Dwell in the Light and Truth p. 165
When 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 8:12 NIV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light.
- 1 Peter 1:9 CEB
But the Holy Spirit will come to you, and he will give you power. The Holy Spirit will make your spirit strong. Then you will tell other people everywhere in the world about me. You will do that in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and in places far away.’ - Acts 1:8 EASY
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. - John 14:6 NLT
Pray continually. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 CEB
Commands p. 145
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
God spoke all these words:
I am God, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of a life of slavery.
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No other gods, only me.
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No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am God, your God, and I’m a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I’m unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.
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No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name.
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Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God. Don’t do any work—not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days God made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore God blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day.
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Honor your father and mother so that you’ll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you.
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No murder.
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No adultery.
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No stealing.
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No lies about your neighbor.
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No lusting after your neighbor’s house—or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbor’s.
- Exodus 20:1-17 MSG
Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear [and worship Me with awe-filled reverence and profound respect] and keep all My commandments always, so that it may go well with them and with their children forever!
- Deuteronomy 5:29 AMP
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32 NLT
One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” - Mark 12:28-32 NLT
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The thief approaches, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance. - John 10:10 VOICE
God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. - Romans 14:17 CEB
Lifestyle
p. 122
My soul rests quietly only when it looks to God; from him comes my deliverance.
- Psalm 62:1 ISV
Make me want to follow your covenant laws instead of wanting to gain things only for myself. - Psalm 119:36 NIRV
But they have many troubles in their minds. They think that more money and other valuable things will make them happy. So they do not let God's message change them. They are like plants that do not grow well and make new seeds.
- Mark 4:19 EASY
So you must be careful. Be sure that you really have light in you. Be sure that you are not still in the dark. - Luke 11:35 EASY
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28 NLT
Choose Well
p. 113
When another believer has trouble, we need to be kind to him. Maybe you have all the things that you need to live. If you see another believer who needs things like that, you should help him. If you refuse to be kind to him, it shows that you do not belong to God. You do not love people in the way that God loves them.
- 1John 3:17 EASY
We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy! - 1 John 1:3-4 MSG
As for those who grieve over Zion, to give them a crown in exchange for ashes, To anoint them with gladness instead of sorrow, to wrap them in praise instead of depression and sadness. People will call them trees standing for what is right. They stand to the glory of the Eternal who planted them. - Isaiah 61:3 VOICE
For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. - Galatians 2:19 NLT
Food
p. 83
Then God said, “I now give to you all the plants on the earth that yield seeds and all the trees whose fruit produces its seeds within it. These will be your food.
- Genesis 1:29 CEB
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. - Genesis 8:20 NLT
All the animals on the earth, all the birds in the sky, all the creatures that creep along the ground, and all the fish of the sea will now be afraid and run from you; they have been handed over to you. Every living thing that moves will be to you as food. Just as I once gave you the green plants to eat, I now give you everything. But do not eat any meat with its lifeblood still in it. - Genesis 9:2-4 VOICE
So I tell you this. You should not worry about how to stay alive. Do not worry about the food and drink that you need. Do not worry about the clothes that you need to wear. Your life is more important than the food that you eat. Your body is more important than your clothes. - Matthew 6:25 EASY
Simplify Food p. 36
Then God said, “I am giving you every plant on the face of the whole earth that produces its own seeds. I am giving you every tree that has fruit with seeds in it. All of them will be given to you for food. I am giving every green plant as food for all the land animals and for all the birds in the sky. I am also giving the plants to all the creatures that move along the ground. I am giving them to every living thing that breathes.” And that’s exactly what happened. - Genesis 1:29-30 NIRV
Every animal on earth, every bird in the sky, every animal that crawls on the ground, and every fish in the sea will respect and fear you. I have given them to you. “Everything that moves, everything that is alive, is yours for food. Earlier I gave you the green plants, but now I give you everything for food. But you must not eat meat that still has blood in it, because blood gives life. - Genesis 9:2-4 NCV
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God is the one who provides food for all living things— God’s faithful love lasts forever! - Psalm 136:25 CEB
Jesus said, “Are you being willfully stupid? Don’t you see that what you swallow can’t contaminate you? It doesn’t enter your heart but your stomach, works its way through the intestines, and is finally flushed.” (That took care of dietary quibbling; Jesus was saying that all foods are fit to eat.) - Mark 7:18-19 MSG
Life Issues
p. 42
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4 NIV
Trust wholeheartedly in the Lord rather than relying on your own intelligence. In everything you do, acknowledge him, and he will see that your paths are straight.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 NCB
Be willing to help and care for each other because of Christ. By doing this, you honor Christ. - Ephesians 5:21 NLV
God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be praised in all the nations; I will be praised throughout the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 NCV
Live Life
p. 48
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.
- John 19:34-35 NIV
I was thrilled when the brothers and sisters came and told me stories of your faithfulness as you continue to walk in the truth. - 3 John 1:3 VOICE
My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 CEB
Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.” - Luke 17:20-21 MSG
But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. - Luke 3:16 MSG
Obedience
p. 44
Be careful to obey all these commands that I am giving to you. Then you will be doing things that the Lord your God says are good and right. You and your children will enjoy a happy life. - Deuteronomy 12:28 EASY
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
- Matthew 6:30-33 MSG
Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. - Romans 4:20 NLT
God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.
- Proverbs 3:5-10 MSG
Find your delight in the Lord. Then he will give you everything your heart really wants. - Psalm 37:4 NIRV
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. - Mark 6:31 NLT
Turning Life Around
p. 25
Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life. -1 Timothy 4:12 NCV
Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives. - Titus 2:1-6 MSG
As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.” - Mark 1:7-8 MSG
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT
Life Within
p. 89
See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword — it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.
- Hebrews 4:12 CJB
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. - Psalm 19:12 NLT
Everything that is hidden will be made clear and every secret thing will be made known. - Mark 4:22 NCV
Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties.
- 1 Peter 4:10 VOICE
New Day
p. 111
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it.
- Psalm 118:24 NLV
Teach them God’s requirements and laws. Show them the right way to live and the kind of work they should be doing. - Exodus 18:20 VOICE
Continue to love each other very much. That is more important than anything else. If you love people, you will forgive them for any wrong things that they have done.
- 1 Peter 4:8 EASY
Away then with sinful, earthly things; deaden the evil desires lurking within you; have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires; don’t worship the good things of life, for that is idolatry. God’s terrible anger is upon those who do such things. You used to do them when your life was still part of this world, but now is the time to cast off and throw away all these rotten garments of anger, hatred, cursing, and dirty language. Don’t tell lies to each other; it was your old life with all its wickedness that did that sort of thing; now it is dead and gone. You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you. In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all. Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.
- Colossians 3:5-15 TLB
The Call
p. 23
Take up the new nature that God has prepared for you. That nature is like God's own nature. Then you will live in a truly good way that pleases God.
- Ephesians 4:24 EASY
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. - Galatians 6:4-5 MSG
You will be his witness to everyone concerning what you have seen and heard. What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins as you call on his name.’ - Acts 22:15-16 CEB
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:2 NLT
You have plenty of everything, after all—plenty of faith, and speech, and knowledge, and all kinds of eagerness, and plenty of love coming from us to you; so why not have plenty of this grace too? I’m not saying this as though I was issuing an order. It’s a matter of putting their enthusiasm and your own love side by side, and making sure you genuinely pass the test. - 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 NTFE
Life
p. 61
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Proverbs 22:6 AMP
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” - Psalm 46:10 NLT
The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance. - John 10:10 VOICE
Everyone whom the Father gives to me will come to me, and I won’t send away anyone who comes to me. - John 6:37 CEB
God saved us and called us to a life of holiness, not because of our works but according to his own purpose and the grace that has been bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. - 2 Timothy 1:9 NCB
Live Life to the Fullest
p. 53
Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord. – Proverbs 20:12 NLT
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. - Philemon 1:7 NLT
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Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. - Matthew 6:34 MSG
Fools follow their own directions and think they are right, but wise people listen to advice. - Proverbs 12:15 VOICE
Plans
p. 24
You shall have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3 NIV
I, the Lord, tell you this: I have decided what I will do for you. I have plans to help you to do well. I do not want to hurt you. I want to give you hope for a good life in the future. – Jeremiah 29:11 EASY
When I am surrounded by troubles, you keep me safe. You oppose my angry enemies and save me by your power. You will do everything you have promised; your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun. - Psalm 138:7-8 GNT
Trust in the Lord completely. Do not think that you understand things well enough for yourself. Whatever you are doing, remember that the Lord is with you. Then he will show you the right way to go. - Proverbs 3:5-6 EASY
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. - Jeremiah 17:14 NIV
Questions for Reflection
p. 2
The heart is delighted by oil and perfumes, and the soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend. - Proverbs 27:9 VOICE
This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us. - 1 John 5:14 CEB
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.
- Galatians 5:22-24 CEV
Take up the new nature that God has prepared for you. That nature is like God's own nature. Then you will live in a truly good way that pleases God.
- Ephesians 4:24 EASY
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. - Galatians 6:4-5 MSG
God says “This is what I will do in the last days. I will give my Spirit to all people. Your sons and daughters will speak my message to people. Your young men will see visions in their minds. And your old men will see things in their dreams.
- Acts 2:17 EASY
Is there anyone who can understand his own thoughts except his own inner spirit? In the same way, no one can know the thoughts of God except God’s Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 2:11 ISV
Take Time
p. 1
First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 AMPC
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Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. - Colossians 3:15-17 MSG
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You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. - Matthew 5:16 VOICE
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We were glad to share not only God’s good news with you but also our very lives because we cared for you so much. - 1 Thessalonians 2:8 CEB