This is what the LORD says:

“Be just and fair to all.

do what is right and good,

for I am coming soon to rescue you

and to display my righteousness among you.

Blessed are all those

who are careful to do this…”

Isaiah 56:1-2

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,”

says the LORD.

“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so my ways are higher than your ways

and my thoughts higher than your thoughts”

Isaiah 55:8-9

“At that time Michael, 

the archangel who stands guard over your nation, 

will arise. 

Then there will be a time of anguish greater 

than any since nations first came into existence. 

But at that time every one of your people 

whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 

Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, 

some to everlasting life 

and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. 

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, 

and those who lead many to righteousness 

will shine like the stars forever. 

But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; 

seal up the book until the time of the end, 

when many will rush here and there, 

and knowledge will increase.”

Daniel 12:1-4

But I am trusting you, O LORD,

saying, “You are my God!”

My future is in your hands…

Psalm 31:14-15

All of us must die eventually.

Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground,

which cannot be gathered up again.

But God does not just sweep life away;

instead, he devises ways to bring us back

when we have been separated from him.

2 Samuel 14:14

…we urge you to warn those who are lazy.

Encourage those who are timid.

Take tender care of those who are weak.

Be patient with everyone.

See that no one pays back evil for evil,

but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded,

protected by the armor of faith and love,

and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ,

not to pour out his anger on us.

Christ died for us so that,

whether we are dead or alive when he returns,

we can live with him forever.

So encourage each other and build each other up…

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

We tell you this directly from the Lord:

We who are still living when the Lord returns

will not meet him ahead of those who have died.

For 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 believers 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.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

…we want you to know what will happen

to the believers who have died

so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.

For since we believe that Jesus died

and was raised to life again,

we also believe that when Jesus returns,

God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

1Thessalonians 4:13-14

Devote yourselves to prayer

with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Live wisely among those who are not believers,

and make the most of every opportunity.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive

so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Colossians 4:2, 5-6