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Ephesians 5:15–16 (NIV)  ‘Be very careful then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.’ The days in which we currently live are indeed evil. What I think Paul is trying to say is that we may not always get the opportunity…

Isaiah chapter 63 verse 5 (NIV)  I looked, but there was no one to help,    I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm achieved salvation for me,    and my own wrath sustained me. Isaiah chapter 63 verse 7(NIV)  I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD,    the…

Ephesians chapter 4 verses 15-16 (NIV)  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part…

The works of his hands are faithful and just;    all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever,    enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people;    he ordained his covenant forever—    holy and awesome is his name. God’s goodness is unchanged. His precept, these verses…

Ephesians chapter 2 verse 7(NIV)  … in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. As I pondered on this verse, I wondered what people might say if they were asked to give their definition of incomparable riches. I’m…

Isaiah chapter 52 verses 1-2 (NIV)  Awake, awake, Zion,    clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendour,    Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled    will not enter you again.  Shake off your dust;    rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck,    Daughter…

Proverbs chapter 23 verses 17-18 (NIV)  Do not let your heart envy sinners,    but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.  There is surely a future hope for you,    and your hope will not be cut off. As I read these verses, it struck me that although Christians can at times…

My God, whom I praise,    do not remain silent, or people who are wicked and deceitful    have opened their mouths against me;    they have spoken against me with lying tongues.  With words of hatred they surround me;    they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me,  …

Galatians chapter 5 verse 6 (NIV)  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Paul is very clear to the Galatians that it doesn’t matter who you are, or into which family you were born. The only thing that matters is…

Isaiah chapter 43 verses 1-3 (NIV)  But now, this is what the LORD says—    he who created you, Jacob,    he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;    I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters,    I will be with…