God's Unmerited Favor

Grace is a gift.  We cannot earn it.  We cannot save ourselves.  We cannot make ourselves worthy of God.  But God has given Himself so that we can receive His grace by faith in Yeshua Jesus.   We can be made righteous with Him.  Grace truly is God’s unmerited favor for all who are ready to receive it.ℛℒ

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.

Romans 5:19 ... For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Hebrews 4:16 ... Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ❤

The Substitute

In a tribe of Indians, or so the story goes, someone was stealing chickens. The Chief declared that, if caught, the offender would receive 10 lashes.  When the stealing continued, he raised it to 20 lashes. Still the chickens methodically disappeared. In anger the Chief raised the sentence to 100 lashes. The thief was finally caught, but the Chief faced a terrible dilemma.

The thief was his mother! When the day of penalty came, the whole tribe gathered. Would the Chief's love override his justice? The crowd gasped when he ordered his mother to be tied to the whipping post.

The Chief removed his shirt, revealing his powerful stature, and took the whip in hand. But instead of raising it to strike the first blow, he handed it to a strong, young brave standing at his side. Slowly the Chief walked over to his mother and wrapped his massive arms around her in an engulfing embrace.

Then he ordered the brave to give him the 100 lashes. That's what JESUS did for you and me when he came to earth clothed in an external garment of human flesh some 2000 years ago. In love he became our substitute and died in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins. He overcame our inability to save ourselves by paying the price for our sins. His death bridged the gulf between God and man and made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and to be restored to fellowship with him through faith in Christ and in his atoning death for. 

[Author Unknown]

1 John 4:10 ... This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ❤

Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Spirit are given not just for the Believer alone, but for the Body of Christ; to edify, to strengthen, to feed it, to exhort it, to encourage, to build up, and to have the Body empowered to do the work of Christ. Spiritual gifts are not developed by our human ability. The Spirit of God gives Believers the gifts as He wills. Some have several, some have few, but every Believer should desire spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 14:1) The gifts of the Spirit are always to exalt the Lord, to witness of God’s power, and to share Yeshua Jesus, the gospel of salvation, with the lost. Amen. ℛℒ

Ephesians 4:11-13 ... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Romans 12:6-8 ... Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 ... Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. ❤

Possible

What's meant to be will always find a way. 

[Trisha Yearwood]

Isaiah 43:19 ... Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

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

Mark 10:27 ... And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. ❤

Match Made in Heaven

Consumed by my loss, I didn’t notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend — my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense, I found it hard to breathe at times.

Always supportive, mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father’s death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life.

When mother’s illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor.

"What now, Lord?" I asked sitting in church. My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife’s hand.

My sister sat slumped against her husband’s shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone. My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished and I was alone.

I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears.

He began to sniffle. "I’m late," he explained, though no explanation was necessary. After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, "Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of Margaret?"

"Oh, because that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary. No one called her Mary," I whispered. I wondered why this person couldn’t have sat on the other side of the church. He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway?

"No, that isn’t correct," he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering,  "Her name is Mary, Mary Peters."

"That isn’t who this is," I replied.

"Isn’t this the Lutheran church?"

"No, the Lutheran church is across the street."

"Oh."

"I believe you’re at the wrong funeral, Sir."

The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man’s mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs.

The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing, too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit.

I imagined mother laughing.

At the final "Amen" we darted out a door and into the parking lot. "I do believe we’ll be the talk of the town," he smiled.  He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt’s funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee.

That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place.

A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor.

This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time.

In my time of sorrow ... God gave me laughter.
In place of loneliness ... God gave me love.

This past June we celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, "Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it’s truly a match made in heaven."

[Author Unknown]

Psalm 126:5 ... They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. ❤

Abide

Abide in Jesus, the sinless One - which means, give up all of self and its life, and dwell in God's will and rest in His strength. This is what brings the power that does not commit sin.

[Andrew Murray]

Isaiah 40:29 ... He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

John 15:4 ...  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Philippians 2:13 ... For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

1 Peter 1:5 ... Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ❤

Wanted ~

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:8-10 ❤

Working Together

Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God's ordering and permission. There is no such thing as chance, luck or accident in the Christian's journey through this world.  All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are "working together" for the believer's good.

[J.C. Ryle]

Psalm 121:8 ... The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Romans 8:28 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 ... For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ❤

His Grasp

When a person has the fullness of the Spirit of God, he will experience great conflicts with the Devil. God allows temptation because it does for us what storms do for oak trees, rooting us deeper, and it does for us what heat does for paint on porcelain, giving us long-lasting endurance.  You will never fully realize the level of strength of your grasp on Christ, or His grasp on you, until the Devil uses all his force to attract you to himself. It is then you will feel the tug of Christ’s hand.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Isaiah 41:10 ... Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

2 Peter 2:9 ... The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

John 10:28 ... And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. ❤

Always There

Hello God, I called tonight, To talk a little while. I need a friend who'll listen, To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it, Through a day just on my own. I need your love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep, My family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence, For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face,

Each hour throughout the day.

And not to worry over things,

I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home,

And listening to my call.

For giving me such good advice,

When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one,

That answers every time.

I never get a busy signal,

Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you, God, for listening,

To my troubles and my sorrow.

Good night, God, I love You, too,

And I'll call again tomorrow!

[Author known by God]

1 John 5:14 ... And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: ❤

Homosexuality is Sin

Homosexuals are not "born that way."  The truth is that every one of us is born with a sinful nature. (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23,   Ecclesiastes 7:20)  But, children are not born gay nor does that excuse or justify unrepentant sin. 

If we defend homosexual behavior, do we then defend stealing?  Do we defend lying?   Do we defend murder?   These too are sin.

The unbelieving world is embracing the act of homosexuality. They are in serious error. God says that this conduct is vile, unclean, unnatural and an abomination. 

True believers will either stand firm on the Word of God, or they will cave in to the politically correct, and become part of the last-days apostasy. (Matthew 24:10-11, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Scripture also tells us that homosexual behavior leads a person straight to a "reprobate mind" and that these are  "haters of God."

Warning others about homosexuality is not hate language; it is Biblical Truth.   Nor is this passing judgment; God has already judged this behavior in His Word. 

God loves people.  He loves them so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)   But, God also commands sinners to repent. (Mark 1:15)

The Word of God is perfectly clear on this matter - homosexuality is sin. ℛℒ
  

Romans 1:24-32 …  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Leviticus 18:22 … Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Leviticus 20:13 …  If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Deuteronomy 23:17-18 … There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.  Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

1 Kings 14:24 … And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

1 Timothy 1:9-10 … Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,  For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

1 Corinthians 6:9 … Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind;

Jude 1:7 … Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  ✞

Love Visibly

To love means loving the unlovable.

To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable.

Faith means to believe the unbelievable.

Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

[Gilbert K. Chesterton]

1 John 4:16 ... And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Colossians 3:13 ... Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Mark 9:23 ... Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Isaiah 57:10 ... Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved. ❤

The Dentist

"I don't believe in God" said the dentist.

"Why" I asked. "How can God exist and allow so much suffering and pain in the world?"

"I don't believe in Dentists" I replied.

The dentist looked at me confused, so I asked "If there's dentists in the world, why do so many people have broken, infected and missing teeth?"

The dentist then replied "I can't help anyone who does not come to me to have their teeth fixed."

I then said, "that is the same way with God. He cannot help people who insist on doing it their way and never come to Him."

[Author Unknown]

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.  Psalm 53:1 ❤

Image: Zazzle

Words

The most selfish 1 letter word: I ... Avoid it.

The most satisfying 2 letter word: We ... Use it.

The most poisonous 3 letter word: Ego ... Kill it.

The most used 4 letter word: Love ... Value it.

The most pleasing 5 letter word: Smile ... Keep it.

The fastest spreading 6 letter word: Rumour ... Ignore it.

The hardest working 7 letter word: Success ... Achieve it.

The most horrible 8 letter word: Jealousy ... Distance it.

The most powerful 9 letter word: Knowledge ... Acquire it.

The most essential 10 letter word: Confidence ... Trust it.

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Hebrews 12:14-16 ... Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. ❤

Ten Guidelines From God

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes that you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.  Please follow these ten guidelines:

1 - QUIT WORRYING- Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burden and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2 - PUT IT ON THE LIST- Something needs doing or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not your list. Put it on My to-do list.  Let Me be the one to take care of the problem. I can’t help you until you turn it over to Me.  And although My to-do list is long, I am after all…God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact if the truth were ever really known, I can take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3 - TRUST ME- Once you’ve given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs; your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster?  For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4 - LEAVE IT ALONE- Don’t wake up one morning and say “Well, I’m feeling much stronger now. I think I can handle it from here.” Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It’s simple. You gave Me your burdens and I’m taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in My peace. Don’t you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do My job.

5 - TALK TO ME- I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.  Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I’m in control. But there’s one thing I pray you never forget.  Please don’t forget to talk to Me- often!  I love you!  I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in the things going on in your life.  I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6 - HAVE FAITH- I see a lot of things from up here that you can’t see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I’m doing. Trust me; you wouldn’t want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you , watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7 - SHARE- You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven’t heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8 - BE PATIENT- I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always, rush, rush, rush.

9 - BE KIND- Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but still I love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10 - LOVE YOURSELF- As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by Me for one reason only—to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to Me. Don’t ever forget.

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Psalm 55:22 ... Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Jeremiah 32:17 … Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Isaiah 40:31 ... But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ❤

Plant and Reap

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.




If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.




If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.




If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.




If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.




If you plant hard work, you will reap success.




If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.




If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest.




[Author Unknown]

Hosea 10:12 ... Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

2 Corinthians 9:6 ... But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Galatians 6:8 ... For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ❤

Number One Purpose

No matter what else you do or how well you do it, if you do not believe God, you will never please God. Life's number one purpose is to please God, because nothing else matters in life if you don't please God. If you please God, it doesn't matter who you displease. If you do displease God, it doesn't matter who you please.

[Dr. Merritt]

Hebrews 11:16 ... But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 13:16 ... But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 ... Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. ❤

Three Days

A lot can happen in just three days.

Mark 8:31 ... And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Luke 24:7 ... Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Acts 10:39-40 ... And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; ❤

The Parable of the Spilled Coffee

A Bible study group met in a home to study how various ministries should work in the body of Christ. One member commented, “I don’t understand how different gifts can work together.”

At that moment a woman accidentally dropped her cup, which broke and spilled coffee all over the floor. Each group member responded differently to the mishap, according to their spiritual gifts.

The teacher gave some advice. “Next time if you will put your cup on the coffee table, that won’t happen again.”

The administrator responded by organizing a clean-up committee. “Bill, please go find a mop. Sally, could you help him with a towel?”

Bill, who had the gift of service, hurried to get the mop.

Sally, who had the gift of helps, followed Bill and said, “I’ll help you!” 

The person with the gift of exhortation said, “We all make mistakes so don’t let it get you down.”

The person with the gift of mercy put her arm around the woman, patted her hand and said, “I feel so badly for you.”

The person with the gift of giving exclaimed, “I’ll buy a new set of coffee mugs to replace the broken one!”

They all used their various gifts together to resolve the situation.

[Kent Crockett]

1 Peter 4:10 ... As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Ephesians 2:10 ... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 12:13 ... Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. ❤

Smart Sentences

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Always remember that you are absolutely unique.  Just like everyone else.

Well done is better than well said.

If you can't see the bright side of life,  polish the dull side.

Where there's a will ... there are five hundred relatives.

Everybody wants to go to heaven.  But, nobody wants to die.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

An expert is someone who takes a subject you understand, and makes it sound confusing.

Many things can be preserved in alcohol. Dignity is not one of them.

Always borrow money from a pessimist.  He won't expect it back.  シ

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Sold Out

It's better to be divided by truth, than to be united in error.

It's better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than to speak a lie that will comfort and then kill.

It is better to be hated for telling the truth than to be loved for telling a lie.

It's better to stand alone with the truth, than to be wrong with a multitude.

It is better to ultimately die with the truth, than to live with a lie.

[Author Unknown]

Acts 5:29 ... Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Colossians 1:10 ... That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Romans 1:16 ... For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Luke 14:25-27 ... And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. ❤

Temple of the Holy Ghost ~

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11  🕊

In Heaven

There’ll be no unemployment in heaven. No worry about the next meal. There’ll be no bills to harass us, and thieves will not break in and steal.

In heaven, we’ll have no need for money; Everything up there will be free. We’ll enjoy God’s unsearchable riches, and have unending security.

I’m looking forward to heaven, that land that is fairer than day. Where all will be joy and gladness, and sorrow and care will flee away.

Up there, no mean words will be spoken. Each heart will be filled with pure love. We’ll never be hurt or rejected, in the beautiful city above.

There will be no disappointment or heartache. God will wipe all the tears from our eyes.  No one will ever be lonely and there’ll be no anguished good-byes.

Up there, the love we have for each other, by each heart will be shared equally. And we’ll have all the things that we’ve longed for, and at last we will really be free.

[Author Unknown]

Isaiah 28:5 ... He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Revelation 21:4 ... And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. ❤

Be Someone

Be someone who listens, and you will be heard.

Be someone who cares, and you will be loved.

Be someone who gives, and you will be blessed.

Be someone who comforts, and you will know peace.

Be someone who genuinely seeks to understand, and you will be wise.

Be someone kind, someone considerate, and you will be admired.

Be someone who values truth, and you will be respected.

Be someone who takes action, and you will move life forward.

Be someone who lifts others higher, and your life will be rich.

Be someone filled with gratitude, and there will be no end to the things for which you'll be thankful.

Be someone who lives with joy, with purpose, as your own light brightly shines.

Be, in every moment, the special someone you are truly meant to be.

[Author Unknown]

1 John 4:7 ... Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ❤

Belief in God

When asked, "After all that has happened to you, how can you believe in God?" Elie Wiesel responded, "After all that has happened to me, how can I not believe in God?"

[Elie is a Holocaust Survivor]

Psalm 40:1-3 ...  I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 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. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

1 Peter 1:21 ... Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Romans 1:17 ... For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ❤

Daddy ... Send Me

The Lord of the Heavens looked down to the Garden, The snake in the tree talked to Eve. His view of what happened left no other choice, He asked the young couple to leave.

Eve bore two sons, one murdered the other, Justice in Heaven must be. Lord of the Heavens said, “What can be done?” A voice answered, “Daddy...send Me.”

Judges were sent to the earth to correct, Enshrined are these in Bible history. Yet, though they prayed, the people still strayed; Again the voice, “Daddy...send Me.”

Across the countless ages, throughout Bible pages, Ignored was the Prophet’s decree. Vengeance was reaped and the Lord’s people weeped; Came the voice, “Please Daddy...send Me.”

The Lord of the Heavens then planted a seed, That someday would grow to a tree. With a tear in His eye, He turned and He spoke, “As a last resort, Son...I’ll send Thee.”

[Author Unknown]

1 John 4:10 ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Galatians 4:4-5 ... But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

John 3:16-17 ... 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ❤

Hungry Soul

A man may study because his brain is hungry for knowledge, even Bible knowledge. But he prays because his soul is hungry for God.

[Leonard Ravenhill]

Psalm 42:1-2 ... As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 143:6 ... I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

John 4:34 ... Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Matthew 5:6 ... Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 4:4 ... But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  ❤

1 Thessalonians 4

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

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.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ❤

Image: Heavenly Creations by Mareesha