For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him. 1 Peter 3:18-22

papers (blended) by Lorie Davison and Optic Impressions, elements by MaryPop

continuing above passage:

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, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 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. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 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. 1 Peter 4:1-11

related:

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. 10:1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:19-39

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:14-29

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:1-23

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water in the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:22-33

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:13-19

(Peter's letter was addressed in 1Pet. 1:1-2 to those of the "dispersion" due to persecution. However we believers are ALL "exiles" due to the fact our citizenship is in heaven and we are sojourners here on earth. Also see Eph. 2:19-22, 1Pet. 2:4-5, Heb. 3:5-6, 12-14, Phil. 3:20-21--also see the context of Phil. 3:17-19.)

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16

(Notice the "giants of the faith" in Heb. 11 could have returned to their OLD land if they so desired, rather than walking by faith--just like we FOLLOW Jesus - Matt. 10:37-39, John 10:27, 12:25-26, 2Cor. 5:7. God didn't force them to do His will - Deut. 8:2. In a similar way, the prodigal son was not prevented from leaving or forced to return - Luke 15:11-32. He came to his senses and was warmly welcomed back. Jesus doesn't "lose" us, but neither does He violate our free will to make us stay or obey Him - John 14:24. There's a difference between being lost and running away. That's why we yield to the Holy Spirit inside of us, keeping our hearts soft and humble before God instead of rebelling against Him. Eph. 4:30, 1Thess. 5:19, Rom. 8:14, Gal. 5:18, Jam. 4:4-10, Heb. 3:12-15, 6:4-12)

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (Also see Matt. 22:11-14, Rom. 13:14, Gal. 5:24.)

Remember, Paul is writing to the CHURCH at Corinth, NOT to unbelievers. We will not be condemned to the second death - Rev. 20:14-15 - if we are IN Christ. (Rom. 8:1, John 3:18) However, we must examine ourselves to be sure that His Spirit IS in us, based on whether our "fruit" is good or bad. (2Cor. 13:5, Rom. 8:9, Gal. 5:13-25, Rom. 7:4-6, Titus 2:11-15, John 15:1-21) We can be forgiven of ALL sins we acknowledge ("confess") to Him and repent of (turn from). (1John 1:5-10) Our circumcision is of the heart, which is to be grieved by our sins. (Rom. 2:29, 2Cor. 7:9-10, Acts 2:37-38, Mark 7:6-7)

Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:4-12 (Also see Matt. 13:36-43, 47-50, John 15:6.)

We WILL lose rewards EVEN if we truly believe and yet prefer the ways of the fallen world more than God's. (1John 2:15-17, John 14:15-26, 1Cor. 2:9, 2Tim. 2:19-26, 1Cor. 3:11-17, Luke 12:32-34, Jam. 1:12-16) That really could be considered calling God a liar (and even idolatrous, believing in a FALSE God) if we believe the world's version of Him (or that of the "wolves in sheep's clothing that we were WARNED about - Acts 20:26-35, 2Tim. 3:1-5, 4:1-5, 2Pet. 2, 2Pet. 3, Jude 1) instead of the one He provided for us in the Bible. (Rom. 1:24-32) Read it for YOURSELF instead of letting someone else tell you their version of "what it really says." This isn't a game where we can pretend to believe and to love God, thinking He won't know. As 1John 2:1-6 and 3:1-10 say, some people are just liars to even claim to know Him at all. We need to be sure not to be deceived by them or even by ourselves. (Matt. 7:13-29, Rom. 16:18-19, 6:9-10, 1Cor. 15:33-34, 1Cor. 11:3-4, Gal. 6:7-8, Eph. 5:3-21, 2Tim. 3:12-17, 1John 2:28-29)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:9-12 (Also see Matt. 5:16 and the preceding verses Matt. 5:13-14, for context.)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:1-11

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:13-16

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:10-17

For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:6-11 (Also see Eph. 2:11-18, Rom. 11:17-25, Gal. 3:27-29.)

This is a wake-up call. (Matt. 25:1-13, 24:42-51, Luke 11:33-36, 1Thess. 5:5-11, Mark 13:32-37, Rom. 13:11-14, 1Cor. 15:33-34, 2Cor. 6:14-7:1, Rev. 3:2-6, 2:20-29, 3:15-22) Be on guard and keep watch. (Eph. 6:10-20, Matt. 26:41, Luke 12:35-48, 21:34-35, 1Cor. 6:13-14, Col. 4:2, 1Pet. 5:8-10, 2John 1:8, Rom. 12:11, Heb. 6:11-12, Gal. 6:1, 1Tim. 4:8, 16, Jam. 5:19-20) Be WISE. (Matt. 25:2, 10, 7:24-27, Luke 10:21, Rom. 16:19, 1Cor. 1:18-31, 2:6, 3:18-20, Eph. 5:15-17, Col. 4:5, 1Cor. 14:20, Heb. 5:14, Col. 1:28, Phil. 3:14-21, Jam. 3:13, 2Tim. 3:14-17, Psa. 119:105, 111:10)

For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5

Quickpage by AnnaBV Designs, additional elements: Chinese New Year by Grace Lee

They [those who love evil] hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. Amos 5:10

paper by Miss Behaving Workshop (blended with photo), elements: A Message for You by Valentina Creations

more context:

For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins—you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate. Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time. Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. Amos 5:12-15

related:

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.  Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:20-33

O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! Psalm 97:10-12

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Proverbs 8:13

Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. Proverbs 9:7-12

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. Isaiah 59:14-15

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15:18-21

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:1-21

For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

quickpage by Carolyn

You might enjoy reading my devotional, "Beautiful." You can view and/or download it in magazine style pdf (48 mb) here, or text w/highlighting format pdf (.5 mb) here. You are also invited to visit my other blog, aimed at helping the Bride of Christ be prepared for His return, here.

Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. 2 Peter 2:15-16 (Also see the entire context of 2Pet. 2.)

But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. Revelation 2:14

But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:10-23

Balaam accepted a bribe to speak Balak's message to the people instead of God's. (Num. 22-24) God prevented him from actually doing so, but Balaam then encouraged the Israelites to commit adultery with the nations around them. He KNEW this was casting a stumbling block before them (Jam. 3:1-2, Gal. 6:1, 1Thess. 4:3-8, Luke 17:1-2), because God had warned them repeatedly to remain separate and holy. (Ex. 34:11-16, Num. 31:16)

Sound familiar? Today we have a multitude of false teachers making big profits by "tickling the ears" of gullible people who don't know their Bible. People who are living in darkness enjoy hearing that God "doesn't mind" if His children behave like children of the devil. (John 3:19-21, 11:9-10, John 8:44, 10:24-27, 1John 3:1, 4:5-6, Eph. 5:11-16, 2Tim. 4:3-5, Matt. 7:15-20, 24:11-14, 2Thess. 2:9-12, 2Pet. 2:1-3, Matt. 24:24, Luke 6:26, Rom. 1:18, 32, 1Cor. 15:34, 1John 1:5-7, 3:4-10, 2:1-6, 2:28-29, Prov. 16:5-6, Jer. 23:21-22, Acts 20:26-35) We believers in this age are being grafted in to Israel, and like them, we are ALSO to abstain from the wickedness of the fallen world around US. (Rom. 11:17, 13:11-14, 12:1-2, 6:19-22, 7:4-6, 8:12-14, 1Pet. 4:1-5, 1Thess. 4:2-8, 5:22, 1Cor. 6:9-20, 2Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1John 2:15-17, Gal. 5:13-25, Eph. 4:17-24, 5:3-33, 2Tim. 2:19-3:5, Rev. 2:20-3:6, 21:7-8, 22:14-15, Heb. 12:14-17, 13:4, Jam. 1:27, 5:19-20, 2Pet. 2:22, Gal. 6:1)

I would strongly encourage everyone to read each and every one of the Scripture references in the above paragraph (using a normal Bible such as the ESV, not a paraphrase twisted and "spun" by men as they prefer to interpret the verses). If reading these warnings, which are from GOD (who inspired the writings of the Bible - 2Tim. 3:16-17) causes anyone to be afraid that they might be among those who do NOT enter the kingdom (Matt. 7:13-29, 25:1-13, Luke 6:43-49), then REPENT! (Turn away from your sin and towards God. Isa. 45:22, Psa. 50:16-23) It’s wrong for anyone to “undo” God’s warnings. (Rev. 1:3, 22:7, 22:18-19, Isa. 5:20-23)

We can learn from the letters to the churches (which are made up of individual believers, and each letter was to have been read by ALL seven churches) in Rev. 2 and Rev. 3 what displeases Jesus and how to “overcome” through faithfulness.  Jesus modeled it for us Himself. (John 8:29, 14:4-6, 15:8-11, 1John 2:6, 1Pet. 2:21, Heb. 13:12-16, 5:8, 12:3-29) The “full joy” Jesus refers to in John 15:11 (right before warning them that the world would HATE them) relates to the reward for those found faithful through trials (Isa. 48:10, 1Pet. 5:10), including persecutions and temptations, which are also mentioned numerous other times. (1Cor. 3:11-17 - also Matt. 7:24 - 2Tim. 2:3-7, 4:8, Jam. 1:12-16, 1Pet. 1:6-9, , 5:6-11, Heb. 10:32-39, Rev. 12:10-12) Also see the exhortations  to "run the good race" and "fight the good fight." (Heb. 12:1-2, Phil. 3:8-21, 1Cor. 9:24-10:13) Jesus taught “whoever has an ear to ear” that we must “count the cost” of following Him. (Luke 14:25-35, 9:62, Matt. 16:24-27, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-26, Mark 4:7-9, 16-20, Luke 14:34-35) Paul elaborated on what our attitude toward that cost should be (if we are mature). (Phil. 3:8-21) EACH letter in Rev. 2 and Rev. 3 exhorts “those with ears to hear” (i.e. those who love Him more than their lives - Rev. 12:11) Also see the exhortations to "run the good race" and "fight the good fight." (Heb. 12:1-2, 1Cor. 9:24-10:13)

If we sincerely love God and desire to please Him, then He will help us. (Phil. 2:12-16) We should not fear that He is waiting to punish us for slipping up - He disciplines us for our good. (Deut. 8:5, Prov. 3:11-12, Heb. 12:5-13, Rev. 3:19, 1John 4:18) What God has prepared is for those who LOVE Him. (1Cor. 2:9, John 14:1-3, Mark 12:33-34, 1Cor. 16:22, Jam. 1:12, 2:5, 1Pet. 1:8-9) Those who LOVE God want to PLEASE God with their behavior, according to what HE has said pleases Him—notot as "works" to "earn salvation," but out of love, respect and gratitude. (John 14:15-26, 15:1-21, 2Cor. 5:9-10, 5:14-15, Rom. 6:15-17, 16:19, Eph. 5:10, 1John 3:21-24, 2Tim. 2:4, 1Thess. 4:1-2, 8, Gal. 1:10, Heb. 11:5-6, Psa. 97:10-12) We find out what pleases God by reading the Bible and yielding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we learn and live (John 16:13), letting Him lead us instead of rebelling against Him as we did before we were saved. (Rom. 8:7-8, Col. 1:21, Titus 3:3-8) None of it is too much to ask. (1John 5:3, Rom. 8:28, 1Pet. 1:17-19, 2Pet. 1:9-11) If anyone thinks so, perhaps they haven't read Isa. 52:13-53:12.

God loves His entire creation. (Gen. 1:31, John 3:16-18) He WILL forgive believers of ALL of their sins, but we mustn't pretend that we've repented of anything that we deliberately continue to practice. (Heb. 10:26-39, 6:9-12, Matt. 18:15-17) It's not about what we have DONE in the past, but about what we continue doing as children of God. (John 1:12-13, 1Pet. 1:14-19, 1Tim. 5:20, Eph. 2:1-3, 4:17-24, Col. 3:5-11, Heb. 12:14-29, 1Pet. 4:3-5, 2Pet. 1:3-15, 2Cor. 12:20-13:2, Jam. 1:25, 2:12) Taking the advice of those who are deceiving people (often in order to make MONEY from them), who say that God doesn't "see" our sin so long as we [claim to] believe, is trading in eternal treasure for temporary, worthless junk. (1Cor. 5:5, 2Cor. 7:8-10, Phil. 3:8-21, Matt. 6:19-24, Rev. 21:7-8, 1John 2:15-17) Two married believers in the early Church, Ananias and Sapphira, thought they could lie to the Holy Spirit, but found out otherwise. (Acts 5:1-11, Eph. 4:30, 1Thess. 5:19-21)

God is merciful and forgives all who acknowledge their sin, turning from it and putting their trust in Jesus for their salvation. (1John 1:7-10, Ezek. 33:11, 2Pet. 3:9-10, 1Tim. 2:3-6) Paul emphasizes the sin of sexual immorality (in all forms: any intimate physical relations outside of marriage between a man and woman) as being particularly unacceptable for the saints (1Cor. 6:17-20), but the list of sins that will keep a person from inheriting the kingdom of God includes more than sexual immorality. That is a warning to us ALL that we must walk in the Spirit. (Rom. 8:13-19, Rom. 2:1-11, Gal. 5:16, 24-25) He is God and He doesn't sin—His fruits are GOOD. (Gal. 5:22-23, Mark 4:20, John 15:1-8, 16, Luke 6:43-45, Matt. 7:19-27, Rom. 6:20-22, 7:4-6, 8:13, Col. 1:10, Phil. 1:9-11, Heb. 12:11) We turn from our sin by HIS power in us. (Titus 2:11-15, 2Pet. 1:3-15) We are His HOLY temple. (1Cor. 3:16-17, 1Cor. 6:19-20, 1Pet. 2:4-5, Eph. 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 5:23-24, Rom. 12:5, 1Cor. 3:9-11, 12:27, Heb. 3:5-6, 12-14)

Today, false teachings are everywhere, and they run the gamut from "law-keeping" (but we are not under the LETTER of the law but the SPIRIT of it - Rom. 7:6, John 4:23-24, Heb. 8:13, Jam. 2:8, 2:12, Rom. 13:8-14, Gal. 5:4-12 - read the rest of the chapter as well - Gal. 5:13-26) to "cheap grace" (which is where God “approves” of the willful, sinful behavior of His children, just not those of the rest of the world - anyone can see that makes NO sense at all!) It's impossible to read the Bible in context and come to either of these conclusions. I have written articles warning against both of those extremes on my blogs here:
layoutfortoday.blogspot.com 
clotheyourselves.blogspot.com

God warns us repeatedly not to be deceived. (Rom. 16:17-19, 1Cor. 3:18-20, 1Cor. 6:9-10, 15:33-34, 2Cor. 11:2-4, Gal. 6:7-10, Eph. 5:6-12, 2Thess. 2:3-12, Titus 1:10-11, Jam. 1:12-16, 1:26-27, 1John 1:8-10, 2:26-29, 3:7-10, 2John 1:7-11, Rev. 13:14, 19:20, 20:3, 20:10) How do we avoid deception? WE READ OUR BIBLES FOR OURSELVES! I don't recommend paraphrase versions or even study Bibles. They contain too many opinions of men, often based on tradition, or just plain personal preference. (Mark 7:8-9, Col. 2:8, 16-23) It can be difficult to sort out. We should always give respect where it is due, but never be “respecters of persons” such that we give someone (no matter how much we like them, how educated or smart they seem, how popular they are, etc.) a “free pass” without comparing what they say to the Scriptures for ourselves. (Gal. 2:6, 1Tim. 5:21, Jam. 2:1, Luke 20:21)

As for traditions, we're to follow those established by Paul for the early Church, as outlined in the Bible. (2Thess. 2:15, 1Cor. 11:2, Eph. 4:20-24, 1Tim. 4:1-16, Prov. 30:6, Rev. 22:18-19) This is NOT to say that we disregard the rest of the Bible, as some teach. Paul extensively quotes from the Old Testament, which is ALSO for OUR instruction. (1Cor. 10:6-11 - also see the immediately preceding passage - 1Cor. 9:24-27 - for additional context.) Paul’s teachings agree with those of the rest of the New Testament. God is making ONE new man from believing Jews and Gentiles in this age. (Eph. 2:11-22, Rom. 2:9-11) There is such a thing as the "fullness of the Gentiles," however, and I believe it is at that point when the Body of Christ is complete. (Rom. 11:25) God will then "unblind" and "unharden of heart" of the Jews who have persisted in unbelief in Jesus, the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. (Rom. 11:28-32, John 1:29, 3:36, 1John 2:2, 2:23, 2John 1:9)

Getting back to reading the Bible, there is no perfect version. It's very useful to compare more than one, and even to look up the original Hebrew and Greek online. All of this can be done for free at biblehub.com. We need to be "good Bereans" and compare what we're being told with what the Scriptures actually say, in context (both of the surrounding text and the rest of the Scriptures). (Acts 17:11, Matt. 15:13-14, Jam. 3:1) Let's put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand firm against the rampant deception in the world today. Let's be the light and salt that Jesus instructed us to be. Let’s be WISE, not foolish. (Matt. 25:1-13, 7:24-27, Psa. 119:105, 111:10, Rom. 1:22, 1Cor. 3:16-18, Eph. 5:15-17, Col. 4:5-6)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 (Also see 1Pet. 5:6-11)

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:11-18

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:1-16

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 14:34-35

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. Revelation 11:1-2 (Also see John 15:6, Matt. 25:30, Rev. 2:26-29, 12:5-6, 3:10-13, 17:12, 13:5-10, 6:9-11, 14:12-16, 15:1-8, 20:4-6, 11:15-19, 17:14, 16:15-20,, 19:7-8, 11-21, 6:12-17, 14:17-20)

layout credits: donkey by Kate Hadfield, paper, gold coins, page border by Marta van Eck, foliage page border by BekahE Designs

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

paper by Mystique (retired), border: Days Gone By by Kristmess Designs, bible/coffee photo from web

full passage:

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:10-17

related:

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:8-21

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Peter 2:1-3

But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:12-22

This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:1-18

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Ephesians 4:26-28

paper by Holliewood Studios, border: Shabby Romance by Kristmess Designs

For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:5-7

paper by Mystique, roots (blended) by Marta van Eck; watering can, spade by Lorie Davison; shovel by Kristin Aagard; "dirt" (paint smear) by Kristmess Designs

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

paper: Under the Dappled Shadows by Lorie Davison, elements: Night Butterflies by Starlight Designs

You might enjoy reading my devotional, "Beautiful." You can view and/or download it in magazine style pdf (48 mb) here, or text w/highlighting format pdf (.5 mb) here. You are also invited to visit my other blog, aimed at helping the Bride of Christ be prepared for His return, here.

Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. James 3:4

ship: Bon Voyage by Kristmess Designs (colors altered); paper: Mermaid Story by Lily Designs (retired); splash: Perilous Sea Voyage by Lorie Davison; fish: Ocean Dreams by Starlight Designs; page border: Marta van Eck

full passage:

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. James 3:2-12