Ezra 7:9-20

New International Version

⁹He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.^(A) ¹⁰For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching^(B) its decrees and laws in Israel.

King Artaxerxes’ Letter to Ezra

¹¹This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the Lord for Israel:

¹²Artaxerxes, king of kings,^(C)

To Ezra the priest, teacher of the Law of the God of heaven:

Greetings.

¹³Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who volunteer to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. ¹⁴You are sent by the king and his seven advisers^(D) to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. ¹⁵Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given^(E) to the God of Israel, whose dwelling^(F) is in Jerusalem, ¹⁶together with all the silver and gold^(G) you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem.^(H) ¹⁷With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and male lambs,^(I) together with their grain offerings and drink offerings,^(J) and sacrifice^(K) them on the altar of the temple of your God in Jerusalem.

¹⁸You and your fellow Israelites may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God. ¹⁹Deliver^(L) to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God. ²⁰And anything else needed for the temple of your God that you are responsible to supply, you may provide from the royal treasury.^(M)

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Colossians 3:12-17

New International Version

¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(B) gentleness and patience.^(C) ¹³Bear with each other^(D) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^(E) ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love,^(F) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(G)

¹⁵Let the peace of Christ^(H) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(I) you were called to peace.^(J) And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the message of Christ^(K) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(L) through psalms,^(M) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^(N) ¹⁷And whatever you do,^(O) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(P) to God the Father through him.