AFRAID Mark 4:35-41 / Psalm 56:3,4,10,11
ATTACKED Luke 23:34 - Psalm 35:1,2 / Psalm 54:1-4
BEREAVED/BROKENHEARTED 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 / Revelation 21:3-5 / Psalm 147:3
BITTER OR CRITICAL Matthew 7:1-5 / Romans 14:10-13 / 1 Corinthians 4:5 / Psalm 73:21-25
CHOOSING A CAREER Romans 12:1,2 / James 1:5-8
CONSCIOUS OF SIN Luke 15:11-24 / 1 John 1:5-10 / Psalm 51 / Psalm 103:12
CONSIDERING MARRIAGE Matthew 19:4-6 / Ephesians 5:22-23 / Hebrews 13:4
CONTEMPLATING REVENGE Romans 12:17-19 / 1 Thessalonians 5:15 / 1 Peter 2:21-23
DESPERATE (at your wits end) Psalms 55:16, 17, 22 / 61:1-3 / 62:1, 2 / 94:18, 19, 22 / 121:1, 2, 7, 8 DISTRESSED OR TROUBLED
Romans 8:28-39 / 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 16-18 / Psalms 9:9, 10 / 50:14, 15 / 86:1-7
CONSIDERING DIVORCE Mark 10:1-12 / Romans 7:2-3 / Psalm 86:1, 7
DOUBTING Mark 9:23, 24 / John 20:24-29 / Psalm 53:1
TEMPTED BY DRINK ABUSE 1 Corinthians 10:31 / Ephesians 5:18 / 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
TEMPTED BY DRUG ABUSE John 8:34-36 / Psalm 139:1-5, 13, 14 / 1 Corinthians 6:12, 19-20
TEMPTED TO ENVY Galatians 5:26 / Philippians 4:11 / James 3:14-18
FACING DEATH John 3:16 / John 14:1-3 / Revelation 21:4 / Psalm 23:4
FAILURE COMES Hebrews 4:14-16 / Psalm73:26 / Psalm 77 / Psalm 84:11
FAITH IS WEAK Matthew 8:5-13 / Luke 12:22-31 / Hebrews 11
FAR FROM GOD James 4:8 / Psalms 42:5-11/139:1-18/145:18/107:4-9 / Luke 19:10
FEELING INADEQUATE
1 Corinthians 1:25-31 / 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 / Philippians 4:12, 13 / Psalm 138:8
FRIENDS FAIL Luke 17:3, 4 / 2 Timothy 4:16-18 / Psalm 27:10-14 / Psalm 41
ILL OR IN PAIN 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 / James 5:14-16 / Psalms 38:3-10/69:29, 30/103:1-4
IN DANGER OR THREATENED Mark 4:37-41 / 1 Peter 3:13, 14 / Psalms 27:1-3/118:6-9
INSULTED OR INTIMIDATED 1 Peter 2:20-23 / Psalm 3 / Psalm 55:20-22
JUST RETIRED Matthew 6:33, 34 / Philippians 4:12, 13
TEMPTED TO LIE John 8:44 / Ephesians 4:25 / Revelation 21:8
LONELY Revelation 3:20 / Psalm 23
LOOKING FOR A JOB Colossians 3:17, 23 / Psalm 71:3
NEEDING GUIDANCE Romans 12:1, 2 / Psalm 32:8-10
NEEDING PEACE John 14:27 / Romans 5:1-2 / Philippians 4:4-7
PRAYING Luke 11:1-13 / John 14:12-14 / James 5:13, 16 / 1 John 5:14, 15 / Psalm 66:17, 20
TEMPTED TO COMMIT SEXUAL IMMORALITY
1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, 13 / Galatians 5:19-23 / 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
SLEEPLESS Matthew 11:28 / Psalm 3 / Psalm 4:8
STEAL Romans 13:9, 10 / Ephesians 4:28, Hebrews 13:5
TEMPTED TO COMMIT SUICIDE 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 / Psalms 42:5-11/139:1-5, 13, 14
THANKFUL 2 Corinthians 2:14 / Ephesians 5:18-20 / Psalms 92:1-5/100
UNEMPLOYED Philippians 4:11-13 / Psalm 37:7, 25
UNFAIRLY TREATED OR WRONGLY ACCUSSED
Luke 6:27, 28 / Hebrews 12:1-3 / 1 Peter 2:19-24
VICTIMISED Hebrews 13:6 / Psalms 37:8-11, 34/59:3, 4, 9, 10
WANTING TO BE A CHRISTIAN John 1:12/3:14-18 / Acts 16:30-31
WEARY Matthew 11:28-30 / 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 / Galatians 6:9
WITNESSING Acts 1:8 / Acts 22:15 / 1 Peter 3:15, 16
WORRIED Matthew 6:25-34 / Phillipians 4:6, 7 / Psalm 46
YOU HAVE LEFT HOME Mark 10:28-30 / Psalm 121 / Luke 15:11-32
AFRAID
Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side."
36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm.
40 Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
Psalm 56: 3, 4, 10, 11
3 My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers. O Most High,
4 when I am afraid, in you I place my trust.
10 My foes turn back when I call on you. This I know: God is on my side.
11 God, I praise your promise;
35 On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side."
36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm.
40 Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
Psalm 56: 3, 4, 10, 11
3 My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers. O Most High,
4 when I am afraid, in you I place my trust.
10 My foes turn back when I call on you. This I know: God is on my side.
11 God, I praise your promise;
ATTACKED
Luke 23:34
34 [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."] They divided his garments by casting lots.
Psalm 35:1,2
1 Of David. Oppose, LORD, those who oppose me; war upon those who make war upon me.
2 Take up the shield and buckler; rise up in my defense.
Psalm 54:1-4
1 For the leader. On stringed instruments. A maskil of David,
2 when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "David is hiding among us."
3 O God, by your name save me. By your strength defend my cause.
4 O God, hear my prayer. Listen to the words of my mouth.
34 [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."] They divided his garments by casting lots.
Psalm 35:1,2
1 Of David. Oppose, LORD, those who oppose me; war upon those who make war upon me.
2 Take up the shield and buckler; rise up in my defense.
Psalm 54:1-4
1 For the leader. On stringed instruments. A maskil of David,
2 when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "David is hiding among us."
3 O God, by your name save me. By your strength defend my cause.
4 O God, hear my prayer. Listen to the words of my mouth.
BEREAVED/BROKENHEARTED
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
15 Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, 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. Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore, console one another with these words.
Revelation 21:3-5
3 I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God).
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."
5 The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true."
Psalm 147:3
3 Heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds,
13 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
15 Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, 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. Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore, console one another with these words.
Revelation 21:3-5
3 I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God).
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."
5 The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true."
Psalm 147:3
3 Heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds,
BITTER OR CRITICAL
Matthew 7:1-5
1 "Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye?
5 You hypocrite, 3 remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.
Romans 14:10-13
10 Why then do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God;
11 for it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God."
12 So (then) each of us shall give an account of himself (to God).
13 Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
1 Corinthians 4:5
4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord.
Psalm 73:21-25
21 Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,
22 I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23 Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.
24 With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.
25 Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.
1 "Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye?
5 You hypocrite, 3 remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.
Romans 14:10-13
10 Why then do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God;
11 for it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God."
12 So (then) each of us shall give an account of himself (to God).
13 Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
1 Corinthians 4:5
4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord.
Psalm 73:21-25
21 Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,
22 I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23 Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.
24 With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.
25 Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.
CHOOSING A CAREER
Romans 12:1,2
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
James 1:5-8
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.
6 But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,
8 since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
James 1:5-8
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.
6 But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,
8 since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.
CONSCIOUS OF SIN
Luke 15:11-24
11 Then he said, "A man had two sons,
12 and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them.
13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.
15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.
17 Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.
18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."'
20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
21 His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'
22 But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast,
24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.
1 John 1:5-10
5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 A man named John was sent from God.
7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.
Psalm 51
1 For the leader. A psalm of David,
2 when Nathan the prophet came to him after his affair with Bathsheba.
3 Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense.
4 Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me.
5 For I know my offense; my sin is always before me.
6 Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight That you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn.
7 True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.
8 Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom.
9 Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow.
10 Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
11 Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt.
12 A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.
13 Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.
14 Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit.
15 I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.
16 Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power.
17 Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.
18 For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.
19 My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.
20 Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
21 Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice, burnt offerings and holocausts; then bullocks will be offered on your altar.
Psalm 103:12
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.
11 Then he said, "A man had two sons,
12 and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them.
13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.
15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.
17 Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.
18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."'
20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
21 His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'
22 But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast,
24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.
1 John 1:5-10
5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 A man named John was sent from God.
7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.
Psalm 51
1 For the leader. A psalm of David,
2 when Nathan the prophet came to him after his affair with Bathsheba.
3 Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense.
4 Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me.
5 For I know my offense; my sin is always before me.
6 Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight That you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn.
7 True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.
8 Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom.
9 Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow.
10 Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
11 Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt.
12 A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.
13 Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.
14 Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit.
15 I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.
16 Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power.
17 Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.
18 For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.
19 My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.
20 Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
21 Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice, burnt offerings and holocausts; then bullocks will be offered on your altar.
Psalm 103:12
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.
CONSIDERING MARRIAGE
Matthew 19:4-6
4 He said in reply, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female'
5 and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate."
Ephesians 5:22-23
22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body.
Hebrews 13:4
4 Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers.
4 He said in reply, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female'
5 and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate."
Ephesians 5:22-23
22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body.
Hebrews 13:4
4 Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers.
CONTEMPLATING REVENGE
Romans 12:17-19
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.
18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.
19 Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 5:15
15 See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good (both) for each other and for all.
1 Peter 2:21-23
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.
18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.
19 Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 5:15
15 See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good (both) for each other and for all.
1 Peter 2:21-23
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
DESPERATE
Psalm 55:16, 17, 22
16 Let death take them by surprise; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their homes and hearts.
17 But I will call upon God, and the LORD will save me.
22 Softer than butter is their speech, but war is in their hearts. Smoother than oil are their words, but they are unsheathed swords.
Psalm 61:1-3
1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer!
2 From the brink of Sheol I call; my heart grows faint. Raise me up, set me on a rock,
3 for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe.
Psalm 62:1, 2
1 My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation.
2 God alone is my rock and salvation, my secure height; I shall never fall.
Psalm 94:18, 19, 22
18 When I say, "My foot is slipping," your love, LORD, holds me up.
19 When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy.
22 No, the LORD is my secure height, my God, the rock where I find refuge,
Psalm 121:1, 2, 7, 8
1 A song of ascents. I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
8 The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.
16 Let death take them by surprise; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their homes and hearts.
17 But I will call upon God, and the LORD will save me.
22 Softer than butter is their speech, but war is in their hearts. Smoother than oil are their words, but they are unsheathed swords.
Psalm 61:1-3
1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer!
2 From the brink of Sheol I call; my heart grows faint. Raise me up, set me on a rock,
3 for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe.
Psalm 62:1, 2
1 My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation.
2 God alone is my rock and salvation, my secure height; I shall never fall.
Psalm 94:18, 19, 22
18 When I say, "My foot is slipping," your love, LORD, holds me up.
19 When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy.
22 No, the LORD is my secure height, my God, the rock where I find refuge,
Psalm 121:1, 2, 7, 8
1 A song of ascents. I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
8 The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.
DISTRESSED OR TROUBLED
Romans 8:28-39
28 We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
33 Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us.
34 Who will condemn? It is Christ (Jesus) who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
36 As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 16-18
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;
16 Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
Psalm 9:9, 10
9 It is God who governs the world with justice, who judges the peoples with fairness.
10 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 50:14, 15
14 Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High.
15 Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me."
Psalm 86:1-7
1 A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed.
2 Preserve my life, for I am loyal; save your servant who trusts in you.
3 You are my God; pity me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 Lord, you are kind and forgiving, most loving to all who call on you.
6 LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help.
7 In this time of trouble I call, for you will answer me.
28 We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
33 Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us.
34 Who will condemn? It is Christ (Jesus) who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
36 As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 16-18
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;
16 Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
Psalm 9:9, 10
9 It is God who governs the world with justice, who judges the peoples with fairness.
10 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 50:14, 15
14 Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High.
15 Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me."
Psalm 86:1-7
1 A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed.
2 Preserve my life, for I am loyal; save your servant who trusts in you.
3 You are my God; pity me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 Lord, you are kind and forgiving, most loving to all who call on you.
6 LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help.
7 In this time of trouble I call, for you will answer me.
DOUBTING
Mark 9:23, 24
23 Jesus said to him, " 'If you can!' Everything is possible to one who has faith."
24 Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"
John 20:24-29
24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
28 Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Psalm 53:1
1 Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." Their deeds are loathsome and corrupt; not one does what is right.
23 Jesus said to him, " 'If you can!' Everything is possible to one who has faith."
24 Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"
John 20:24-29
24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
28 Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Psalm 53:1
1 Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." Their deeds are loathsome and corrupt; not one does what is right.
CONSIDERING DIVORCE
Mark 10:1-12
1 He set out from there and went into the district of Judea (and) across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them.
2 The Pharisees approached and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him.
3 He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?"
4 They replied, "Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her."
5 But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment.
6 But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.
7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife),
8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate."
10 In the house the disciples again questioned him about this.
11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her;
12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."
Romans 7:2-3
2 Thus a married woman is bound by law to her living husband; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law in respect to her husband.
3 Consequently, while her husband is alive she will be called an adulteress if she consorts with another man. But if her husband dies she is free from that law, and she is not an adulteress if she consorts with another man.
1 He set out from there and went into the district of Judea (and) across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them.
2 The Pharisees approached and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him.
3 He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?"
4 They replied, "Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her."
5 But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment.
6 But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.
7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife),
8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate."
10 In the house the disciples again questioned him about this.
11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her;
12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."
Romans 7:2-3
2 Thus a married woman is bound by law to her living husband; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law in respect to her husband.
3 Consequently, while her husband is alive she will be called an adulteress if she consorts with another man. But if her husband dies she is free from that law, and she is not an adulteress if she consorts with another man.
TEMPTED BY DRINK ABUSE
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Ephesians 5:18
18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
6 Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.
7 Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night.
8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation.
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Ephesians 5:18
18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
6 Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.
7 Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night.
8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation.
TEMPTED TO ENVY
Galatians 5:26
26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.
Philippians 4:11
11 Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient.
James 3:14-18
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.
Philippians 4:11
11 Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient.
James 3:14-18
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
TEMPTED BY DRUG ABUSE
John 8:34-36
34 Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains.
36 So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free.
Psalm 139:1-5, 13, 14
1 O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
1 Corinthians 6:12, 19-20
12 "Everything is lawful for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful for me," but I will not let myself be dominated by anything.
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20 For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.
34 Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains.
36 So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free.
Psalm 139:1-5, 13, 14
1 O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
1 Corinthians 6:12, 19-20
12 "Everything is lawful for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful for me," but I will not let myself be dominated by anything.
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20 For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.
FACING DEATH
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life
John 14:1-3
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.
Revelation 21:4
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."
Psalm 23:4
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life
John 14:1-3
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.
Revelation 21:4
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."
Psalm 23:4
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage
FAILURE COMES
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.
16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Psalm 73:26
23 Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.
Psalm 77
1 I cry aloud to God, cry to God to hear me.
2 On the day of my distress I seek the Lord; by night my hands are raised unceasingly; I refuse to be consoled.
3 When I think of God, I groan; as I ponder, my spirit grows faint.
4 My eyes cannot close in sleep; I am troubled and cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old; the years long past
6 I remember. In the night I meditate in my heart; I ponder and my spirit broods:
7 "Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor?
8 Has God's love ceased forever? Has the promise failed for all ages?
9 Has God forgotten mercy, in anger withheld compassion?"
10 I conclude: "My sorrow is this, the right hand of the Most High has left us."
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, your wonders of old I will remember.
12 I will recite all your works; your exploits I will tell.
13 Your way, O God, is holy; what god is as great as our God?
14 You alone are the God who did wonders; among the peoples you revealed your might.
15 With your arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
16 The waters saw you, God; the waters saw you and lashed about, trembled even to their depths.
17 The clouds poured down their rains; the thunderheads rumbled; your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 The thunder of your chariot wheels resounded; your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Through the sea was your path; your way, through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were unseen.
20 You led your people like a flock under the care of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 84:11
11 Better one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Better the threshold of the house of my God than a home in the tents of the wicked.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.
16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Psalm 73:26
23 Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.
Psalm 77
1 I cry aloud to God, cry to God to hear me.
2 On the day of my distress I seek the Lord; by night my hands are raised unceasingly; I refuse to be consoled.
3 When I think of God, I groan; as I ponder, my spirit grows faint.
4 My eyes cannot close in sleep; I am troubled and cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old; the years long past
6 I remember. In the night I meditate in my heart; I ponder and my spirit broods:
7 "Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor?
8 Has God's love ceased forever? Has the promise failed for all ages?
9 Has God forgotten mercy, in anger withheld compassion?"
10 I conclude: "My sorrow is this, the right hand of the Most High has left us."
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, your wonders of old I will remember.
12 I will recite all your works; your exploits I will tell.
13 Your way, O God, is holy; what god is as great as our God?
14 You alone are the God who did wonders; among the peoples you revealed your might.
15 With your arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
16 The waters saw you, God; the waters saw you and lashed about, trembled even to their depths.
17 The clouds poured down their rains; the thunderheads rumbled; your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 The thunder of your chariot wheels resounded; your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Through the sea was your path; your way, through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were unseen.
20 You led your people like a flock under the care of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 84:11
11 Better one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Better the threshold of the house of my God than a home in the tents of the wicked.
FAITH IS WEAK
Matthew 8:5-13
5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him,
6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully."
7 He said to him, "I will come and cure him."
8 The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
9 For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
11 I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven,
12 but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
13 And Jesus said to the centurion, "You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you." And at that very hour (his) servant was healed.
Luke 12:22-31
22 He said to (his) disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear.
23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.
24 Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!
25 Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan?
26 If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest?
27 Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them.
28 If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
29 As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore.
30 All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides.
Hebrews 11
1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.
2 Because of it the ancients were well attested.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain's. Through this he was attested to be righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts, and through this, though dead, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and "he was found no more because God had taken him." Before he was taken up, he was attested to have pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7 By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen, with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household. Through this he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes through faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
10 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.
11 By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile--for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
12 So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
13 All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,
14 for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.
15 If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son,
18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name."
19 He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
20 By faith regarding things still to come Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and "bowed in worship, leaning on the top of his staff."
22 By faith Joseph, near the end of his life, spoke of the Exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.
23 By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 he chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.
26 He considered the reproach of the Anointed greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the recompense.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's fury, for he persevered as if seeing the one who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted it they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after being encircled for seven days.
31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, for she had received the spies in peace.
32 What more shall I say? I have not time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous, obtained the promises; they closed the mouths of lions,
34 put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; out of weakness they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders.
35 Women received back their dead through resurrection. Some were tortured and would not accept deliverance, in order to obtain a better resurrection.
36 Others endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword's point; they went about in skins of sheep or goats, needy, afflicted, tormented.
38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and on mountains, in caves and in crevices in the earth.
39 Yet all these, though approved because of their faith, did not receive what had been promised.
40 God had foreseen something better for us, so that without us they should not be made perfect.
5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him,
6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully."
7 He said to him, "I will come and cure him."
8 The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
9 For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
11 I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven,
12 but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
13 And Jesus said to the centurion, "You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you." And at that very hour (his) servant was healed.
Luke 12:22-31
22 He said to (his) disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear.
23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.
24 Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!
25 Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan?
26 If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest?
27 Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them.
28 If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
29 As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore.
30 All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides.
Hebrews 11
1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.
2 Because of it the ancients were well attested.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain's. Through this he was attested to be righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts, and through this, though dead, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and "he was found no more because God had taken him." Before he was taken up, he was attested to have pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7 By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen, with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household. Through this he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes through faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
10 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.
11 By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile--for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
12 So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
13 All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,
14 for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.
15 If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son,
18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name."
19 He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
20 By faith regarding things still to come Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and "bowed in worship, leaning on the top of his staff."
22 By faith Joseph, near the end of his life, spoke of the Exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.
23 By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 he chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.
26 He considered the reproach of the Anointed greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the recompense.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's fury, for he persevered as if seeing the one who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted it they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after being encircled for seven days.
31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, for she had received the spies in peace.
32 What more shall I say? I have not time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous, obtained the promises; they closed the mouths of lions,
34 put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; out of weakness they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders.
35 Women received back their dead through resurrection. Some were tortured and would not accept deliverance, in order to obtain a better resurrection.
36 Others endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword's point; they went about in skins of sheep or goats, needy, afflicted, tormented.
38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and on mountains, in caves and in crevices in the earth.
39 Yet all these, though approved because of their faith, did not receive what had been promised.
40 God had foreseen something better for us, so that without us they should not be made perfect.
FAR FROM GOD
James 4:8
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds.
Psalm 42:5-11
5 Those times I recall as I pour out my soul, When I went in procession with the crowd, I went with them to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.
6 Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.
7 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you From the land of the Jordan and Hermon, from the land of Mount Mizar.
8 Here deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents. All your waves and breakers sweep over me.
9 At dawn may the LORD bestow faithful love that I may sing praise through the night, praise to the God of my life.
10 I say to God, "My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?"
11 It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: "Where is your God?"
Psalm 139:1-18
1 O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7 Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
17 How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
18 Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
Psalm 145:18
18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.
Psalm 107:4-9
4 Some had lost their way in a barren desert; found no path toward a city to live in.
5 They were hungry and thirsty; their life was ebbing away.
6 In their distress they cried to the LORD, who rescued them in their peril,
7 Guided them by a direct path so they reached a city to live in.
8 Let them thank the LORD for such kindness, such wondrous deeds for mere mortals.
9 For he satisfied the thirsty, filled the hungry with good things.
Luke 19:10
10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds.
Psalm 42:5-11
5 Those times I recall as I pour out my soul, When I went in procession with the crowd, I went with them to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.
6 Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.
7 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you From the land of the Jordan and Hermon, from the land of Mount Mizar.
8 Here deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents. All your waves and breakers sweep over me.
9 At dawn may the LORD bestow faithful love that I may sing praise through the night, praise to the God of my life.
10 I say to God, "My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?"
11 It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: "Where is your God?"
Psalm 139:1-18
1 O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7 Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
17 How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
18 Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
Psalm 145:18
18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.
Psalm 107:4-9
4 Some had lost their way in a barren desert; found no path toward a city to live in.
5 They were hungry and thirsty; their life was ebbing away.
6 In their distress they cried to the LORD, who rescued them in their peril,
7 Guided them by a direct path so they reached a city to live in.
8 Let them thank the LORD for such kindness, such wondrous deeds for mere mortals.
9 For he satisfied the thirsty, filled the hungry with good things.
Luke 19:10
10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
FEELING INADEQUATE
1 Corinthians 1:25-31
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
27 Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
28 and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something,
29 so that no human being might boast before God.
30 It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
31 so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 4:12, 13
12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Psalm 138:8
8 The LORD is with me to the end. LORD, your love endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands!
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
27 Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
28 and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something,
29 so that no human being might boast before God.
30 It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
31 so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 4:12, 13
12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Psalm 138:8
8 The LORD is with me to the end. LORD, your love endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands!
ILL OR IN PAIN
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong
James 5:14-16
14 Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord,
15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven
Psalm 38:3-10
3 Your arrows have sunk deep in me; your hand has come down upon me.
4 My flesh is afflicted because of your anger; my frame aches because of my sin.
5 My iniquities overwhelm me, a burden beyond my strength.
6 Foul and festering are my sores because of my folly.
7 I am stooped and deeply bowed; all day I go about mourning.
8 My loins burn with fever; my flesh is afflicted.
9 I am numb and utterly crushed; I wail with anguish of heart.
10 My Lord, my deepest yearning is before you; my groaning is not hidden from you.
Psalm 69:29, 30
29 Strike them from the book of the living; do not count them among the just!
30 But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help protect me, God,
Psalm 103:1-4
1 Of David. Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,
3 Who pardons all your sins, heals all your ills,
4 Delivers your life from the pit, surrounds you with love and compassion,
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong
James 5:14-16
14 Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord,
15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven
Psalm 38:3-10
3 Your arrows have sunk deep in me; your hand has come down upon me.
4 My flesh is afflicted because of your anger; my frame aches because of my sin.
5 My iniquities overwhelm me, a burden beyond my strength.
6 Foul and festering are my sores because of my folly.
7 I am stooped and deeply bowed; all day I go about mourning.
8 My loins burn with fever; my flesh is afflicted.
9 I am numb and utterly crushed; I wail with anguish of heart.
10 My Lord, my deepest yearning is before you; my groaning is not hidden from you.
Psalm 69:29, 30
29 Strike them from the book of the living; do not count them among the just!
30 But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help protect me, God,
Psalm 103:1-4
1 Of David. Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,
3 Who pardons all your sins, heals all your ills,
4 Delivers your life from the pit, surrounds you with love and compassion,
FRIENDS FAIL
Luke 17:3, 4
3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him."
2 Timothy 4:16-18
16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them!
17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen
Psalm 27:10-14
10 Even if my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me in.
11 LORD, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12 Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
13 But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
Psalm 41
1 Happy those concerned for the lowly and poor; when misfortune strikes, the LORD delivers them.
2 The LORD keeps and preserves them, makes them happy in the land, and does not betray them to their enemies.
3 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed, allays the malady when they are ill.
4 Once I prayed, "LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, I have sinned against you.
5 My enemies say the worst of me: 'When will that one die and be forgotten?'
6 When people come to visit me, they speak without sincerity. Their hearts store up malice; they leave and spread their vicious lies.
7 My foes all whisper against me; they imagine the worst about me:
8 I have a deadly disease, they say; I will never rise from my sickbed.
9 Even the friend who had my trust, who shared my table, has scorned me.
10 But you, LORD, have mercy and raise me up that I may repay them as they deserve."
11 By this I know you are pleased with me, that my enemy no longer jeers at me.
12 For my integrity you have supported me and let me stand in your presence forever.
13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from all eternity and forever. Amen. Amen.
3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him."
2 Timothy 4:16-18
16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them!
17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen
Psalm 27:10-14
10 Even if my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me in.
11 LORD, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12 Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
13 But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
Psalm 41
1 Happy those concerned for the lowly and poor; when misfortune strikes, the LORD delivers them.
2 The LORD keeps and preserves them, makes them happy in the land, and does not betray them to their enemies.
3 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed, allays the malady when they are ill.
4 Once I prayed, "LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, I have sinned against you.
5 My enemies say the worst of me: 'When will that one die and be forgotten?'
6 When people come to visit me, they speak without sincerity. Their hearts store up malice; they leave and spread their vicious lies.
7 My foes all whisper against me; they imagine the worst about me:
8 I have a deadly disease, they say; I will never rise from my sickbed.
9 Even the friend who had my trust, who shared my table, has scorned me.
10 But you, LORD, have mercy and raise me up that I may repay them as they deserve."
11 By this I know you are pleased with me, that my enemy no longer jeers at me.
12 For my integrity you have supported me and let me stand in your presence forever.
13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from all eternity and forever. Amen. Amen.
IN DANGER OR THREATENED
Mark 4:37-41
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm.
40 Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
1 Peter 3:13, 14
13 Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them,
Psalm 27:1-3
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
2 When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
Psalm 118:6-9
6 The LORD is with me; I am not afraid; what can mortals do against me?
7 The LORD is with me as my helper; I shall look in triumph on my foes.
8 Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in mortals.
9 Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in princes.
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm.
40 Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
1 Peter 3:13, 14
13 Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them,
Psalm 27:1-3
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
2 When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
Psalm 118:6-9
6 The LORD is with me; I am not afraid; what can mortals do against me?
7 The LORD is with me as my helper; I shall look in triumph on my foes.
8 Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in mortals.
9 Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in princes.
INSULTED OR INTIMIDATED
1 Peter 2:20-23
20 But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
Psalm 3
1 How many are my foes, LORD! How many rise against me!
2 How many say of me, "God will not save that one."
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me; my glory, you keep my head high.
4 Whenever I cried out to the LORD, I was answered from the holy mountain.
5 Whenever I lay down and slept, the LORD preserved me to rise again.
6 I do not fear, then, thousands of people arrayed against me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Save me, my God! You will shatter the jaws of all my foes; you will break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Safety comes from the LORD! Your blessing for your people!
Psalm 55:20-22
20 God, who sits enthroned forever, will hear me and humble them. For they will not mend their ways; they have no fear of God.
21 They strike out at friends and go back on their promises.
22 Softer than butter is their speech, but war is in their hearts. Smoother than oil are their words, but they are unsheathed swords.
20 But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
Psalm 3
1 How many are my foes, LORD! How many rise against me!
2 How many say of me, "God will not save that one."
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me; my glory, you keep my head high.
4 Whenever I cried out to the LORD, I was answered from the holy mountain.
5 Whenever I lay down and slept, the LORD preserved me to rise again.
6 I do not fear, then, thousands of people arrayed against me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Save me, my God! You will shatter the jaws of all my foes; you will break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Safety comes from the LORD! Your blessing for your people!
Psalm 55:20-22
20 God, who sits enthroned forever, will hear me and humble them. For they will not mend their ways; they have no fear of God.
21 They strike out at friends and go back on their promises.
22 Softer than butter is their speech, but war is in their hearts. Smoother than oil are their words, but they are unsheathed swords.
JUST RETIRED
Matthew 6:33, 34
33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Philippians 4:12, 13
12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Philippians 4:12, 13
12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
TEMPTED TO LIE
John 8:44
44 You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
Ephesians 4:25
25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Revelation 21:8
8 But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
44 You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
Ephesians 4:25
25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Revelation 21:8
8 But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
LONELY
Revelation 3:20
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
LOOKING FOR A JOB
Colossians 3:17, 23
17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
23 Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,
Psalm 71:3
3 Be my rock and refuge, my secure stronghold; for you are my rock and fortress.
17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
23 Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,
Psalm 71:3
3 Be my rock and refuge, my secure stronghold; for you are my rock and fortress.
NEEDING GUIDANCE
Romans 12:1, 2
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
Psalm 32:8-10
8 I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.
9 Do not be senseless like horses or mules; with bit and bridle their temper is curbed, else they will not come to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
Psalm 32:8-10
8 I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.
9 Do not be senseless like horses or mules; with bit and bridle their temper is curbed, else they will not come to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
NEEDING PEACE
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
Romans 5:1-2
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
5 Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
Romans 5:1-2
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
5 Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
PRAYING
Luke 11:1-13
1 He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread
4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test."
5 And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,'
7 and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.'
8 I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.
9 "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?
12 Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
13 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
John 14:12-14
12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.
James 5:13, 16
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
1 John 5:14, 15
14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours.
Psalm 66:17, 20
17 I called to the Lord with my mouth; praise was upon my tongue.
18 Had I cherished evil in my heart, the Lord would not have heard.
19 But God did hear and listened to my voice in prayer.
20 Blessed be God, who did not refuse me the kindness I sought in prayer.
1 He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread
4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test."
5 And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,'
7 and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.'
8 I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.
9 "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?
12 Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
13 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
John 14:12-14
12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.
James 5:13, 16
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
1 John 5:14, 15
14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours.
Psalm 66:17, 20
17 I called to the Lord with my mouth; praise was upon my tongue.
18 Had I cherished evil in my heart, the Lord would not have heard.
19 But God did hear and listened to my voice in prayer.
20 Blessed be God, who did not refuse me the kindness I sought in prayer.
TEMPTED TO COMMIT SEXUAL IMMORALITY
1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, 13
9 Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor sodomites
10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.
13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food," but God will do away with both the one and the other. The body, however, is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body;
Galatians 5:19-23
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,
21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
3 This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality,
4 that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor,
5 not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God;
6 not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed.
7 For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.
9 Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor sodomites
10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.
13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food," but God will do away with both the one and the other. The body, however, is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body;
Galatians 5:19-23
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,
21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
3 This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality,
4 that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor,
5 not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God;
6 not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed.
7 For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.
SLEEPLESS
Matthew 11:28
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 3
1 How many are my foes, LORD! How many rise against me!
2 How many say of me, "God will not save that one."
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me; my glory, you keep my head high.
4 Whenever I cried out to the LORD, I was answered from the holy mountain.
5 Whenever I lay down and slept, the LORD preserved me to rise again.
6 I do not fear, then, thousands of people arrayed against me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Save me, my God! You will shatter the jaws of all my foes; you will break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Safety comes from the LORD! Your blessing for your people!
Psalm 4:8
8 In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me secure.
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 3
1 How many are my foes, LORD! How many rise against me!
2 How many say of me, "God will not save that one."
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me; my glory, you keep my head high.
4 Whenever I cried out to the LORD, I was answered from the holy mountain.
5 Whenever I lay down and slept, the LORD preserved me to rise again.
6 I do not fear, then, thousands of people arrayed against me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Save me, my God! You will shatter the jaws of all my foes; you will break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Safety comes from the LORD! Your blessing for your people!
Psalm 4:8
8 In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me secure.
TEMPTED TO COMMIT SUICIDE
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.
Psalm 42:5-11
5 Those times I recall as I pour out my soul, When I went in procession with the crowd, I went with them to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.
6 Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.
7 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you From the land of the Jordan and Hermon, from the land of Mount Mizar.
8 Here deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents. All your waves and breakers sweep over me.
9 At dawn may the LORD bestow faithful love that I may sing praise through the night, praise to the God of my life.
10 I say to God, "My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?"
11 It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: "Where is your God?"
12 Why are you downcast, my soul, why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.
Psalm 139:1-5
1 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
2 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
3 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
4 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
Psalm 139:13-14
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.
Psalm 42:5-11
5 Those times I recall as I pour out my soul, When I went in procession with the crowd, I went with them to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.
6 Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.
7 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you From the land of the Jordan and Hermon, from the land of Mount Mizar.
8 Here deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents. All your waves and breakers sweep over me.
9 At dawn may the LORD bestow faithful love that I may sing praise through the night, praise to the God of my life.
10 I say to God, "My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?"
11 It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: "Where is your God?"
12 Why are you downcast, my soul, why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.
Psalm 139:1-5
1 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
2 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
3 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
4 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
Psalm 139:13-14
13 You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
STEAL
Romans 13:9-10
9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
10 Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.
Ephesians 4:28
28 The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work with his (own) hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need.
Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you."
9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
10 Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.
Ephesians 4:28
28 The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work with his (own) hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need.
Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you."
THANKFUL
2 Corinthians 2:14
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the odor of the knowledge of him in every place.
Ephesians 5:18-20
18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 addressing one another (in) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts,
20 giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Psalm 92:1-5
1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High,
2 To proclaim your love in the morning, your faithfulness in the night,
3 With the ten-stringed harp, with melody upon the lyre.
4 For you make me jubilant, LORD, by your deeds; at the works of your hands I shout for joy.
5 How great are your works, LORD! How profound your purpose!
Psalm 100
A psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
2 worship the LORD with cries of gladness; come before him with joyful song.
3 Know that the LORD is God, our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are, God's well-tended flock.
4 Enter the temple gates with praise, its courts with thanksgiving. Give thanks to God, bless his name;
5 good indeed is the LORD, Whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness lasts through every age.
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the odor of the knowledge of him in every place.
Ephesians 5:18-20
18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 addressing one another (in) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts,
20 giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Psalm 92:1-5
1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High,
2 To proclaim your love in the morning, your faithfulness in the night,
3 With the ten-stringed harp, with melody upon the lyre.
4 For you make me jubilant, LORD, by your deeds; at the works of your hands I shout for joy.
5 How great are your works, LORD! How profound your purpose!
Psalm 100
A psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
2 worship the LORD with cries of gladness; come before him with joyful song.
3 Know that the LORD is God, our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are, God's well-tended flock.
4 Enter the temple gates with praise, its courts with thanksgiving. Give thanks to God, bless his name;
5 good indeed is the LORD, Whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness lasts through every age.
UNEMPLOYED
Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient.
12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Psalm 37:7, 25
7 Be still before the LORD; wait for God. Do not be provoked by the prosperous, nor by malicious schemers.
25 Neither in my youth, nor now in old age have I ever seen the just abandoned or their children begging bread.
11 Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient.
12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Psalm 37:7, 25
7 Be still before the LORD; wait for God. Do not be provoked by the prosperous, nor by malicious schemers.
25 Neither in my youth, nor now in old age have I ever seen the just abandoned or their children begging bread.
UNFAIRLY TREATED OR WRONGLY ACCUSSED
Luke 6:27-28
27 "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us
2 while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
3 Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
1 Peter 2:19-24
19 For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace.
20 But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
27 "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us
2 while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
3 Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
1 Peter 2:19-24
19 For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace.
20 But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
WANTING TO BE A CHRISTIAN
John 1:12
12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name,
John 3:14-18
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
Acts 16:30-31
30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved."
12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name,
John 3:14-18
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
Acts 16:30-31
30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved."
VICTIMISED
Hebrews 13:6
6 Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, (and) I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
Psalm 37:8-11, 34
8 Give up your anger, abandon your wrath; do not be provoked; it brings only harm.
9 Those who do evil will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD will possess the land.
10 Wait a little, and the wicked will be no more; look for them and they will not be there.
11 But the poor will possess the land, will delight in great prosperity.
34 Wait eagerly for the LORD, and keep to the way; God will raise you to possess the land; you will gloat when the wicked are cut off.
Psalm 59:3-4, 9-10
3 Deliver me from evildoers; from the bloodthirsty save me.
4 They have set an ambush for my life; the powerful conspire against me. For no offense or misdeed of mine, LORD,
9 You, LORD, laugh at them; you deride all the nations.
10 My strength, for you I watch; you, God, are my fortress,
6 Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, (and) I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
Psalm 37:8-11, 34
8 Give up your anger, abandon your wrath; do not be provoked; it brings only harm.
9 Those who do evil will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD will possess the land.
10 Wait a little, and the wicked will be no more; look for them and they will not be there.
11 But the poor will possess the land, will delight in great prosperity.
34 Wait eagerly for the LORD, and keep to the way; God will raise you to possess the land; you will gloat when the wicked are cut off.
Psalm 59:3-4, 9-10
3 Deliver me from evildoers; from the bloodthirsty save me.
4 They have set an ambush for my life; the powerful conspire against me. For no offense or misdeed of mine, LORD,
9 You, LORD, laugh at them; you deride all the nations.
10 My strength, for you I watch; you, God, are my fortress,
WEARY
Matthew 11:28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
Galatians 6:9
9 Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
Galatians 6:9
9 Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.
WORRIED
Matthew 6:25-34
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?
27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.
29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.
30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
31 So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'
32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Phillipians 4:6-7
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 46
2 God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.
3 Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
4 Though its waters rage and foam and mountains totter at its surging. The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
5 Streams of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High.
6 God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; God will help it at break of day.
7 Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, God's voice thunders and the earth trembles.
8 The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
9 Come and see the works of the LORD, who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
10 Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire;
11 Who says: "Be still and confess that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
12 The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?
27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.
29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.
30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
31 So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'
32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Phillipians 4:6-7
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 46
2 God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.
3 Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
4 Though its waters rage and foam and mountains totter at its surging. The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
5 Streams of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High.
6 God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; God will help it at break of day.
7 Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, God's voice thunders and the earth trembles.
8 The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
9 Come and see the works of the LORD, who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
10 Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire;
11 Who says: "Be still and confess that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
12 The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
WITNESSING
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 22:15
15 for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard.
1 Peter 3:15-16
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.
8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 22:15
15 for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard.
1 Peter 3:15-16
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.
YOU HAVE LEFT HOME
Mark 10:28-30
28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you."
29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
Psalm 121
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3 God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
4 Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
6 By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
8 The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.
Luke 15:11-32
11 Then he said, "A man had two sons,
12 and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them.
13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.
15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.
17 Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.
18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."'
20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
21 His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'
22 But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast,
24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.
25 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.
26 He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
27 The servant said to him, 'Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28 He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him.
29 He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
30 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'
31 He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours.
32 But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'"
28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you."
29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
Psalm 121
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3 God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
4 Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
6 By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
8 The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.
Luke 15:11-32
11 Then he said, "A man had two sons,
12 and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them.
13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.
15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.
17 Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.
18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."'
20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
21 His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'
22 But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast,
24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.
25 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.
26 He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
27 The servant said to him, 'Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28 He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him.
29 He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
30 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'
31 He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours.
32 But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'"
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