“No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice. For you are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19

“But now, you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls. And each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking; but put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  Let us also think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:22-24

My brothers and sisters in Christ, everything that we are going through today, could be handled or avoided, if we study God’s word, which never grows old. We increase in knowledge, we make better decisions, we treat others with respect, we live better lives, we are more forgiving and loving, and we learn to trust God more. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16

“The eyes of all look to You O Lord, and You give them their food in due season. Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Good and upright is the Lord, and His blessings are for the just and the unjust.”

“But, wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, know that; “The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment; for in his pride the wicked man does not seek God; in all his thoughts there is no room for Him. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so, the hope of the godless will perish.”

The proud seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong, they don’t have troubles like other people, they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else, they wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty and from their callous hearts comes iniquity, their evil imaginations have no limits. But I have seen wicked and ruthless people, flourishing like a tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Psalm 37