Wednesday, November 24

1For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

2But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

3For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

4But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

5For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.

6Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

7But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

8So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

15Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16But Jesus called them to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

17Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.'

18Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'

19So Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.

20You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother.' '

21And he said, 'All these things I have kept from my youth.'

22So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.'

23But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

24And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!

25For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'

26And those who heard it said, 'Who then can be saved?'

27But He said, 'The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.'

28Then Peter said, 'See, we have left all and followed You.'

29So He said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,

30who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.'