And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.