Nearer to God Daily Devotional
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Daily devotionalFebruary 18 – Nun (2): Resolve
“I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.” – Psalm 119:112 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:105-112 The psalmist is “severely afflicted…the wicked…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 17 – Nun (1): A lamp for my feet
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 Scripture reading: Psalm 19 Today we live in…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 16 – Mem: Praise for the God of the book
“I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.” – Psalm 119:102 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:97-104 Many churches today are limiting…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 15 – Lamedh: God has the whole world in his hands
“You have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 14 – Kaph: Longing
“My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes long for your promise; I ask, ‘When will you comfort me?’” –…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 13 – Yodh: Fear God and keep his commandments
“Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.” – Psalm 119:79 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:73-80 In the Bible “fear”…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 12 – Teth: God is good
“You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word…You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.” – Psalm 119:65,…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 11 – Heth: Permanence
“The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words…The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes.” –…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 10 – Zayin: Living and active comfort
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” – Psalm 119:50 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:49-56 “Remember” (Hebrew zakar) is the…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 9 – Waw: Walking and talking
“And I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 8 – He: Put on the new self
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 7 – Daleth: Give me life
“My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!…My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” –…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 6 – Gimel: Open my eyes
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” – Psalm 119:18 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 3:14-18; Psalm 119:17-24 The psalmist…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 5 – Beth: Pure living
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” – Psalm 119:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:9-16 This second…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 4 – Aleph (4): I will praise you
“I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!” –…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 3 – Aleph (3): Blessed
“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.” –…
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Daily devotionalFebruary 2 – Aleph (2): Delighting in Torah
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!” – Psalm 119:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 1 Oh, blessed day…
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Daily devotionalIntroduction to the month of February – Aleph (1): Torah
Psalm 119 is special in several ways. It is the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses. How often we like to joke about…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 31 – Proverbs on the home
“The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just.” Scripture reading: Proverbs 17:1-6 A…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 30 – Proverbs on prayer
“The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” – Proverbs 15:29 Scripture reading: Proverbs 28:9-13 Prayer is the…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 29 – Proverbs on money
“The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22 Scripture reading: Proverbs 3:9-10 You’ve probably heard…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 28 – Proverbs on violence
“The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.” – Proverbs 21:7 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:10-19 There is no question…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 27 – Proverbs on mockers
“A proud and haughty man —”Scoffer” is his name; he acts with arrogant pride.” – Proverbs 21:24 Scripture reading: Proverbs 14:6-9 If you believe in…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 26 – Proverbs on honesty
“Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, and dishonest scales are not good.” – Proverbs 20:23 Scripture reading: Proverbs 20:5-10 It is not uncommon…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 25 – Proverbs on the duty of the mothers
“My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother.” – Proverbs 6:20 Scripture reading: Proverbs 31:21-28 Many people think…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 24 – Proverbs on justice
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3 Scripture reading: Proverbs 24:23-26 Having grown up in a…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 23 – Proverbs on adultery
“Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; For she has cast down many wounded, and all…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 22 – Proverbs on stewardship
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 21 – Proverbs on giving
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9 Scripture reading: Proverbs 19:14-17…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 20 – Proverbs on the future
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter,…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 19 – Proverbs on dealing with fools
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7 Scripture reading: Proverbs 14:7-9 Is it…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 18 – Proverbs on women
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 Scripture reading: Proverbs 31:10-23…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 17 – Proverbs on work
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” – Proverbs 22:29…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 16 – Proverbs on wicked people
“The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble.” – Proverbs 12:13 Scripture reading: Proverbs 6:16-19 There…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 15 – Proverbs on divine protection
“Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5 Scripture reading: Proverbs 2:1-8…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 14 – Proverbs on politics and politicians
“Mercy and truth preserve the king…” – Proverbs 20:28 Scripture reading: Proverbs 16:12-13 Most people, when they hear of politicians, want to hold their noses…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 13 – Proverbs on the unchangeable Scripture
“Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.” – Proverbs 4:13 Scripture reading: Proverbs 30:1-6 It didn’t…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 12 – Proverbs on lying
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.” – Proverbs 12:17 Scripture reading: Proverbs 6:12-19 The tongue, which was created as an…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 11 – Proverbs on love
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12 Scripture reading: Proverbs 17:9-14 Love is not the excited feeling you sometimes get…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 10 – Proverbs on giving and receiving honor
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4 Scripture reading: Proverbs 26:1-8 It is strange that…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 9 – Proverbs on friends and neighbors
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 Scripture reading: Proverbs 19:1-6 It is very sad when…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 8 – Proverbs on discipline of children
“Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.” – Proverbs 19:18 Scripture reading: Proverbs 13:22-24 I heard…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 7 – Proverbs on taking advice
“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:25-27 Some people think they know everything…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 6 – Proverbs on alcohol
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1 Scripture reading: Proverbs…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 5 – Proverbs on the poor
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.” – Proverbs 19:17 Scripture reading:…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 4 – Proverbs on food
“Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit.” – Proverbs 25:16 Scripture reading: Proverbs…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 3 – Proverbs on anger
“A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” – Proverbs 15:18 Scripture reading: Proverbs 22:24-25 Good anger is…
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Daily devotionalJanuary 2 – Proverbs on fear
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” – Proverbs 29:25 Scripture reading: Proverbs 3:24-26 Everyone is…
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Daily devotionalIntroduction to the month of January
We do not preach a lot of sermons from Proverbs, but it is not Solomon’s fault. He was inspired by God to write these proverbs…
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Daily devotionalDecember 31 – The return of the King: Enjoying paradise forever!
“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” – Isaiah 65:17 Scripture…
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Daily devotionalDecember 30 – The character of the King’s return
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will…
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Daily devotionalDecember 29 – The timing of the King’s return
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – Matthew 25:13 Scripture reading: Matthew 25:1-13 As our thoughts turn toward the end…
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Daily devotionalDecember 28 – Departure & arrival announcements
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you…
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Daily devotionalDecember 27 – Enjoying the Savior’s presence: blessings flow far as the curse is found
“The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the…
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Daily devotionalDecember 26 – Celebrating the Savior’s coming (2) with gentile Wise Men
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they…
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Daily devotionalDecember 25 – Celebrating the Savior’s coming (1) with Jewish Shepherds
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people….
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Daily devotionalDecember 24 – A frequently forgotten advent figure: John the Baptist
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” – John1:29 “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Bear fruit in keeping…
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Daily devotionalDecember 23 – Prophets promise Christ’s coming (2): A backwater birthplace
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who…
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Daily devotionalDecember 22 – Prophets promise Christ’s coming (1): A Christmas stump
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” – Isaiah 11:1 Scripture reading:…
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Daily devotionalDecember 21 – The exile: The end?
“Thus says the Lord GOD to the land of Israel: ‘An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. Now the…
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Daily devotionalDecember 20 – Picture #6: The Promised Land
“On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched…
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Daily devotionalDecember 19 – Picture #5: The Tabernacle
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt (tented, tabernacled) among us.” – John 1:14 Scripture reading: Exodus 26:1,6-7,14; 29:43-46; 40:33-35 Pictures of Jesus were plentiful…
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Daily devotionalDecember 18 – Picture #4: A snake
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should…
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Daily devotionalDecember 17 – Picture #3: Bread
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is My flesh…
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Daily devotionalDecember 16 – Picture #2: Water
“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in…
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Daily devotionalDecember 15 – Picture daily #1: The Last Supper, the first Passover
“Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7b Scripture reading: Exodus 12:1-7, 12-13, 21-30 It would be another 1,400 years before Jesus…
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Daily devotionalDecember 14 – The deliverer: Moses
“Then the LORD said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry….And I have come…
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Daily devotionalDecember 13 – Jacob’s son Judah: A lion to look forward to
“Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a…
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Daily devotionalDecember 12 – Abraham (2): Looking forward from Mount Moriah
“God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John…
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Daily devotionalDecember 11 – Abraham (1): Looking forward from Ur
“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall…
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Daily devotionalDecember 10 – Noah: Cleansing of creation through watery judgment
“Behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth….Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you,…
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Daily devotionalDecember 9 – Enoch & Lamech: where loyalty leads
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he…
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Daily devotionalDecember 8 – Cain & Abel: Two lines, two heads, the first quake
“Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, ‘For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel,…
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Daily devotionalDecember 7 – One fault line, two lines of loyalty
“He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.’”– Hebrews 12:26b Scripture reading: Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 12:25-29 Geographical fault-lines…
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Daily devotionalDecember 6 – Promise in paradise (2): Through a new set of clothing
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he…
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Daily devotionalDecember 5 – Promise in paradise (1): Through a curse on the serpent
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall…
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Daily devotionalDecember 4 – Punishment
“The wages of sin is death.” – Romans 6:23a “Sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:15b Scripture reading: Genesis 2:16-17;…
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Daily devotionalDecember 3 – Problems begin
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make…
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Daily devotionalDecember 2 – Permission & prohibition
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge…
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Daily devotionalDecember 1 – “Looking forward to the coming of Christ” series
Looking Forward: My guess is that as you turned the page on your calendar from November to December, your first thought might have been, “Wow!…
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Daily devotionalNovember 30 – A certain knowledge
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” –…
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Daily devotionalNovember 29 – The Tree of Life
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1 Scripture reading: Romans 8 Romans 8 has been called…
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Daily devotionalNovember 28 – A new nature
“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I…
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Daily devotionalNovember 27 – A twofold life
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now…
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Daily devotionalNovember 26 – Compelled by love
“For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for…
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Daily devotionalNovember 25 – Enslaved to love
“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the…
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Daily devotionalNovember 24 – Devoted to grace
“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you…
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Daily devotionalNovember 23 – Baptism saves
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with…
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Daily devotionalNovember 22 – The Gospel of the Kingdom of God
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin…
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Daily devotionalNovember 21 – Total love
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall…
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Daily devotionalNovember 20 – Justification
“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” – Romans…
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Daily devotionalNovember 19 – True love
“…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 Scripture reading: Romans 5…
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Daily devotionalNovember 18 – Made by love
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person –…
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Daily devotionalNovember 17 – Spiritual glory
“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of…
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Daily devotionalNovember 16 – A new standing
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1 Scripture reading: Romans 5…
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Daily devotionalNovember 15 – The law of faith
“Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of…
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Daily devotionalNovember 14 – The life of faith
“…the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:” – Romans 3:22 Scripture reading: Romans 3…
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Daily devotionalNovember 13 – But now
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it…” – Romans…
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Daily devotionalNovember 12 – Faith alone
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” – Romans…
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Daily devotionalNovember 11 – The Gospel’s power
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first…