Archive for the ‘ Bible reading ’ Category

VerseD: Luke 6:36

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:36, ESV

Just as God showed us mercy for all the ways we sin against Him, remember that people are messed up and mess up all the time, and show them mercy and grace. You would like them to do it for you.

VerseD: Hebrews 12:11

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11, ESV

When circumstances are tough, it is probably not punishment so much as a time to learn and grow. Your sin (even someone else’s) may lead to it, but use the time to grow closer to God.

VerseD: Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Romans 8:26, ESV

When life is so hard, so scary, and so wearying that we barely know how to think straight, God helps us talk with Him.

If you find it hard to pray, either sit quietly, inviting Him to speak, or let it all out at Him. He can take it. He will help you.

VerseD: Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23, ESV

This is not a “know thyself” proverb. This is a “be careful what you think, feel, watch, and listen to” warning and encouragement.

Focus on good and godly things.

VerseD: 1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
1 Peter 3:12, ESV

Do not expect God to listen to your prayers if you openly flaunt your sin.

But if you sincerely draw near to Him and trust in Him, God hears every prayer you pray!

VerseD: Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10, ESV

Only God can make us good and clean.

Lord, give us wisdom to seek You, and clean our hearts and minds as You cleanse our souls.

VerseD: Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13, ESV

Too many churches teach we can do whatever we want, being free in Christ. If we are not crucifying our flesh daily, we may be showing our true allegiance … to ourselves, not Christ. Choose Christ.

VerseD: Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25, ESV

We should make sure we are good stewards, but our focus in life should be the Lord. What are we doing for Jesus to the glory of the Father?

Look to our Creator and Provider. He alone can calm our fears and anxieties.

VerseD: Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1, ESV

There is no reason to not believe in God. Creation itself points to a Creator.

The wise will find their way, also, to the Son of God.

VerseD: Exodus 14:14

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Exodus 14:14, ESV

We can learn from Israel escaping Egypt that God will defeat our enemies, and in fact He has. Primarily, He has defeated Satan and death, who will be destroyed after Christ’s return.