When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry. Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,
but righteousness delivers from death. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Praise the Lord.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands. A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”Next verse!With image