My tendency to enjoy digging has me lingering on the following and uncovering treasures rather than speeding by just to keep “on schedule” with my Whole Bible in a Year reading plan this morning (and so many other mornings). Lol.
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Mark 7:20-23 ESV
So yes, I’m blessed to start my days with the Lord, His Word, my family, and my friends in that order each morning — but mindful to not let “schedule” and “plan” get me stuck in a dead pattern. Feeling especially grateful this morning.
I remember days not so many years ago when those things mentioned in the verse came out of me. But my encounter with the Lord has changed me, like the wild man in the graveyard, like the adulteress they would have stoned, like the woman at the well, like the woman who touched His garment, like Paul on Damascus road, I have a grace and mercy story that I must share.
To all who will listen and call upon the name of the LORD — God bless you and keep you, and may His face shine on you. May His peace rest on you, and may you know the great pleasure and awe of serving and praising and worshipping our great and wonderful God all your days. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 
Such a great point! I started reading the scriptures in a new way this year, and it has made ALL the difference. Rather than a schedule and plan, I go into it with a purpose- either a question or a desire for peace and comfort, etc… Then I read until I feel God has answered my prayer. It strengthens my faith in Him on a daily basis.
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