Trust in the Lord

In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. ~ Psalm 31:1 (KJV)

Beginning of Knowledge

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. ~ Proverbs 1:7 (NIV 1984)

Wages of Sin

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

Come to My Rescue

1 In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.

~ Psalm 31:1-5 (NIV 1984)

Be Joyful in the Lord

And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation. ~ Psalm 35:9 (KJV)

Take Refuge in Him

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. ~ Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)

Bear with One Another

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ~ Ephesians 4:2 (ESV)

Mourning to Dancing

11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

~ Psalm 30:11-12 (KJV)

Joy Comes in the Morning

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ~ Psalm 30:5 (KJV)

Sing to the Lord

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. ~ Psalm 30:4 (KJV)

God Knows the Way

1 I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
before him I tell my trouble.
3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who know my way.

~ Psalm 142:1-3a (NIV 1984)

Self-Control

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

Care for the Poor

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. ~ Proverbs 29:7 (NIV 1984)

Be Teachable

A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. ~ Proverbs 29:1 (NIV 1984)

The Lord Gives Strength & Peace

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. ~ Psalm 29:11 (KJV)

His Voice is Powerful!

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. ~ Psalm 29:4 (KJV)

Worship the Lord

29 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

~ Psalm 29:1-2 (KJV)

Be a Servant

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” ~ Mark 9:35 ESV

Be Teachable

Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

~ Psalm 143:10 (NIV 1984)

Hot-Tempered lead to ...

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. ~ Proverbs 29:22 (NIV 1984)

Give to the Poor

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. ~ Proverbs 28:27 (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)

Trust in the Lord

A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. ~ Proverbs 28:25 (NIV 1984)

Who Is Your Partner

He who robs his father or mother
and says, “It’s not wrong”—
he is partner to him who destroys.

~ Proverbs 28:24 (NIV 1984)

Don't Harden Your Heart

Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. ~ Proverbs 28:14 (NIV 1984)

Confess & Renounce Your Sins

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. ~ Proverbs 28:13 (NIV 1984)

Obey God's Law

If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable. ~ Proverbs 28:9 (NIV 1984)

Be Blameless

5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless
than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

~ Proverbs 28:5-6 (NIV 1984)

Called to Serve

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” ~ Mark 10:45 (ESV)

My Strength

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

8 The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

~ Psalm 28:7-8 (KJV)

Spirit and in Truth

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” ~ John 4:24 (NIV 1984)

He Will Make You Strong

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ~ 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV 1984)

Forever and Ever

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. ~ Psalm 48:14 (NIV 1984)

Who You Really Are...

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. ~ Proverbs 27:19 (NIV 1984)

Be Accountable

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Prepare for Danger

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. ~ Proverbs 27:12 (NIV 1984)

Let Others Praise You

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. ~ Proverbs 27:2 (NIV 1984)

Don't Boast

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. ~ Proverbs 27:1 (NIV 1984)

Wait on the Lord

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. ~ Psalm 27:14 (KJV)

Desired of the Lord

One thing have I desired 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 behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. ~ Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

Who Should You Fear?

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ~ Psalm 27:1 (KJV)

Seek the Eternal

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” ~ Colossians 3:1 (ESV)

Are You Battle Ready?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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 6:12-13 (NIV 1984)

Who or What is Your God?

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. ~ Philippians 3:19

The Conclusion

13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.

~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV 1984)

Be Humble

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ~ James 4:10 (NIV 1984)

His Unfailing Love

Vindicate me, Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
and have not faltered.
Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

~ Psalm 26:1-3 (NIV)

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”
And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. 7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

~ Hebrews 4:1-13 (NIV 1984)

Be Teachable

4 Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O Lord.

~ Psalm 25:4-7 (NIV 1984)

Self-Control

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

Don't Rob God

9 You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

~ Malachi 3:9-12 (NIV 1984)

Think On This

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~ Philippians 4:8 (NIV 1984)

How to Live

8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ~ 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV 1984)

What Should You Do?

16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; 17 do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. ~ Zechariah 8:16-17 (NIV 1984)

The Word of the Lord

8 And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: 9 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’

Zechariah 7:8-10 (NIV 1984)

Why Do You Fast?

4 Then the word of the Lord Almighty came to me: 5 “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? 6 And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves? 7 Are these not the words the Lord proclaimed through the earlier prophets when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were at rest and prosperous, and the Negev and the western foothills were settled?’”

~ Zechariah 7:4-7 (NIV 1984)

Not by Might...Not by Power...

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. ~ Zechariah 4:6 (NIV 1984)

Don't Seek Revenge

Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” ~ Proverbs 24:29 (NIV 1984)

Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?

3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.

~ Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV 1984)

The Ultimate Owner

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; ~ Psalm 24:1 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom Is Sweet

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. ~ Proverbs 24:14 (NIV 1984)

Wisdom Builds

3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
5 A wise man has great power,
and a man of knowledge increases strength;

~ Proverbs 24:3-5 (NIV 1984)

Honor God with Your Body

19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Restore Gently

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. ~ Galatians 6:1 (NIV 1984)

The 23rd Psalm

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

~ Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

Ask God for Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” ~ James 1:5 (NIV 1984)

He Will Quiet You

The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”

~ Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV 1984)

Seek the Lord

3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the Lord’s anger.

~ Zephaniah 2:3 (NIV 1984)

Who Are Your Friends?

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.

~ Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV 1984)

Make a Good Start

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6 (NIV 1984)

What Do You Desire Most?

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. ~ Proverbs 22:1 (NIV 1984)

Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV 1984)

Spoiler Alert... The Lord Wins...

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. ~ Proverbs 21:30 (NIV 1984)

Obedience...

2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

~ Proverbs 21:2-3 (NIV 1984)

And Yet I Will Rejoice

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV 1984)

The Shadow of His Wings

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

~ Psalm 63:7-8 (NIV 1984)

God Cannot Be Mocked

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” ~ Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV 1984)

Trials and Temptations

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” ~ James 1:2-3 NIV1984

His Love Endures Forever

1 Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.

~ Psalm 106:1-3 (NIV 1984)

The Lord's Purpose

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~ Proverbs 19:21 (NIV 1984)

Listen and Be Wise

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. ~ Proverbs 19:20 (NIV 1984)

Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.


~ Psalm 19:1-14 (NIV 1984)

What Does God Require?

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

~ Micah 6:8 (NIV 1984)

Hot-Temper

A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. ~ Proverbs 19:19 (NIV 1984)

Be Kind to the Poor

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. ~ Proverbs 19:17 (NIV 1984)

Don't Lie

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish. ~ Proverbs 19:9 (NIV 1984)

Seek Wisdom & Understanding

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

Do Unto Others

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” ~ Matthew 7:12 (NIV 1984)

Urgently Call on God

6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:

“By the decree of the king and his nobles:

Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

~ Jonah 3:6-10 (NIV 1984)

Praise Be to My Rock

46 The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!
47 He is the God who avenges me,

~ Psalm 18:46-47a (NIV 1984)

God's Way Is Perfect

30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.

~ Psalm 18:30-35 (NIV 1984)

Cried to God for Help

In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.

~ Psalm 18:6 (NIV 1984)

My Rock and My Fortress

1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

~ Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV 1984)

Power of Life and Death

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

Humility Before Honor

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. ~ Proverbs 18:12 (NIV 1984)

Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. ~ Proverbs 18:10 (NIV 1984)

Higher than I

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. ~ Psalm 61:2 (NIV 1984)

Temptation

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV 1984)

Fear the Lord

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. ~ Proverbs 8:13 (NIV 1984)

Spiritual Famine

11 “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord,
“when I will send a famine through the land—
not a famine of food or a thirst for water,
but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 Men will stagger from sea to sea
and wander from north to east,
searching for the word of the Lord,
but they will not find it.

~ Amos 8:11-12 (NIV 1984)

Seek Good

Seek good, not evil,
that you may live.
Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you,
just as you say he is.

~ Amos 5:14 (NIV 1984)

Without Complaining or Arguing

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” ~ Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV 1984)

Because He Is God

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. ~ Psalm 115:3 (NIV 1984)

The Apple of His Eye

3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

God's Plans Win

1 To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.

~ Proverbs 16:1-3, 9

Call on the Lord

And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved;

He Will Pour Out His Spirit

28 “And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

~ Joel 2:28-29 (NIV 1984)

Fasting Weeping & Mourning

12 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

~ Joel 2:12-13 (NIV 1984)

Not One Greater

Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? ~ Psalm 77:13 (NIV 1984)

Shine the Light

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Live a Life of Love

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ~ Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV 1984)

Life by the Spirit

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” ~ Galatians 5:16 (NIV 1984)

Created by God

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him. ~ Colossians 1:16 (NIV 1984)

The Truth Will Set You Free

“[The Children of Abraham] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” ~ John 8:31-32 (NIV 1984)

Nothing Is Hidden from God

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. ~ Hebrews 4:13 (NIV 1984)

The Lord, Not Idols

6 This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let him foretell what will come.
8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock I know not one.”

~ Isaiah 44:6-8 (NIV)

Love

“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. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” ~ 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV 1984)

Christ's Ambassador

“that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NIV 1984)

He Will Finish It

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)

One in Christ

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” ~ Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV 1984)

Reconciled!

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ~ Romans 5:10 (NIV)

Pray...Early and Often...

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ~ Mark 1:35 (NIV 1984)

God Calls You

This is what God the Lord says-
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

~ Isaiah 42:5-7

Cry to the Lord

“In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” ~ Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV 1984)

The Lord Will Answer

The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the Lord will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
I will make rivers flow on barren heights,
and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water,
and the parched ground into springs.
I will put in the desert
the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set junipers in the wasteland,
the fir and the cypress together,
so that people may see and know,
may consider and understand,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

~ Isaiah 41:17-20 (NIV 1984)

Be Holy

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”” ~ 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV 1984)

He Is a Refuge

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

~ Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV 1984)

He Is My Fortress

But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.

~ Psalm 59:16 (NIV 1984)

Treasures in Heaven

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

God Can't Lie

God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

~ Numbers 23:19 (ESV)

Rules for Christian Households

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ~ Colossians 3:18-21 (ESV)

Let Peace Rule

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)

Put on These...

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 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. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ~ Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Permanently Get Rid of These

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:5-11 (ESV)

Set Your Minds on Things Above

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

Seek Good & Live

“Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” ~ Amos 5:14-15 ESV

Don't Try to Figure It Out

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

~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Declare the Glory of God

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,

~ Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV)

No Excuse

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. ~ Romans 1:20 (NIV 1984)

Seriously, Memorize This...

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)

God Goes Before You

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

Crucified with Christ

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ~ Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

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. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. ~ Ephesians 1:3-10 (ESV)

Trust in the Lord

6 For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn is exalted in honor.

~ Psalm 112:6-9 (ESV)

Blessed Are...

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:10 (ESV)

What Will It Produce?

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

His Grace is Sufficient

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

Be Imitators of God

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” ~ Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV 1984)

The Years the Locust Have Eaten

I will restore to you the years
that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
my great army, which I sent among you.

~ Joel 2:25 (ESV)

Use Your Gifts

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. ~ 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV 1984)

Psalm 1

Psalm 1

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.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

(NIV 1984)

Rejoice & Be Glad

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The LORD be exalted!” ~ Psalm 40:16 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in the Lord

Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him! ~ Psalm 64:10 (NIV 1984)

Hearts Rejoice

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. ~ Psalm 33:21 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! ~ Psalm 32:11 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in His Love

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. ~ Psalm 31:7 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in God's Salvation

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. ~ Psalm 13:5 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in Him

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. ~ Psalm 9:2 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice in Him

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. ~ Psalm 5:11 (NIV 1984)

Always Rejoice

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4 (NIV 1984)

Rejoice

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

Love Your Neighbor

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. ~ Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)

Stop Doing Wrong

“wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” ~ Isaiah 1:16-17 (NIV 1984)

Faith Needed

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

Blessed Are Those Who Hear

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)

Love and Good Deeds

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

What Is Required?

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ~ Micah 6:8 (NIV 1984)

Salvation of Your Souls

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ~ 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV 1984)

Be Self-Controlled

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” ~ Titus 2:11-12 (NIV 1984)

My Redeemer Lives

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

Number Your Days

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” ~ Psalm 90:12 (NIV 1984)

Born of God

9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

~ John 1:9-13 (NIV 1984)

Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ

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

The Counselor Will Teach You

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ~ John 14:26 (NIV 1984)

New Creation

Happy New Year! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV 1984)