2. CONTENTS
WHAT THIS eBOOK CAN DO FOR YOU
JOSHUA 1 Secret of Courage and Strength
PSALM 91 Protection and Guidance Always
ISAIAH 55 Living in Depth
EZEKIEL 37 Hopes and Dreams Can Live Again
DANIEL 6 Faithfulness Is Its Own Reward
MATTHEW 5 Description of the Christian Life
MARK 6 Amazing Things Can Happen
LUKE 22 Weakness Can Become Strength
JOHN 14 Formula for Comfort
I CORINTHIANS 13 Love: The Greatest Thing in the World
EPHESIANS 6 Strength Wards Off Defeat
PHILIPPIANS 4 Joy and Victory

3. WHAT THIS BOOK
CAN DO FOR YOU
he Bible is an invaluable spiritual resource; it can truly help
you. And that’s what this eBook aims to do: Show you how
the Bible can give you real help for real problems.
The Bible is a book of faith. It not only contains great
philosophy but also outlines the plan of salvation. It explains the
origin and purpose of the world and deals with man’s relationship
to God. It shows God as the Creator and as the first cause.
But many people don’t know how to let the Bible help them. To
explain how to receive that assistance and learn from the wisdom
of biblical passages and stories, I selected one chapter from each
of 12 books of the Bible (there are 66 books in all). Through brief
interpretations, I try to show how to use these and other chapters
to live a faith-filled life. The goal is to open a door through which
you may pass into Scriptural riches.
I suggest that you first read the biblical chapter then the brief
exposition. Next, go back and meditate upon the chapter itself. In
so doing, you will find that the Bible begins to be more
meaningful to you and more applicable to your daily life.
And, as a result of this exercise, the Bible will, in time, open up
truth for you in such a way that it will change your life in a
manner that is wonderful indeed.
Personally, I believe in the value of committing biblical
passages to memory. When you do, you establish it first in your
conscious mind where it becomes a guiding light for you. Then,
as you hold it in your consciousness, it will gradually be absorbed
into your subconscious—that depth of the soul where the real
motivating part of our nature exists.
The verses quoted here are for ready reference, although due to
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4. space considerations, I have, in many instances, printed only a
portion of a given chapter. Still I hope you find the chapter and
accompanying reflection useful.
Remember: You need not struggle with defeat, nor live in
sorrow. You need not give in to weakness and sin, nor hold hate
in your heart. Let these Bible verses help you. They really can,
and more effectively than you may imagine.
Norman Vincent Peale
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5. JOSHUA CHAPTER 1
ow after the death of Moses, the servant of the LORD, the
LORD said to Joshua, the son of Nun, the assistant of
Moses:
2 Moses My servant has died; so now arise, pass over this
Jordan, you and this whole nation of Israel, to the land which I
give them.
3 Every place on which the sole of your foot shall tread, I have
given you, as I said to Moses.
4 Your territory will be from the desert and yonder Lebanon as
far as the great river, the river Euphrates, including all the land of
the Hittites, even to the great western sea.
5 None shall hold out before you all the days of your life. As I
was with Moses, I shall be with you. I will never fail you, and I
will not forsake you.
6 Be resolute and strong; for you will enable this people to
inherit the land, which I vowed to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be very resolute and strong, to keep practicing the whole
Law, which Moses My servant commanded you; do not depart
from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper
wherever you go.
8 This book of the Law must never depart from your mouth;
you must meditate on it day and night, so that you may keep
living in accord with all that is written in it; for then you will
prosper.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be resolute and strong! Be not
afraid, and be not dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you
wherever you go….
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6. JOSHUA CHAPTER 1
Secret of Courage and Strength
like the first chapter of the Book of Joshua because it reassures
us that God will always be with us; He will always help us.
The chapter tells about a man who was in a real spot. The great
leader Moses had died and Joshua was made leader of the people.
He must have had qualms about his ability. But he rose above any
self-doubts, for the Lord told him that even as He had been with
Moses, so He would be with him as well.
God reminded Joshua that because of His guidance and support
nobody would successfully oppose him. The Lord made a very
explicit promise: “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
This story reminds us that, when we have a responsibility that
looms large, when we are a bit frightened and overwhelmed, we
must not be discouraged for God will be with us too. He will
never fail us, never leave us.
But that isn’t the whole story. We have to do something too.
First, we have to be strong and courageous. Second, we have to
do everything that God commanded us to do; we must be
obedient. Third, we are not to look to one side or the other, but to
go straight ahead.
If we do these three things, all will go well, for we have the
promise: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
So, whenever you need to feel support, courage and strength,
read the first chapter of the Book of Joshua.
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7. PSALM 91
e who lives in the secret shelter of the Most High lodges in the
shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will testify of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my
God; in whom I am trusting.”
3 Certainly it is He who rescues you from the hunter’s trap, and
from the fatal pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you
will find protection; His faithfulness is a shield and armor.
5 You will not fear night’s hidden terrors, nor the arrow that flies
in the daytime,
6 Nor the plague that lurks in darkness; nor the calamity that
spreads havoc at noontime.
7 A thousand may fall right beside you and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it shall not come near you.
8 You will merely see it with your eyes and witness the sinners’
reward.
9 For Thou, O LORD, art my refuge. Since you, too, have
established the Most High as your shelter,
10 No harm shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your
tent.
11 For He gives His angels orders regarding you, to protect you
wherever you go.
12 They will support you with their hands, lest you strike your foot
against a stone.
13 You will trample on the lion and the adder; you shall tread upon
the lion cub and on the snake.
14 Because he has anchored His love in Me, I will deliver him. I
will place him securely on high, for he has faith in My name.
15 When he calls upon Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in
trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.
16 I will satisfy him with long life, and show him My salvation.
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8. PSALM 91
Protection and Guidance Always
hen my mother died, her Bible lay open on her bed to the
91st Psalm. That great psalm was part of her life. Partly
because it meant so much to her and partly because it is so
profoundly helpful, I have made it part of my life also. The 91st
and the 23rd Psalms are the greatest of all the psalms to me.
The 91st Psalm contains the marvelous message that if you live
“in the secret shelter of the Most High,” you will live “in the
shadow of the Almighty.” This simply means that if your religion
is deep and not merely formal, you will have the protection and
guidance of God, always and in everything. He will be your
refuge, meaning that you will be under God’s loving protection.
He will deliver you from a long series of difficulties, fears and
troubles. No evil will ever befall you.
Though you may have plenty of difficulties, you will be able to
handle all of them, for God will give His angels charge over you.
This is to say that His goodness and love will always surround
you and will protect and guide you on the path of life. God will
not let you lose your way.
Among the many marvelous blessings that come from spending
your whole life in the secret place is the knowledge that when you
call upon Him, He will answer. He will be with you in any trouble
that may come to you. Your life will be long and at its end, you
will enter into eternal salvation.
So write this psalm on your heart. Embed it deeply into your
mind. Live by it. And, no matter how hard your life may be, you
will always be on top of things.
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9. ISAIAH CHAPTER 55
ause everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters, and he who
has no money, come, buy and eat; yes, come, buy wine and
milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread and your
labor for what never satisfies? Listen carefully to me, and eat
what is good; let your soul delight itself in abundance.
3 Incline your ear and come to me; hear, and your soul shall
live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the
unfailing mercies to David….
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him
while He is near!
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
schemings; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy
on him, to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
My ways, says the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways
higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and
do not return thither, but water the earth, and make it bring forth
and bud, and so give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be, which goes forth from my mouth; it
shall not come back to Me uselessly, but it shall do what I
purpose and accomplish what I commissioned it.
12 For you shall go out with joy and be led forth into peace, the
mountains and the hills breaking out in song before you, and all
the trees of the field clapping their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the
brier shall come up the myrtle; and they shall be to the LORD for
His renown, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
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10. ISAIAH CHAPTER 55
Living in Depth
his chapter uses senses as hunger and thirst to illustrate truth.
If we hunger and thirst after God and the joy that He offers,
we may find God and happiness by coming to Him.
In the process, we must learn to listen, to really listen: “Incline
your ear and come to Me; hear, and your soul shall live.”
Mostly, we hear superficially but do not listen. God’s truth does
not penetrate the control center of our lives. But when you
“incline your ear,” lean earnestly toward God and with your
whole personality, then you will experience such quality and
intensity of life that your soul will live in depth.
But there is a cost to this benefit. God, in effect, makes a
proposition, an everlasting covenant. It’s this: You must forsake
any wicked way and stop thinking bad thoughts and return to the
Lord. It’s as simple as that.
This is a change that may not be easy. It requires discipline. But
the chapter promises that if we accept this covenant, life will be
so wonderful that it will be just as if the mountains and the hills
were singing and every tree was clapping its hands. Good things,
not bad things, will happen to you. And this flow of goodness
shall never cease as long as you live.
When life seems empty and you are not satisfied, when you
long for something that you can hardly describe, read this
passage, one of the greatest chapters in the Bible.
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11. EZEKIEL CHAPTER 37
he hand of the LORD came upon me, and by His Spirit the
LORD brought me out and set me down in a valley which
was full of bones.
2 He led me all around them; and observe, there were very
many on the surface of the valley; and see, they were very dry.
3 He said to me: Son of man, can these bones live? I answered,
“LORD God, Thou knowest.”
4 Then He said to me: Prophesy over these bones. Say to them,
You dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
5 Thus says the LORD God to these bones: Notice! I will put
breath into you, and you shall live.
6 I will lay sinews upon you, clothe you with flesh, cover you
with skin, put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall
know that I am the LORD.
7 So I prophesied as I was ordered; and as I prophesied, there
was a noise, a rattling; and see, the bones were uniting, bone to its
[fitting] bone.
8 And as I looked on, see, sinews came upon them, and flesh,
and then skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.
9 Then He said to me: Prophesy to the wind; prophesy, son of
man, and say to the wind, Thus says the LORD God: Come from
the four winds, O Spirit, and breathe upon these slain, that they
may live.
10 So I prophesied as He had ordered me, and breath came into
them; they lived and stood on their feet, an unusually large
army….
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12. EZEKIEL CHAPTER 37
Hopes and Dreams Can Live Again
n everybody’s life, there are times when it seems that
everything goes wrong. Hopes and plans lie broken around
you. The things you looked forward to achieving have failed. The
spirit has gone out of you. And life seems dead and desolate.
At such times, reading the 37th chapter of Ezekiel will help. It
is an amazing chapter that, through picturesque symbolism,
teaches a great truth in a striking way.
The prophet Ezekiel was taken out by the Lord and shown a
wide valley that was full of dry bones stretching as far as he could
see. Here a great host had perished and their white bones lay stark
and desolate. Nothing could appear more hopeless than a valley
of dry bones, grim and silent.
But the Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy: meaning, to believe and
affirm that, by God’s power, even these dry bones could live
again.
The story dramatically tells how the bones came together: flesh
came upon them. Life was renewed, and a great host of living
men marched out of the valley of death.
The incident is designed to remind us of the truth that when
God’s spirit really comes upon us, that which is harmonious with
His spirit shall live in us. Old dead things such as dead hopes,
dead dreams, dead ideals, shall take on a new vibrant quality. The
dead bones of our lives shall live again.
Your great hopes, dreams and ideals are not dead if you let God
breathe into them the breath of fresh spiritual life. The spirit of
God can revitalize anything. With God, life can always be vital,
always dynamic. Life is renewable.
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13. DANIEL CHAPTER 6
t pleased Darius, the Mede, to set over the kingdom a hundred
and twenty provincial governors to administer the whole
kingdom,
2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, so
that to them the governors might be responsible, and that the king
would suffer no loss.
3 Above all the other presidents and governors Daniel
distinguished himself, because of his surpassing spirit, so superior
that the king was planning to set him over the whole kingdom.
4 Then the presidents and governors sought some ground of
complaint against Daniel in the discharge of his official duties;
but they could find no ground of complaint, because he was
faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.
5 So these men said, “We shall not find no ground of complaint
against this Daniel, unless we find it in connection with service to
his god.”
6 Whereupon these presidents and governors rushed in jointly
to the king, and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever!
7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the chiefs and the
governors, the counselors and the rulers have agreed that the king
should establish an ordinance and enforce a strict decree, that
whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O
king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 Now, O king, lay down the law, and sign it as a document,
which cannot be changed forever, according to the law of the
Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.”
9 Therefore King Darius signed such a document in keeping
with this decree.
10 When Daniel learned that such a decree had been officially
signed and issued, he went to his house on the roof of which there
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14. were chambers with windows opening toward Jerusalem, and
three times a day he kneeled and prayed and gave God thanks as
he was accustomed to do.
11 Then these accusers came in throngs, and found Daniel
praying and making humble petition before his God.
12 So they approached the king and reminded him of his
decree. They said, “O king! Did you not sign a decree to the
effect that any man who prays to any god or man within thirty
days, except to you, O king, should be cast into the den of lions?”
The king replied, “The thing stands fast according to the law of
the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.”
13 Upon this they protested to the king, “That man Daniel, of
the exiles of Judah, neither heeds you, O king, nor regards the
decree which you have signed; for thrice a day he continues to
pray to his own god.”
14 When the king heard these words, he was greatly distressed
and set his mind to deliver Daniel. He struggled till sunset to
rescue him.
15 But these men together rushed to the king, and said, “Know,
O king, that a law of the Medes and Persians, in particular a
decree of royal authority, cannot be changed.
16 So the king gave the order and Daniel was brought and cast
into the den of lions, the king, voicing the hope, “May your God,
whom you worship so faithfully, deliver you.”
17 Then a great boulder was brought and laid upon the opening
of the den and the king sealed it with his own seal and also with
the seal of his rulers, to prevent any possible change of plan about
Daniel.
18 Then the king went to his palace, and spent the night in
meditation and fasting, instead of enjoying his usual diversions,
and his sleep fled from him.
19 In the morning, as soon as it was light, the king arose and
went in haste to the den of lions.
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15. 20 When he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried in
a tone of anguish and anxiety, “Daniel, servant of the living God,
has your God, whom you worship so regularly, been able to save
you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered the king, “O king, live forever!
22 My God sent His angel, and shut the lions’ mouths, and they
have not hurt me; because He found me innocent, not having done
you any injury.”
23 Then the king was exceeding glad, and ordered that Daniel
be lifted out of the den. So Daniel was lifted out, and no kind of
hurt was found on him, because he had trusted in his God….
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16. DANIEL CHAPTER 6
Faithfulness Is Its Own Reward
his chapter contains the fascinating story of Daniel in the
lions’ den. As you read it just as the Bible tells it, you will
agree that it is one of the best stories ever told.
Moreover, it contains a great lesson, for it is a story of fidelity,
honor and uprightness. It highlights the fact that these virtues are
rewarded in life, though perhaps not without suffering and
hardship.
King Darius, recognizing Daniel’s extraordinary ability and
trustworthiness, had made him head over the nation, directly
under the king himself. Naturally other leaders in the country
became jealous. These men tried in every way to “get” Daniel.
But no fault could be found in him, even though they went over
his record and actions with a fine-tooth comb.
Then cunning enemies figured out a plan to unseat Daniel.
Knowing that Daniel worshiped the eternal God, they tricked the
king into establishing a decree that any man who worshiped a god
other than the king himself for 30 days would be thrown into the
lions’ den.
Once the king made an edict, it was unchangeable according to
the law of the Medes and the Persians, and even the king could
not set it aside.
Daniel, of course, faithfully prayed to the Lord. His enemies
then made this fact known to the king, who was angry with
himself for being tricked. But there was no way out of the
dilemma, so he gave orders that Daniel be thrown into the den of
lions. But he believed, or at least hoped, that Daniel would
survive.
The king’s own faith had been growing because of Daniel’s
influence, and he fasted and prayed all night. In the early morning
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17. he went to the lions’ den and, to his joy, Daniel’s God had
indeed preserved His faithful servant.
The king realized that Daniel’s God rewards honor, goodness
and fidelity, and so he proceeded to decree that Daniel’s God be
the God of his kingdom.
This story is a direct refutation of the cynical notions that “you
never get anywhere trying to be good,” that “honesty doesn’t pay”
and that “it’s only the clever who get theirs.”
In fact, the story of Daniel is actually a series of affirmations:
First, in life, honorable and faithful though we may be, there will
come times of great testing. Second, there will be misunderstand-
ing, hostility, even enmity. But finally, if we are loyal and true to
God, He will see us through no matter what. That is the great
truth: even in our “den of lions,” if we keep the faith, we shall be
saved and life will be good.
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18. MATTHEW CHAPTER 5
o when He saw the crowds He went up on the hill; and when
He was seated His disciples came to Him.
2 Opening His lips, He taught them:
3 “Blessed are they who know their spiritual poverty, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, for
they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called God’s
sons.
10 Blessed are those persecuted on account of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they slander and persecute you and
falsely accuse you of every wrong because of Me.
12 Be glad and supremely joyful because in heaven your
reward is rich; for the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you….
39 But I say to you, Do not resist injuries, but whoever strikes
you on the right cheek turn to him the other as well.
40 And if anyone wants to sue you for your tunic, let him have
your robe as well.
41 And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two
miles….
44 But I say to you, Love your enemy and pray for your
persecutors….
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19. MATTHEW CHAPTER 5
Description of the Christian Life
atthew, Chapter 5 is a blueprint for happiness and the best
description of the Christian life. But it does not promise an
easy or superficial happiness. It offers you joy above anything
you have ever dreamed of. But you have to pay a price.
The chapter is very explicit in what is required. It tells us that if
we have certain attitudes, called Beatitudes, we shall be blessed
and deeply happy.
If we live as outlined in this chapter, we will be the light of the
world. We will light up the darkness in this our mixed-up world
and, in so doing, bring happiness to many. Of course, if we do not
bring happiness to others, we shall never have it for ourselves.
This chapter lays out a hard way of life because we are told not
be angry or resentful, but to be reconciled to our enemies. That’s
not easy, but it’s a vital part of the formula for happiness. In fact,
we are to discipline ourselves, for whoever conquers himself, fills
his heart with joy.
We are not to fight back, but to love our enemies and treat
kindly those who mistreat us. This is probably one of life’s
greatest inner struggles. But the happiness to be found far
outbalances the pleasure we gain from our hostility.
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20. MARK CHAPTER 6
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of
James and Joses and Jude and Simon? And do not His sisters
live here with us? And they took offense on His account.
4 Jesus told them, “No prophet is without honor, except in his
own country and among his relatives and in his home….
6 And He wondered at their unbelief. So He went around the
nearby villages teaching,
7 and called the Twelve, whom he began to send out two by
two, giving them authority over the unclean spirits….
38 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and
find out.” When they had found out, they reported, “Five, and two
fish.”
39 He then gave them all orders to sit on the green grass by
groups,
40 and they sat in groups of hundreds and fifties.
41 Taking the five loaves of bread and the two fish, and looking
up toward heaven, He gave thanks and broke the bread and gave
it to the disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two
fish for them all.
42 They all ate and were fully satisfied.
43 They picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of
bread and fish.
44 And there were five thousand men who partook of the
food….
56 And wherever He went, into village or town or country, they
placed their sick in the market place, and begged Him to let them
touch if only the hem of His robe. And as many as touched Him
were healed.
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21. MARK CHAPTER 6
Amazing Things Can Happen
his chapter in Mark stresses the amazing things that can
happen in the lives of people who believe in Jesus with all
their hearts.
When Jesus came back to His village, the local people were
astonished by His wisdom and His mighty works. But they did
not believe, since He had grown up there and was only the
carpenter’s son. He Himself marveled at the unbelief that they
showed. He could do little among them because of their lack of
faith; they had the tragedy of a closed mind.
But then He went to other villages and found that the faith of
the people there was very great. In fact, their faith was so great
that they believed if they could simply touch the edge of His
garment, they could be healed. And they were.
This chapter also tells of the calling of the disciples and how He
gave them power over unclean spirits and the ability to cast out
devils and heal the sick.
The power that He gave His first disciples is still present and
active in those who are His modern disciples. Disciples living
today possess it when they have faith and humility.
The story of the feeding of the 5,000 reminds us that Jesus
provides everything we will ever need, if we put our lives in His
hands.
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22. LUKE CHAPTER 22
So He sent Peter and John with instructions, “Go and get the
Passover ready, for us to eat….
19 And taking the bread, He gave thanks, broke and gave it to
them, saying, “This is My body [given up for your sakes; do this
in My memory.”
20 Similarly He gave the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is
the new Covenant in My blood, poured out on your behalf.]…
54 They arrested Him, led Him away and took him inside the
house of the high priest, while Peter followed from a distance.
55 When they kindled a fire in the center of the courtyard and
sat around it, Peter sat in their circle.
56 Then a maid noticed him seated by the fire, took a good look
at him and said, “This fellow was with Him too.”
57 But he denied, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him!”
58 A little later another looked at him and said, “Yes, you are
one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
59 About an hour had gone by when another insisted,
“Unquestionably this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean
also.”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I cannot make out what you are
talking about!” And instantly, while he was still speaking, the
rooster crowed.
61 Then the Lord, turning around, looked at Peter and Peter
remembered the Lord’s warning, how He had said to him,
“Before the rooster crows tonight you will disown me three
times.”
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23. LUKE CHAPTER 22
Weakness Can Become Strength
uke 22 gives a marvelous picture of the Last Supper, in
which deep fellowship was developed. This became one of
Christianity’s greatest characteristics, a deep bond in the spirit
between kindred Believers, centered around Christ.
In this chapter is also one of the most dramatic human stories in
the Bible, the tragic, yet glorious, story of Simon Peter, who
protested vehemently that he would never betray Jesus. But Jesus
knew that before the rooster crowed that night he would deny
Him three times.
When the soldiers took Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the
disciples scurried away in fear. But Peter followed the Master at a
distance to the high priest’s house. Peter crept up to a fire in the
courtyard where bystanders three times accused him of being a
follower of Jesus. Three times he denied it. Then he heard a cock
crow. Just then, Jesus, surrounded by soldiers, emerged. He
looked at Peter, who remembered Jesus’ words, and he wept
bitterly.
Later, however, Peter became strong in his faith and his loyalty,
living and dying for his Lord.
If we have been weak and have denied Him—and who of us
hasn’t—we, too, can become rock-like in our faith.
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24. JOHN CHAPTER 14
et not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe
also in Me.
2 In my Father’s house are many dwelling places. If this were
not so, I would have told you. For I am going away to prepare a
place for you.
3 And when I have gone and have prepared a place for you, I
will come again and take you to Myself so that where I am, you
also will be.
4 And where I am going, you know the way.”
5 Thomas remarked to him, “Lord, we do not know where You
are going. How do we know the way?
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life;
no one comes to the father except through Me.”…
12 Truly I assure you, the one who believes in Me will himself
do the works I do, and do greater things than these, for I go to the
Father.
13 And I will bring about whatever you ask in My name, so that
the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 I will do whatever you ask in My name.…
18 “I shall not leave you as orphans; I shall come to you.
19 In a little while the world will no longer see Me; but you
will see Me, for I live and you, too, will live.
20 In that day you will know I am in My father, and you in Me
and I in you.
21 He who has My orders and observes them loves Me, and he
who loves Me will be loved by My father. I, too, shall love him
and show Myself to him.”…
27 “Peace I bequeath to you; My peace I give to you. I do not
give you gifts such as the world gives. Do not allow your hearts to
be disturbed or intimidated.…”
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25. JOHN CHAPTER 14
Formula for Comfort
his chapter is often called the “comfort chapter” for it deals
with the bliss and serenity of the believer both now and after
death.
It tells us to not let our hearts be troubled, for the heavenly
father has a house with room for all His children. And, He has
prepared a place for us; we will be with Him and with our loved
ones forever.
Moreover, we are told how to make our way to those heavenly
dwellings, how to reach our eternal home. It is through Jesus, who
said: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to
the father except through Me.”
We are told of the unlimited goodness of God, who not only
prepares a wonderful place for us in the afterlife, but who will
give to us whatever great benefit we ask in the spirit of Jesus.
But, we must show our love for Him by keeping His
Commandments. If we do that, He will be with us always; He will
never forsake us or leave us comfortless. We are told the
wonderful truth that because He lives, we will live also.
Meanwhile, in this troubled life, the Holy Spirit will ever be
with us, if we are faithful.
As a result of our loving relationship with God, He will give us
everlasting peace, a peace greater than anything else in this world.
The deep loving kindness in this chapter finds expression in the
words: “Do not allow your hearts to be disturbed or intimidated.”
Indeed, let your mind and heart be comforted.
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26. I CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 13
ven though I speak in human and angelic language and have
no love, I am as noisy brass or a clashing cymbal.
2 And although I have the prophetic gift and see through every
secret and through all that may be known, and have sufficient
faith for the removal of mountains, but I have no love, I am
nothing.
3 And though I give all my belongings to feed the hungry and
surrender my body to be burned, but I have no love, I am not in
the least benefited.
4 Love endures long and is kind; love is not jealous; love is not
out for display;
5 It is not conceited or unmannerly; it is neither self-seeking
nor irritable, nor does it take account of a wrong that is suffered.
6 It takes no pleasure in injustice but sides happily with truth.
7 It bears everything in silence, has unquenchable faith, hopes
under all circumstances, endures without limit.
8 Love never fails. As for prophesyings, they will pass away; as
for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will lose its
meaning.
9 For our knowledge is fragmentary and so is our prophesying.
10 But when the perfect is come then the fragmentary will
come to an end.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, thought like a
child, I reasoned like a child, but upon becoming a man I was
through with childish ways.
12 For now we see indistinctly in a mirror, but then face to
face. Now we know partly, but then we shall understand as
completely as we are understood.
13 There remain then, faith, hope, love, these three; but the
greatest of these is love.
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27. I CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 13
Love: The Greatest Thing in the World
his superb chapter consists of 13 verses, each a gem in and of
itself. Taken together, they form one of the most beautiful
and important writings in all literature. The poetic rhythmic
quality comes from a magnificent repetition.
The chapter deals with the one supreme, greatest thing in the
world; namely, love. We are told that no matter what other
abilities and qualities we may possess, how profound our
knowledge, how great our achievements, if we do not have love,
none of these is of any value. If we have love, it adds the extra
quality of greatness to our lives.
In this magnificent description of love, the writer personifies
love, gives it the characteristics of a person: Love, we are told, is
long suffering and kind. It has no envy, no egotism. It never acts
in an unseemly fashion, it has no evil thoughts, it is steadfast and
loyal and endures to the end.
Other things pass away, but love is eternal. Love deepens and
sharpens our insights and understanding, it stimulates growth, it
makes us mature. It is the one sure way in which we may clearly
comprehend life and its deeper mysteries.
When we love, we will understand life. When we don’t love,
we only know life partially, not as a whole. The clouded mirror of
life will clear when we truly love. Three great words stand out
supreme above all others: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of
these is love.
The basic message of this wonderful chapter is that if we learn
to love as Christ loved, we truly become masters of life; if we fail,
nothing else really matters.
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28. EPHESIANS CHAPTER 6
hildren, be obedient to your parents in the Lord, for this is
right.
2 “Honor thy father and mother,” which is the first
commandment with a promise,
3 “that it may be well with you and that you will enjoy great
length of life on the earth.”
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of
His might.
11 Put on the complete armor that God supplies, so you will be
able to stand against the devil’s intrigues.
12 For our wrestling is not against flesh-and-blood opponents,
but against the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers of this
present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly spheres.
13 Take up, therefore, the whole armor of God so that you may
be able to stand when you have done all the fighting.
14 So stand your ground, with the belt of truth tightened around
your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness on your
body,
15 with the readiness of the good news of peace bound on your
feet;
16 above all taking up the shield of faith, with which you will
be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God,
18 praying in the Spirit on every occasion with ceaseless prayer
and entreaty, constantly alert to pray with all perseverance and
entreaty for all the saints;
19 also for me, that, when I open my lips, the message may be
given me that I may announce fearlessly the secret of the good
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29. news
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may
present the good news freely, as it is my duty to speak.…
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30. EPHESIANS CHAPTER 6
Strength Wards Off Defeat
he Bible tells us how to live as strong people: When you are
strong in the Lord—not in yourself alone—you have life’s
greatest strength. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His
might.”
To understand the Bible, we must become acquainted with its
symbols. When we fully understand its rich symbolism, the words
of the Scriptures will be illuminated.
Here, the symbolism is based on the ancient armored warrior
who goes forth to fight the good fight. The fight we are to wage is
against the devil, against evil in one’s own heart and in the world
as well.
The struggle of the believing Christian is against vast and
entrenched forces of evil; he must be very strong. And he will be,
if he puts on the whole armor of God.
This armor is put on first by girding yourself with truth. When
clothed in truth, nothing can ever get through your spiritual
defenses to defeat you.
Then put on the breastplate of righteousness. This refers to the
protection given by goodness and by rightmindedness. Put on
your feet the gospel of peace, so that wherever you go, goodness
goes and evil flees.
Take the shield of faith. The shield was designed to protect the
heart, the vital center. if always you have faith in your heart, your
life center is shielded and protected.
Then put on the helmet of salvation. The helmet was designed
to protect the head against thoughts of evil, against negative
thoughts. The mind must be kept strong in the Lord, for the mind
is ever subject to the attack of wrong thoughts. And wrong
thoughts destroy.
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31. And finally, take the sword of the spirit, the bright and shining
sword of God’s power, and with it strike out against every evil
thing in life.
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32. PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 4
Be joyful in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Be known by all the people for your considerateness; The
Lord is near.
6 Entertain no worry; but under all circumstances let your
petitions be known before God by prayer and pleading along with
thanksgiving.
7 So will the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding,
keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
kindly spoken, whatever is lofty and whatever is praiseworthy—
put your mind on these.
9 And what you have learned and received and heard and seen
in me, that put into practice. And the God of peace will be with
you.
10 I was uncommonly happy in the Lord because of late your
thoughtfulness toward me came to life again, a matter in which
you were interested but lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I mention this because of need, for I have learned to
make ends meet in whatever situation I am.
12 I know how to live simply and I know how to enjoy
prosperity. I am acquainted with all circumstances: to be filled up
and to be hungry, to have abundance and to suffer want.
13 I have strength for every situation through Him who
empowers me.
19 And my God will fully supply all your needs according to
His abundant wealth so glorious in Christ Jesus.
4
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33. PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 4
Joy and Victory
n this chapter are some of the most important truths of our
faith. For example, the admonition to “be joyful in the Lord
always; and again I say, Rejoice.”
It has been assumed, by some who do not know, that
Christianity is a gloomy religion. Its chief emblem is, of course,
the Cross, symbol of suffering. But, in a higher sense, the Cross is
the symbol of glorious victory. Faith in the Cross of Christ gives
victory and salvation, and therefore the true Christian is always
happy. He always rejoices.
One reason for his happiness is his wonderful relationship with
a good God. So loving is the heavenly Father that we are not to be
cautious and hesitant. But we are to “entertain no worry; but
under all circumstances let your petitions be known before God
by prayer and pleading along with thanksgiving.” Do this joyfully
and lovingly and with true faith, then what happens to you will be
beyond all price.
For one thing, “the peace of God, that surpasses all
understanding” will keep guard over your hearts.
Then comes a list of the things we are to think about and make
vital in our lives. If our thoughts are filled with truth, honesty,
purity and loveliness, we will have God’s peace.
So great and meaningful is the sense of Christ’s presence that,
when we have this greatest of all possessions, we also have a
consciousness of spiritual power. Then are we ready to make that
most astonishing affirmation, “I have strength for every situation
through Him who empowers me.”
Christianity opens the way to joy and victory, and the secret is
simply this: Live with Christ. Then, as St. Paul says, “my God
will fully supply all your needs according to His abundant wealth
I
so glorious in Christ Jesus.”
31

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