Ezek. 15

15:1 The Lord’s message came to me: 2“Son of man, of all the woody branches among the trees of the forest, what happens to the wood of the vine? 3Can wood be taken from it to make anything useful? Or can anyone make a peg from it to hang things on? 4No! It is thrown in the fire for fuel; when the fire has burned up both ends of it and it is charred in the middle, will it be useful for anything? 5Indeed! If it was not made into anything useful when it was whole, how much less can it be made into anything when the fire has burned it up and it is charred?

6“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Like the wood of the vine is among the trees of the forest that I have provided as fuel for the fire—so I will provide the residents of Jerusalem as fuel. 7I will set my face against them—although they have escaped from the fire, the fire will still consume them! Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I set my face against them. 8I will make the land desolate because they have acted unfaithfully, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

Ps. 77

77:1 For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of Asaph.

I will cry out to God and call for help.

I will cry out to God and he will pay attention to me.

2In my time of trouble I sought the Lord.

I kept my hand raised in prayer throughout the night.

I refused to be comforted.

3I said, “I will remember God while I groan;

I will think about him while my strength leaves me.” (Selah)

4You held my eyelids open;

I was troubled and could not speak.

5I thought about the days of old,

about ancient times.

6I said, “During the night I will remember the song I once sang;

I will think very carefully.”

I tried to make sense of what was happening.

7I asked, “Will the Lord reject me forever?

Will he never again show me his favor?

8Has his loyal love disappeared forever?

Has his promise failed forever?

9Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has his anger stifled his compassion?” (Selah)

10Then I said, “I am sickened by the thought

that the Most High might become inactive.

11I will remember the works of the Lord.

Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago.

12I will think about all you have done;

I will reflect upon your deeds.”

13 O God, your deeds are extraordinary.

What god can compare to our great God?

14You are the God who does amazing things;

you have revealed your strength among the nations.

15You delivered your people by your strength—

the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah)

16The waters saw you, O God,

the waters saw you and trembled.

Yes, the depths of the sea shook with fear.

17The clouds poured down rain;

the skies thundered.

Yes, your arrows flashed about.

18Your thunderous voice was heard in the wind;

the lightning bolts lit up the world.

The earth trembled and shook.

19You walked through the sea;

you passed through the surging waters,

but left no footprints.

20You led your people like a flock of sheep,

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

2 Tim. 2:14–26

2:14 Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. 15Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. 16But avoid profane chatter because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, 17and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. 18They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. 19However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”

20Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. 21So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23But reject foolish and ignorant controversies because you know they breed infighting. 24And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, 25correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth, 26and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.