Rejoicing in persecution

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

I am valuable

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

The body of Christ at work

…so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

I know who holds the future

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

God will never leave or forsake us

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Double portion of everlasting joy

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

Beauty for ashes

…and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Choosing not to hate

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Discovering Jesus

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Hope for the Middle East

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.