Thursday 22 June 2023

12Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trialwhich has come upon you to test you,as though a strange thing happened to you.13But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings,rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.14If you are insulted for the name of Christ,you are blessed, because the Spirit of gloryand of God rests on you.On their part he is blasphemed,but on your part he is glorified.15But let none of you suffer as a murderer,or a thief, or an evil doer,or a meddler in other men’s matters.16But if one of you suffers for being a Christian,let him not be ashamed;but let him glorify God in this matter.17For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God.If it begins first with us,what will happen to thosewho don’t obey the Good News of God?18“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”19Therefore let them alsowho suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him,as to a faithful Creator.

1When the Lord brought back those who returned to Zion,we were like those who dream.2Then our mouth was filled with laughter,and our tongue with singing.

2Then they said among the nations,“The Lord has done great things for them.”3The Lord has done great things for us,and we are glad.

4Restore our fortunes again, Lord,like the streams in the Negev.5Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

6He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing,will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

34“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth.I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.35For I came to set a man at odds against his father,and a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36A man’s foes will be those of his own household.37He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.38He who doesn’t take his crossand follow after me isn’t worthy of me.39He who seeks his life will lose it;and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.