Posts Tagged ‘ Bible reading ’
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24, ESV
Even Jesus had a small band of close friends (12) with an even smaller set of really close friends (James and John and Peter).
If you have hundreds of friends, but no confidants, you may find yourself alone when trouble hits.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Philippians 2:3-4, KJV
Do not cause problems or seek popularity or fame.
Take care of yourself, sure, but even more importantly take care of other people.
But, again, do not help others to seek favor, fame, or … revenge.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV
Jesus came at the right time in history to show us our need for God and His forgiveness, and He sacrificed Himself to bring that forgiveness. If we believe, we are saved from God’s judgment.
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31, ESV
The ultimate life-giving reproof?
You are a sinner in need a Savior, and Jesus of Nazareth is that Savior.
“. . . and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32, ESV
Jesus is the truth. True freedom is knowing, believing in, and trusting Him.
Ultimately, freedom is from sin and fully realized in eternity.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10, ESV
This may be the hardest part of being a Christian. We can get caught up in helping others more than serving Christ, making people feel better than leading them to Christ.
We should care for physical needs, but we should care more for spiritual needs.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV
A 7th Grade student once told me to live a weak life.
If you have a weakness – illness, disability, fear, inability – Christ may use it to glorify Himself through you. Let Christ use you.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 12:25, ESV
We all struggle sometimes.
And, sometimes, all it takes to make the day better is a friendly encouragement.
Now, turn to your neighbor and say “You’re beautiful.” (In Christ)
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18, ESV
“All who call on Him in truth.”
He wants to answer, but He responds to those calling out with an unselfish, honest desire for His will.
(But He also responds to turn our hearts toward Him!)
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2, ESV
Our Rock is Christ, our solid foundation that holds steady when life gets shaky and hard. He sustains and lifts us through it all.
a simple man of God 