Daily Reader's Bible - Flipbook - Page 39
worldly desires that wage war against your
very souls. Be careful to live properly among
your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they
accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your
honorable behavior, and they will give honor
to God when he judges the world.
For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or
the officials he has appointed. For the king has
sent them to punish those who do wrong and
to honor those who do right.
It is God’s will that your honorable lives
should silence those ignorant people who
make foolish accusations against you. For you
are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use
your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect
everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear
God, and respect the king.
You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—
not only if they are kind and reasonable, but
even if they are cruel. For God is pleased when,
conscious of his will, you patiently endure
unjust treatment. Of course, you get no
credit for being patient if you are beaten
for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing
good and endure it patiently, God is pleased
with you.
For God called you to do good, even if it
means suffering, just as Christ suffered for
you. He is your example, and you must follow
in his steps.
He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when
he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when
he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to
your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
I HAVE LIVED ACCORDING TO YOUR TRUTH
A psalm of David.
Declare me innocent, O LORD,
for I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to your truth.
I do not spend time with liars
or go along with hypocrites.
I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
I come to your altar, O LORD,
singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
I love your sanctuary, LORD,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
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Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the LORD.
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[PSALM 26]
