What Is the Bible?
An Encounter Resource
Man to Man Men's Conferences.
Every man who walks through The Encounter is handed the same challenge: stop circling the truth and open the Book that is, the Bible. This resource exists to put the Bible in a man's hands with no pretense and no distance — just the incredible story of God, told straight, for men who are ready to face it. See the tab Old Testament for today and New Testament for today and 100 important scriptures to the left.
THE BIBLE IS THE MOST READ
BOOK IN HUMAN HISTORY.
Every man who has ever wrestled with the hard questions of life — Who am I? Why am I here? What do I do with my failures? — has, at some point, been pointed toward this Book. Not because it's tradition. Because it works. Men in every corner of the world, in every era, have turned to these pages and found something solid to stand on when everything else in life gave way.
But the Bible was never meant to be a book you pull off the shelf only when the pressure gets unbearable. It's a library — real men's stories, raw poetry, hard prophecy, and at the center of it, God Himself showing up on earth as a man: Jesus Christ. That's the part that changes everything, and it's the part The Encounter exists to put in front of you.
Here's the hard truth: most men own a Bible. Few have actually read it. It sits in a drawer, or on a shelf, gathering dust while a man tries to white-knuckle his way through life on his own strength. That ends today. Read the Bible. It will be the most important decision you make — the one that finally gives your life the foundation it's been missing.
The Bible and Its Message
From the first page to the last, the Bible has one message: God. Before the world existed, before there were galaxies, before there was anything — there was God. The Bible opens with Him creating everything, and the crown of that creation was people. He gave them a place to live, authority, freedom, everything they needed — and more than that, He was their friend. He walked with them. He talked with them. That was the design.
Then it broke. Man chose his own way over God's, and the fallout hit everything — the earth, the animals, and the human race itself. And here's what a lot of men never get told: there was no way back on our own. No amount of effort, willpower, or self-improvement could undo what had been done. But God didn't walk away from us. He went after us.
That's the pattern that runs through the entire Old Testament. God is just — sin has to be dealt with. But God is also love — so He made a way to deal with it Himself. He called a man named Abraham and built a nation, Israel, through him. He gave that nation the Law, not as a trap, but as a mirror — showing every man exactly how far short he falls, and how impossible it is to fix that on his own.
All through the Old Testament, God kept pointing forward to one man who would finally settle the score. Moses spoke of a coming prophet. David was told one of his own descendants would sit on a throne that never ends. That coming deliverer was called the Messiah — "the anointed one."
All through the Old Testament, God kept pointing forward to one man who would finally settle the score. Moses spoke of a coming prophet. David was told one of his own descendants would sit on a throne that never ends. That coming deliverer was called the Messiah — "the anointed one."
This wasn't going to be an ordinary man, because no ordinary man could fix what was broken. "I can't help myself... it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things," Paul said of himself in Romans 7:17. The Messiah had to be more — "Immanuel," God with us. Isaiah said it centuries before it happened, and Jesus Christ fulfilled it.
Jesus was born exactly where and how the prophets said He would be. He lived a life with no compromise in it — none. And that spotless man was arrested on a false charge, tried in a rigged court, and executed like a criminal though He'd done nothing wrong. He was buried. And on the third day, God raised Him from the dead. That's the moment the debt got paid in full and the relationship between God and man — the one broken all the way back in the garden — got restored.
When Jesus paid for your sin, He didn't just cover it — He removed the guilt attached to it. And He's not finished. Jesus is alive right now, standing in the gap for you: Jesus Christ is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:24-25). The way in is simple, no performance required: "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead... it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved" (Romans 10:9-10). We call it Romans TNT.
That's salvation — and it's not a ticket to heaven you file away and forget. It's a new life, starting now. Jesus said it plainly: "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10). That's what's waiting for you in the Bible.
Jesus was born exactly where and how the prophets said He would be. He lived a life with no compromise in it — none. And that spotless man was arrested on a false charge, tried in a rigged court, and executed like a criminal though He'd done nothing wrong. He was buried. And on the third day, God raised Him from the dead. That's the moment the debt got paid in full and the relationship between God and man — the one broken all the way back in the garden — got restored.
When Jesus paid for your sin, He didn't just cover it — He removed the guilt attached to it. And He's not finished. Jesus is alive right now, standing in the gap for you: Jesus Christ is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:24-25). The way in is simple, no performance required: "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead... it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved" (Romans 10:9-10). We call it Romans TNT.
That's salvation — and it's not a ticket to heaven you file away and forget. It's a new life, starting now. Jesus said it plainly: "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10). That's what's waiting for you in the Bible.
No Man Stands Alone
Brotherhood isn't extra. It's not a nice add-on for guys who happen to be social. God built us to need each other—to be known, to be called out, to be loved by other men who won't let us hide. If you've been white-knuckling life solo, that's not strength. That's isolation wearing strength's jacket. Here's what God says about the men around you, and the marriage you may be standing inside of right now.
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
FRIENDS
Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Philippians 2:3-4
Brotherhood isn't extra. It's not a nice add-on for guys who happen to be social. God built us to need each other—to be known, to be called out, to be loved by other men who won't let us hide. If you've been white-knuckling life solo, that's not strength. That's isolation wearing strength's jacket. Here's what God says about the men around you, and the marriage you may be standing inside of right now.
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
FRIENDS
Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Philippians 2:3-4
How to Read the Bible
You don't have to read the Bible cover to cover to get started, and you don't need a seminary degree to understand it. It's a library, not a single narrative — so start where the ground is solid.
If the Bible is new territory for you, start in the book of Mark. It's short, fast-moving, and written by someone with direct access to the men who walked with Jesus. It's the clearest, most direct on-ramp into the story that changed everything — and it can change yours.
From there, move into Acts. It picks up right where Mark leaves off and tells you what happened next — how a small, unlikely group of men took this message and turned the world upside down.
Then read Romans. It's a letter, written by a man named Paul who understood failure, and it lays out — plainly — how a selfish, broken man can stand clean before God. After that, work through some of the
shorter New Testament letters before you head into the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, start with the real stories in Genesis. Then move through the books named after the men in them — Joshua, Ruth, Job, Jonah, and others. Read whole stories, not just chapters.
Gideon's story runs across several chapters of Judges. Jonah is short — you can read the whole thing in one sitting, and it hits harder that way.
Then spend time in the Psalms. This is where you learn what it looks like for a man to be honest with God — anger, fear, guilt, praise, all of it laid bare. Save the longer prophetic and historical books for later. Build a daily rhythm: some Psalms, a section from the Old or New Testament, every day.
Consistency beats intensity.
You don't have to read the Bible cover to cover to get started, and you don't need a seminary degree to understand it. It's a library, not a single narrative — so start where the ground is solid.
If the Bible is new territory for you, start in the book of Mark. It's short, fast-moving, and written by someone with direct access to the men who walked with Jesus. It's the clearest, most direct on-ramp into the story that changed everything — and it can change yours.
From there, move into Acts. It picks up right where Mark leaves off and tells you what happened next — how a small, unlikely group of men took this message and turned the world upside down.
Then read Romans. It's a letter, written by a man named Paul who understood failure, and it lays out — plainly — how a selfish, broken man can stand clean before God. After that, work through some of the
shorter New Testament letters before you head into the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, start with the real stories in Genesis. Then move through the books named after the men in them — Joshua, Ruth, Job, Jonah, and others. Read whole stories, not just chapters.
Gideon's story runs across several chapters of Judges. Jonah is short — you can read the whole thing in one sitting, and it hits harder that way.
Then spend time in the Psalms. This is where you learn what it looks like for a man to be honest with God — anger, fear, guilt, praise, all of it laid bare. Save the longer prophetic and historical books for later. Build a daily rhythm: some Psalms, a section from the Old or New Testament, every day.
Consistency beats intensity.
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Man to Man Men's Conferences
The Bible Talks about Life
Every man carries something — anxiety he doesn't name, anger he can't put down, guilt he's been dragging for years. The Bible doesn't dodge any of it. Below are some of the places Scripture speaks directly into the battles men actually fight.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7
Anxiety
I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Anger
And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God's sight. James 1:19-20
Depression
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3
The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles... The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one. Psalm 34:17, 19
Discouragement
Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Eternal Life
Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?"
John 11:25-26
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down — when we die and leave these bodies — we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands... God Himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee He has given us His Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 4-5
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later.
Romans 8:18
Every man carries something — anxiety he doesn't name, anger he can't put down, guilt he's been dragging for years. The Bible doesn't dodge any of it. Below are some of the places Scripture speaks directly into the battles men actually fight.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7
Anxiety
I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Anger
And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God's sight. James 1:19-20
Depression
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3
The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles... The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one. Psalm 34:17, 19
Discouragement
Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Eternal Life
Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?"
John 11:25-26
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down — when we die and leave these bodies — we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands... God Himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee He has given us His Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 4-5
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later.
Romans 8:18
Fear
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. Psalm 112:7-8
For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Psalm 32:7
Frustration
Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. Hebrews 10:36
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. Psalm 112:7-8
For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Psalm 32:7
Frustration
Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. Hebrews 10:36
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
Guilt
But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9
I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds.
Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44:22 "Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool." Isaiah 1:18
He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
"And I will forgive their wrongdoings, and I will never again remember their sins." Hebrews 8:12
Healing
In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he fell to the ground, face down in the dust, begging to be healed. "Lord," he said, "if you want to, you can make me well again." Jesus reached out and touched the man. "I want to," He said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Luke 5:12-13
Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my body is in agony. Psalm 6:2
Are any among you suffering? They should keep on praying about it... Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:13-16
Impatience
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Dear brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8
But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9
I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds.
Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44:22 "Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool." Isaiah 1:18
He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
"And I will forgive their wrongdoings, and I will never again remember their sins." Hebrews 8:12
Healing
In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he fell to the ground, face down in the dust, begging to be healed. "Lord," he said, "if you want to, you can make me well again." Jesus reached out and touched the man. "I want to," He said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Luke 5:12-13
Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my body is in agony. Psalm 6:2
Are any among you suffering? They should keep on praying about it... Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:13-16
Impatience
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Dear brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8
Insecurity
What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32
I am holding you by your right hand — I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Do not be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:13
That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6
Being Insulted or Mocked
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven... But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:10-12, 44-45
What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32
I am holding you by your right hand — I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Do not be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:13
That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6
Being Insulted or Mocked
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven... But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:10-12, 44-45
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JEALOUSY
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. James 3:14-16
So don't be dismayed when the wicked grow rich, and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they carry nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. Psalm 49:16-17
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. James 3:14-16
So don't be dismayed when the wicked grow rich, and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they carry nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. Psalm 49:16-17
LONELINESS
I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 “For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but even then I will remain loyal to you. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10
No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. John 14:18
LOW SELF-ESTEEM
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these. Mark 12:31
As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. Romans 12:3-5
Reading and studying your Bible consistently is essential.
Consistency beats intensity.
I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 “For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but even then I will remain loyal to you. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10
No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. John 14:18
LOW SELF-ESTEEM
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these. Mark 12:31
As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. Romans 12:3-5
Reading and studying your Bible consistently is essential.
Consistency beats intensity.
Man to Man Men's Conferences
MyEncounterMyFreedom.com
PAIN
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Mark 14:36
For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! . . . I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud.
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 4:17; 12:7-10
SICKNESS
Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will beforgiven. James 5:14-15
The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort. Psalm 41:3
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Mark 14:36
For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! . . . I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud.
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 4:17; 12:7-10
SICKNESS
Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will beforgiven. James 5:14-15
The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort. Psalm 41:3
SUFFERING AND DEATH
And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18
And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18
But let me tell you a wonderful secret God has revealed to us. Not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed. It will happen in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, the Christians who have died will be raised with transformed bodies. And then we who are living will be transformed so that we will never die.
For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die. When this happens—when our perishable earthly bodies have been transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die—then at last the Scriptures will come true: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:51-55
For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die. When this happens—when our perishable earthly bodies have been transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die—then at last the Scriptures will come true: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:51-55
TEMPTATION
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. . . . So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and
he will flee from you. James 1:12-13; 4:7
Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. . . . So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and
he will flee from you. James 1:12-13; 4:7
Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
WEARINESS
But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
WORRY
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!” Luke 12:22-28
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!” Luke 12:22-28
CHRIST JESUS IS CALLING YOU
