“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
Scripture
Although every word in the Holy Bible is important, the following texts hold special meaning to me. There are many ways to begin to comprehend and complete your first reading of the entire Bible. I have found the Bible to truly be a living document that speaks differently to me at different times depending on the then current circumstances of my life. It is not a book that we read once and then check off our "to do" list. I recommend that you begin reading the Bible and read it continually for the rest of your life. I have found that the One Year series is helpful in that it includes a daily reading from the Psalms, Proverbs, Old Testament and New Testament and the entire Bible can be completed in one year. An even more helpful way is to read the Chronological One Year Bible which lays out the events of the Story of God and HIs people in the chronological order in which they are believed to have occurred.
Some of these verses are “amplified” in that the words in parentheses are from several translations. For me, this deepens the meaning of the verse.
Check back here often as the scriptures included here will expand over time.
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye upon you.”
Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.”
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures and lets me rest; He leads me beside quiet, still, peaceful streams of water. He restores my soul and renews my strength; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, bringing honor to Him. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, I will not be afraid; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort and protect me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies; You welcome me as a guest and anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows with blessings. Surely goodness and mercy (God’s unfailing love) will pursue me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23 (Amplified)
“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering. I will rescue you for my sake – yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished and I will not share my glory with idols.”
Isaiah 48:10-11
“Teach us to number our days, that we gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who mediates on his law day and night.”
Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV)
“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his Son? Surely you know!"
Proverbs 30:4 (NIV)
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
Psalm 71:18 (NIV)
“… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)