Every Knee Shall Bow

for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” ~ Romans 14:11 (ESV)

Be a Cheerful Giver

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)

King Over All

“And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one.” ~ Zechariah 14:9 ESV

Wait & Hope

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; ~ Psalm 130:5 (ESV)

Though He Was Rich...

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. little had no lack.” ~ 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” ~ Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Plea for Grace

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. ~ Psalm 86:6 (ESV)

Trust In Him

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. ~ Psalm 9:10 (ESV)

He Wants You!

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” ~ 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

Taste and See

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
~ Psalm 34:8 (ESV)

Don't Provoke Your Children

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ~ Colossians 3:21 (ESV)

Citizenship in Heaven

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ~ Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Fear Not

1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 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. ~ Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV)

Lose and Find

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” ~ Matthew 16:25 (ESV)

New Creation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Christ Controls Us

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV)

Good Courage

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (ESV)

The Son of the Living God

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ~ Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)

Can You Hide from God?

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV)

Wisdom Is Better than Jewels

10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. ~ Proverbs 8:10-11 (ESV)

Forgive

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

Joy comes in the Morning

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. ~ Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

Seek His Kingdom

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Your Parents Teach You Because They Love You

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, ~ Proverbs 1:8 (ESV)

Learn HIS Ways

4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. ~ Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)

Don't Take Vengeance

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)

Be Rooted in HIM

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. ~ Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)

Who Are You Pleasing?

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

His Peace

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ~ John 14:26-27 (ESV)

You Can't Hide

“Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.” ~ Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV)

Don't Lose Heart

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

Treasures in Jars of Clay

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. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV)

Confidence Through Christ

4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (ESV)

Less Than Deserved

10 “And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, 11 which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness.12 Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, 14 shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape? 15 O LORD, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this.” ~ Ezra 9:10-15 (ESV)

Our Iniquities Have Risen

“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. 7 From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as it is today.8 But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. 9 For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem. ~ Ezra 9:6-9 (ESV)

Asked of the Lord

One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
~ Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

Be Thankful for Everything!

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)

The Lord is Faithful

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (ESV)

Renew Strength

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

Give Thanks to the Lord

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy. ~ Psalm 92:1-4 (ESV)

He Will Keep You

“The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” ~ Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV)

Prepare for Action

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ~ 1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)

More Precious than Gold

so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Peter 1:7 (ESV)

Grief & Trials

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ~ 1 Peter 1:6 (ESV)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ~ 1 Peter 1:6 (NIV 1984)

Act Like Men

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)

A New Thing

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

Hope, 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)

My Refuge and My Fortress

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (ESV)

Fast God Chooses

5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? ~ Isaiah 58:5-6 (ESV)

Worship!

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” ~ Psalm 122:1 (ESV)

Don't Forfeit...

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36 (ESV)

If You Are Alive, You Have Hope

But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:4 (ESV)

Work as if Unto the Lord

7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. ~ Ephesians 6:7-8 (ESV)

Do Not Fear

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 (NIV 1984)

Give Thanks to the Lord

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! ~ Psalm 105:1 (ESV)

Husbands, Love Your Wives

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,” Ephesians 5:25-26 (ESV)

Be Strong & Courageous

7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. ~ 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Like a Shepherd

He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
~ Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)

Don't Provoke them to Anger

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

Mature Thinking

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:20 (ESV)

Bow Down in Worship

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, ~ Psalm 95:6-7

Health May Fail

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. ~ (NLT)

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (ESV)(NIV 1984)

~ Psalm 73:26

He Will Be With You

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. ~ Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

Blessed Is the Man...

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.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers. ~ Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV 1984)

Dad, You Are a Role Model

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ~ Titus 2:7 (ESV)

Be Holy

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. ~ Ephesians 1:3-4 (ESV)

Integrity

Since I know, O my God, that You try the heart and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to You. (NASB)

I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. (ESV)

~ 1 Chronicles 29:17

A Beautiful Inheritance

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. ~ Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV)

Praise His Name

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” Psalm 68:4-5 (ESV)

Endurance Produces Character

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 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 5:1-5 (ESV)

Guard Your Mouth

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. ~ Proverbs 13:3 (ESV)

Think Before You Speak

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. ~ Proverbs 29:20 (ESV)

Think About This...;

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Don't Be Anxious

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Bridle Your Tongue

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. ~ James 1:26 (ESV)

Confess Your Sins

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. ~ James 5:16 (ESV)

He Is Faithful

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

Forsake Sin

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. ~ Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

Give Thanks Always

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

Without Grumbling

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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, ~ Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)

God Sees All

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. ~ Proverbs 15:3 (ESV)

No Grumbling...

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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, ~ Philippians 1:14-15 (ESV)

Good Attitude

All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. ~ Proverbs 15:15 (ESV)

Be Faithful with Little

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. ~ Luke 16:10 (ESV)

HE Sees...

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Prudent Vs. Foolish

A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. ~ Proverbs 12:23 (ESV)

Don't Boast

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. ~ Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)

Good Medicine

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ~ Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

Be Attentive

My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. ~ Proverbs 4:20 (ESV)

Reward for Toil

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ESV)

Work Hard

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. ~ Proverbs 12:11 (ESV)

Stay Away from Foolish Controversies

23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ~ 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (ESV)

Godly Advice Taken Leads to Wisdom

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. ~ Proverbs 13:10 (ESV)

Listen and Understand

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. ~ Proverbs 18:2

In Your Anger Do Not Sin

26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. ~ Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)

Slow to Anger

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ~ James 1:19-20 (ESV)

Compassion on His Children

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; ~ Psalm 103:13 (NIV)

Gracious Words

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. ~ Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

Hold Back

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. ~ Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)

Quarrels and Strife

As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. ~ Proverbs 26:21 (ESV)

Humble Yourself

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ~ 1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

Hatred ~ Strife

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

Don't Stir Up Strife

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. ~ Proverbs 15:18 (ESV)

Joy of Your Salvation

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. ~ Psalm 51:12 (ESV)

Devoted to Teaching and Prayer

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ~ Acts 2:42-45 (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)

Whatever You Do...

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

Longing for a Better Country

15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. ~ Hebrews 11:15-16 (NIV 1984)

Love Your Neighbor

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ~ Galatians 5:14 (NIV 1984)

An Example

The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. ~ Proverbs 20:7 (NIV 1984)

Transformed by Christ

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ~ 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 (NIV 1984)

Keep On Keeping On....

Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom Begins with Humility

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.

Transformed

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV 1984)

New Every Morning!

"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." ~ Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV 1984)

Alien or Citizen...? You Choose

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ~ Ephesians 2:19-20(NIV 1984)

Made for Work

9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:9-11

Praise the Lord!

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. ~ Psalm 51:15 (NIV 1984)

What Reigns in You?

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. (ESV)

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.(NIV 1984)

~ Romans 6:12-13

Control Your Body

that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (ESV)

Listen Up!

20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man’s whole body. (NIV 1984)

20 My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh. (ESV)

~ Proverbs 4:20-22

Finish the Race

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (ESV)

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.(NIV 1984)

~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Be Holy

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV)

Not Home Yet

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ~ Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

Knowledge Puffs Up

1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. ~ 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV)

In HIS Power

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

Good Gifts

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”” ~ Luke 11:13 (NIV 1984)

No Limit

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. ~ Psalm 147:5 (NIV 1984)

Are You Dressed?

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. ~ Ephesians 6:13 (NIV 1984)

Wait for the Lord

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. ~ Psalm 27:14 (NIV 1984)

Hope in the Lord

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. ~ Psalm 31:24 (NIV 1984)

Hope, Joy, Peace, Trust, Hope, Power

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13 (NIV 1984)

Don't Be Deceived

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ~ Ephesians 5:6 (NIV 1984)

Steal, Kill and Destroy

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ~ John 10:10 (ESV)

No Comparisons

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. ~ Isaiah 40:25 (NIV 1984)

A Psalm of David

"For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” ~ Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice!

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

Confess & Believe

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ~ Romans 10:9 (ESV)

Commit Them to the Lord

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. ~ Proverbs 16:3 (NIV 1984)

God's Plans

11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. ~ Psalm 33:11-12 (NIV 1984)

Controlled by the Spirit

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ~ Romans 8:6 (NIV 1984)

Be Still & Know...

““Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” ~ Psalm 46:10 (NIV 1984)

Walk by the Spirit

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ~ Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

Don't Conform ~ Transform

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)

Seek Wisdom

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; (NIV 1984)

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, (ESV)

~ Proverbs 7:4

Live in Harmony with One Another

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. ~ 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV 1984)

Meditate on HIS Works

I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (NIV 1984)

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. (ESV)

~ Psalm 77:12

Use Your Gift

if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12:8 (NIV 1984)

Live By Faith

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” ~ Romans 1:16-17 (NIV 1984)

Honor Christ the Lord

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (NIV 1984)

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (ESV)

~ 1 Peter 3:15

Meditation of My Heart

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (ESV)

~ Psalm 19:14

Don't Envy Wicked Men

1 Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; 2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. ~ Proverbs 24:1-2 (NIV 1984)

Be Honest

Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince. (ESV)

Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! (NIV)

~ Proverbs 17:7

Lose to Live

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ~ Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV)

Keep in Step with the Spirit

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

Obey Instruction

31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (ESV)

31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.(NIV 1984)

~ Proverbs 15:31-33

The Tongue

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ~ James 3:5 (ESV)

Forgive One Another

“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” ~ Colossians 3:13 (ESV)

Love One Another

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ~ John 13:34 (ESV)

Sacrifice of Praise

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. ~ Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

The Sun Is Still Up...You Still Have Time...

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. ~ Ephesians 4:26-27(ESV)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. ~ Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

Just Build Up...

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)

...By His Love...

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)

Care for Created Things

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ~ Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

Quietness & Trust

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling, ~ Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)

Loss for Christ

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ~ Philippians 3:7-10 (ESV)

Sheep Know the Shepherd

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ~ John 10:3 (ESV)

Prayer & Petition

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Respect Everyone

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. ~ 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV 1984)

Submit & Resist

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ~ James 4:7-8 (ESV)

What Must I Do to be Saved?

30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. ~ Acts 16:30-34 (ESV)

The Lord IS My Strength

“GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV)

Restore Health

O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life of my spirit. Oh restore me to health and make me live! ~ Isaiah 38:16 (ESV)

Be Prepared

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ~ 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

Call on Him

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. ~ Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

Don't Deny Him

11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; ~ 2 Timothy 2:11-12 (ESV)

Wisdom & 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)

Lead Me in Truth

4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. ~ Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)

Humility Before Honor

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. ~ Proverbs 15:33 (ESV)

Who Upholds You?

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. ~ Psalm 54:4 (ESV)

Weed Out the Root of Bitterness

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; ~ Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)

Get Up Again!

for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. (NIV 1984)

for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. (NIV)

for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. (ESV)

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (NASB)

For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity. (ASV)

~ Proverbs 24:16

Faithful in Prayer

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ~ Romans 12:11-13 (NIV 1984)

Keep in Step

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ~ Galatians 5:25 (NIV 1984)

Dwelling Place of God

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ~ Revelation 21:3 (ESV)

From Everlasting to Everlasting

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” ~ Psalm 90:2,4 (NIV 1984)

Think of Others

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

Be Filled to the Measure of all the Fullness of God

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)

David's Prayer

10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (ESV)

Steadfast Love of the Lord

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. ~ Psalm 89:1 (ESV)

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)

Don't Grow Weary

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. ~ Hebrews 12:3 (ESV)

More than Conquerors

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ~ Romans 8:37 (ESV)

You Shall Be a Blessing

And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” ~ Zechariah 8:13 (ESV)

City on a Hill

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

Forgiven!

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” ~ Romans 4:7-8 (ESV)

Boast 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)

Characteristics of God's Chosen Ones

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience ~ Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

Encourage One Another

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

Seek His Kingdom

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

The Humble Learn

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. ~ Psalm 25:9(ESV)

Exalted Over All

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” ~ 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV 1984)

Teach Me More, Lord

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)

Apart from Him ~ Nothing

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he (A)bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:5 (NASB)

Bless the Lord, O my Soul...

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. ~ Psalm 103:1-5 (NASB)

Teach Me, Lord

The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (ESV)

The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. (NIV 1984)

A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation. (MSG)

The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (NASB)

~ Proverbs 16:21

Remember His Miracles

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. ~ Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV 1984)

After They Prayed

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. ~ Acts 4:31 (NIV 1984)

Keep the Law

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. ~ Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)

Salvation by Christ

“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” ~ Hebrews 9:28 (NIV 1984)

Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ~ 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV 1984)

His Good Purpose

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. ~ Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV 1984)

Trust in Him

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, ~ Nahum 1:7 (NIV 1984)

No More Tears

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”” ~ Revelation 21: 2-4 (NIV 1984)

Children Are a Reward from God

3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.

~ Psalm 127:3-5a