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Ephesians 2:4-10 " ...we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. " Ephesians 2:10. Paul wrote to the Ephesians of their purpose in this world, describing them as "God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. " Paul goes on to say that God's "handiwork" of creating us would result in our "handiwork" of creating good works for His glory in our world.

Hebrews 11:1-6 "...my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:19. "...faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. " The foundation of this confidence and assurance is God Himself, who "...rewards those who earnestly seek him. " God is faithful to keep His promises.

Luke 22:39-46 "Greater love has no one than this : to lay down one's life for one's friends ". John 15:13. When Jesus was waiting for His arrest and subsequent execution, He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me ...". But He concluded that request with an example of courage, love, and sacrifice. "...yet not my will, but yours be done". Jesus' death and resurrection made our eternal life possible.

Matthew 6:19-21 "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. " Matthew 6:20. Jesus told us to store up "treasures in heaven". We do that when we become "rich in good deeds", "rich in faith", helping others and sharing Christ with them.

1John 4:7-12 "We love because he first loved us. " 1 John 4:19. God is love. Christ's death on the cross, the ultimate demonstration of love, displays the depth of His passion for us. Because God loves us and lives in us, we can love others, based on who He is and what He has done.

Mark 1:9-15 "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! " Mark 1:15. Jesus began His mission with these words. Instead of running to places that entrap us, or being ruled by fear, Jesus explains that we can be ruled by God, who lovingly leads us to new life and freedom.

2 Corinthians 4:16, 5:9 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16. What's true about an old house, is also true about our body. Our bodies, like an old house, will eventually look like a bit worse with time. But as Paul explains, there is good news. While we gradually lose the physical vibrancy of youth, the spirit, within us, is continually renewed, and grows.