Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Be Courageous and Act

Be Courageous and Act

May The Lord give you distinct discernment to see what tasks He has laid before you today.

May you rise up and be empowered with supernatural strength in Him...

And have the tenacious courage to accomplish what He has purposefully placed in your path!

Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 9:6
Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Treasures In Heaven

Treasures in Heaven

Praise The Lord, for our promised treasure is the imperishable crown of eternal life!

May we press on with endurance in our Holy Spirit led race...

As we await the prize that Christ claimed victoriously on our behalf!

1 Timothy 6:19
...treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Philippians 3:8
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Pour Out Your Heart to Him

Pour Out Your Heart to Him

Instead of pouring ourselves into our troubles, let us cast our cares onto our Heavenly Father!

He is our Rock, our Refuge, our Deliverer...our Daddy.

He longs for us to trust Him...to pour out our heart to Him so He can ease our burden.

For there is none beside Him...and nothing beyond our loving, omnipotent and merciful God!

Psalm 142:2
I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

Isaiah 26:4
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

I Samuel 2:2
There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Called To Be Holy


Lord God,

We praise you, for You are Holy!

Reveal to us today and every day what we must exchange at Your alter to be rendered whole and holy, according to Your call.

Give us the discernment, conviction and courage to do what is righteous and pleasing unto You. Show us, Father God, how to experience Your glorious grace and the full measure of Your love.

Anoint us with Your precious oil until our cup runs over...sanctify, purify and transform us more fully into Your likeness...as we get closer to seeing You face to face.

Lord, we praise You that we may be restored and reconciled unto You through the precious blood of The Lamb.

We claim the victory of who we are in Christ and we give You all of the glory!

In Jesus Christ's Holy and Righteous Name,

Amen.

1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.

Leviticus 20:7
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ephesians 1:4
For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Freedom From Fear


God's immutable Word tells that us He has not given us a spirit of fear. Walking in a state of perpetual fear is bondage; a spiritual battle only conquered through God and His truth.

Reacting to protect ourselves from eminent danger is a healthy fear response. In contrast, being a slave to fear produces crippling hopelessness, doubt and uncertainty...all strongholds of the enemy. False emotions beget a faulty belief system, which robs us of our peace and derails us from our authentic path of freedom.

As with any darkness, a spirit of fear is demolished by light and truth...and that Truth is The Word of God. We must don the Sword of The Spirit...read, believe, absorb and apply The Word. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

 (John 8:32)
Praise The Lord that He has called us into His marvelous light and that He is with us always!

Joshua 1:8-9
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Truth and Mercy

May our hearts be softened to receive and reciprocate the truth and mercy of The Gospel of Christ.

For, when we allow this to be written in our hearts - truly receiving what He has so freely given to us - we will extend this same mercy, kindness, forgiveness, hope, help, compassion and love to others.

When we cling to and walk sincerely and diligently in His truth and love, our lamps burn bright as a beacon to God's hurting children, that they might also be led to His truth and find comfort in the arms of our Father.

It is, after all, the way of Christ...for He is steadfast in His love, grace, and mercy to us...forevermore.

John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Psalm 89:33
Nevertheless, my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Called and Equipped


God does not make empty promises. If He brings you to it, He is faithful to empower and equip you to accomplish His will. His gifts are irrevocable; His Word and promises are immutable. He equips the called and gives strength to the weary.

Lord, we praise You and claim the victory of what You are doing in and through us...equipping us for every good work...according to Your perfect and pleasing will.

In The precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen!

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.

2 Timothy 3:17
so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 11:29
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable.

1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we confess, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Father God,

Thank You for Your tender, loving desire to form a righteous relationship with Your sheep...

Thank You for the perfect provision of our every physical, emotional and spiritual need so that we are sustained in our walk with You...

Thank You for Your peaceful, living waters of renewal and restoration so that we shall never thirst...

Thank You for Your guidance and Your will in creating us according to Your divine purpose, and for Your glory...

Thank You for Your faithful protection and comfort; Your Word and the indwelling of The Holy Spirit...

Thank You for preparing the way in advance and for Your blessings of hope, abundance and security...

Thank You for Your voice in the darkness that leads Your wandering sheep back into the fold...

We joyfully praise and thank You for Your precious gift of eternal life...that we will spend with You, our Lord and Shepherd, Jehovah Raah!

In The Holy and Righteous Name of Jesus,

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Living In His Image


Let us live a life that truly reflects our transformation in Christ and the character of God, whose image we were purposefully created in.

A life that is full of love, grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness, joy and freedom.

A lighted life that clearly indicates to others that there IS a Redeemer and a Savior...a real reason for anchored hope in this shattered, decaying world.

Let us live in a way that gives weight to our testimonies and mirrors the regenerating power of The Holy Spirit.

And may the the broken children of God see His light ablaze within us...find their way home to our Heavenly Father...and join us in Eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 John 1:5-6
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Galatians 5:22-23)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

His Mercy Endures Forever


In an ever-changing world filled with uncertainty and doubt, The Lord is our One constant, consistent, never-ending hope.

He is ever-present, regardless of whether we are at the tip top of the mountain, or in the deepest of valleys.

He was merciful to us in the depths of our darkness, just as He loves us in our brightest moments. His offerings of grace and mercy are freely given and His love is unconditional.

No matter what comes your way today, praise Him and cling to this promise...

His mercy endures forever!

Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 (KJV)
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Cares for The Troubled Heart

May we turn to The Lord when our hearts are heavy...for He alone is our source of strength, joy, peace, healing and everlasting salvation.

He designed, created and breathed life into us. Only Jesus knows our need and has the capacity to fix and fill us...eternally.

Lord, we run to You.

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2)

"You make 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)

"...Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:27)

"...Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Monday, January 16, 2017

All Is Well With My Soul


When we understand Who authors and anchors our hope, help, peace and purpose...we can say with all that we are, because of all that He is....

All is well with my soul.

"And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee." (Psalm 39:7)

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." (Lamentations 3:25)

"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." (Philippians 1:20)

Friday, January 13, 2017

Create In Me A Clean Heart

Father God,

Create in us a softened, clean, healed, whole heart...

A heart that is cultivated and fertile to receive Your Word and Truth...

A heart that is filled with the full measure of Your unconditional, merciful love and grace.

Weed out and remove the things that bind us and cause us to separate ourselves from You, Lord.

Plant Your seeds in the soil of our hearts, Father, and grow our roots deep...nourish and flourish us with Your Living Waters.


And let us bear an ever-increasing yield of fruits of The Spirit, according to Your Will for us in Jesus Christ.
May we all have ears that hear and a penetrable heart, for Your Glory...

In The Name of our Holy and Righteous Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Mark 4:3-9
"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Matthew 13:23
But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop--a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Fulfilled Future

May His Light be a lamp to our feet and shine brightly in and through us for all the world to see.

May we cling tightly to His righteousness and be sanctified and transformed daily into His image.

And may His Majesty remind us daily: no matter what our circumstances are today, the fulfilled future for those He sustains in righteousness is Eternity with Jesus Christ.

Job 17:9
Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Psalm 112:4
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Be Still With God


Take time today to enjoy the gift of resting in The Lord's holy presence and experience His everlasting peace.

Tune down the distractions, remove the clutter in your mind and get quiet with Almighty God. Wait on Him...and allow Him to refresh, renew, restore and recharge your mind, body and spirit.

As you approach His Throne, focus on Who He Is. Meditate on His essence and the beauty of Christ's precious gift to you. Praise Him that you are reconciled with The Father and for the ability to have intimate rest and repose with Him.

Hear the whisper of His voice. Surrender to Him and feel His strength, protection, love and perfect peace. Just be still resting in His presence and let Him fill you with all that He knows you need to carry you through.

Ephesians 3:19
...and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 26:3
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The Lord Surrounds His People

May The Lord surround and strengthen us, and place us in His perfect peace.

May His power rest on us and be made perfect in our weaknesses...according to His omniscient might...and all for the richness of His glory.

May He anoint us and fill us with the bounty of His Holy Spirit, until our cup overflows.

And may we never be shaken in our trust in Him, as He completes the good and gracious work He ordained in us long ago.

You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
~Psalm 139:5

But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.'
~2 Corinthians 12:9

I pray that out of the riches of His glory, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
~Ephesians 3:16

...being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully...
~Colossians 1:11

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.
~1 Timothy 1:12

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
~Philippians 4:13

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
~Philippians 1:6

He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
~Psalm 62:2

Monday, January 9, 2017

Rest For Weary Souls


Run to and rest in the open, eternal arms of our loving Father. Release all your burdens to Him and take His yoke instead.

Resign yourself to the will of God and seek His Holy counsel. He will sustain you and uphold you with His righteous hand.

Be still in His loving care while He refreshes you with Living Waters...as you find rest and repose for your weary soul.

Psalm 55:2
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Isaiah 28:12
to whom he said, 'This is the resting place, let the weary rest,' and, 'This is the place of repose...'

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

Friday, January 6, 2017

Strong in The Power of His Might

Our enemy is formidable, but our God is greater. And, in our humanity, we are without strength except that which is bestowed upon us through The Holy Spirit.

Therefore, we must be on alert and perpetually don the whole armor of God, as it is designed for Christians to wear at all times. We must pray without ceasing, be courageous, stand firm in faith...and be strong in the power of The Lord's might.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.

Matthew 24:42
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Spiritual Warfare


In order to fight the good fight, we must take our battles to the spiritual realm. Our war is not with our fellow man, but against a spiritual host of wickedness.

Discern your enemy and have faith in God. Stand firm in The Almighty's power, promises and truth. Wrestle it out in prayer and put on the full armor of God, according to His Word. Resist the schemes of the enemy and he will flee. There is power in The Name of Jesus! Partner with The Sovereign Lord of Hosts because the battle, victory and glory belongs to Him...

James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

In His Heavenly Hands


Let us invite God into every aspect of our lives, not withholding anything from the workmanship of His Heavenly Hands. Let us make Him the top priority...more of Him, less of us and all else.

For, it is in this type of transparency, surrender, commitment and partnership that He can restore and refine our whole heart...fill us with the full measure of His love and anointing of The Holy Spirit...complete His authentic and abundant plan in every facet of our lives...as we are honed, sanctified and refined for His purpose.

May His will be done, His Kingdom come...and all glory, honor and praise to our Abba God Almighty forevermore!

1 Peter 1:7
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Ezekiel 36:26
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Psalm 66:10
For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.

Psalm 40:5
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 92:4
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Authentic Faith

It is easy for us to get carried away in our thinking about what we want. We tend to plunge into the waters head first before first consulting with our Lifeguard...you know, the One who walks on water.

Regardless of our desires and plans, we should bring it all to the full counsel of God; present our petitions and align our emotions with His truth. We must lean into Him for understanding and ask Him to lay on our heart what His will is for our circumstances...and for our life.

When we bring Him into our decision-making, we receive the full measure of His promises. Only our Creator can lead us on our authentic and ordained path, as He is the Architect who designed it! He delights in the innermost desires of our heart and will guide us in the way that is holy, righteous and pleasing unto Him.

Praise The Lord that His plans, ways and thoughts are not like our own! He is the eternal resource with every correct answer. He is able to produce results far beyond what we can achieve alone. Complete surrender to His way is not always the path of least resistance, but we are assured peace as we progress...and to always receive what is His best for us.

Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.

Isaiah 55:8
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Monday, January 2, 2017

Unfailing Love & Marcy




How merciful God is. He could look at our behavior and condemn us. He could read our mind and reject us. He could exact a thousand different punishments for all that we have done, but instead He has chosen to see us through the eyes of His unfailing love. 

It is so hard to imagine what that really means. It is so foreign to the way we operate. We hold grudges, seek revenge, or at least try to get even. But not God. He does not give up on us. He sees us desperately in need of His grace.  And even when we are unlovely, thoroughly lost because of our willful disobedience, He shows us the way back. 

What makes this so tragic is that we don’t really believe it. We still think we need to wear the mask of our false self. You know, the self that thinks it earns God’s approval. the self that tries to please God through vain attempts at righteousness. 

Today throw the mask away. You don’t need it. God sees you through His unfailing love, and He loves what He sees.  As we go forth in the New Year, commit to accepting His love and let Him direct your path.

Lamentations 3:22-24
The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies, we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" (NSAB)

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (NIV)

Psalm 25:7-8
“Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.” (NLT)