- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
- A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted. - This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.
- Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
- That is why the Lord says,
“Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” - Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
- Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. - In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord.
- Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.”
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. - So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help. - So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
- I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him? - The Lord’s home reaches up to the heavens,
while its foundation is on the earth.
He draws up water from the oceans
and pours it down as rain on the land.
The Lord is his name! - Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.
- If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.
- In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
- You must keep my Sabbath days of rest and show reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.
- Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”
- Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing. - Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
- If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
- Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
- And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
- The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
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