NOVEMBER 1-30

January 1
November 1 HOPE

Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope
Psalm 119:116

For a Christian, a critical factor is hope. Without hope for improvement or optimism, there is no power for the future. Yet sometimes, Christians are criticized for having hope when the situation is tough. But to give up the hope would be to admit defeat. As a follower of Christ, hope is just as powerful. What God has promised- He will do. There will always be a reason to have hope for the future. Even though others may doubt, the Christian has no reason to doubt. Are you living with the power of hope?

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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
Hebrews 3:1-19
Psalm 104:1-23

Proverbs 26:24-26

PRIORITIES
November 2
DETERMINA-TION

My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation and Your righteous word.
Psalm 119:123

For all of us, determination is the key. That means giving it your all until your body quits on you. Push yourself to the limits. Until this happens, we will never know how good we can be. We can surpass others with more talent but less determination. As a Christian, this is often overlooked. It takes passion and commitment to be all that you can be for Christ. Many Christians have failed to reach their potential because they have not given their all. Are you determined to follow Christ?
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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 3:16-6:14
Hebrews 4:1-16
Psalm 104:24-35

Proverbs 26:27

DAILY WORKOUT
November 3 RULES

You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes, for their deceitfulness is useless.
Psalm 119:118

A family understands the power of rules. These rules help bind the family together and provide a structure to help the family. Without the rules, the family would be in chaos and have no unity. To protect the family, when someone won’t obey the rules, there are consequences. A Christian should understand the power of rules as well. They protect his family and himself from the consequences of evil. Are you living by the rules that God has given you?
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Lesson 44
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 7:1-9:11
Hebrews 5:1-14
Psalm 105:1-15

Proverbs 26:28

January 1
November 4 TEACHABLE

Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness and teach me Your statutes.
Psalm 119:124

An employee should be teachable. That means that he is always working to improve. Someone who is not teachable should not expect to improve. It is amazing how many top executives hire private coaches to help them be all they can be. As a follower of Christ, we should not overlook the importance of being teachable as well. Someone who is not teachable will continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. Are you teachable?

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Lesson 45
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 10:1-11:25
Hebrews 6:1-20
Psalm 105:16-36

Proverbs 27:1-2

PRIORITIES
November 5
LONGING

I opened my mouth wide and panted, For I longed for Your commandments.
Psalm 119:131

Athletes work out their physical bodies so hard that they get short of breath. They do this because they want to win a championship. Those who won’t push themselves that hard should not expect to be winners. The spiritual life of a Christian should mirror that of an athlete. The effort required to grow as a Christian is just as demanding as physical exercise. You shouldn’t expect to grow if you won’t put out the effort. Are you putting out the effort to grow?
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Lesson 45
______________________________READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 12:1-14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:37-45

Proverbs 27:3

DAILY WORKOUT
November 6
DESIRE

Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
Psalm 119:159

For us, the level of desire is the key to success. Without desire, we will eventually quit or settle for “good enough.” This means that our level of performance will go down. At the same time, someone that has more desire but less ability can surpass us. As a follower of Christ, desire is a key element as well. Without desire, a Christian will cease to grow and will sometimes fall away from following Christ. In contrast, someone who is not as gifted may make a greater difference for Christ. Do you have a strong desire to live for God?
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Lesson 45
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
Hebrews 7:18-28
Psalm 106:1-12

Proverbs 27:4-6

January 1
November 7 NO QUITTING

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:157

At some point in every person’s life, he will have to face opposition. People will say things that aren’t true and also magnify every mistake that he makes. How he handles this is the test. Will he stay focused, or will he allow this criticism to stop him? As Christians, there will be opposition. Some will speak lies about us, while others will magnify every mistake we make. How you handle this situation is the test. Will you keep living for Christ or get discouraged and quit?

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Lesson 45
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 16:42-17:24
Hebrews 8:1-13
Psalm 106:13-31

Proverbs 27:7-9

PRIORITIES
November 8 WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
Psalm 119:160

One thing we all have to decide is who to listen to. There are many people out there offering advice on what to do or what not to do. The thing to remember is that all the people who are offering advice do not face your consequences. Think carefully about who you listen to. The follower of Christ knows who he should listen to. The Bible contains God’s truth and can always be relied on to give good advice. Are you listening to God?
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Lesson 45
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
Hebrews 9:1-10
Psalm 106:32-48

Proverbs 27:10

DAILY WORKOUT
November 9
STAND FIRM

Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your words
Psalm 119:161

In this life, there will be times when you have to stand firm in the face of criticism. Knowing what to do when people disagree with what you are doing is important. Sometimes criticism will help, and sometimes it can hurt you. Knowing what to stand on makes the difference. As a follower of Christ, there will be times of criticism as well. Knowing how to handle these times when people disagree with you is important. When you are in this situation, what do you stand on?
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Lesson 45
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 20:1-49
Hebrews 9:11-28
Psalm 107:1-43

Proverbs 27:11

January 1
November 10 CONSISTENCY

Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.
Psalm 119:164

Another key to success is consistency. For us to perform well, it is important to practice consistently. Without consistent practice, the performance will suffer. With consistent effort, the performance will improve. Similarly, one of the keys to growth as a Christian is consistency in your personal Bible study and prayer. Without this consistency, your walk with God will suffer, and your life will be inconsistent at best. Are you consistently spending time with God?

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Lesson 45
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 21:1-22:31
Hebrews 10:1-17
Psalm 108:1-13

Proverbs 27:12

PRIORITIES
November 11 VALUE

I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great spoil.
Psalm 119:162

Who to listen to is a key to success. Parents are usually the most important voice in the family. While everyone may have an opinion, the voice of the parents should have the greatest value. Their purpose is to help their family members reach their potential. The Christian needs people like this in his life as well. The value of the Word of God is that it speaks to every situation with wisdom. The Bible is there to guide us to God and His will. Other people may have an opinion, but God’s Word is always right. Who’s advice do you value?
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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 23:1-49
Hebrews 10:18-39
Psalm 109:1-31

Proverbs 27:13

DAILY WORKOUT
November 12 CONFIDENCE

Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalm 119:165

As a student approaches a game, it is important to have confidence in his studying and preparation. Without this preparation, doubt might exist in the back of the student’s mind about handling situations. This doubt can lead to failure or loss. Preparation is the key to confidence. As a follower of Christ, preparation is key to handling life’s challenges. Without preparation, life’s situations can be overwhelming and lead to failure. Preparation can bring confidence. How are you preparing to face life’s challenges?
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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 24:1-26:21
Hebrews 11:1-16
Psalm 110:1-7

Proverbs 27:14

January 1
November 13
BEING HEARD

Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word.
Psalm 119:169

As a student, you can earn the right to be heard by your teachers. If you are regularly not paying attention or not following their instructions, they will not listen to you when you have advice. When you have proven that you are listening, you gain favor that will benefit you in the future. This parallels walking with God. If we don’t obey God, how can we expect Him to answer our prayers? When our lives are characterized by obedience, then God delights in answering our prayers. Is your life reflecting obedience to God?

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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 27:1-28:26
Hebrews 11:17-31
Psalm 111:1-10

Proverbs 27:15-16

PRIORITIES
November 14 MY HELP

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2

We all love to have a friend around them to rely on when the going gets tough. This friend can sometimes help overcome a bad situation and stand with you when the going gets tough. When this friend is not there, life gets more challenging. For Christians, our help is found in the Lord. We can rely on him when the going gets tough. Without Him, all of our situations will be more difficult. There is not a situation that God can’t handle. Is God your help when times get tough?
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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10

Proverbs 27:17

DAILY WORKOUT
November 15 RESCUE

Let Your hand be ready to help me, For I have chosen Your precepts.
Psalm 119:173

Everyone has moments when you need the help of your others. If you haven’t been there for other people and haven’t been following the rules, you can find yourself alone when things get tough. As a follower of Christ, we can count on the Lord’s help in tough times because of our obedience to Him. If our lives are not characterized by following His rules, we may find ourselves alone when times are tough. Are you preparing for the challenges ahead with obedience today?
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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 31:1-32:32
Hebrews 12:14-29
Psalm 113:1-114:8

Proverbs 27:18-20

January 1
November 16 REFRESHING

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
Psalm 121:5

One thing that we all cherish is refreshment. In the middle of playing hard, something to drink, rest, and getting out of the weather can recharge both the physical and emotional energy. This refreshing can improve our performance for the rest of the game. The same is also true for Christians. Life can wear you down and make you tired. God can come and provide refreshing for you that will give you renewed physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. Have you experienced the refreshing of the Lord?

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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 33:1-34:31
Hebrews 13:1-25
Psalm 115:1-18

Proverbs 27:21-22

PRIORITIES
November 17 SECURITY

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
Psalm 121:5

Movie stars and other famous people, while in other countries travel with security guards. These people are paid to keep them safe from those who would harm them. With the security in place, that person is free to focus on his reason for being there. Without trusted security, these people would always be distracted. As a Christian, there is never a doubt about whether we have a trusted security guard. God is always there, and He never sleeps. God does not ask for money. He only asks for obedience. Are you secure in His protection?
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Lesson 46
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 35:1-36:38
James 1:1-18
Psalm 116:1-19

Proverbs 27:23-27

DAILY WORKOUT
November 18 TEAM SUPPORT

For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
Psalm 122:8

For an athlete being part of a team brings an extra benefit. Those who cheer for one player on that team are cheering for them all as well. The cheering they hear for the one player encourages them all because they are part of the team. As a Christian, you are part of a team as well. When our brothers in Christ are doing well, it should encourage us too. We should encourage our other team members to know that, at times, we will need some encouragement as well. Are you encouraging other Christians?
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Lesson 47
_____________________________________ READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 37:1-38:23
James 1:19-2:17
Psalm 117:1-2

Proverbs 28:1

January 1
November 19 HOME

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122:1

If you want to put a smile on an athlete’s face, tell him he is headed home. It is an interesting phenomenon. Players perform better, and their teams win more at home than on the road. Even a tired athlete is happy to be headed home. It is truly something to look forward to. A Christian should also be looking forward to going home. A home is a place of great joy, and all of life’s struggles will be over. For a Christian, there is truly no place like home. Are you looking forward to going home?

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Lesson 47
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 39:1-40:27
James 2:18-3:18
Psalm 118:1-18

Proverbs 28:2

PRIORITIES
November 20 DIRECTION

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the Lord our God until He is gracious to us.
Psalm 123:2

Who do you look to when things aren’t going well, and if things don’t change, all will be lost? It is at that moment that the athlete will look to the coach for direction and encouragement. We may look to a parent or a friend. As a follower of Christ, we also have times when life is not going well, and things are bad. In these moments, we can look to the Lord to change the situation. Many times He will ask us to change things to improve the situation. Who do you look to when it seems like all is lost?
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Lesson 47
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 40:28-41:26
James 4:1-17
Psalm 118:19-29

Proverbs 28:3-5

DAILY WORKOUT
November 21 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,”
Psalm 124:1

All of us want to have a person on our side that we can count on when the going gets tough. That person without whom you don’t stand a chance. This is the guy that you call the most valuable player in the sports world. The one that without him, you don’t stand a chance. You take courage just from his presence. For the Christian, the Most Valuable Player is Jesus. He is always there. You can count on Him when the going gets tough. He always knows what to do. With Him on your side, you are never defeated. Who are you putting your trust in?
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Lesson 47
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 42:1-43:27
James 5:1-20
Psalm 119:1-16

Proverbs 28:6-7

January 1
November 22 RELIABLE

Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
Psalm 125:1

One thing that brings confidence is finding reliable people
. Having a reliable relationship with someone consistent in all areas, we know what to expect. Reliable business people who do business consistently adds confidence to that relationship. Also, having friends that you can count on bringing the level of confidence to a higher level. For the follower of Christ, knowing that we can rely on God gives us the confidence to face all the trials of life. This confidence translates into hope. Are you relying on God to face the trials of life?
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Lesson 47
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 44:1-45:12
1 Peter 1:1-12
Psalm 119:17-32

Proverbs 28:8-10

PRIORITIES
November 23
RELAXED

Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Psalm 124:7

Any one of us can be so bound up with their emotions that it hinders our lives. Feelings of fear, in particular, can bring about failure. These emotions can become a heavy burden that is difficult to bear and hard to get rid of. For the Christian, there is the same struggle with your emotions. Feelings of fear and failure can bring you down. However, the assurance of acceptance by God can set us free from these fears for the Christian. Are you relaxed and free from your fears?
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Lesson 47
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 45:13-46:24
1 Peter 1:13-2:10
Psalm 119:33-48

Proverbs 28:11

DAILY WORKOUT
November 24 DREAMS

When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.
Psalm 126:1

We all have dreams and aspirations. Some dreams are as simple as making a good grade, making the team, and even as great as winning a major election. These dreams are the motivation that fuels daily practices. A Christian also has dreams and aspirations. These can be simple or great. These dreams are the fuel for daily living that helps to overcome the mundane. Christians have the advantage that even after the apparent loss of a dream, God can restore them. What are your dreams?
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Lesson 47
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READING PLAN:
Ezekiel 47:1-48:35
1 Peter 2:11-3:7
Psalm 119:49-64

Proverbs 28:12-13

January 1
November 25 CELEBRATION

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Psalm 126:2

We all enjoy celebrations. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas, celebrations are a big part of our lives. Those moments of celebration can make you forget days and years of sadness and difficulties. We love these moments and consider them an important part of life. Christians also enjoy celebrations. Celebrating souls being saved and lives being changed are wonderful times. Struggles can be forgotten when you celebrate the victory. A celebration is an important part of a Christian’s life. What are you celebrating?____________________________________
Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 1:1-2:23
1 Peter 3:8-4:6
Psalm 119:65-80

Proverbs 28:14

PRIORITIES
November 26 REWARDS

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
Psalm 126:5

Athletes know the reality of pain. They know about sweat, aches, and injuries. They know a lot about suffering that you never hear them discuss. Instead, they talk about their successes and wins. They know that the joy of winning is the reward, and it helps them to forget the pain.
As a follower of Christ, this is so true. All of the challenges and pain in this life are nothing compared to the joy we will one day share. We have something to look forward to. Though we know about pain, we should also know about rewards. Are you talking about your rewards?

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Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 2:24-3:30
1 Peter 4:7-5:14
Psalm 119:81-96

Proverbs 28:15-16

DAILY WORKOUT
November 27
GIVING CREDIT

The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad.
Psalm 126:3

Athletes are very good at giving credit to whom it is due. Whether it is a teammate or an opposing player, athletes are quick to praise another. It is usually undeniable who deserves the credit for a great performance, and we all enjoy recognition. As a Christian, we also should be good at giving credit. We should always be giving credit to God. He deserves it. We also will have opportunities to praise each other. This produces thankfulness. Who are you giving credit to in your life?
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Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 4:1-37
2 Peter 1:1-21
Psalm 119:97-112

Proverbs 28:17-18

January 1
November 28 NOT IN VAIN

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1

You can give your best effort, but you will fail if you don’t have a good plan. Hard work alone does not bring success. The ones that work hard and have a good plan to follow are the ones who enjoy the satisfaction of winning. For a Christian, that means that we should be following the plan of God if we want to see something good happen. No matter how hard we work following our own plans, it is in vain. It will never accomplish what we want it to. Whose plans are you following?

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Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 5:1-31
2 Peter 2:1-22
Psalm 119:113-128

Proverbs 28:19-20

PRIORITIES
November 29 PEACEFUL

When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy, and it will be well with you.
Psalm 128:2

One goal of a family is to enjoy a peaceful life. When it is summer or vacation time, we want to spend a relaxing time with our family and friends. This time refreshes us to come back home do things well at our job or school. People who don’t live a peaceful life will eventually not perform as well. A Christian longs to live a peaceful life as well. When he is living in obedience to God, he enjoys the benefits of that lifestyle. This peacefulness gives you time to recharge your emotional batteries to withstand the challenges of life. Are you living a peaceful life?
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Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 6:1-28
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 119:129-152

Proverbs 28:21-22

DAILY WORKOUT
November 30
KNOCKED DOWN

“Many times, they have persecuted me from my youth up; Yet they have not prevailed against me.
Psalm 129:2

A certainty for every person is that of a challenging experience. These can happen every day or sometimes multiple times in one day. How you respond to them ultimately determines your outcome. When a person fails to respond to a difficult situation, it guarantees defeat. To get back up and compete harder gives you an opportunity for victory. Christians, many times, will face difficulties. How we respond to them affects our outcomes. We should never allow ourselves to be defeated. When you are knocked down, do you get up to fight again?
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Lesson 48
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READING PLAN:
Daniel 7:1-28
1 John 1:1-10
Psalm 119:153-176

Proverbs 28:23-24