Romans 7:18-25a
18For I know that what is good does not live within me, that is, within my flesh. For the willingness to do good lies close to me, but the carrying out of that good, I cannot reach.
Psalm 118
66Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge, for I have trusted your commandments. 67Before I was humbled, I committed offenses; because of this, I have kept to your word. 68You are good, so in your goodness teach me your justifications. 69The iniquity of the arrogant has been multiplied over me. Yet I will examine your commandments with all my heart. 70Their heart has been curdled like milk. Truly, I have meditated on your law. 71It is good for me that you humbled me, so that I may learn your justifications. 72The law of your mouth is good for me, beyond thousands of gold and silver pieces. 73Your hands have created me and formed me. Give me understanding, and I will learn your commandments. 74Those who fear you will see me, and they will rejoice. For I have greatly hoped in your words. 75I know, O Lord, that your judgments are fairness. And in your truth, you have humbled me. 76Let it be your mercy that consoles me, according to your eloquence to your servant. 77Let your compassion draw near to me, and I will live. For your law is my meditation. 78Let the arrogant be confounded, for unjustly they have done iniquity to me. But I will be trained in your commandments. 79Let those who fear you turn to me, along with those who know your testimonies. 80Let my heart be immaculate in your justifications, so that I may not be confounded. 81My soul has faltered in your salvation, yet in your word, I have hoped beyond hope. 82My eyes have failed in your eloquence, saying, “When will you console me?” 83For I have become like a wineskin in the frost. I have not forgotten your justifications. 84How many are the days of your servant? When will you bring judgment against those who persecute me? 85The iniquitous have spoken fables to me. But these are unlike your law. 86All your commandments are truth. They have been persecuting me unjustly: assist me. 87They have nearly consumed me on earth. Yet I have not forsaken your commandments. 88Revive me according to your mercy. And I will keep the testimonies of your mouth. 89O Lord, your word remains firm in heaven, for all eternity. 90Your truth is from generation to generation. You have founded the earth, and it remains firm. 91By your ordinance, the day perseveres. For all things are in service to you. 92If your law had not been my meditation, then perhaps I would have perished in my humiliation. 93I will not forget your justifications, for eternity. For by them, you have enlivened me. 94I am yours. Accomplish my salvation. For I have inquired into your justifications.
Luke 12:54-59
54And he also said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising from the setting of the sun, immediately you say, ‘A rain cloud is coming.’ And so it does. 55And when a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It will be hot.’ And so it is. 56You hypocrites! You discern the face of the heavens, and of the earth, yet how is it that you do not discern this time? 57And why do you not, even among yourselves, judge what is just? 58So, when you are going with your adversary to the ruler, while you are on the way, make an effort to be freed from him, lest perhaps he may lead you to the judge, and the judge may deliver you to the officer, and the officer may cast you into prison. 59I tell you, you will not depart from there, until you have paid the very last coin.”