Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.’

But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.

Giving

Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble.

Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him without spot or blemish.

You have commanded that Your precepts
be diligently kept.

Guard your heart above all else,
for it is the source of life.

Why do you spend money on what is not food,
and your wages on what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
and you will enjoy the choicest of foods.

People who are far off will come and build the Lord’s temple, and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you. This will happen when you fully obey the Lord your God.”

Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal of approval on Him.”

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Now we want each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the final realization of your hope,

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many.

Virtue

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

General references

Carefully observe the commands of the Lord your God, the decrees and statutes He has commanded you.

Because of laziness the roof caves in,
and because of negligent hands the house leaks.

in holiness and righteousness
in His presence all our days.