For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 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. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
without painful toil for it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun. Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult. But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Lord, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near. The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.Next verse!With image