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Presented to
By
On the Occasion of
Date
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The Bible Promise Book
for
Women
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© 2011 by Barbour Publishing, Inc . Chapter introductions written by Tina Krause . ISBN 978-1-61626-358-4 All rights reserved . No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher . Churches and other non-commercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher . When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From Bible Promise Book for Women, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc . Used by permission .” Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible . Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® . NIV® . Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society . Used by permission of Zondervan . All rights reserved . Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation . Used by permission . Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version® . Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc . Used by permission . All rights reserved . Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004 . Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc . Wheaton, Illinois 60189, U .S .A . All rights reserved . Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc ., P .O . Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683 www .barbourbooks .com Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.
Printed in China .
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Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Adversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Anger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Charity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Courage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Diligence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Discipline, Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Discipline, God’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Duty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Encouragement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Eternity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Faithfulness of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Fearing God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Forgiveness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Friendship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Gentleness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 God’s Love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 God’s Provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Gratitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Honesty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Honor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Hospitality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Humility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Joy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
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Kindness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love for Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meekness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modesty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obedience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perseverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repentance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Righteousness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salvation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sincerity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sobriety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temptation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
118 122 126 131 134 138 140 145 149 153 157 159 165 168 172 174 177 179 183 186 189 192 196 199 203 206 209 211 214 218 223
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Introduction Our world sends many conflicting signals on the important issues of life. How should we approach anger? Is discipline a good thing or not? Why speak with honesty? Is prayer for real? What is true wisdom? In His kindness, God has answered all of these questions—and many more—in the pages of His Word, the Bible. Whatever our needs, we can find in scripture the principles we need to address the issues we face. This collection of Bible verses is a handy reference to some of the key issues that all people— and especially women—face. In these pages, you’ll find carefully selected verses that address topics like comfort, encouragement, friendship, purity, rest, and understanding. In fact, more than five dozen categories are covered, arranged alphabetically for ease of use. This book is not intended to replace regular, personal Bible study. Nor is it a replacement for a good concordance for in-depth study of a particular subject. It is, however, a quick reference to some of the key issues of life that women most often face. We hope it will be an encouragement to you as you read.
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Adversity
o one is exempt from problems. From the palace to the poorhouse, women throughout the ages have fought and conquered adversity in their lives. Queen Esther risked losing her only relative and her people. Using her influence, she saved the Israelites from destruction. Interestingly, the Jewish name Esther means “Hadassah,” which comes from the word myrtle—the tree whose leaves only release fragrance when they are crushed. Are you facing adversity? Perhaps your faith has brought reproach or daily struggles have robbed your faith. Regardless, the scriptures ease the crush of adversity, releasing the sweet fragrance of God’s overcoming power.
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For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 kjv For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:5–6 niv
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed,
because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:14 nasb These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 nkjv
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 kjv
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Philippians 3:10–11 nlt
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After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 nasb Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Luke 6:22 nkjv
Are any of you suffering hardships?
You should pray. James 5:13 nlt
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 kjv
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12–13 niv For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17 nasb
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:12 kjv
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For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:19, 21–23 nkjv
Our Creator never intended that we should shoulder a load of suffering ourselves. That’s the whole purpose of spiritual community. Linda Bartlett
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Angels
near miss. Your car swerves to the side of the road avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle. How did you avoid disaster? Fatigue zaps your strength but you still have much to do. You pray and amazingly you breeze through your work as if unseen hands carried you to complete the task. A coincidence? Or did God dispatch angels to assist you? Angels are real. Unlike the stereotypical images of chubby-cheeked cherubs, these powerful, angelic beings minister to believers. At God’s command, they delivered Paul from prison, shut the lions’ mouths, provided for Elijah, and brought an amazing message to Mary. Chubby-cheeked cherubs? Think again.
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And God never said to any of the angels, “Sit in the place of honor at
my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” Therefore, angels are only servants— spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:13–14 nlt And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:31 kjv
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Psalm 34:7 nasb
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39 nkjv
On life’s busy thoroughfares We meet with angels unawares. . . . Helen Steiner Rice
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Anger
t doesn’t matter who was right or wrong. You feel wronged and anger simmers on the verge of full boil. Can we be angry and not sin? To feel anger is one thing, to act on it is another. When we use our anger to justify our wrongful deeds, we sin. The Bible, however, gives us clear and concise instructions on how to handle anger or angry people. How can we curb anger, irritations, and flare-ups? Apply the calming influence of God’s Word to our circumstance. Ah, yes. That’s better.
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He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29 nasb So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19–20 nkjv
Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,
or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Proverbs 22:24–25 nlt Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 kjv
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife. Proverbs 21:19 niv Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. Colossians 3:21 nasb
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 nkjv
Do everything without complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14 nlt
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But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, “Raca,” is
answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:22 niv A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Proverbs 15:18 kjv
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his
spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32 nasb
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 nkjv
Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. Proverbs 17:1 nlt In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26 niv
Being angry or unforgiving makes it impossible to have a gentle and quiet spirit. Darlene Wilkinson The Bible Promise Book for Women |17
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Charity
omen are caregivers by nature. Need a hand? We offer two! Yet sometimes our gift of giving wears old under constant demands and daily responsibilities. God, however, is the supreme example of charity at work. He saw our neediness and sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. And He keeps on giving. Having received so much constrains us to give more liberally. God’s charity never ceases and neither should ours. Although needs differ—financial, physical, emotional, or spiritual—human benevolence comes from a giving heart. And our charitable giving begins right where we are.
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Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in
time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. Psalm 41:1–2 kjv One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17 nasb
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame,
the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13–14 nkjv He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21 niv
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to
support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 kjv He has given freely to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted in honor. Psalm 112:9 nasb
I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed. Psalm 37:25–26 nkjv The Bible Promise Book for Women |19
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Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17–19 nlt
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax
not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:33–34 kjv Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:8–10 nasb
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 nkjv
Charity begins at home. Proverb
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Comfort
loved one passes away, and friends and family surround you with prayers and comforting words. Illness strikes a blow, but friends support and comfort you. Problems weigh heavy and there seems no way out, but the scriptures speak comfort to your heart. Moms comfort their sick children with hugs and chicken soup. Similarly, God eases our pain and lightens our load through the comfort of His Word and His Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Comforter.� He is the One who teaches, guides, soothes, and stands with us. The Comforter comforts like no one else can.
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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 nkjv Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 nlt
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4 niv He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 nasb
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 kjv
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And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16 kjv
But as for me, I would seek God,
and I would place my cause before God. Job 5:8 nasb You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. Psalm 71:21 nkjv
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn. Isaiah 61:1–2 kjv Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 nlt
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 niv
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I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 kjv
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 nasb I remembered your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself. Psalm 119:52 nkjv
I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child. Isaiah 66:13 nlt Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 nkjv
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,
you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 niv
All you really need is the One who promised never to leave or forsake you—the One who said, “Lo, I am with you always.” Joni Eareckson Tada 24 | The Bible Promise Book for Women
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Conversation
ave you ever blurted out the wrong words at the wrong time? Mortified, you wish you could push rewind and start again—but unfortunately, the words are irretrievable. The scriptures tell us to keep watch over our tongue, and for good reason. Words have the power to create strife or peace; to uplift or destroy; to bless or to curse. The old adage claims “words will never hurt me.” That, however, is untrue. Wrong words do hurt, but the right words spoken at the right time have the power to heal and comfort. Words count—so count your words!
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