Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
…be on your guard,
…Stay alert and be clearheaded.
…protected by the armor of faith and love,
and wearing as our helmet
the confidence of our salvation.
…the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly,
like a thief in the night.
When people are saying,
“Everything is peaceful and secure”…
…the Lord himself will come down from heaven
with a commanding shout,
with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trumpet call of God.
First, the Christians who have died
will rise from their graves.
Then, together with them,
we who are still alive and remain on the earth
will be caught up in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air.
Then we will be with the Lord forever.
…Our purpose is to please God,
not people.
He alone examines the motives of our hearts.
…looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—
Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.
He is the one who has rescued us
from the terrors of the coming judgment.
Live wisely among those who are not believers,
and make the most of every opportunity.
Work willingly at whatever you do,
as though you were working for the Lord
rather than for people.
…the Master you are serving is Christ.
Let the message about Christ,
in all its richness,
fill your lives.
Teach and counsel each other
with all the wisdom he gives.
Sings psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God
with thankful hearts.