then on making the changes needed, we can expect improvement. This parallels the Christian life. A Christian is expected to evaluate his life by the Word of God. Then as the Holy Spirit directs, changes should be made. Are you evaluating your life and making changes?
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Lesson 42
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 23:21-25:38
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Psalm 84:1-12
Proverbs 25:15

DAILY WORKOUT
October 15
OVERCOMING OPPOSITION

The cords of the wicked have encircled me, But I have not forgotten Your law.
Psalm 119:61

Every one of us faces opposition at some point. How we handle it, says everything about our character. The ability to face and overcome opposition says a lot about us. When opposition comes, some people rise to meet it while others pull back from it. Just like athletes, Christians often face opposition. And just like athletes, some face opposition bravely while others pull back from it. A focus on Christ helps keep us moving forward when we face opposition. How do you react when you face opposition?
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Lesson 42
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16

January 1
October 16
SACRIFICE

At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances.
Psalm 119:62

One aspect of every successful person is sacrifice. There are some things they give up to attain their goal. Things like personal time, sleep, and certain foods are all sacrificed to get something they want more. This is a wonderful lesson for a follower of Jesus Christ. There are some things on this earth that we must willingly give up to gain that prize that only God can give. What are you sacrificing to follow God?

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Lesson 42
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 28:1-29:32
1 Timothy 1:1-20
Psalm 86:1-17

Proverbs 25:17

PRIORITIES
October 17
GUIDELINES

You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word.
Psalm 119:65

One of the most interesting relationships in a family is that of a child and his parents. Because this involves supervision and motivation, this relationship can get tense. A child doesn’t always want to follow what his parents tell him, but he knows that it is better for him and the team to follow the parents. This relationship mirrors a Christian’s life: it is not always easy to obey God, but you will still benefit from it. Are you following the directions that God is giving you?
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Lesson 42
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
1 Timothy 2:1-15
Psalm 87:1-7

Proverbs 25:18-19

DAILY WORKOUT
October 18
KNOWING YOUR TEAM

I am a companion of all those who fear You and of those who keep Your precepts.
Psalm 119:63

One key to winning as a family is teamwork. You have to know who is on your team, and you have to identify with them. This sense of belonging and being part of a whole create unity and synergy, helping the family achieve their goals. For a Christian, this is an important concept as well. Identifying with those on the team creates strength, which helps the Christian to stand strong during trials. Are you part of a team that is striving to live for God?
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Lesson 42
_____________________________________ READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 31:27-32:44
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Psalm 88:1-18

Proverbs 25:20-22

January 1
October 19 WELL TAUGHT

Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.
Psalm 119:66

For any of us, the ability to look at a situation, realize what he needs to do, and then do it is invaluable. The reality is that all this needs to happen in a moment. The fastest way to acquire this knowledge is to be taught it because it would take years of mistakes to learn it on your own. As a Christian, the ability to look at a situation and do what is right is invaluable if it would be better to learn from someone else than to make all the mistakes yourself. Who is teaching you how to live life?

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Lesson 42
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 33:1-34:22
1 Timothy 4:1-16
Psalm 89:1-13

Proverbs 25:23-24

PRIORITIES
October 20
COMEBACK

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
Psalm 112:1

Do you know of someone who seemed to be heading downhill, and then their life makes a comeback? The comeback is not fueled by new ability. The secret is they saw the mistake of trying to do things their own way and decided to follow his advice. A Christian can also experience a comeback in his life. It will happen when you cease to live for yourself and begin to live according to God’s Word. When this happens, a dramatic change will occur. Are you living according to His Word?

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Lesson 42
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 35:1-36:32
1 Timothy 5:1-25
Psalm 89:14-37

Proverbs 25:25-27

DAILY WORKOUT
October 21
HARD LESSONS

It is good for me that I was afflicted That I may learn Your statutes.
Psalm 119:71

As painful as it sometimes can be, some lessons are only learned through pain and difficulties. A family who is now closer than ever before credited the pain of losing a loved one the previous year with teaching them what it took to be as close as they are now. They think it was worth it. Even as Christians, there are things we can only learn through pain and struggle. While we don’t enjoy the pain, we should enjoy the results. The struggle can only teach us when we want to learn from it. Are your struggles making you better or bitter?

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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
1 Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52

Proverbs 25:28

January 1
October 22
STANDING STRONG

The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart, I will observe Your precepts.
Psalm 119:69

Every one of us will face moments when our motives and effort will be questioned. These can be difficult times. At these moments, it is crucial to say the right things, but it is even more important to remember to be seen doing the right things. Actions alone will silence the doubters. For Christians, there are times when people will doubt us as well. It is important to remember that words won’t silence the doubters, but the right actions will. Are you living in a way that could silence any doubters?
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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 39:1-41:18
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Psalm 90:1-91:16

Proverbs 26:1-2

PRIORITIES
October 23
TRUE VALUE

The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Psalm 119:72

We should all know there are things more important than fame and money. Some people have made lots of money and have nothing today, while others made a little and have more today. The difference is in what do you invest your time and money. For a follower of Christ, the same is true. If we make it our goal to pursue money, we could end up with nothing. If we pursue the things of God, we will have rewards for eternity. Your life seeks what you value. What are you pursuing?
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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5

Proverbs 26:3-5

DAILY WORKOUT
October 24 LEADERSHIP

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

Every family needs a member who will take leadership in tough situations. This type of family member is consistent, and the other members already know what to expect from him. When the going gets tough, others turn to him. As a follower of Christ, this should be the type of person we strive to be. So consistent in our walk with God that others know what to expect from us. Others have already been watching us, and our actions have created expectations, good or bad. When people look at your life, do they turn to you in difficult situations?
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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22-3:17
Psalm 94:1-23

Proverbs 26:6-8

January 1
October 25 EFFORT

My soul languishes for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.
Psalm 119:81

One of the keys to being great is effort. The interesting thing is that many times it is not even a conscious decision. It should be noted when it is a conscious decision, that effort usually goes up dramatically. This is a picture of Christianity. Many are giving an effort without even giving it a conscious thought. Many times, we talk about how important it is to serve God without thinking about our effort. Have you decided to give your complete effort to following God?
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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13

Proverbs 26:9-12

PRIORITIES
October 26 EXCELLENCE

May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.
Psalm 119:80

Every one of us should strive for excellence. We want to follow the plan and do all they are asked to do. This will build a reputation for excellence or inconsistency. One of the keys is paying attention and knowing what is expected of you. What a perfect parallel for the Christian life. We should all strive for excellence. To help make this happen, we should be reading the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. Are you building a reputation of excellence in following Christ or inconsistency?
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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 49:23-50:46
Titus 1:1-16
Psalm 97:1-98:9

Proverbs 26:13-16

DAILY WORKOUT
October 27
UNCHANGEA-BLE

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
Psalm 119:89

At one time or other, we all tend to push the limits. One area where they shouldn’t push the boundaries is that of the rules. Breaking the rules hurts us and those around us. The rules don’t change, so they should learn them and live within them. For the Christian, we know that God’s laws are unchangeable. When we break God’s rules, we hurt ourselves and those around us. We should strive to learn God’s rules so that we can live within them. Are you living by God’s rules?
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Lesson 43
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 51:1-53
Titus 2:1-15
Psalm 99:1-9

Proverbs 26:17

January 1
October 28 AVOIDING TROUBLE

If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.
Psalm 119:92

We all need to have boundaries in our personal lives. Without these “guard rails,” our lives can get derailed. This works best when we decide what boundaries we want in their lives instead of having somebody else tell them what they need to do. Christians can keep their lives on track and avoid trouble by having personal boundaries in their lives. A Christian should study the Bible and use that as the guide for their boundaries. The Bible is the guide that will keep you out of trouble. Are you living according to the Bible?

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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5

Proverbs 26:18-19

PRIORITIES
October 29
RESPONSIBIL-ITY

My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law.
Psalm 119:109

A wise person takes responsibility for his life and performance. By being able to say, ” I did well,” or, ” I did not play well.,” it frees us from having to be perfect. By taking responsibility, they acknowledge that our choices impact our lives and performance. A Christian should also be able to take responsibility for his choices and how it impacts his life. They should also be able to admit when they have lived well and when they have not. This responsibility also includes the responsibility to change. Have you accepted responsibility for your life?
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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Lamentations 1:1-2:22
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8

Proverbs 26:20

DAILY WORKOUT
October 30
PLAYBOOK

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine.
Psalm 119:98

An opponent can gain an advantage over his enemy by spending time learning his strategies. This extra knowledge, when translated into action, can be the difference between victory and defeat. A Christian can also gain an advantage over his enemies by spending time reading the Bible. By knowing the Word, we can avoid certain situations and also walk in a relationship with God. This relationship gives guidance to make wise decisions. Are you studying God’s playbook?
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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Lamentations 3:1-66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28

Proverbs 26:21-22

January 1
October 31 LOYALTY

I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end.
Psalm 119:112

For everyone, loyalty is an important character trait. Loyalty to your family, school, or employer is expected. That decision should be firm and not on and off again. When we set our hearts to go in a specific direction, it makes many decisions for us. Loyalty is also important for a Christian. One shouldn’t pledge loyalty to God and then not live like He asks you to. The decision should be consistent and lived out daily. This decision also makes many other decisions for us. Does your life reflect loyalty to God?

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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Lamentations 4:1-5:22
Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22

Proverbs 26:23

PRIORITIES



DAILY WORKOUT