Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. NKJ Matthew 16:24,25

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ 1 Peter 4:12

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

NKJ John 12:26

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJ Romans 5:3-5

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJ Matthew 6:33

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NKJ Ezekiel 36:27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

NKJ Ezekiel 36:27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

NKJ Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

KJV Psalm 119:88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

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NKJ Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your NKJ Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.your paths.

NKJ Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on NKJ Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in YouYou, Because he trusts in You

NKJ Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and NKJ Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

NLT 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what NLT 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.happens to you.

NLT James 1:5 If you need wisdom-- if you want to know what God wants you NLT James 1:5 If you need wisdom-- if you want to know what God wants you to do-- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. to do-- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.

NKJ Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the NKJ Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.the left.

NLT Psalm 37:23 The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights NLT Psalm 37:23 The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives.in every detail of their lives.

NKJ Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and NKJ Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’mighty things, which you do not know.’

NKJ Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I NKJ Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.will guide you with My eye.

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The ring has only one master and he shares its power with no one!

- from The Lord of the Rings (Gandalf the Grey) by J.R.R. Tolkien

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

NKJ Matthew 16:26

"Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. NKJ Luke 8:14

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. NKJ Proverbs 1:19

He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. NKJ Proverbs 15:27

No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. NKJ 2 Timothy 2:4

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NKJ 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world.

NKJ 1 John 5:19b the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. NKJ James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

NKJ Proverbs 27:20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

NKJ Matthew 18:9 "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

"All that glisters is not gold."

- from The Merchant of Venice (II, vii) by William Shakespeare

“All that is gold does not glitter"- from The Lord of the Rings (Riddle of Aragorn) by J.R.R. Tolkien

Fool’s Gold

Gold ore

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NLT Luke 12:15 Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own."

NLT Hebrews 13:5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”

NLT Ecclesiastes 5:10 Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!

NLT 1 Timothy 6:9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

NAU Proverbs 23:4 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it.

NLT Proverbs 15:16 It is better to have little with fear for the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil.

NLT Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

NLT Psalm 84:10b I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

NKJ 1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7

NKJ Psalm 107:10 Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons -- 11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, 12 Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. 13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. 15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 16 For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.

NAU Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

NKJ Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

NKJ Proverbs 24:1 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking.

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NLT Psalm 73:1 A psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. 2 But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. 3 For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. 4 They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong. 5 They aren't troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else. 6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty. 7 These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! 8 They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. 9 They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. 10 And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. 11 "Does God realize what is going on?" they ask. "Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?“ 12 Look at these arrogant people-- enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. 13 Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong? 14 All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. 15 If I had really spoken this way, I would have been a traitor to your people. 16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! 17 Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought about the destiny of the wicked. 18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. 19 In an instant they are destroyed, swept away by terrors. 20 Their present life is only a dream that is gone when they awake. When you arise, O Lord, you will make them vanish from this life. 21 Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant-- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. 23 Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. 24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. 27 But those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

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NKJ John 7:24 "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

NKJ Philippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame -- who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

NKJ Luke 16:15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

NKJ Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. MSG 1 Peter 5:6 So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.

KJV Psalm 75:6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

NKJ Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

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NKJ Matthew 6:24 " No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

NKJ 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." 17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

NKJ 1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a person. 11

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

NKJ Philippians 3:8-10

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, NKJ Romans 6:5

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

NKJ Romans 6:8

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. NKJ Romans 8:28,29

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

NKJ Philippians 3:8-10

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, NKJ Romans 6:5

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

NKJ Romans 6:8

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. NKJ Romans 8:28,29 12

No one can make you feel inferior unless you first give them permission.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

NKJ Romans 8:34

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. NKJ Romans 8:1

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

NKJ Revelation 12:10,11

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NKJ John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

NKJ John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

NKJ John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

NLT Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

NKJ John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

NLT Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

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NKJ Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 "keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation.”

NKJ Lamentations 3:22 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, NKJ Lamentations 3:22 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Your faithfulness.

NKJ Matthew 9:13 "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and NKJ Matthew 9:13 "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”repentance.”

NKJ Matthew 12:7 "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy NKJ Matthew 12:7 "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

NKJ James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no NKJ James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

NKJ Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.NKJ Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 15

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

NKJ Romans 6:2

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.

NKJ Romans 6:6,7

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. NKJ Romans 6:11

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 1 NKJ Romans 6:14

And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

NKJ Romans 6:18

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

NKJ Romans 6:22

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

NKJ Romans 6:2

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.

NKJ Romans 6:6,7

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. NKJ Romans 6:11

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 1 NKJ Romans 6:14

And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

NKJ Romans 6:18

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

NKJ Romans 6:22

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Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. NKJ 1 Corinthians 10:31

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

NKJ Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

NKJ Colossians 3:23 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. NKJ James 4:3

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,

NKJ John 17:1But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. NKJ 2 Corinthians 4:7

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. NKJ Matthew 5:16

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"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” NKJ Luke 11:13

"And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” NKJ Acts 5:32

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NKJ Acts 2:38

"the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. NKJ John 14:17

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." NKJ Acts 1:8

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Oh so you been overlooked? They have placed someone else before you? They have whispered that you are pretty small stuff after all? And now you feel hurt because the world is saying about you the very things you have been saying about yourself? Only yesterday you were telling God that you were nothing, a mere worm of the dust. Where is your consistency? Come on, humble yourself and cease to care what men think.

A.W. Tozer

Oh so you been overlooked? They have placed someone else before you? They have whispered that you are pretty small stuff after all? And now you feel hurt because the world is saying about you the very things you have been saying about yourself? Only yesterday you were telling God that you were nothing, a mere worm of the dust. Where is your consistency? Come on, humble yourself and cease to care what men think.

A.W. Tozer

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