2 Thessalonians 3

Translation: ESV

Pray for Us

1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

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11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

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Luke 13

Translation: ESV

Repent or Perish

13 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

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4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?

5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

A Woman with a Disabling Spirit

10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” 13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

18 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”

20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”

The Narrow Door

22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Lament over Jerusalem

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33 Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

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Job 14

Translation: ESV

Job Continues: Death Comes Soon to All

14 “Man who is born of a woman

    is few of days and full of trouble.

2 He comes out like a flower and withers;

    he flees like a shadow and continues not.

3 And do you open your eyes on such a one

    and bring me into judgment with you?

4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?

    There is not one.

5 Since his days are determined,

    and the number of his months is with you,

    and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass,

6 look away from him and leave him alone,

    that he may enjoy, like a hired hand, his day.

7 “For there is hope for a tree,

    if it be cut down, that it will sprout again,

    and that its shoots will not cease.

8 Though its root grow old in the earth,

    and its stump die in the soil,

9 yet at the scent of water it will bud

    and put out branches like a young plant.

10 But a man dies and is laid low;

    man breathes his last, and where is he?

11 As waters fail from a lake

    and a river wastes away and dries up,

12 so a man lies down and rises not again;

    till the heavens are no more he will not awake

    or be roused out of his sleep.

13 Oh that you would hide me in Sheol,

    that you would conceal me until your wrath be past,

    that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!

14 If a man dies, shall he live again?

    All the days of my service I would wait,

    till my renewal should come.

15 You would call, and I would answer you;

    you would long for the work of your hands.

16 For then you would number my steps;

    you would not keep watch over my sin;

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17 my transgression would be sealed up in a bag,

    and you would cover over my iniquity.

18 “But the mountain falls and crumbles away,

    and the rock is removed from its place;

19 the waters wear away the stones;

    the torrents wash away the soil of the earth;

    so you destroy the hope of man.

20 You prevail forever against him, and he passes;

    you change his countenance, and send him away.

21 His sons come to honor, and he does not know it;

    they are brought low, and he perceives it not.

22 He feels only the pain of his own body,

    and he mourns only for himself.”

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Psalm 60(61)

Translation: ESV

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.

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1 Hear my cry, O God,

    listen to my prayer;

2 from the end of the earth I call to you

    when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock

    that is higher than I,

3 for you have been my refuge,

    a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!

    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

5 For you, O God, have heard my vows;

    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Prolong the life of the king;

    may his years endure to all generations!

7 May he be enthroned forever before God;

    appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

8 So will I ever sing praises to your name,

    as I perform my vows day after day.

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Ephesians 1

Translation: ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

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7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

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Proverbs 18

Translation: ESV

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;

    he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

    but only in expressing his opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

    and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;

    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked

    or to deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool's lips walk into a fight,

    and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin,

    and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

    they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9 Whoever is slack in his work

    is a brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city,

    and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,

    but humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,

    it is his folly and shame.

14 A man's spirit will endure sickness,

    but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,

    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's gift makes room for him

    and brings him before the great.

17 The one who states his case first seems right,

    until the other comes and examines him.

18 The lot puts an end to quarrels

    and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,

    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;

    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

    and those who love it will eat its fruits.

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22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing

    and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor use entreaties,

    but the rich answer roughly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,

    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

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1 Peter 4

Translation: ESV

Stewards of God's Grace

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

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3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

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12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For 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? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

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