We have become an object of disdain to our neighbors; those who live on our borders taunt and insult us.

The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom.

The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of them both.

he does not need to honor his father.’ You have nullified the word of God on account of your tradition.

But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers.

so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

“I have come to bring fire on the earth – and how I wish it were already kindled!

we have unanimously decided to choose men to send to you along with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul,

For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance,

I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,

The descendants of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you assigned us only one tribal allotment? After all, we have many people, for until now the Lord has enabled us to increase in number.”

So now go and make a new cart. Get two cows that have calves and that have never had a yoke placed on them. Harness the cows to the cart and take their calves from them back to their stalls.

This is what your sovereign master, the Lord your God, says: “Look, I have removed from your hand the cup of intoxicating wine, the goblet full of my anger. You will no longer have to drink it.

But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them save you when you are in trouble. The sad fact is that you have as many gods as you have towns, Judah.

The city is sure to fall into the hands of the Babylonians. Yet, in spite of this, you, Lord God, have said to me, “Buy that field with silver and have the transaction legally witnessed.”’”

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Have courage, for just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)

“Look! I have set before you today life and prosperity on the one hand, and death and disaster on the other.