- Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
- When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long. - For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
- I have not departed from his commands,
but have treasured his words more than daily food. - Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
- If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
- I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches. - All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.
- For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
- Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
- I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
- The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple. - Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
- Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me. - But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress. - You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.
- You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.
- Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you. - Who has done such mighty deeds,
summoning each new generation from the beginning of time?
It is I, the Lord, the First and the Last.
I alone am he. - Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
- In those days when you pray, I will listen.
- I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
- “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?
Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?”
says the Lord. - The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
You know what I long for, Lord;
you hear my every sigh. The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.Next verse!With image