Matthew 5:3-12

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see GOD.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of GOD.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1 Peter 1:3-9

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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by GOD’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when JESUS CHRIST is revealed. 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, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Psalm 19:1-6

The heavens declare the glory of GOD; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens GOD has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

Romans 12:9-13

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the LORD’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

James 1:9-11

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Proverbs 19:17

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.

Psalm 112:4

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Ephesians 6:10-17

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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Psalm 49:16-17

Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die.

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

Psalm 13:5-6

LORD, I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing your praise, for you have been good to me.

John 3:16

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 2:17

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of GOD lives forever.

Psalm 84:11b-12

No good thing does the LORD withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

1 Peter 1:13-16

Prepare your minds for action; exercise self-control; hope to the end for the grace which will be brought to you when JESUS CHRIST is revealed. Live as obedient children; avoid the patterns of former desires when you lived in ignorance. Just as he who called you is holy - be holy in all you do, for it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."

Romans 2:6-11

GOD will judge each person by what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality with patient endurance. But there will be wrath and anger for those who live for themselves and who are disobedient to the truth, following evil. There will be trouble and distress for every soul that does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace for all who do good, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For GOD does not show favoritism.

Psalm 25:8-11

The LORD is good and the LORD is honorable. Therefore will he show sinners the way. He gives the humble good judgment and leads them on his path. All the ways of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth for those who are faithful to his covenant and his testimony. Being true to your name, O LORD, you have pardoned my iniquity, though it is substantial.

Hebrews 4:12

The WORD of GOD is living and active; sharper than any two-edged sword; penetrating and dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart.

James 5:19-20

Dear beloved, if one of you strays from the truth, and someone brings them back, let them know that the person who brings the sinner back from the error of their way will have saved a soul from death, and many sins will be covered.

Romans 6:19-23

You once gave the members of your body over to be slaves to moral impurity, and to more and more sin. I speak in human terms because you are weak. Now, in the same way, give the parts of your body up in servitude to being made right, for being holy. For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What benefit did you get from those things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin, you have become servants of GOD. You gain the benefits that lead to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.

2 Timothy 1:7-14

GOD did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and wise discretion. So never be ashamed to testify about our LORD, or ashamed of me [Paul] in prison. By the power of GOD, join with me in suffering for the gospel. For he saved us, and called us with a holy calling - not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace, which was given us in CHRIST JESUS before the beginning of time. And now he has been revealed, through the appearing of our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, who conquered death and brought light to life and immortality through the gospel, to which GOD appointed me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher to the nations. It is for this cause that I now suffer, but I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep for that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold on to what you have heard from me as a pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in CHRIST JESUS. Guard, by the HOLY SPIRIT which dwells in us, the good deposit entrusted to you.

Phillippians 1:9-11

And this I pray: that your love may flow to overflowing in knowledge and discernment, so you can understand what really matters, and so you can be pure and blameless until the day CHRIST returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through JESUS CHRIST, to the glory and praise of GOD.

Ephesians 1:17-23

I keep asking the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation: so you may know him better, so that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, and so you may know the hope of his calling, the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and the incomparable greatness of his power for us who believe. This is the same mighty power and strength he used when he raised CHRIST from the dead and set him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above every principality, and authority, and power, and dominion, and above every name named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. GOD placed all things in subjection under his feet and appointed him to be head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills every thing in every way.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Now the LORD and the SPIRIT are one, and where the SPIRIT of the LORD is, there is liberty. And we all, without veil, who see the glory of the LORD as if looking into a mirror, are being made more and more in his image, reflecting more and more the SPIRIT of the LORD.

Romans 1:16-17

I am not ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST, for it is the power of GOD for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then also for the Gentile. The righteousness of GOD, which is about faith from start to finish, is revealed in the gospel. For it is written, "the righteous will live by faith."

1 Timothy 4:1-6

The HOLY SPIRIT clearly says that in latter times some will fall away from the faith to follow the deceiving spirits and demonic doctrines of hypocrites and liars, whose consciences have been cauterized. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from meats which GOD created to be received with thanksgiving by those that believe and know the truth. For everything GOD created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the word of GOD and prayer. If you explain these things to the family of GOD, you will be a good minister of JESUS CHRIST, being nourished by the message of faith, and by the good teaching that you have followed.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

We neither want you to be ignorant concerning those who have died, nor to grieve like those who have no hope. We believe that JESUS died and rose again, and we believe that GOD will bring with JESUS those who have died in him. For we tell you this directly from the LORD: that we who remain and are living at the coming of the LORD, will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the LORD himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet call of GOD, and the dead in CHRIST will rise first. Then we who remain and are living will together with them be caught up in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. From then on we will always be with the LORD. With these words, therefore, encourage one another.

Colossians 1:15-20

CHRIST is the visible image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over all creation, for by him all things were created, everything in heaven and everything on earth. He created the things we can see, and the things we cannot see, whether thrones or kingdoms or rulers or authorities. Everything was created by him and for him. He existed before anything else, and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have preeminence. For GOD was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile all things to himself, and through him to make peace through the blood of his cross, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Ephesians 1:7-10

In JESUS we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace, which he showered on us in abundance with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in himself, to be administered in the fulness of time, under the authority of CHRIST - everything in heaven, and everything on earth.

1 Peter 1:8-12

You love JESUS having never seen him; and though you do not see him now, you believe in him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. You are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Prophets spoke about this salvation and the grace that was to come to you, intently seeking and searching, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the SPIRIT of CHRIST within them was pointing when he testified concerning the future sufferings of CHRIST and the glory to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have since been proclaimed to you by those who preached the gospel by the HOLY SPIRIT sent from heaven. Even angels are eagerly paying attention.

Hebrews 13:20-21

The GOD of peace brought our LORD, JESUS, the GREAT SHEPHERD of the sheep, back from the dead. Through the blood of that eternal covenant, may GOD equip you with everything you need to do his will, working in you to do what pleases him through JESUS CHRIST, to whom belongs all glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 85:7-13

Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. Listen to what JEHOVAH GOD says: he promises peace to his people, the faithful; but let them not return to their foolish ways. Salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Kindness and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth springs up from the earth; righteousness looks down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield it's harvest. Righteousness goes before him, and prepares the way for his steps.

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing before you, O LORD, my ROCK and my REDEEMER.

Mark 9:42, 43, 45, 47

If anyone causes a young person who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone attached to his neck.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter eternal life maimed than to go with both hands into the unquenchable fires of hell.
If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter eternal life crippled than to be thrown with both feet into the unquenchable fires of hell.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pull it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of GOD one-eyed than to be thrown with both eyes into hell.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Furthermore, brothers and sisters, we exhort you in the name of the LORD JESUS, to follow the instructions we gave you on living to please GOD, and that you do so more and more. For you know the commandments we gave you through the LORD JESUS: that it is the will of GOD for you to be holy and to abstain from sexual immorality. Each one of you should know how to control his own body, with holiness and honor, and not in lustful desires like the Gentiles who do not know GOD. And no one is to take advantage of, or to otherwise cheat a brother or sister in this matter, because the LORD will punish those who do such things, just as we have already warned you and solemnly testified. For GOD did not call us to be unholy, but to be holy. Therefore, anyone who rejects this, is not rejecting man, but GOD: the same GOD who gave his HOLY SPIRIT to you.

Hebrews 12:7-11

It is for discipline that you endure; GOD is dealing with you as his own children. For what child is not disciplined by his father? If you have not been disciplined, as he disciplines all his children, then you are illegitimate and not his. Furthermore, since we respected our earthly fathers when they disciplined us, shouldn't we even more submit to the FATHER of our spirits and live? Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years as they saw best, but GOD's discipline is good for us so we can partake in his holiness. All discipline seems unpleasant at the time and there's no joy in it. But afterwards there is a peaceful harvest of righteousness for those being trained.

Psalm 145:1-7

I will exalt you, my GOD, my KING, and praise your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise. His greatness is beyond measure. Let each generation tell of your mighty deeds; let them proclaim your power. I will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and declare your wonders. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will share the story of your wonderful goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Romans 6:15-18

So, what does this mean? May we sin now that we are under grace and no longer under the law? Absolutely not! Surely you know that you are slaves to whomever you offer yourselves in obedience. The one you obey is your master. And this is true whether you obey sin, which leads to death, or obey GOD, which leads to righteousness. But thanks be to our GOD that, even though we were once slaves to sin, we now obey from the heart the standard of teaching with which we were entrusted. And having been set free from sin, we have become bondservants of righteousness.

Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 3:7-12

The news about JESUS went all over the land of Syria. And as he was going all around Galilee, he taught the Good News of the kingdom in their houses of worship. He was also healing people of all types of diseases and sicknesses, and they brought him all the people who were sick. These people had all kinds of diseases, and they were suffering with much pain. Some of them had demons inside of them. Some were epileptics, and some were paralyzed. JESUS healed them all. He and his disciples went down to the Sea of Galilee, and a multitude of people followed him from Galilee and from the region of Judea, from Jerusalem, from the land of Idumea, from the area across the Jordan River, and from the cities of Tyre and Sidon. They had heard about the things JESUS was doing; so they came to him. To keep the crowd from pressing in on him, he told his students to get a boat ready. The people were trying to get as close to JESUS as they could because he had healed so many people. People with diseases wanted to touch him. But when people with evil spirits saw JESUS, they fell down in front of him and shouted, "You are the SON of GOD!" But JESUS warned them not to tell who he was.

Galatians 2:17-21

If while seeking to be justified in CHRIST it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that make CHRIST a minister of sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a lawbreaker. For through the law I died to the law, that I may live for GOD. I am crucified with CHRIST, so it is no longer I that live, but CHRIST that lives in me. For 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. I do not set aside the grace of GOD; for if righteousness is through law, then CHRIST died in vain.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and set aside the understanding of the intelligent." So what about the philosophers, the scholars, and the critics of the world? GOD has made their wisdom look foolish. In the wisdom of GOD, the world in it's wisdom did not know him, and he was pleased to save those who believed through 'foolish' preaching. The Jews ask for miracles, and the Gentiles look for wisdom; but all we preach is CHRIST crucified - a stumbling block to the Jews, and sheer nonsense to the Gentiles. For to those who are called, both Jew and Gentile, CHRIST is the power of GOD and the wisdom of GOD; because the 'foolishness' of GOD is wiser than man's wisdom, and the 'weakness' of GOD is stronger than any human strength.

Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13

Then JESUS, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, returned from the Jordan River and was immediately sent by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, with the wild animals, to be tempted by the devil for forty days and forty nights, during which JESUS ate nothing. When those days were over he was very hungry. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the SON of GOD, command these rocks to become food." JESUS answered him, "It is written, 'A person does not live on food alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil takes him into the holy city of Jerusalem, to the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the SON of GOD, throw yourself down from here, for it is written that GOD will command his angels in charge of you to protect you, that they will catch you with their own hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone." JESUS answered, "Again, it is written, "You must not test the LORD your GOD.'" Then the devil takes him onto a very high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil says to him, "I have been given the authority to give to whomever I want all of these kingdoms and all of the power and glory which is in them. I will give all of these things to you if you will bow down and worship me." JESUS answered him and said, "Get away from me, satan! For it is written, 'You must worship the LORD your GOD and him only shall you serve.'" The devil ended his temptations and departed from him for a while. And behold, angels came and ministered to him.

Psalm 17

Hear, O LORD, my just cause. Listen to my prayer that does not come from deceitful lips. Let my justice come from you. Your eyes can see the truth. You know my heart. Even in the night you have inspected me. You have tried me and found me innocent. I have resolved to not sin in what I say. Concerning the deeds of man, by the very words from your lips, I have avoided the path of violence. I have followed your path without slipping. I have called on you, O GOD, for you will answer me. Turn your ear to me and hear my speech. Show your marvelous, loving kindness. You save those who come to you for safety from their enemies. Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings and keep me from the wicked who oppress me: the enemies of my soul who surround me. Their hearts are callous. With their mouths the speak with pride. They have now surrounded me and watch for a chance to throw me down. They are like hungry lions eager to pounce on me; like young lions ready to ambush. Arise, O LORD, and confront them. Stop them. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, and from men by our hand, O LORD, from men who see the world as their reward. But you satisfy the hunger of your cherished ones. And their children have plenty, even enough to store up wealth for their children. As for me, I will see your face because I am innocent. When I awake, all I want is to see you.

James 5:16b-18

The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. Elijah was a person with a nature like ours. He prayed with earnest that it would not rain, and for three and one-half years it did not. Elijah prayed again - this time that it would rain. And it did - and the earth produced its fruit.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and put yourself under their authority, for they watch over your lives, and they must answer to GOD. Let it be a joyful task for them, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

Romans 6:8-14

Since we died with CHRIST, we believe that we will also live with him. And we know that CHRIST, having been raised from the dead, will never die again because death has no power over him. For in his death, he died for sin once for all; but in his life, he lives to God. In the same way, think of yourselves as being dead to sin, but alive to GOD in CHRIST JESUS, our LORD. Therefore, do not let sin rule over your mortal body, that you should obey its desires. And do not allow your body parts to be used as instruments of sin. Instead, give yourself to GOD, as people who have been risen from the dead. Use the parts of your body as instruments of righteousness for GOD. For sin will not rule over you because you are not under the law - you are under the grace of GOD.

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the words of CHRIST abundantly live in you. Use all wisdom to teach and admonish one another with psalms, songs of praise, and spiritual songs; singing to GOD with grace in your hearts. And in everything you do, both in what you say and in how you act, do it in the NAME of the LORD, JESUS, giving thanks to GOD the FATHER through him.

James 5:13-16a

Is anyone among you suffering? Let them pray. Is anyone among you cheerful? Let them sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call for the elders of the church to pray over them, anointing them with oil in the NAME of the LORD. The prayer of faith will make a sick person well, and the LORD will raise them up. If this person has sinned, GOD will forgive them. Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other. GOD will heal you.

Luke 2:40-52

As JESUS was growing up, he became stronger and wiser, and the grace of GOD was upon him. Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the feast, according to that custom. When the feast days were over, they were returning home, but his parents were unaware that the boy JESUS had stayed behind in Jerusalem. They had traveled for a whole day thinking he was with them in the caravan when they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. But when Joseph and Mary could not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him. JESUS was sitting in the temple courtyard among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. All who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. When his parents found him, they were very surprised. His mother said to him, "Son, why did you treat us like this? Your father and I were very worried about you, and we have been looking everywhere for you." JESUS asked them, "Why were you looking for me? You should know that I must be about my FATHER's business." But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them. JESUS went with them to Nazareth and was obedient, and his mother kept these things in her heart. JESUS continued to grow taller and wiser and in favor with GOD and man.

Jude 1:17-23

Dear beloved, you must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said would happen. They said to you, that at the end of time there will be people who show contempt, following their own ungodly desires. These are they who set themselves apart, having only a natural heart, not the Spirit. But you, beloved, must build yoursellves up in your holy faith and pray in the Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ who brings eternal life. Have compassion on those who doubt. Save others from the fire, showing mercy mixed with fear, hating even garments stained with sin.

Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God, which can save anyone, has now been revealed. It teaches us to reject ungodliness and the desires of this world, and to live godly lives in the here and now, while we wait for our blessed hope: the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to pay the ransom for our lawlessness, and to purify for himself a people of his very own that are eager to do what is good.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-20

Brothers, you became imitators of the churches of GOD in CHRIST JESUS in the land of Judea, for your own countrymen make you suffer in the same way that the Judeans make them suffer. They killed the LORD JESUS and the prophets. They drove us out. They are not pleasing GOD and they are contrary to everyone. They tried to stop us from talking to the Gentiles which would keep them from being saved. Their sins continue to pile up. But wrath has finally come upon them. But we, brothers and sisters, having been torn from you for a short time, in person, not in heart, endeavoured all the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face. We wanted to come to you, and I, Paul, more than once tried, but satan hindered us. What are we hoping for? What would make us rejoice? It is the crown of our rejoicing before the coming of the LORD JESUS. It is you. You are our glory. You are our joy.

Matthew 12:9-15; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11

On a Sabbath day, JESUS went into the synagogue to teach the people. There was a man there with a crippled right hand. Jewish leaders were also there hoping to witness JESUS healing the man on the Sabbath so they could accuse him. JESUS knew what they were thinking, so he instructed the man to stand up in the middle of the room. When he had done so, JESUS addressed them, "Who among you would not rescue even one sheep if it fell into a pit on the Sabbath? A person is of far more value than a sheep, so is it lawful to good on the Sabbath, or to do harm? To save life, or to kill?" But they had nothing to say. Looking on them with anger, and being grieved at the callousness of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." As the man did so, it was restored and just as healthy as the other hand. The Pharisees were furious, so they left and began to plot with the Herodians on how to destroy him. JESUS knew about this, so he withdrew and many people followed. He healed them all.

Matthew 5:27-28

JESUS said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You must not commit adultery;' but I am telling you that whoever looks at a woman in lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

James 5:12

More than anything else, dear brothers and sisters, do not swear.
Not by heaven, not by earth, and not by any other oath.
Let your "yes" mean "yes," and let your "no" mean "no." Swearing is hypocrisy.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Working together, we urge you not to receive the grace of GOD in vain. For the Scripture says, "At the right time I listened to you. On the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is the right time!
Now is the day of salvation!"

Hebrews 13:12-14

JESUS also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go to him outside the camp, putting on his shame. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we seek the one which is to come.

James 1:26-27

If you consider yourself religious but do not control your tongue, you deceive your own heart and your "religion" is in vain. Religion that is pure, genuine, and acceptable to GOD the FATHER, is caring for orphans and widows in their distress, and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

Psalm 25:4-7

Cause me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the GOD of my salvation. I put my hope in you all the day long. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ago. Remember not the sins of my youth or my rebellion. LORD, remember me according to your loving kindness for the sake of your goodness.

2 John 1:6

This is love: that we live in obedience to the commandments of GOD. And as you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you live a life of love.

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy statement that deserves universal acceptance: CHRIST JESUS entered the world to rescue sinners, of whom I am the worst. Yet for that very reason I received mercy so that CHRIST JESUS could display his great patience, with even the worst of sinners, as an example for those who would believe on him for eternal life. Now to the ETERNAL KING, the IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, and ONLY GOD, be all honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not worry over anything. Instead, with earnest and thankful prayer, make your requests known to GOD. Then the peace of GOD, which is beyond human comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a stand so it can illuminate everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light be seen by everyone. Let them see the good things you do and praise your FATHER in Heaven.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that nothing has the power to separate us from the love of GOD in JESUS CHRIST, our LORD! Not death, and not life. No angels, no rulers, and no powers. Neither what happens today, nor what may happen tomorrow. Nothing from on high; nothing from below. Nothing in all creation!

Matthew 11:28-30

JESUS said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light."

1 John 5:3-4

Loving GOD means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. Everyone born of GOD overcomes the world, and we achieve this overcoming-the-world victory through our faith.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Aspire to live quietly, minding your own affairs, working with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders, and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Matthew 10:34-38

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword, dividing a man from his father, a daughter from her mother, and a daughter-in-law from her mother-in-law. You will have enemies right in your own household! For anyone loving father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. Anyone loving son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And anyone who does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.

John 13:34-35

JESUS said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Having such love for one another will show the world that you are my disciples."

Psalm 91:1-2

Those who live in the shelter of the MOST HIGH will find rest in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my GOD, and I trust him.

Mark 8:34-37

Then JESUS gathered the crowd, along with his disciples, and said to them, "Anyone wanting to follow in my footsteps must first deny himself, then take up his cross to follow me. If you would rather save your life, you will lose it. If you are willing to give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel - you will save it. For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, but forfeit his own soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

2 Peter 1:2-3

May grace and peace be yours in abundance through your knowledge of GOD and of JESUS, our LORD. By his divine power, he has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We have received this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by his glory and goodness.

1 Peter 1:3-7

Praise be to the GOD and FATHER of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST! By His great mercy we have been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - an inheritance reserved in heaven for you.

Romans 12:1-2

In view of the mercy of GOD, I plead with you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him. Do not let the world squeeze you into it's mold, but let GOD change the way you think. Then you'll be able to know the will of GOD - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Psalm 65:5-8

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds of righteousness, O GOD of our salvation.
You are the hope and confidence of all, to the end of earth and sea.
You formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with mighty strength.
You quieted roaring oceans and their pounding waves, and silenced the turmoil of nations.
Inhabitants from far, far away are in awe of your wonder.
From the dawn of morning to where the evening fades, you inspire songs of joy.

Hebrews 6:10-12

GOD is not unjust. He will forget neither how hard you have worked for Him, nor your labor of love for other believers. Our great desire is that you will keep on showing this same diligence to the very end, in order to make certain your hope. Do not become lazy, but follow the example of those who through faith and patient endurance are going to inherit what has been promised.

Matthew 7:21-25

Not everyone who calls me, 'LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who is doing the will of my FATHER. Many will say to me on that day, 'LORD, did we not prophesy in your name, and did we not drive out demons in your name, and did we not do other great things in your name?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Therefore, everyone who actually puts my words into practice is like a wise man who built his house on rock. There came a heavy rain, floodwaters rose, and the storm winds battered the house; yet it did not fall, because it had a solid foundation.

Psalm 119:33-37

Show me, O LORD, the way of your statutes and I will keep them to the end.
Cause me to understand and I will keep your laws, obeying with my whole heart.
Direct me on the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
Turn my heart toward your laws and away from selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.
Give me life through your Word.

Luke 7:11-17

The next day JESUS went to a town called Nain. Many of his disciples and a large group of people were traveling with him. When he came near to the gate of the city, he saw a funeral procession. A mother, who was a widow, had lost her only son. Many from the town were with her. When the LORD saw her, he had compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not cry." He came near, touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. Then JESUS said, "Young man, arise!" The dead man sat up, and began to speak. JESUS gave him back to his mother. All of the people were in awe, and they glorified GOD, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us," and, "GOD has visited his people." News of JESUS spread throughout Judea and in all the surrounding areas.

Psalm 16:1-11

Preserve me, O GOD: I take refuge in you. O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my MASTER. Apart from you I have no goodness." As for the saints who are on the earth, they are honorable and my delight is in them. Sorrows will be multiplied for those who worship another god. I will not offer up their blood offerings; nor will I speak their names. The LORD is my inheritance, my cup. You made my lot secure. Boundaries have fallen for me in pleasant places; truly, my inheritance is beautiful. I will bless the LORD, who has counseled me. My conscience instructs me during the night. I have set the LORD before me continually, and since he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. My heart is glad, therefore, as all of me rejoices, and my body will rest in safety. Neither will you leave my soul in hell, nor will you allow your HOLY ONE to experience corruption. You will show me the way of life; abundant joy is in your presence. At your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Romans 6:1-7

What shall we say then? Should we remain in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we, who died to sin, live in it any longer? Do you not know that we who were baptized into CHRIST JESUS were baptized into his death? Through baptism we were buried with him into death. CHRIST was raised from death through the glory of the Father, and in the same way - we live a new life. For if we have been united with him by sharing a death like his, so shall we also share a resurrection like his. We know, therefore, that our old sinful selves were nailed to the cross with CHRIST, so that the body of sin would become powerless, and so that we would no longer be held captive to sin. For a person who has died, has been set free from sin.

1 Corinthians 4:20

The kingdom of GOD is not just talk, but power.

Colossians 4:1-6

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, remembering that you too have a MASTER in heaven. Continue in prayer; be alert; be thankful. And pray for us also: that GOD will open a door for us to share the Word, that we may talk about the mystery of CHRIST (the very reason I am in chains), and that I may make it clear, as I should. Live in wisdom before outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Let your message be full of grace, and seasoned with salt. Learn how to answer each person.

Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-51; John 6:16-21

As evening approached, JESUS made his disciples go down to the Sea of Galilee to get into the boat, while he sent the people away. They were going ahead of him to the other side, first to Bethsaida, and later on to Capernaum. After JESUS had sent the multitude away, he went up onto a mountain to be alone and pray. When evening had come, he was there alone, and the boat was in the middle of the sea. When it became dark, JESUS had not yet come to them, and the boat was being tossed around; the waves were beating against the boat as a great wind blew. About three o'clock in the morning, JESUS came to them, walking on the sea. He saw the difficulty they were having rowing, for the wind was against them, and he was about to pass them by when they saw him drawing near the boat, walking on the water. They were alarmed, and cried out in fear, "It's a ghost!" But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is me; do not be afraid." Peter answered him and said, "LORD, if it is really you, command me to come to you on the water." And JESUS said, "Come!" Peter got down out of the boat, and walked on the water toward JESUS. But Peter saw how the wind was blowing, and was afraid. As he began to sink, he cried out to the LORD, "Save me!" Immediately JESUS stretched forth his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Those in the boat were glad to receive them, and as soon as they had climbed into the boat, the wind stopped, and they were astonished. They worshipped him, and said, "Truly, you really are the SON of GOD!" And immediately the boat came to the shore where they were heading.

Psalm 13:1-6

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me? Consider, and answer me, O LORD, my GOD. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy announce, "I have prevailed against him;" lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your forever loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has been very good to me.

Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:5-14

JESUS looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming toward him. The twelve came to him saying, "The day is wearing away, and we are in a remote location. Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms to get food and lodging for themselves." JESUS answered them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." Then he asked Philip, "Where can we buy enough food to feed so many people?" He said this to test him, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of food would not be enough, even if each person ate only a small amount." And JESUS asked them, "How much food do you have? Go see." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five small barley loaves and two small fish, but that is not nearly enough for all these people." And JESUS said, "Bring them here to me." He commanded all the people to sit down in groups of 50 or 100 on the green grass, which was plentiful in that area. In all, there were about five thousand men, plus women and children. He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up into heaven, he gave thanks and blessed the food. Then he distributed the food to the disciples, and they in turn served all the people, as much as they desired. They all ate and were filled. Then he said to the disciples, "Gather up all the leftovers. Let nothing go to waste." So they collected the food that was left over, and it filled twelve large baskets! When the people had seen this miracle that JESUS had performed, they said, "Truly this is the Prophet we were expecting to come into the world."

Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21

While JESUS was speaking to the crowd, behold, his family arrived, desiring to speak with him. They could not reach him because there were so many people, so they waited outside while someone told him that his family was there looking for him. But he asked the one who spoke to him, "Who is my family?" Then he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, "Behold, here is my family. My family is whoever hears the Word of GOD and obeys, doing the will of my FATHER who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:31-32

JESUS said, "It has been said that when a man divorces his wife, he must give her a certificate of divorce. But I, I am telling you, that unless the reason is for the cause of sexual immorality, any man who divorces his wife causes her to commit adultery (when she remarries), and whoever marries a woman who was divorced for reasons other than sexual immorality also commits adultery."

James 5:10-11

For an example of suffering and patience, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the LORD. As you know, we admire those who endure. And you have heard of the patience of Job, and you know the result that the LORD brought about, and how the LORD was tender and merciful to him.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Therefore, as a prisoner in the LORD, I call on you to live as though you are worthy of your calling of GOD. Be humble, gentle, and patient; bearing with one another with unconditional love; being eager to remain united in the SPIRIT, in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one SPIRIT, just as you were called to one hope in your calling; one LORD, one faith, one baptism. There is one GOD and FATHER of everyone, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.

Hebrews 13:7-8

Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of GOD to you. Carefully observe the results of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21

And GOD spoke these words, saying:
• I am the LORD your GOD. Do not have any other gods before me.
• Do not worship any idol or image; for I, the LORD your GOD, am a jealous GOD.
• Do not use the name of the LORD your GOD in vain.
• The LORD blessed the Sabbath and made it holy. Therefore, observe the seventh day as a Sabbath to the LORD your GOD, to keep it holy.
• Honor your father and your mother.
• Do not commit murder.
• Do not commit adultery.
• Do not steal.
• Do not give false testimony.
• Do not covet.

Psalm 12:1-8

Help, O LORD; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men. Everyone lies to his neighbor. They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts, who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?" "Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in safety from those who malign him." The words of the LORD are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times. You will keep them, LORD. You will preserve them from this generation forever. The wicked walk on every side, when what is vile is exalted among the children of men.

Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything, except to love one another unconditionally; for the person who loves others unconditionally, has fulfilled the law. All of the commandments, including "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," are summed up in this one sentence: "You shall unconditionally love your neighbor as yourself." Loving others unconditionally does no harm to anyone; therefore, unconditional love is the fulfillment of the law.

Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 8:5-10,13

Upon entering into Capernaum, a centurion sent elders of the Jews to ask JESUS to save the life of his servant, who was dear to him and very sick: bed-ridden, paralyzed, suffering, and near death. When the men came to JESUS, they begged him, saying, "This man is worthy for you to do this for him, for he loves our nation, and even built a house of worship for us." JESUS agreed to heal him and went with the men. When they were not too far from the house, the centurion sent word to JESUS, saying, "LORD, do not trouble yourself any further, for I did not consider myself worthy to come to you myself, and I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I understand authority: I give commands, and they are obeyed." When JESUS heard this, he was amazed, and said to the multitude who followed him, "Truly I say to you that I have not found this much faith anywhere — not even in Israel!" Then JESUS said to the centurion, "Go your way. It will be done for you as you have believed." His servant was healed at that time. Those who had been sent to JESUS returned to the house and found that the servant who had been sick was well.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Live such that people think of us as servants of CHRIST, and stewards of the mysteries of GOD. One thing is expected of a steward, and that is that he be found trustworthy. It does not matter to me if you judge me by human standards; I don't even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me right with GOD. The LORD is the one who judges me. Therefore, do not prejudge anything before the LORD comes, for he will bring to light the things which are hidden in darkness, and he will reveal the motives of the hearts of people. Then GOD will reward us.

Colossians 3:5-8

Therefore, put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of GOD will come to those who will not obey. In the past you lived that way, but now you must put off all such things, and also anger, grudges, feelings of hate, cursing, and filthy words.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

We decided to stay behind in Athens alone, but when we could stand it no longer, we sent Timothy, our brother and servant of GOD for the gospel of CHRIST. We wanted him to make you strong, and to help your faith. We want no one to be disturbed by our afflictions, for you yourselves know that we are about our appointed task. When we were with you we foretold you that we would be persecuted. And now, as you know, it has happened. That is why I could wait no more and sent Timothy in order to know your faith, for fear that the tempter had tempted you and made our labor in vain. But now Timothy has returned to us and reported good news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us, and that you are longing to see us just as we long to see you. Brothers and sisters, we are encouraged in the midst of our affliction and distress, and comforted because of your faith. For now we live, if you stand firm in the LORD. We can neither thank GOD enough, nor ever repay him for all the joy we have before our GOD because of you. Night and day we earnestly pray that we may see your faces and supply anything missing in your faith. Now may our GOD and FATHER himself, and our LORD, JESUS CHRIST, prepare a way for us to come to you. And may the LORD make your love grow and overflow toward one another, and toward everyone, just as ours does toward you, so that he can make your hearts strong and blameless in holiness before our GOD and FATHER, when our LORD, JESUS, returns with all his saints.