Study Desk

He chose to be mistreated with God's people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while.

Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward.

God's people had faith, and when they had walked around the city of Jericho for seven days, its walls fell down.

This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.

Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best. But God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is.

Make sure that no one misses out on God's wonderful kindness. Don't let anyone become bitter and cause trouble for the rest of you.

Watch out for immoral and ungodly people like Esau, who sold his future blessing for only one meal.

Remember the Lord's people who are in jail and be concerned for them. Don't forget those who are suffering, but imagine that you are there with them.

Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage.

On this earth we don't have a city that lasts forever, but we are waiting for such a city.

Pray for us. Our consciences are clear, and we always try to live right.

If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won't correct you for asking.

But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.

Do this, because on the day of judgment there will be no pity for those who have not had pity on others. But even in judgment, God is merciful!

you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?

For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way.

You want something you don't have, and you will do anything to get it. You will even kill! But you still cannot get what you want, and you won't get it by fighting and arguing. You should pray for it.

Yet even when you do pray, your prayers are not answered, because you pray just for selfish reasons.

You should know better than to say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!"

What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears.