For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. He must become greater; I must become less. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full and well. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name my father will give you. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
