Hebrews

Merry & Bright: Rediscover the Peace of Advent

Center of It All

A Love Worth Sharing | Advent Sunday Devotional Series

Prayer 101

Faith Conversations

Christ: The Treasure of Our Hearts

5 Spiritual Practices for Healing and Transformation

Overcoming Overwhelm: Untangling the Clutter in Your Life

Moving Toward Each Other in the Middle of a Divisive World

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 bkPHP">
        <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="PHP.1">
            <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PHP.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PHP.1.1"><span class="content">To all God&#8217;s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">The word </span><span class="fq">deacons </span><span class="ft">refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in <span class="ref" data-usfm="ROM.16.1">Romans 16:1</span> and <span class="ref" data-usfm="1TI.3.8">1 Tim. 3:8</span>,<span class="ref" data-usfm="1TI.3.12">12</span>.</span></span></span><span class="content">:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PHP.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PHP.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Thanksgiving and Prayer</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PHP.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PHP.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I thank my God every time I remember you. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PHP.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PHP.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PHP.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PHP.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PHP.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God&#8217;s grace with me. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PHP.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PHP.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PHP.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PHP.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PHP.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ&#8212;to the glory and praise of God.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Chains Advance the Gospel</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PHP.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PHP.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:12 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.</span></span></span><span class="content"> that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PHP.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:13 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">whole palace</span></span></span><span class="content"> and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PHP.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PHP.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PHP.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PHP.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PHP.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PHP.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PHP.1.18"><span class="content">Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PHP.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">for I know that through your prayers and God&#8217;s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:19 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">vindication</span><span class="ft">; or </span><span class="fqa">salvation</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PHP.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PHP.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PHP.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PHP.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PHP.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PHP.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PHP.1.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Life Worthy of the Gospel</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PHP.1.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PHP.1.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:27 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in one spirit</span></span></span><span class="content"> striving together as one for the faith of the gospel </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PHP.1.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved&#8212;and that by God. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PHP.1.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PHP.1.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkPSA">
        <div class="chapter ch31" data-usfm="PSA.31">
            <div class="label">31</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 31</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 31:1-24 is numbered 31:2-25.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.31.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, I have taken refuge;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.31.1"><span class="content">let me never be put to shame;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.31.1"><span class="content">deliver me in your righteousness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.31.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.31.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Turn your ear to me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.31.2"><span class="content">come quickly to my rescue;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.31.2"><span class="content">be my rock of refuge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.31.2"><span class="content">a strong fortress to save me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.31.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.31.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Since you are my rock and my fortress,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.31.3"><span class="content">for the sake of your name lead and guide me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.31.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.31.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.31.4"><span class="content">for you are my refuge.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.31.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.31.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Into your hands I commit my spirit;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.31.5"><span class="content">deliver me, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, my faithful God.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.31.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.31.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I hate those who cling to worthless idols;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.31.6"><span class="content">as for me, I trust in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.31.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.31.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I will be glad and rejoice in your love,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.31.7"><span class="content">for you saw my affliction</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.31.7"><span class="content">and knew the anguish of my soul.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.31.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.31.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">You have not given me into the hands of the enemy</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.31.8"><span class="content">but have set my feet in a spacious place.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.31.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.31.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Be merciful to me, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, for I am in distress;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.31.9"><span class="content">my eyes grow weak with sorrow,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.31.9"><span class="content">my soul and body with grief.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.31.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.31.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">My life is consumed by anguish</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.31.10"><span class="content">and my years by groaning;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.31.10"><span class="content">my strength fails because of my affliction,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">31:10 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">guilt</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.31.10"><span class="content">and my bones grow weak.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.31.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.31.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Because of all my enemies,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.31.11"><span class="content">I am the utter contempt of my neighbors</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.31.11"><span class="content">and an object of dread to my closest friends&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.31.11"><span class="content">those who see me on the street flee from me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.31.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.31.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I am forgotten as though I were dead;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.31.12"><span class="content">I have become like broken pottery.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.31.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.31.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">For I hear many whispering,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.31.13"><span class="content">&#8220;Terror on every side!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.31.13"><span class="content">They conspire against me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.31.13"><span class="content">and plot to take my life.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.31.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.31.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But I trust in you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.31.14"><span class="content">I say, &#8220;You are my God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.31.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.31.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">My times are in your hands;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.31.15"><span class="content">deliver me from the hands of my enemies,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.31.15"><span class="content">from those who pursue me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.31.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.31.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Let your face shine on your servant;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.31.16"><span class="content">save me in your unfailing love.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.31.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.31.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Let me not be put to shame, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.31.17"><span class="content">for I have cried out to you;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.31.17"><span class="content">but let the wicked be put to shame</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.31.17"><span class="content">and be silent in the realm of the dead.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.31.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.31.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Let their lying lips be silenced,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.31.18"><span class="content">for with pride and contempt</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.31.18"><span class="content">they speak arrogantly against the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.31.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.31.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">How abundant are the good things</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.31.19"><span class="content">that you have stored up for those who fear you,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.31.19"><span class="content">that you bestow in the sight of all,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.31.19"><span class="content">on those who take refuge in you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.31.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.31.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">In the shelter of your presence you hide them</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.31.20"><span class="content">from all human intrigues;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.31.20"><span class="content">you keep them safe in your dwelling</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.31.20"><span class="content">from accusing tongues.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.31.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.31.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Praise be to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.31.21"><span class="content">for he showed me the wonders of his love</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.31.21"><span class="content">when I was in a city under siege.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.31.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.31.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">In my alarm I said,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.31.22"><span class="content">&#8220;I am cut off from your sight!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.31.22"><span class="content">Yet you heard my cry for mercy</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.31.22"><span class="content">when I called to you for help.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.31.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.31.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Love the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, all his faithful people!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.31.23"><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> preserves those who are true to him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.31.23"><span class="content">but the proud he pays back in full.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.31.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PSA.31.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Be strong and take heart,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PSA.31.24"><span class="content">all you who hope in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

New International Version

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bk2CO">
        <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="2CO.4.4">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

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