All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Stay away from every kind of evil.

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

The LORD watches over you– the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals…”

Tthough he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

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.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.