The Pearl

Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. ~

As a jeweler by trade I'm always interested in the gemstones listed in the scriptures. As I was meditating on the parable of the 'pearl of great price' I began to think of our Lord. Why did He come to claim a pearl? Why not a diamond?

In the parable of the merchant, we see that he sold all he had and bought the single pearl. It speaks to us of the tremendous price the Lord paid for our redemption. The God of glory, the King of Kings & Lord of Lords left the splendor of Heaven to claim a pearl, and gained the pearl through paying the price that was far more than any here could pay.

As a jeweler I would question the choice the Lord made choosing to leave the Father's side for a pearl instead of what we would think of as having greater significance, the girl's best friend, the much coveted diamond. You probably know that the diamond is graded in 'value' according to the 4 C's: Cut, Color, Clarity & Carat-weight.

The answer to my pondering was right there! The diamond receives a substantial portion of its value from the way a person cuts it. The work of man's hand! The only natural gemstone that has more value when it is found than when men finish with it is the PEARL. Like the pearl, men can add nothing to the value of out salvation, through Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God -- 'Eph 2:9' Not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The pearl is formed when a foreign object somehow enters the inside of the oyster, and instead of ejecting the object or irritant out, as most humans would try to do, the object is covered by the oyster with layer upon layer of a substance secreted from its own body. The object that came into the life of the oyster as an irritant, instead of being cast out is turned into something lovely within the oyster. We are all an irritant (through our sin) to God, but He accepts us, in spite of our sin. He covers our sin and brings us into His Holy kingdom.

Think about other details of the pearl. The longer the pearl stays in the oyster the more valuable it becomes. God is using our time now to conform us into a beautiful image of His dear Son. The pearl is formed in a Living Object! No dead rock is the pearl, it comes from life. The very life of the oyster is given to the pearl.

The true value of the pearl is not seen from the outside. To the world around it the pearl is just another barnacle covered nasty looking shell.... To see the true beauty of the pearl the oyster must die. The oyster is ripped open with a knife in the side, before the true treasure is revealed. The analogy in the Pearl here is like Christ's death, so that all who trust in Him will be able to see and be with Him in His beautiful Kingdom, for eternity.

[Author Unknown]

… we cannot pay the full price but when we exchange our life for the life which God offers, we will receive treasure beyond compare. HalleluYah! ❤

A New Covenant

God made a new covenant For all who would come, In faith believing in His only Son.

The sacrifice made on Mount Calvary, Ushered in the new covenant, That sets men free.

Free from the old, It's bondage and fear; Free to know God, And to feel Him near.

He forgives and removes sin, Remembering it no more,  And becomes our loving Father as never before.

Praise God for the new covenant, And the life He imparts, As His Holy Law is Written In Our Hearts.

[Author Unknown]

Jeremiah 31:33-34 ... But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.


Hebrews 8:7-12 ... For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.


Hebrews 10:16-17 ... This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.


Hebrews 9:1 ... And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.


Romans 8:2 ... For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. ❤

Paul's Message

Paul's message is radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. What does this mean?

It's not Christ plus your good behavior.

It's not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study.

It's not Christ plus your tithe.

It’s not Christ plus the church you attend.

It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize.

It’s not Christ plus your title in church.

It’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

It’s not Christ plus a desert fast.

It’s not Christ plus a good driving record.

It’s not Christ plus well behaved children.

It’s not Christ plus the right job.

It’s not Christ plus the right spouse.

It’s not Christ plus the latest technology.

It’s not Christ plus any of your works.

It is simply … Christ. Christ plus … nothing.

[message from the Internet]

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 … Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Romans 5:15 ... But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Romans 3:24 … Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Galatians 2:16 … Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Ephesians 2:8-9 … For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Galatians 3:11 … But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. ❤

Keep Looking Up!

Philippians 3:20 ... For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ~

Fellowship with Jesus is the highest, purest, sweetest mercy, a saint of God can have on earth! Yes, it is the highest, purest, sweetest bliss, the saints of God can have in heaven.

What is the enjoyment of heaven? Not merely exemption from trial, freedom from sorrow, rest from toil, release from conflict. Oh no! it is the presence—the full unclouded presence of Christ!

To be with Christ, to behold His glory, to gaze upon His face, to hear His voice, to feel the throbbings of His bosom, to bask in the effulgence of His presence, Oh, this is heaven, the heaven of heaven!

[Octavius Winslow]

… one day soon we will be in the full unclouded presence of Yeshua Jesus. Keep looking up! ❤

The Nature of God

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~

A man trying to understand the nature of God asked him some questions:

"God, how long is a million years to you?"And God said, "A million years is like a minute."

Then the man asked, "God, how much is a million dollars to you?" And God said "A million dollars is like a penny."

The man thought for a moment and asked, "God, will you give me a penny?" And God said, "In a minute."

[Author Unknown]

… Have a blessed day, Saints! ❤

Eternal Life of Death

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ~

"This present life is the saints' hell --- and the sinners' heaven.

The next life will be the saints' heaven --- and the sinners' hell."

[Thomas Brooks 1657]

… if you have not already, now is a good time to repent of your sin and receive Yeshua Jesus as Lord and Savior. The Word of God tells us to choose life. (Deuteronomy 30:19) What are you waiting for? Get saved! ℛℒ ❤

Savor the Coffee, Not the Cups

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ~

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit the conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in their work and lives.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups – porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite, telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the alumni had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

“Notice that all of the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups…and then you began eyeing each other’s cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; your job, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life. The type of cup one has does not define, nor change the quality of Life a person lives. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.”

God makes the coffee, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

[Author Unknown]

… and make sure that you enjoy your coffee! ❤

Refuse To Be Discouraged

Joshua 1:9 … Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. ~

I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why…

I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low,I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten, to rob me from my peace, He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

[Author Unknown]

... refuse to be discouraged! ❤

Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 100 ~

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. ~ Amen!!!❤

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings instead of your crosses; Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth; Count on God instead of yourself.

[Author Unknown]

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Love and Hugs ♥♥♥

Psalm 100:4 … Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 103: 1-2 … Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalm 31:19 … Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men.

Psalm 95:2 … Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 107:1 … O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (KJV)

Ode to Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs! ❤

[Author Unknown]

In the Care of God

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in happy giving
Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without God’s love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking God for all the things
Love imparts to thee

Move out of “Self Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Prayer can do alone

Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command

Until we get blessings
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Xpect from God most high

Yes, there will be some bad times and there will be some good, but…
Zzzz peacefully at night… you’re in the care of God!

[Author Unknown]

Colossians 3:15 … And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ♥

The Lighthouse

There's a Lighthouse on the hillside that overlooks life's sea. When I'm tossed it sends out a light that I might see. And the light that shines in the darkness, now will safely lead us o'er. If it wasn't for the lighthouse, that ship would be no more.

Everybody that lives around me says, tear that lighthouse down. The big ships don't sail this way anymore, there's no use of it standing 'round. Then my mind goes back to that stormy night, when just in time I saw the light. Yes, the light from that old lighthouse, that stands up there on the hill.

And I thank God for the Lighthouse, I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the Lighthouse, and from the rocks of sin; He has shone a light around me, that I can clearly see. If it wasn't for the Lighthouse, where would this ship be?'

[written by: Ronnie Hinson]

John 8:12 … Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 John 1:7 … But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Psalm 36:9 … For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. ♥

God Is There

Every single day … God thinks of you.

Every single hour … God looks after you.

Every single minute … God cares for you.

Every single moment … God loves you!

[Author Unknown]

Psalm 139:17 … How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!


2 Thessalonians 3:3 … But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.


1 Peter 5:7 … Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Jeremiah 31:3 … The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. ♥

Thanksgiving Prayer

See the goodness of our Father
In the Autumn season fair,
In the colors that delight us,
When there's beauty everywhere.

In the gold and crimson hillsides,
In each maple tree ablaze,
In bright goldenrod and asters
Lining rustic country ways.

See the goodness of our Father
In the sky of sapphire-blue,
In the Autumn sun enhancing
Every lovely thing in view.

See the goodness of our Father
In the beauty of the land,
In the lavish yield we gather,
All provided by His hand.

See the goodness of our Father
In the Autumn season fair;
For this wealth of Autumn blessings,
We lift thankful hearts in prayer.

[Beverly J. Anderson]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 … Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ♥

Sacrifice of Praise

When you're up against a wall, and your mountain seems so tall, And you realize that life's not always fair, You can run away and hide, Let the old man decide, Or you can change your circumstances with a prayer.

When everything falls apart --- Praise His name! When you have a broken heart --- Raise your hands and say: "Lord, You're all I need. You're everything to me," And He'll take the pain away.

When it seems you're all alone --- Praise His name! When you feel you can’t go on --- Raise your hands and say: "Greater is He that is within me." And you can praise the hurt away.

If you'll just praise His name! You can overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony. You'll see the darkness go, as your faith begins to grow, You're not alone, so how can you be lonely?

When everything falls apart --- Praise His name! When you have a broken heart --- Raise your hands and say: "Lord, You're all I need, You're everything to me." And He'll take the pain away.

When it seems you're all alone --- Praise His name! When you feel you can’t go on ---Raise your hands and say: "Greater is He that is within me." And you can praise the hurt away.

[sung by: Jeff and Sheri Easter]

Psalm 7:17 … I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Psalm 63:4 … Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Isaiah 25:1 … O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

1 Timothy 2:8 … I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Hebrews 13:5 … By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ♥

Smile

A Smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.

A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile; Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

[Author Unknown]

Proverbs 15:13 … A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. ♥

John 6:47-48

He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. 

[Jesus Christ]

John 6:35 … And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:33 … For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Romans 10:11 ... For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

John 6:51 … I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Luke 11:3 … Give us day by day our daily bread. ♥

God's Powerful Word

The word of God is so powerful that it can transform any and every life. There is power in God's word to make that which does not appear to appear. There is executive power in the word that proceeds from His lips. The psalmist tells us, "He sent His word and healed them"; and do you think that word has diminished in its power? I tell you nay, but God's word can bring things to pass today as of old.

[Smith Wigglesworth]

Jeremiah 1:12 … Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

Isaiah 55:11 … So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Psalm 107:20 … He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Hebrews 4:12 … For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Psalm 91:15-16 … He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. ♥

Dust to Dust

A little boy had just got home from Sunday School and mom was cooking lunch. "Mommy, is it true that before you're born you're just dust and after you die you go back to being dust?"

"That's right son, why?"

"Well that's just what they said at church today."

"Run up stairs and wash your hands son, lunch will be ready in a few minutes."

About 10 minutes went by and she called out for him to come down. "I'll be there in a minute." As they were about to sit down at the table, the little boy asked again about being dust before being born and after you die. Once again mother said yes son.

The little boy looked at her and said, then you better get up to my room pretty quick, because something under my bed is either coming or going!!  ツ

[Author Unknown]

Genesis 2:7 … And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.


Genesis 3:19 … In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.


Ecclesiastes 3:20 … All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.


Ecclesiastes 12:7 … Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. ♥

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, ‘till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above, to bear it to dark Calvary. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, ‘till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me some day to my home far away, where forever His glory I'll share. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, ‘till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

[written by: George Bennard 1913]

1 Peter 2:24 … Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Hebrews 12:2 … Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Colossians 2:14 … Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

1 Corinthians 1:18 … For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

John 3:16 … For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ♥

I Know

The top ten reasons why I KNOW that Yeshua Jesus is coming again ~

10. Increase of Knowledge … Daniel 12:4

9. Natural Disasters … Matthew 24:7

8. Perplexity of Nations/People … Luke 21:25-26

7. Persecution of True Believers … Matthew 24:9

6. False Prophets/False Christs … Matthew 24:5,11,24

5. Apostasy/Falling Away … 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Matthew 24:12

4. Sexual Perversion/Homosexuality … Luke 17:28-30, Romans 1:26-27

3. Wars/Rumors of War … Matthew 24:6

2. Scoffers … 2 Peter 3:3-4

And the number one reason why I KNOW that Yeshua Jesus is coming again~

1. Because He said so! ℛℒ

Matthew 24:33 … So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Revelation 22:7 … Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

John 14:1-3 … Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Acts 1:11 … Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Hebrews 9:28 … So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Jude 1:14 … And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints;

Luke 21:28 … And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. ♥

One Nation Under God

Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants. 

[William Penn]

Do you know the Preamble of your State Constitution?

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking thefavor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences

Florida 1845, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty ... establish this Constitution

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance . establish this Constitution

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings ... establish this Constitution

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine .. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God or our civil and religious liberty

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe...in the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom ... establish this Constitution

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. establish this Constitution

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . establish this Constitution

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator . can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties ... establish this Constitution



James 1:22 … But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2 Chronicles 7:14 … If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ♥

Image: "One Naughty Boy" by Jon McNaughton

Veterans Day Tribute

Representing the red white and blue, The colors of our flag stand out proud and true.

The white stars on blue background with red and white stripes, Remind me of these veterans, who all risked their lives.

Just so the people of the U.S. could all live in peace and be free, These are the heroes that represent you and me.

They stood up strongly, untied as one, And kept up the fighting until they were done. And although some have fallen, and lost their lives in war, We pray for each one of them. And now that their souls live on forever more.

Above in God's hands. They watch over our nation, And give us strength to triumph over others with strong anticipation. So every year, when this day comes by, Think of all the veterans that while fighting, had to die.

And remember that they were people With fire and passion embedded inside. They die for this country, So remember and honor them with pride.

[Author Unknown]

•♥•✿ڿڰۣ(̆̃̃•♥ღڿڰۣ•♥(̆̃̃ღ•♥•ڿڰۣ(̆̃̃ღ•♥•

God is GREAT!

Don't tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big GOD is!

[Author Unknown]

1 Samuel 17:45 … Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

1 Samuel 30:6 … And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Deuteronomy 31:8 … And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Jeremiah 32:27 … Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Philippians 4:13 … I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ♥

The Pit

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out ...

A subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."

An objective person walked by and said, "It's logical that someone would fall down there."

A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."

A mathematician calculated how deep the pit was.

A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit.

A self-pitying person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."

A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, "You deserve your pit."

A Christian Scientist observed, "The pit is just in your mind."

A psychologist noted, "Your mother and father are to blame for your being in that pit."

A self-esteem therapist said, "Believe in yourself and you can get out of that pit."

An optimist said, "Things could be worse."

A pessimist claimed, "Things will get worse."

The Lord Jesus, seeing the man, took him and lifted him out of the pit.

[Author Unknown]

Acts 4:12 … Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Job 33:28 … He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

Luke 19:10 … For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Psalm 40:2 … He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Ephesians 2:8-9 … For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Psalm 118:8 ... It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. ♥

I'm Going Home With Jesus

I’m going home with Jesus in the twinkling of an eye, I’ve made my reservations for a mansion in the sky; I may not know the moment, or I may not know the day, But I know that I’ll be leaving when He calls His Church away!

I’m list’ning for the trumpet to sound most any time, And a crown of life that’s waiting, thank God will soon be mine! I got my invitation thru a place called Calvary, By the precious blood of Jesus, the trip’s been paid for me.

I’m going home with Jesus in the twinkling of an eye, I’ve made my reservations for a mansion in the sky; I may not know the moment, or I may not know the day, But I know that I’ll be leaving when He calls His Church away!

The Captain of the vessel is calling get on board, And the destination’s Heaven, safe on that crystal shore; Where we’ll meet again the Savior and our loved ones who have gone, There to live for all eternity, oh, yes, we’re going home!

[sung by: Gold City Quartet]

1 Corinthians 15:22 … In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

John 14:2-3 … In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Isaiah 26:20 … Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 … For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ♥

Trust in the Lord

A story to ponder ~

A mountain climber tries to climb a mountain one night.

He is near to the summit when it starts to rain. His feet slip and he falls. But, he managed to hold on to the rope.

Then he cried, "Lord save me!" A voice came.. "give up the rope!"

But when he tried to look down, he could not see anything because it's too dark, so he still desperately held on to the rope.

When morning came, a rescuer finds a dead frozen body hanging on to the rope with his feet just two inches from the ground.

We believe in God.

But, do we trust Him?

[Message from the Internet]

Proverbs 3:5 … Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Isaiah 26:4 … Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Psalm 37:5 … Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

1 Peter 5:7 … Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ♥

Press On

The man of God must go against the current. He is not to be swept back-but he is always pressing forward, ever seeking to make and advance, contending for every inch, and making up his mind that, come what may, he cannot go back. That is not his way–he must go forward, ever pressing on toward the city that has foundations.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

  ✞  ✞  ✞

Colossians 3:1-2 … If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

2 Timothy 4:8 … Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Luke 9:62 … And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24 … Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Philippians 3:13-14 … Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ♥