Most gracious God, our heavenly Father
in whom alone dwells all fullness of light and wisdom,
enlighten our minds by your Holy Spirit
to truly understand your Word.
Give us grace to receive it reverently and humbly.
May it lead us to put our trust in you alone,
and so to serve and honor you
that we may glorify your holy name
and encourage others by setting a good example.
John Calvin, 1509-1564, Swiss Reformer
The Encyclopedia of Prayer and Praise
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For an overseer, as God’s administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.
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