1 Hour Of Calm Scripture For Peace And Focus

This track is a calm, continuous reading of scripture designed to bring peace and steady focus to your mind. The passages are selected to reduce stress, quiet distractions, and help you stay centered throughout your day. The narration is gentle and even, with no commentary or interruptions. You can listen in the background while working, thinking, or simply taking a moment to reset and find calm.

Transcript

Psalm 33 Rejoice in God, You righteous. Praise His fitting for the upright. Give thanks to God with a harp. Sing praises to Him with the instruments of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy. For God's Word is right. All His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the love and kindness of God. By God's Word, The heavens were made. All the stars by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap. He lays up the deeps and storehouses. Let all the earth fear, Respect God. Let everyone stand in awe of Him. For He spoke and it was done. He commanded and it stood firm. God brings the wisdom of the nations to nothing. He makes the thoughts of the people to be ineffective. The wisdom of God stands firm forever. The thoughts of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is God. The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. God looks from heaven. He sees all the people. From the heavens, He looks out on all the people of the earth. He who forms all of their hearts. And He considers all of their works. There is no king saved by his large army. A mighty man is not delivered by his great strength. A horse is a weak hope for safety. It cannot save anyone by its great power. See, God's eye is on those who fear, Respect Him. On those who hope in His love and kindness to deliver their soul from death. To keep them alive in famine. Our soul has waited for God. He is our help and our shield. Our heart rejoices in Him because we have trusted in His holy name. Let your love and kindness be on us, God, Since we have hoped in You. Psalm 19, For the chief musician. A prayer song by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies show the majesty of His work. Day after day they pour out speech and night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice has gone out through all the earth. Their words to the end of the world. In them, He has set a tent for the sun which is like a groom coming out of his room. Like a strong man rejoicing to run his path. His going out is from one side of the heavens to the other. There is nothing hidden from its heat. God's law is perfect, Restoring the soul. God's promise is reliable, Making simple people wise. God's rules are right, Bringing joy to the heart. God's commandment is pure, Giving vision for the eyes. The fear of God is pure, Enduring forever. God's laws are right and altogether righteous. They are to be more desired than gold, Yes, Than much fine gold. Sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. Moreover, Your servant is warned by them. In keeping them, There is great reward. What person can know all their sins? Forgive me from hidden sins. Keep your servant also from arrogant sins. Let them not have rule over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great wrongdoing. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. God, My rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 23, A prayer song by David. God is my shepherd. I will lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, They comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and love and kindness will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in God's house forever. Proverbs 3. My son, Don't forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my commandments, For they will add to the length of your days, Years of life, And peace. Don't let kindness and truth abandon you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart, So that you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in God with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, Acknowledge God, And He will make your path straight. Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear God and flee from evil, And there will be health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor God with your finances, With the firstfruits of all your increase, So that your barns will be filled with plenty, And your containers will overflow with new wine. My son, Don't despise God's discipline, And don't be tired of His corrections. For those God loves, He corrects. Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, The man who gets understanding. For her good profit is better than getting silver, And her return is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies. Nothing you can desire can be compared to her. Long life is in her right hand, And her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are paths of pleasantness. All her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Everyone is happy who keeps her. By wisdom, God created the earth. By understanding, He established the heavens. By His knowledge, The roaring sea was broken up and the skies dropped down due. My son, Don't let them get out of your sight. Keep sound wisdom and discretion, So they will be life to your soul and grace for your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely. Your foot won't stumble. When you lie down, You will not be afraid. Yes, You will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Don't be afraid of sudden fear or of the anguish of the wicked when it comes. For God will be your confidence and will keep your foot from falling. Don't withhold good from those it is due, When it is in your power to provide it. Don't say to your neighbor, Leave and come back again tomorrow and I will give it to you, When you already have it with you. Don't plan evil against your neighbor, Since he lives securely by you. Don't struggle with a man without a reason, If he has done you no harm. Don't envy the man of violence, Choose none of his ways. For the perverse is detestable to God. But his friendship is with the upright. God's curse is in the house of the wicked, But he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks the mockers, But he gives grace to the humble. The wise will inherit glory, But shame will be the reward of fools. Proverbs 4 Listen, Sons, To a father's instruction. Pay attention and learn understanding. For I give you sound teaching, Don't abandon my law. For I was a son to my father, Tender and an only child in the sight of my mother. He taught me and said to me, Let your heart keep my words, Keep my commandments and live. Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don't forget and don't deviate from the words of my mouth. Don't forsake wisdom and she will guard you. Love her and she will keep you. Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, Though it costs all you have, Get understanding. Honor her and she will elevate you. She will bring you honor when you hold her. She will give to your head a crown of grace. She will deliver you a crown of glory. Listen, My son, And accept my teaching. The years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in straight paths. When you go, Your steps will not be hindered. When you run, You will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction. Don't let her go. Keep her, For she is your life. Don't go on the path of the wicked. Don't walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it and don't go near it. Turn from it and walk on. For the evil don't sleep unless they do evil. Their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the morning sun that shines more and more until it's fully bright. The way of the wicked is like darkness. They don't know what they stumble over. My son, Pay attention to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Don't let them out of your sight. Keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to their whole body. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it is the wellspring of life. Keep yourself from a perverse mouth. Keep corrupt lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 16 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from God. All the ways of a man are innocent in his own eyes, But God weighs the motives. Commit your actions to God and your plans will succeed. God has made everything for its own end. Yes, Even the wicked for the day of evil. Everyone who holds pride in their heart is detestable to God. They will certainly not be unpunished. By mercy and truth, Sin is compensated for. By the fear of God, Men leave the ways of evil. When a man's ways please God, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. A man's heart plans his course, But God directs his steps. Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He will not betray his mouth. Honest balances and scales are God's. All the weights in the bag are his work. It is detestable for kings to do wrong, For the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth. The king's anger is a messenger of death, But a wise man will pacify it. In the light of a king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of rain in the spring. How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. Yes, To get understanding is better than silver. The highway of the upright is to leave evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. Pride goes before destruction and an arrogant spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the plunder with the proud. He who obeys the word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in God is blessed. The wise in heart will be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the punishment of fools is their foolishness. The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and health to the bones. There is a way which seems right to man, But in the end it leads to death. The hunger of the laboring man works for him, For his mouth urges him on. A worthless man plans trouble. His speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse man stirs up trouble. A whisperer separates close friends. A man of violence lures his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, One who compresses his lips, Is bent on evil. Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. One who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from God. Psalm 27 by David God is my light and my salvation. Whom will I fear? God is the strength of my life. Of whom will I be afraid? When evil people came at me to eat up my flesh, Those who are my enemies, They stumbled and fell. Though an army should take position against me, My heart will not fear. Though war should rise against me, Even then, I will be confident. One thing I have asked of God, That I desire the most, That I may live in God's house all the days of my life, To see God's beauty and to learn in His temple. For in the day of trouble, He will keep me secretly in His pavilion. In the secret place of His tabernacle, He will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock. Now, My head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tent. I will sing. Yes, I will sing praises to God. Hear, God, When I cry with my voice. Have mercy on me and answer me. When you said, Seek my face, My heart said to you, I will seek your face, God. Don't hide your face from me. Don't put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don't abandon me or forsake me, God of my salvation. If my father and mother forsake me, Then God will lift me up. Teach me your way, God. Lead me in a straight path because of my enemies. Don't deliver me over to the desire of my enemies. For liars have risen up against me and breathe out cruelty. I am still confident of this. I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. I wait for God. Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, Wait for God. Psalm 34 By David When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, Who drove him away, And he departed. I will bless God at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. My soul will boast in God. The humble will hear of it and be glad. O magnify God with me. Let us exalt His name together. I sought God and He answered me and delivered me from all of my fears. Those who trust in Him are radiant. Their faces will never be covered with shame. This poor man cried and God heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. God's angel surround those who respect Him and delivers them. O taste and see that God is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. O fear God, You His saints, For there is no lack with those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger. But those who seek God will not lack any good thing. Come, You children, Listen to me. I will teach you the fear of God. Who is someone who wants a long and prosperous life? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Stay far from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. God's eyes are on the righteous. His ears listen to their cry. God's face is against those who do evil to cut off their memory from the earth. The righteous cry and God hears and He delivers them out of all their troubles. God is near to those who have a broken heart and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the difficulties of the righteous, But God delivers Him out of them all. He protects all of His bones. Not one of them is broken. Evil will kill the wicked. Those who hate the righteous will be condemned. God redeems the soul of His servants. None of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 46, For the Chief Musician, By the Sons of Korah. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, We won't be afraid, Though the earth shakes, Though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas, Though its waters roar and are troubled, Though the mountains tremble with their swelling. There is a river, The streams of which make the city of God glad, The holy place of the tents of the Most High. God is within her. She will not be moved. God will help her at dawn. The nations raged. The kingdoms were shaken. He lifted His voice and the earth melted. God of the armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, See God's works, What devastation He has made in the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. God of the armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Matthew 5 Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, And He sat down. His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth, And He taught them, Saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they will be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, For they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, Persecute you, And say all kinds of false evil things against you because of me. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, For great is your reward in heaven, For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, But if the salt has lost its flavor, With what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, Except to be thrown out and trampled under men's feet. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a basket, But instead you put it on a stand, And it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, Let your light shine before men, So that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Don't think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, But to fulfill them. For definitely, I tell you, Until heaven and earth pass away, Not even the smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke will pass away from the law until all things are fulfilled. So, Whoever breaks one of these least commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever will do and teach them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the teachers of the law and Pharisees, There is no way you will enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, You shall not murder, And whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever speaks harshly to his brother saying, You idiot, Will be in danger of the court. Whoever says, You fool, Will be in danger of the fire of hell. So, If you are offering your gift at the altar, And there remember that your brother has anything against you, Leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First, Be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. Come to agreement with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way to court. Before the prosecutor hands you over to the judge, And the judge hands you over to the officer, And you are thrown into prison. Most definitely, I tell you, You will not get out of there until you have paid the last penny of the fine. You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that everyone who lusts after a woman in his heart has already committed adultery with her. If your right eye causes you to sin, Pluck it out and throw it away, For it is better for you that one part of your body should perish than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, Cut it off and throw it away, For it is better for you that one part of your body should perish than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, Let him give her a certificate of divorce. But I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, Except in the case of adultery, Makes her an adulteress. And whoever marries her when she is divorced commits adultery. Again, You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, You shall not break your promises, But keep your vows to the Lord. But I tell you, Don't swear an oath at all, Not by heaven, For it is the throne of God, Or by the earth, For it is the footstool of his feet, Or by Jerusalem, For it is the city of the great king. Don't swear by your head, For you can't make one hair white or black, But let your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything more than this is of the evil one. You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, Don't resist an evil person. If he strikes you on your right cheek, Turn to him the left cheek also. If anyone sues you to take away your shirt, Let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, Go two miles with him. Give to the one who asks of you, And don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, You are to love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. And pray for those who mistreat and persecute you, So that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his son to rise on the evil and the good, And sends his reign on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, What reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do that? If you only greet your friends, What more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do that? So, You are to be perfect, Just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 6 Be careful that you don't do your acts of righteousness and charity just to be seen by people, Or else you'll have no reward from your Father in heaven. When you do righteous acts, Don't blow a trumpet to call attention to yourself, As the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, So that they will be praised by people. Most certainly, I tell you, That is the only reward they will receive. But when you do righteous acts, Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, So that your righteous acts are done in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly. When you pray, Don't be like the hypocrites, Because they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, So that they may be seen by people. Most definitely, I tell you, That is the only reward they will receive. But when you pray, Enter into your private room and shut the door. Then pray to your Father in secret, And your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly. When you are praying, Don't use vain repetitions like the Gentiles do, For they think that they will be heard because of their many words. So, Don't be like them, Because your Father knows what things you need before you ask Him. Pray like this, Our Father in heaven, May your name be honored. Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth. As it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Don't let us be led into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, The power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive others when they sin, Your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, Neither will your Father forgive you. Furthermore, When you fast, Don't be like the hypocrites who put on sad faces, For they make faces so that others will see that they are fasting. Most definitely, I tell you, That is the only reward they will receive. But you, When you fast, Make yourself presentable and wash your face, So that your fasting is not seen by others, But it will be by your Father who sees what is done in secret, And He will reward you. Don't store up treasures for yourself on the earth, Where moth and rust consume and where thieves break through and steal. But store up for yourself treasures in heaven, Where neither moth nor rust consume, And where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, There your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, Your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, Your whole body will be full of darkness. If the light that is in you is darkness, How great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters, For either he will hate the one and love the other, Or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and money. So, I tell you, Don't be worried about your life, What you will eat or what you will drink, Or for your body, What you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? See the birds in the sky, That they don't plant, Harvest, Or store food in barns. Your Heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they are? What you view by worrying can add one moment to his lifespan. Why are you worried about clothing? Think about how the lilies of the field grow. They don't work, Neither do they make clothes. Yet, I tell you that even Solomon in all of his glory was not dressed as nice as one of these. But if God clothes the grass of the field, Which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, Won't he much more clothe you, You of little faith? So, Don't be worried saying, What will we eat, What will we drink, Or what will we wear? For the Gentiles search after all of these things, But your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, And all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, Don't be worried about tomorrow, For tomorrow will have its own worries, But each day's own trouble is enough. Romans 8 Because of this, There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, Who don't walk according to the flesh, But according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. For what the law couldn't do, In that it was weak through the flesh, God did, Sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. He condemned sin in the flesh, That the rule of the law might be fulfilled in us, Who walk not after the flesh, But after the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, But those who live according to the Spirit, The things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, But the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God, For it refuses God's law and will not do so, Those who are in the flesh can't please God. But you are not in the flesh, But instead are in the Spirit, If the Holy Spirit is in you. But if any man doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, He does not belong to him. If Christ is in you, The body is dead because of sin, But the Spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Holy Spirit who raised up Jesus from the dead is in you, He will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who is in you. So then, Brothers, We are debtors, Not to the flesh, By living after its desires. Because if you live for its desires, You must die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh, You will live. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. You didn't receive the Spirit of slavery again to fear, But you received the Spirit of adoption, By whom we cried, Daddy, Father. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. And if we are children, Then we are also heirs. Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, If we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not even worth being compared to the glory which will be revealed to us. For all creation waits with eager expectation for God's children to be revealed. For creation was subject to futility, Not of its own will, But because of Him who subjected it in hope that the creation itself will also be delivered from the slavery of decay into the freedom of the glory of God's children. For we know that all of creation groans and labors in pain together until now. Not only is this so, But we ourselves, Who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, Even we groan within ourselves, Waiting for adoption, The redemption of our bodies. For we were saved in hope, But hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he has already? But if we hope for that which we don't see, We wait for it with patience. In the same way, The Spirit also helps us with our weaknesses. For we don't know how to pray as we should, But the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be spoken. He who searches the heart knows what is on the Spirit's mind, Because He makes intercession for the saints according to God's will. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, Those who are called according to His purpose. For those that God knew would follow Him, He also predetermined them to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, That Jesus would be the firstborn among many brothers. Those He predetermined, He also called. Those He called, He also justified. Those He justified, He also glorified. What then can we say about these things? If God is for us, Who can be against us? God didn't spare His own Son, But gave Him up for all of us. So, How would He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It's God who justifies. Who is it that condemns? Instead, It is Christ who died. He was raised from the dead and sits at the right hand of God and also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could domination, Torture, Harassment, Starvation, Nakedness, Danger, Or the sword? Even as it is written in the Psalms, For your sake we are killed all day long. We were counted as sheep for the slaughter. No, In all these things, We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. For I am convinced that neither death, Nor life, Nor angels, Nor principalities, Nor things present, Nor things to come, Nor powers, Nor height, Nor depth, Nor any created thing will be able to separate us from God's love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. He alone is my rock, My salvation, And my fortress. I will never be greatly shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down, Like a leaning wall, Like a tottering fence? They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth but they curse inwardly. My soul, Wait in silence for God alone. For my expectation is from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, My fortress. I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor is with God. The rock of my strength and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, You people. Pour out your heart to Him. God is a refuge for us. Surely men of low standing are just a breath, And men of high standing are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath. Don't trust in oppression. Don't become vain in robbery. If riches increase, Don't set your heart on them. God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this, That power belongs to God. Also to you, Lord, Belongs love and kindness. For you reward every man according to his work. Psalm 91 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day, Or of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Or of the destruction that wastes in the day. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, But it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked, Because you have made God your refuge and the Most High your home. No evil will happen to you, Neither will any plague come near your home. For He will put His angels in charge of you, To guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, So that you won't dash your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot, Because He has set His love on me, Therefore I will deliver Him. I will set Him on high, Because He has known my name. He will call on me, And I will answer Him. I will be with Him in trouble. I will deliver Him and honor Him. I will satisfy Him with long life and show Him my salvation. Philippians 4 Because of this, Believers, Loved and missed, My joy and crown, Stand firm in the Lord, In this way, My loved ones. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord. Yes, I beg you also, True partner, Help these women, For they worked with me in advancing the good news with Clement also, And the rest of my fellow believers whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious about nothing. Instead, In everything, By prayer, With thanksgiving, Let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, Which exceeds all understanding, Will guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, Brothers, Whatever things are true, Honorable, Just, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, If there is any virtue, And if there is any praise, Think about these types of things. The things which you learned, Received, Heard, And saw in me, Do them, And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly, That now at last you have revived your concern for me. You did have concern before, But you lacked opportunity to help. I don't say this because I am in need, For I have learned in whatever condition I am, To be content in it. I know how to live in humble circumstances and also in prosperity. In all things, I learn the secret, Whether I am filled or hungry, Rich or in need. I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me. However, You did well and that you shared in my difficulty. You Philippians yourselves know that when I first brought you the good news and then I departed from Macedonia, No other church shared with me in the matter of financial giving and receiving, But you only. For even when I was in Thessalonica, You sent aid more than once for my need. Not that I am seeking for a gift, But I seek that you will have fruit that will increase to your account. But I have everything I need and more. I am well supplied after receiving from Epaphroditus the things that came from you. They are a sweet-smelling fragrance, An acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. My God will supply every need of yours, According to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, Especially those who are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Colossians 3 Since you were raised with Christ, Pursue the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, Not on the things that are on the earth. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, Is revealed, Then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. So put to death the sinful desires in you, Which are of the earth, Sexual immorality, Impurity, Immoral passion, Evil desire, And greed, Which is idolatry. Because of these things, The anger of God comes on the children of disobedience. You used to walk in these ways when you lived in them, But now be done with them all. Anger, Rage, Hatred, Slander, And disgraceful speaking, Don't lie to one another, Since you have put off your old sinful man with his doings and have put on the new man, Who is being renewed in the knowledge like the image of his Creator. In this, There can't be Greek or Jew, Circumcision and uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, Slave, Or free person, But only Christ, Who is all and is in all. So, As God's chosen ones, Holy and loved, Apply a heart of compassion, Kindness, Modesty, Humility, And perseverance, Bearing with one another and forgiving each other, And if anyone has a complaint against another person, Forgive each other, Just as Christ forgave you. Above all these things, Walk in love, Which is the bond of perfection, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts as you were called in one body and be thankful. Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. In all wisdom, Teach and caution one another with psalms, Hymns, And spiritual songs, Singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, In word or in action, Do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, Giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, Be subject to your husbands, As is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, Love your wives and don't be bitter against them. Children, Obey your parents in all things, For this pleases the Lord. Fathers, Don't irritate your children so that they won't be discouraged. Servants, Obey your masters in all things, Not just when they are looking to please them, But wholeheartedly, Fearing God. And whatever you do, Work wholeheartedly, As for the Lord and not for men, Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, For you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will likewise receive for the wrong that he has done, And there is no favoritism. Proverbs 8 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice? On the top of high places, By the way, Where the paths meet, She stands. Beside the gates, At the entry of the city. At the entry doors, She cries aloud. I call to you men. I send my voice to mankind. You simple, Understand forethought. You fools, Have an understanding heart. Hear, For I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things. For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is disgraceful to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. They are all plain to him who understands. Write to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction instead of silver. Knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than diamonds. All the things that may be desired can't compare to it. I, Wisdom, Have made forethought my home. Find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of God is to hate evil. I hate pride, Arrogance, The evil way, And the perverse mouth. Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power. By me, Kings reign, And princes dispense justice. By me, Princes rule, Nobles, And all the righteous leaders of the earth. I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. With me are riches, Honor, Enduring wealth, And prosperity. My fruit is better than gold. Yes, Than fine gold. My results better than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness and the paths of justice. So that I may give wealth to those who love me, I fill their accounts. God possessed me in the beginning of His work from long ago. I was set up for eternity, From the beginning, Before the earth existed. When there was no sea, I was born. When there were no springs with water, Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills were made, I was born. Before He made the earth, The fields, The beginning of the dust of the world, When He established the heavens, I was there. When He set a circle on top of the sea, When He established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong, When He had set a boundary for the sea so that the waters would not violate His commandment, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, I was the craftsman by His side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before Him. Rejoicing in His whole world, My delight was with mankind. Now, My sons, Listen to me. Blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise. Don't refuse it. Blessed is the man who hears me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. For whoever finds me, Finds life, And will gain favor from God. But he who sins against me, Harms himself. All those who hate me, Love death. Psalm 112 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who has a reverential fear of God, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His children will be mighty in the land. The descendants of the righteous will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in His house. His righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, Gracious, Merciful, And righteous. It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment. For he will never be shaken. The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is committed, Trusting in God. His heart is unwavering. He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his enemies. He has spread good. He has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever. His horn will be exalted with honor. The wicked will see it and be grieved. They will gnash with his teeth and melt away. The desire of the wicked will perish. Matthew 7 Don't judge so that you won't be judged. For however you judge, You will be judged in the same way. And with whatever measure you measure, It will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is on your brother's eye, But don't consider the log that is in your own eye? How will you tell your brother, Let me remove the speck from your eye, When there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite. First, Remove the log from your eye, And then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye. Don't give that which is holy to dogs, And don't throw your pearls to pigs, Because they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask, And it will be given to you. Seek, And you will find. Knock, And the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks, Receives. He who seeks, Finds. To him who knocks, The door will be opened. Who among you, If your son asks for bread, Will give him a stone instead? Or if he asks for a fish, Will give him a snake? If you then, Being evil, Know how to give good gifts to your children, How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? So, Whatever you want other people to do to you, You also do it to them. For this summarizes the Law and the Prophets. Enter in through the narrow gate. For the gate that leads to destruction is wide, And the way is broad, And there are many who enter in by it. But the gate that leads to life is narrow, And the way is difficult. There are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, Who come to you in sheep's clothing, But inwardly are vicious wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorn bushes, Or figs from thistles? In the same way, Every good tree produces good fruit, But a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can't produce bad fruit. Neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So, By their fruits, You will know them. Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, Will enter the kingdom of heaven. But he who does the will of my Father, Who is in heaven, Will. Many will tell me on that day, Lord, Lord, In your name, Didn't we prophesy, Cast out demons, And do many great works? Then I will tell them, I never knew you. Leave me, You lawbreakers. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, The floods came, And the winds blew and beat on that house. But it didn't fall, For it was built on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, The floods came, And the winds blew and beat on that house. And it fell, And it was completely destroyed. When Jesus finished saying these things, The crowds were astonished at his teaching. For he taught them with authority and not like the experts in the law. Romans 12 Because of this, Brothers, I urge you by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable to God, Which is your spiritual service. Don't be conformed to the ways of this world, But be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what is the good, Well-pleasing, And perfect will of God. For I say through the grace that was given to me, To every man among you, Not to think of yourselves more highly than you ought to, But think reasonably, As God has given to each person a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, And all the members don't have the same function, So we, Who are many, Are one body in Christ, And individually members of one another, Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us. If someone's gift is prophecy, Let them prophesy according to the proportion of their faith. Or if it is service, Give yourself to service. If it is teaching, Let them teach. Or he who encourages, Give encouragement. He who gives, Let him do it with generosity. He who has the gift of leadership, Do so with thoroughness. He who shows mercy, Do it cheerfully. Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil. Cling to that which is good. In your love of other believers, Be humble and gracious to one another, Preferring to honor one another. Don't fall behind in diligence. Be eager in spirit, Serving the Lord, Rejoicing in hope, Enduring in troubles, Continuing steadily in prayer, Contributing to the needs of the saints, And being hospitable. Bless those who oppress you. Bless, And don't curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Don't be conceited about things, But associate with those considered lowly or common. Don't be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is morally right in the sight of others. If it is at all possible, As much as you are able to, Be at peace with all men. Don't seek revenge yourselves, Loved ones, But allow room for God's righteous anger. For it is written in Deuteronomy, Revenge belongs to me, I will repay, Says the Lord. So then, Follow this proverb. If your enemy is hungry, Feed him. If he is thirsty, Give him a drink. For in doing so, He sees why he should feel ashamed of himself. Don't become overcome by evil, But overcome evil with good. Romans 15 Now, We who are strong in our faith should help those who aren't, And not live to please ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor in what is good, To help build them up. For even Christ didn't please himself, But as it is written in Psalms, The criticisms of those who criticized you fell on me. For whatever things were written before, Were written for us to learn from. That through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures, We might have hope. Now, The God of perseverance and of encouragement will help you to be of the same mind with one another, According to Christ Jesus. So that with unity, You may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, Accept one another, Even as Christ accepted you to the glory of God. Now, I say that Christ has been made a servant of the Jewish people for God's truth, So that he would confirm the promises given to the forefathers, And that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy. As it is written in Samuel and Psalms, Therefore, I will give praise to you among the Gentiles and sing to your name. Again, He says in Deuteronomy, Rejoice, You Gentiles, With his people. And in Psalms it states, Praise the Lord, All you Gentiles, Let all the peoples praise him. Isaiah records this, There will be the root of Jesse, He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, And him the Gentiles will hope. Now, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing him, That you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am also convinced, Brothers, That you are full of goodness, Knowledge, And able to caution others. But I write more boldly to you, In part to remind you, Because of God's grace to me, That I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, Serving as a priest of the good news of God, That in presenting them, They would be made acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, My boasting in Christ Jesus is in my service to God. For I would not dare to speak of anything except that which Christ worked through me, By word and action, To bring the Gentiles to obedience, By the power of signs and miracles, And the power of God's Spirit. So that from Jerusalem, And as far as to Illilicrum, I have fully preached the good news of Christ. I have made it my aim to preach the good news where Christ wasn't known, So that I would not build on someone else's work. As it is written in Isaiah, They will see to whom no news of him came. They who haven't heard will understand. Because of this, I was prevented many times in coming to you. But now, No longer having any place to work in these regions, And having desired for many years to come to you, I will do so when I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you on my way, And to be helped on my way by you, If I may first enjoy your company for a while. But now I say, I am going to Jerusalem, Serving the saints. For it has been the joy of those in Macedonia and Acacia to provide a gift for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem. Yes, It has been their joy, And they are debtors to them. For if the Gentiles have been made participants of their spiritual things, They owe it to them to serve them in material things. So, When I have accomplished this and have given them this gift, I will go on by way of you to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the good news of Christ. Now, I beg you, Brothers, By our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, That you struggle along with me in prayers to God for me, That I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, And that my service, Which I have planned for Jerusalem, May be acceptable to the saints there, So that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, And together with you find rest. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Hebrews 12 Therefore let us also, Seeing that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, Lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, And let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, Looking to Jesus the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, Despising its shame, And sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who has endured such hostility of sinners against him, That you don't grow weary or faint in your souls. You have not yet resisted to the point of blood in the striving against sin. You have forgotten the urging which reasons with you as children as recorded in Proverbs. My son, Don't take lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are scolded by him. For those the Lord loves, He disciplines and punishes every child whom he receives. It is because of discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children. For what child is there that their father doesn't discipline? But if you are without discipline, Of which all have been made participants, Then you are illegitimate and not children. Furthermore, We had earthly fathers discipline us, And we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be subject to the father of spirits and live? For they, For a while, Punished us as seemed good to them. But God does so for our benefit, So that we may be participants of his holiness. All discipline seems at the time not joyful but painful. Yet afterward, It yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, Lift up your hands that hang down and feeble knees, And make straight paths for your feet, So that the lame may not be disabled, But rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men and be holy. Without holiness, No person will see the Lord. Be careful so that there won't be any person who falls short of the grace of God, So that no root of bitterness will spring up to trouble you, And you will be defiled by it. Don't be a sexually immoral or profane person like Esau, Who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he later desired to inherit the blessing, He was rejected. For he found no place for a change of mind, Even though he sought it desperately with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched, And that burned with fire, And to blackness, Darkness, Storm, The sound of a trumpet, And the voice of words, Which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them. For they could not stand that which was commanded in Exodus, Even if an animal touches the mountain, It shall be stoned. So fearful was the appearance that Moses said, As recorded in Deuteronomy, I am terrified and trembling. But you have come to Mount Zion, And to the city of the living God, The heavenly Jerusalem, And to an uncountable number of angels, To the festive gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, To God, The judge of all, To the spirits of righteous men made perfect, To Jesus, The mediator of a new covenant, And to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than the blood of Abel. See that you don't refuse him who speaks, For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, How much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, Whose voice shook the earth then, But now has promised, Saying in Haggai, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, But also the heavens. This phrase, Yet once more, Signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, As of things that have been made, That those things which are not shaken may remain. Therefore, Receiving a kingdom that can't be shaken, Let's have grace, Through which we serve God acceptably, With reverence and awe, For our God is a consuming fire. Psalm 145, A praise psalm by David. I will praise you, My God, The King. I will praise your name forever and ever. Every day I will praise you. I will praise your name forever and ever. Great is God and greatly to be praised. His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will tell your works to another and will declare your mighty acts. I will meditate on the righteous majesty of your honor, On your wondrous works. Men will speak of the power of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness. They will tell the memory of your great goodness and will sing of your righteousness. God is gracious, Merciful, Slow to anger and of great love and kindness. God is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works. All your works will give thanks to you, God. Your saints will extol you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and talk about your power, To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, The glory of the majesty of his kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your rule endures throughout all generations. God is faithful in all his works and loving in all his works. God upholds all who fall and raises up those who are bowed down. The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. God is righteous in all his ways and gracious in all his works. God is near to all those who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth. He will fulfill the desires of those who fear Him. He will also hear their cry and will save them. God preserves all those who love Him, But He will destroy all the wicked. My mouth will speak the praise of God. Let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.