Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The LORD is close
Deuteronomy 4:7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them as the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
Psalm 119:151 Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.
Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Isaiah 50:8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me!

to the brokenhearted
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 109:16 For he (David's enemy) never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ...

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, June 29, 2009

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Where is the wise man?
Isaiah 19:11-12 The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advise. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings"? Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make known what the LORD Almighty has planned against Egypt.

Where is the philosopher of this age?
1 Corinthians 2:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
1 Corinthians 2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 3:18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise.
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Galatians 1:4 ... who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, ...

Has not God made foolish
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Job 12:17 He leads counselors away stripped and makes fools of judges.
Isaiah 44:25 ... who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it to nonsense.
Jeremiah 8:9 The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have?
Romans 1:22 Although they claim to be wise, they became fools ...
1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; ...

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Galatians 1:3-5

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

who gave himself for our sins
Matthew 20:28 "... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ...
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

to rescue us from the present evil age
1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

according to the will of our God and Father
Philippians 4:20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Proverbs 10:13

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning
Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment
Deuteronomy 25:2 If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and have him flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime deserves, ...
Proverbs 14:3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 19:29 Penalties are prepared for the mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

love covers over all wrongs
Proverbs 17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
James 5:20 ... remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Proverbs 10:11

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life
Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Proverbs 3:18 She (Wisdom) is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Proverbs 15:4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.
Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked
Proverbs 10:6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

(Parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

he who holds his tongue is wise
Job 1:22 In all this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Job 6:24 "Teach me and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong."
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to be come angry, ...
James 3:5-10 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brother, this should not be.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Proverbs 6:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

the LORD determines his steps
Proverbs 6:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?
Job 33:29-30 "God does all these things to a man--twice, even three times--to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him."
Psalm 37:23-24
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, June 19, 2009

John 10:10

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full."

I have come that they may have life
John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 3:15-16 "... that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 5:39-40 "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

and have it to the full
Psalm 65:11 You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Philippians 3:9

...and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

be found in him
Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion ...
1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law
Philippians 3:6 ... as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
Romans 10:5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them."

--the righteousness
Jeremiah 33:16 "'In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.'"

that comes from God and is by faith.
Romans 9:30-32 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone."
Romans 3:21-24 But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Galatians 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified."

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Philippians 3:8

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ...

compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing
Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Ephesians 4:13 ...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

that I may gain Christ
Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Do not repay evil with evil
Romans 12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

or insult with insult
1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

but with blessing
Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ..."

because to this
1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

you were called
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

so that you may inherit a blessing
Hebrews 6:14 ...saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants."

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Isaiah 6:9-10 Part 3 of 3

He said, "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and be healed."

understand with their hearts, and turn and be healedDeuteronomy 32:39 "See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand."
Matthew 13:13-15 "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'"
Mark 4:12 "...so that, 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"
John 12:40 "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn--and I would heal them."
Romans 11:7-10 What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes so that they could not see and ears so that they could not hear, to this very day. And David says: "May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs bent forever."
Romans 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Isaiah 6:9-10 Part 2 of 3

He said, "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and be healed."

make their ears dull and close their eyesIsaiah 29:9 Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless; be drunk, but not from wine, stagger, but not from beer.
Isaiah 42:18-20 "Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD? You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but they hear nothing."
Isaiah 43:8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
Isaiah 44:18 They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their earsDeuteronomy 29:4 But to this day the LORD has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.
Ezekiel 12:2 "Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people."
Mark 8:18 "Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?"

to be concluded tomorrow

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Isaiah 6:9-10 Part 1 of 3

He said, "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and be healed."

He said, "Go"Ezekiel 3:11 "Go now to your countrymen in exile and speak to them. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says,' whether they listen or fail to listen."
Amos 7:15 "But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'"
Matthew 28:19 "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, ..."

be ever seeing but never perceivingJeremiah 5:21 "Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:"
Matthew 13:15 "'For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'"
Luke 8:10 He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'"

Make the heart of this people callousedExodus 4:21 The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go."
Deuteronomy 32:15 Jeshurun (Israel) grew fat and kicked; filled with food, he became heavy and sleek. He abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Savior.
Psalm 119:70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.

to be continued tomorrow

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Psalm 119:34

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

Give me understanding
Psalm 119:27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
Psalm 119:73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.
Psalm 119:144 Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.
Psalm 119:169 May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.
Job 32:8 But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

and I will keep your law
Deuteronomy 6:25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.

and obey it with all my heart
Psalm 119:69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.
Psalm 119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Matthew 12:34b For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Ephesians 2:8-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

it is by grace
Romans 3:24 ...and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

you have been saved
Ephesians 2:5 ...made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.

through faith
Romans 9:30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, and a righteousness that is by faith;

not by works
Deuteronomy 9:5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Romans 4:2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God.
2 Timothy 1:9 ...who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ...
Titus 3:5 ...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

we are God's workmanship
Isaiah 29:23 When they see among them their children, the work of my hands (a work of art), they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Isaiah 43:7 ...everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
Isaiah 60:21 Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.

created
Ephesians 4:24 ...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

to do good works
Titus 2:14
...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

NOTES:
Romans 3:20-31

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ephesians 3:17-19

...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts
Romans 8:9-10 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

And I pray that you, being rooted
Colossians 2:7 ...rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

together with all the saints
Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ...

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep
Job 11:8-9 They (the mysteries of God, the limits of the Almighty) are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

that you may be filled
Colossians 2:10 ...and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is head over every power and authority.

to the measure of all the fullness of God
Ephesians 1:23 ...which is his body (the church), the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Ephesians 3:14-16

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, ...(continued tomorrow)

For this reason I kneel
Philippians 2:10 ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ...

I pray that out of his glorious riches
Ephesians 3:8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ...
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

in your inner being
Romans 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law;

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Ephesians 1:19-20

...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ...

That power
Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
Colossians 1:29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

like the working of his might strength
Isaiah 40:26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, who calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

when he raised him from the dead
Acts 2:24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

and seated him at his right hand
Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

in the heavenly realms
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Ephesians 1:18

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ... (continued tomorrow)

the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

that you may know the hope to which he has called you
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:9 ...who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ...
Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

the riches
Ephesians 1:7-8 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

of his glorious inheritance
Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ...
Ephesians 1:13b-14 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

in the saints
Colossians 1:12 ...giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Ephesians 1:16-17

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (continued tomorrow)

I have not stopped giving thanks for you
Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.

remembering you in my prayers
Romans 1:10 ...how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

the glorious Father
Romans 15:6 ...so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:6 ...and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen

may give you the Spirit of wisdom
Exodus 28:3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD--
Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight...
Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Psalm 19:1-3

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

The heavens
Psalm 89:5 The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
Isaiah 40:22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its peoples are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

declare
Psalm 50:6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge.
Psalm 148:3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him all you shining stars.
Romans 1:19 ...since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

the glory of God
Psalm 4:2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Psalm 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
Psalm 97:6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

the skies
Genesis 1:8 God called the expanse "sky." And there was evening, and there was morning--the second day.

proclaim the work of his hands
Psalm 8:6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
Psalm 103:22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I have been crucified with Christ
Romans 6:6-10 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with (rendered powerless), that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Romans 7:6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me
Romans 8:10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
1 Peter 4:2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me
Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

and gave himself for me
Galatians 1:4 ...who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age according to the will of our God and Father.
1 Timothy 2:6 ...who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
Titus 2:14 ...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift from God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink
Ecclesiastes 2:3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven the few days of their lives.

to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor
Ecclesiastes 2:10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

when God gives any man wealth and possessions
1 Chronicles 29:12 "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all."

and enables him to enjoy them
Ecclesiastes 6:2 God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.

this is a gift from God
Ecclesiastes 2:24 (see above)

NOTES:
Ecclesiastes 3:12-14 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

we do not lose heart
2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Psalm 18:45 They all lose heart, they come trembling from their strongholds.

yet inwardly
Romans 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law;

we are being renewed
Psalm 103:5 ...who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Isaiah 40:31 ...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.
Colossians 3:10 ...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

an eternal glory that far outweighs them all
Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Romans 11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

the depth of the riches
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

knowledge of God
Psalm 92:5 How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!
Ephesians 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.
Colossians 2:3 ...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

his paths beyond tracing out
Job 5:9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.
Job 11:7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?"
Psalm 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Ecclesiastes 8:17 ...then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Isaiah 40:28 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.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.