#31- 2,612 Notes and the One I’ll Never Delete
Hi, my name is Dee and I’m a digital packrat.
It’s true. As of today I have 2,612 entries in Apple Notes. I keep every joke, story, bit of wisdom and teaching I run across. That’s a big number but it’s not the biggest it’s been, I topped out at over 4,500. That’s when I realized I had a problem and spent a lot of time deleting notes. It was tough because every time I hit “delete” I had a small anxiety attack that I had just deleted the secret to world peace and generational wealth.
I know that sounds nuts but it proves I have a problem!
But not every note I have is junk.
For this teaching I want to share the contents of the most important note on my phone. It’s a list of scriptures that help me live out the life Jesus modeled and God planned for me.
Whenever I get in a funk or find myself out of sorts, I read this list and without fail one of them shines like a flashlight in a dark room on what’s really going on with me”
What would happen if a man actually lived this way?
Would following these principles make you weaker or stronger? Would they make you a better man?
If you can honestly look at what is taught in the Scriptures and say, “There’s no way I want to live like that,” fair enough. But if you find yourself thinking, “You know what? There’s actually something here”, then maybe it’s worth digging deeper.
And if you already follow Jesus, ask yourself another question: Do you have a list of verses that you can turn to when life gets messy?
If you don’t, feel free to use mine as a starting point. Build your own list. Find the Scriptures that challenge you, encourage you, correct you, and remind you what kind of man you want to be.
Because those are the words worth keeping.
Scriptures
This I know: God is on my side! Psalm 56:9
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 NLT
First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the Lord ?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name. Proverbs 30:8-9 NLT
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11 NLT
The first to speak in court sounds right-until the cross-examination begins. Proverbs 18:17
It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on. Proverbs 16:26 NLT
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NLT
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Proverbs 29:25
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing... Proverbs 15:2
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
Wise people think before they act; fools don't—and even brag about their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16
Let someone else praise you, not your mouth-a stranger, not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 NLT
I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’ Job 32:7 NIV
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8 NLT
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” Romans 8:15-17 (The Message)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9 NLT
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:2 (The Message)
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:1 NLT
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should do. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—......
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.
8 My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
Psalm 101:2-8
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. Job 31:1
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." 1 John 2:16
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. Ephesians 5:4
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this. Matthew 28:18-20
Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT
Proverbs for the Modern Man
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. Proverbs 23:23
Man Law
God Has Your Best Interest At Heart.