Psalm 37 30 31

Wisdom and justice come from attending to God's Word?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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The nuj vo' the QaQtaHghach talks vo' valtaHghach. Daj tongue speaks ruv. The chutghachmey vo' Daj joH'a' ghaH Daq Daj tIq. pagh vo' Daj steps DIchDaq slide. The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide.
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Deuteronomy 31:11

God's word is no secret!Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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ghorgh Hoch Israel ghaH ghoS Daq nargh qaSpa' joH'a' lIj joH'a' Daq the Daq nuq ghaH DIchDaq choose, SoH DIchDaq read vam chutghachmey qaSpa' Hoch Israel Daq chaj hearing. when all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he shall choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
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Deuteronomy 30:14

Is God's word difficult to come by?Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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'ach the mu' ghaH very Sum Daq SoH, Daq lIj nuj, je Daq lIj tIq, vetlh SoH may ta' 'oH. But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.
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Deuteronomy 17:18-19

Israel's King was to be guided by the Word!Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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'oH DIchDaq taH, ghorgh ghaH sits Daq the quS'a' vo' Daj kingdom, vetlh ghaH DIchDaq write ghaH a copy vo' vam chutghachmey Daq a paq, pa' vo' vetlh nuq ghaH qaSpa' the lalDan vumwI'pu' the Levites: je 'oH DIchDaq taH tlhej ghaH, je ghaH DIchDaq read therein Hoch the jajmey vo' Daj yIn; vetlh ghaH may ghoj Daq taHvIp joH'a' Daj joH'a', Daq pol Hoch the mu'mey vo' vam chutghachmey je Dochvammey chutmey, Daq ta' chaH; It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites: and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them;
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Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Treasure the Word, and share it?Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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vaj SoH DIchDaq lay Dung Dochvammey wIj mu'mey Daq lIj tIq je Daq lIj qa'; je SoH DIchDaq bind chaH vaD a sign Daq lIj ghop, je chaH DIchDaq taH vaD symbols joj lIj mInDu'. SoH DIchDaq ghojmoH chaH lIj puqpu', talking vo' chaH, ghorgh SoH ba' Daq lIj tuq, je ghorgh SoH yIt Sum the way, je ghorgh SoH nep bIng, je ghorgh SoH Hu' Dung. Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul; and you shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes. You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
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Deuteronomy 6:6-9

How close should we keep the Word?Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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Dochvammey mu'mey, nuq jIH ra'ta'ghach mu'mey SoH vam jaj, DIchDaq taH Daq lIj tIq; je SoH DIchDaq ghojmoH chaH diligently Daq lIj puqpu', je DIchDaq talk vo' chaH ghorgh SoH ba' Daq lIj tuq, je ghorgh SoH yIt Sum the way, je ghorgh SoH nep bIng, je ghorgh SoH Hu' Dung. SoH DIchDaq bind chaH vaD a sign Daq lIj ghop, je chaH DIchDaq taH vaD symbols joj lIj mInDu'. SoH DIchDaq write chaH Daq the lojmIt posts vo' lIj tuq, je Daq lIj lojmItmey. These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes. You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates.
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Psalm 119 15

What should we meditate upon?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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jIH DichDaq meditate Daq lIj precepts, je qel lIj Hemey. I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.
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Joshua 1 8

Why meditate on God's word?Listen to what the Bible says, from Joshua.

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vam paq vo' the chutghachmey DIchDaq ghobe' mej pa' vo' lIj nuj, 'ach SoH DIchDaq meditate Daq 'oH jaj je ram, vetlh SoH may observe Daq ta' according Daq Hoch vetlh ghaH ghItlhta' therein: vaD vaj SoH DIchDaq chenmoH lIj way prosperous, je vaj SoH DIchDaq ghaj QaQ success. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
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Romans 14:17

God's kingdom is about righteousness, peace, and joy!Listen to what the Bible says, from Romans.

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vaD the Kingdom vo' joH'a' ghaH ghobe' eating je drinking, 'ach QaQtaHghach, roj, je Quch Daq the le' qa'. for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
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John 17:13

Jesus offers his joy!Listen to what the Bible says, from John.

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'ach DaH jIH ghoS Daq SoH, je jIH jatlh Dochvammey Dochmey Daq the qo', vetlh chaH may ghaj wIj Quch chenmoHta' teblu'ta' Daq themselves. But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
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John 16:24

Our joy can be made full!Listen to what the Bible says, from John.

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Until DaH, SoH ghaj tlhobta' pagh Daq wIj pong. tlhob, je SoH DichDaq Hev, vetlh lIj Quch may taH chenmoHta' teblu'ta'. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
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John 15:11

Jesus speaks to bring joy.Listen to what the Bible says, from John.

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jIH ghaj jatlhpu; Dochvammey Dochmey Daq SoH, vetlh wIj Quch may remain Daq SoH, je vetlh lIj Quch may taH chenmoHta' teblu'ta'. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
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Matthew 12:35

The Word is our good treasure!Listen to what the Bible says, from Matthew.

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The QaQ loD pa' vo' Daj QaQ treasure brings pa' QaQ Dochmey, je the mIghtaHghach loD pa' vo' Daj mIghtaHghach treasure { Note: TR adds vo' the tIq } brings pa' mIghtaHghach Dochmey. The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure { Note: TR adds of the heart } brings out evil things.
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Luke 2:10

God messenger brings news of great joy!Listen to what the Bible says, from Luke.

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The Duy ja'ta' Daq chaH, yImev taH vIp, vaD yIlegh, jIH qem SoH QaQ news vo' Dun Quch nuq DichDaq taH Daq Hoch the ghotpu. The angel said to them, Don`t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
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Isaiah 35:10

God's ransom brings joy!Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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The Yahweh's ransomed ones DichDaq chegh, je ghoS tlhej singing Daq Zion; je everlasting Quch DichDaq taH Daq chaj nachDu'. chaH DichDaq obtain gladness je Quch, je sorrow je sighing DichDaq Haw' DoH. The Yahweh`s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
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Isaiah 12:3

Isaiah ties salvation to joy!.

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vaj tlhej Quch SoH DichDaq draw bIQ pa' vo' the wells vo' toDtaHghach. Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.
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Psalm 132:16

God's people wear salvation in joy.Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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Daj lalDan vumwI'pu' jIH DichDaq je clothe tlhej toDtaHghach. Daj saints DichDaq shout QoymoHlaHbogh vaD Quch. Her priests I will also clothe with salvation. Her saints will shout aloud for joy.
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Psalm 126:5

Joy is a harvest!Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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chaH 'Iv sow Daq tears DichDaq reap Daq Quch. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

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Psalm 89:16

God's name brings joy.Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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Daq lIj pong chaH yItIv Hoch jaj. Daq lIj QaQtaHghach, chaH 'oH exalted. In your name they rejoice all day. In your righteousness, they are exalted.
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Psalm 30:5

Joy waits on the horizon.Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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vaD Daj QeH ghaH 'ach vaD a moment. Daj favor ghaH vaD a lifetime. Weeping may stay vaD the ram, 'ach Quch choltaH Daq the po. For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
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Psalm 16:11

Where is the fullness of joy?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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SoH DichDaq cha' jIH the path vo' yIn. Daq lIj Daq ghaH fullness vo' Quch. Daq lIj nIH ghop pa' 'oH pleasures forevermore. You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
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Nehemiah 8:10

What is our strength?Listen to what the Bible says, from Nehemiah.

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vaj ghaH ja'ta' Daq chaH, jaH lIj way, Sop the ror, je tlhutlh the sweet, je ngeH portions Daq ghaH vaD 'Iv pagh ghaH prepared; vaD vam jaj ghaH le' Daq maj joH'a'. yImev taH grieved; vaD the Quch vo' joH'a' ghaH lIj HoS. Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Don`t be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.
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Isaiah 34:4

Pin your hopes on God, not the world.Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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Hoch vo' the army vo' the sky DichDaq taH dissolved. The sky DichDaq taH rolled Dung rur a scroll, je Hoch its armies DichDaq fade DoH, as a Sornav ngabtaH vo' litHa' a vine joq a fig Sor. All of the army of the sky will be dissolved. The sky will be rolled up like a scroll, and all its armies will fade away, as a leaf fades from off a vine or a fig tree.
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Psalm 102:26

The created universe is not eternal.Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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chaH DichDaq perish, 'ach SoH DichDaq endure. HIja', Hoch vo' chaH DichDaq wear pa' rur a garment. SoH DichDaq change chaH rur a cloak, je chaH DichDaq taH changed. They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed.
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Jeremiah 32:17

Creation shows how unlimited God's power is.Listen to what the Bible says, from Jeremiah.

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toH joH'a' joH'a'! yIlegh, SoH ghaj chenmoHta' the chal je the tera' Sum lIj Dun HoS je Sum lIj outstretched arm; pa' ghaH pagh too hard vaD SoH, Ah Lord Yahweh! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for you,
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Isaiah 42:5

The one behind creation is the one who gives us breath.Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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Thus jatlhtaH joH'a' joH'a', ghaH 'Iv created the chal je stretched chaH pa', ghaH 'Iv open pa' the tera' je vetlh nuq choltaH pa' vo' 'oH, ghaH 'Iv nob breath Daq its ghotpu je qa' Daq chaH 'Iv yIt Daq 'oH. Thus says God Yahweh, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it.
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Isaiah 40:22

How does creation look to God?Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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 'oH ghaH ghaH 'Iv sits Dung the circle vo' the tera', je its nganpu' 'oH rur grasshoppers; 'Iv stretches pa' the chal rur a curtain, je spreads chaH pa' rur a juHHom Daq yIn Daq;  It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in;
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Psalms 102:25

How does the Bible assert God's handiwork?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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 vo' qan, SoH laid the foundation vo' the tera'. The chal 'oH the vum vo' lIj ghopmey.  Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands.
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1Chronicles 16:26

What is difference with God?Listen to what the Bible says, from 1Chronicles.

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vaD Hoch the Qunpu' vo' the ghotpu' 'oH idols, 'ach joH'a' chenmoHta' the chal. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.
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Genesis 1:1

How does the Bible introduce the heavens?Listen to what the Bible says, from Genesis.

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Daq the tagh joH'a' { Note: After joH'a', the Hebrew ghajtaH the cha' letters Aleph Tav (the wa'Dich je last letters vo' the Hebrew alphabet) as a grammatical marker. } created the chal je the tera'. In the beginning God { Note: After God, the Hebrew has the two letters Aleph Tav (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet) as a grammatical marker. } created the heavens and the earth.
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2Timothy 4:7-8

Strive, like Paul, to finish the course!Listen to what the Bible says, from 2Timothy.

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jIH ghaj Suvta' the QaQ Suv. jIH ghaj finished the course. jIH ghaj polta' the HartaHghach. vo' DaH Daq, pa' ghaH stored Dung vaD jIH the crown vo' QaQtaHghach, nuq the joH'a', the QaQtaHghach noH, DichDaq nob Daq jIH Daq vetlh jaj; je ghobe' Daq jIH neH, 'ach je Daq Hoch chaH 'Iv ghaj loved Daj appearing. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
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Philippians 2:16

With our eyes on our goal, we don't run in vain!Listen to what the Bible says, from Philippians.

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holding Dung the mu' vo' yIn; vetlh jIH may ghaj something Daq boast Daq the jaj vo' Christ, vetlh jIH ta'be' run Daq lI'be' ghobe' labor Daq lI'be'. holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn`t run in vain nor labor in vain.
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Galatians 5:7

Let nothing interfere with your race.Listen to what the Bible says, from Galatians.

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SoH were running QaQ! 'Iv interfered tlhej SoH vetlh SoH should ghobe' obey the vIt? You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?
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Galatian 2:2

We do NOT run in vainListen to what the Bible says, from Galatians.

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jIH mejta' Dung Sum revelation, je jIH laid qaSpa' chaH the QaQ News nuq jIH preach among the Gentiles, 'ach privately qaSpa' chaH 'Iv were respected, vaD taHvIp vetlh jIH might taH running, joq ghajta' run, Daq lI'be'. I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
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Hebrews 12:1

Let nothing hold you back!Listen to what the Bible says, from the letter to the Hebrews

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vaj chaw' maH je, leghtaH maH 'oH surrounded Sum vaj Dun a cloud vo' witnesses, lay aside Hoch weight je the yem nuq vaj easily entangles maH, je chaw' maH run tlhej patience the race vetlh ghaH cher qaSpa' maH, Therefore let us also, seeing 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 patience the race that is set before us,
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1Corinthians 9: 24-26

Let us run with self-control!

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yImev SoH Sov vetlh chaH 'Iv run Daq a race Hoch run, 'ach wa' receives the prize? Run rur vetlh, vetlh SoH may win. Hoch loD 'Iv strives Daq the games exercises self-control Daq Hoch Dochmey. DaH chaH ta' 'oH Daq Hev a corruptible crown, 'ach maH an incorruptible. jIH vaj run rur vetlh, as ghobe' uncertainly. jIH Suv rur vetlh, as ghobe' beating the air, Don`t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air,
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Isaiah 40 31

Isaiah reminds us how we may run and not be weary.Listen to what the Bible says.

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'ach chaH 'Iv loS vaD joH'a' DichDaq renew chaj HoS. chaH DichDaq mount Dung tlhej telDu' rur eagles. chaH DichDaq run, je ghobe' taH Doy'. chaH DichDaq yIt, je ghobe' puj. But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
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Song of Solomon 1:4

We run toward love, we hurry toward God.Listen to what the Bible says, from the Song of Solomon.

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tlhap jIH DoH tlhej SoH. chaw' maH hurry. The joH ghajtaH qempu' jIH Daq Daj chambers. Friends maH DichDaq taH glad je yItIv Daq SoH. maH DichDaq naD lIj muSHa' latlh than HIq! parmaqqay chaH 'oH nIH Daq muSHa' SoH. Take me away with you. Let us hurry. The king has brought me into his chambers. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.
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Psalm 119:32

When God sets our heart free, we can run!Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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jIH run Daq the path vo' lIj ra'ta'ghach mu'mey, vaD SoH ghaj cher wIj tIq free. I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.
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1Thesalonians 5:8

What makes up our armor?

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'ach chaw' maH, since maH belong Daq the jaj, taH sober, putting Daq the breastplate vo' HartaHghach je muSHa', je, vaD a helmet, the tul vo' toDtaHghach. But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
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Ephesians 6:11

What protects us from the evil one?Listen to what the Bible says, from Ephesians.

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lan Daq the Hoch armor vo' joH'a', vetlh SoH may taH laH Daq Qam Daq the wiles vo' the devil. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
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2Corinthians 6:6-7

What sort of armor does God provide?

Listen to what the Bible says, from 2Corinthians.

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Daq pureness, Daq Sov, Daq patience, Daq kindness, Daq the le' qa', Daq sincere muSHa', Daq the mu' vo' vIt, Daq the HoS vo' joH'a'; Sum the armor vo' QaQtaHghach Daq the nIH ghop je Daq the poS, in pureness, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
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Romans 13:12

What does God use to make our armor?Listen to what the Bible says, from Romans.

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The ram ghaH Hop ghoSta', je the jaj ghaH Sum. Let's vaj throw litHa' the vum vo' HurghtaHghach, je let's lan Daq the armor vo' wov. The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let`s therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let`s put on the armor of light.
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Isaiah 40:15

 When distressed by wars and rumors of wars, consider God's perspective.

Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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yIlegh, the tuqpu' 'oH rur a drop Daq a bucket, je 'oH regarded as a speck vo' dust Daq a 'ughghach juvboghwI'. yIlegh, ghaH lifts Dung the islands rur a very mach Doch. Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold, he lifts up the islands like a very little thing.
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Psalm 33:6-9

Consider the creative power of God's word.Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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Sum Yahweh's mu', the chal were chenmoHta'; Hoch chaj army Sum the breath vo' Daj nuj. ghaH gathers the bIQmey vo' the biQ'a' tay' as a heap. ghaH lays Dung the deeps Daq storehouses. chaw' Hoch the tera' taHvIp joH'a'. chaw' Hoch the nganpu' vo' the qo' Qam Daq awe vo' ghaH. vaD ghaH jatlhta', je 'oH ghaHta' ta'pu'. ghaH ra'ta', je 'oH Qampu' firm. By Yahweh`s word, the heavens were made; all their army by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap. He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear Yahweh. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it was done. He commanded, and it stood firm.
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Psalm 19:1

 What do the stars tell us of God?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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The chal declare the batlh vo' joH'a'. The expanse shows Daj handiwork. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
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Psalm 8:3-4

We are so small against the cosmos, and yet....Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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ghorgh jIH qel lIj chal, the vum vo' lIj fingers, the maS je the stars, nuq SoH ghaj ordained; nuq ghaH loD, vetlh SoH think vo' ghaH? nuq ghaH the puqloD vo' loD, vetlh SoH care vaD ghaH? When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him?
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Exodus 20:11

 How is rest the aim of creation?

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vaD Daq jav jajmey joH'a' chenmoHta' chal je tera', the biQ'a', je Hoch vetlh ghaH Daq chaH, je rested the SochDIch jaj; vaj joH'a' Quch the jaj SochDIch jaj, je chenmoHta' 'oH le'. for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.
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Isaiah 30:21

Imagine God's guidance as close as your closest friend.Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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je ghorgh SoH tlhe' Daq the nIH ghop, je ghorgh SoH tlhe' Daq the poS, lIj qoghDu' DichDaq Qoy a ghogh behind SoH, ja'ta', vam ghaH the way. yIt Daq 'oH. and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way. Walk in it.
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Proverbs 3:5 6

How do we find the most direct path in life?Listen to what the Bible says, from Proverbs.

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voq Daq joH'a' tlhej Hoch lIj tIq, je yImev lean Daq lIj ghaj yajtaHghach. Daq Hoch lIj Hemey acknowledge ghaH, je ghaH DichDaq chenmoH lIj Hemey straight. Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don`t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
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Psalm 62:8

How much should we trust God?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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voq Daq ghaH Daq Hoch poHmey, SoH ghotpu. Pour pa' lIj tIq qaSpa' ghaH. joH'a' ghaH a lulIgh vaD maH. Selah. Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.
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Psalm 32:8

What is God's promise for guiding the believer?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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jIH DichDaq instruct SoH je ghojmoH SoH Daq the way nuq SoH DIchDaq jaH. jIH DichDaq qeS SoH tlhej wIj mIn Daq SoH. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.
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Exodus 33:15 16

How important is it to be guided by God?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Exodus.

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ghaH ja'ta' Daq ghaH, chugh lIj Daq ta'be' jaH tlhej jIH, yImev carry maH Dung vo' naDev. vaD chay' would ghotpu Sov vetlh jIH ghaj tu'ta' favor Daq lIj leghpu', jIH je lIj ghotpu? 'oHbe' 'oH Daq vetlh SoH jaH tlhej maH, vaj vetlh maH 'oH separated, jIH je lIj ghotpu, vo' Hoch the ghotpu 'Iv 'oH Daq the surface vo' the tera'? He said to him, If your presence doesn`t go with me, don`t carry us up from here. For how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn`t it in that you go with us, so that we are separated, I and your people, from all the people who are on the surface of the earth?
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Hebrews 10:24 25

Should we provoke others? Yes!Listen to what the Bible says, from Hebrews.

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chaw' maH qel chay' Daq provoke wa' another Daq muSHa' je QaQ vum, ghobe' forsaking maj ghaj assembling tay', as the custom vo' 'op ghaH, 'ach exhorting wa' another; je vaj 'ar the latlh, as SoH legh the jaj approaching. Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
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Philippians 2:3 4

Whose things should we be concerned about?Listen to what the Bible says, from Philippians.

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doing pagh vegh rivalry joq vegh conceit, 'ach Daq humility, each counting others better than himself; each vo' SoH ghobe' just leghtaH Daq Daj ghaj Dochmey, 'ach each vo' SoH je Daq the Dochmey vo' others. doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
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2Corinthians 9:7

How should we give?Listen to what the Bible says, from 2 Corinthians.

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chaw' each loD nob according as ghaH ghajtaH determined Daq Daj tIq; ghobe' grudgingly, joq bIng compulsion; vaD joH'a' muSHa'taH a cheerful giver. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
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Luke 14:14

Should we worry about getting paid back?Listen to what the Bible says, from Luke.

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je SoH DichDaq taH Quch, because chaH yImev ghaj the resources Daq repay SoH. vaD SoH DichDaq taH repaid Daq the resurrection vo' the QaQtaHghach. and you will be blessed, because they don`t have the resources to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.
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Luke 6:38

What happens when you give?Listen to what the Bible says, from Luke.

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nob, je 'oH DichDaq taH nobpu' Daq SoH: QaQ juv, pressed bIng, shaken tay', je running Dung, DichDaq taH nobpu' Daq SoH. { Note: literally, Daq lIj bosom. } vaD tlhej the rap juv SoH juv 'oH DichDaq taH juvta' DoH Daq SoH. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. { Note: literally, into your bosom. } For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.
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Isaiah 58:10

Live a bright life - reach out to the hungry!Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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je chugh SoH draw pa' lIj qa' Daq the hungry, je yonmoH the afflicted qa': vaj lIj wov DIchDaq Hu' Daq HurghtaHghach, je lIj obscurity taH as the DungluQ; and if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then your light shall rise in darkness, and your obscurity be as the noonday;
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Ecclesiastes 11:1

Cast your bread far and wide!

Listen to what the Bible says, from Ecclesiastes.

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chuH lIj tIr Soj Daq the bIQmey; vaD SoH DIchDaq tu' 'oH after law' jajmey. Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days.
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Proverbs 28:27

What is the consequence of ignoring the poor?Listen to what the Bible says, from Proverbs.

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wa' 'Iv nob Daq the mIpHa' ghajtaH ghobe' Hutlh; 'ach wa' 'Iv closes Daj mInDu' DichDaq ghaj law' curses. One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
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Proverbs 22:9

How you share affects how you are blessed.Listen to what the Bible says, from Proverbs.

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ghaH 'Iv ghajtaH a generous mIn DichDaq taH Quch; vaD ghaH shares Daj Soj tlhej the mIpHa'. He who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his food with the poor.
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Proverbs 14:31

Your creator cares about how you treat the needy!Listen to what the Bible says, from Proverbs.

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ghaH 'Iv oppresses the mIpHa' shows contempt vaD Daj Maker, 'ach ghaH 'Iv ghaH kind Daq the needy honors ghaH. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
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Proverbs 11:25

As you water others, you too will be watered.Listen to what the Bible says, from Proverbs.

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The liberal qa' DIchDaq taH chenmoHta' ror. ghaH 'Iv bIQmey DIchDaq taH watered je himself. The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.
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Proverbs 3:9 10

 Generosity is the key to an overflowing life.

Listen to what the Bible says, from Proverbs.

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quv joH'a' tlhej lIj substance, tlhej the wa'Dich fruits vo' Hoch lIj increase: vaj lIj barns DichDaq taH tebta' tlhej plenty, je lIj vats DichDaq overflow tlhej chu' HIq. Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
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Psalms 112:5

What is the consequence of generosity?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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'oH ghaH QaQ tlhej the loD 'Iv deals graciously je lends. ghaH DichDaq maintain Daj cause Daq yoj. It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.
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Psalm 41:1

What is the promise to those who consider the poor?Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms..

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Quch ghaH ghaH 'Iv considers the mIpHa'. joH'a' DichDaq toD ghaH Daq the jaj vo' mIghtaHghach. Blessed is he who considers the poor. Yahweh will deliver him in the day of evil.
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Deuteronomy 15:7 8

What is our command toward the poor?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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chugh pa' taH tlhej SoH a mIpHa' loD, wa' vo' lIj loDnI'pu', within vay' vo' lIj lojmItmey Daq lIj puH nuq joH'a' lIj joH'a' nob SoH, SoH DIchDaq ghobe' harden lIj tIq, ghobe' shut lIj ghop vo' lIj mIpHa' loDnI'; 'ach SoH DIchDaq DIch poSmoH lIj ghop Daq ghaH, je DIchDaq DIch lend ghaH sufficient vaD Daj need Daq vetlh nuq ghaH wants. If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wants.
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1John 3:22

Our prayer is more than words.

Listen to what the Bible says, from First John.

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je whatever maH tlhob, maH Hev vo' ghaH, because maH pol Daj ra'ta'ghach mu'mey je ta' the Dochmey vetlh 'oH pleasing Daq Daj leghpu'. and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
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John 15:7

How important are Jesus's words to our prayer?Listen to what the Bible says, from John.

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chugh SoH remain Daq jIH, je wIj mu'mey remain Daq SoH, SoH DichDaq tlhob whatever SoH neH, je 'oH DichDaq taH ta'pu' vaD SoH. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
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John 14:14

How confident can we be in prayer?Listen to what the Bible says, from John.

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chugh SoH DichDaq tlhob vay' Daq wIj pong, jIH DichDaq ta' 'oH. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.
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Lu 11:9

When we pray, never give up!

Listen to what the Bible says, from Luke.

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jIH ja' SoH, pol asking, je 'oH DichDaq taH nobpu' SoH. pol seeking, je SoH DichDaq tu'. pol knocking, je 'oH DichDaq taH poSmaHpu' Daq SoH. I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you.
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Zec 13:9

God's people call - and they are heard!Listen to what the Bible says, from Zechariah.

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jIH DichDaq qem the wejDIch part Daq the qul, je DichDaq refine chaH as baS chIS ghaH refined, je DichDaq test chaH rur SuD baS ghaH tested. chaH DichDaq ja' Daq wIj pong, je jIH DichDaq Qoy chaH. jIH DichDaq jatlh, ‘ 'oH ghaH wIj ghotpu;' je chaH DichDaq jatlh, ‘ joH'a' ghaH wIj joH'a'.' I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;` and they will say, ‘Yahweh is my God.`
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Jer 33:3

What does God promise when we call?Listen to what the Bible says, from Jeremiah.

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ja' Daq jIH, je jIH DichDaq jang SoH, je DichDaq cha' SoH Dun Dochmey, je difficult, nuq SoH yImev Sov. Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don`t know.
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Isa 65:24

When is God ready to hear us?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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'oH DIchDaq qaS vetlh, qaSpa' chaH ja', jIH DichDaq jang; je while chaH 'oH yet speaking, jIH DichDaq Qoy. It shall happen that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
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Isa 58:9

Where is God when we call out?Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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vaj SoH DIchDaq ja', je joH'a' DichDaq jang; SoH DIchDaq SaQ, je ghaH DichDaq jatlh, naDev jIH 'oH. Then you shall call, and Yahweh will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.`
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Ps 91:15

What is God's promise when we call for deliverance?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Psalms.

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ghaH DichDaq ja' Daq jIH, je jIH DichDaq jang ghaH. jIH DichDaq taH tlhej ghaH Daq Seng. jIH DichDaq toD ghaH, je quv ghaH. He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him.
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Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 13:5

Where are we to find contentment?Listen to what the Bible says, from the letter to the Hebrews.

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taH free vo' the muSHa' vo' Huch, content tlhej such Dochmey as SoH ghaj, vaD ghaH ghajtaH ja'ta', jIH DichDaq Daq ghobe' way mej SoH, ghobe' DichDaq jIH Daq vay' way lon SoH. { Note: Deuteronomy 31:6 } Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you. { Note: Deuteronomy 31:6 }
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John 14 18

John 14 18

Do you feel abandoned?Listen to what the Bible says, from the Gospel of John.

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jIH DichDaq ghobe' mej SoH orphans. jIH DichDaq ghoS Daq SoH. I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.
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John 13:1

John 13:1

There is a love that continues forever.Listen to what the Bible says, from the Gospel of John.

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DaH qaSpa' the 'uQ'a' vo' the Passover, Jesus, knowing vetlh Daj poH ghajta' ghoS vetlh ghaH would mej vo' vam qo' Daq the vav, ghajtaH loved Daj ghaj 'Iv were Daq the qo', ghaH loved chaH Daq the pItlh. Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
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Isaiah 54:10

Isaiah 54:10

When you look for something more durable than mountains, look to God's peace. Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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vaD the Hudmey may mej, je the hills taH removed; 'ach wIj loving kindness DIchDaq ghobe' mej vo' SoH, ghobe' DIchDaq wIj lay' vo' roj taH removed, jatlhtaH joH'a' 'Iv ghajtaH pung Daq SoH. For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you.
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Isaiah 49:15

Isaiah 49:15

When you feel forgotten, don't despair!Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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ta'laH a be' forget Daj sucking puq, vetlh ghaH should ghobe' ghaj compassion Daq the puqloD vo' Daj womb? HIja', Dochvammey may forget, yet jIH DichDaq ghobe' forget SoH. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you!
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Isaiah 46:4

Isaiah 46:4

How long does God stand by his people?Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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je 'ach Daq qan age jIH 'oH ghaH, je 'ach Daq gray jIb DichDaq jIH carry SoH. jIH ghaj chenmoHta', je jIH DichDaq SIq; HIja', jIH DichDaq carry, je DichDaq toD. and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
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Isaiah 44:21

Isaiah 44:21

Who can we count on to remember us?Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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qaw Dochvammey Dochmey, Jacob je Israel; vaD SoH 'oH wIj toy'wI'. jIH ghaj formed SoH. SoH 'oH wIj toy'wI'. Israel, SoH DichDaq ghobe' taH forgotten Sum jIH. Remember these things, Jacob and Israel; for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
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Isaiah 42:16

Isaiah 42:16

When times seem dark, who lights the way?Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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jIH DichDaq qem the blind Sum a way vetlh chaH yImev Sov. jIH DichDaq Dev chaH Daq Hemey vetlh chaH yImev Sov. jIH DichDaq chenmoH HurghtaHghach wov qaSpa' chaH, je crooked Daqmey straight. jIH DichDaq ta' Dochvammey Dochmey, je jIH DichDaq ghobe' lon chaH. I will bring the blind by a way that they don`t know. I will lead them in paths that they don`t know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.
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Isaiah 41:17

Isaiah 41:17

Why do we support the needy? Because God does!Listen to what the Bible says, from Isaiah.

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The mIpHa' je needy nej bIQ, je pa' ghaH pagh. chaj tongue fails vaD thirst. jIH, joH'a', DichDaq jang chaH. jIH, the joH'a' vo' Israel, DichDaq ghobe' lon chaH. The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
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Joshua 1:5

Who is the companion that stands by believers?Listen to what the Bible says, from Joshua

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ghobe' loD DichDaq taH laH Daq Qam qaSpa' SoH Hoch the jajmey vo' lIj yIn. As jIH ghaHta' tlhej Moses, vaj jIH DichDaq taH tlhej SoH. jIH DichDaq ghobe' fail SoH ghobe' lon SoH. No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
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Deuteronomy 31 6

What is our source of courage?

Listen to what the Bible says, from Deuteronomy.

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taH HoS je vo' QaQ courage, yImev taH vIp, ghobe' taH scared vo' chaH: vaD joH'a' lIj joH'a', ghaH 'oH ghaH 'Iv ta'taH jaH tlhej SoH; ghaH DichDaq ghobe' fail SoH, ghobe' lon SoH. Be strong and of good courage, don`t be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.
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Deuteronomy 4:31

How dependable are God's promises? Listen to the Bible, from Deuteronomy:

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      vaD  joH'a'  lIj  joH'a'  ghaH a merciful  joH'a';  ghaH  DichDaq  ghobe' fail  SoH,  ghobe'  Qaw'  SoH,  ghobe' forget the  lay'  vo'  lIj  vavpu'  nuq  ghaH swore  Daq  chaH.


     for Yahweh your God is a merciful God; he will not fail you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which he swore to them.

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Fresh Start!?!

I'm hoping to reboot this podcast (and start a parallel) one with a simple devotional reading of a verse or passage in Klingon and English. Stay tuned!

More Scratch: The Protocol Droid Awakens!

The Hour of Code for 2015 is over, but I'm still enjoying programming with Scratch (you can too! See scratch.mit.edu), so, to go along with The Force Awakens, here's a protocol droid programmed to know all kinds of words and phrases from the Galaxy Far, Far Away! QISmaS yItIv!

Ho, Ho, Ho - an early Christmas present!

I've been getting ready to volunteer for the Hour of Code this week - and one thing I did was experiment with  Scratch - the fascinating language for learning (and more!). So I have created a new version of the Universal Translator Assistant - click here to give it a try (note: requires Flash):

Live Long and Prosper! (republished, remembering Leonard Nimoy 1930-2015)

'Iv Sornav je ta'taH ghobe' wither. Whatever ghaH ta'taH DIchDaq chep.
whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper Psalm 1:3b
podcast version

Vulcans are not Klingons. The Klingon language's words for hello (nuqneH) and goodbye (Qapla') translate to "what do you want" and "success." Compare that to Vulcans in whose language the peaceful salute is:



tich tor ang tesmur / Live long and prosper That sentiment, not often expressed in Klingon, is a good summation of Psalm 1, verse 3: The person who is blessed, who relies on God completely, will live long: ('Iv Sornav je ta'taH ghobe' wither: whose leaf also does not wither). Not having a word for "leaf," we use a compound here Sor (tree) nav (paper). The imagery calls to mind a tree, ever growing, yet never shedding its leaves - the Hebrew, lo yibool, says this tree's leaves  don't wilt or fall away.

And this blessed one "prospers": whatever ghaH ta'taH DichDaq chep in all they do, they prosper (NLT).

I think this is an interesting shift in the psalm. We've started speaking of a blessed person, then compared him to a tree and now we hear about "in all they do." Trees don't DO much of anything - they grow, and bear fruit. But they have no plans or tasks to carry out - it is clear we are talking about a person, and what it means for the person who seeks to follow God's word every day.

These verses echo the words of the book of Joshua that promised prosperity to the person who kept God's word always in mind and heart: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

Now, we must tread carefully with promises like this. It is easy to measure prosperity by wealth or possessions. This is not intent of Scripture. As Jesus said: "what does it profit a man if he gains the whole  world, and loses or forfeits his own self?" (Luke 9:25).

And we cannot measure a "long" life by a simple tally of years. Just because I've lived longer than someone doesn't mean my life surpasses theirs. A life can loom large with an impact that far outlasts the days numbered on a calendar. Believers look forward to something more - an existence in eternity, surely the promise that lies behind the psalmist's words.

So, as a Vulcan would say: tich tor ang tesumur - live long and prosper.

This is the path this psalm, indeed all the Bible draws us towards. And, to live long and prosper, we need to seek out the blessed life, a full life that leads to real prosperity: the riches of God's kingdom - forever.

Though a Klingon might not be inclined to say it - if they did read this Psalm, and find these promises here, they might indeed say:



tIqjaj yInlIj 'ej bIchepjaj
Live long and prosper

His Compassion Doesn’t Fail.

'oH  ghaH  vo'  joH'a'  muSHa'taH kindnesses  vetlh  maH  'oH  ghobe'  Soppu', because  Daj compassion  ta'be' fail.

 It is of the LORD's loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion 

doesn’t fail.   Lamentations 3:22

Matthew Henry notes:

The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging part of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an affliction that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hope are perished from the Lord.
Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophet shows how he was raised above it. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. 

In the worst moment, when we realize this, that "Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse" we may begin to have hope. On that, I reflect on Viktor Frankl's words:

Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.  (Man's Search for Meaning)

God works in you.

vaD  'oH  ghaH  joH'a'  'Iv  vum  Daq  SoH both  Daq  DIchDaq  je  Daq  vum,  vaD  Daj  QaQ pleasure.

For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

God works. 

God works in you.

Matthew Henry puts it well:

It is the grace of God which inclines the will to that which is good: and then enables us to perform it, and to act according to our principles. Thou hast wrought all our works in us,Isa. xxvi. 12. Of his good pleasure. As there is no strength in us, so there is no merit in us. As we cannot act without God's grace, so we cannot claim it, nor pretend to deserve it. God's good will to us is the cause of his good work in us; and he is under no engagements to his creatures, but those of his gracious promise.

Daq lIj tIQDu' vegh HartaHghach / In your hearts through faith

vetlh Christ may  yIn  Daq  lIj  tIQDu'  vegh  HartaHghach;  Daq the  pItlh

vetlh  SoH,  taH rooted  je grounded  Daq  muSHa',

may  taH strengthened  Daq comprehend  tlhej  Hoch the  le' ghotpu'  

nuq  ghaH the breadth  je length  je height  je depth,

je  Daq  Sov Christ's  muSHa'  nuq surpasses  Sov,  

vetlh  SoH may  taH  tebta'  tlhej  Hoch the fullness  vo'  joH'a'.  KLV

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.   Ephesians 3: 17-19 (NLT)

This comes from a passage of Ephesians that I love 

(in fact I've memorized it from the NLT translation.)

and I really appreciate how the Life Application Bible describes it:

God’s love is total, says Paul. It reaches every corner of our experience. It is wide—it covers the breadth of our own experience, and it reaches out to the whole world. God’s love is long—it continues the length of our lives. It is high—it rises to the heights of our celebration and elation. His love is deep—it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death. When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God’s love.

God's muSHa', his love, surpasses Sov, our knowledge.  And he gives it freely to all of us.

Water of Salvation

 vaj tlhej Quch SoH DIchDaq draw bIQ pa' vo' the wells vo' toDtaHghach.

Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Our life depends on water.  From the quenching of thirst, to the growing of crops, to the climate that keeps us alive - water is our life.  So it's a an apt parallel to speak of God's loving care as bIQ pa' vo' the wells vo' toDtaHghach - water from the wells of salvation.

Even now we need to express our gratitude to God, thanking him, praising him, and telling others about him. From the depths of our gratitude, we must praise him. And we should share the Good News with others.  (Life Application Bible)

The assurances God has given us of his love, and the experiences we have had of the benefit and comfort of his grace, should greatly encourage our faith in him and our expectations from him: "Out of the wells of salvation in God, who is the fountain of all good to his people, you shall draw water with joy. God's favour shall flow forth to you, and you shall have the comfort of it and make use of the blessed fruits of it."   (Matthew Henry)

The Things that are above

cher lIj yab Daq the Dochmey vetlh 'oH Dung, ghobe' Daq the Dochmey vetlh 'oH Daq the tera'.

Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth - Col 3.2

Perspective matters - and the things, the Dochmey, that we focus on will draw us along.   That is, what we attend to will give us direction.  As the Life Application Bible notes:

truth gives us a different perspective on our life here on earth, looking at life from God’s perspective and seeking what he desires. This is the antidote to materialism; we gain the proper perspective on material goods when we take God’s view of them. The more we regard the world around us as God does, the more we will live in harmony with him. We must not become too attached to what is only temporary.

Where are you looking for what matters?

the earth was formless and empty

the tera' ghaHta' formless je

chenHa' chIm je

Lately I've been reading Matthew Clarke's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henry) complete commentary on the Bible. It's a classic work and I found I could get it for my Kindle for a remarkably low price - it makes a nice source for reflection in devotional reading and study. (You can also find it online at CCEL.org). I appreciate sources like this - they provide interesting insights and they aren't encumbered with controversies or concerns of our particular age.

I love this reflection:

The Creator could have made his work perfect at first, but by this gradual proceeding he would show what is, ordinarily, the method of his providence and grace. Let us learn hence, That atheism is folly, and atheists are the greatest fools in nature; for they see there is a world that could not make itself, and yet they will not own there is a God that made it. Doubtless, they are without excuse, but the god of this world has blinded their minds.

What I appreciate about that is Clarke looks at creation and recognizes, it's NOT done. God works carefully, taking his time. And he still does.

Fear, treasure, and being prepared

vaD  nuqDaq  lIj treasure  ghaH,  pa'  DichDaq  lIj  tIq  taH  je.

par vaii gar treasure is, ogir will gar kar'rta cuyir also.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:34

Whether in Klingon, Mando'a or English, Jesus's words, remind us to consider our priorities, and recognize what decisions we make about things we treasure.

As Karoline Lewis notes:

Being ready for Jesus' second coming is less about any actual time and place and more about imagining Jesus' activity in the world, when and where you least expect it or imagine seeing it. In other words, waiting around, waiting for instructions, is not going to cut it. Fear, treasure, and being prepared is the pattern for discipleship. Being without fear, knowing the source of your treasure -- that is, your identity, your worth -- makes it possible to be prepared for and an actual participant in God's kingdom.    http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1805

 

Lord, help us to treasure you.