In the Presence of the Lord

Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit; and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]. For THE ONE WHO WANTS TO ENJOY LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS [good--whether apparent or not],

MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FREE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING GUILE (treachery, deceit).

HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT.

HE MUST SEARCH FOR PEACE [with God, with self, with others] AND PURSUE IT EAGERLY [actively--not merely desiring it].

FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE [looking favorably] UPON THE RIGHTEOUS (the upright),

AND HIS EARS ARE ATTENTIVE TO THEIR PRAYER (eager to answer),

BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO PRACTICE EVIL. (1Peter 3:8-12) The stone which the builders rejected

Has become the [a]chief corner stone.

This is from the LORD and is His doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

O LORD, save now, we beseech You;

O LORD, we beseech You, send now prosperity and give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD;

We have blessed you from the house of the LORD [you who come into His sanctuary under His guardianship]. (Psalm 118:22-26) May all those who seek You [as life’s first priority] rejoice and be glad in You; May those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified." (Psalm 70:4) The LORD is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation.

The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. (Psalm 118:14-15)