Ephesians 3:13-19

So I am asking that you do not give up, for I am suffering for you to your glory. For this reason, I bow down to the FATHER of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST, for whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named, praying that he will grant you to be inwardly strengthened with power through his SPIRIT, according to the wealth of his glory; and that CHRIST will live in your hearts by faith; and that you will be rooted and grounded in love, so you can comprehend and come to know, with all the saints, the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of CHRIST, which transcends all understanding; and that you will be filled with all the fullness of GOD.

James 5:1-8

To all the rich people: weep and howl for the miseries that are coming to you when your valuables have rotted and moths have eaten up your clothes. Your gold and silver will corrode, and the rust on them will be a witness against you; it will eat your flesh as if it were on fire. You have hoarded treasure in these last days. You cheated the laborers who worked for you out of the pay that they deserved, and their pay cries out for justice. The LORD ALMIGHTY hears. You have lived a life of luxury on the earth; you have taken your pleasure; you have fattened your hearts like an animal ready for slaughter. You have condemned and murdered a righteous man, and he did not resist you. Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the LORD - just like the farmer who patiently waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and does not harvest until the early and late rains have come. Be patient like that, and make your hearts strong, for the LORD is coming again soon.

2 Corinthians 3:7-16

The ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, came with such splendor that the children of Israel could not continue looking at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance. And that glory was fading. How much more glorious will be the ministry of the SPIRIT? For if the ministry which brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious will be the ministry which makes a person right with GOD? Yes, the law was glorious, but it pales in comparison to the superior glory. The glory of that which remains is greater than the glory of that which is abolished. Therefore, since we have such hope, we are free to be bold of speech. Not as Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel would not keep looking until the brightness faded. They were closed-minded, for to this day the veil remains at the reading of the Old Testament; and it can only be removed in CHRIST. And to this day, when the law of Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But when one turns to the LORD, the veil is removed!

2 Thessalonians 3:4-12

We have confidence in the LORD concerning you, that you are doing, and will continue to do what we commanded; and that the LORD will guide your hearts into the love of GOD, and into the enduring patience of CHRIST. Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST, to withdraw from every believer who is idle, walking in rebellion, instead of living the way we taught you to live. You yourselves know how you ought to act - like us! For we were not idle or rebellious among you, and we never ate anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day so as to not be a burden on any of you. Not because we do not have the authority, but to make ourselves an example for you to follow. Remember that while we were with you we gave you this command: "If any one is not willing to work, then do not let them eat." For we hear that some among you are idle, living in rebellion, not working at all; yet still find time to be busybodies. Now to those who are acting this way, we command and exhort you in the name of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST, to get to work! Support yourselves and be quiet about it.

Hebrews 12:22-24a

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. You have come to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to GOD, the JUDGE of all people. You have come to the spirits of righteous people who have been made perfect. And you have come to JESUS, the MEDIATOR of the New Covenant.

Acts 4:32-35

The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and united in spirit. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, because they shared everything. The apostles used great power in their testimony about the resurrection of our LORD, JESUS. Great grace was on them all. And none of them were in need, for everyone who owned land or houses sold them, gave the money to the apostles, and everyone was given what they needed.

1 John 4:19-21

We love GOD (give ourselves to him), because he first loved us (gave himself to us). If someone claims to love GOD ("I give myself to GOD"), and hates his brother (does not give of himself), then that person is a liar. For he who does not love his brother (giving of himself) whom he has seen, how can he love GOD (giving himself to GOD) whom he has not seen? Remember the commandment he gave us: that he who is loving GOD (giving himself to GOD) must also love his brother (giving of himself).

Romans 5:6-8

While we were still helpless and ungodly, CHRIST died for us at exactly the right time. It is rare for someone to die for a righteous person, though perhaps for a righteous person someone would dare to die, but GOD shows his giving-of-himself love for us, in that, while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us!

1 Corinthians 3:18-23

Let no one deceive themselves into thinking that they are wise by the standards of the world. Instead they ought to become a "fool" so that they may become truly wise. For the wisdom of the world is foolishness to GOD. Scripture says, "GOD traps the 'wise' in their own craftiness," and "The LORD knows the thoughts of the 'wise' and that they are worthless." Therefore, let no one brag about human wisdom, for everything belongs to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Peter or the world or life or death or the present or the future - all things are yours. And you belong to CHRIST. And CHRIST belongs to GOD.

Colossians 3:1-4

If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek those things which are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD. Think about things that are above, not about things that are of the earth. For you have died, and your life has been hidden away with CHRIST in GOD. When CHRIST, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

Brothers, when we preached to you the good news of GOD, do you remember our hard work, and the hardships? We worked night and day so as to not be a burden on any of you. And you witnessed, along with GOD, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. You also know how we exhorted and comforted and implored every one of you, just as a father does his own children, that you would live in a manner worthy of GOD, who has called you into his kingdom and glory. We continually thank GOD because when you received from us the Word of GOD, you accepted it not as the word of man, but as the Word of GOD, as it is in truth, performing its work in you who believe.

Psalm 9:7-12

The LORD will endure forever. He has prepared his throne for judgment, and he will judge the world in righteousness. He will administer justice to the people in uprightness. The LORD will be a tower of refuge for the oppressed and in times of trouble. Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion, and declare among the people what he has done. For he who avenges blood remembers them, and he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

Ruth 1:1-19a

And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. A certain man from Bethlehem, Judah, went to live in the country of Moab, along with his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech; the name of his wife was Naomi; the name of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah, and they went to live in the country of Moab. Elimelech died and was survived by this wife, Naomi, and their two sons. The two sons took wives of the women of Moab: one named Orpah, and the other named Ruth, and they lived there about ten years. Mahlon and Chilion both died, survived by Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth. Naomi and her daughters-in-law rose to leave the country of Moab, for Naomi had heard that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. They left Moab and began their journey back to Judah. But Naomi said to her daughters-in-law, "Go, return to your mother's house. The LORD will deal kindly with you, just as you have dealt with the dead and with me. May the LORD grant you rest, each of you in the house of her husband." Then she kissed them, and they raised their voices and wept. They told Naomi, "We will return with you to your people." But Naomi said, "Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? I cannot have more sons for you to marry. Turn back, my daughters, and go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if there was hope for me to have a husband tonight to bear more sons, would you wait for them to be grown, and in the mean time refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, for it grieves me so, for your sakes, for the hand of the LORD has gone out against me." They raised their voices and wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people, and to her god. Follow her." But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you, for wherever you go, I will go; where you live, I will live; your people shall be my people, and your GOD, my GOD. Where you die, I will die; and there I will be buried. May the LORD do to me and more, if anything but death comes between us." When Naomi saw that Ruth had made up her mind to go with her, she stopped talking. And they resumed their journey to Bethlehem.

2 Peter 3:15-18

You can count the long-suffering patience of our LORD as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul wrote you with the wisdom he was given. Some of the things Paul writes in his letters are hard to understand, but in all his letters he writes the same way about all of these things. There are ignorant and unstable people who distort what he has written, as they also do to other Scriptures, to their own destruction. But you, dearly beloved, since you already know these things, beware, lest you too are carried away by the error of the wicked and you fall from your own firm position. But rather, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. To him belongs all glory, now, and forever more! Amen!

Mark 2:13-17

When JESUS went out again to the seashore, the multitude followed him, and he taught them. Later, as he was walking along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting in the tax office. JESUS said to him, "Follow me." Levi rose and followed him. JESUS, his disciples, many tax collectors and sinners, for there were many who were following him, had dinner at Levi's house. When some scribes and Pharisees saw that JESUS was eating with tax collectors and sinners, they asked his disciples, "Why does JESUS eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When JESUS heard this, he said, "Healthy people do not need a physician, but sick people do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Matthew 5:21-24

And JESUS said, "You have heard that it was said to people long ago, 'Do not murder;' and 'Whoever commits murder will be punished.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without just cause will be condemned. And anyone who calls his brother an 'idiot' will be subject to the Council. And anyone who calls someone a 'fool' will be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come back and offer your gift."

James 4:4-6

Do you not know that friendship with this world is enmity with GOD? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of this world, becomes an enemy of GOD. Do you think that Scripture speaks in vain when it says that the spirit he caused to live in us yearns with jealousy? But GOD will help in time of need, and promises to oppose the arrogant, while giving grace to the humble.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust is the LORD with all of your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in everything you do, and he will direct your path.

Hebrews 13:1-4

Continue loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as if you were with them; and remember those who are being mistreated, since you are in the same body. Let marriage be treated with respect by everyone, and let the marriage bed be kept pure, for GOD will judge the sexually immoral and those who commit adultery.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

We are indebted to always give thanks to GOD for you, brothers, loved by the LORD, because GOD chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the SPIRIT and belief in the truth. He called you through our gospel, to obtain the glory of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST. Therefore, brothers, stand firm, and hold onto the traditions we taught you both by word and by letter. Now may our LORD, JESUS CHRIST himself, and GOD, our FATHER, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.

Acts 4:23-31

After being released, Peter and John went to their own people, and reported everything the chief priests and elders had said to them. Having heard the report, they all prayed with one purpose, "MASTER, you are GOD. You made heaven and earth and everything that is in them. Through the mouth of your servant, David, you said, 'Why do the nations rage and plot vain things? The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers unite against the LORD and against his CHRIST.' These words were fulfilled when Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the nations and the people of Israel, united to do what your power and your will had determined would happen. And now, LORD, consider their threats, and grant boldness to your servants when we speak your Word. Show your power through healing and signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant JESUS." And when they had prayed, the place where they had assembled was shaken. They were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, and spoke the Word of GOD with boldness.

Romans 5:1-5

Since we have been made right with GOD on the principle of faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD, JESUS CHRIST. And through him we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD. Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering develops perseverance, and perseverance develops character, and proven character develops hope. And hope never disappoints us because the love of GOD has been poured into our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT, who was given to us.

Luke 2:1-20

Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census should be taken of everyone in the empire. This first enrollment took place while Cyrenius was governor of Syria, and everyone was to be registered in the town where they were born. So Joseph went up from Nazareth of Galilee, to the city of David, which is Bethlehem of Judea, because he was from the family of David - a direct descendant. He registered with Mary because they were engaged to be married. Mary was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were some shepherds in the area, living in fields to watch over their sheep that night. And behold, an angel of the LORD stood over them, and the glory of the LORD shined all around them. And they were frightened. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news which will bring great joy to all the people. For today your SAVIOR, CHRIST the LORD, was born in Bethlehem. And this is how you will know him: you will find a baby wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." Suddenly, a multitude of heavenly angels joined the first angel, praising GOD, saying, "Give glory to GOD in heaven and on earth. Let there be peace and goodwill among men." When the angels had gone away, the shepherds agreed to go to Bethlehem "to see what has happened, which the LORD has made known to us." So the shepherds quickly went and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, which was lying in a manger. When the shepherds saw the baby, they revealed what the angels had told them about this child. Everyone was amazed when they heard what the shepherds had to say. Mary preserved these memories in her heart as she continued to think about them. And the shepherds returned to the fields, glorifying and praising GOD. For all they had seen and heard was just as the angel had told them.

John 3:1-15

Now there was a man named Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a Jewish leader, who came to JESUS at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from GOD. No one could perform these miracles if GOD were not with him." JESUS said to him, "Here is another truth for you to consider: if a person is not born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD." Nicodemus asked him, "How can a man be reborn, when he is already old? Is it possible for him to enter his mother's womb a second time to be born again?" JESUS answered, "I am telling you an absolute truth: if a person is not born of water and the SPIRIT, he cannot enter the kingdom of GOD. That which has been born of man is human. That which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit. Do not be surprised when I tell you, 'you must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it wishes. You hear the sound of it without knowing where it came from or where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born of the SPIRIT." "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. JESUS answered and said, "You are a teacher of Israel, and you do not know these things? I am absolutely speaking the truth when I tell you that we are talking about what we know. We are telling the truth about what we have seen. But you do not accept our testimony. If you do not believe me when I tell you about things on earth, how could you ever believe me if I told you about heavenly things? I am the only one who has ever ascended to heaven. I CAME from heaven. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, I too, much in the same way, must be lifted up so that everyone who really believes in me will have eternal life."

Genesis 22:1-12

And it came to pass that GOD called Abraham, to test him, and Abraham said, "Here I am." And GOD said, "Take your son now, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac, his son, and the wood he had split for the burnt offering, and went to the place which GOD had told him. On the third day of the journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place from afar. To his young men, Abraham said, "Stay here with the donkey while my boy and I go on. We will worship and return to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and gave it to Isaac to carry. Then taking in his own hands the fire and the knife, they went on together. Isaac spoke to his father, Abraham, and said, "Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" And Abraham said, "My son, GOD will provide for himself a lamb for the burnt offering." And they continued on together. When they came to the place GOD had told Abraham about, Abraham built an altar. He arranged the wood on the altar, bound up Isaac, his son, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. Just then, the ANGEL of the LORD called to him from heaven, and said, "Abraham! Abraham! Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him, for now I know that you fear GOD, and have not withheld anything from me - not even your son, your only son."

Titus 1:10-11

There are many who are insubordinate, who talk without having anything to say, and who deceive: especially Jewish believers who insist that Gentile believers must be circumcised. Their mouths must be stopped. They subvert entire families, teaching things they must not teach. And why? For dishonest money! One of their own, a teacher, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, and idle gluttons." Since this is true, rebuke them sharply so that they may be sound in the faith. They must not hold onto Jewish legends or the commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Psalm 7:17; 9:1-2

I will give thanks to the LORD according to his righteousness; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD MOST HIGH. I will give thanks to the LORD with all of my heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O MOST HIGH.

2 Timothy 4:5-8

Use self-control in all things. Endure hardships. Do the work of one proclaiming the gospel, and complete your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for me to die is near. I have fought a good fight; I have finished the course; I have kept the faith. And now there is a crown of righteousness waiting for me, which the LORD, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, will give me on that day. And not to me only, but also to those who have longed for his appearing.

1 John 4:1-3

You to whom I give myself, many false prophets are now in the world, so do not believe every spirit. Examine the spirits to see whether they are from GOD. This is how you can recognize the SPIRIT of GOD: every spirit that says that JESUS is the CHRIST, and that he came to earth and became a human being, is from GOD. But every spirit that refuses to say that JESUS is the CHRIST, and that he came to earth and became a human being, is not from GOD. In fact, this is the spirit of the enemy of CHRIST, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world.

Mark 3:13-19

JESUS went up onto a mountain, calling to himself those whom he wanted, and they went to him. He appointed twelve, to be with him, to send out to preach, and to have authority to heal diseases and cast out demons. He appointed Simon, to whom he gave the surname Peter; the sons of Zebedee, James and John, to whom he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder; Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Proverbs 1:7-9

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and discipline. My son, listen to your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching, for they will be a garland to grace your head, and a chain to adorn your neck.