What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word. Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.