which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it.

In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues.

But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person.

After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do:

God provides that seed with the body he wishes; he gives each seed its own proper body.

On the day you fight your enemies, your people will volunteer. Like the dew of early morning your young men will come to you on the sacred hills.

He does whatever he wishes in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in the depths below.

From the beginning I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans would never fail, that I would do everything I intended to do.

So they cried out to the LORD, "O LORD, we pray, don't punish us with death for taking this man's life! You, O LORD, are responsible for all this; it is your doing."

At that time Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit and said, "Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned. Yes, Father, this was how you were pleased to have it happen.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom.

And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.

God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children---this was his pleasure and purpose.

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ.

"Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life."