…everyone will be tested with fire.
Salt is good for seasoning.
But if it loses its flavor,
how do you make it salty again?
You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves
and live in peace with each other.
(Tomato curtesy of Joshua Rhodes’ garden)
…There is one God and one Mediator
who can reconcile God and humanity—
the man Christ Jesus.
He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
(Pacific beach – picture credit Joshua Rhodes)
…pray for all people.
Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings
and all who are in authority
so we can live peaceful and quiet lives
marked by godliness and dignity.
This is good and pleases God our Savior,
who wants everyone to be saved
and to understand the truth.
“If you try to hang on to your life,
you will lose it.
But if you give up your life for my sake
and for the sake of the Good News,
you will save it.
And what do you benefit
if you gain the whole world
but lose your own soul?”
“And when you are brought to trial
in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
don’t worry about how to defend yourself
or what to say,
for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time
what needs to be said.”
