Thursday in Epiphany

1Verse 1. “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers — and you would return to Me?” 2Verse 2. “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. 3Verse 3. Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed. 4Verse 4. Have you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth. 5Verse 5. Will He be angry forever? Will He be indignant to the end?’ This you have spoken, but you keep doing all the evil you can.”

18Verse 18. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. 19Verse 19. “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20Verse 20. But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21Verse 21. You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Verse 22. Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. 23Verse 23. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.” 24Verse 24. Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”