23rd Psalm God leads me beside still waters.
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Day 128 (May 8): God remembers, always cares, Earth is God’s, Pure enjoy blessings, I am His, Reveal your ways, Forgive me, Be gracious, Dwell in your glory

Jan van ‘t Hoff/Gospelimages.com

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Psalms 22-26
(979 BC) Click here for a timeline of the entire Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (Psalm 22): I can feel the fear in David’s words.  It’s an intense, gripping fear that grows as he writes.  He is battling with the knowledge of God that his ancestors have taught him and the enemies that are closing in on him as he lies in pain.  What keeps him going is that he trusts in his ancestors’ teachings to trust in God and he will deliver.  Then, he says he will be that same soldier of God for future generations.  Rob, is this an accurate depiction of this Psalm?

A. I think there is the type of struggle you mention, but this Psalm is mostly about a man who is being unjustly persecuted by evil men.  He knows that God will deliver him, and he will, as you suggest, be a witness to the power of God when God delivers him.  It is certainly a powerful psalm, and the first line (22:1) is what Jesus cried from the cross during his crucifixion (Matthew 27:45-46).  In an era without names for these Psalms (there was no such thing as Psalm 22 in those days), this would be like singing the first line of a well-known song today (like if I sang “Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light).  By saying these words, Jesus was connecting with the spirit of this Psalm, and everyone at the crucifixion would have understood that Jesus was proclaiming his innocence before God.

Q. (23): This is probably the most recited Scripture at funerals.  I have a Bible that a pastor left at my grandma’s bedside when she passed.  He had it tagged with the 23rd Psalm.  It is so beautiful and gives such serenity to how God cares for us now and forever.  Comments, Rob?

A. One of my favorite Max Lucado books is written on the 23rd Psalm, called Traveling Light.  I would highly recommend it.

Q. (24:1-2): I am often awestruck by God’s magnificent artistry — those words don’t give Him justice — yet I have never thought about the fact that everything in the universe does belong to God.  How far away that is from standard thinking that everything belongs to someone — another amazing fact to contemplate!  Vs. 3-6 make me want to teach God to my kids … and for that fact, as many people as possible!  In Vs. 7-10, I imagine the crowd going wild as God is carried into a stadium filled with praising Christians.  Wouldn’t you say, that it’s also the other way around, that God is there to support us?

A. Part of the beauty of the Trinity doctrine is that we are allowed to have more than one understanding of God.  God is the magnificent artistic Creator, AND the God/man who walked the earth and knew all of our pains (including rejection and loneliness as we discussed in Psalm 22), And He is the very Spirit of life in each of us that brings us closer to our heavenly home.

Q. (25): What’s the deal with the note at the beginning of this Psalm?

A. The editor is letting us know that this Psalm, along with several others, is an acrostic, in Hebrew of course.  Each line of the poem begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  There are 22 letters in Hebrew, and so we will see a number of Psalms with 22 lines for this reason.  We will see this appear in other places in Scripture as well, such as Lamentations and Proverbs.  Something to watch for, but it is almost a shame that we miss out on the poetry of the use of Hebrew letters.

Q. (25:11-15): I would say that David is describing God’s handing out of wisdom to His followers.

A. I think it is saying that God is faithful to His people, and provides for their every need, whether it is knowledge, rescue, or anything else.

For further reading: Using acrostic poetry was an easy way to help memorize Psalms, https://truthonlybible.com/2015/06/02/biblical-acrostics/

Shop: In Philippians 4:8, God tells us to think only about good things. https://livinlight.org/product/all-good-thoughts/

Tomorrow’s reading: Psalms 27-32

Shelter David communicating with God
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Day 127 (May 7): Shelter, Trust, Evildoers, Dwell, Goodness, Protection, Rock, Rescuer, Praiseworthy, Perfect, Pleasing Him, Remembers followers, King support

Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org.

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Psalms 12-17
— Psalms 19-21
(979 BC) Click here for a timeline of the entire Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (Psalm 12): In our readings of David so far, I only remember him talking about enemies lurking and also about praising God.  But here, David talks of how the people are succumbing to evil.  In a recent reading, I do remember when given three choices of punishment to choose, he chose the one with the smallest duration.  So, that shows his compassion to others — that others are on his mind.  But, it seems that David’s biggest concern has been gaining and keeping the throne.

A. That is not the way I would read this Psalm.  David here appears to express concern that the people of his generation are becoming increasingly corrupt and falling away from God.  We will see how this plays out horribly when we return to Kings.

Q. (13): Is it correct to say that God may not answer some of our prayers right away as a test to see if we will continue to be faithful when God seems far away?  But then, when he hears us cry out in anguish, he will honor the loyalty by answering the prayer?

A. I once heard a pastor say that there were three answers to prayer: yes, no, and wait.  Ultimately, if we trust that God knows what is best for us even better than we do, we can hopefully accept that sometimes we do not know which answer God is giving us.

Q. (14): This reminds me of Noah and the Ark — everyone is evil again except one family.  We don’t know at what time in David’s life that he wrote this song, right?  So, we don’t know what he was going through at this time.  Can you explain verse 7?  Who is David referring to when he says someone will come from Mt. Zion?  And, why bring Jacob into the picture?

A. We do not have dates for any of the Psalms, no.  I don’t think verse 7 refers to a particular person, but rather a request for God to provide deliverance personally.  While the title of “Jacob” is not commonly used, it is the same name as Israel, so that likely is the significance.  It’s probably there to make a particular rhyme in the Hebrew.

Q. This is a sideline question that I just thought of when I was writing the previous question.  Can we draw any correlation between Noah’s “Ark” and the “Ark” of the Covenant?

A. Sure.  Both represent God’s provision for His people at different times: the Ark (boat) made a way for Noah in Genesis, and the Ark of the Covenant made continuous provision for God’s people throughout its existence.

Q. (15): This psalm mentions something many have issues with — talking about others.  What defines gossip to God?

A. The usual line I take on gossip is: anytime you are discussing a less than stellar aspect of another person without their knowledge just for the purpose of sharing, you are flirting with gossip.  If you are talking to someone for your benefit at the expense of someone else’s reputation, you’re in danger.  And obviously it is not gossip if you are talking to the person about the issue you have with them, as Jesus directed us (Matthew 18:15-18).

Q. (16:11): It sounds like David knows something of the afterlife here.

A. I think David has great faith in God’s ability to preserve him forever.  David is one of the first writers to speak of this concept clearly in the OT.

O. (17:13-15): I don’t have anything to say about this except that I love the words and thoughts that David uses to praise God here.

Q. (19:12-13): I relate to these verses.  I often see things that I think are glaring faults in someone, but I wonder what faults I have in myself that I don’t see.  When do we know what to change and what should be left alone, both in ourselves and in others?

A. By praying.  I know ministers who use these verses and Psalm 139:23 as a part of their walk with God.  They say, “God, I am open to anything that you desire to reveal in me and want me to be working on, and I desire for the Spirit to be working on my heart” or something like that.  Do that for a while, and I think you will find that God is eager to reveal in us what He desires for us to change.

O. (19:14): Our pastor says this verse every Sunday before he preaches.  I love it!  (Note from Rob: this is one of the most well known prayers of pastors, and it has been used for centuries.)

O. (20:7): I like this underscore about boasting.  I do like that we can boast about our Lord, who provides all we need, as David says here.  Boasting of ourselves has no place in this world.

Q. (21:7): I like this.  At times, when I am feeling troubled or challenged, I remember that as long as I trust in God, I will not falter.  It sounds pretty easy.  But, as we know, it’s easy to falter.  We know Jesus was the only perfect man.  Would you say it’s impossible to be perfect?  And that one reason sin surrounds us is to check our faithfulness to God to see if we turn to him to keep us out of sin or redeem us if we have already sinned?

A. One of the goals that the Bible describes in our walk with God is called sanctification.  That it, the process, day by day, that the Spirit is at work in our hearts, if we let Him, to make us more and more like Christ.  There is some degree of debate as to whether it is possible to be perfect, but ultimately, perfection for the sake of perfection is not the goal.  The goal is to be more like Jesus, and let God take care of the rest.  As you said, if we put our faith in God, and act out of the best desires of our hearts, we will be in good shape.  Now having said that, let me hasten to add that it should be the goal of all Christians, not to be perfect — tricky indeed — but rather to be MORE perfect today than yesterday.  If our goal is to truly follow after God, then we can see how taking steps of obedience to what He desires will be something we desire.

Book: If you’d like to read more on being holy, Christian perfection, and sanctification, I recommend a book entitled, “Called to be Holy” by John Oswald.  It’s a great look at how holiness is attained in both the Old and New Testaments.  https://www.christianbook.com/called-to-be-holy-biblical-perspective/john-oswalt/9781593175450/pd/55921

Shop: Christian shirts get noticed.  Check out these conversation starters: https://livinlight.org/shop/

Tomorrow’s reading
— Psalms 22-26

Priest prep sacrifices Sabbath Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.
Categories365 Daily Bible Readings by

Day 41 (Feb. 10): Priests’ dedication, Tabernacle hygiene, consecrations, incense, God names builders, God’s ‘to do’ list, Sabbath instructions

Jeremy Park, Bible-Scenes.com

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Exodus 29-31(1446 BC)
Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (Exodus 29:10-28): I for one, am glad that we don’t have to do all of these animal sacrifices today.  I am surprised at all the specifics of these instructions.  I guess I shouldn’t be after seeing the instructions for the Tabernacle.  I’m just wondering what some of the specifics mean, like blood on the right ear lobes, right thumbs, right toes.

A. This ritual symbolized the cleansing of the priesthood of their own sin (by offering the sin offering of the bull and other animals), so that they would be ritually pure in order to accept the offerings of the rest of the community.  We will see this explained further in the next book, Leviticus.  The blood on the ear lobes represented a discerning ear for what God desired of the priests, and the blood on the hands and feet (thumbs/toes) represented the life of service that the priesthood would carry out on behalf of the Israelite community.

Q. (30:8) … from generation to generation.  I notice that many of these instructions are not for a week or two.  The Lord’s instructions imply, to me, that they will be wandering for years and years and years and more.

A. Yes, they will wander for an entire generation (one of the things 40 represents in the Bible is a generation).  But more importantly, these instructions are given for the community for ALL time!  Thus, they will still be true in the time of David and Solomon (though the offerings are made at the temple instead of the tabernacle), and also in the time of Jesus.  For reasons that we will — I’m sure — learn about, Jews today treat the sacrifice system differently, and offer prayers to make their atonement.

Q. (31:16) Gotcha, I think.  Rob, you said the Sabbath was no longer a law, but here it says, “The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation.” This is a covenant obligation for ALL time.

A. That’s true, as we talked about in the last question.  But we as Christians are no longer bound to follow this Law, whereas devout Jews ARE.  This is a big parting of the ways between Jews and Christians: observant Jews still hold to what we call the Old covenant (they of course hold that it is the ONLY covenant!), where as Christians are under the freedom that Christ offers by His eternal sacrifice.  We will see how this gets explained in the NT when writers like Paul and whomever wrote the book of Hebrews start to explain why we are different because of Christ.  So hang on, the answers are coming. You’ll just have to wait until late in the year to get them.  So, there’s your reason to keep reading!

For further study
— How much did the Ark of the Covenant weigh? https://blog.warrenmyers.com/2012/06/the-dimensions-and-approximate-weight-of-the-ark-of-the-covenant/
— All about anointing oil and is it practiced today? https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-is-anointing-oil-important-in-the-bible.html

Shop: Another shirt that gets noticed: https://livinlight.org/product/truth/

Tomorrow’s reading: Exodus 32-34

 

Israelites settle: So at the Lord's bidding, the Israelites made camp at a broad plain at the foot of Mount Sinai.
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Day 37 (Feb. 6): Food from God, rock water, teamwork defeats Amalekites, Jethro shares wisdom with Moses, Lord prepares Moses for giving laws

Moody Publishers / FreeBibleimages.org

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Exodus 16-19
(1446 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (Exodus 16:19-20): In Exodus 15:26, God told the Israelites to “obey his commands.”  But, in 16:19-20, they are breaking God’s rules already.  God must be frustrated!  This is just a start of a long, long journey, right?  And they are complaining already?

A. I once gave a message where I talked about the only sure thing when it came to the relationship between God and humanity is that we break our promises.  Only God is faithful; it is simply beyond us.  Which is why we need His grace and mercy so badly.  Wait until you see what they will do while Moses is away…

Q. (16:25): Is keeping the Sabbath the Lord’s Day still a law or is it one that has been replaced by the new covenant?  Also, can you explain in a nutshell what the “new covenant” is?

A. Like Passover, we are not required to keep the Law to have good standing with God (the sacrifice of Jesus Christ provides that).  This does not mean, however, the keeping a Sabbath is a bad idea.  Part of the understanding of the wisdom of Sabbath is that it is the gift of rest: we were not designed to be people who worked endlessly without rest (though we in the modern West frequently think we know better!)  This applies to each of the Ten Commandments (coming soon to a daily reading near you): there is wisdom in following them even today, despite our lack of obligation to do so.

Jesus described the New Covenant as the relationship between God and human beings who put their faith in His sacrifice (death and resurrection) to overcome their sin.  You hear about the New Covenant every time you take Communion or Eucharist: The body and blood of Christ broken and shed for the forgiveness of sins.  So rather than using the blood of animals to merely cover up sin (as the Law did, and frankly, still does), the power of the sacrifice of Jesus, our own spotless lamb (1 Peter 1:19), removes the stain and power of sin from our lives in order to establish a new, better relationship with God.

Q. (17:9,10): Joshua comes into the picture?  I don’t remember reading about Hur?  Who is he?

A. Joshua does appear to drop out of the sky, doesn’t he?  It appears from this story (and the subsequent stories) that Joshua was already an established commander and representative of his tribe (Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons).  The writer appears to have no interest in introducing him to the reader.

Regarding Hur, it appears (according to 1 Chr. 2) that Hur is a son of Caleb (though the language is ambiguous — he might actually be Caleb’s FATHER!), who will be one of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land who is faithful (the other being Joshua).  Other than that, we have no information about who this person from the Bible.  There are apparently Jewish traditions that can provide some insight into who he is, and you can read about them on Hur’s Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hur_(Bible)).

Q.  (17:14): Joshua is gaining power.  God gives him a leadership role.  What does “I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven” mean?

A. It appears to mean that Amalek’s race (the Amalekites) will not survive.  (Note that Amalek is the grandson of Esau — the rivalry continues!)  They will, however, continue to be thorn in the side of Israel even after the monarchy is established under Saul and David.

O & Q. (18:1): I can imagine what Jethro thought.  Moses told him that he had to go rescue his people from Egypt — all 2 million of them.  Now they are camped by a mountain.  I can’t imagine a picture of that many tents.  Any idea why Moses didn’t keep his wife and sons with him through the deliverance?

A. Perhaps he thought it was safer that way.

Q. (18:10-12): It’s wonderful to see two families coming together supporting one another and praising the Lord for all of their blessings.  Can you tell us from whom Jethro was a descendant?  They were obviously blessed.

A. He does not appear to be descended from any party we have established.  He was not an Israelite, but was a priest, and it appears he believed in his son-in-law’s God.

Q. Just a background question.  Does the Bible say anything about the relationship of Moses with Pharaoh’s daughter who adopted him?  They had spent years together and then, poof, Moses fled.  I guess it’s not important to God’s message?

A. Nope.  She is not mentioned again.

O. (18:21): This verse made me chuckle.  Jethro tells Moses to select leaders who are “capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes.”  Fast forward to today …

Q. (19:1): So this is the second time the Israelites have been in the Sinai wilderness?

A. No.  The story implies that Moses was called from Sinai, but only he was there.  The narration is telling us how long after they left Egypt that all those people you spoke of arrived at Sinai.

Q. (19:15): Sorry, couldn’t resist.  Bible times seem to be a lot less modest.  I guess if they are living in tents, things might be a little less private.  Today, many may be offended by pastors talking so freely of sexual intercourse, circumcision, etc.  Is there any Biblical reason why we are a bit more modest today?  I guess I’m just thinking of Christians, the media seem to talk about it.  Comments, Rob?

A. The request to abstain from sex was part of the purification ritual (that will be something like a marriage ceremony — you’ll see).  Other than that, I have no comment.

Q. Is there any reason God choose Mount Sinai to speak to the Israelites?  Is Mount Sinai known today?  If so, how tall was it?  I’m just trying to get a picture of how long it took Moses to climb the mountain.

A. Sinai (or Horeb as it will be called later) appears to be a particular place where God chooses to make His presence especially known (Elijah will come for a visit in a few hundred years).  As with a lot of matters like this one, there is what is known as a “traditional” site for the mountain in what is now Saudi Arabia, and (as you can imagine) it draws people of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths (there’s a Greek Orthodox Chapel at the top).  You can read about it here and see some pictures: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt_Sinai

A. Look it up on youtube too.  There are different ideas of where Mount Sinai is.

For further reading
— All things manna: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-manna-and-its-significance-in-scripture.html
— All about Mount Sinai: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-significance-of-mount-sinai-in-the-bible.html

Shop: God IS goodness!  He care for those who trust in Him! https://livinlight.org/product/god-is-good/

Tomorrow’s reading: Exodus 20-22:15

Moses faces Pharaoh
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Day 33 (Feb. 2): Moses to Egypt, Moses and Aaron face Pharaoh, Pharaoh increases work, God hears cries, ancestor list, Aaron does miracles

John Paul Stanley / YoPlace.com

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Exodus 4:18-7:13
(1446 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (4:21): Do we learn later why God hardens Pharaoh’s heart?  I thought it was already hard because he was severely enslaving the Israelites.

A. Pharaoh will not allow God’s people to leave, and God is telling Moses that He will do this intentionally in order for His glory to be seen.  I suspect His reasons for doing this are for Him to declare His superiority among the Egyptian gods (something 7:12 points to — despite both parties being able to “make” snakes, the God snake is more powerful), to humble the pride of Pharaoh.  I think on some level God is also out to avenge Himself on the Egyptians, who have taken His precious child (Israel), so in the end, He will take theirs (in the death of the firstborn).

The treatment of Pharaoh is one that is controversial, because you can certainly argue God forces Pharaoh to reject Moses’ demands in order to sadistically punish him.  There are also certainly issues of predestination at work here as well (i.e. did Pharaoh really have a choice in these matters?), but ultimately God gives the game away in this reading: in 6:6: He says that He wants Israel to know who He is, and in 7:3, He will harden Pharaoh’s heart in order to demonstrate His glory among the Egyptians (who do not worship Him, but worship false gods that we will confront).  Above all, part of what we have established in our name discussion from yesterday is that I AM is His own authority (something we established in Job) and He does not answer to us.

Q. (4:22): Israel means the people of Israel?

A. Yes.  The nation of Israel.  We will see God refer to Israel in a variety of ways (including as His wife), but in this case, He refers to the nation as his firstborn son.

Q. (4:24-26): This whole scene is confusing.  Why would God want to kill Moses?  Because his son wasn’t circumcised?

A. It appears so.  That is the best guess we have, and honestly this passage does not make a lot of sense to me either.  But we certainly see that God took the requirements of the Law seriously, and not circumcising a son was a pretty major offense.

O. (5:22-23): Moses confronts the Lord.  Moses had told the Lord that his speech was not worthy of being a leader.  Now, he is showing more confidence.

Q. (6:2): God never told Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who He was?

A. God, for whatever reason, choose not to reveal what we might call His true name to them, and part of the reason for it is revealed to us (by implication).  God is saying that His identity will be that of deliverance for His people (the whole point of Moses’ call story) but that there was no way the earlier fathers would have understood this desire to deliver (because no one needed rescuing in those days).  God reveals Himself to His people on what we might call a need to know basis, and that trend will continue.

Q/O. (7:10-13): Here, there is a pattern God uses of things being swallowed up by healthier, more powerful like things.  Here it’s snakes.  With Joseph it was cattle.  Also, the dried up stalks of wheat bowed down to the healthy ones.  I was surprised when Pharaoh’s magicians could duplicate God’s miracle with Aaron’s staff.  Verse 11 shows that sorcery is real?

A. The consumption implies superiority.  Regarding sorcery, the Bible will record various accounts of usage of the occult (the implication here) and usually attribute the work to demonic power.  It does not shy away from saying that there are no other spiritual powers that can be used, only that God is superior to them.

Q.  I don’t see a point to any of this story yet.  Am I missing something, or do we just need to wait?

A. Deliverance is the point of the story, so hang in there for that.

For further study: The skinny on pharaohs: https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-the-pharaohs-of-ancient-egypt/

Tomorrow’s reading:Exodus 7:14-9:35

Shop: Live for the Lord, not anything else, and you will find peace with everyone : )

God blesses Job. So the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his early days. He once again became the wealthiest man in the land. Job lived for one hundred and forty years, and then died
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Day 31 (Jan. 31): God challenges Job, Job repents, God blesses Job

Glory Story / FreeBibleimages.org

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Job 40:6-42:17
(Before 2100 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (Job 40:6-41:34): God details and describes a beast that is unstoppable, impenetrable.  God gives this beast as an example that, no matter what Job says and accuses Him of, he cannot hurt God.  God is invincible.

A. God is invincible, but I think what He’s saying is that Job knows nothing of power.  Only God is powerful enough to see these incredible beings (whatever they are, there’s a number of theories about that) and just consider them “part of Creation.”

O. (42:1-6): Job has finally had his day in court, as he wished.  Now, he has his answer and is humbled.  He repents!  So, after all of this back-and-forth between Job and his friends, we realize that we are not all-knowing like God and thus, have no authority to question Him.  After reading all of this, I finally understand that, although it is still extremely hard not to question God!!!!

Q. (42:7-9): Here, God addresses Job’s three friends saying that they misspoke of Him.  Job spoke correctly.  They spoke for God, as if they knew what God wanted them to say.

This does bring up something that we have not spoken of.  If you see a friend sinning, is it our responsibility to correct them?  Or, do we just pray?  I used to think that I didn’t have the courage to speak up.  Now, sometimes I do have the courage and speak up.  Sometimes it goes OK or there is not a comeback, other times I wish I had kept my mouth shut.  As disciples of God, what is our duty when it comes to wanting to steer someone right?  Clearly, from Job, we would have to know the whole story.

A.  We will never know another person’s whole story or walk with God, so we must be very careful about stepping into their lives to try and convict them of sin.  We must be discerning on when is the time to speak, and the time to be silent.  Having said that, I believe that God desires for us to be our “brother’s keeper” as it were (something old Cain was terrible at), and if we truly care about them, we should be in prayer for what is best for them and asking the Spirit for the right time to ask or speak up about what we see or think we see.

Q. (42:13-15): Here is one of the things I struggle with.  Churches vary on if men are dominant over women.  The Bible seems to hint that men were more important than women in those days by showing most of the ancestry lines of men.  This bothers me because I don’t want to think that God made me any less important than a man.  I am trying to change my way of thinking — thanks to Rob — that it’s not always the Bible’s words, it’s the message.  And, 43:14 gives me peace.  Here, God says that he made Job’s daughters lovely.  And that Job put them in his will along with his sons.  Now that Job is truly a man of God, he treats all of his “flock” with love.  In Genesis, when Sarah waited in the tent while Abraham greeted his guests, which was customary of the times.  Even though she was not visible, God addressed Sarah about having the baby.  God even asked Abraham where she was.  So, God is telling Abraham that He is addressing Sarah too.  She is a part of God’s plan.  This shows that God does not give importance to male or female, firstborn or youngest — all of His people have important roles.  I should not be concerned with the argument regarding men being more important than women, rather than what work does God have for me?  Just like Job was asking God, why are you not punishing the wicked?  Why are you persecuting me?  Job should have said, “What can I do for You?” Rob, any comment?

A. Regardless of its inspiration, I believe that the Bible does seem to focus in on men rather than women as a general rule (the rule of life then when women generally had no rights).  But, this does not mean that God desires any less for women than He desires for men: Woman was created in the image of God just as much as man was, even if she didn’t have all the benefits or status in ancient society.  I am glad to hear that you feel there is a place for women in the tale of Scripture, and believe that we will see this trend continue in the first two chapter of Exodus.  Watch the way that women (including Moses’ mother) will defy Pharaoh in order to follow God.

And that’s all for Job!  All that repetition and trudging paid off.  Job answered a lot of my “life’s questions.”  How about you?

For further study
— Check out this video about just who do you think you are? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oz1G0opCiA
— This Bible Project video summarizes the Wisdom books of the bible — Proverbs, Eccclesiastes and Job https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GswSg2ohqmA

Shop: Remembering just who God is helps you get through the hard times.  Remember, with God, your cup is overflowing! https://livinlight.org/product/overflow-t-shirt-2/

Tomorrow’s reading: Exodus 1-2

 

God challenges Job ‘Where were you when the morning stars sang together, and the angels shouted for joy? Have the gates of death been made known to you? Have you understood the vast expanses of the earth?
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Day 30 (Jan. 30): The Lord challenges Job, God’s power and knowledge are endless, Job responds

Glory Story / FreeBibleimages.org

Welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. 

Today’s Reading
— Job 38-40:5
(Before 2100 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (Job 38:1-40:2): God puts Job in his place.  What do you say about God’s use of sarcasm in (38:21)?

A. God is certainly putting Job in his place.  Apparently, God felt that Job needed some convincing about who was who in their relationship, and it appears He considered sarcasm a useful rhetorical tool in His epic beat down.

O. I am always looking around in amazement at everything God weaved.  These verses open your eyes to the vast amount of control and care God has for all of His creation.  I think God is addressing Job’s pride here.  How can Job boast that He is so righteous, so undeserving of his devastation?  God says that Job has not begun to match Him in his power, so Job has no right to question God’s ways.  He should know that God is all powerful and has His reasons … and will take care of him like He does everything else.

O. (39:9-12): At first read, I read this just as another “power” testimony.  After reading it a second time, I saw God as the owner and the ox as humans.  Basically, can God trust us that we will abide in Him, work for Him, trust in Him, bring Him glory and others?  Can He trust us, even though we have a will or our own?

Q. (39:13-18): Rob, can you comment on this one.  It has me a little at a loss other than in 39:18.  Is he talking about everyone has their own gifts and should use them accordingly.

A. I think God is telling Job that even in an animal so dumb it doesn’t protect its own young, He has poured His creative energy: even the dumb ostrich is incredibly powerful.  I don’t think you should be looking for human applications in these verses: God is showing off.  It gets better in the next section!

Q. (39:19-25): To me, this is saying that we need to be ready and able for God.  We have to know that the road ahead may be bumpy and have some major battles.  Although the battles may make us uneasy, our loyalty and love will make us excited to do God’s work.  Rob?

A. As with the previous question, I would be careful about trying to gain human insight into God’s monologue.  I think God is really talking about horses: wild creatures (even when tamed) that He created.  He appears to be saying that He delights in the raw power and untamed heart of these animals.  God is saying, “Look at My majesty on display in nature.  You didn’t create this.  I did.”

O. (40:3-5): I picture Job in the naughty seat right now.  I joke about this, but I shouldn’t.  I am in the same seat a lot!  My latest is wanting something to change and getting angry inside because of the way it is.  Instead, I should hand it over to God.  If He wants it to change, He’ll make it change.  I can pray about it, but that doesn’t mean God will make it change immediately or at all.  What I do know that He’s in control and I look forward to what He reveals to me.  It may be me that has a change instead of the thing I think needs to be changed.

O. (40:3-5): ‘Nuf said!

For further study: Job 38 Bible Commentary: https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/matthew-henry-concise/job/38

Shop: Sometimes — no, all the time — it’s great to be reminded just how good God is! https://livinlight.org/product/god-is-good/

Tomorrow’s reading: Job 40:6-42:17

creation and sin: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in Genesis, Holy Bible
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Day 1 (Jan. 1): Creation, Sin, Free Will, Punishment

Happy New Year and welcome to Livin’ Light’s Bible-In-A-Year challenge of discovering God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives. Here is the format for this great adventure: The daily reading assignment is posted at 5 a.m. After each day’s reading, Leigh An Coplin, the blog host, shares observations and poses questions about difficult passages to Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area. To start from the beginning, click on 365 Bible Readings and scroll down to Day 1. The reading schedule is taken from The One Year Chronological Bible NLT. Let’s go!

Today’s Reading
— Genesis 1-3
(Before 4000 BC)
Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

We all have heard the story of creation so many times that you would think it would be an easy read with no questions.  But, I find myself pondering the same age-old questions and wanting definite answers or ways of looking at them.

Question.  (1:3): How can there be light on Day 1 without the sun, moon and stars in verse 1:14-19?

Answer. Genesis, and the Creation chronicle in particular were not written as science textbooks, and it is unfair to think of them as such.  I tend to think of this story as an epic poem that conveys to us numerous spiritual truth, while not necessarily giving us the details of “how” God brought all of it about (aka, I personally do not read Genesis 1-3 literally, though there are plenty of people who do and love Jesus).

With those guideposts in place, it is important to understand what the text is saying: that light itself predates the creation of the source of our light: the sun (and to a lesser extent the moon) and other stars.  Genesis was originally written into a world where the sun, moon, and stars (along with countless other entities such as rivers, crops, etc.) were worshipped as gods (we call this polytheism).  What the Jewish authors of this passage (whoever they were) set out to say is that polytheism is wrong: there is only one God who rules over all things, including these objects that you worship like the moon and sun.  We can actually see some holdover here from the original thinking of the writers: the words “sun” and “moon” do not appear in the text (see 1:16), but instead are referred to as the greater and lesser lights.  Why is this?  Because the writer is pointing to the inferiority of these objects to the one true God.  He’s saying: the very light you worship does not come from sun and moon, but from the God who predates them all.

Observation.  (1:11): In Genesis, we already see how tightly God weaves the world.  He made so many likenesses and connections between different things he created.  Two points: 1) Like plants having seeds to make more of their kind, God gave this same ability to humans, making families.  2) All of creation is so interconnected that it helps us to understand other creations and we must respect and rely on them to survive.

O. (1:16): I am amazed that the vast universe and all of it’s huge lights were created to give light to little-bitty Earth.

O. (1:18): Stars are something so vital to a culture such as the ancient Polynesians for navigation, yet they did not know God.

O. (1:20): The eccentricity of some of God’s creations, like fish in the deep sea having their own lantern or birds who do a spectacular mating dance demonstrate God’s boundless creativity.

Q. (1:25): What is the explanation for dinosaurs?  Genesis doesn’t talk about them that I can tell.  Aren’t dinosaurs dated before Adam and Eve?  What is the real time line here?

A. This part of Genesis is, in my mind, undateable, and if we interpret the story in the non-textbook way that I described above, we find it to be a difficult thing to do indeed.  There are no direct references to dinosaurs in the Bible (though there are hints and various ways of interpreting certain passages in the book of Job), but this does not in my mind mean that the Bible is telling us dinosaurs did not exist.  If you desire, you can interpret the creation of land animals (earlier in day 6) as occurring (properly) before the creation of human beings.  Honestly, that’s about as far as I feel the text can get you.  It has bigger “fish to fry” if you will.

O. (1:26):  The verse says, “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.”  God includes Jesus in this passage.  I didn’t realize until I became an adult Christian that Jesus was with God from the beginning.

Q. (1:27):  If God made us in his image, then why are we full of sin?

A. Actually, I think that Genesis 3 answers that question quite well: because we misused the gifts and blessings that God has given us, including the gift of intellect and free choice.  As a free will person, most of my understanding about God’s love and our sin is that in order for us to truly express love for our Creator, we must have the option of saying no to Him.  Real love always involves a choice.  But given that choice, we have the option to go our own way, which is basically how the Bible defines sin — choosing our own path rather than the path of God.  The New Testament in particular tells us that we are BOTH loved greatly by God, and that we still bear His image (see for example Matthew 22:15-22), but also that we are corrupted by the power of sin.

Q. (2:1): Is the 7th day really Sunday?  Is a creation day 24 hours like today?

A. Jews and Seventh Day Adventists will be happy to tell you that the Sabbath is Saturday, and has been for centuries.  Christians began to treat Sunday as a Sabbath after the resurrection of Jesus, which of course happened on a Sunday (what the Gospels call the “first day of the week”)

Q. (2:9): Why were the two special trees even in the Garden of Eden?

A. According to the narrative, we were permitted to eat from any tree we desired, and to me that includes the tree of life, which represents God’s provision for us.  The tree of knowledge was, in my mind, the test: it was the place where the desire to follow after God or go our own way was presented.  And just as Adam and Eve did, we have all chosen to go our own way.Choose sin quoteChoose sin quote

Q. (2:25): What is the significance of nakedness?

A. If you mean symbolically, I suppose it represents our pre-fall lack of desire to hide ourselves and have any sense of shame.  As I understand it, some young children run around naked with no shame to this day.

Q. (3:1): The serpent was Satan, right?  Then, what was he doing in the garden?

A. Actually, it’s Revelation 12:9 that comes the closest explicitly telling us that the serpent is Satan, but yup, that’s him.  Like the tree itself, in my mind, Satan appears in the garden in order to test the humans, which God permits.

Q. (3:7):  So they learned from eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that nakedness is a sin?  Why is it shameful?

A. Hum, I think that’s the wrong way to interpret the passage.  The nakedness wasn’t the sin: the sin was the disobedience of God’s command.  But in committing the sin, and becoming aware of themselves, they discover that they are naked and hide in fear of God.  They are ashamed of themselves, again symbolized by the hiding and fear described in the passage.  In their innocence, they were naked in front of God and each other for who knows how long and were never ashamed, much like the little kid I talked about earlier.  Shame and fear are learned, and taught if you will.  To this day, they are not our natural instinct: before we “know better,” we can be naked and unashamed.

Q. (3:14): Was this a curse to Satan or snakes?  How does this apply to snakes today?

A. Honestly I have no idea.  Sorry!  Can’t win ’em all

Q. (3:16): Why does Eve’s sin carry down to all women?

A. Not just all women, but all people (except one).  That was the price paid in the fall, according to the narrative.  The danger of sin is not just in the moment, but how the sins of fathers and mothers to this day affect the next generation.  If you want a real clear example of it, look up statistics on fetal alcohol syndrome or drug addiction: we can clearly see how the actions of the mom directly effect the next generation.  This happens outside the womb as well.  Children who are abused are more likely to abuse the next generation.  Sin has consequences, and sometimes those consequences are frequently “taken out” on the innocent.  Unfortunately, that’s the messy life we live in, and the Bible does not shy away from that.

Just as a partial aside, part of what the first 11 chapters of Genesis do is trace the “fall” of humanity over many generations, culminating in the Tower of Babel story, which shows humanity as its worst (for reasons we’ll get into in a few days I guess).  So even in these first few chapters of the story, we see the Bible point to the theme of multi generational thinking.  So that is definitely something to watch for in future readings, and I will try to point it out as we go along.

Q.  (3:19): Some people work, some don’t, like folks who take advantage of government welfare.  So, how does this verse apply to those who don’t work but still get food?

A. Once again, we must understand the context of the verse: there were no welfare programs in the ancient world — if you didn’t work, you starved.  I would be very hesitant to apply this verse to modern circumstance.

For more insight: https://www.compellingtruth.org/consequences-sin.html
Scripture about sin: https://www.openbible.info/topics/the_consequences_of_sin

Next up: Genesis 4:1-26; Genesis 5:1-32; 1 Chronicles 1:1-4; Genesis 6:1-22

Bible -n-a-Year. Open Bible. Hand getting ready to turn the page. Ribbon used as a place marker
Categories365 Daily Bible Readings, Blog by

Bible in a Year Preview

Setting a goal of reading the entire Bible in 365 days is a great way to motivate yourself to do the most life-changing thing ever!  What a great New Year’s resolution!  Reading through to the end, you will discover the most wonderful purpose in your life.  And on every day leading up to that, you will discover God’s love woven through thousands of years and carried through many generations.

Purpose of the Bible

As you are reading, you will see God’s vision for humankind unfold.  Is there drama? Yes!  There is murder, affairs, deception, envy, and so much more.  That may have caught your attention, but evil is what God wants us to overturn.  He wants to conquer it by showing us His righteous ways via the Bible’s timeless accounts from which we can learn how we should live.  It is full of true ancient stories, radical conquests, redemption, miracles, beautiful healing poetry, and most importantly, extreme love.  That’s what the Bible is: a love story for mankind, from our heavenly Father, to us, every one of His children.

By the way, the Bible is the #1 bestseller of all time, with an estimate 5-7 billion copies.  Look it up!  About 80 million copies are printed every year.

Here is the format for this great feat: You will have a daily reading assignment posted by 5 a.m. (I use the schedule from the One Year Chronological Bible NLT.)  After each days’ reading, I comment on interesting passages and ask questions about confusing or complicated parts.  They are answered by Rob Fields, who studied Christian Education at Asbury Seminary and currently teaches Biology in the Orlando area.

Choose the best version for you

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to invest in a good Bible.  There are so many translations to choose from that it would be wise to ask a pastor or mature Christian for their recommendation.  When you have your list of versions to consider, log onto biblegateway to see which version you like best.  Type a verse in the search bar to compare.  Under the search bar to the left is an icon that is two offset pages.  You can click on it four times to view a total of five translations side by side.  Click on the pulldown to the right of each version to select a different one.  Bible Gateway offers more than sixty versions.  Although the different versions tell the same basic story, some can use too much interpretive liberty. My favorites are, in this order: NLT, NIV, NASB, ESV, ISV. (It is also fun to occasionally refer to more than one version to understand more of a certain passage than you would only using one. This article recommends doing just that.)

Also, choosing a “study Bible” is extremely useful.  Good study Bibles have synopses for each book and lots of footnotes to help explain confusing language, customs, culture, etc.  Remember, the Bible starts out with accounts that are roughly 3,000 years old.  Because I am a bit OCD, especially about doing things in order, I use a chronological version.  It is the same text as a traditional Bible, just tweaked a bit to be organized chronologically.  To gain more insight, I am supplementing it with the NLT Study Bible.

To start from the beginning, click on “Index” and select Day 1.  Let’s go!

This blog was started to:
— to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible before starting Livin’ Light
— to create a resource for others reading the Bible in a year
— offer a resource for those searching for truth
— create a platform for sharing faith
— gather design ideas for Christian products sold at livinlight.org

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Get Versed

ACCOUNTABLE

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 NLT: Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.  So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy.  But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.

 

ACTIONS

1 John 3:18 NLT:  Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

 

1 John 3:19-20 NLT:  Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

 

ALERT

1 Peter 5:8 ISV:  Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the Devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

 

ANGELS

Matthew 18:10 NLT:  Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

 

Luke 15:10 NLT:  In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.

 

Hebrews 13:2 NLT:  Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

 

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Jeremiah 32:27 NET:  I am the Lord, the God of all humankind. There is, indeed, nothing too difficult for me.

 

ARROGANT

Romans 12:16 ISV:  Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

 

ASK

John 14:13 NLT:  You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.

 

John 15:6-7 ESV:  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

 

Luke 11:9 NIV: “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

 

BABIES

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV:  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 

BAPTIZE / RENEWAL

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

 

Mark 16:15b-16 NLT:  And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” 

 

Revelation 14:13 NLT:  And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!

 

1 Corinthians 6:9? NLT:  But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

 

James 1:18 NLT:  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

 

BELIEVE

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

Romans 10:10 NLT: For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

 

BIBLE / WORD

Hebrews 1:3 NIV:  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

Hebrews 4:12 NIV:  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

 

James 1:18 NLT:  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

 

Jeremiah 15:16 NLT: When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

 

Matthew 4:4 NLT:  But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

 

BIBLE — GOD-INSPIRED, TEACHING TOOL

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT:  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

 

BIBLE — OBEY

James 1:22 NLT:  But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

 

1 John 2:5-6 NLT:  But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

BIBLE — STUDY IT

CAMPOUT? — Joshua 1:8 NLT: Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 

 

BUILD YOUR STRENGTH — Psalm 119:11 NASB: I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.

 

Matthew 4:4 NIV:  Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

 

BLESSED

Luke 11:28 NLT: Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

John 20:29 NLT:  Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

 

BOAST

Psalm 44:8 NIV:  In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

 

Psalm 44:8 NASB:  In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah

 

Jeremiah 9:24 NLT:  But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.  I, the Lord, have spoken!

 

1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV:  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

Galations 6:14 NLT:  As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.

 

BODIES

But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies.

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.  Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ?

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?

 

BRANCHES/ROOTS/TREES/VINES

Romans 11:16b NLT:  For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

 

BRAVE/COURAGE

**Luke 11:9 NIV: So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (BY KNOCKING YOU ARE READY TO TAKE THE BRAVE STEP TO FOLLOW.)

BURDENS

Matthew 11:28 NLT: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

 

CALLED

Romans 8:28 ESV:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

1 Peter 2:21 NLT: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 

CALM / DON’T WORRY

SLOTH/MOSES PARTING WATER — Exodus 14:14 NLT: The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” 

 

Psalm 16:8 NIV:  I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 

Psalm 37:7 NLT:  Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

 

Psalm 37:8 NLT:  Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper — it only leads to harm.

 

CARING FOR OTHERS

James 1:27 NLT:  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

 

CHANGING LIVES

Colossians 1:6 NLT:  This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

 

2 Timothy 2:25 NLT: Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

 

CHILDREN

Children on Boomerang — Proverbs 22:6 NLT:  Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

 

3 John 1:4 NIV: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 

CHILDREN — GOD’S CREATION

1 John 4:4 NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

CHILDREN — OBEY PARENTS

Proverbs 1:8-9 NET: Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.  For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.

 

Colossians 3:12 NIV:  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

CHRISTIANS — SET APART

BETTER TO BE A CHRISTIAN/CHRISTIANS RULE — Exodus 33:16b NLT: For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.

 

Daniel 11:32 ESV:  He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

 

1 John 4:4 NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

CHOSEN

2 Peter 1:10-11 TLB:  So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

CLEANSE

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

 

1 Corinthians 6:9? NLT:  But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

 

COMMANDMENTS

Mark 12:30-31 NLT:  “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”  The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.”

 

John 13:34 HCSB:  I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.

 

Romans 13:8 ESV: Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

 

COMPLAIN

Philippians 2:14-16 ESV:  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

 

COMPLETE / FULLNESS

Ephesians 3:19 NLT:  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

 

CONFESS

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

 

CONFIDENCE

Philippians 4:13 NLT:  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

2 Timothy 2:15 CSB: Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

 

1 John 3:19-20 NLT:  Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

 

1 John 3:21-22 NLT:  Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.  And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 

 

CONDOLENSCES

Psalm 34:18 NLT:  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

 

CONTENTMENT

Ecclesiastes 6:9 NLT: Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.

 

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT:  Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.   So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

 

CORRECT

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT:  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

 

CROSS

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

 

Hebrews 12:2 NLT: We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

CROWN

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV:  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

 

DEATH

Isaiah 57:1-2 NIV: The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart, the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

 

Romans 6:?-9 NLT:  And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.

 

Romans 6:23 NLT, ESV:  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:6 NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

DECLARE

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

Romans 10:10 NLT: For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

 

1 Corinthians 6:9? NLT:  But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

 

DESIRES

Luke 12:33a, 34 NLT: Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven!  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

 

Philippians 2:13 NLT:  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

 

DEVIL

1 Peter 5:8 ISV:  Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the Devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

 

DISCIPLES

John 8:31-32 NLT: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

2 Timothy 2:15 CSB: Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

 

DOUBT

Matthew 14:28-31 NIV:  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

 

Matthew 21:21 NLT:  Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.”

 

DOERS

Luke 11:28 NLT: Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

 

ENCOURAGE

Ephesians 4:29 NLT: Don’t use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11a NLT:  So encourage each other and build each other up.

 

Hebrews 10:24 NLT:  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

 

ENDURANCE

Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  

 

James 1:2-4 NLT:  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

 

2 Peter 1:10-11 TLB:  So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Corinthians 10:13 NLT (EXIT SIGN):  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 

Hebrews 12:2 NLT: We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

ENEMIES

Matthew 5:44-45a, 46a, 47a, 48 NLT:  But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.   If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?  If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

 

Romans 12:14 NLT:  Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

 

Romans 12:20 NASB:  But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.

 

ETERNAL LIFE/REWARD

John 3:16 NASB: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

 

John 4:14 NLT:  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.

 

John 5:24 NLT:  I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in 

God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

 

Romans 6:23 NLT, ESV:  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV:  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

 

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV:  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

 

1 Timothy 4:8 NLT: Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

 

James 1:12 NLT:  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

 

1 John 2:17 NIV:  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

John 5:39 NLT:  “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

 

Psalm 73:26 NLT: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

 

EVIL

Romans 12:17-18 NLT:  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 

Romans 12:21 NIV, ESV, NASB, NET:  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

1 Peter 5:8 ISV:  Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the Devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

 

FAITH

Matthew 21:21 NLT:  Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.”

 

Luke 11:9 NIV: So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

John 8:31-32 NLT: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

John 20:29 NLT:  Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

 

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV:  For we live by faith, not by sight.

 

Galatians 2:16a, NLT:  Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. 

 

James 1:2-4 NLT:  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

 

FAITHFUL

Proverbs 28:20 NIV:  A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

 

John 8:31-32 NLT: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

1 John 2:17 NIV:  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

FAMILY

Luke 8:21 NLT: Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”

 

FEAR

Psalm 56:3-4 NIV:  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

 

Isaiah 41:10 NLT: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 

2 Timothy 1:7 NET:  For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 

1 John 4:18b NASB:  There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

 

John 14:27 NLT: “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.

 

FEAR NOT

Psalm 34:4 NLT: I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

 

Psalm 34:7 NLT:  For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.  

 

Isaiah 41:10 NLT: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 

1 John 4:18b NASB:  There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

 

FOLLOWERS

Psalm 89:15 NLT: Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

 

FORGET NOT

TRUCKER, KEEP ON TRUCKIN’/STAY STRONG, FAITHFUL/STAY FOCUSED — Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV:  Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

 

FORGIVE

Psalm 103:12 NLT:  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

 

Matthew 18:21-22 NLT:  Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”  “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

 

Ephesians 4:32 NIV:  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

 

Colossians 2:13-14 NLT:  You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 

 

Colossians 3:13 NLT:  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

 

FREE / FREEDOM

Psalm 34:4 NLT: I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

 

Psalm 34:5 NLT:  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  

 

Psalm 56:13 NLT:  For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

 

John 8:31-32 NLT: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

Galatians 3:22 NLT: But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

 

FRUIT

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT: But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

 

Matthew 7:20 NLT:  Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

 

Luke 6:45 NLT:  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

John 15:4 NIV:  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

 

YOU FALL, YOU DIE — John 15:5 NIV:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

Colossians 1:6 NLT:  This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

Colossians 3:12 NIV:  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

Timothy 2:22 ESV: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

 

GENERATIONS / TEACHING OUR CHILDREN

TEACH CHILDREN RIGHTEOUSNESS — Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV:  Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

 

Psalm 78:4 NLT: We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.

 

Romans 12:9-10 NLT:  Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

 

2 Timothy 2:25 NLT: Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

 

GIVE / GENEROSITY

1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV:  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 

GLORY

Romans 8:18 NLT:  Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

 

Philippians 4:19 NIV:  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

GMO

NO GMO — 1 Samuel 2:8b NLT: For all the earth is the Lord’s, and He has set the world in order. 

 

GOD — ALL KNOWING

Jeremiah 17:10 NLT:  But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

GOD — ARMOR

Ephesians 6:11 NIV:  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

 

Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

GOD — AWESOME/PERFECT

PERFECTION (WITH THE T A CROSS) — Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV:  He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

 

Psalm 18:2 NLT:  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

 

Psalm 25:5 NIV:  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

 

G0D — BELIEVE IN

John 5:24 NLT:  I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in 

God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

 

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

 

James 4:8 NLT:  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

GOD CARES

Isaiah 46:4 NLT:  I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT:  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 

Philippians 4:19 NIV:  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

1 Peter 5:7 NLT:  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

 

GOD — CHILDREN OF

John 1:12 NLT:  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

 

GOD — CLOSE TO

James 4:8 NLT:  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

GOD — CREATION

Nehemiah 9:6 NIV:  You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

 

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV: I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV:  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 

Isaiah 64:8 NIV:  Yet you, Lord, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

 

Romans 11:36 NLT:  For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

 

Ephesians 2:10 NIV:  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

Psalm 19: 1-2 NLT: The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

 

GOD — DEVOTION TO

Titus 2:11-12 NLT: For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God …

 

GOD — EVERLASTING/STEADFAST

Proverbs 19:21: Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

 

Isaiah 40:8 NLT:  The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.

Psalm 73:26 NLT: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

 

GOD’S EXAMPLE

Ephesians 5:1-2a NLT:  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

 

GOD’S EYES

ROSE COLORED HEART GLASSES — 1 Samuel 16:7b NLT: People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

 

GOD — FAITH / HOPE / TRUST / LOVE

Psalm 13:5-6 NLT:  But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.

 

Psalm 16:8 NIV:  I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 

Psalm 33:20-22 NLT:  We put our hope in the Lord.  He is our help and our shield.   In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

 

Psalm 56:3-4 NIV:  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

 

Psalm 143:8 NIV:  Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

 

Proverbs 30:5 NLT: Every word of God proves true.  He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

 

Isaiah 12:2 NASB: Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”

 

Isaiah 40:31 NLT:  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT: But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

 

Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT:  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

 

Mark 12:30-31 NLT:  “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”  The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.”

 

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT:  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

 

Philippians 1:6 NIV:  Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

2 Timothy 2:11-13 NLT:  This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him.  If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.  If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

 

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

 

1 John 4:10 NLT:  This is real love — not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

 

Corinthians 10:13 NLT (EXIT SIGN):  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 

GOD — FAMILY

Matthew 12:50 NLT:  Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

 

Luke 8:21 NLT: Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”

 

John 1:12 NLT:  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

 

GOD FIGHTS FOR YOU / IS WITH YOU

SLOTH — Exodus 14:14 NLT: The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” 

 

A+ / JUST GO MOSES!— Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT:  “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Waters parting with Just Go Moses in the middle)

 

HIKER/CLIMBER — Joshua 1:9 NLT: This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

Isaiah 41:10 NLT: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 

Isaiah 43:2 ESV:  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

 

Zephaniah 3:17 NET:  The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.

 

Philippians 2:13 NLT:  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

 

GOD — FOLLOW

Matthew 12:50 NLT:  Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

 

James 4:8 NLT:  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

Job 23:10-11 NLT: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.

 

GOD GIVES / GENEROUS / NEEDS

Psalm 37:4 NLT:  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

 

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

 

CORNUCOPIA — John 1:16 NLT:  From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.

 

Philippians 4:19 NIV:  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

1 John 3:21-22 NLT:  Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.  And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 

 

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

GOD — GLORY

Psalm 28:7 NIV:  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

 

Matthew 5:16 NASB:  Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 

John 14:13 NLT:  You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.

 

God – creation; omnipotent; God – glory to — Romans 11:36 NLT:  For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT:  For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

Philippians 4:19 NIV:  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

Hebrews 1:3 NIV:  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

Psalm 19: 1-2 NLT: The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

 

GOD’S GOODNESS

Psalm 84:10a NLT: A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

 

Ephesians 2:10 NIV:  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

GOD’S GRACE

Colossians 1:6 NLT:  This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

 

Colossians 2:13-14 NLT:  You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 

 

Titus 2:11-12 NLT: For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God …

 

GOD’S GREATNESS

1 John 3:19-20 NLT:  Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

 

1 John 4:4 NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

Psalm 19: 1-2 NLT: The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

 

Isaiah 55:9 NLT: For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

 

G0D’S GUIDANCE

GOD KNOWS BEST — Psalm 32:8 NLT:  The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” 

 

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT:  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

 

Psalm 143:10 NIV:  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

 

SHOW ME THE WAY — Psalm 143:8 NIV:  Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

 

Philippians 2:13 NLT:  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

 

GOD — HELP!

Psalm 31:3 NLT:  You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

 

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV: I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

Psalm 34:5 NLT:  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  

 

GOD — HOLY

Isaiah 8:13-14 NLT: Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe.

 

GOD — HONOR

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

 

GOD’S IDENTITY / WHO IS HE / WHAT DOES HE LOOK LIKE?

Jeremiah 9:24 NLT:  But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.  I, the Lord, have spoken!

 

James 1:17 NIV:  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

 

1 John 4:12 NIV:  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

 

GOD — INDESTRUCTABLE

Proverbs 19:21: Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

 

GOD — JOINED

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

 

GOD — KNOWLEDGE OF

James 1:21 NLT:  So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

 

GOD — LIFE SOURCE

Psalm 18:28 NIV: You, Lord, keep my lamp burning, my God turns my darkness into light.

 

Isaiah 40:31 NLT:  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

 

James 1:21 NLT:  So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

 

GOD — LIVE IN HIM / LIVES IN US

1 John 2:5-6 NLT:  But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

1 John 4:16b NLT: God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 

 

1 John 4:12 NIV:  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

 

GOD’S LOVE

Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT:  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

 

John 3:16 NASB: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

 

John 3:17 NIV:  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

 

Romans 5:8 NLT:  But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

 

Romans 8:38 ESV:  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

 

1 John 4:12 NIV:  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

 

1 John 4:16b NLT: God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 

 

1 John 4:19 NET:  We love because he loved us first.

 

Ephesisnas 3:17b: Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 

 

Ephesians 3:18 NLT: And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 

 

G0D — LOVE HIM/DELIGHT

Psalm 37:4 NLT:  Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.

 

1 John 2:5-6 NLT:  But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

1 John 4:16b NLT: God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 

 

GOD — LOYAL

2 Timothy 2:11-13 NLT:  This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him.  If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.  If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

 

James 1:5-8 NLT:  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

 

James 4:8 NLT:  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

GOD — OBEY

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

 

1 John 2:5-6 NLT:  But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

Job 23:10-11 NLT: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.

 

GOD — OMNIPOTENT

Matthew 19:26 NET:  Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.”

NLT:  Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’”

 

Mark 10:27 NIV:  Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

NET:  Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”

Romans 11:36 NLT:  For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

 

Ephesians 1:21 NLT: Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

 

Ephesians 3:19 NLT:  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

 

1 John 3:21-22 NLT:  Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.  And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 

 

GOD — OMNISCIENT

1 John 3:19-20 NLT:  Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

 

GOD’S PATIENCE

2 Peter 3:15a NLT:  And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

 

GOD — PLEASE HIM

Philippians 2:13 NLT:  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

 

1 John 3:21-22 NLT:  Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.  And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 

 

GOD — PROMISE KEEPER / TRUST HIM

James 1:12 NLT:  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

 

GOD — PROTECTS!

Psalm 34:7 NLT:  For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.  

 

Psalm 91:11 NET: For He will order his angels to protect you in all you do.

 

Proverbs 30:5 NLT: Every word of God proves true.  He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

 

GOD’S PURPOSE

Romans 8:28 ESV:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

Philippians 2:13 NLT:  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

 

GOD’S RATH/REVENGE

BE THE TEMPLE!  — 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT:  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.  For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 

 

GOD — REFUGE

Psalm 34:22 NLT: But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

 

Psalm 91:11 NET: For He will order his angels to protect you in all you do.

 

GOD  — RESCUES/HEARS

RIGHT MATTERS/GOD (HE) NOTICES/GOODNESS COUNTS —Psalm 34:15 NLT:  The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.

 

Psalm 34:17 NLT:  The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 

 

Psalm 34:18 NLT:  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

 

Psalm 56:13 NLT:  For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

 

GOD — REST

Matthew 11:28 NLT: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

 

GOD’S SACRIFICE

John 3:16 NASB: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

 

John 3:17 NIV:  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

 

GOD — SEEK

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

GOD — SHEPHERD

Isaiah 40:11 NIV:  He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

 

Isaiah 41:10 NLT: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 

Isaiah 46:4 NLT:  I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

 

GOD — STRENGTH/ROCK/SALVATION

Psalm 75:3 NIV: When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.

 

Isaiah 12:2 NASB: Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”

 

Isaiah 40:31 NLT:  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

 

James 1:21 NLT:  So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

 

GOD — TEACH

Psalm 143:10 NIV:  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

 

GOD — UNCHANGING

James 1:17 NIV:  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

 

GOD — UNIMAGINABLE/BLOW YOUR MIND

1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT:  That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

GOD’S WILL

Romans 12:2 NIV:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

ESV:  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Ephesians 6:6b-10 NLT:  As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.  Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do… 

 

1 John 2:17 NIV:  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

GOLDEN RULE

Matthew 7:12 NIV:  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 

GOOD — DO

Psalm 3414 NLT: Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.  

 

Amos 5:14 NIV: Seek good, not evil, that you may live.  Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 

 

1 Peter 2:21 NLT: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 

GOOD NEWS

Luke 2:10-11 NIV:  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

 

Colossians 1:6 NLT:  This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

 

GOODNESS/GOOD WORKS

Luke 6:45 NLT:  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

Revelation 14:13 NLT:  And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!

 

Romans 8:28 ESV:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

Romans 12:21 NIV, ESV, NASB, NET:  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Ephesians 2:10 NIV:  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT:  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

 

Galatians 6:9 NLT: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

 

Proverbs 14:22 (NIV): Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

 

GOSPEL

Philippians 1:5-6 (NLT): or you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

 

Colossians 1:6 NLT:  This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

 

GREAT COMMISSION

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

 

Mark 16:15b-16 NLT:  And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” 

 

GREED

Ephesians 5:5 NLT:  You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

 

HAPPINESS

Psalm 89:15 NLT: Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

 

Luke 11:28 NLT: Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

HARMONY / WORK TOGETHER

Romans 8:28 ESV:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

Romans 15:5 NLT: May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

 

Colossians 3:14 NLT:  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

 

Romans 12:16 ISV:  Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

 

HEART 

Proverbs 4:23 NIV:  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

 

Matt. 6:21 NIV, ESV, NASB, NET : For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

Luke 6:45 NLT:  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

Luke 12:33a, 34 NLT: Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven!  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

 

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

believe; heart; saved; declare — Romans 10:10 NLT: For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT:  For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

Philippians 4:6-7 CSB:  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

2 Timothy 2:25 NLT: Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

 

Hebrews 4:12 NIV:  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

 

Ephesians 3:17a NLT: Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. 

 

HEAVEN

Revelation 3:21 NLT:  Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

 

1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT:  That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

2 Peter 1:10-11 TLB:  So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

HOLY

Romans 11:16b NLT:  For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

 

Boast, freed, holy, pure, sanctification, wisdom — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT:  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.  For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 

 

1 Corinthians 6:9? NLT:  But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

 

HOLY SPIRIT

Ezekiel 36:26 NLT:  And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

 

John 14:15-17 ICB:  If you love me, you will do the things I command.  I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper.  He will give you this Helper to be with you forever.  The Helper is the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it does not see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you and he will be in you.

 

John 14:26 NASB:  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.

 

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

Romans 8:5 NLT:  Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 

 

Matthew 26:41 NLT:  Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!

 

Romans 8:6 NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT:  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.  For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 

 

1 Corinthians 6:9? NLT:  But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?

 

Galations 5:25 NLT:  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

 

1 John 4:4 NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

Ephesians 3:16 NLT: I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 

 

HOPE

Romans 12:12 NET:  Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

 

HOSPITALITY

Hebrews 13:2 NLT:  Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

 

HUMANITY — GOD’S LOVE

1 John 4:12 NIV:  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

 

HUMANITY — PRIZED POSSESSION

James 1:18 NLT:  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

 

1 John 4:4 NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

HUMBLE

Matthew 23:12 NIV: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 

Luke 9:23 NLT:  Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

 

Luke 9:24 NLT:  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

 

Luke 14:11 NLT: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 

Romans 12:16 NIV:  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

 

1 Corinthians 10:33b NLT: I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

 

James 1:21 NLT:  So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

 

Romans 12:16 ISV:  Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

 

IDOLS

Ephesians 5:5 NLT:  You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Proverbs 1:8-9 NET: Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.  For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.

 

JESUS

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

John 5:39 NLT:  “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

 

JESUS — ABIDE

John 15:6-7 ESV:  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

 

Romans 6:?-9 NLT:  And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.

 

JESUS — BELIEVE IN

John 1:12 NLT:  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

 

John 3:16 NASB: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

 

John 7:38 NIV:  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

 

John 8:12 CSB:  Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.

 

John 20:29 NLT:  Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

 

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

Galatians 3:22 NLT: But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

 

JESUS — BIRTH / GIFT

Isaiah 9:6 NIV: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

Luke 2:10-11 NIV:  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

 

1 John 4:10 NLT:  This is real love — not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

 

Matthew 2:2 NLT: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,[a] and we have come to worship him.”

 

JESUS — BODY

Romans 12:4-5 NLT:  Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

JESUS — CORNERSTONE

Psalm 118:22 NLT:  The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.

 

John 5:39 NLT:  You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 

 

JESUS — CRUCIFIXION

Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV:  He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

 

Psalm 56:13 NLT:  For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

 

Mark 16:6 NLT: but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.”

 

John 3:16 NASB: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

 

Romans 5:8 NLT:  But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

 

1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT:  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

 

Colossians 2:13-14 NLT:  You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 

 

Hebrews 1:3 NIV:  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

Hebrews 12:2b NLT: Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

1 Peter 2:21 NLT: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 

1 John 4:10 NLT:  This is real love — not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

 

1 Peter 2:24 NLT: He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  By his wounds, you are healed.

 

Hebrews 12:2 NLT: We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

JESUS — FAITH IN

Galatians 2:16a, NLT:  Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. 

 

JESUS — FAITHFUL

John 15:4 NIV:  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

 

YOU FALL, YOU DIE — John 15:5 NIV:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

John 8:31-32 NLT Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

JESUS — FOLLOW / HOLD FAST TO / KEEP EYES ON

Matthew 16:24 NLT:  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

 

Luke 9:23 NLT:  Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

 

Luke 9:24 NLT:  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

 

John 15:4 NIV:  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

 

Philippians 2:14-16 ESV:  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  

 

1 Peter 2:21 NLT: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 

JESUS — INERMEDIARY

JOHN 1:51 NLT:  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.”

ESV: And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

 

John 14:15-17 ICB:  If you love me, you will do the things I command.  I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper.  He will give you this Helper to be with you forever.  The Helper is the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it does not see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you and he will be in you.

 

JESUS — LIGHT

Psalm 56:13 NLT:  For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

 

John 8:12 CSB:  Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT:  For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

Ephesians 5:14 NLT:  for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:  Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.

 

JESUS — LIVES IN ME

Galations 2:20 NLT: My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV:  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness..

 

JESUS — LIVE LIKE 

1 John 2:5-6 NLT:  But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

JESUS — LOVE OF

Ephesians 3:19 NLT:  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

 

JESUS — NAME

John 14:13 NLT:  You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.

John 20:30-31 NLT:  The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book.  But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

 

JESUS — OBEDIENCE TO

FOR GOODNESS SAKE! — Luke 9:24 NLT:  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

 

John 14:15-17 ICB:  If you love me, you will do the things I command.

 

Galations 2:20 NLT: My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

JESUS — ROLE MODEL

1 Peter 2:21 NLT: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 

JESUS — SAVIOR

Psalm 56:13 NLT:  For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

 

John 3:17 NIV:  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

 

John 5:39 NLT:  You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 

 

Acts 4:12 NLT:  There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

 

JESUS — SCRIPTURES POINT TO

John 5:39 NLT:  “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

 

JESUS — STRENGTH

Philippians 4:13 NLT:  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

JESUS TREASURE

Colossians 2:2-3 NIV:  My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

JESUS — TRUST

Galations 2:20 NLT: My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

Ephesians 3:17a NLT: Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. 

 

JESUS — WATER

John 4:14 NLT:  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.

 

John 7:38 NIV:  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

 

JESUS — WORTH

Philippians 3:8-9a NLT:  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.

 

JOY / REJOICE

Psalm 34:5 NLT:  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  

 

Psalm 118:24 ESV:  This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 

Psalm 34:8 NLT:  Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

 

Jeremiah 15:16 NET:  As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

 

Luke 15:7 NLT:  In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

 

Luke 15:10 NLT:  In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.

 

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

3 John 1:4 NIV: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 

Romans 12:12 NET:  Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

 

Philippians 4:4-5 NET:  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!  Let everyone see your gentleness.  The Lord is near!

 

Hebrews 12:2b NLT: Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

3 John 1:4 NIV: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 

Hebrews 12:2 NLT: We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

KINDNESS

Romans 12:17-18 NLT:  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Romans 12:20 NASB:  But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.

 

Ephesians 4:32 NIV:  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

 

Colossians 3:12 NIV:  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

Hebrews 13:2 NLT:  Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

 

Ephesians 4:32 NIV:  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

 

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN / GOD

Matthew 13:47 NET:  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea that caught all kinds of fish.

 

Matthew 12:50 NLT:  Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

 

Romans 12:4-5 NLT:  Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

1 Corinthians 6:9-? NLT:  Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.  

 

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

LIFE

Romans 8:6 NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

LIGHT

Psalm 18:28 NIV: You, Lord, keep my lamp burning, my God turns my darkness into light.

 

Matthew 5:16 NASB:  Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 

John 1:5 NLT:  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

NIV: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT:  For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

 

Ephesians 5:14 NLT:  for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:  Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.

 

Philippians 2:14-16 ESV:  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

 

Proverbs 4:18 NLT:  The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

 

LISTEN

Proverbs 1:8-9 NET: Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.  For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.

 

John 5:24 NLT:  I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in 

God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

 

LOVE

Mark 12:30-31 NLT:  “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”  The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.”

 

John 13:34 HCSB:  I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.

 

Romans 8:28 ESV:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

Romans 12:9-10 NLT:  Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

 

Romans 13:8 ESV: Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

 

1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV:  Let all that you do be done in love.

 

1 Corinthians 13:7-8a NIV:  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   Love never fails.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.   It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

 

1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV:  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 

1 Corinthians 12:13 NLT:  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

 

Ephesians 5:1-2a NLT:  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

 

Colossians 3:14 NLT:  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

 

2 Timothy 1:7 NET:  For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 

1 John 3:18 NLT:  Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

 

1 John 4:10 NLT:  This is real love — not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

 

1 John 4:18b NASB:  There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

 

1 John 4:19 NET:  We love because he loved us first.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14: Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

 

LOVE OTHERS

1 Corinthians 10:33b NLT: I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

 

1 John 3:18 NLT:  Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

 

1 John 4:12 NIV:  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

 

1 John 4:19 NET:  We love because he loved us first.

 

LOYALTY

James 1:5-8 NLT:  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

 

MERCIES

Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT:  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

 

MIND

Romans 12:2 NIV:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

ESV:  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

MIRACLES

Matthew 19:26 NET:  Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.”

NLT:  Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’”

 

Mark 10:27 NIV:  Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

 

NET:  Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”

Luke 18:27 NIV:  Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

 

John 20:30-31 NLT:  The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book.  But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

 

NATURE

Psalm 19: 1-2 NLT: The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

 

NEEDS

Philippians 4:19 NIV:  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

James 1:27 NLT:  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

 

NEVER LONELY / ALONE

Isaiah 41:10 NLT: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 

Isaiah 43:2 ESV:  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

 

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

 

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

NOTW

John 14:27 NLT:  I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

 

Romans 12:2 NIV:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

ESV:  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Galations 2:20 NLT: My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

Galations 6:14 NLT:  As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.

 

Hebrews 13:14 NLT:  For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

 

James 1:27 NLT:  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

 

1 John 2:17 NIV:  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

1 John 4:4 NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

OBEDIENCE

Luke 8:21 NLT: Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”

 

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

 

Luke 11:28 NLT: Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

John 14:15-17 ICB:  If you love me, you will do the things I command.

 

Ephesians 4:1 NIV: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

 

James 1:22 NLT:  But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

 

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

 

1 John 2:5-6 NLT:  But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

Luke 6:49 ISV: But the person who hears what I say[a] but doesn’t act on it is like someone who built a house on the ground without any foundation. When the floodwaters pushed against it, that house[b] quickly collapsed, and the resulting destruction of that house was extensive.”

 

ONE

Romans 12:4-5 NLT:  Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

 

Philippians 3:8-9a NLT:  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.

 

PARENTS — CHILDREN OBEY

Proverbs 1:8-9 NET: Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.  For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.

 

Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT:  Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

 

PARENTS — HONOR THEM

Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT:  Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

 

PATIENCE

Psalm 37:7 NLT:  Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

 

Proverbs 16:32 NLT:  Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

 

Colossians 3:12 NIV:  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

PEACE

John 14:27 NLT:  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 16:33 NIV:  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

 

Romans 8:6 NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

Romans 12:16 NIV:  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

 

Romans 12:17-18 NLT:  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 

Philippians 4:6-7 CSB:  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Colossians 3:15 NLT:  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

 

James 3:18 NIV: Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

PERFECT

James 1:17 NIV:  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

 

PERSISTENCE / PERSERVERANCE

Luke 11:8-9 NLT:  But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

 

Galatians 6:9 NLT: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

 

PLANS — GOD’S PLANS FOR US

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

POOR

1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV:  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  

 

POWER

2 Timothy 1:7 NET:  For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 

PRAISE

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

PRAY

Luke 11:9 NIV: So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 26:41 NLT:  Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!

 

Romans 12:12 NET:  Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

 

Romans 12:14 NLT:  Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

 

Philippians 4:6-7 CSB:  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus..

 

PRIDE / PROUD

Romans 12:16 NIV:  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

 

PRISONER

Ephesians 4:1 NIV: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

 

PROLIFE

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV:  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 

Isaiah 64:8 NIV:  Yet you, Lord, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

 

PROSPEROUS

Psalm 34:12-13 NLT: Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?  Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!  

 

Isaiah 40:31 NLT:  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

Boast, freed, holy, pure, sanctification, wisdom — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT:  Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

 

PURE / PURITY

Psalm 119:9-10 NIV:  How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

 

Matthew 5:8 NIV:  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

 

1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT:  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

 

James 1:27 NLT:  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

 

James 3:17 NLT:  But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

 

Job 23:10-11 NLT: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.

 

PURIFY

James 4:8 NLT:  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

PURPOSE

Proverbs 19:21: Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

 

RACE

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV:  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  

 

REDEEM

GO WITH THE WINNER/ODDS ARE BETTER WITH GOD — Psalm 34:22 NLT: But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

 

REFUGE

Psalm 34:8 NLT:  Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

 

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV: I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

REPENT

Luke 15:7 NLT:  In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

 

Luke 15:10 NLT:  In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.

 

RESPECT / HONOR

Romans 12:9-10 NLT:  Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

 

Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT:  Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

 

RESURRECTION

Mark 16:6 NLT: but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.”

 

John 16:33 NIV:  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

 

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

Romans 6:?-9 NLT:  And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.

 

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.  Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ?

 

REVENGE

Psalm 37:7 NLT:  Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

 

Romans 12:17-18 NLT:  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 

REWARDS / PRIZE

Jeremiah 17:10 NLT:  But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

 

Ephesians 6:6b-10 NLT:  As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.  Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do… 

 

Philippians 3:13b-14 ESV:  But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV:  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

 

1 Timothy 4:8 NLT: Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

 

James 1:12 NLT:  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV:  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

 

1 John 2:17 NIV:  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

Galatians 6:9 NLT: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

 

RIGHT

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

RIGHT HAND

Hebrews 1:3 NIV:  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

Hebrews 12:2b NLT: Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 

RIGHTEOUSLY LIVE / GODLINESS

Psalm 119:9-10 NIV:  How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

 

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

Matthew 7:20 NLT:  Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

 

Luke 6:45 NLT:  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

1 Timothy 4:8 NLT: Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

 

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT:  Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.   So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

 

James 3:18 NIV: Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

Titus 2:11-12 NLT: For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God …

 

Daniel 12:3 NLT: Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

 

Proverbs 4:18 NLT:  The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

 

Matthew 5:6 ESV:  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

 

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

SALVATION

Titus 2:11-12 NLT: For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God …

 

SANCTIFY / CLEANSED

Boast, freed, holy, pure, sanctification, wisdom — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

1 Corinthians 6:9? NLT:  But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

 

SATISFIED

Matthew 5:6 ESV:  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

 

Ephesians 3:19 NLT: May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

 

SAVED

Mark 16:15b-16 NLT:  And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” 

 

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

Romans 10:9 NLT:  If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

 

believe; heart; saved; declare — Romans 10:10 NLT: For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

 

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

 

1 Corinthians 10:33b NLT: I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

 

2 Peter 3:15a NLT:  And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

 

SEEK GOD

Deuteronomy 4:28-29 ESV: And there you will serve gods of wood and stone, the work of human hands, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.  But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

 

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV:  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 

Matthew 6:33 NLT:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

Luke 11:9 NIV: So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

James 4:8 NLT:  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

SELF-CONTROL

Proverbs 16:32 NLT:  Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

 

2 Timothy 1:7 NET:  For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 

SERVE

Matthew 20:27-28 NIV: and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

SEXUAL SIN

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.  

 

SHAKEN

Acts 2: 25-26 NLT:  King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.

 

2 Peter 1:10-11 TLB:  So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

SHAME / GUILT

Psalm 34:5 NLT:  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  

 

Romans 12:20 NASB:  But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.

 

2 Timothy 2:15 CSB: Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

 

1 John 3:21-22 NLT:  Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.  And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 

 

SHARING

Acts 4:32 NLT:  All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

 

SIN

Romans 6:23 NLT, ESV:  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Romans 8:5 NLT:  Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 

 

Romans 8:6 NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

1 Corinthians 6:9-? NLT:  Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.  

 

But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies.

 

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.  

 

Galatians 3:22 NLT: But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  

 

James 1:21 NLT:  So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

 

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

 

1 John 4:10 NLT:  This is real love — not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

 

Titus 2:11-12 NLT: For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God …

 

1 Peter 2:24 NLT: He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  By his wounds, you are healed.

 

SPEECH/LANGUAGE/WORDS
Psalm 34:12-13 NLT: Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?  Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!  

 

Proverbs 13:3 NIV:  Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

 

Proverbs 16:24 NLT — Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

 

Luke 6:45 NLT:  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

Ephesians 4:29 NLT: Don’t use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

 

Colossians 4:5-6 NLT:  Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

 

SOUL

Matt. 6:21 NIV, ESV, NASB, NET : For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

James 1:21 NLT:  So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

 

STEADFAST

Job 23:10-11 NLT: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.

 

STRONG / STRENGTH

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT:  So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

 

Ephesians 6:11 NIV:  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

 

Philippians 4:13 NLT:  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

James 1:27 NLT:  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

 

2 Peter 1:10-11 TLB:  So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Ephesians 3:16 NLT: I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 

 

Ephesians 3:17b: Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 

 

Psalm 73:26 NLT: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

 

SUFFERING / TROUBLES

Romans 8:18 NLT:  Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

 

Romans 12:12 NET:  Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

 

James 1:2-4 NLT:  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

 

1 Peter 2:21 NLT: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 

SYMPATHY

Psalm 34:18 NLT:  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

 

TEACH / PREACH

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

 

Mark 16:15b-16 NLT:  And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” 

 

John 14:26 NASB:  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT:  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

 

TEMPLE

BE THE TEMPLE!  — 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT:  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.  For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 

 

1 Corinthians 6:? NLT:  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?

 

TEMPTATION / TESTING

Matthew 26:41 NLT:  Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT:  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 

James 1:12 NLT:  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

 

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

 

Corinthians 10:13 NLT (EXIT SIGN):  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 

Job 23:10-11 NLT: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.

 

TIME

2 Peter 3:15a NLT:  And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

 

TRANSFORM

Romans 8:6 NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

Romans 12:2 NIV:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

ESV:  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

TREASURES

Matthew 6:20 NLT: Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

 

Matt. 6:21 NIV, ESV, NASB, NET : For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

Luke 6:45 NLT:  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

Luke 12:33a, 34 NLT: Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven!  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

 

TRINITY

Hebrews 1:3 NIV:  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

TROUBLE

John 16:33 NIV:  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

 

John 14:27 NLT: “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.

 

TRUTH

John 8:31-32 NLT: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

3 John 1:4 NIV: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 

1 John 3:18 NLT:  Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

 

1 John 3:19-20 NLT:  Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

 

UNDERSTANDING

Ephesians 3:18 NLT: And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 

 

Ephesians 3:19 NLT: May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

 

UNIMAGINABLE/BLOW YOUR MIND

1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT:  That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

UNITED

Acts 4:32 NLT:  All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

 

VANITY / VAIN

Philippians 2:14-16 ESV:  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

 

VICTORY

Revelation 3:21 NLT:  Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

 

VINE

John 15:4 NIV:  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

 

YOU FALL, YOU DIE — John 15:5 NIV:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

WEAK

Matthew 26:41 NLT:  Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!

 

WEALTH / RICHES

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT:  Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.   So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

 

WEARY

Matthew 11:28 NLT: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

 

WISDOM / KNOWLEDGE / UNDERSTANDING

Psalm 111:10 NLT:  Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. (GAIN WISDOM VIA OBEDIENCE/BONUS FOR OBEYING)

 

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

 

Colossians 2:2-3 NIV:  My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

Colossians 4:5-6 NLT:  Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

 

James 1:5-8 NLT:  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

 

James 3:17 NLT:  But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

 

Romans 12:16 ISV:  Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

 

Daniel 12:3 NLT: Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

Psalm 4:7-9 ESV: The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 

 

WITNESS

Colossians 4:5-6 NLT:  Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

 

WOMAN / WIFE

Proverbs 31:30 NLT: Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

 

Proverbs 19:14: Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

 

WORK

John 6:27 NIV:  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

 

WORK FOR THE LORD

Proverbs 16:6: Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

 

Matthew 5:16 NASB:  Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT:  So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

 

Ephesians 6:6b-10 NLT:  As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.  Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do… 

 

Philippians 2:13 NLT:  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

 

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV:  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

 

WORK HARD

Proverbs 28:19 NLT:  A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. 

 

Matthew 5:16 NASB:  Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 

Revelation 14:13 NLT:  And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!

 

2 Peter 1:10-11 TLB:  So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

WORK TOGETHER

Romans 8:28 ESV:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

Romans 12:4-5 NLT:  Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

WORRY

Philippians 4:6-7 CSB:  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

1 Peter 5:7 NLT:  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

 

WORSHIP

Psalm 89:15 NLT: Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

 

YOUTH

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 NLT: Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.  So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy.  But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.

 

Timothy 2:22 ESV: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

 

Psalm 73:26 NLT: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

 

Job 23:10-11 NLT: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.

 

Job 23:11-12 NLT: For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.