The Word of Truth

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV 1984)

Crucified with Christ

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.~ Galatians 2:20 (NIV 1984)

Salvation is from the Lord

But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the Lord.” ~ Jonah 2:9 (NIV 1984)

The Eyes of the Lord

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. ~ 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Restoration

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. ~ Psalm 71:20 (NIV 1984)

Trumpet Call

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV 1984)

What Can Man Do?

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” ~ Psalm 56:4 (NIV 1984)

I Desire...

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV 1984)

Sheep of His Pasture

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. ~ Psalm 79:13 (ESV)

Worship the Lord

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;

~ 1 Chronicles 16:28-29 (ESV)

Sing to the Lord

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and he is to be feared (AU)above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.

~ 1 Chronicles 16:23-27 (ESV)

Give Thanks!

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 (ESV)

He's Coming Again

26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ~ Matthew 24:26-27 (NIV 1984)

In the Morning

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. ~ Psalm 5:3 (NIV 1984)

From Everlasting to Everlasting

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” ~ Psalm 103:17-18 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice ~ Mourn

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” ~ Romans 12:15 (NIV 1984)

Loved with an Everlasting Love

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. ~ Jeremiah 31:3 b (NIV 1984)

Day & Night

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ~ Joshua 1:8 (ESV)

Worth Nothing

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (NIV 1984)


“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (ESV)

~ Acts 20:24

Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ~ Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

New Every Morning

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

~ Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

God's Purpose

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands. ~ Psalm 138:8 (NIV 1984)

Titus 2 Relationships

1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. (ESV)

1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (NIV)

~ Titus 2:1-6

Boasting...Nope

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. ~ Romans 3:27-28 (NIV 1984)

The Sovereign Lord is My Refuge

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. (ESV)

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. (NIV 1984)

~ Psalm 73:28

Stand Firm

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.(NIV 1984)

~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Don't be Slothful

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (NIV 1984)

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (ESV)

~ Romans 12:11

Actions Speak Loudest

“[Listening and Doing] My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 (NIV 1984)

Understanding Through the Word

129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. ~ Psalm 119:129-131 (NIV 1984)

Confidence in the Lord

7 “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”

~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV 1984)

By HIS Blood

9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. ~ Romans 5:9-11 (NIV 1984)

At Just the Right Time

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:6-8

HOPE Doesn't Disappoint

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ~ Romans 5:1-5 (NIV 1984)

Outdo One Another

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV

Always Pray

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV 1984)

Hope In Him

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” ~ Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

Encourage Your Fellow Man

“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2 (ESV)

Joy of My Heart

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. ~ Psalm 119:111 (NIV 1984)

No Divisions Among You

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

Self-Control

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. ~ Proverbs 25:28 (ESV)

Hope in Him

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. ~ Psalm 62:5 (ESV)

Revive Your Heart

When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. ~ Psalm 69:32 (ESV)

Opportunity to Serve

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ~ Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

[Life by the Spirit] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ~ Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

God Is Light

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin. ~ 1 John 1:5-7 (NIV 1984)

My Prayer is...

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. ~ Psalm 69:13 (ESV)

Live in Unity

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! ~ Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

Unfading Beauty

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, ~ 1 Peter 3:3-5 (NIV 1984)

Help in Temptation

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:18 (NIV 1984)

Devoted to Prayer

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. ~ Acts 1:14 (ESV)

United in Christ

“[Divisions in the Church] I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV 1984)

Confess Sins

8 If we claim to be without sin,(Q) we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.(R) 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins(S) and purify us from all unrighteousness.(T) 10 If we claim we have not sinned,(U) we make him out to be a liar(V) and his word has no place in our lives.(W) ~ 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in Our Sufferings...

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

My Portion Forever

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. ~ Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV 1984)

Don't Be Deceived

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV 1984)

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (ESV)

His Dwelling Place

My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ~ Ezekiel 37:27 (ESV)

Feeding Time

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~ Matthew 4:4 (ESV)

Boast Only in the Lord

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV)

Live in Harmony

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 (ESV)

Peace from the Lord

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)

Don't Grow Weary

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV)

Pray for Us

1 Finally, brothers,pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (ESV)

Sanctify Completely

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV)

Abstain from...

Abstain from every form of evil. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (ESV)

The Will of God

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Encourage The Fainthearted

14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (ESV)

Respect Them

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV)

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Keep Awake & Sober

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (ESV)

Take Refuge in the Lord

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. ~ Psalm 118:8 (ESV)

Wisdom from Reading God's Word

‎"Read the Bible daily. Make it part of your everyday business to read and meditate on some portion of God’s Word. Gather your manna fresh every morning. Choose your own seasons and hours. Do not scramble over and hurry your reading. Give your Bible the best, and not the worst, part of your time. But whatever plan you pursue, let it be a rule of your life to visit the throne of grace and the Bible every day." ~ J.C. Ryle

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17-18 ESV

Are You Ready for a Challenge?

Hide God's Word in your heart by reading from the Bible daily. If you aren't sure where to start, check out these plans.

21 Day Challenge ~ If you're looking to make God's Word a regular part of your day, start with our 21-Day Challenge. It's short, it's powerful, it's life-changing. The book of John is a great place to start if you aren't already in the habit of reading the Bible.

90 Day Challenge ~ This 90-day Bible reading guide integrates readings from Genesis, the foundational book of the Old Testament, with the three Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. On one side you'll see God's creative work and earliest interactions with His people; on other, you'll get to know Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us, fulfilling the promises made even in Genesis.

6 Month Challenge ~ Over six months, this guide takes through the New Testament from Acts to Revelation. You'll discover the amazing growth of the early Church, the foundational instructions for Christian living and the promise of God's fulfilled future. This guide also integrates the worship and wisdom of Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes on a daily basis, for a balanced diet of instruction and intimate time with God.

Serve Because of Love

“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10 (ESV)

In the Last Days...

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ~ 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)

Accept Discipline

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. ~ Proverbs 19:20-21

Strong Tower

1 Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

~ Psalm 61:1-3 (ESV)

His Steadfast Love

16 But I will sing of your strength;
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.

~ Psalm 59:16-17 (ESV)

Believe and Live

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. ~ John 11:25-26a (ESV)

Well-Nurtured Plants

May our sons in their youth
be like plants full grown,
our daughters like corner pillars
cut for the structure of a palace; (ESV)

Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace. (NIV 1984)

~ Psalm 144:12

Pray All the Time

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV 1984)

~ Ephesians 6:18

God's Word Doesn't Return Void

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (ESV)


so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (NIV 1984)

~ Isaiah 55:11

Blessed Is the Man...

1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV)

1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night. (NIV 1984)

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night. (NLT)

~ Psalm 1:1-2

To Train Our Children

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. (ESV)

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil. (NIV 1984)

By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. (NASB)

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. (NLT)

~ Proverbs 16:6

Wisdom and Knowledge of God

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. ~ Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)



33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. ~ Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

Steadfast Love

For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. ~ Psalm 57:10

All You Need

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, ~ 2 Peter 1:3-4a (ESV)

Love Your Wife as Yourself

28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. ~ Ephesians 5:28-30 (ESV)

No Selfish Ambition

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)

Genuine Love

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9 (ESV)

Love

We love because he first loved us. ~ 1 John 4:19 (ESV)

Overcome Evil with Good

20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ~ Romans 12:20-21 (ESV)

Husbands

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ~ Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

Don't Cherish Iniquity

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. ~ Psalm 66:18 (ESV)

Deep Water

The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. ~ Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)

Learn Your Wife

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. ~ 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

God So Loved the World!

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ~ John 3:16-18 (ESV)

What Can Man Do to Me?

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV)

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, 11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? ~ Psalm 56:10-11 (ESV)

Cast Your Burden on the Lord

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. ~ Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

Doxology

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. ~ Romans 16:25-27 (ESV)

Joy & Peace

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ~ Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Endurance!

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. ~ Romans 15:4-7 (ESV)

Be Hospitable

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ~ Hebrews 13:1-2 (ESV)

Our Great God

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? ~ Psalm 77:13 (ESV)

Press On...

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Loud Singing

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

Work of God

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. ~ Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV)

Good Health ~ Body & Soul

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. ~ 3 John 1:2 (ESV)

Surely Goodness and Mercy

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:6 (ESV)

His Surpassing Power

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (ESV)

Share with Others

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. ~ Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (NIV 1984)

Witnesses

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” ~ Acts 5:32 (NIV 1984)

And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (ESV)

Salvation

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ~ Acts 4:12 (ESV)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”(NIV 1984)

Build Them Up

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. ~ Romans 14:19 (ESV)

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

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. ~ Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (ESV)

Wisdom of God

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.~ Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)

Worship!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! ~ Psalm 95:2 (ESV)

Moms by the Strength of God ~ Strive to Be...

27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently,but you surpass them all.” ~ Proverbs 31:27-29 (ESV)

Pay Attention

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. ~ Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)

Watch and Pray

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ~ Mark 14:38 (ESV)

Fruits of the Spirit

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (NASB)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (ESV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,provoking and envying each other. (NIV 1984)


~ Galatians 5:22-26

Rooted and Built Up

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (ESV)

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV 1984)

6 have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (KJV)

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. (NKJV)


6-7 My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. (The Message)

~ Colossians 2:6-7

Present Sufferings Vs. Glory to Come

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ~ Romans 8:18 (ESV)

Do What I Don't Want to...

15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. ~ Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)

Listen to Your Parents

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. ~ Proverbs 23:22 (ESV)

Accept Instruction

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. ~ Proverbs 19:20-21 (ESV)

No Sin in Heart

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. ~ Psalm 66:18 (ESV)

Listen & Learn

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. ~ Psalm 34:11 (ESV)

Listen to God

Have you listened in the council of God? And do you limit wisdom to yourself? ~ Job 15:8 (ESV)

Obey

11 You shall therefore be careful to do the commandment and the statutes and the rules that I command you today.

12 “And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers. ~ Deuteronomy 7:11-12 (ESV)

Listen

And if in spite of this you will not listen to me, then I will discipline you again sevenfold for your sins, ~ Leviticus 26:18 (ESV)

Listen to Your Elders

So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. ~ Exodus 18:24 (ESV)

Be Transformed

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. ~ Romans 12:2 (ESV)

His Steadfast Love

8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. ~ Psalm 107:8-9 (ESV)

God Joined Together...

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” ~ Mark 10:9 (ESV)

Sing for Joy

4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. 5 How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! ~ Psalm 92:4-5 (ESV)

Be Tenderhearted and Forgiving

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Help in Trouble!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1 (NIV 1984)

Redeemed Life

55 “I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; 56 you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ 57 You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ 58 “You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life. ~ Lamentations 3:55-58 (ESV)

Love Covers All

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. ~ Proverbs 10:12 (ESV)

Pray for Those Who Persecute You

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ~ Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV)

Mercy & Grace

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

Be Strong and Courageous

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:7 (ESV)

With Joy...

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. ~ Isaiah 12:3 (ESV)

If Your Brother Sins...

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 (ESV)

Dry & Weary Land

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. ~ Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

Actions Speak Loudest

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. ~ 1 John 3:18 (ESV)

Children of God

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ~ John 1:12 (ESV)

God is Faithful

7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (ESV)

Believe in the Son

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” ~ John 6:40 (ESV)

Father's Command & Mother's Teaching

20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. ~ Proverbs 6:20-22 (ESV)

Father's Instruction & Mother's Teaching

8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. ~ Proverbs 1:8-9 (ESV)

Passing the Faith Along

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. ~ 2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)

Children: Obey Your Parents

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” ~ Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV)

Honor Your Father and Mother

4 For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 5 But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” 6 he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. ~ Matthew 15:4-6 (ESV)

Jesus Loved His Mother

26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. ~ John 19:26-27 (ESV)

Hearts of Fathers Turned to Their Children

And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” ~ Malachi 4:6 (ESV)

Good Dads Love Their Wives

I've heard it said that the best way for a man to be a good dad is to love his wife and the best way for a woman to be a good mom is to love her husband.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. ~ Genesis 2:24 (NIV 1984)

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (ESV)

Do Not Provoke Your Children

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV 1984)

Discipline Because of Love with Love

11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. ~ Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV)

Dad: Your Choices Effect Your Kids and Their Kids and Their Kids

6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” ~ Exodus 34:6-7 (ESV)

Dad: What You Do Matters!

The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! ~ Proverbs 20:7 (ESV)

Train a Child

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Father of the Righteous

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. ~ Proverbs 23:24 (ESV)

Chosen by God to Train

19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” ~ Genesis 18:19 (ESV)

...for Teaching...for Correction...for Training...

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Be Strong and Courageous

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

Children Are a Heritage from the Lord

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. ~ Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV)

Teach Them Diligently

6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. ~ Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Choose this Day

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ~ Joshua 24:15 (ESV)

Refuge for Children

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. ~ Proverbs 14:26 (ESV)

Little Children

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ~ Mark 10:14 (NIV 1984)

Transgressions Removed

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. ~ Psalm 103:12-14 (NIV 1984)

Outsiders...

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV 1984)

What God Hates

16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. ~ Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV 1984)

Look Out

Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. ~ Proverbs 17:12 (NIV 1984)

Trust the Lord

14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; ~ Psalm 31:14-15a (NIV 1984)

His Unfailing Love

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. ~ Psalm 90:14 (NIV 1984)

Be Wise

A fool gives full vent to his anger,but a wise man keeps himself under control. ~ Proverbs 29:11 (NIV 1984)

Life Can Be a Musical

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ~ Ephesians 5:19 (NIV 1984)

He Guides the Humble

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Every Good & Perfect Gift

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~ James 1:17 (NIV 1984)

God's Will for You!

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV 1984)

Live...Die...

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ~ Philippians 1:21 (NIV 1984)

Pray Continually

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This Is the Day

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24 (NIV 1984)

Signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” ~ Luke 21:25-28 (NIV 1984)

The Moon and Stars

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

~ Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV 1984)

Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

What is God's Will?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8 NIV

If My People...

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Whatever You Do

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17 (NIV 1984)

Peace of Christ

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ~ Colossians 3:15-16 (NIV 1984)

Clothe Yourselves With...

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.~ Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV 1984)

Kill These Things

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ~ Colossians 3:5-10 (NIV 1984)

Set Your Hearts on Things Above

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV 1984)

Deceptive Philosophy

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. ~ Colossians 2:8 (NIV 1984)

Rooted in Him

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ~ Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV 1984)

Respect Them...

"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV 1984)

Fights & Quarrels

1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. ~ James 4:1-3 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom from Heaven

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. ~ James 3:17-18 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. ~ James 3:13-16 (NIV 1984)

Faith & Action

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ~ James 2:14-17 (NIV 1984)

Mercy Triumphs

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! ~ James 2:12-13 (NIV 1984)

Patient in Affliction

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV 1984)

His Grace IS Sufficient

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV 1984)

A Woman Who Fears the Lord

29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

~ Proverbs 31:29-30 (NIV 1984)

An Everlasting Love

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. ~ Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV 1984)

Pleasant Words

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. ~ Proverbs 16:24 (NIV 1984)

Worthy of the Calling

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV 1984)

Peace be With You

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ~ John 20:21 (NIV 1984)

Truth in Love

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” ~ Ephesians 4:15 (NIV 1984)