Hebrews 12:1-13 (Good News Version)
Heb 12:1 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.
Heb 12:2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.
Heb 12:3 Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up.
Heb 12:4 For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed.
Heb 12:5 Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children? "My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you.
Heb 12:6 Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a child."
Heb 12:7 Endure what you suffer as being a father's punishment; your suffering shows that God is treating you as his children. Was there ever a child who was not punished by his father?
Heb 12:8 If you are not punished, as all his children are, it means you are not real children, but bastards.
Heb 12:9 In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live!
Heb 12:10 Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness.
Heb 12:11 When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life.
Heb 12:12 Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees!
Heb 12:13 Keep walking on straight paths, so that the lame foot may not be disabled, but instead be healed.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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