2 Cor. 4:16-18 for 12/27/11

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 Cor. 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Ps. 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am YAHWEH.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth!"

Psalm 15

O YAHWEH, who shall sojourn in your tent?
   Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
   and speaks truth in his heart;

who does not slander with his tongue
   and does no evil to his neighbor,
   nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
   but who honors those who fear YAHWEH;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest
   and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

1 Tim. 4:9-16

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers."

1 Peter 4:16-19

¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Lam. 3:25-27

²⁵YAHWEH is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
²⁶ It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of YAHWEH.
²⁷ It is good for a man that he bear
the yoke in his youth.

Used 10/24/11.