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Elihu vs. Job. Elihu speaks to Job and Job's friends.

365 Daily Bible ReadingsJanuary 28, 2024January 25, 2024 by lacoplin

Day 28 (Jan. 28): Elihu, a fourth counselor, chimes in, responds to Job’s friends, presents case against Job, says Job is arrogant

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 32-34
(Before 2100 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. I really don’t see that Elihu has anything different to say than Zophar, Eliphaz and Bildad. He continues the three friends attitudes that he — Elihu — knows God better than anyone and that Job is ignorant or delusional if he thinks he has not sinned. Am I missing anything worth noting?

A. I can’t tell if its completely original, but one thing I noticed in the reading is that Elihu’s arguments seem to operate from the notion that God is not obligated to answer Job (though He will anyway, very soon!), and that there is no reason God should bend His own justice to God’s will. This, actually, is pretty close to what God will tell Job (and the counselors) when He appears in the whirlwind. So maybe the young man is on to something…

O. (34:3): I don’t remember Job saying this, but I think it is awesome. “The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.”

O. (From Rob, 32:1-4): Just so readers know that I’m getting some great stuff out of these readings as well, though I’ve read Job before (it’s been a while), I confess that I never noticed that Job actually has four counselors! I suspect the reason that Elihu is not mentioned among the others is that he is not really a “friend” of Job, just a person who has been observing the situation and felt compelled to speak, but if you had asked me before today, “how many people counsel Job?” I would have told you three.

This is part of the reason I’m so strongly in favor of the daily reading of scripture (whether you’re using a plan or not!), you can read something a hundred times, and on time 101, God helps you notice something that you have never noticed before. So keep at it, even with passages or stories that you “think” you know. You never know what God might be waiting to show you!

Further study: Elihu, friend or foe? https://lightbearers.org/blog/lessons-from-the-book-of-job-elihu-friend-or-foe/

Tomorrow’s reading: Job 35-37

365 Daily Bible ReadingsJanuary 25, 2024January 26, 2024 by lacoplin

Day 25 (Jan. 25): Eliphaz accuses Job of sin, Job seeks meeting with God, Job describes walking in darkness, Bildad compares humans to God

Glory Story / FreeBibleimages.org

Today’s Reading
— Job 22-25
(Before 2100 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

O. (Job 22:1-30): Just more accusations. Eliphaz assumes he knows all of God’s thinking.

Q. (23:1-17): Eighth speech? I thought the no. 7 was a symbol of completeness. OK, we’ll carry on. Job seems to be OK with everything in this speech until 23:15-17. It seems that the dark side — giving in to thinking he has done wrong and being punished for it and/or giving up on God — is knocking hard on Job’s door. Am I interpreting this correctly?

A. It does appear that Job is getting warn down.

O. (24:22-25): Job poses the questions of why are the wicked not punished in the first half of his speech, but he answers them in the second. Job talks a lot of dark and light. He’s trying to say walk in the path of the light (God) because evil lurks in the dark (Satan)? Since Satan is a player in Job’s despair, I see him listening closely. I imagine Satan rising and falling with the tone of speeches between Job and his friends.

Q. (25:1-6): Bildad’s speech is interesting. It sounds like he is saying that Job can’t possibly be undeserving of punishment because he is human, and thus not perfect. No one can shine like God. I am unclear about verses 4-6. What is Bildad saying about being born of a woman? Is he just referring to all humans? There is no jab against women here, right? And, 5-6 confuses me because God loves His people. Why would He refer to them as worms, even in a comparison. I don’t think that is how He thinks of us, His creation. Putting this in perspective, this is NOT God’s words, it’s Bildad’s.

A. I think all of the words spoken here are that of Bildad and not God. I think there is no particular jab at women here; Bildad is using a fancy way of saying “every human ever born”. I think that scripture is clear that God cares greatly for us (though this does not make us free to do as we please) and does not think of us as worms. Bildad, like his friends, is speaking for himself here, and not for God.

For more insight: Why Doesn’t Evil Get Punished? (Check out their wonderful ministry!)

Shop: Just a little reminder that it’s not easy to LOVE.

Tomorrow’s reading: Job 26-29

365 Daily Bible ReadingsJanuary 4, 2024January 21, 2024 by lacoplin

Day 4 (Jan. 4): Babel, Abram and Sarai, Lot

Today’s Reading
— Genesis 11:1-26
— 1 Chronicles 1:24-27
— Genesis 11:27-14:24
(Before 2100 -2084 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions & Observations

Q. (11:9): So this was the start of nations spread far apart? This is a science question, but I have to ask, weren’t people in other parts of the world before the tower of Babel fell?

A. The science as I understand it, tells me that there were humans outside of this region before this story takes place. This is one of the places where, to me, it is dangerous to try to read too much science into the story the author is telling us about the descent of humanity into sin and the tribe of people that God will begin to work with in chapter 12.

There’s a few things that can be helpful to understand here. First, when we use the word “world,” we mean all seven continents and billions of people. But the author of this text would have thought of the whole world as basically the Middle East and North Africa. So put in that perspective, we can see a more appropriate understanding of the distribution of people (if that makes sense).

The other thing to bear in mind is the regression we have made in the first 11 chapters. The whole point of building the tower (according to 11 v.4) is to generate fame and power for the creators. In other words, they are attempting to create a place where the creators are worshipped, rather than God. So if you follow from Adam and Eve on down, we have moved from disobedience to murder to pride in oneself and the things one has made. And while to us pride sounds a lot better than murder, we see in pride the ultimate culmination of sin: we desire to have the throne that rightly belongs only to God: all other sins come from this starting point- when we decide that we should be “running the show” instead of God. This is why the first commandment (Exodus 20) is a warning against worshipping other gods, and the first god that we must remove is the one within each of our hearts.

I honestly could not tell you what the original writer thought he was producing in terms of “how true is this history of the world as I know it?” But what I can tell you is that Tower story represents the depths of humanity’s fall before God acts in the person of Abram to begin to “right the ship.”

Q. (12:1): Any idea on how God talked to Abram?

A. Well, since the Bible (James 2:23 specifically) talks about Abraham as being God’s friend, it is in my mind reasonable to assume that God spoke to Abram/Abraham in conversation as you would speak to any of your friends. God is perfectly capable of speaking to us in any manner He chooses, though in my opinion He most commonly chooses to speak to a person’s mind, conscience, and sense of right and wrong. The text tells us that God appeared to Abraham in various instances (see the dialogue in Gen 18 for example), but does not share exactly how God spoke. I see nothing wrong with assuming that God spoke to Abraham in an audible voice.

Q. (12:12) I am surprised that Abram did not trust God to protect him?

A. Like all of the people God will use throughout the Bible (except Jesus of course), Abram is a deeply flawed person who is capable of sin and deception. This is actually testimony in my mind to the power of God at work. God does not look for perfect people, but instead uses those who will be faithful to what He has called them to do. Just a few examples: Noah (as we read recently) got drunk and wandered around naked, Moses lost his temper repeatedly and was adamant that God didn’t really want him to speak. Aaron, while the first high priest, also created the golden calf while Moses was gone. David got a married woman pregnant and then tried to cover it up before having her husband murdered. Peter denied Jesus, Judas betrayed Him, and all but one of Jesus’ handpicked men fled in terror when He was arrested. I am certain that God is still using flawed people today.

Book suggestion: If this piques your interest, Max Lucado (one of my favorite Christian writers) has a great book on the subject of the imperfect people God has used throughout the ages called Cast of Characters.

O. (13:15): It’s interesting that God “gave” Abram the land of Canaan. Times are so much different now. God is nowhere in land negotiations, unless you ask Him to be.

Q. (13:18): Building altars and sacrifices have come up several times already. What is the meaning of sacrifices to the Lord? The aroma is pleasing to Him? Sacrifices are no longer needed after Jesus died on the cross?

A. Before the formal giving of the Law to the Israelites (found in the next few books), we see several instances of altars and sacrifices, though as you observe, they are often recorded without explanation. I think part of the reason for this was because the first audience for this story (i.e. the original readers/hearers of Genesis) already knew what an altar was and about sacrifices, so the author does not feel compelled to explain.

Basically, at this point, an altar is a collection of stones (sometimes wood is used) assembled and put together as a way of remembering an event, especially as it relates to interactions with God. Abram seems to be using altars as a way of marking important interactions between himself and God.

Regarding the sacrifices, basically what we are taking about is burnt offering (see Leviticus 1 for a description. Warning, this can get graphic if you have a sensitive stomach!). Basically, an animal is killed (usually by slitting the throat) and the blood is drained. The animal is split into pieces and put on a fire to be fully consumed by it. It is the smoke from this ritual that generates the pleasing aroma.

The Old Testament describes a number of types of sacrifices (not all of which involve animals) and the reasons for their use. In the formal sense of the Law, there were three purposes for sacrifice: to honor God (as Noah did), to create a covenant as God does with Abram (coming up in chapter 15 of Genesis), and to make atonement for sin. We’ll talk more about each of those as they come up in subsequent chapters.

O. (14:1-16): This sounds like an extreme Cliffs Notes version of this account. Reading it, I just imagine all the spies that must have been sent ahead to assess their enemies, the attack strategies used, Abram training his army, etc.

O. (14:23): I had to read the account of how Abram rescues Lot a couple times to sift out Abram’s part in it. My understanding is that Abram took no sides in this battle. His mission was to save Lot. I like how he refused to take battle spoils from the King of Sodom because he did not want his fortune tied to a King who reigned over wickedness.

For further study: More insight on the Tower of Babel at https://answersingenesis.org/tower-of-babel/

Shop: The Bible is the only true source for finding truth. You can share this knowledge with others at https://livinlight.org/product/truth/

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 15:1-17:27

365 Daily Bible ReadingsJanuary 2, 2024January 25, 2024 by lacoplin

Day 2 (Jan. 2): Cain and Abel, Noah’s Ark

Today’s Reading
— Genesis 4-5
— 1 Chronicles 1:1-4
— Genesis 6
(Before 3000-2500 BC) Click here for a timeline of the whole Bible.

Questions and Comments

Q. (4:14,17): If Adam and Eve were the first ones on Earth, then why was Cain worried that others may kill him? And, likewise, where did Cain find his wife?

A. Ok, let’s see what we have here. At this point in the narrative, we have the author telling us about exactly four people: Adam, Eve, Cain (their oldest, or at least older son) and Abel (their youngest or at least younger son). Since there are references to other people around (not to mention no other women!), the story is, to me, NOT saying that these are the only four people on earth. There are two possibilities: either the author is assuming that readers will know there are other people around from other parental lines that are not mentioned (in other words, different tribes or families), or that Adam and Eve had many children (male and female) but the author is choosing to only focus in on these two. I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly which.

One other things that is going on that is worth mentioning is that the author does not appear interested in telling the story of the ENTIRE human race, which tends to be the way we read this story. Instead, what he appears to be doing is setting up to paths of Adam and Eve’s descendants: the noble way of Abel and later Seth, which honors God (and will be our primary focus in subsequent chapters), and the way of the descendants of Cain, which culminate in “evil” Lamech (since Seth’s descendants had a Lamech as well- see 5:25)

Q. (4:17-22): Are these verses describing a nomadic culture? Before that, they were agrarian? I always thought nomadic ways predated agrarian.

A. While agrarian society did come after hunter/gatherer days, I don’t think the concepts you are describing here are applicable to the story. What you’re talking about is called the Neolithic Revolution, which is the transition that happened somewhere around 10,000 BC (some say it was much later, like 5000 or 6000 BC). Over a long period, human kind moved from being primarily hunters and gatherers to relying on agrarian means of creating food and other crops for survival. This is how we got the beginnings of modern cities and culture. But when it says that, for example, Abel kept flocks, it doesn’t mean he is a hunter: that is still an agrarian method of survival; Abel wasn’t hunting wild sheep, he was keeping domesticated ones. BOTH Cain and Abel were agrarian, just not in the same way. If I were guessing, I would say that none of the people described are hunters; they all appear to keep animals or grow crops.

Q. (4:24): Why would someone be punished 77 times if they killed Lamech?

A. One of the important concepts to grasp here (and throughout Genesis) is that the author does not appear interested in answering all of our questions, especially about secondary characters such as Lamech. We have no idea who the men (or man, it might be one) were that he killed, or what is so “special” about him.

Here’s my guess (for what its worth): Lamech is saying that he has killed two people- the “man” and the “young man”(rather than the one person Cain killed), and therefore he would receive “twice” the punishment of his ancestor Cain (i.e. 2 sevens of punishment rather than just one).

The larger point that the author is pointing to, however, is clear: the sin that mastered Cain continued down his family line, so that his descendent would brag about being a murderer. The evil of Cain has culminated in the corruption of his descendant. Thus, with the corruption of Cain’s line established, the author steps back and shows how the death of Abel did not prevent God’s people from having in ancestor in Seth. The rest of the chapter follows the line of Seth as a contrast to Cain, and culminates with Noah. So Lamech is the culmination of Cain’s line (a bragging polygamous murderer), and Noah is the culmination of Seth’s line, walking in good relationship with God.

Q. (4:24): God took Enoch? Why?

A. Another one of those questions the author does not feel compelled to answer explicitly. The implication of the passage is that since Enoch walked in faithful relationship with God, and because of Enoch’s faith (according to Hebrews 11:5, where Enoch makes the spiritual “hall of fame”), God honored him and spared him from death.

Q. (6:3): God is talking of the Holy Spirit not putting up with humans for so long? So, God is introducing the The Holy Spirit here and likewise, the Trinity.

A. I think this is actually an “O” statement and not a “Q” statement, but I will try to address it anyway. I would disagree with this as the “moment” of the Spirit’s unveiling: the Spirit had an active role in the story of Creation (Gen 1:2), so we have already seen the Spirit person of the Trinity at work. The Old Testament in general, gives the implication of multiple “persons” at work in the Godhead, but the revealed presence of all three (the Trinity) is not revealed until the New Testament, and the word Trinity is never used in scripture; it is a concept word created by the Church fathers to explain the realities of what God had revealed to them.

Q. (6:4): My Bible dictionary says that Nephilites are heavenly beings that had intercourse with human women? This passage seems to come out of nowhere, but it brings up a subject that I have never known or studied.

A. There are lots of conjectures about the meaning of this passage (the beings are some sort of fallen angel or other “heavenly being”), but there is really nothing solid to go on. One more instance where we as readers are left scratching our heads and saying “what?” Once again, the main point of this passage is to point to the corruption of all of mankind, except for Noah and his family.

Q. (6:5): Again, if God made everything and humans are made in His image, then where does all the wickedness come from?

A. The wickedness comes from us as a race choosing to indulge our selfish choices (our sinful nature) rather than the divine image that remains with us (our divine nature). We see the continued descent of the human race over the first six chapters of this story. Things will continue to get worse until the introduction of our hero, Abram, in chapter 11.

For further study
— How are we made in the image of God and still sin? https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/ask-ligonier/how-can-we-be-made-in-the-image-of-god-yet-still-be-sinful-in-nature
— Sibling rivalry at its best in the Bible: https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2020/02/28/sibling-rivalry
— Peruse other blogs at Livin’ Light.

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 7:1-10:5; 1 Chronicles 1:5-7; Genesis 10:6-20; 1 Chronicles 8-16; Genesis 10:21-30; 1 Chronicles 17-23; Genesis 10:31-32. (The reason that this jumps back and forth between Genesis and 1 Chronicles is because Chronicles is written as a record of the Israelites from the beginning. This adds credibility to Genesis since the accounts are retold by another author.

creation and sin: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in Genesis, Holy Bible

365 Daily Bible ReadingsJanuary 1, 2024January 21, 2024 by lacoplin

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 7^th 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 quote Choose 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

Blog, UncategorizedMay 3, 2023June 14, 2023 by lacoplin

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 3:21-22 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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

GOD’S GREATNESS

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?

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

GOD — LOYAL

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.

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.

GOD — OMNISCIENT

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.

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.”

GOODNESS/GOOD WORKS

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.

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.

GREAT COMMISSION

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 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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 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

JESUS

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

JESUS — ABIDE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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

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

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

PARENTS — CHILDREN OBEY

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.”

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

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

RESURRECTION

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

RIGHT HAND

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.

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

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

SANCTIFY / CLEANSED

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

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

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.

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