Steal, Kill & 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)

Be Ready!

And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. ~ Revelation 20:15 (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)

Light of the World

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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)

Guard Your Heart and Mind ~ Think on 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)

Friend Who Is Closer than a Brother

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (ESV)

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV)

~ Proverbs 18:24

Help!

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ~ Psalm 121:2 (NIV 1984)

No More Death or Mourning or Crying or Pain

3 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. 4 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 21:3-5 (NIV 1984)

Death to Life

13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. ~ 1 John 3:13-15 (NIV 1984)

Hurry: Time Is Short

remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. ~ James 5:20 (NIV 1984)

Fear of Death

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. ~ Hebrews 2:14-16 (NIV 1984)

May Christ Always Be Exalted By Me

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ~ Philippians 1:20 (NIV 1984)

Repentance Leaves No Regret

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. ~ 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV 1984)

Where, O Death...

53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

~ 1 Corinthians 15:53-55 (NIV 1984)

The Last Enemy

The last enemy to be destroyed is death. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:26 (NIV 1984)

NOTHING Can Separate Us from the Love of God

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:37-39 (NIV 1984)

How to Live

12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ~ Romans 8:12-14 (NIV 1984)

Eternal Life in Christ Jesus

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23 (NIV 1984)

Death Doesn't Have to be the End

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. ~ Romans 4:25 (NIV 1984)

Keep His Word

I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” ~ John 8:51 (NIV 1984)

Eternal Life

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. ~ John 5:24 (NIV 1984)

Repent and Live

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! ~ Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV 1984)

Peace in Death

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. ~ Isaiah 57:2 (NIV 1984)

Praise Him In This Life

For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. ~ Isaiah 38:18 (NIV 1984)

He Will Wipe Away the Tears

he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. ~ Isaiah 25:8 (NIV 1984)

The Tongue...

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ~ Proverbs 18:21 (NIV 1984)

Only Accept Truth

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. ~ Romans 1:25 (NIV 1984)

Never Forget

“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” ~ Psalm 119:93 (ESV)

HE Saved Us

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ~ Titus 3:4-7 (NIV 1984)

Desires of Your Heart

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~ Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

The Angel of the Lord...

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. ~ Psalm 34:7 (ESV)

Don't Forfeit

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

Call on the Lord from a Pure Heart

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

Wars & Rumors of Wars

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. ~ Matthew 24:6 (ESV)

From Death to Life

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. ~ 1 John 3:14 (ESV)

Encourage Love and Good Works

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ~ Hebrews 10:24 (NIV 1984)

Press On...

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 3:14 (ESV)

As in the Days of Noah

For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ~ Matthew 24:37 (ESV)

Great Cloud of Witnesses

“[Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” ~ Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Be Tenderhearted

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

Faith Is...

“[By Faith] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” ~ Hebrews 11:1 (NIV 1984)

Strangers & Sojourners

For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:15 (ESV)

Keep His Commandments

“I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.” ~ Psalm 119:60 (ESV)

Be Faithful

“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)

Be Generous

“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.” ~ Psalm 112:5 (ESV)

His Power Is Perfect

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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

When You Pray

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ~ Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

He Hears

Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. ~ Psalm 55:17 (ESV)

Let Your Prayer Requests Be Known to God

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

I Pray

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you[a] and (E)watch.

~ Psalm 5:1-3 (ESV)

Jesus Loves the Little Children

“but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”” ~ Matthew 19:14 (ESV)

Steadfast Love

For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. ~ Psalm 100:5 (ESV)

Thanksgiving & Praise

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

The Sheep of His Pasture

Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ~ Psalm 100:3 (ESV)

Serve the Lord with Gladness

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! ~ Psalm 100:1 (ESV)

Peace in Jesus

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 (ESV)

Make a Joyful Noise

4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

~ Psalm 98:4-6 (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)

Believing Faith

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (ESV)

1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (NIV 1984)

~ Romans 11:1-6

Who Does God Listen to?

We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. ~ John 9:31 (ESV)

Worship in Spirit & Truth

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” ~ John 4:24 (ESV)

Worship & Serve the Lord Your God ONLY

Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” ~ Matthew 4:10 (ESV)

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” ~ Luke 4:8 (ESV)

Worship & Bow Down

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! ~ Psalm 95:6 (ESV)

Worship the Lord

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. ~ Psalm 29:2 (ESV)

Worship Him

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ~ Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

We Need Peace

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ~ Romans 12:18 (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)

What Surpasses Understanding?

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

Choose His Way

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.” ~ Psalm 119:30 (ESV)

Running Over...

...give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Discipline & Knowledge

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. ~ Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)

Go to Jesus

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. ~ John 6:37 (ESV)

Are You Exhausted? Good News!

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

~ Isaiah 40:30-31 (ESV)

The Lord is Near

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

Listen to Your Dad

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. ~ Proverbs 13:1 (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)

Walk in the Light

“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 cleanses us from all sin.” ~ 1 John 1:7 (ESV)

Be Ready!

And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. ~ Revelation 20:15

Sleep

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. ~ Psalm 127:2 (NIV 1984)

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)

Through His Poverty

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV 1984)

God's Love Reaches...

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. ~ Psalm 36:5 (NIV 1984)

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; yourfaithfulness reaches to the skies. ~ Psalm 57:10 (NIV 1984)

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; yourfaithfulness reaches to the skies. ~ Psalm 108:4 (NIV 1984)

Faithful in Prayer

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

How Do Churches Grow?

So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. ~ Acts 16:5 (NIV 1984)

Have Faith In God

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ~ Mark 11:22 (NIV 1984)

Nothing Is Impossible With Faith

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ” ~ Matthew 17:20 (NIV 1984)

His Great Love

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. ~ Psalm 117:2 (NIV 1984)

He Is Faithful

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. ~ Psalm 33:4 (NIV 1984)

Serve God Faithfully

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. ~ 1 Samuel 12:24 (NIV 1984)

The Faithful God

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. ~ Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV 1984)

He Is Faithful!

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. ~ Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV 1984)

Faith to Please God

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him I must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6 (NIV 1984)

By Faith Enoch...

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ~ Hebrews 11:5 (NIV 1984)

By Faith...

By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. ~ Hebrews 11:4 (NIV 1984)

By Faith...

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ~ Hebrews 11:3 (NIV 1984)

Faith Is...

1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. ~ Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV 1984)

Learn & Praise

“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” ~ Psalm 119:7 (NIV 1984)

Glory in Your Sufferings

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~ Romans 5:3-4

Abide in God

16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. ~ 1 John 4:16-17 (ESV)

Self-Control

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. ~ Proverbs 25:28 (NIV 1984)

Have Mercy

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

~ Psalm 51:1 (NIV 1984)

In Our Time of Need

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16 (NIV 1984)

I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel

“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.” ~ Romans 1:16 (NIV 1984)

Sing for Joy

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)

Don't Major in the Minors

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV 1984)

I Don't Want to be a Gong

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV 1984)

Under His Wings

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. ~ Psalm 91:4 (NIV 1984)

Take Refuge in God

1 Keep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge.
2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.
5 Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11 You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

~ Psalm 16:1-11 (NIV 1984)

Renew Your Mind

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)

Pray with Joy

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ~ Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

Give It All to Jesus

For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”

~ Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)

Establish Your Faith

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)

We Need Each Other

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 18:19 (NIV)

Persevere...Don't Give Up

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.(NIV)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)

~ James 1:12

Don't Hide Your Light

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)

Are You Alive?

I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. ~ Psalm 146:2 (ESV)

In Him

“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” ~ Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV)

God is Our Refuge

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah ~ Psalm 62:8 (NIV 1984)

May It NOT Be So

Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did. ~ 2 Kings 17:41 (NIV 1984)

Throw Out Filthiness

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” ~ James 1:21 (ESV)

Repent

and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” ~ Matthew 3:2 (NIV 1984)

You Are God's Temple

16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)

Our Refuge and Strength

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.

~ Psalm 46:1-5 (ESV)

Get Rid of It

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ~ Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)

Obey His Commands

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” ~ John 15:10 (NIV 1984)

ALL for the Glory of God

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

Sow Generously

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV 1984)

Guard Your Heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. ~ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV 1984)

Comfort Others

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (NIV 1984)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (ESV)

~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Confess Our Sins

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)

Every Tongue Confess

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ~ Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)

Set Apart as Holy

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 2:20-21

The Occult

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God. (ESV)

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God. (KJV)

"Don't dabble in the occult or traffic with mediums; you'll pollute your souls. I am God, your God. (The Message)

31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. (NIV 1984)

~ Leviticus 19:31

Where to Look...

When tempted:

Psalm 139
1 Corinthians 10:13

When Weary:

Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 8:31-39

When Bereaved:

1 Corinthians 15
Revelation 21

When Things Look "Blue":

Isaiah 40

When Facing a Crisis:

Psalm 46

When Discouraged:

Psalm 23

When Bored:

Psalm 103
Psalm 104
Job 38-48

When Business is Poor:

Psalm 37

When Lonely:

Psalm 27

When Anxious for Dear Ones:

Psalm 107

Encourage Each Other

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)

22-25So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (The Message)

Don't Worry

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ~ Matthew 6:28-29 (NIV 1984)

Not on Bread Alone

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” ~ Matthew 4:4 (NIV 1984)

Build Up the Church

So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV 1984)

Use Your Gifts

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 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 12:3-8 (NIV 1984)

Right & True

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. ~ Psalm 33:4 (NIV 1984)

Nothing is too Hard for HIM

““Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” ~ Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV 1984)

ONLY Through Jesus

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~ John 14:6

Living Sacrifices

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:1-2(NIV 1984)

Don't Grow Weary

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. ~ Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)

The Prayer of a Righteous Man

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. ~ James 5:16 (NIV 1984)

He Who Began A Good Work

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 1:6 (NIV 1984)

Hope & Trust In Jesus

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

~ Psalm 33:18-22 (ESV)

More Than You Can Imagine

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” ~ Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Go to Jesus

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." ~ Jesus (Matthew 11:28 ESV)

What Are You Wearing?

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Endurance

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (NIV 1984)

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (ESV)

~ Hebrews 10:36

Listen to His Words

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.

~ Proverbs 4:20-22 (NIV 1984)

May This Be True of Me (and you)

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. ~ Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)

Out of the Overflow of the Heart...

33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ~ Matthew 12:33-35 (NIV 1984)

The Eye of the Lord

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

~ Psalm 33:18-22 (ESV)

Bow Down & Give Thanks!

“I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” ~ Psalm 138:2 (ESV)

Household of God

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ~ Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV)

Iniquity...

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

He Is a Shield

“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” ~ Psalm 18:30 (ESV)

Revive Us Again

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? ~ Psalm 85:6 (ESV)

Meet With Jesus

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ~ Mark 1:35 (ESV)

Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” ~ Matthew 24:35 (ESV)

Be Filled with Knowledge of God's Will

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. ~ Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)

Looking for a City that Lasts Forever

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. (NIV 1984)

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (ESV)

For there is no city here on earth that will last forever. We are looking for the one that is coming. (NLV)

"If You Died Tonight" would you find that city?

Work for Jesus as Long as You Can

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ~ John 9:4 (NIV 1984)

Devoted to Prayer

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ~ Acts 2:42 (NIV 1984)

Believe In Jesus

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

~ John 6:28-29 (NIV 1984)

Freedom to Serve

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. ~ Galatians 5:13 (NIV 1984)

Sharpen and Be Sharpened

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17 (NIV 1984)

Our Great High Priest

and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ~ Hebrews 10:21-22 (ESV)

Jesus Was Baptized

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” ~ Luke 3:21-22 (NIV 1984)

Aim for Restoration

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

God Intended It for Good!

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ~ Genesis 50:19-20 (NIV 1984)

Get Rid of Selfish Ambition

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.(NIV 1984)

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (KJV)

~ Philippians 2:3

Follow In HIS Steps

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

~ 1 Peter 2:21-23 (NIV 1984)

Pray for Those Which Despitefully Use You

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ~ Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

God's Weapons

4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV 1984)

Please, Stand Firm

10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ~ Matthew 24:10-13 (NIV 1984)

Compassion

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; ~ Psalm 103:13 (NIV 1984)

Don't Be Ashamed

8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ~ 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NIV 1984)

Do Good

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. ~ 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV 1984)

You Can Do It, But Should You?

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:22 (NIV 1984)

Live Right

Do everything without complaining or arguing, (NIV 1984)

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, (ESV)

14-16 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16(The Message)

14 Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], (AMP)

~ Philippians 2:14

Work Is Good!

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. ~ Psalm 90:17 (NIV 1984)

Cast Your Cares on the Lord

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. ~ Psalm 55:22 (NIV 1984)

Righteousness Exalts

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” ~ Proverbs 14:34 (NIV 1984)

Be Humble, Gentle, and Patient

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 4:2-3 (NIV 1984)

Fear Him

Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. ~ Psalm 34:9 (NIV 1984)

What Are You Wearing?

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ~ Proverbs 31:25 (NIV 1984)

Beauty is Fleeting...

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ~ Proverbs 31:30 (NIV 1984)

How Should You Dress?

9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. ~ 1 Timothy 2:8-10 (NIV 1984)

The Beginning of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! ~ Psalm 111:10 (ESV)

Humble Before the Lord

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. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. ~ James 4:7-10 (ESV)

Live to Please God

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV)

The Heart Is Deceitful

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”” ~ Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV)

Gifts of Grace

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” ~ Romans 12:3 (ESV)

Simplicity & Sincerity

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity[a] and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:12 (ESV)