Monday, April 30, 2012

God's Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27 (NIV 1984)

Perfect Peace

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. ~ Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)


You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (NIV 1984)

Sufferings of Christ

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ~ 1 Peter 4:13 (NIV 1984)

Mutual Edification

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ~ Romans 14:19 (NIV 1984)

Live at Peace

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ~ Romans 12:18 (NIV 1984)

Peaceful & Quiet Lives

1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV 1984)

Peace

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV 1984)

Stand Firm

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV 1984)

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Like Sheep

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

~ Isaiah 53:6-7(KJV)

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)

Bow Down in Reverence

But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.

~ Psalm 5:7 (NIV 1984)

The Likeness of...

And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:49 (NIV 1984)

Saved

They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. ~ Psalm 22:5 (NIV 1984)

Forgive My Iniquity

For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. ~ Psalm 25:11 (NIV 1984)

My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. ~ Job 19:25 (NIV 1984)

Trustworthy Saying

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NIV 1984)

Hymn: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" by Jaron and Katherine Kamin

Pray About Everything

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6 (NIV 1984)

Obey

He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die. (NIV 1984)

Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. (ESV)

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. (KJV)

Keep the rules and keep your life; careless living kills. (The Message)

Those who obey what they are taught guard their lives. But those who don't care how they live will die. (NIrV)

~ Proverbs 19:16

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Beauty for Ashes

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

~ Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV 1984)

Eternity in the Hearts of Men

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV 1984)

Humility

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ~ 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV 1984)


Be Wise

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ~ Colossians 4:5 (NIV 1984)

Spiritual Wisdom

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. ~ Colossians 1:9 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom & Knowledge of God

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

~ Romans 11:33-36 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom of the World

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” ~ 1 Corinthians 3:19 (NIV 1984)

Cherish Understanding

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers. ~ Proverbs 19:8 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom & Understanding

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! ~ Proverbs 16:16 (NIV 1984)

Get Wisdom!

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. ~ Proverbs 4:7 (NIV 1984)

Show Restraint

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. ~ Proverbs 23:4 (NIV 1984)

Walk in Wisdom

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. ~ Proverbs 28:26 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom & Power

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. ~ Job 12:13 (NIV 1984)

Power & Wisdom

but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:24 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom from Heaven

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

Wisdom from the Lord

For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ~ Proverbs 2:6 (NIV 1984)

Listen

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. ~ Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)

When Christ Appears

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:4 (ESV)

Form of a Servant

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)

Friday, April 27, 2012

Pleasures Forevermore

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

~ Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

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)


God Is Our Refuge...

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

God Is My Portion Forever!

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

~ Psalm 73:25-28 (NIV 1984)

Content in All Situations

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ~ Philippians 4:10-12 (ESV)

Be Content

8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ~ 1 Timothy 6:8-9 (ESV)

You Take Nothing

for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ~ 1 Timothy 6:7 (ESV)

Godly & Content

But godliness with contentment is great gain, ~ 1 Timothy 6:6 (ESV)

Constant In Prayer

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Christ Died for Your Sins

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. ~ 1 Peter 3:18a (NIV 1984)

Sympathize with Those in Prison

33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

~ Hebrews 10:33-35 (NIV 1984)

Treasures in Heaven

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV 1984)

Be Content with What You Have

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”

~ Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV 1984)

Lay Up Treasures In Heaven

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV 1984)


Pursue Righteousness

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ~ 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV 1984)

Godliness With Contentment

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ~ 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV 1984)

His Grace Is Sufficient

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


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

God's Will for You

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV)

The Lost

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” ~ Luke 19:10 (ESV)

Hope of Glory

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ~ Colossians 1:27-28

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Trust In Him

3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

~ Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV 1984)

He Will Be With You!

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

~ Isaiah 43:2 (NIV 1984)

Call: He Answers

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. ~ Psalm 120:1 (NIV 1984)

My Hope, My Confidence

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. ~ Psalm 71:5 (NIV 1984)

Count Your Blessings

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

The Last Days

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. ~ 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV 1984)

Glory in His Name

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:10 (NIV 1984)

Reconciled!

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— ~ Colossians 1:21-22 (NIV 1984)


Monday, April 23, 2012

My Strong Tower

1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

~ Psalm 61:1-3 (NIV 1984)

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, purifies us from all sin. ~ 1 John 1:7 (NIV 1984)

Every Knee WILL Bow...

It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.’”

~ Romans 14:11 (NIV 1984)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Transgressions Forgiven!

7 “Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

~ Romans 4:7-8 (NIV 1984)

Praise the Lord

Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits— ~ Psalm 103:2 (NIV 1984)

Remember Prisoners

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. ~ Hebrews 13:3 (NIV 1984)

Think about this too...

See also: Matthew 25:34-46

Entertain Strangers

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. ~ Hebrews 13:2 (NIV 1984)

Love on...

Keep on loving each other as brothers. ~ Hebrews 13:1 (NIV 1984)

In Increasing Measure...

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~ 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV 1984)

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Eternal Life

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” John 10:28-30 (NIV 1984)

Don't Exasperate Your Children

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4 (NIV 1984)

Train a Child

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6 (NIV 1984)


Friday, April 20, 2012

Trust in Him

And again,“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me.” ~ Hebrews 2:13

No Greater Joy

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ~ 3 John 1:4 (NIV 1984)

Education by God

All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace. ~ Isaiah 54:13 (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 31 Woman

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

~ Proverbs 31:15-17

The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ~ Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

Alive in Christ

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Spur On...

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

~ Hebrews 10:23-24 (NIV 1984)

Hear and Obey

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” ~ Luke 11:28 (NIV 1984)


Give Your Cares to 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)

Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1 (NIV 1984)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Your Plans Will Succeed

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

Have you ever wondered about that verse...I think we sometimes interpret it incorrectly. See, if you commit everything to the Lord, you allow HIM to make the plans and HIS plans ALWAYS succeed.

His Love Endures Forever

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. ~ Psalm 107:1 (NIV 1984)

Freedom in Truth

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:31-32

Servant of All

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” ~ Mark 9:35 (NIV 1984)


Blameless Before God

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

~ Psalm 84:11 (NIV 1984)

Believe and Confess

9 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. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ~ Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

This Is My Prayer

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ~ Philippians 1:9-10

He First Loved Us

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. ~ 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV 1984)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Suffering to Sanctify...

7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV 1984)

Prayer of the Destitute

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea. ~ Psalm 102:17 (NIV 1984)

The Cause of the Needy

I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. ~ Psalm 140:12 (NIV 1984)

Monday, April 16, 2012

Do Not Be Frightened

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”~ 1 Peter 3:14 (NIV 1984)

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Willing to Share

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ~ 1 Timothy 6:18

Respect Everyone

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. ~ 1 Peter 2:17 (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 commandments. ~ Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

He Bore Our Sins

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ~ 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Without Turning Aside

10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. ~ Job 23:10-11(NIV 1984)

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Be Strong...

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

He Delivers

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

~ Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV 1984)

Overlook an Offense

A man’s wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

~ Proverbs 19:11 (NIV 1984)

His Unfailing Love

“In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.

~ Exodus 15:13 (NIV 1984)

His Great Mercy

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, ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV 1984)

Wind Blows

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” ~ John 3:8 (NIV 1984)

Friday, April 13, 2012

Closely Follow Him

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. ~ Job 23:10-11 (NIV)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Love Always...

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (NIV)

Love Is...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

At Just the Right Time...

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 (NIV 1984)

Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. ~ 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV 1984)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Sacrifice God Desires

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

~ Psalm 51:16-17

Monday, April 9, 2012

Abounding in Love

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. ~ Psalm 86:5 (NIV)

Jesus Is...

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. ~ Hebrews 1:3 (NIV 1984)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Alive with Christ

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. ~ Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV 1984)

Raised to Life

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

Victory Through Jesus

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

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-58 (NIV 1984)

Resurrection and Life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ~ John 11:25

He Is Risen Indeed!

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” ~ Luke 24:1-7 (NIV 1984)

He Is Risen!

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ~ Luke 24:6 (NIV 1984)

HE IS RISEN!

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ~ Mark 16:1-6(NIV 1984)

Go and Enjoy!

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:10

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Through HIS Blood

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ~ Ephesians 1:7 (NIV 1984)

Jesus Laid Down His Life for You

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. ~ 1 John 3:16 (NIV 1984)

Follow Jesus

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV 19984)

Choose Life

19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

~ Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Death of Jesus

34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” ~ Mark 15:25-39 (NIV 1984)

Endured the Cross

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:2 (NIV 1984)

Christ Suffered for You

18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 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. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

~ 1 Peter 2:18-25 (NIV 1984)

Darkness at Noon

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. ~ Mark 15:33 (NIV 1984)

God so Loved...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16 (KJV)

The Crucifixion

25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!”

31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. ~ Mark 25-32 (NIV 1984)

The Way

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~ John 14:6 (NIV 1984)

HE Was Bruised

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ~ Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV)

Die with Him

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;

~ 2 Timothy 2:11-12 (NIV 1984)

The Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth

25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!”

31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus

33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” ~ Mark 15:25-39 (NIV 1984)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

What the Father Wills

35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ~ Mark 14:35-36

This Is My Body

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 (NIV 1984)

Poured Out

27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ~ Matthew 26:27-28 (NIV 1984)

The New Covenant

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. ~ Luke 22:20 (NIV 1984)

In Remembrance of Me

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ~ Luke 22:19 (NIV 1984)

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Time is Near

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. ~ Revelation 1:3 (NIV 1984)

Cling to HIM

My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

~ Psalm 63:8 (NIV 1984)

Redemption Through HIS Blood

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ~ Ephesians 1:7 (NIV 1984)

Trust in the Lord

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV 1984)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Cry for Mercy

Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

~ Psalm 28:2 (NIV 1984)

Peace of Christ

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15 (NIV 1984)

Monday, April 2, 2012

Mary Anoints Jesus

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ~ John 12:3 (NIV 1984)

Praise the Lord

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. ~ Psalm 134:2 (NIV 1984)

Meditate on His Decrees

I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

~ Psalm 119:48 (NIV 1984)

Praise the Lord

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. ~ Psalm 63:4

Cry for Mercy

Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

~ Psalm 28:2 (NIV 1984)

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Born Again

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. ~ 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV 1984)

First ~ Last

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” ~ Mark 9:35