Hope & a gameplan
The Day Is Near
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The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light.
Romans 13:12 (NET)
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Since starting this daily newsletter, I’m always on the hunt for good Bible verses.
I know, I know … there’s a lot to pick from.
I do have a big back-log, I’m not running out anytime soon.
Anyway, this one comes from the Bible-verse-of-the-month at my church.
I like the verses that give hope and a gameplan.
Someone it feels like a coach giving me the big speech just before we go out to a critical game that we know we can win, but aren’t sure if we will.
And then we get this last boost of encouragement.
This verse feels that way.
Life is moving, the troubles are nearing their end, and the great Day is almost here.
That’s the hope -- that soon all of these dark problems will pass away.
The gameplan?
Lay aside the works of darkness (i.e., sin) and put on the weapons of light (i.e., righteousness).
One weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
If I’m going to put on that weapon -- always having it at the ready no matter when the attacks from the Enemy come -- then my best bet is to memorize the Word.
Even one new verse a month is twelve a year.
That’s something.
This verse might be a good one to start with.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.