Lent: The Journey of Letting Go

Chosen and Complete: Embracing God's Plan Beyond Marriage

Freedom in Forgiveness: Discover the Healing in Letting Go by Sara Brunsvold

The Benefit of Doubt: How Confronting Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to a Richer Faith

Spiritual Beings

Allowing Our Children to Grow and Go: A 3-Day Parenting Plan

The Armor of God: Well Used Against Injury

We're So Blessed: A Fun 5-Day Family Devotional From CAIN

Living for Christ at Home: An Encouragement for Teens

TheLionWithin.Us: 3 Questions to Unlock Deeper Insights in God’s Word

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkHEB">
      <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="HEB.12">
         <div class="label">12</div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="HEB.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="HEB.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">God Disciplines His Children</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.12.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="content">&#8220;My son, do not make light of the Lord&#8217;s discipline,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="content">and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.12.6"><span class="content">and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:5,6 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="PRO.3.11">Prov. 3:11</span>,<span class="ref" usfm="PRO.3.12">12</span> (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.12.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="HEB.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="HEB.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">If you are not disciplined&#8212;and everyone undergoes discipline&#8212;then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="HEB.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="HEB.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="HEB.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="HEB.12.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="HEB.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="HEB.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Make level paths for your feet,&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:13 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="PRO.4.26">Prov. 4:26</span></span></span></span><span class="content"> so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Warning and Encouragement</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="HEB.12.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="HEB.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="HEB.12.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.12.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.12.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.12.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="HEB.12.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="HEB.12.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="HEB.12.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">because they could not bear what was commanded: &#8220;If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:20 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="EXO.19.12">Exodus 19:12</span>,<span class="ref" usfm="EXO.19.13">13</span></span></span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.12.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, &#8220;I am trembling with fear.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:21 </span><span class="ft">See <span class="ref" usfm="DEU.9.19">Deut. 9:19</span>.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.12.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="HEB.12.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="HEB.12.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.12.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.12.24"></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="HEB.12.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="HEB.12.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, &#8220;Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:26 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="HAG.2.6">Haggai 2:6</span></span></span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="HEB.12.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The words &#8220;once more&#8221; indicate the removing of what can be shaken&#8212;that is, created things&#8212;so that what cannot be shaken may remain.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="HEB.12.27"></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="HEB.12.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="HEB.12.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">for our &#8220;God is a consuming fire.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:29 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="DEU.4.24">Deut. 4:24</span></span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="ECC.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.10.1"><span class="content">so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.10.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The heart of the wise inclines to the right,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.10.2"><span class="content">but the heart of the fool to the left.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.10.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Even as fools walk along the road,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="content">they lack sense</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"><span class="content">and show everyone how stupid they are.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.10.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">If a ruler&#8217;s anger rises against you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="content">do not leave your post;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"><span class="content">calmness can lay great offenses to rest.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.10.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">There is an evil I have seen under the sun,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.10.5"><span class="content">the sort of error that arises from a ruler:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.10.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Fools are put in many high positions,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.10.6"><span class="content">while the rich occupy the low ones.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.10.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I have seen slaves on horseback,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"><span class="content">while princes go on foot like slaves.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.10.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.10.8"><span class="content">whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.10.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"><span class="content">whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.10.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">If the ax is dull</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">and its edge unsharpened,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">more strength is needed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"><span class="content">but skill will bring success.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.10.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">If a snake bites before it is charmed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"><span class="content">the charmer receives no fee.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.10.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.10.12"><span class="content">but fools are consumed by their own lips.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.10.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">At the beginning their words are folly;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.10.13"><span class="content">at the end they are wicked madness&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.10.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">and fools multiply words.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="content">No one knows what is coming&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"><span class="content">who can tell someone else what will happen after them?</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.10.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The toil of fools wearies them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"><span class="content">they do not know the way to town.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.10.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Woe to the land whose king was a servant</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">10:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">king is a child</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.10.16"><span class="content">and whose princes feast in the morning.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.10.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="content">and whose princes eat at a proper time&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"><span class="content">for strength and not for drunkenness.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.10.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Through laziness, the rafters sag;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"><span class="content">because of idle hands, the house leaks.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.10.18"></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">A feast is made for laughter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="content">wine makes life merry,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"><span class="content">and money is the answer for everything.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.10.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Do not revile the king even in your thoughts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="content">or curse the rich in your bedroom,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="content">because a bird in the sky may carry your words,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.10.20"><span class="content">and a bird on the wing may report what you say.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

New International Version

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="MAT.6.21">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.6.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.6.21"></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

Strong Disciples OneSample

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