Thursday, January 29

12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

14If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.

16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18Now 'If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?'

19Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

2Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

3nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

4and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

5Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.'

38Then He said to them in His teaching, 'Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces,

39the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,

40who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.'

41Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.

42Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.

43So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;

44for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.'