Morning:
Psalm 119:32; Isaiah 26:13; Matthew 6:24; Matthew 11:29–30; John 12:26; Romans 6:18; Romans 6:20–22; Romans 10:4
Having been set free from sin, [you] have become slaves of righteousness.
“You cannot serve God and money.”—When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.—Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”—“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“O Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone we bring to remembrance.”—I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.Greek mammon, a Semitic word for money or possessions">1
Footnotes
[1]6:24 Greek mammon, a Semitic word for money or possessions
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Manasseh… did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations…. He erected altars for Baal…. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with wizards. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.—And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea.
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”—The Lord is… patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish.
21 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. 3 For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. 6 And he burned his son as an offeringHebrew made his son pass through the fire">1 and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger.
12 And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 13 He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.
18 “Come now, let us reasonOr dispute">1 together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,Some manuscripts on your account">1 not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Morning:
Matthew 7:21; Luke 8:21; Luke 11:28; John 4:34; John 15:14; Galatians 5:6; Hebrews 2:11–12; 1 John 1:6; 1 John 2:5
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”—In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.—“You are my friends if you do what I command you.”—“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”—“My food is to do the will of him who sent me.”
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.—Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him.
“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
Footnotes
[1]2:11 Greek all are of one [2]2:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
“He knows the way that I take.”—O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways…. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?… If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.—The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.—Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.—The righteous falls seven times and rises again.—Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.—“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”—As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
139 O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.
“Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.—He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.—His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Your life is hidden with Christ in God.—He who touches you touches the apple of his eye.—“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord…. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”—God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”—“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”—I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
46 God is our refuge and strength, a very presentOr well proved">2 help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Footnotes
[1]46:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2]46:1 Or well proved
8 For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent meOr he sent me after glory">1 to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye:
38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”
12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.Or what I have entrusted to him; Greek my deposit">1
Footnotes
[1]1:12 Or what I have entrusted to him; Greek my deposit
Evening:
Matthew 26:64; John 18:36; 1 Corinthians 15:25; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Ephesians 1:20–23; 1 Timothy 6:15; Hebrews 10:12–13
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.—“From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”—He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.—He raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.—which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
12 But when ChristGreek this one">1 had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.
Morning:
Matthew 26:39; John 4:24; John 16:13; Romans 8:26–27; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 6:18; 1 John 5:14; Jude 20
Pray in the Holy Spirit.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”—We… have access in one Spirit to the Father.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
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. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.—This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.—“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication.
39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
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. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, becauseOr that">1 the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
“There is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease.”
A bruised reed he will not break.—He restores my soul.
Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.—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.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.—“After all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this.”
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me…. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.
13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this,
8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. 9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.
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.
Morning:
Exodus 22:27; Leviticus 26:44; Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 42:3; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 16:60; Luke 23:42–43; John 6:37
“Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
“If he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.”—“I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God.”—“I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant.”
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”—“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”—“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.
27 for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
44 Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the LORD their God.
18 “Come now, let us reasonOr dispute">1 together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Evening:
Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:17; John 1:18; John 17:22–23; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:9–10; 1 John 4:16
His beloved Son.
Behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”—Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.—The only God, who is at the Father's side.
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins…. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love.
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”—See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”—I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.—When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?—The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,Or the valley of deep darkness">1 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
16 And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
One God, and… one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”—An intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
We and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,… they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love…. Therefore he said he would destroy them—had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house.
The covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises…. “I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. 7 Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
23 Therefore he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.
3 Therefore, holy brothers,Or brothers and sisters; also verse 12">1 you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God'sGreek his; also verses 5, 6">2 house.
Footnotes
[1]3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 12
[2]3:2 Greek his; also verses 5, 6
6 But as it is, ChristGreek he">1 has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
Morning:
Isaiah 5:4; Matthew 7:20; Matthew 12:33; Matthew 12:35; James 3:11–13; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 John 3:7
“You will recognize them by their fruits.”
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.—Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.—Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.”—“The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.”—What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it?
11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Wisdom from Above
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”—“But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!”
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts…. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts.”
I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more…. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”
18 “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!
13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
66 Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?
6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts.
9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”
He removed them with his fierce breath in the day of the east wind.
“Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great.”—“I am with you to save you, declares the Lord…. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”—He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities…. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.—“I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.”
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.—“Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.”—You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall.
14 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”
9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,
11 For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
17 “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Evening:
1 Kings 10:7; Job 19:26; Psalm 17:15; Isaiah 33:17; Matthew 12:42; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 2:4–5; 1 Corinthians 2:9–10; 1 John 3:2
“I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me.”
“The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”—We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
My speech and my message were… in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God…. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty.—We shall see him as he is.—“In my flesh I shall see God.”—I shall be satisfied.
7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard.
42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only SonOr only One, or unique One">1 from the Father, full of grace and truth.
4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of menThe Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women">1 but in the power of God.
Footnotes
[1]2:5 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women
2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appearsOr when it appears">1 we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.—That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!—For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.—You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
“As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.”—They sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.—The one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption.
One who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.—The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.—Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no flour; if it were to yield, strangers would devour it.
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Morning:
Job 23:11–12; Psalm 119:9–10; Psalm 119:99; Proverbs 2:10–11; John 8:31–32; John 15:3; John 17:17; Colossians 3:16
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.”—Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,… in all wisdom.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
Wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.
“My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.”—I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.—“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.—Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.—The Father… has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
12 giving thanksOr patience, with joy giving thanks">1 to the Father, who has qualified youSome manuscripts us">2 to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Footnotes
[1]1:12 Or patience, with joy giving thanks [2]1:12 Some manuscripts us
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assemblyOr church">1 of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Morning:
1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 3:17–19; Hebrews 10:23; 1 Peter 4:13; 1 John 1:3; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:15
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.—God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”—Indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.—Rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.—Whoever keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them.
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God,Greek him">1 and GodGreek he">2 in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
They quarried out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stones.—When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house.—Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.—Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people.
You are… God's building.—Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.—He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
7 When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God byOr in">1 the Spirit.
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.—In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.—“Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker?”
“I am with you to deliver you.”—“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.—You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; 24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
12 “I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, 13 and have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and you fear continually all the day because of the wrath of the oppressor, when he sets himself to destroy? And where is the wrath of the oppressor?
Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest.
The priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
We see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.—“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”
“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest),
17 Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,Or the valley of deep darkness">1 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
5 “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?
9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Morning:
Psalm 19:7–8; Psalm 119:50; John 3:5; John 17:17; Ephesians 5:2; Ephesians 5:25–26; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.—“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”—“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”—He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.—Your promise gives me life.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,Or blameless">1 reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
Evening:
Luke 11:2; John 14:13–14; John 14:16–17; John 17:23; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 4:4–6; Hebrews 10:19–20; Hebrews 10:22
Through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one.”
“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it…. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”—There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.—“When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name.”
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way… let us draw near.
13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If you ask meSome manuscripts omit me">1 anything in my name, I will do it.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,Or Advocate, or Counselor; also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7">1 to be with you forever,17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will beSome manuscripts and is">2 in you.
Footnotes
[1]14:16 Or Advocate, or Counselor; also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7
[2]14:17 Some manuscripts and is
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
19 Therefore, brothers,Or brothers and sisters">1 since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Morning:
Psalm 40:12–13; Psalm 51:17; Psalm 147:3; Hosea 12:6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 26:75; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 1:9
Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.
Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.—If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.—The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
My iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!
“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.—He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.—He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,Or steadfast love">1 and to walk humbly with your God?
“‘Is all well with you?…’” And she answered, “All is well.”
We have the same spirit of faith.—As punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies…. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
26 Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.”
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer selfGreek man">1 is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice.
“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.”—In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.—So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.—Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
3 for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted,Or he did not afflict">1 and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified.
The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.—Upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.—Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.—“It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.—Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.—Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven…. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
32 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.Or holy and blameless">1
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Morning:
John 15:8; John 15:16; Romans 6:19; Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 6:15–16; Colossians 1:10
Bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to pre-sent your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.—Neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them.
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”—“I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
Evening:
Psalm 27:14; Psalm 62:1; Psalm 62:5; Song of Solomon 3:1; Lamentations 3:26; Hosea 14:1–2; Luke 18:7; James 1:13–17
I sought him, but found him not.
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all iniquity; accept what is good.”
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God….” But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire…. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!—It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.—“Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?”
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salva-tion…. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
14 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. 2 Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him, “Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vowsSeptuagint, Syriac pay the fruit">1 of our lips.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.Some manuscripts variation due to a shadow of turning">1
Footnotes
[1]1:17 Some manuscripts variation due to a shadow of turning
“I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.”
“I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.”—There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.—“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Mighty God.—[He] made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.—We see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.—Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things.
19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one,Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones">1 and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponOr is upon">1 his shoulder, and his name shall be calledOr is called">2 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)">1 being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
Footnotes
[1]2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)
9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Evening:
Deuteronomy 30:4; Psalm 50:5; Mark 13:27; John 17:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 9:28
“Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.—He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.”—“Then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”—“If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there he will take you.”
The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.The Greek word means both covenant and will; also verses 16, 17">1
Footnotes
[1]9:15 The Greek word means both covenant and will; also verses 16, 17
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.—Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord;… let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. 9 It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,Greek girding up the loins of your mind">1 and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day.—Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”
27 And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The LORD is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’” 29 And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day.
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!—Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you.
“The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”—He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved… so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
How great is his goodness, and how great his beauty!—The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
9 The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 12 to make known to the children of man yourHebrew his; also next line">1 mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
5 he predestined usOr before him in love, 5having predestined us">1 for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Footnotes
[1]1:5 Or before him in love, 5having predestined us
Evening:
Romans 5:3–5; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10; Hebrews 12:11; James 1:2–4; James 1:12; James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast.
We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.—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.—Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing…. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.—Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me…. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 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.
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.
[1]1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 16, 19
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Morning:
John 11:25; John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:43; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18; 1 John 3:2; 1 John 5:11–12
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”—God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.—When he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.—It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.Some manuscripts omit and the life">1 Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appearsOr when it appears">1 we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Evening:
Psalm 25:5; Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 8:20; Isaiah 35:8; Matthew 6:22; John 7:17; John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 John 2:20
Lead me in your truth and teach me.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”—You have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.—All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.—The sacred writings… are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.—“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”—“If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.”—It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.
8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.Or if they are fools, they shall not wander in it">1
Footnotes
[1]35:8 Or if they are fools, they shall not wander in it
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of GodThat is, a messenger of God (the phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)">1 may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Footnotes
[1]3:17 That is, a messenger of God (the phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)
Morning:
Exodus 20:23; Exodus 20:25; Exodus 30:32; Psalm 45:7; John 1:16; John 3:34; Acts 10:38; 1 Corinthians 12:4; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 4:4; 1 John 2:27
“Take the finest spices…. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil.”
“It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you.”—One Spirit.—Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Your God… has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.—God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.—God… gives the Spirit without measure.
From his fullness we have all received.—But as his anointing teaches you about everything—and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you—abide in him.—It is God who… has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
32 It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you.
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.Or down payment">1
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
Evening:
Genesis 5:27; Psalm 39:4; 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:3–4; James 1:9–11; James 4:14; 1 John 2:17
The present form of this world is passing away.
Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.—What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.—The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!”—While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grassOr a wild flower">1 he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Morning:
1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 12:5; Hebrews 12:11; 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 4:12–13
Now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.—The exhortation that addresses you as sons… “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.”—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.
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.—For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.—God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
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.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Evening:
Psalm 72:2–3; Psalm 72:6–7; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:78–79; Luke 2:14; John 14:27; John 16:33; Acts 10:36; Philippians 4:7
Prince of Peace.
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!… May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!—“Glory to God,… and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”—“Peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all).”
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”—“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”—The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! 3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! 7 In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponOr is upon">1 his shoulder, and his name shall be calledOr is called">2 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Morning:
Psalm 107:43; Proverbs 10:29; Hosea 14:9; Matthew 6:22; Matthew 11:15; Matthew 13:12; John 5:40; John 7:17; John 8:47; John 10:27; 1 Peter 2:7–8
The ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,… “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”—The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”—Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.—“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”—“If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.”—“To the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance.”—“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”—“You refuse to come to me that you may have life.”—“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
Evening:
Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53:11; John 8:19; John 8:58; John 10:30; John 10:38; John 14:8–9; Colossians 1:17; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 2:13; Revelation 1:8
Everlasting Father.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
“I and the Father are one…. The Father is in me and I am in the Father.”—“If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”—Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”—“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”—Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied.—“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”—“Before Abraham was, I am.”—God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.”—He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.—In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponOr is upon">1 his shoulder, and his name shall be calledOr is called">2 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall seeMasoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll he shall see light">1 and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Footnotes
[1]53:11 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll he shall see light
19 They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”
38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
To this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return… but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.—Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously…. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.—Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty.”—“The man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts.
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LordGod is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”—Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.—Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.
2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one,Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones">1 and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponOr is upon">1 his shoulder, and his name shall be calledOr is called">2 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.
14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all timeOr before any age">1 and now and forever. Amen.
Morning:
Exodus 20:24; Exodus 29:42; Psalm 123:2; Proverbs 8:34; Matthew 18:20; John 4:23–24; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.
“It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there.”—“In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.”
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.—Pray without ceasing.
24 An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.
42 It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.
23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?… To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right…. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.—The Lord of hosts… is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.—If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.—Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. 5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. 6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponOr is upon">1 his shoulder, and his name shall be calledOr is called">2 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
Morning:
1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Isaiah 40:13; Haggai 2:5; Zechariah 4:6; John 1:13; John 3:8; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel?—God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”—Born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
“My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.”—“The battle is not yours but God's.”—“The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's.”
47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.”
15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
8 The windThe same Greek word means both wind and spirit">1 blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Footnotes
[1]3:8 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit
27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human beingGreek no flesh">1 might boast in the presence of God.
Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared…. Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word…. Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope…. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning…. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces…. Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations.
When God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
Morning:
2 Chronicles 20:17; Psalm 32:11; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 77:9; Proverbs 20:22; Lamentations 3:26; Luke 18:7–8; Galatians 6:9; James 5:7
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
“Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”—I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.
“Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.”—Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.—Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.—See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.”
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 10, 12, 19">1 until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
Footnotes
[1]5:7 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 10, 12, 19
Evening:
Psalm 19:12; Song of Solomon 2:15; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 4:6; Hebrews 12:15; James 3:5–6; James 3:8
“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.”
Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.—See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.—You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ…. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.—The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell…. No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.—Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthyGreek Only behave as citizens worthy">1 of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,Or wheel of birth">1 and set on fire by hell.Greek Gehenna">2
Morning:
Psalm 45:2; Psalm 104:34; Song of Solomon 5:10; Song of Solomon 5:16; Philippians 2:9; Philippians 3:8–9; Colossians 1:19; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 Peter 2:6
He is altogether desirable.
May my meditation be pleasing to him.—My beloved is… distinguished among ten thousand.—“A cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”—You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips.—God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.—In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
Evening:
1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 18:6; Psalm 18:18–19; Psalm 34:1–4; Psalm 34:8; John 6:68; 2 Timothy 1:12
David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”—I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears…. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears…. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul,Compare 22:2">1 each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. 19 He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
34 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.Or what I have entrusted to him; Greek my deposit">1
Footnotes
[1]1:12 Or what I have entrusted to him; Greek my deposit
He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation.
Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”—“I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
“And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”—“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”—You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear.Hebrew ears you have dug for me">1 Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
21 Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.
16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Evening:
Micah 7:8; Luke 10:19; Ephesians 6:11–16; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8
The enemy.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.—Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Morning:
Leviticus 14:4–7; Matthew 8:17; Mark 1:41–42; Luke 5:12
“He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
“The priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.”
There came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”—Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
4 the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two liveOr wild">1 clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. 5 And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over freshOr running; Hebrew living; also verses 6, 50, 51, 52">2 water. 6 He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. 7 And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.
Footnotes
[1]14:4 Or wild [2]14:5 Or running; Hebrew living; also verses 6, 50, 51, 52
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
Evening:
Numbers 22:6; Matthew 5:3–12; Luke 11:28; Revelation 22:14
“He whom you bless is blessed.”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”—“Blessed… are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sonsGreek huioi; see Preface">1 of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes,Some manuscripts do his commandments">1 so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
