The Garden: THIS WEEKS SCRIPTURE

Galatians 5:13-26 (NLT)

 13) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14) For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15) But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17) The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18) But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19) When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20) idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21) envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23) gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25) Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26) Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

JOHN 14:15-17 (CEV)

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PROMISED

15)JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES: IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL DO AS I COMMAND. 16) THEN I WILL ASK THE FATHER TO SEND YOU THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO WILL HELP YOU AND ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. 17) THE SPIRIT WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IS TRUE. THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD CANNOT ACCEPT THE SPIRIT, BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEE OR KNOW HIM. BUT YOU KNOW THE SPIRIT, WHO IS WITH YOU AND WILL KEEP ON LIVING IN YOU.

EPHESIANS 1:13-14 (NLT)

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN

13) AND NOW YOU GENTILES HAVE ALSO HEARD THE TRUTH, THE GOOD NEWS THAT GOD SAVES YOU. AND WHEN YOU BELIEVED IN CHRIST, HE IDENTIFIED YOU AS HIS OWN BY GIVING YOU THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM HE PROMISED LONG AGO. 14) THE SPIRIT IS GOD’S GUARANTEE THAT HE WILL GIVE US THE INHERITANCE HE PROMISED AND THAT HE HAS PURCHASED US TO BE HIS OWN PEOPLE. HE DID THIS SO WE WOULD PRAISE AND GLORIFY HIM.

ROMANS 8:1-16 (NLT)

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

1) SO NOW THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS. 2) AND BECAUSE YOU BELONG TO HIM, THE POWER OF THE LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT HAS FREED YOU FROM THE POWER OF SIN THAT LEADS TO DEATH. 3) THE LAW OF MOSES WAS UNABLE TO SAVE US BECAUSE OF THE WEAKNESS OF OUR SINFUL NATURE. SO GOD DID WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT DO. HE SENT HIS OWN SON IN A BODY LIKE THE BODIES WE SINNERS HAVE. AND IN THAT BODY GOD DECLARED AN END TO SIN’S CONTROL OVER US BY GIVING HIS SON AS A SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS. 4) HE DID THIS SO THAT THE JUST REQUIREMENT OF THE LAW WOULD BE FULLY SATISFIED FOR US, WHO NO LONGER FOLLOW OUR SINFUL NATURE BUT INSTEAD FOLLOW THE SPIRIT. 5) THOSE WHO ARE DOMINATED BY THE SINFUL NATURE THINK ABOUT SINFUL THINGS, BUT THOSE WHO ARE CONTROLLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT THINK ABOUT THINGS THAT PLEASE THE SPIRIT. 6) SO LETTING YOUR SINFUL NATURE CONTROL YOUR MIND LEADS TO DEATH. BUT LETTING THE SPIRIT CONTROL YOUR MIND LEADS TO LIFE AND PEACE. 7) FOR THE SINFUL NATURE IS ALWAYS HOSTILE TO GOD. IT NEVER DID OBEY GOD’S LAWS, AND IT NEVER WILL. 8) THAT’S WHY THOSE WHO ARE STILL UNDER THE CONTROL OF THEIR SINFUL NATURE CAN NEVER PLEASE GOD. 9) BUT YOU ARE NOT CONTROLLED BY YOUR SINFUL NATURE. YOU ARE CONTROLLED BY THE SPIRIT IF YOU HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIVING IN YOU. (AND REMEMBER THAT THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST LIVING IN THEM DO NOT BELONG TO HIM AT ALL.)10) AND CHRIST LIVES WITHIN YOU, SO EVEN THOUGH YOUR BODY WILL DIE BECAUSE OF SIN, THE SPIRIT GIVES YOU LIFE BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN MADE RIGHT WITH GOD. 11) THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, LIVES IN YOU. AND JUST AS GOD RAISED CHRIST JESUS FROM THE DEAD, HE WILL GIVE LIFE TO YOUR MORTAL BODIES BY THIS SAME SPIRIT LIVING WITHIN YOU.12) THEREFORE, DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, YOU HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO DO WHAT YOUR SINFUL NATURE URGES YOU TO DO. 13) FOR IF YOU LIVE BY ITS DICTATES, YOU WILL DIE. BUT IF THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT YOU PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF YOUR SINFUL NATURE, YOU WILL LIVE. 14) FOR ALL WHO ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD ARE CHILDREN OF GOD. 15) SO YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SPIRIT THAT MAKES YOU FEARFUL SLAVES. INSTEAD, YOU RECEIVED GOD’S SPIRIT WHEN HE ADOPTED YOU AS HIS OWN CHILDREN. NOW WE CALL HIM, “ABBA, FATHER.” 16) FOR HIS SPIRIT JOINS WITH OUR SPIRIT TO AFFIRM THAT WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN

EPHESIANS 5:17-19 (NLT)

FILL IT UP

17) DON’T ACT THOUGHTLESSLY, BUT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LORD WANTS YOU TO DO. 18) DON’T BE DRUNK WITH WINE, BECAUSE THAT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE. INSTEAD, BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, 19) SINGING PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS AMONG YOURSELVES, AND MAKING MUSIC TO THE LORD IN YOUR HEARTS.

Psalm 69:1-3(AMP)

1) SAVE ME, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck [they threaten my life].

2) I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overwhelm me.

3) I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail with waiting [hopefully] for my God.

Isaiah 43:2(NLT)

2) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

Romans 12:2

2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 4:13

13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Romans 8:25

25) But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently

Luke 1:26-33

 The Birth of Jesus Foretold

 26) In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27) to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28) The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29) Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30) But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31) You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 2:1-20

 The Birth of Jesus

 1) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2) (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3) And everyone went to his own town to register.

4) So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5) He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7) and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 The Shepherds and the Angels

 8) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12) This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 14) “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

 15) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 16) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17) When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18) and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19) But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20) The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jeremiah 29:13

13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

2 Kings 5:1-17(CEV)

 1)Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. The LORD had helped him and his troops defeat their enemies, so the king of Syria respected Naaman very much. Naaman was a brave soldier, but he had leprosy. 2)One day while the Syrian troops were raiding Israel, they captured a girl, and she became a servant of Naaman's wife. 3)Some time later the girl said, "If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy."4)When Naaman told the king what the girl had said, 5)the king replied, "Go ahead! I will give you a letter to take to the king of Israel." Naaman left and took along seven hundred fifty pounds of silver, one hundred fifty pounds of gold, and ten new outfits. 6)He also carried the letter to the king of Israel. It said, "I am sending my servant Naaman to you. Would you cure him of his leprosy?" 7)When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in fear and shouted, "That Syrian king believes I can cure this man of leprosy! Does he think I'm God with power over life and death? He must be trying to pick a fight with me." 8)As soon as Elisha the prophet heard what had happened, he sent the Israelite king this message: "Why are you so afraid? Send the man to me, so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel." 9)Naaman left with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. 10)Elisha sent someone outside to say to him, "Go wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then you'll be completely cured." 11)But Naaman stormed off, grumbling, "Why couldn't he come out and talk to me? I thought for sure he would stand in front of me and pray to the LORD his God, then wave his hand over my skin and cure me. 12)What about the Abana River or the Pharpar River? Those rivers in Damascus are just as good as any river in Israel. I could have washed in them and been cured." 13)His servants went over to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So why don't you do what he said? Go wash and be cured." 14)Naaman walked down to the Jordan; he waded out into the water and stooped down in it seven times, just as Elisha had told him. Right away, he was cured, and his skin became as smooth as a child's. 15)Naaman and his officials went back to Elisha. Naaman stood in front of him and announced, "Now I know that the God of Israel is the only God in the whole world. Sir, would you please accept a gift from me?" 16)"I am a servant of the living LORD," Elisha answered, "and I swear that I will not take anything from you." Naaman kept begging, but Elisha kept refusing. 17)Finally Naaman said, "If you won't accept a gift, then please let me take home as much soil as two mules can pull in a wagon. Sir, from now on I will offer sacrifices only to the LORD.

Genesis 22:1-18 (NIV1984)

1) Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

 2) Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

 3) Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4) On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5) He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

 6) Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7) Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

 “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

 “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

 8) Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

 9) When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10) Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11) But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

 “Here I am,” he replied.

 12) “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

 13) Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14) So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

 15) The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16) and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17) I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18) and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT)

24) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25) If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26) And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

THANKFUL THAT I AM A CHRISTIAN

IT IS THE BEST POSSIBLE LIFE TO LIVE

John 10:10(NLT)

10) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 6:44 (NLV)

44) The Father sent Me. No man can come to Me unless the Father gives him the desire to come to Me. Then I will raise him to life on the last day.

John 15:16 (NIV 1984)

16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

1 Kings 19:19-21(NLT)

The Call of Elisha

19) So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20) Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!” Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.” 21) So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

2 Kings 2:1-15(NLT)

Elijah Taken into Heaven

 1) When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. 2) And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel. 3) The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?” “Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.” 4)Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.” But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho. 5) Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?” “Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.” 6) Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together. 7) Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. 8) Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! 9) When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” 10) “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” 11) As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. 12) Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. 13) Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. 14) He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. 15) When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Psalm 42:1-3(NLT)

 1) As the deer longs for streams of water,

so I long for you, O God.

2) I thirst for God, the living God.

When can I go and stand before him?

3) Day and night I have only tears for food,

while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,

“Where is this God of yours?”

Isaiah 40:28-31

 28) Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

29) He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

30) Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31) but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Ephesians 4:11-16(GNT)

11) It was he who gave gifts to people; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers.12) He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ.13) And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.14) Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent.15) Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head.16)Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.

Ephesians 5:1-20 (ESV)

 1) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2) And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3) But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4) Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5) For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7) Therefore do not become partners with them; 8) for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9) (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11) Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12) For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13) But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14) for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16) making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17) Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18) And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19) addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20) giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Timothy 3:1-7

 1) Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2) Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3) not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4) He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5) (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7) He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

2 Peter 1:1-13 (CEV)

1)From Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. To everyone who shares with us in the privilege of believing that our God and Savior Jesus Christ will do what is just and fair. 2)I pray that God will be kind to you and will let you live in perfect peace! May you keep learning more and more about God and our Lord Jesus. 3)We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4)God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world. 5)Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, 6)self-control, patience, devotion to God, 7)concern for others, and love. 8)If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. 9)But if you don't grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven. 10)My friends, you must do all you can to show that God has really chosen and selected you. If you keep on doing this, you won't stumble and fall. 11)Then our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will give you a glorious welcome into his kingdom that will last forever. 12)You are holding firmly to the truth that you were given. But I am still going to remind you of these things. 13)In fact, I think I should keep on reminding you until I leave this body.

Matthew 28:18-20

 18) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 5:1-11

 1) Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2) With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3) Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5) When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6) Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7) About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8) Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9) Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10) At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11) Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

1) A good name is better than fine perfume,

and the day of death better than the day of birth.

2) It is better to go to a house of mourning

than to go to a house of feasting,

for death is the destiny of every man;

the living should take this to heart.

3) Sorrow is better than laughter,

because a sad face is good for the heart.

4) The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

John 17:13-21(NLT)

13) “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14) I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15) I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16) They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17) Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18) Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19) And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

20) “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21) I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

John 14:6

6) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Psalm 46:1-3

 1) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2) Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3) though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 
Selah

Isaiah 55:8-9(NLT)

8) “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.

“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

9) For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways

and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

28) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27

23)  I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24) Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25) Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26) I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27) I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 

Philippians 4:11-13

 11) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

 12) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13) Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14) The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16) But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

 6) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9) As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10) Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11) You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12) This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13) Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14) And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!