A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Bible
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
Proverbs 23:12 NIV
Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5-7 NIV
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Acts 2:17-18 NIV
It is to a man’s honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. – Proverbs 20:3
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV1984)
The issue of money and lifestyle is not a side issue in the Bible. The credibility of Christ in the world hangs on it. “Fifteen percent of everything Christ said relates to this topic – more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined.” Listen to this refrain that runs through all his teachings:
- “One thing you lack: go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.” (Mark 10:21)
- “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God… But woe to who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” (Luke 6:20, 24)
- “Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:33)
- “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:25)
- “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
- “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
- “Sell your possession and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted.” (Luke 12:33)
- “Zacchaeus… said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor’… And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house.’ (Luke 19:8-9)
- “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went out and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
- “[Jesus] saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” Luke 21:2-3
- “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself and is not rich towards God.” (Luke 12:20-21)
Source: John Piper, Don’t Waste Your Life, p.109-110
In the gospels there are seven things recorded that Jesus spoke as he suffered on the cross:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
“Dear woman, here is your son” (John 19:26).
“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
“I am thirsty” (John 19:28)
“Tetelestai” – it is finished! – It is done; it is paid! (John 19:30)
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Then he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
“I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV
“Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
A loving doe, a graceful deer –
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be captivated by her love.
Why be captivated my son, by an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife?”
Solomon, King of Israel (Proverbs 5:15-20 NIV.)
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Proverbs 28:6 NIV
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 11:13 NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Jesus made many unique claims about himself. Here are a few of them, taken from John’s gospel:
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty (6:35).
I amthe living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever (6:51).
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (8:12).
I am from above… I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be (8:23-24).
I am the gate for the sheep. (10:7)… whoever enters through me will be saved (10:9).
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (10:11).
I am God’s Son (10:36).
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die (11:25).
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (14:6).
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 (NIVUK)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
Remember the promise of Jesus: “I am with you always.”
Matthew 28:20
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out; that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Acts 3:19 (NIVUK)
Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Psalm 51:8
I have laboured to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due to me is in the LORD’S hand, and my reward is with my God.
Isaiah 49:4
I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you.”
Psalm 31:14-17
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17 NIV
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV1984)
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
Psalm 118:6-7 NIV
I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7 KJV
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favour to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 NIVUK
May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 115:14-15 NIV
Psalm 5:11-12 (NIVUK) says: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.”
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 NIV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 NIV1984 Edition
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIVUK
A Christian does not live by explanations but by promises. A parcel delivery company used to have a slogan written on their delivery vehicles saying, “A promise means nothing until it is delivered.” That’s true, unless the promise is from God! God always keeps his promises, his covenants; He is always as good as His word… and God has given us many promises in the Scriptures. Here are just a few of them:
- Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3)
- Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (…) Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. (Isaiah 43:1, 46:4)
- Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
- Jesus promised: And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
Psalm 24v3-4 says: ‘Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, he who does not lift us his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.’ In other words, the psalmist poses a question: Who can come into the Lord’s presence; who may stand before him in his holy place? And the answer: He who has clean hands and pure heart… So, how do we get clean hands and a pure heart? Through confession. Sin comes between us and God and can act like a barrier in our worship, our relationship and our prayers being answered. But when we come clean before God and confess our sins and short fallings, and receive God’s forgiveness, we are given clean hands and a pure heart.
In Psalm 32 (v1-6) David says: ‘Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit there is no deceit.’ David goes on to say: ‘When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For night and day your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you.’
Psalm 32 is a paradox of the Christian life: If you cover and try to hide your sins God will uncover them (David says, ‘night and day your hand was heavy upon me’). But if you uncover your sins in genuine confession God promises to cover them with his forgiveness.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
Proverbs 29:22
I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
… know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.
Isaiah 49:23b NIV
Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?” And Isaiah said: “Here I am. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). When was the last time you prayed that prayer? What would it take for you to pray it today?
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving kindness.
I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt.”
Jeremiah 31:3-4
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what they have done.
Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12 NIVUK
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5-7 NIV
Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Proverbs 29:18 KJV
Confession using Psalm 51v1-12:
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Lord, have mercy.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
Christ, have mercy.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus said to his disciples, “… whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20: 26-28 (NKJV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Psalm 118:24-25 (NIV1984) says: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us: O LORD, grant us success.” – It is worth noting that we are told to ‘rejoice and be glad in it.’ Not to rejoice and be glad before it, or over it, or after it but to rejoice and be glad in it. Remember this: Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the present… a gift, so let’s rejoice and be glad in it! We are to seize this day with its blessings and challenges, and live every moment of it. We are called to enjoy the journey.
Personal ambition and goals must not, in themselves, be our number one priority. – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3). We need to ask ourselves, whose kingdom am I trying to build – my own or God’s? Jesus, when talking about our need of the necessities in life, said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus went on to say, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26 NIV)
Three principles of ethical business practice taken from Proverbs 22:
- Reputation: A good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed better than silver or gold (v4).
- Humility: Humility and fear of the LORD bring wealth and honour and life (v4).
- Generosity: A generous man will himself be blessed (v9).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) – In my own strength, nothing; in God’s, everything.
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him
Nahum 1:7
Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4
The fear of the LORD adds length to life.
Proverbs 10:27
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.
Psalm 141:3-4a
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23
Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… Let us encourage one another – and all the more as we see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:22, 25b
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
A Psalm of David (2nd King of Israel):
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me besides still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offence.
Proverbs 19:11
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Acts 4:29-30 NIV
Humility comes before honour.
Proverbs 15:33 & 18:12 NIV
It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honourable to seek one’s own honour.
Proverbs 25:27 NIV1984
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 10:9 NIV
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
Proverbs 20:17 NIV
A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness.
– Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
LISTENING (HEARING)
…I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!
3 John 1:1 MSG
The divine intention and biblical institution of marriage: “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17 NIVUK
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
Psalm 20:4-5 NIV1984 Edition
Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV
The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
Proverbs 12:23 NIV
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
Proverbs 28:19 NIV
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV
“… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 NIV
Jesus said, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Matthew 6:27 NIV
Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NIV
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:18-19 NIV
Romans 8:31 states “God is for us”. — That means He is on our side, cheering for us, working for us, transforming us into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). He is ahead of us, leading the way. He is alongside us, standing with us in every situation. He is behind us, our greatest fan. He is under us, providing a sure foundation. He is above us, watching over every move. He is inside us, empowering us to live for him. God has us surrounded!
‘Once-A-Day Devotional For Men: 21-Day Reading Plan’ on YouVersion (excerpt from day 7)
In Psalm 139 the opening two verses say: ‘O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.’ – David (the author) acknowledges that God sees, God hears, God knows. We can’t hide from God, not even our thoughts. And so in the last two verses of the same psalm David wants to confess his sin and receive forgiveness. He wants nothing to stand in the way of his relationship with God and so he prays: ‘Search me, O 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.’
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do.
Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10 NIV
With humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 NIV
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face towards you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”
Solomon, King of Israel (Proverbs 18:13 NLT)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-25 NIV
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” – Solomon, King of Israel, Ecclesiastes 5:10. NIV
Galatians 6:7 says, “A man reaps what he sows.” Here are three fundamental truths connected to this verse: You always reap what you sow; you always reap later than you sow; and you always reap more than you sow.