Search the Scriptures

Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

What did Christ say to the people of His day concerning the Scriptures?
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39.

Do the Scriptures furnish positive evidence that the gospel was known in the patriarchal age?
"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Galatians 3:8.

Does Holy Writ contain unmistakable evidence that the Hebrews were taught the gospel under the former dispensation?
"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4:2.

Why did Moses give up the riches of Egypt?
"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Hebrews 11:26.

Whence came the spiritual meat and drink of the Israelites while in the wilderness?
"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:2-4.

What was the chief corner-stone of the faith of both apostles and prophets?
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." Ephesians 2:20.

What part of the Scriptures did Philip hear a certain eunuch reading?
"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" Acts 8:30.

When asked if he understood what he was reading, what reply did the eunuch make?
"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." Acts 8:31.

What did Philip then do?
"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." Acts 8:35.

What are the Scriptures able to do?
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.

What was said of the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures daily?
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

By what is man to live?
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.

How greatly has God magnified His word?
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Psalms 138:2.

How does God instruct us to study his word?
"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" Isaiah 28:10

The Bible is God's Word and is a Library of books of His Word. When we want to learn about a subject we go to the Library and find everything we can on that subject from each book of His Word. Here a little and there a little, precept upon precept.

May God richly bless each of us this day that we may be an ever greater blessing to others an a more powerful witness for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Work and Friendship of the Holy Spirit

It is so good to have someone to talk to that can understand you, even when you do not have the words to say what you want to say.

It is a real comfort when I stammer and struggle to say something, but you say…I know, and sure enough…you really do know without my being able to actually say it. Thank you God.

When I pray, I often realize how little I know and how poorly I am at expressing my prayers, but it is so good to know that our Lord send us a Comforter, The Holy Spirit, to help us and even to pray for us.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

What is the first work the Bible ascribes to the Spirit of God?
"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2.

By what power did Christ work miracles?
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." Matthew 12:28.

To what is His resurrection ascribed?
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18.

How is conviction produced in the mind of the sinner?
"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16:8. See also (Genesis 6:3).

What office does the Spirit perform for the Christian?
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" John 14:16.

What other work does the Spirit perform?
"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

What is the word of God said to be?
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:17.

In what manner did the Spirit make known the word?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

In what manner did the Lord speak to these holy men?
"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1. See also (Numbers 12:6) (Isaiah 1:1) (Ezekiel 1:1).

Was this gift of the Spirit to be confined mostly to the time of the Old Testament?
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:" Joel 2:28.

How did Peter by inspiration render this term afterward?
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:" Acts 2:17. Our day -

What does Paul call the Spirit?
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Ephesians 1:13.

Why was it thus designated?
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." Acts 2:33. See also (Acts 1:4,5).

Why did Jesus say it was necessary for Him to go unto the Father?
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." John 16:7.

Were the gifts of the Spirit referred to in this promise?
"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Ephesians 4:8.

What are these gifts?
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." Ephesians 4:11.

Were all these gifts by the same Spirit?
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:4. See also (Ephesians 4:4).

What commission did Christ give to His disciples?
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.

Why did they not proceed immediately to that work?
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49. See also (Acts 1:8).

How long did Jesus promise to be with those who preach the gospel?
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20.

Divine Guidance

I ask God to direct me once again as I prepared this for our devotion, and I was inspired to include a study of what His Word has to say about His Guidance.

"Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:21).

"I will direct their work in truth" (Isaiah 61:8).

"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel" (Psalm 73:24).

"And the LORD shall guide thee continually" (Isaiah 58:11).

"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Psalm 23:3).

"He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them" (Isaiah 49:10).

"He led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the LORD alone did lead him" (Deuteronomy 32:10-12).

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Psalm 37:23).

"He will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).

"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory" (Psalm 73:24).

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6).

"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way" (Proverbs 11:5).

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

"His God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him" (Isaiah 28:26).

"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them" (Isaiah 42:16).

With all of these promises from God, it seems so foolish that I ever do the wrong thing, but I have, too many times.

Praise God for His mercy and His continued desire to guide us to the PLAN that HE had for us when HE created us.

God's Love

The Bible has so much education about love. The Song of Solomon is a wonderful love story. The word love is used to several kinds of desires. The main true loves mentioned are God's love (agape), Brotherly love (philadelphia) and Physical love (eros) . Sometimes a scripture may refer to other kinds of desires like when it talks about someone who loves evil or wickedness.

In the KJV the word charity is often used where today's translators would have used love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

This study will focus mainly on God's Love.

In what does the Lord delight?
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy." Micah 7:18.

How is His mercy continually manifested?
"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23.

Is His mercy limited to any special class?
"Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." Acts 17:25.
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45.

How has mankind repaid Him for His love in creating them and giving them all things to enjoy?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. See. Isaiah 1:4-6.

While all men were in this condition, how did God still further show His love to them?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

Is there any difference between the love of the Father and that of the Son?
"I and my Father are one." John 10:30.
"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." John 14:11.

Into what relationship to God does His love bring us, if we accept it?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1.

What is given us to show that we are sons?
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with out spirit, that we are the children of God." Romans 8:14-16.

What does the Holy Spirit beget in the hearts of those who receive it?
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5.

If the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, what effect will it have?
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." 1 John 4:11.

How much must we love one another?
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12.
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16.

What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." Ephesians 5:2.

If we have the love of God, will we love only those who love us?
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew 5:43,44.
"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Matthew 5:46.

Did God love us because of any good that we had done?
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Titus 3:5,6.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-6.

What alone should prompt all our acts?
"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead." 2 Corinthians 5:14.

In what other way is God's love manifested to His people?
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19.
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6

What may we confidently expect, from the fact that God so loved us as to give Christ to die for us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

What is God's love for His children able to do when enemies rise up against them?
"Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee." Deuteronomy 23:5.

If we appreciate this loving kindness, what will we do?
"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." Psalms 36:7.

How enduring is God's love to us?
"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

Can anything turn aside the love of God for those who trust Him?
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38,39.

Unto whom will the saints of God ascribe universal praise both here and in eternity?
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Revelation 1:5.

Praise God for His wonderful Love for us.

God's Forgiveness

God's willingness to forgive our sins demonstrates His great love for us.

In what way has God dealt with penitent sinners?
"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." Psalms 103:10.

Why has He dealt thus with men?
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." Psalms 103:11.

What is God ready to do for all who call upon Him?
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalms 86:5.

When Abraham asked God to spare Sodom if He should find ten righteous persons therein, what
did the Lord say?
"And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake." Genesis 18:32.

What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?
"Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Numbers 14:19.

What reply did the Lord immediately make?
"And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word." Numbers 14:20.

When David confessed his great sin, what did God do for him?
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Psalms 32:5.

Does the lord forgive sins when they are confessed to Him?
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

How full is the Lord's forgiveness, when one fulfills the conditions?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.

In what special manner has God shown His willingness to forgive the sinner?
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."Romans 5:8.

What does this wonderful manifestation on the part of God, vouchsafe to us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"Romans 8:32.

Why has such full provision been made?
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father
do?
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20.

Upon the son's asking to be made only a hired servant, what order was issued in behalf of
the penitent one?
"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Luke 15:22-24.

Is God willing to do for His children as earthly parents are for theirs?
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:13.0

How many receive forgiveness from God?
"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be
opened." Matthew 7:8.

Does the Lord forget the cries of those who call upon Him?
"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee." Isaiah 49:15.

May God richly bless you as you study His Word.

We Can Be Sure of Salvation

We can help others to have this gift of Salvation.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Can we know if we will have eternal life?
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

An easy way to remember God’s teaching is as easy as A B C and D

A = Accept that you have sinned and that God has promised you Salvation if you will accept his gift.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

B= Believe that Jesus died for your sins so that you may have eternal life
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

C= Confess with your mouth that He has given you the gift of Salvation.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

D= Discipline or Discipleship
Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

May God bless you and make you a blessing as you share His Gift of Salvation.

Power in God's Word

There is power in God's Word. He invites us to receive this power. As we work for Him we will need His power.

What was the way in which God brought the heavens into existence?
"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Psalms 33:6-9.

What is it that Christ uses to uphold all things?
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:3.

Of what great truth are some willingly ignorant?
"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God he heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." 2 Peter 3:5,6.

By what are the present heavens and earth reserved for a similar fate?
"But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:7.

What other passage of Scripture also reveals that creative power is exercised through the word of God?
"Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created." Psalms 148:5.

What change is wrought out in the life of one who is in Christ?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Jesus described this same experience in what other passage?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.

By what agency is this new creation or new birth accomplished?
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:23.

What is the first creative commandment that is mentioned in the Bible?
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Genesis 1:3.

Did God also command another light to shine out of darkness?
"For God, who commanded the light to shine our of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6.

What was it about Christ's teaching that astonished people?
"And they were astonished at His doctrine: for his word was with power." Luke 4:32.

What important fact testified to the power of Christ's word?
"And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." Luke 4:36.

In ancient times, how did God bring healing to His people?
"He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:20.

In what way did the Roman centurion reveal his strong faith in Christ?
"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." Matthew 8:8.

What did Christ say is the seed of the kingdom of God?
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." Luke 8:11.

Where does God want Christ's word to dwell?
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16.

Could those who believed not on Jesus Christ receive this important seed?
"And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not." John 5:38.

How does the Word of God work in the life of the believer?
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heart of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

What new nature is imparted to us through the promises of God?
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

What is it that can cleanse the lives of believers in Christ?
"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." John 15:3.

How can a young man cleanse his ways?
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Psalm 119:9.

What is the result of accepting the Word of God into the heart and life?"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11.

What awesome power!

Right Thinking (Meditation)

God has been speaking to me about the "stinking thinking" that I have sometimes, so He inspired me to put this study together about how we should think.


1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

May God instill righteous thinking into my mind and my heart. Amen.

Leap for Joy

HAPPY 4th ... FREEDOM IS REAL INDEPENDENCE! JESUS CAME TO SET US FREE!

Have you ever been so excited (maybe when you were a child) that you just had to jump up and down or run and leap? Jesus wants us to let our excitement come out as He works in our lives. May God give you that blessing as you study this.

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Some people do not like for us to have this joy.
2 Samuel 6:16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Don't be afraid to be excited for Jesus. He is with you.

Our Christian Hope

What is the Christian's hope like?
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." Hebrews 6:18,19.

What is the Christian's hope called?
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13.

When did Paul expect to realize this hope?
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8.

What happens when we forget God?
"So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be as a spider's web." Job 8:13,14.

What will happen when we have this hope?
"And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure." 1 John 3:3.

How does this hope make us feel?
"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God." Psalms 146:5.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is." Jeremiah 17:7.
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13.
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2.

When the love of God fills the heart, what is the result?
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5.

In a time of trouble, who will be the hope of the righteous?
"The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel." Joel 3:16.

What else does our hope in the Lord give us?"
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." Psalms. 31:24.

What kind of hope do we receive because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3.

How long should our hope endure?
"And we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end." Hebrews 6:11.
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13.

May this study of God's word cause your hope to increase.
Thank you Lord for giving us your Word of Life.