For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me. Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. “If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops. So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?” “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.
For the Lord detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.Next verse!With image