​August 21
​​(This page usually updates between 5 - 8 a.m. EST)

Today's Bible Verse

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Matthew 19:5
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​Memorize this Verse:
5. A S F T C S A M L F A M A S C T H W A T T S B O F

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Today's Bible Reading

August 21
Today's Bible Reading Plan selections can be found below. If you don't have a Bible with you, just click the references to read each passage online:

Old Testament
Esther 2  —  7.5 minutes
Proverbs 15:18-33  —  3.0 minutes

New Testament
Luke 19:28-38  —  2.5 minutes
Titus 2:11-15  —  1.0 minute

Total Average Read Time — 14.0 minutes

This reading plan will make it easy and fun for you to read through the entire Bible this year. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Although the plan begins with January, you can begin at any time during the year.
• Each month’s readings are based on 25 days worth of readings, which means you get several free days if you ever fall behind. This makes reaching your goal a lot more possible!
• Each day’s readings will include selections from both the Old and New Testament, reinforcing the incredible unity of the Scriptures. Perhaps most important, you will focus daily on the life of Jesus by reading a portion of one of the Gospels every single day of the year.

May God bless you as you open His precious Word each day, and remember to pray for His guidance in your study. It is our desire that you will become increasingly changed into His likeness by beholding the Lord through His Word.

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Today's Meditation - Psalms

Psalm 102:6-10
The misery of the psalmist is described as the animals of the desert and the loneliness and insignificance of the sparrow. In Matthew 10:29 our Lord told us that even that sparrow that falls to the ground is known to Him. He was being attacked by his enemies and speaks about his desperate state. He was fully aware that behind it all was the judgment of the Lord, the One Who lifts us up, but Who also casts us down. May we learn the lesson of trusting Him always, and knowing that the afflictions we face in life, are often intended by our Lord to strengthen us, not to defeat us.

1. The isolation of the afflicted – verse 6
2. The insignificance of the afflicted – verse 7
3. The impact of his enemies – verse 8
4. The intensity of his pain – verse 9
5. The indignation of the Lord – verse 10

Yes, the Lord does chasten His children – not to wipe us out, but to make us more productive. Trials are often like the oyster that becomes a pearl through much irritation!
Verse for Meditation:​ Verse 10 – “Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.”

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Today's Prayer

“When Your chastening comes, O Lord, help me to understand that You love me and only desire my good in it all.”