Gentleness
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A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.
Proverbs 15:1 (New Living Translation)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (New International Version)
A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.
Proverbs 15:1 (The Message)
Life
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You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11 (New Living Translation)
You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 (New International Version)
Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I’m on the right way.
Psalm 16:11 (The Message)
Still Counting – Subtraction
Still Counting – Subtraction
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away (subtracts) the sin of the world! John 1:29
To most people, math is no fun. We tend to think of it as the subject in school that was just there to bring our GPA down. But math is important-especially in God’s equation for our lives. He uses math in our lives to work out his supernatural equation.
When it comes to applying God’s math to our lives, most of us don’t mind adding. We love to add new things because it can make life exciting and new. Too often, though, we forget that addition is not the only part of God’s equation. He also tells us that we need to occasionally take things away from our lives. But we tend to balk at applying subtraction to life.
What we need to understand is that subtraction is just as important in God’s math as addition is. God does not always ask us, “What are you doing?” Many times he asks us, “What are you not doing that you were doing before?” He wants us to subtract those things from our lives that are hurtful or unproductive. God tells us that subtraction is vital for our growth.
What is God telling you to subtract from your life? Is it a harmful habit or a draining relationship? Whatever it is, God wants you to subtract it from your life so that you can grow. This week, listen to God’s instruction and apply his mathematical equation. Don’t just focus addition-remember that subtraction is just as important.
For more information about this and other subjects, visit the Ed Young Ministries website: www.edyoung.org
Peace
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I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 (New Living Translation)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 (New International Version)
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
John 14:27 (The Message)
Jealousy
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A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 (New Living Translation)
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 (New International Version)
A sound mind makes for a robust body,
but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 (The Message)
