The scriptures read are Proverbs 23-25, Psalm 17 and Philippians 1.
Proverbs 23, 24. The 30 Precepts of the Sages, begun in the last chapter continues. It's mostly common sense stuff. I love number 25 in chapter 24: "Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, 'Hey, that's none of my business.' will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know--someone not impressed with weak excuses."
Proverbs 25. "Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses."
"Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring salt in their wounds."
"If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you." I bet Jesus loved to find such treasures in the Old Testament.
Psalm 17. Hard to find the whole psalm, sung well with no sound problems. But for a good setting of the first few verses, click here.
Philippians 1. Philippians is one of my favorites. Paul is in good spirits, despite being in prison and contemplating the end of his life. He is content and ready to face death. In fact, dying to him is not terrifying at all. Living means serving Christ and dying means being in his direct presence.
And his imprisonment has not stopped the gospel. On the contrary, it's piqued people's curiosity. And others are preaching the gospel, either in support of Paul or hoping to replace him as Apostle Extraordinaire. He doesn't care as long as the word gets out about Jesus.
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