(Jesus said) “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:10

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.”  1 Peter 2:4 (ESV)

“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.  When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9

“Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”  John 11:16

“What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning.  When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience.  Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up.  Better yet, redouble your efforts.  Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.  That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13 (MSG)

“In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them.  In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”   Isaiah 63:9 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 3:11