This book and other Bible study resources in English and other languages can be found at www.learnhisways.com.

Much of the material in this book was adapted and condensed from CrossTies: The Beatitudes for Every Believer by Paul A. Looney, MD, and used with permission of the author. CrossTies can be purchased from www.amazon.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The "NIV" and "New International Version" are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM

All Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

(All Beatitudes are taken from the ESV))

© 2017 Life Resources

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Table of Contents

How to use this book

I. Introduction

Day 1 – What do we need in order to get well?

The Beatitudes

II. Blessed are the poor in spirit

Day 2 – Who wants to be poor?

Day 3 – Jesus brings His kingdom to earth

Day 4 – Pride hinders God's work in our lives

III. Blessed are those who mourn

Day 5 – Is there such a thing as "good grief"?

Day 6 – Where do you look for comfort?

Day 7 – Will you go to the Great Physician?

IV. Blessed are the meek

Day 8 – Give God control of your life

Day 9 – Trust God's ministry to you through others

Day 10 – Change is often slow, but God works deeply

V. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

Day 11 – What does Jesus really want from us?

Day 12 – What does hungering for righteousness really mean?

Day 13 – The power of the Holy Spirit within us

Day 14 – To defeat Satan's lies, speak the truth!

VI. Blessed are the merciful

Day 15 – Becoming More Merciful People

Day 16 – Are your childhood wounds healed?

Day 17 – The deep pain of forgiveness

Day 18 – Take time to forgive and bless others

VII. Blessed are the pure in heart

Day 19 – Take a brave step forward to freedom

Day 20 – Faith in the grace of Christ

Day 21 – Allow God to search your heart - Part 1

Day 22 – Allow God to search your heart - Part 2

Day 23 – Cutting the root of shame

VIII. Blessed are the peacemakers

Day 24 – Our God is a peacemaker

Day 25 – Honesty with others whom we have hurt

Day 26 – How Jesus changes the world

IX. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake

Day 27 – Walking with Christ in persecution

Day 28 – Will we stand with Christ?

Day 29 – Praying for deliverance; submitting to God's will

X. Final Words

Day 30 – Finding the Bread that feeds us forever

Day 31 – Cultivate a grateful heart

Affirmations of Faith

Has this book helped you?

Guidelines for Translators

How to use this book

Two ways:

1) For personal reading alone with God.

For those who use it alone, this book is written for daily meditation over a 31 day period.

- Don't forget to look up each scripture in parentheses and take time to think about what you have read.

- Use it as a guide for prayer for personal growth.

- Write your thoughts in the last section entitled "Suggestion for Meditation and Writing". You can go back to these notes in future years.

2) For small group study.

Read with a friend, or study together in a house fellowship or Bible study group.

Principles for effective group study:

- As you begin each time, ask the Lord to teach you His ways.

- You may want to read 2 or 3 devotions each time you meet together, depending on the time you have.

- Take time to look up each scripture in parentheses.

- Discuss what you read. The power of a small group is group participation, not passive listening.

- The group leader shouldn't "preach" the lesson but rather should help everyone to participate. They can take turns reading, asking questions and discussing what they are learning.

- To encourage deeper thinking of what has been read, the leader may ask questions like: Who can paraphrase what this paragraph is saying to us? OR... Look over the reading quietly for a minute. What is the Lord saying to you through it? OR... Why is this difficult for us to do?

- Use the "Suggestion for Meditation and Writing" for a group discussion question, or group members may decide to do the assignment at home.

- At the end, take time to pray together that the Lord would help you apply the lesson to your lives.

- It is best that each person (not just the leader) have a book in hand (a physical book or digital copy). That way all can read along together.

- Encourage group members to go home and read the study again. They may also want to read the same readings with family members or friends between your meetings.

So that all may have the book: DOWNLOAD FREE COPIES

AT: www.learnhisways.com

I. Introduction

Day 1 – What do we need in order to get well?

Meditate: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)

When we first came to Jesus we knew to some degree that our lives were a mess. As we all grow in the faith each year, we begin to notice (if we are honest) that our sickness is actually much deeper than we realized. Yes, Jesus has done a wonderful work in our lives, but there is still much work he needs to do.

We realize that we did not get broken overnight. If we did not become broken overnight, we will not be fixed overnight. If our spiritual sickness developed over time, our healing will likely manifest itself over time, too.

The following daily meditations are based upon Matthew 5:3-12 which we call the Beatitudes. When Jesus says, "Blessed are…" he is referring to an inner state of happiness and calm. It is a state of being where we feel whole, complete, and at rest.

As the character of Christ is formed within us we will grow in spiritual health. That healing is not just personal, however. It also shows up in healed relationships. As we let that happen more each year, our Christian communities will become more authentic and more filled with His power. In that way we truly become the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Get ready for the days ahead by meditating on Matthew 5:2-12 on the following page. Can you say these verses from memory?

The Beatitudes

2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

(Matthew 5:2-12)

II. Blessed are the poor in spirit

Day 2 – Who wants to be poor?

Meditate: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

The first Beatitude asks us to consider that something we think of as bad may actually be good. Jesus says, in essence, "The happiest and most fortunate people are those who are desperately needy."

At first glance, this does not make sense. Since our spirit is the part of us that is most like God, it seems it would be best to be rich in spirit. But while our human spirit is the part most like God, it is also the part of us that is capable of trying to play god. God gave us free will. We can choose to do things our own way.

Often those who are successful can go for long periods of time seeming to have everything under control. They manage their own lives, their "kingdoms", pretty well. And because they are satisfied with what the world has to offer, that is what they get. They have the cars, the houses, the good life, and sometimes it is difficult not to envy them. However, if our hearts belong to heaven, we will never find happiness in material things.

Jesus says the ones who are broken and those of us who can't hold things together are the best candidates for His kingdom. The good news is, God is happy to receive us:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

Admitting powerlessness to God opens us to Him in a whole new way. We learn more fully the meaning of grace.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not of yourself, it is the gift of God – not by works, so no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

In what areas of your life do you need God the most?

Day 3 – Jesus brings His kingdom to earth

Meditate: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Jesus promises the "kingdom of heaven" to those who are poor in spirit. Does he simply mean that they will go to heaven?

When we carefully read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), we notice that Jesus spoke often of the kingdom of heaven, which he sometimes called the kingdom of God. When he began preaching, Jesus said:

"The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)

With Jesus' coming, God's kingdom arrived on earth. And everything started changing!

For too long the people had lived under the rule of oppressive earthly kingdoms and also under the bondage of Satan and sin. Jesus announced that God's kingdom had arrived, through himself, the King. And all other kingdoms will bow to his reign. (See Revelation 17:14.)

Jesus demonstrated his authority on earth by healing the sick, casting out demons, commanding storms to cease, multiplying food for thousands, even raising the dead. At the cross and resurrection, he defeated Satan, sin and death. Even the grave could not defeat Jesus.

When you admit you are spiritually poor and lost, and you trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you come into his kingdom at that moment, not when you die. You belong to the King! And just like the changes that happened in the gospels, your life also begins to change! The Holy Spirit begins to transform your life. These devotionals will help prepare you for some of those changes.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Look carefully at the words in Jesus' prayer from Matthew 6:10: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." How do you think Jesus wants to change the world you live in? Take time now to write down your thoughts and, through prayer and praise, welcome Jesus into your world.

Day 4 – Pride hinders God's work in our lives

Meditate: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Although Jesus used his kingly authority in healing, delivering people from demons, and in doing other miracles, he did not force the unwilling to learn from him. He did, however, warn the proud religious leaders of his day:

"Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Matthew 21:31)

The religious leaders despised such "sinners" and judged Jesus for eating with them. Yet these were the ones who were confessing their sinful ways. They were the poor in spirit who admitted their need for God and came to sit at Jesus' feet. These people, Jesus said, would be exalted by God, rather than the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees. He taught that self-righteousness before God and others does not result in being exalted by God. Instead, it would result in being humbled (Luke 18:9-14).

If you think you can manage your life well without humility before God and others, your attitude is opposite to being poor in spirit. You are holding on to your own kingdom, not looking for God's way. However, when we think we have all things under control, we are living in an illusion. Yes, God gives us a certain amount of control and responsibility. But Jesus made it clear, "...apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Transformation in our lives begins as we learn to rest in Christ. The poor in spirit admit their own righteousness is "filthy rags" before God's holiness (Isaiah 64:6). They realize that they need him in everything – both for salvation and for daily change in their lives. As we rest in faith, change begins to happen. When we reach the point of powerlessness, God is ready to empower us.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Read Luke 18:9-14 and 1 Peter 5:5-6. These two scriptures speak strongly against a proud attitude. As you read them, ask the Holy Spirit to show you any pride in your life. Write down your thoughts in a prayer.

III. Blessed are those who mourn

Day 5 – Is there such a thing as "good grief"?

Meditate: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Sounds strange, doesn't it? Once again, it seems as though Jesus is asking us to think positively about something that activates negative feelings. We often think of mourning as only related to funerals. But until Jesus returns, mourning is a part of life, not just death.

We live in a fallen world. We are imperfect beings in an imperfect place. Therefore, we will encounter failure and pain. That is the truth and Jesus never avoids truth. He knows that if we are to live our lives in a meaningful way, we are bound to experience loss and heartache. Jesus encourages us to face it directly. He knows there is great gain in facing our losses honestly.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. (Ecclesiastes 7:4)

But the house of mourning is not an attractive place. We want to run, and so we often distract ourselves with temporary pleasures to avoid pain. Mourning, however, is our best response to pain. Grief shows that we recognize that we have lost something valuable to us. Sometimes this loss is through our own sin or through sins done against us.

Mourning moves us from disbelief – "How could that have happened to me?" – through sadness, hurt, anger and disappointment, to calm. It takes time, but it keeps us from living forever in the past, burdened with sadness and regret. It allows us to move forward.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Write a prayer to God about some grief you hold inside. Express your negative emotions. For some of you this will be very difficult. Remember that the reason we have the Psalms is because David wrote his prayers down. Some of his prayers express very negative feelings, even anger toward God. (See Psalm 13 and Psalm 38.) When we read the negative Psalms, we learn that God allows us to pray in similar ways. He wants us to be real, not religious!

Day 6 – Where do you look for comfort?

Meditate: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

A man was greatly saddened by wounds caused by a family member. A friend asked, "Do you allow yourself to cry?" The friend saw that the man was carrying the pain deep within, not releasing it to Christ.

On a regular basis, do you stop to think about what you are feeling inside?

Many of us received messages in childhood that shut down grief. "Stop your crying or I'll give you something to really make you cry!" Especially for those deeply traumatized as children, pain is often pushed down inside, with hopes it will be forgotten.

But without God's healing process found through mourning, the painful wounds remain into adulthood. We want relief, so we often develop sinful habits to numb the pain. For some it is alcohol or drug abuse. For others it is pornography.

Some find comfort in overeating or uncontrolled spending. Some ignore their wounded souls by spending endless hours watching television or playing video games. Some bury their sadness by years of overworking. But the pain remains in every case. And these addictions put roots down into our minds. We lose touch with what a healthy life is.

God is displaced by an idol of the mind. We think we must have it for a happy life. Idols do give us temporary relief from pain if we surrender to them. Thus, they compete with surrender to God. But the Lord wants us to deal with our pain at its source. What is really bothering us and what do we do with the pain?

Cast your cares upon him for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

As we turn to the Lord for deep healing and comfort, we find strength to say no to our "idols."

"And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth..." (John 14:16-17)

That word Jesus used for the Holy Spirit has the same root as the word in Matthew 5:4: "they shall be comforted." We are comforted by the Comforter, the Spirit of God!

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Use these 2 psalms for prayer and writing your thoughts: Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 147:3. Tell the Lord where you need His comfort.

Day 7 – Will you go to the Great Physician?

Meditate: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

A doctor once had a football player visit him in terrible pain. He had a huge infected boil on his back. It was bright red with a white center.

The doctor tells the story: "I knew it needed to be cut open and cleaned, but I also knew the pain would be excruciating. But the young man was so ready to be done with the pain that he closed his eyes and prepared himself for what I had to do. Within a few days, his back was healed."

None of us like pain. We either deny we have a problem, or we put off facing it. But like the football player, we have a choice. We can let Jesus, the Great Physician, open and heal our wounds, or we can continue to numb the pain with sinful habits.

"Mourning" is expressed in different ways. But it always comes with acknowledging our feelings deep down inside, and that will cause, in some way, grieving over what was lost. Some people are afraid if they start crying, they will never stop.

Others don't want to get in touch with their anger over sins done against them for fear that they will do something terrible. But as said in Day 5, Jesus wants us to face reality.

It's important to grieve over sins we have done, and we must not deny where others have sinned against us and the terrible pain it has caused.

Remember… Jesus says it is a good thing to mourn, and that it will lead to comfort. Can you trust Him enough to begin?

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

The apostle Paul said that sometimes we experience the Holy Spirit praying for us with groans too deep for words. (See Romans 8:26-27.) Will you open your pain to Him now?

IV. Blessed are the meek

Day 8 – Give God control of your life

Meditate: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)

We all desire to live our lives with freedom. But what is true freedom? It is hard for us to understand that limits assist us in being free! For example, the tracks of a railroad limit where the train can go, yet they make it safe for the train and for others.

When we are meek we submit to appropriate limits and even rejoice in them. We don't have to have everything our own way. One way to translate Psalm 119:32 is:

"I run in the pathway of your commands for you have set my heart free."

Submission to God's way brings freedom and energy!

The Greek word for meek in this passage is PRAUTES, meaning "power under control." When a horse is gentled and broken, it becomes responsive to the rider. Prautes describes this gentle and responsive state.

Meekness means we turn from our own way of thinking, believing and behaving to God's way. His way is that we learn to be led by His Spirit. (See Romans 8:12-14.) Some of us want God on our side, but we don't really want to change. It is as if we pray, "I want your will, my way." We are not yet ready to give up our independent spirit.

An independent spirit has no part in building God's kingdom. God is fully committed to our well-being, but He can't do much with our lives until we commit them fully to Him.

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

We are born of the Spirit through faith in Christ. However, in Galatians 5, Paul talks to believers who have the Spirit but need to learn to "keep in step with the Spirit." They often live by the flesh. They have not learned to submit to God's way and bear good fruit in all they do. Meditate on Galatians 5:16-26. Is the Holy Spirit showing you areas of your life that need His direction and control? Will you submit those areas to Him now?

Day 9 – Trust God's ministry to you through others

Meditate: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)

Meekness does not only mean trusting our lives to God. One of the most difficult aspects of trusting God may be trusting Him to use another person to assist us in our journey. If in the past we were disappointed, betrayed, or wounded by others, why should we trust anyone now?

Trusting others to help us on our journey through life is not always easy, but it is God's way. He often chooses to minister to us through others and asks us to bear each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2). He will use those who are further along the path to lift us up and show us the way. Even younger believers can help us.

Meekness produces a good effect in us. Receiving direction from others shows that we know we need outside help. We don't submit to others because they are smarter or more spiritual. We do it because we trust God to work in our lives through them. No part of the body can say to the other, "I don't need you" (1 Corinthians 12:21).

If we allow this beautiful truth to take root in our souls, something wonderful can happen in the body of Christ. We will live in this world in a totally different way than the world does. The world will see our happy submission to God and our genuine, humble submission to each other. We will be a healthy society! Many will be drawn to Christ when they see it.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27. In what ways do you need the ministry of other believers in your life? What gifts do you have to give to others? Write your answers and pray for body ministry to grow among you and the believers around you.

Day 10 – Change is often slow, but God works deeply

Meditate: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)

In the last two days we've looked at what meekness is. But how does meekness become part of our character? We may be aware of our strong wills that resist God's way, like a wild horse that doesn't want to be directed by anyone. So how do we change? Living out "God's power under His control" (another way to define meekness) is not easy. But in our frustration, let's not forget – Jesus was meek. He always did what pleased His Father. We want to be like Him, don't we? (See John 8:29.)

In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul lists meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23.) How important to remember this: the character of Christ is formed in us by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Does this mean that we do nothing, that we just wait passively for Jesus to change us? Both Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament make clear that we play a very active part, but it is God who builds it into us.

We sometimes wish Jesus would change us in a moment, but the character of Christ is formed in us year by year, as we remain in Jesus. (See John 15:1-8.) He has much to teach us, so we stay responsive to His Spirit, learning to control that wild horse within. Little by little the meekness of Christ begins to feel good to us. We are glad we are His. We look back and thank God for the new place He has brought us to.

Remember Jesus' promise: it will not be the strong-willed and violent people who inherit the earth. A day is coming when God will give the earth to the meek. Hallelujah! The meek patiently wait for that day to come, and they pray earnestly for it (Matthew 6:10).

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Pray John 15:1-11 into your life. If you'd like, write down your prayer.

V. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

Day 11 – What does Jesus really want from us?

Meditate: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)

John 4 tells of a conversation that Jesus had with a woman whom He met at the well in Samaria. As He spoke, His words gave her hope. He knew her past, He knew how desperate she had been, how she had gone from one relationship to another and found nothing that satisfied. But Jesus said to her:

"If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." (John 4:10)

This fourth Beatitude takes us from being submitted and surrendered to a place where we come to know Jesus in a more personal way; we thirst for the living water that He gives. As we look to Jesus, we internalize God's character. Our focus shifts from avoiding doing wrong to sincerely wanting to do right.

We move beyond just trying to keep our sin under control and focus more on being like Jesus, moved by love and not by guilt or fear. This is a true hunger for righteousness. We become deeply satisfied with Christ Himself.

When we come to God in brokenness and give Him our pain, He welcomes us (Matthew 5:3-4). It pleases Him when we turn our lives over to Him and submit to His direction. (Matthew 5:5) But when our deepest desire is for Christ's character to be formed in us and to walk in friendship with Him daily, the Lord rejoices greatly! (Matthew 5:6) Do you hunger and thirst for that?

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

The New Testament teaches that faith in Christ takes us from a life driven by trying to keep the law (controlled by fear) to a life led by love. Our parents placed external controls upon us so that we would do what is right. Governments, and sometimes churches, do the same. Laws and rules serve us for a time, but kingdom values rooted deep in the heart are what Jesus is wanting to build in us. About 600 years before Christ, the prophet Jeremiah prophesied this would happen in a new covenant. Read Jeremiah 31:33-34. Write a prayer asking the Lord to write his laws on your heart, so that you might truly know Him and love Him.

Day 12 – What does hungering for righteousness really mean?

Meditate: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)

Saul of Tarsus was transformed from a life of legalistic religion and persecuting Christians to a life of joy, freedom and peace. He discovered the life of faith in Jesus. He trusted completely in the cross of Christ as his sin sacrifice. He knew he was completely forgiven and accepted by God through faith, not because of his religious efforts of trying to please God or man. Saul, whom we now call the Apostle Paul, wrote,

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. (Galatians 2:21)

In today's Beatitude, Jesus is not speaking about hungering for a righteousness that comes from climbing a religious ladder to find God. Our search for God in our own strength always leaves us frustrated and spiritually empty. Jesus wants us spiritually full. We must look to Him for true life (John 6:35).

In Philippians 3, Paul speaks of how, in the past, he had put confidence in his religious heritage and efforts. He thought it gave him a special status with God. Then he writes,

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord... (Philippians 3:7-8)

When Paul understood the free gift of grace through Christ, he abandoned his focus on keeping the law in order to find God. He began to drink deeply of the living water which Christ gives freely. He wanted more and more of Jesus. He knew he couldn't hold onto religious self-effort while at the same time learning to rest in Christ. He turned away from "religion" and with all his heart sought only to know Christ.

And because of his confidence that Jesus took all his sins, he found a new power – the life of the Holy Spirit within him. We will talk more about that tomorrow.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Read the spiritual journey of the religious leader, Saul, who found Christ and became the Apostle Paul. He tells this story in Philippians 3:1-14. Then write about your own journey to know Christ. What do you now count as loss and as garbage in order to know Him?

Day 13 – The power of the Holy Spirit within us

Meditate: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)

Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. But how do we hunger for Him when our hearts are divided? Sometimes we return to the dry bread of our past. Our old way of life can pull on us so strongly. Jesus and the apostles taught that we are engaged in a battle of flesh against spirit and we must not be passive in the battle (Galatians 5:17 & Ephesians 4:22-24).

This daily battle involves being aware of sins that we frequently struggle with, and cutting off opportunities that tempt us (Matthew 5:29). But it's not enough to get rid of bad habits and influences, we need to establish healthy habits to replace destructive ones (Colossians 3:9-10).

The warfare is often intense and sometimes we fall, so we must return to foundational truths. The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16-17). We cannot save ourselves, nor can we change our ways in our own power. Jesus came into the world to save helpless sinners, not the righteous (Mark 2:17; Romans 7:14 & 8:2). Salvation is a deep work. We must look to the cross, our only way to be justified before God. And we need the Holy Spirit's power to change our desires and behavior. That's why Paul tells believers who were born of the Spirit to "be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18-20). Christ's life, Christ's joy, Christ's victory is our daily strength.

Have you ever asked others to pray with you for the fullness of God's Spirit? Do you stay in God's word to daily renew your mind?

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Meditate on Galatians 5:16-26 and write down your thoughts. Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit in a fresh way today.

Day 14 – To defeat Satan's lies, speak the truth!

Meditate: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)

This Beatitude propels us forward to acquire the character of Christ. We have not obtained it fully yet, but we have a God who "calls into existence the things that do not exist" (Romans 4:17). Our faith that Christ's righteousness is given freely to us is what transforms us. It is the power that produces His character in us.

We live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-7). The life of faith allows us to affirm the reality of God's promises even before we see it all worked out. Our focus changes from the seen to the unseen. We believe that God will complete His work in us, and a vision for our new life appears.

When we begin to reject condemnation (Romans 8:1), we become more aware of the voice of Satan in our thoughts. The Bible calls him "the accuser" (Revelation 12:10). Day and night he accuses us before God. You can be sure that one of his most powerful tactics is to fill your mind with negativity.

How do we resist his lies? We do it in the same way that Jesus did in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus spoke the truths of God's word each time Satan attacked him. Learning from Jesus, believers also memorize and personalize God's truths to renew their minds.

Just as Satan questioned Jesus' identity in the wilderness, he also hates who we are in Christ. He doesn't want us to believe what God has done for us. Staying in God's word will protect us.

The appendix at the back of the book has truths that you can memorize and personalize. (See Affirmations of Faith.) You will find many more as you read the scriptures. Learn them, claim them for yourself, stand firm on them. God's truths will change your life (John 8:31-32).

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Go to the appendix and choose some truths that stand against lies that Satan speaks to you often. Write them below. Then, memorize them and personalize them. Say them to the enemy of your soul as Jesus spoke truth to Satan, and review them often.

VI. Blessed are the merciful

Day 15 – Becoming More Merciful People

Meditate: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Having found comfort and hope through the kindness of our Savior, we share it with those God puts in our path. We reach out to fellow strugglers, and as we share the little we have, God gives us more.

He knows that the more we give to others, the more we will find for ourselves. Of course, our capacity to receive God's goodness is like the capacity of a cup to contain the ocean. However, as we let His goodness flow out from us, we become more like a pipe than a cup. So as you release the outflow of grace to others, the inflow to you increases as well. You get to enjoy God's goodness as it flows through you to others. In fact, Jesus says the pleasure is greater when you give than when you receive (Acts 20:35).

The more we know our own souls, the more we are able to understand the sins and failings of others. As we listen to their stories, we see more and more what drives people to desperation and isolation and why some resort to addiction and abuse. We are not "less than" or "better than" they are. Our judgments and prejudices break down as we open our hearts to the flow of mercy. We see that we are all alike.

For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus... (Romans 3:22-24)

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Do you see in your heart a judgmental attitude toward others? Ask the Lord to help you every day see your own need for His grace so that you can extend that grace to others also.

Day 16 – Are your childhood wounds healed?

Meditate: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Forgiveness is the road to healing wounds from sins done against us. Those sins sometimes go way back into our childhood.

Our family members or schoolmates may have continually ridiculed us. Arguing in the home, divorce, physical violence against us – all of these things contribute to damaged emotions. Also shameful "family secrets" such as drug addiction and alcoholism, criminal behavior, etc, make us feel unworthy of love.

Our sexuality may also be damaged. God made sex beautiful, a gift to enable husband and wife to share themselves most intimately. However, when it is used to molest children, they become psychologically and emotionally broken. It affects the way they relate to God and others. Were you abused sexually as a child?

Children often accept wrong behavior and brokenness in the home as normal. They may also wrongly blame themselves for sins done against them. But as we move into adulthood, it's important that we understand how these things have contributed to who we are today.

It is easy to become bitter when our lives have been damaged by the actions of others. However, resentment keeps us bound to the person who sinned against us throughout our lives. Forgiveness sets us free from those heavy chains.

As we affirm the goodness of God and His love for us, we can come to peace with what happened in the past.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

We can choose to forgive. We were once small, weak and treated wrongly. Now, through Christ, we find strength to choose His way. Seeing those who sinned against us as broken human beings like we are makes forgiveness easier.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Think about sins done to you as a child. Some of them may be very painful. Which actions do you believe were the most hurtful to you? Write down why it is so difficult for you to forgive these sins against you. (The days ahead will help you walk into forgiveness. Today's focus is to help you identify sins done to you in the past which you still hold onto with bitterness.)

Day 17 – The deep pain of forgiveness

Meditate: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Forgiveness is painful. It touches the deepest part of our souls. Our heart screams, "I can't do it!"

It may help you to ask, "Has God experienced what I am going through? Has he been abused, hated or betrayed the way I have?" A more important question: "Have I offended Him? How?"

If you have a spouse who is unfaithful, ask yourself: "Have I been unfaithful to God?" If your child is ungrateful and self-centered, have you ever had that attitude toward God? Has your parent ignored your needs? Ask yourself, "Do I ignore God and close my ears to His voice?"

When he was on earth Jesus was abused. He was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). A friend sold him for money and then betrayed him with a kiss! His close friends ran away from Him at his time of greatest need. The nation that he served and healed for three years turned against Him and killed Him.

Our heavenly Father wants us to become like Jesus and forgive those who sin against us. We can go to God on their behalf, as Jesus did while suffering terribly on the cross – "Father, forgive them…" (Luke 23:34). Jesus shows that even when we are still feeling the pain and shame of evil deeds done against us, we can choose forgiveness.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, followed Jesus' example. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed,

"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)

Yes, forgiveness is painful because it is a sacrifice of love. Our heavenly Father's forgiveness to us was very costly for Him, too. He gave His Son! And now He wants to change our hearts to receive Christ's mercy toward others.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15)

Meditate on the scripture above. The gospel of Jesus commands us to learn forgiveness. Ask the Lord to give you a heart of mercy toward those who have sinned against you. Be honest with Him about the pain you feel and how difficult it is to forgive certain people.

Day 18 – Take time to forgive and bless others

Meditate: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Now is the time to put into practice what you have been learning in the previous days on forgiveness. Make a list of all who have wronged you. Write down each name as it comes to you. This process may occur over a period of days or even weeks.

Think through each period of your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you pain and bitterness held in your heart toward anyone. Write names down of people you need to release to God.

Now, go over the names one by one, considering this teaching from Jesus:

"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28)

Take a name from your list and lift up that person to God. In the presence of God, forgive them. Remember that forgiveness is a choice not to hold the sin against them. You may not feel any love for that person now. This is difficult in the same way that cleansing a deep wound is painful. We need God's help to forgive, and sometimes it is a process. We may need to ask a Christian brother or sister to help us with very difficult ones.

Then, as Jesus teaches in the verse above, pray for that person. You may want to pray for them to find the grace of Jesus Christ and the joy of knowing Him. That is the greatest blessing we all can receive. Can you imagine God blessing that person and you feeling glad about it?

Continue down the list. Ask God for help every step of the way. Your willingness to follow Jesus, even in this painful time, shows Him that you love Him. The result is friendship with God.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Thank God for His help to obey what Jesus taught about forgiveness. Write down your thoughts on this verse:

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." (John 14:21)

VII. Blessed are the pure in heart

Day 19 – Take a brave step forward to freedom

Meditate: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Our readings in the last few days related to our learning to forgive the sins that others did against us. Today's Beatitude inspires us to do a thorough housecleaning of our own hearts. Opening our own hearts to the searching light of Jesus is sometimes even more difficult than forgiving others. But Christ calls us into His light that we might find greater freedom.

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

Are you ready to take a big step toward truth, to bring everything to the light? This is necessary throughout our Christian lives, not just at the beginning. Even as older believers we can let the "trash" in our home pile up. The mess we see in our lives becomes overwhelming. We may exclaim like the apostle Paul:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. (1 Timothy 1:15)

Paul wrote that about 30 years after he became a follower of Jesus. God had been doing a deep work within him over the years. However, as Paul grew closer to Jesus each year, he was more aware of his heart, as the prophet Jeremiah had written 600 years before:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

Sometimes we think as we get older and more mature in Jesus we should be able, in our own strength and righteousness, to continue on our own. But the apostle Paul knew he needed the saving power of Christ as much in his later years as he did in the earlier years. In the light of Jesus' perfect holiness, we see our own dark hearts. We always look to our gracious Savior, not our own righteousness.

As we explore this Beatitude we will allow the Lord to shine his light on anything He chooses at this time. We remember again His words: "BLESSED are the pure in heart," so we ask Him to cleanse us deep within.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Write what the Holy Spirit teaches you from these verses: Matthew 5:8; John 8:12; John 3:19-21; 1 John 1:5-7.

Day 20 – Faith in the grace of Christ

Meditate: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

When we obey Christ's command to walk in the light, we reject hypocrisy, the sin of the religious leaders in Jesus' day. Jesus told his disciples:

"Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Luke 12:1-2)

But at every step of the painful process of bringing our sin into the light, let us not lose the truth of Hebrews 4:14-16:

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Take time now to read it several times. We have a merciful high priest who understands our weaknesses. Faith in his grace every day of our lives is the only way forward. Only Christ can cleanse our dirty hearts. Our job of "cleaning house" is to bring our dark hearts into the light and then turn to Him.

Before He found Christ's freedom, Martin Luther (the father of the Protestant Reformation), felt he must pay for his sins by hours and hours of repentance every day. He never found peace that way.

When we understand that Jesus was "bruised for our transgressions" (Isaiah 53:5), we begin to see how sad it is when we beat ourselves up. Can we add anything to His sacrifice? Was it not enough? Our attempts to atone for our own sins may be more offensive to God than the sin we feel guilty about.

The gift is free, but some of us are unable to enjoy it because we feel we must earn acceptance. Our only hope is to repent of our attempts to earn love and to accept with gratitude God's free gift. From beginning to end in our Christian walk, we live by faith in Christ's work on the cross for us.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Meditate on Galatians 2:19-21 and Hebrews 4:14-16. Write down what God teaches you.

Day 21 – Allow God to search your heart - Part 1

Meditate: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

The pure in heart know the value of bringing sins into the light. We do this with the help of the Holy Spirit:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

In this Psalm we see that we don't do the searching alone. We look to God to help us. Sometimes it is helpful to review the things that scripture clearly teaches are offensive to Him. The following scriptures and questions may help you as you open up to the Lord's light. He may also speak to you about other sins not listed below.

You may have already dealt with the most painful areas of your life and this will not be so difficult. Or it may be that you want to run from facing the darkness inside. Don't run! Take courage by praying the Psalm above and then let the Holy Spirit speak.

As you go through this list (today and tomorrow), write down briefly and specifically the dark areas of your life that the Lord shines His light on.

Dishonoring Parents (Deuteronomy 5:16; Proverbs 23:22; Matthew 15:3-9)

- How have you dishonored your parents (with your tongue, your attitude, your possessions, your time)?

Sins of the tongue (James 3:2-12; Matthew 5:21-22; Exodus 20:7):

- Is lying a habit in your life? What kind of lies do you tell?

- Do you gossip about others? Do you boast about yourself and put others down?

- Do you use your words to wound, mock or criticize others?

- Do you use God's name in vain? Is your language dirty?

- Do you find yourself often complaining about your life? Do you have an ungrateful attitude (and tongue) towards God for what He gives you?

Theft (Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28):

- Have you stolen things from others? Is it a habit in your life?

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

If you have not already done so, look back over the list of sins that you wrote down. Confess them one by one and look to Christ for cleansing. Review 1 John 1:5-2:2.

Day 22 – Allow God to search your heart - Part 2

Meditate: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

As you did yesterday, continue reading the list below. Write down briefly and specifically areas of your life that the Lord shines His light on.

Sins of the mind and eyes (Matthew 5:27-29; Matthew 7:1-5; Exodus 20:17; Genesis 6:5):

- Is your mind impure before God? Do your eyes lust after others?

- Are you judgmental towards others? Do you keep negative attitudes growing like weeds in your mind?

- Do you have an "evil eye," coveting what others have? Do you covet other people's material things, their position, their physical appearance, their children? What do you want that other people have?

Violence (Exodus 20:13; Genesis 6:11-13; Matthew 5:21-22; Jeremiah 1:5):

- Are you physically violent towards others? Have you, in anger, wished you could kill someone or wished they were dead?

- Have you had an abortion or encouraged someone else to have one?

- What have you done that is harmful to your own body? (Examples: attempting suicide, cutting yourself, banging your head violently, eating disorder)

Sexual impurity and addictions (Exodus 20:3-5 & 14; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Galatians 5:19-21):

- How have you used your body that was dishonoring to God?

- Have you committed adultery, had sex outside of marriage, or engaged in looking at pornography?

- What things or behaviors have you used to replace God in your life? In other words, where do you turn for comfort, security, or pleasure apart from God? (Examples: Sex, money, power over others, drugs, alcohol, food, etc.)

Involvement with the occult (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-13; Isaiah 8:19-20; Acts 19:18-20):

- Have you gone to mediums or spiritists for guidance?

- Have you sought healing, blessing, cursing on others, etc, through things like sorcery, extrasensory powers, etc?

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

If you have not already done so, look over the sins you wrote down. Confess them one by one and look to Christ for cleansing. Review 1 John 1:5–2:2.

Day 23 – Cutting the root of shame

Meditate: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Though we confess our sins to Christ, we know there are some sins we need to tell to others and ask for their prayers. (See James 5:16.) Opening our hearts up to a trusted believer is part of Christian maturity. You may be surprised to find people actually value you more as a person when they know you have been through pain and failure. They see that you are sincere and not wearing a religious mask.

As a new creation in Christ, your past is your history; it is not your identity. When you share your brokenness with others, often they will begin to see you as someone they can trust, and they may share their weaknesses and sins with you as well. If they do, you must remember they are trusting you. Don't talk about it with others.

Being known fully by someone who will neither excuse nor condemn you is one of the greatest things you can ever experience. It happened to a woman Jesus met. If you don't know the story, read it now in John 4:1-42.

She was a Samaritan, of mixed race and despised by the Jews. She came to draw water at Jacob's well and found Jesus sitting alone. She came in the middle of the day when none of the other women were there. Probably they shunned her, and she avoided them.

Jesus brought to light things about her life that she wished she could hide. She had been married five times and now lived with a man who was not her husband. These things brought her shame, yet she saw in Christ's eyes complete acceptance. She felt valuable, perhaps for the first time in her life. Soon, she left the well and encouraged others to come out and meet Jesus, saying, "He told me everything I ever did" (John 4:29).

The encounter was so transformational that this outcast woman went back boldly to the village that rejected her. She brought the whole town out to meet the Savior. She no longer felt the need to hide. When she found Jesus, she found worth, and that set her free to connect with her community. That is the power of grace. It is released every time we come to God just as we are, in poverty of spirit.

Similar things happen when we open up to servants of Christ who walk in His Spirit and know how to impart His grace. The root of shame is cut. We find ourselves really living again because we drink the living water (John 4:13-14).

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

We can know these truths, but stepping out to do them takes courage. Do you know a believing friend that you trust, to whom you can confess your sins? What fears do you have of opening up to someone? Write them here. Then ask the Lord to help you go forward.

VIII. Blessed are the peacemakers

Day 24 – Our God is a peacemaker

Meditate: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Peacemaking is found in many stories throughout the Bible. The greatest story is of our heavenly Father who sent His only Son to make peace with us. The sacrifice to accomplish this was greater than we can imagine. Now millions around the world enjoy reconciliation with God because of what He did (Romans 5:10-11).

Another amazing story is about Joseph in the book of Genesis, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. He suffered deeply for many years from their evil actions. In Egypt, after their father died, Joseph's brothers came to him and asked for his mercy. They offered to be his servants. In these verses we see the beautiful way that Joseph showed them mercy:

But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21)

God is a peacemaker, and His people are peacemakers, too. When we understand the heart of God for reconciliation, we can become bearers of peace, even when we suffer for it.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Read Romans 12:17-21. How is this attitude different from the way the world usually acts? How does it challenge you? Write your thoughts.

Day 25 – Honesty with others whom we have hurt

Meditate: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

In the previous two Beatitudes (Matthew 5:7-8), we brought before God sins done against us and sins that we committed. Let us not forget, however, that sin is usually not simply between us and God; it affects our relationships. Sin involves deception, selfishness, and dishonoring of others. After Cain murdered his brother Abel, God asked him where his brother was. Cain replied: "I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). Sadly, that is sometimes our attitude.

In truth, God does want us to be our brother's keeper. We were created to have good relationships with all people. In a sinful world, this takes effort, but if we don't work for peace, serious problems result. Sins between individuals sometimes even escalate over time to wars between countries.

What we did in the past few days – confessing our sins to God– was a step forward toward peacemaking in our world. But do we stop there? Do we say nothing to those whom we have sinned against? Do we not care about the pain they feel because of what we did to them? Our pride makes it painful to face these things, but another step of walking in the light is needed. See what the Apostle John said:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Real relationship (fellowship and peace with others) requires humility and honesty. This honesty is not just confessing sin to God. Peacemaking involves admitting to others the sinful role we played in the broken relationship. It is not always possible to do this. In some cases it might cause more harm to that person. But as we pray and receive God's wisdom in the matter, we can work to restore many relationships.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Meditate on Matthew 5:23-24. Write your thoughts, and then pray for wisdom to work for peace with anyone you have wronged.

Day 26 – How Jesus changes the world

Meditate: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

People changed by Jesus become peacemakers, and peacemakers bring beautiful changes to their world. One example in the New Testament is Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Israel. Take time to read his story now in Luke 19:1-10.

The people hated Zacchaeus because he worked for Rome and made lots of money by cheating his fellow Israelites. His passion to make money had made his heart hard. But even hard-hearted people, deep down inside, know their own sin. Something was going on inside Zacchaeus' heart the day he climbed the tree to see Jesus. When Jesus passed the tree, he looked up at the tax collector, and he called him by name!

"Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."(Luke 19:5)

Jesus had never met Zacchaeus before this, so it was surely a shock that Jesus knew his name. Some of us are like him; we can't imagine that the Savior has time for us. But how sweet it is that Jesus knows each of us by name! And how great for Him to invite Himself to spend time with us– especially when we feel so unworthy.

Letting Jesus into our lives makes all the difference. Zacchaeus' one encounter with Jesus transformed him. Here was a moment of true repentance!

Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." (Luke 19:8)

Jesus commended Zacchaeus because his immediate response to salvation was a desire to make things right. God wants to cultivate in all of us a soft heart that desires restoration.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Jesus was pleased with Zacchaeus. He not only stopped his corrupt lifestyle, but he also restored what he had stolen to those whom he had cheated. This was true salvation! Can you imagine how the world would change if followers of Jesus worked this hard to restore broken relationships?

Is the Lord speaking to you to make the past right with others in practical ways, as Zacchaeus did? Take time to listen to His voice and write what He is saying to you.

IX. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake

Day 27 – Walking with Christ in persecution

Meditate: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12)

When trouble comes because of our faith, we may wish we could retire from serving Christ. But we remember how much we have been helped by others who brought Him to us. God asks us to give freely, just as we have received. Jesus gave everything for us. We know also that millions of unnamed believers over the centuries have sacrificed for us to receive the gospel. Some even gave up their lives. And so we learn to sacrifice daily.

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)

We let our light shine wherever we go, especially in dark places. And it is in dark places where we are opposed by angry people blinded by Satan. Jesus knew this opposition well (John 15:18-25).

In times of persecution, we discover our weaknesses and run back to Jesus as beggars. In poverty of spirit, we call out for Him to empower us to not be ashamed of Him, and to continue to love those who hate the light.

We could run from the pain of persecution as the disciples did when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:50). But if we focus on saving our lives, we will be denying all that Jesus has done in us so far. As we experience Jesus' healing in our lives, we find power to choose hardship, loss or pain when it lies in the path of righteousness. We've grown to love God's kingdom and we keep our eyes on Jesus in the suffering. In losing our own kingdoms, we enter fully into His (1 Peter 4:1-2).

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Read again slowly the verses at the top of the previous page (Matt. 5:10-12). Write a prayer expressing to God your fears and hopes to remain strong in persecution.

Day 28 – Will we stand with Christ?

Meditate: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12)

Jesus continues this serious theme throughout the gospels. (See Matthew 24, for example.) Jesus knows persecution is what we would most wish to avoid. And often we can avoid it if we choose. We can denounce our faith or ignore this part of Jesus' teachings. We can say just what we need to say in the moment to make everyone happy. But a voice inside asks: "Can you turn your back on Christ who has brought you into such freedom and hope? Will you stand for truth?"

Martin Luther stood with Christ. The Roman Church in his day had almost lost the good news of salvation by grace through faith. The church was selling forgiveness of sins to people and using the money to build cathedrals. The Church was getting rich and top leaders were living in luxury. Christ's sacrifice, given freely for the sins of all people, was ignored.

Martin read the Apostle Paul's book of Romans in the New Testament and saw how the simple beauty of the gospel message was not being preached. Though he knew he could be killed, he spoke out and wrote boldly for the truth. His books, including his translation of the Bible into German, went throughout Europe. In 1521 Luther was accused of heresy and ordered in court to retract his teachings. Although he knew it might cost him his life, he would not back down: "My conscience is captive to God's Word," he said. "I cannot and will not recant anything. It is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen. Here I stand, I can do no other."

Many joined Luther, working tirelessly throughout Europe to spread the truth of the gospel. The Bible was translated and taught in the languages of the common people. Some were killed, others were imprisoned; some lost jobs, others were rejected by family members. But the fear of persecution did not stop them. They suffered that we might hear the gospel today.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Perhaps you have already suffered for taking a stand for the gospel. Or you may have denied Christ under pressure, as Peter did (Mark 14:66-72). Perhaps you live in fear of future persecution. Meditate on Romans 1:16-17. These were some of Martin Luther's favorite verses. Then, ask the Lord to help you see what can happen in your country if you are unashamed of the gospel.

Day 29 – Praying for deliverance; submitting to God's will

Meditate: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12)

We all live in societies which worship idols. These "false gods" may be money, power, sex, or other things, and Christians who don't bow their knee in worship face various types of persecution. But some of us are in cultures which demand obedience to a single religion. Those who live out their faith as Jesus taught face harassment, heavy fines, imprisonment or even death.

In the Old Testament, three young Hebrew men were captives in Babylon. The king demanded all to bow down to an image he had constructed. Those who did not bow down would be burned alive. See Daniel 3 in the Old Testament for the full story.

The Hebrews refused to bow down and the king was furious. He ordered the fire stoked seven times hotter than usual. But the three men said:

"King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

These men believed in God's power to save them, but they were prepared to die if God did not send deliverance. In this story, they were miraculously rescued. The fire burned only the ropes that bound them, and someone appeared with them in the fire who looked "like a son of the gods"!

In another story, Jesus prayed earnestly that His Father would save Him from death. But He added to His prayer: "yet not what I will but what you will" (Mark 14:36). Today we are glad He followed the Father's will and carried the cross for us. His death brought life to the world.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Meditate on 1 Peter 4:12-19. The Apostle Peter wrote this many years after he had denied Christ. Later he was crucified for his faith. Write your thoughts as a prayer to God that you may be faithful to Christ all your life.

X. Final Words

Day 30 – Finding the Bread that feeds us forever

Meditate: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna…" (Revelation 2:17)

We have brought our broken, hungry hearts to Jesus in the light of the Beatitudes, Jesus' first teaching. The scripture above is from some of the last words of Jesus. He speaks of "hidden manna."

Manna was the miraculous bread from God for His people as they journeyed in the desert. Jesus promises to sustain us, too, as we travel with Him through our personal wilderness. He shows us the true manna:

"I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:48-51)

Jesus is our "hidden manna" satisfying us in a way that nothing else can. But why is it hidden? Why would God hide something good? As we have seen walking through the Beatitudes, God's best is reserved for those who press in, for those who ask, seek and knock. Yes, God wants us to be hungry – hungry enough that we seek Him wholeheartedly.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

It was awareness of our need that started us on our journey through the Beatitudes and it is desire to know God that takes us home. This world is not our home; we are pilgrims. Our hearts belong to heaven. We are made to love God and to be loved by Him. Holding on to the following words of Jesus will guard us from the error of religious men who don't really know God. It will help us keep our eyes on the true goal:

"You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:39-40)

We miss the mark if our efforts do not lead us into intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

Write your thoughts about how these meditations on the Beatitudes have helped you to know and love Christ more deeply. Tell Him you want to keep growing in relationship with Him.

Day 31 – Cultivate a grateful heart

Meditate: "The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" (Psalm 50:23)

As we have learned the Beatitudes, we have discovered that facing the painful realities of our lives brings freedom and healing. It is true: How blessed are those who walk in Jesus' way!

On day 5 you wrote a prayer to God expressing negative emotions, as David sometimes did. Now on this last day, write a prayer of heartfelt thanks to the Lord. Throughout scripture the Lord told the Israelites to remember all that He had done for them. Even though He had miraculously delivered them from Egypt, they quickly moved to complaining and fear. They only saw each day's problems, not God's blessings. They forgot the past miracles, and thus, they had no faith that God would deliver them today.

Their experiences and complaining hearts can be like a mirror that shows us our own hearts. Giving thanks to God can help to transform the unbelief and ingratitude in our hearts to faith and joy.

What can we thank Jesus for? Here are a few ideas:

- Thank Him for using everything in our experience to bless us by making us more like Him.

- Thank Him for revealing the destructive nature of sin and helping us hate it like He does (Proverbs 8:13).

- Thank Him for using difficult circumstances to strengthen us and for using pain to make us more tender and compassionate.

- Thank Him for all He has in mind for the future. Express your confidence that He can and will continue working out everything for your good (Romans 8:28). Remind Him of your love and commitment to Him.

- Give Him permission to do whatever is needed to make you more like Jesus. Let Him know how much you appreciate His patient persistence with you.

- Let gratitude flow. Every day look for things to thank the Lord for. Be quick to share with God and others just how thankful you are. His mercies and kindness are new every morning (Lamentations 3:21-23).

Suggestion for meditation and writing:

You may want to write your thanksgiving in the form of a poem or a song, as the Psalms are written. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the rich blessings of God in your life.

Appendix

Affirmations of Faith

Putting the Truth of God's Word Into Your Heart

What we focus our thoughts on begins to change us. The Apostle Paul understood this when he wrote:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

Jesus wants us to dwell on the good, to love what He loves, and to believe what He has done for us. The following affirmations are just a few examples of how you can take the truths of God's word and make them your personal truths to defeat the lies of Satan against you. It is powerful when we read affirmations of faith out loud, speaking them to ourselves. Be sure to look up the scripture verses, and you may want to memorize them.

GOD RECEIVES ME THROUGH CHRIST:

- My sins are completely forgiven and cleansed when I confess them and look to Christ for forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10).

- All condemnation against me is defeated because I am now in Christ (Romans 8:1).

- I have peace (reconciliation) with God because I have been justified by faith in Christ's sacrifice for me (Romans 5:1).

- I have bold confidence in Christ to come into God's presence to find His mercy and grace to help me in my needs (Hebrews 4:14-16).

GOD CHANGES ME and MAKES ME FRUITFUL TO GLORIFY HIM

- I will abide in Christ, in order to walk in freedom and to produce much fruit to glorify my Father (John 15:1-8 & John 8:31-32).

GOD'S COMFORT and REFRESHMENT IS AVAILABLE TO ME:

- Jesus is a good shepherd who takes care of me, one of his sheep (Psalm 23 & John 10:14-15).

- I find rest for my soul when I take on Christ's yoke. I come to Him when I am weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30).

THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS IN ME:

- I am not an orphan because the Holy Spirit of Christ lives in me and is with me forever (John 14:15-18).

- I can be a witness for Christ in this world because the Holy Spirit empowers me (Acts 1:8 & 2 Timothy 1:6-8).

I DO NOT NEED TO SPEND MY DAYS WORRYING:

- My heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field. He will take care of me, too. I will seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and trust His daily provision (Matthew 6:25-34).

- I will ask my Father for my daily bread, for wisdom and for all things that I need to glorify Him in this world. He gives graciously and does not rebuke me for asking (Matthew 6:11 & 7:7-11; James 1:5 & Philippians 4:4-7).

I WILL NOT PANIC WHEN I AM PERSECUTED:

- I will not look at persecution as unusual, but I will seek to live a godly life in Christ. I will remember that the world first hated Christ, my Savior (2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:18 & 1 Peter 4:12-16).

- I remember that Jesus is always with me and gives a great reward to those persecuted in His name. I also will pray for those who persecute me, as Jesus did (Matthew 28:20; Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 5:43-48 & Luke 23:34).

Has this book helped you?

If so, will you pass it on to others? You may know many who could be strengthened in their faith by it, as you have been. Please help us spread the word among your friends.

Tell them that free downloads of this book (and other books like it) are available at www.learnhisways.com.

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Finally, we would love to hear how this book has helped you. You may write your comments on the "Contact us" page of the website above.

Guidelines for Translators

Permission is given to translate these studies into other languages. Before you translate, please contact us at www.learnhisways.com. We will tell you if someone else has already started on the translation in the language you have chosen. There is no need for you to duplicate efforts already started by others.

Here are guidelines to follow in translating:

1. Who is the best translator?

Usually it is best that the translator is a native speaker of the target language (the language you are translating into). He or she should also be fluent in English. The translation should be done from the English version, which is the original language of this book.

2. Make it easy to read.

As you translate, please avoid formal language that is difficult for the average person to read. Write in a relaxed, conversational style, as if the author of the book is talking around the table with others. Don't use "high" language that is only understood in very educated, academic circles. The translation should be easy and enjoyable to read.

3. Say it in a native way.

Avoid translating word for word from the English into your language. That will make it sound strange in the target language. Instead of word for word, look at the entire sentence (and the other sentences in context) and then write in a way that a native speaker would say it.

4. Don't change the meaning.

Keep the basic meaning that is in each English sentence. Don't change it to say something different from what the English is saying.

5. Use the Bible of your target language.

Whenever a Bible verse is given, don't translate the English Bible verse into your target language. Find that verse in the target language Bible. If there are several versions of the Bible in the target language, use an easy to understand and commonly used Bible in that language.

There is one exception to this rule –

On Day 8, it says:

One way to translate Psalm 119:32 is: "I run in the pathway of your commands for you have set my heart free."

With this verse, translate it from the English.

6. Words to use for "Bible," "Christian," "God,"and "Christ."

In some countries (especially Muslim countries), using these words or some form of these words can cause unnecessary anger and offense. Some people still think about religious wars when they hear these words, and they associate them with their enemies. Therefore, in your translating please think carefully about the words that you use. For the word "Bible," use words from your language for "Holy Book," "The Word," "God's Word," or "Old or New Testament." In many Muslim countries, "Injil" is a good word to use for "New Testament."

For the word "God," you should choose the word that is most commonly used by believers in your country. Some Muslim countries use the word "Allah," other countries have other words that they prefer.

For "Christ," it's best to use the word in your language for "Messiah," or "Anointed One." This is the meaning of the word "Christ." For "Christian," use words from your language for "follower of Jesus the Messiah," "follower of Jesus," or "believer"– or whatever words are most commonly used and accepted by believers in your country.

If you are translating into a language with a Christian heritage, obviously you should use the words they are familiar with. In general, please try to choose words for these terms that are familiar, easily understood for their true meaning, and least likely to cause unnecessary offense.

7. Have someone check the translation.

The checker should be someone who is fluent in both English and the target language. They should use the guidelines written above, and should also check for spelling and other typing errors. In the final step, the original translator and the English checker should discuss any questions in the translation and come to an agreement on the best wording.

8. Do you have any questions?

As you work on the translation, if there is anything in the daily meditations that is unclear, feel free to contact us through our website. (www.learnhisways.com)

9. Make the translation available to many others.

When you finish the translation, contact us at the same website. We may put your translation on the website so that many people can download it for free.

God bless you as you translate. We pray that the Lord will use this book to strengthen the Body of Christ in many different languages around the world.

Endnotes

Matthew 5:3-12

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:14-16

14"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Revelation 17:14

14"They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

Luke 18:9-14

9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

John 15:5

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Isaiah 64:6

6All of us have become like one who is unclean,

and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;

we all shrivel up like a leaf,

and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Luke 18:9-14

9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

1 Peter 5:5-6

5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble."

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Psalm 13

1How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

2How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3Look on me and answer, Lord my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

4and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6I will sing the Lord's praise,

for he has been good to me.

Psalm 38

1Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger

or discipline me in your wrath.

2Your arrows have pierced me,

and your hand has come down on me.

3Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;

there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.

4My guilt has overwhelmed me

like a burden too heavy to bear.

5My wounds fester and are loathsome

because of my sinful folly.

6I am bowed down and brought very low;

all day long I go about mourning.

7My back is filled with searing pain;

there is no health in my body.

8I am feeble and utterly crushed;

I groan in anguish of heart.

9All my longings lie open before you, Lord;

my sighing is not hidden from you.

10My heart pounds, my strength fails me;

even the light has gone from my eyes.

11My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;

my neighbors stay far away.

12Those who want to kill me set their traps,

those who would harm me talk of my ruin;

all day long they scheme and lie.

13I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,

like the mute, who cannot speak;

14I have become like one who does not hear,

whose mouth can offer no reply.

15Lord, I wait for you;

you will answer, Lord my God.

16For I said, "Do not let them gloat

or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip."

17For I am about to fall,

and my pain is ever with me.

18I confess my iniquity;

I am troubled by my sin.

19Many have become my enemies without cause;

those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20Those who repay my good with evil

lodge accusations against me,

though I seek only to do what is good.

21Lord, do not forsake me;

do not be far from me, my God.

22Come quickly to help me,

my Lord and my Savior.

Psalm 34:18

18The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 147:3

3He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

Romans 8:26-27

26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

Psalm 119:32

32I run in the path of your commands,

for you have broadened my understanding.

Romans 8:12-14

12Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.13For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Galatians 5:16-26

16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 6:2

2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:21

21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

1 Corinthians 12:14-27

14Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

John 8:29

29"The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."

Galatians 5:22-23

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

John 15:1-8

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Matthew 6:10

10your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

John 15:1-11

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

John 4

1Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

17"I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

21"Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."

27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"

28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."

32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"

34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41And because of his words many more became believers.

42They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

43After the two days he left for Galilee. 44(Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) 45When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.

46Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

48"Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."

49The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

50"Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live."

The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him."

53Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed.

54This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.

Matthew 5:3-4

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted."

Matthew 5:5

5"Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth."

Matthew 5:6

6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled."

Jeremiah 31:33-34

33"This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel

after that time," declares the Lord.

"I will put my law in their minds

and write it on their hearts.

I will be their God,

and they will be my people.

34No longer will they teach their neighbor,

or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,'

because they will all know me,

from the least of them to the greatest,"

declares the Lord.

"For I will forgive their wickedness

and will remember their sins no more."

John 6:35

35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

Philippians 3

1Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and 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 on the basis of faith. 10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

15All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:1-14

1Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and 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 on the basis of faith. 10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:17

17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Ephesians 4:22-24

22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Matthew 5:29

29If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Colossians 3:9-10

9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Romans 1:16-17

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Mark 2:17

17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Romans 7:14

14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

Romans 8:2

2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Ephesians 5:18-20

18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:16-26

16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Romans 4:17

17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

2 Corinthians 5:6-7

6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7For we live by faith, not by sight.

Romans 8:1

1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Revelation 12:10

10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

"Now have come the salvation and the power

and the kingdom of our God,

and the authority of his Messiah.

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,

who accuses them before our God day and night,

has been hurled down."

Luke 4:1-13

1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."

4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"

5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7If you worship me, it will all be yours."

8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:

"'He will command his angels concerning you

to guard you carefully;

11they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

12Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

John 8:31-32

31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Acts 20:35

35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Isaiah 53:3

3He was despised and rejected by mankind,

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Luke 23:34

34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Matthew 5:8

8"Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God."

John 8:12

12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 3:19-21

19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

1 John 1:5-7

5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Isaiah 53:5

5But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

Galatians 2:19-21

19"For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Hebrews 4:14-16

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Deuteronomy 5:16

16"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

Proverbs 23:22

22Listen to your father, who gave you life,

and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Matthew 15:3-9

3Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.' 5But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is 'devoted to God,' 6they are not to 'honor their father or mother' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

8"'These people honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

9They worship me in vain;

their teachings are merely human rules.'"

James 3:2-12

2We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise, 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. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Matthew 5:21-22

21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Exodus 20:7

7"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

Exodus 20:15

15"You shall not steal."

Ephesians 4:28

28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

1 John 1:5-2:2

5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

2 1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Matthew 5:27-29

27"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."

Matthew 7:1-5

1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Exodus 20:17

17"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Genesis 6:5

5The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

Exodus 20:13

13"You shall not murder."

Genesis 6:11-13

11Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.

Matthew 5:21-22

21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Jeremiah 1:5

5"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Exodus 20:3-5 & 14

3"You shall have no other gods before me.

4"You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

14"You shall not commit adultery."

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;

Galatians 5:19-21

19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Leviticus 19:31

31"'Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.'"

Deuteronomy 18:9-13

9When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. 13You must be blameless before the Lord your God.

Isaiah 8:19-20

19When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20Consult God's instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Acts 19:18-20

18Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

1 John 1:5-2:2

5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

2 1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

James 5:16

16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

John 4:1-42

1Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

17"I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

21"Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."

27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"

28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."

32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"

34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41And because of his words many more became believers.

42They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

John 4:29

29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?"

John 4:13-14

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Romans 5:10-11

10For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 12:17-21

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On 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."

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Genesis 4:9

9Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"

"I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Matthew 5:23-24

23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."

Luke 19:1-10

1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner."

8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

John 15:18-25

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'"

Mark 14:50

50Then everyone deserted him and fled.

1 Peter 4:1-2

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Matthew 24

1Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2"Do you see all these things?" he asked. "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

15"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. 18Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 19How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

22"If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25See, I have told you ahead of time.

26"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the wilderness,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

29"Immediately after the distress of those days

"'the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light;

the stars will fall from the sky,

and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'

30"Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

32"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

36"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

45"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' 49and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Mark 14:66-72

66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.

"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.

68But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.

69When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70Again he denied it.

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

71He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

72Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Romans 1:16-17

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.17For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Daniel 3

1King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. 3So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

4Then the herald loudly proclaimed, "Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace."

7Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. 9They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "May the king live forever! 10Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up."

13Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

19Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"

They replied, "Certainly, Your Majesty."

25He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

26Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."

30Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Mark 14:36

36"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

1 Peter 4:12-19

12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,

"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Proverbs 8:13

13To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech.

Romans 8:28

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

Lamentations 3:21-23

21Yet this I call to mind

and therefore I have hope:

22Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

23They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

1 John 1:8-10

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Romans 8:1

1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:1

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-16

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

John 15:1-8

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

John 8:31-32

31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Psalm 23

1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name's sake.

4Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

John 10:14-15

14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Matthew 11:28-30

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

John 14:15-18

15"If you love me, keep my commands. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Acts 1:8

8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

2 Timothy 1:6-8

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

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 clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:11

11"Give us today our daily bread."

Matthew 7:7-11

7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

James 1:5

5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Philippians 4:4-7

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:12

12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

John 15:18

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

1 Peter 4:12-16

12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Matthew 28:20

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."

Matthew 5:11-12

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:43-48

43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Luke 23:34

34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.