free information for new christians1. Deuteronomy 31:6 (amp), 6.Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” 2. Psalm 1:1-6 (amp), The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted. 1.Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). 2.But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. 3.And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. 4.The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so, But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away. 5.Therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6.For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall perish. 3. Psalm 4:8 (amp), 8.In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety and confident trust. 4. Psalm 16:8 (amp), 8.I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 5. Psalm 23:1-6 (amp), 1.The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. 2.He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. 3.He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4. Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. 5.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD. 6. Psalm 27:1 (amp), 1.The LORD is my light and my salvation— Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the refuge and fortress of my life— Whom shall I dread? 7. Psalm 34:4-7 (amp), 4.I sought the LORD [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5.They looked to Him and were radiant; Their faces will never blush in shame or confusion. 6.This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him from all his troubles. 7.The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience], And He rescues [each of] them. 8. Psalm 37:4-8 (amp), 4.Delight yourself in the LORD, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. 5. Commit your way to the LORD; Trust in Him also and He will do it. 6. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun]. 7. Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. 8. Cease from anger and abandon wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evil. 9. Psalm 42:5 (amp), 5.Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. 10. Psalm 46:1-11 (amp), God the Refuge of His People. 1.God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, 3.Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah. 4.There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5.God is in the midst of her [His city], she will not be moved; God will help her when the morning dawns. 6.The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7.The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah. 8.Come, behold the works of the LORD, who has brought desolations and wonders on the earth. 9.He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10.“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” 11.The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah. 11. Psalm 55:22 (amp), 22.Cast your burden on the LORD [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail). 12. Psalm 56:3 (amp), 3.When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. 13. Psalm 91:1-16 (amp), Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD. 1.He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. 2.I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!” 3.For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. 4.He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall. 5.You will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6.Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon. 7.A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you. 8.You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High]. 9.Because you have made the LORD, [who is] my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10.No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. 11.For He will command His angels in regard to you, To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12.They will lift you up in their hands, So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone. 13.You will tread upon the lion and cobra; The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 14.“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never]. 15.“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16.“With a long life I will satisfy him And I will let him see My salvation.” 14. Psalm 94:19 (amp), 19.When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comforts delight me. 15. Psalm 103:1-5 (amp), Praise for the LORD’S Mercies 1.Bless and affectionately praise the LORD, O my soul, And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name. 2.Bless and affectionately praise the LORD, O my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits; 3.Who forgives all your sins, Who heals all your diseases; 4.Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy; 5.Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle. 16. Psalm 107:13-16 (amp), 13.Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them from their distresses. 14.He brought them out of darkness and the deep (deathly) darkness and broke their bonds apart. 15.Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonderful acts to the children of men! 16.For He has shattered the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron apart. 17. Proverbs 1:33 (amp), 33.“But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust And will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.” 18. Proverbs 2:7-8 (amp), 7.He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him]; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage], 8.He guards the paths of justice; And He preserves the way of His saints (believers). 19. Proverbs 3:5-6 (amp), 5.Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. 20. Proverbs 12:16,25 (amp), 16.The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], But a prudent man ignores an insult. 25. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad. 21. Proverbs 14:17,29 (amp), 17.A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and without self-control, and a man of wicked schemes is hated. 29.He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see]. 22. Proverbs 15:1 (amp), 1.A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. 23. Proverbs 16:32 (amp), 32.He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. 24. Proverbs 28:23-28 (amp), 23.He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. 24.He who robs his father or his mother And says, “This is no sin,” Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys. 25.An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper. 26.He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued. 27.He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses. 28.When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become great. 25. Proverbs 29:2,11 (amp), 2.When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. 11.A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back. 26. Isaiah 26:1-3 (amp), Song of Trust in God’s Protection 1.In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts. 2.“Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful and trustworthy. 3.“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. 27. Isaiah 30:18 (amp), 18.Therefore the LORD waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]. 28. Isaiah 40:31 (amp), 31.But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. 29. Isaiah 41:10-13 (amp), 10.‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ 11. “Indeed, all those who are angry with you will be put to shame and humiliated; Those who strive against you will be as nothing and will perish. 12.“You shall search for those who quarrel with you, but will not find them; They who war against you will be as nothing, as nothing at all. 13.“For I the LORD your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ 30. Isaiah 43:1-4 (amp), 1.But now, this is what the LORD, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2.“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 3.“For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt [to the Babylonians] as your ransom, Cush (ancient Ethiopia) and Seba [its province] in exchange for you. 4.“Because you are precious in My sight, You are honored and I love you, I will give other men in return for you and other peoples in exchange for your life. 31. Isaiah 54:10 (amp), 10.“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken,” Says the LORD who has compassion on you. 32. Isaiah 59:19 (amp), 19.So they will fear the name of the Lord from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun. For He will come in like a narrow, rushing stream Which the breath of the LORD drives [overwhelming the enemy]. 33. Jeremiah 29:11 (amp), 11.For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 34. Jeremiah 31:3,16 (amp), 3.The LORD appeared to me (Israel) from ages past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. 16. Thus says the LORD, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears, For your work will be rewarded,” says the LORD; “And your children will return from the enemy’s land. 35. Jeremiah 33:3 (amp), 3.‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’ 36. Zephaniah 3:17 (amp), 17.“The LORD your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. New Testament 37 Matthew 6:25-34 (amp), The Cure for Anxiety25.“Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26.Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27.And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? 28.And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], 29.yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. 30.But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31.Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32.For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33.But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. 34.“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 38. Matthew 11:28-30 (amp), 28.“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 29.Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me[following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS.30.For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” 39. Luke 6:48 (amp), 48.he is like a [far-sighted, practical, and sensible] man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and yet could not shake it, because it had been securely built and founded on the rock. 40. Luke 10:41-42 (amp), 41.But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; 42.but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.” (God is not forcing you to work hard. You chose to work hard.) 41. John 3:16-17 (amp), 16.“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17.For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. 42. John 14:27 (amp), 27.Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] 43. John 16:33 (amp), 33.I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] 44. Romans 8:1-39 (amp), Escape from Bondage 8.Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 2.For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3.For what the Law could not do [that is, overcome sin and remove its penalty, its power] being weakened by the flesh [man’s nature without the Holy Spirit], God did: He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful man as an offering for sin. And He condemned sin in the flesh [subdued it and overcame it in the person of His own Son], 4.so that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]. 5.For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. 6.Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; 7.the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, 8.and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God. 9.However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. 10.If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides]. 11.And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. 12.So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]— 13.for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. 14.For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15.For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” 16.The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. 17.And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory. 18.For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! 19.For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. 20.For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope 21.that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22.For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now. 23.And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. 24.For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? 25.But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure. Our Victory in Christ 26.In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27.And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will. 28.And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. 29.For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. 30.And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity]. 31.What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? 32.He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 33.Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. 34.Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. 35.Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36.Just as it is written and forever remains written, 45. Romans 12:21 (amp), 21.Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good. 46. Romans 16:20 (amp), 20.The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The [wonderful] grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 47. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (amp), 13.No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. 48. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (amp), 16.Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day. 17.For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! 18.So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable. 49. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (amp), 10.So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. 50. Galatians 5:19-23 (amp), 19.Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), 20. idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], 21.envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22.But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23.gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 51. Ephesians 2:14 (amp), 14.For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. He who made both groups—[Jews and Gentiles]—into one body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall [of spiritual antagonism between us], 52. Ephesians 4:26-27 (amp), 26.BE ANGRY [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], YET DO NOT SIN; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. 27.And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]. 53. Ephesians 6:10-11 (amp), The Armor of God 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 54. Philippians 4:4-9 (amp), 4.Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 5.Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6.Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7.And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. 8.Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9.The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. 55. Philippians 4:13-19 (amp), I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] 14Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties. 15And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; 16for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. 18But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 56. Colossians 3:8 (amp), 8.But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth. 57. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (amp), 16.Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all. 58. Hebrews 11:1-40 (amp), The Triumphs of Faith 1.Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. 2.For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval. 3.By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. 4.By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which it was testified of him that he was righteous (upright, in right standing with God), and God testified by accepting his gifts. And though he died, yet through [this act of] faith he still speaks. 5.By faith [that pleased God] Enoch was caught up and taken to heaven so that he would not have a glimpse of death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD HAD TAKEN HIM; for even before he was taken [to heaven], he received the testimony [still on record] that he had walked with God and pleased Him. 6.But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. 7.By faith [with confidence in God and His word] Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this [act of obedience] he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith. 8.By faith Abraham, when he was called [by God], obeyed by going to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went, not knowing where he was going. 9.By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. 10.For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has foundations, [an eternal, heavenly city] whose architect and builder is God. 11.By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive [a child], even [when she was long] past the normal age for it, because she considered Him who had given her the promise to be reliable and true [to His word]. 12.So from one man, though he was [physically] as good as dead, were born as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND ON THE SEASHORE. 13.All these died in faith [guided and sustained by it], without receiving the [tangible fulfillment of God’s] promises, only having seen (anticipated) them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14.Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. 15.And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return. 16.But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them. 17.By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises [of God] was ready to sacrifice his only son [of promise]; 18.to whom it was said, “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.” 19.For he considered [it reasonable to believe] that God was able to raise Isaac even from among the dead. [Indeed, in the sense that he was prepared to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God] Abraham did receive him back [from the dead] figuratively speaking. 20.By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau [believing what God revealed to him], even regarding things to come. 21.By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and bowed in worship, leaning on the top of his staff. 22.By faith Joseph, when he was dying, referred to [the promise of God for] the exodus of the sons of Israel [from Egypt], and gave instructions concerning [the burial of] his bones [in the land of the promise]. 23.By faith Moses, after his birth, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful and divinely favored child; and they were not afraid of the king’s (Pharaoh’s) decree. 24.By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25.because he preferred to endure the hardship of the people of God rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. 26.He considered the reproach of the Christ [that is, the rebuke he would suffer for his faithful obedience to God] to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt; for he looked ahead to the reward [promised by God]. 27.By faith he left Egypt, being unafraid of the wrath of the king; for he endured [steadfastly], as seeing Him who is unseen. 28.By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them (the firstborn of Israel). 29.By faith the people [of Israel] crossed the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; but when the Egyptians attempted it they were drowned. 30.By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days [by Joshua and the sons of Israel]. 31.By faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who were disobedient, because she had welcomed the spies [sent by the sons of Israel] in peace. 32.And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33.who by faith [that is, with an enduring trust in God and His promises] subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions, 34.extinguished the power of [raging] fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty and unbeatable in battle, putting enemy forces to flight. 35.Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured [to death], refusing to accept release [offered on the condition of denying their faith], so that they would be resurrected to a better life; 36.and others experienced the trial of mocking and scourging [amid torture], and even chains and imprisonment. 37.They were stoned [to death], they were sawn in two, they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith], they were put to death by the sword; they went about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated 38.(people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and [living in] caves and holes in the ground. 39.And all of these, though they gained [divine] approval through their faith, did not receive [the fulfillment of] what was promised, 40.because God had us in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us. 59. Hebrews 13:5-6 (amp), 5.Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I WILL NEVER [under any circumstances] DESERT YOU [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU [assuredly not]!” 6.So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, 61. James 1:19-20 (amp), 19.Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20.for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us]. 62. 2 Timothy 1:7 (amp), 7.For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. 63. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (amp), 6.Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7.casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 64. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (amp), 3.For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4.For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. 65. 1 John 4:18 (amp), 18.There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]. |
