Readings...

i've been reading several books. One, entitled "The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of us? The answer that changed my life and might just change the world" by Richard Stearns, President, World Vision U.S., contained the following letter imagined by the author as one Christ might write:

A Letter to the Church in America

He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -- Revelation 2:7 NKJV

To the angel of the Church in America write:

These are the words of the One who holds the seven stars and walks among the golden lampstands. I know your deeds. You live in luxury and self-indulgence, and you have forsaken your first love. I hold this against you. Woe to those of you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left. Surely the great houses will become desolate, the fine mansions left without occupants.

Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded your wealth in the last days. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” Yet it is those who are poor in the eyes of the world that are rich in faith. I have chosen them to inherit the kingdom I have promised to those who love Me.

Therefore, do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness, and all these other things will be given to you as well. Remember, even I, the Lord Jesus Christ, though I was rich, for your sakes became poor, so that you, through My poverty, might become rich.

Why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” but do not do what I say? Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says, for whoever obeys My commands – that is the one who loves Me.

What does the Lord require of you, you ask? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. In fact, the entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

There will always be poor people in the land. I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in the land. Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and the oppressed.

Now let’s talk about fasting. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

No, this is the fast that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke. It is to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Even now, return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Why spend money on what is not bread and labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Then you will call, and I will answer; you will cry for help, and I will say, “Here am I.” If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and the malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become as the noonday. I will guide you always; I will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Therefore, My dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
--Jesus

P.S. I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.1


1The Scriptures used in this letter are based on the NIV rendering, but with additions and minor changes to improve readability. Verses used: Rev. 2:1-2; James 5:5; Rev. 2:4; Isa. 5:8-9; Haggai 1:5-6; James 5:2-3; Rev. 3:17; James, 2:5; Matt. 6:19-21, 33; 2 Cor. 8:9; Luke 6:46; James 1:22; John 14:21; Micah 6:8; Gal. 5:14; Deut. 15:11; Ps 82:3; Isa. 58:4-7; 1 John 3:17; Joel 2:12-13; Eph. 4:1-2; Rom. 12:2; Isa. 55:2, 58:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 22:12.

From “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns, (Chapter 20)

....hmmm - something to think about...

…and my journey with Him continues…

With Every Breath…

Songs: Eternal Praise – Linda Norwood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuU8emPQgZk)
All of Creation – MercyMe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w)
Psalm 150 – The Skys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT0Ki1JuCBA)
Psalm 150 – J Moss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqkdzgGv8H0&feature=related)

Scriptures:
Psalm 150:6 (AMP)
6Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)
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 being.
Job 27:3-4 (NKJV)
3 As long as my breath is in me, And the breath of God in my nostrils,
4 My lips will not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter deceit.
Job 32:8 (NKJV)
But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
Job 33:4 (NKJV)
The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 34:14-15 (NKJV)
14 If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
15 All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.
Psalm 104:29 (NKJV)You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (AMP)
1THE HAND of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.
2And He caused me to pass round about among them, and behold, there were very many [human bones] in the open valley or plain, and behold, they were very dry.
3And He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, You know!(A)
4Again He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, O you dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.(B)
5Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath and spirit to enter you, and you shall live;
6And I will lay sinews upon you and bring up flesh upon you and cover you with skin, and I will put breath and spirit in you, and you [dry bones] shall live; and you shall know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service].
7So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a [thundering] noise and behold, a shaking and trembling and a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
8And I looked and behold, there were sinews upon [the bones] and flesh came upon them and skin covered them over, but there was no breath or spirit in them.
9Then said He to me, Prophesy to the breath and spirit, son of man, and say to the breath and spirit, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath and spirit, and breathe upon these slain that they may live.
10So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath and spirit came into [the bones], and they lived and stood up upon their feet, an exceedingly great host.(C)
11Then He said to me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, Our bones are dried up and our hope is lost; we are completely cut off.
12Therefore prophesy and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, O My people; and I will bring you [back home] to the land of Israel.(D)
13And you shall know that I am the Lord [your Sovereign Ruler], when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, O My people.
14And I shall put My Spirit in you and you shall live, and I shall place you in your own land. Then you shall know, understand, and realize that I the Lord have spoken it and performed it, says the Lord.
Cross references:
A. Ezekiel 37:3 : I Cor 15:35
B. Ezekiel 37:4 : John 5:28
C. Ezekiel 37:10 : Rev 11:11
D. Ezekiel 37:12 : Hos 13:14
Daniel 5:23 (NKJV)And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.
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“…the reason we breathe is to sing of His glory…” (from All of Creation, by MercyMe)

Isaiah 42:5-12 (AMP)
5Thus says God the Lord--He Who created the heavens and stretched them forth, He Who spread abroad the earth and that which comes out of it, He Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
6I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles],
7To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.
8I am the Lord; that is My name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.
9Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the islands and coastal regions and the inhabitants of them [sing a song such as has never been heard in the heathen world]!
11Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices, the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of the rock [Sela or Petra] sing; let them shout from the tops of the mountains!
12Let them give glory to the Lord and declare His praise in the islands and coastal regions.

Song: Dear God, Smokie Norful (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnWbYqSJ3_w)

Lord, thank You for life, and breath – that I was made in Your image, and by Your Spirit. Thank You that You didn’t stop there, but continue to work with me, to work in me, to transform me to the image of Your Son through the power of Your Holy Spirit within me. Help me, Lord God – lead me to praise and worship You in, with, through, and by every breath of life You give to me. Be glorified, be magnified in my life as I give You all honor and praise, for truly You alone are worthy …

Acts 17:24-31 (GW)
24The God who made the universe and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in shrines made by humans, 25and he isn’t served by humans as if he needed anything. He gives everyone life, breath, and everything they have. 26 From one man he has made every nation of humanity to live all over the earth. He has given them the seasons of the year and the boundaries within which to live. 27He has done this so that they would look for God, somehow reach for him, and find him. In fact, he is never far from any one of us. 28Certainly, we live, move, and exist because of him. As some of your poets have said, ‘We are God’s children.’ 29So if we are God’s children, we shouldn’t think that the divine being is like an image made from gold, silver, or stone, an image that is the product of human imagination and skill.
30“God overlooked the times when people didn’t know any better. But now he commands everyone everywhere to turn to him and change the way they think and act. 31He has set a day when he is going to judge the world with justice, and he will use a man he has appointed to do this. God has given proof to everyone that he will do this by bringing that man back to life.”

“…You are The Way, The Truth, The Life, the very reason I have breath … I will praise…” (from Eternal Praise, by Linda Norwood)

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Heavenly Perspective

Songs: Every Starry Night - Chris August
When Everything Falls - Fee
My Own Little World – Matthew West
Our God Reigns – Brandon Heath

Scriptures:
Genesis 1:1-18 (NLT)
The Account of Creation
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.[a] 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day" and the darkness "night."
And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
6 Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” 7 And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. 8 God called the space “sky.”
And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.
9 Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. 10 God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. 12 The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
13 And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day.
14 Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years. 15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. 16 God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, 18 to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
Footnotes:
a. Genesis 1:1 Or In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, . . . Or When God began to create the heavens and the earth, . . .

Psalm 33:5-6 (NIV)
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 45:12 (NIV)
It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

Isaiah 45:18 (NIV)
For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.

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So, here’s what happened:

I was reading an email from a friend letting me know about the upcoming Passion Church’s scheduled production of an event, “Indescribable”. I’m getting over a cold, but I have enjoyed all of the Passion Church events I’ve attended, so I thought I might think about going.

Then, I got an email about a Louie Giglio video on “laminin” (an email similar to the one investigated / reported on at http://www.snopes.com/glurge/laminin.asp) … so I thought, “hmmm, Louie Giglio twice – hmmm” and looked on youtube for the laminin video. While watching this, I also saw listed youtube videos for Louie Giglio / Indescribable (5 parts), so I thought I’d watch / listen to these while going through the rest of my email.

Psalm 136:1-9 (NKJV)
Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy
1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.
3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:

4 To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever;
5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever;
6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever;
7 To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever—
8 The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever;
9 The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever.

As I was going through the “Indescribable” videos, I received a prayer request. Because of where my head / heart / spirit was after contemplating the majesty, magnificence, and power of God, I believe I had been given a “heavenly perspective” from which to pray – so I did.

(I thought of Colossians 3:2 - Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.)

I thought that all happening in this way was just such an awesome thing, and sent an email to another friend about part of it, saying that God is awesome. Then, I opened an email about this Sunday’s Sunday School lesson entitled, “God is Awesome”, with lesson Scripture from Psalm 66:

Psalm 66 (NKJV)
To the Chief Musician. A Song. A Psalm.
1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.
4 All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah

5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.
7 He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved.
10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.
12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,
14 Which my lips have uttered And my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, With the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
19 But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!

I really did laugh out loud with joy – literally. What a wonderful, marvelous God He IS!!!

Song: Marvelous – Walter Hawkins

Psalm 8 (AMP)
To the Chief Musician; set to a Philistine lute, or [possibly] to a particular Hittite tune. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory on [or above] the heavens.
2Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence the enemy and the avenger.(A)
3When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established,
4What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?
5Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet:(B)
7All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field,
8The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth!
Cross references:
A. Psalm 8:2 : Matt 21:15, 16
B. Psalm 8:6 : I Cor 15:27; Eph 1:22, 23; Heb 2:6-8

... and my journey with Him continues ...

I Just Want to Say “Thank You”

Songs: I Want to Say Thank You, performed by Lisa Page-Brooks

Scriptures:
Colossians 2:6-7 (New International Version © 2010)
Spiritual Fullness in Christ
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 3:1-17 (New International Version © 2010)
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 4:2 (New International Version © 2010)
[ Further Instructions ] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

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For several weeks, it seemed that every time I was in the car, I would hear a certain song on the radio – “Thank You,” performed by Lisa Page-Brooks. One day when it came on, it occurred to me how much I was hearing that song, and, because I was going through the channels looking for musical variety, I thought something akin to, “not that song again.” I immediately felt a “check in my spirit” – the feeling that something was wrong. Then, a sadness settled over me. Before I could even wonder what was going on, what I was feeling or why, it occurred to me that I was being given a gift – a reminder of the generosity of my God, Who loves me sooooo patiently, in the opportunity – in the very need - to say / sing “Thank You” along with the song, and to think on His goodness, even to one such as me. How selfish and
self-centered my search appeared – for my entertainment and not for His glory. How ungrateful my thought seemed!

I quickly repented and felt the sadness lift, replaced by a sweet peace as my thoughts went God-ward in contrite, humbled thanksgiving.

So now I don’t hear the song so much anymore. But when I do, I smile, thanking God for the lesson, and for one more chance, one more reason to say, “Thank YOU!!!”

Hebrews 12 (New International Version © 2010)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Warning and Encouragement
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d]
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e] 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”[f]
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
b. Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
c. Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12,13
d. Hebrews 12:21 See Deut. 9:19.
e. Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
f. Hebrews 12:29 Deut. 4:24

Again, reference to our worship, per verse 28: …”let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”

New Living Translation (NLT)
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

The Message (MSG)
28Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.

Amplified Bible (AMP)
28Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe;

New Century Version (NCV)
28 So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We should worship God in a way that pleases him with respect and fear,

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
28Therefore, we must be thankful that we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Because we are thankful, we must serve God with fear and awe in a way that pleases him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. [a] By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe; (A)
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 12:28 Or let us give thanks, or let us have grace
Cross references:
A. Hebrews 12:28 : Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 13:15;

J. B. Phillips New Testament (PHIL)
Since then we have been given a kingdom that is "unshakeable", let us serve God with thankfulness in the ways which please him, but always with reverence and holy fear.

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Forgiveness

Songs: A Heart That Forgives, Kevin LeVar (http://www.onlinefellowship.org/2010/02/16/kevin-levar-a-heart-that-forgives-official-video-and-lyrics/)
Lead me to the Cross, Hillsong United (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-vX_6y89Ks&feature=related)

Scriptures:
Genesis 37:18-24, 28; 50:15-20 (New Century Version, www.biblegateway.com)
Joseph Sold into Slavery
18 Joseph's brothers saw him coming from far away. Before he reached them, they made a plan to kill him.19 They said to each other, "Here comes that dreamer.20 Let's kill him and throw his body into one of the wells. We can tell our father that a wild animal killed him. Then we will see what will become of his dreams."
21 But Reuben heard their plan and saved Joseph, saying, "Let's not kill him.22 Don't spill any blood. Throw him into this well here in the desert, but don't hurt him!" Reuben planned to save Joseph later and send him back to his father.23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they pulled off his robe with long sleeves24 and threw him into the well. It was empty, and there was no water in it…
28 So when the Midianite traders came by, the brothers took Joseph out of the well and sold him to the Ishmaelites for eight ounces of silver. And the Ishmaelites took him to Egypt…

The Brothers Fear Joseph
15 After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers said, "What if Joseph is still angry with us? We did many wrong things to him. What if he plans to pay us back?"16 So they sent a message to Joseph that said, "Your father gave this command before he died.17 He said to us, 'You have done wrong and have sinned and done evil to Joseph. Tell Joseph to forgive you, his brothers.' So now, Joseph, we beg you to forgive our wrong. We are the servants of the God of your father." When Joseph received the message, he cried.
18 And his brothers went to him and bowed low before him and said, "We are your slaves."
19 Then Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Can I do what only God can do?20 You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.

Proverbs 20:22 (New Century Version, www.biblegateway.com)
22 Don't say, "I'll pay you back for the wrong you did." Wait for the Lord, and he will make things right.

Hebrews 10:23-31 (New Living Translation, http://www.crosswalk.com/)
23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.

26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins. 27 There will be nothing to look forward to but the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. 28 Anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Think how much more terrible the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God and have treated the blood of the covenant as if it were common and unholy. Such people have insulted and enraged the Holy Spirit who brings God's mercy to his people. 30 For we know the one who said, "I will take vengeance. I will repay those who deserve it." He also said, "The Lord will judge his own people." 31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was reading in Max Lucado’s book, Cast of Characters, the chapter about Joseph. Some of the things said about anger, revenge, and forgiveness are:

“…there is power in revenge. Intoxicating power. Haven’t we tasted it? Haven’t we been tempted to get even?”

“Judgment is God’s job. To assume otherwise is to assume God can’t do it. Revenge is irreverent.”

“Forgiveness comes easier with a wide-angle lens. Joseph uses one to get the whole picture. He refuses to focus on the betrayal of his brothers without also seeing the loyalty of his God.”

“To forgive someone is to admit our limitations. We’ve been given only one piece of life’s jigsaw puzzle. Only God has the cover of the box.”

“To forgive someone is to display reverence. Forgiveness is not saying the one who hurt you was right. Forgiveness is stating that God is fair and He will do what is right.”

A short time prior to that, I heard (for the first time, I think) a song, about having “a heart that forgives.” Hmmm – to have a heart (attitude) like Christ’s…

Philippians 2:1-11 (New Living Translation, www.biblegateway.com)
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[a] he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Footnotes:
a. Philippians 2:6 Or Being in the form of God.
b. Philippians 2:7 Greek he emptied himself.
c. Philippians 2:7 Or the form of a slave.
d. Philippians 2:7 Some English translations put this phrase in verse 8.


Romans 5:6-8 (New Century Version, www.biblegateway.com)
6 When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else. Although perhaps for a good person someone might possibly die.8 But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still
sinners.

Ephesians 4:17-32 (New Living Translation, http://www.crosswalk.com/)
17 With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do,
for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their closed minds are full of darkness;
they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and
hardened their hearts against him. 19 They don't care anymore about right and
wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are
filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.

20 But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, 22 throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness -- righteous, holy, and true.

25 So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.

28 If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

So as I think about worship with the upcoming praise and worship events, I find myself once again in Romans 12:1, outlining my “spiritual worship” – my worship “in spirit” (John 4:23) from God’s Truth:

Romans 12 (Amplified Bible, www.biblegateway.com)
1I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
3For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.
4For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use,
5So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].
6Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith;
7[He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching;
8He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.
9[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.
10Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.
11Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.
12Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
13Contribute to the needs of God's people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
15Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].
16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.(A)
17Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.(B)
18If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.(C)
20But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.(D)
21Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.

Cross references:
A. Romans 12:16 : Prov 3:7
B. Romans 12:17 : Prov 20:22
C. Romans 12:19 : Deut 32:35
D. Romans 12:20 : Prov 25:21,22

Hmmm... overcome evil with good...

... and my journey with Him continues ...

None Like You

Songs: Nobody Greater, VaShawn Mitchell
Our God, Chris Tomlin
There is None Like You, Lenny LeBlanc
I Worship You, Almighty God, Don Moen
You Are God Alone, performed by Phillips, Craig and Dean

(All Scripture is NKJV)
Exodus 34:6-7
And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
Deuteronomy 4:35
To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.


Earlier today, I heard a part of a song referencing God with words similar to “…none like You…” I started singing that phrase, and ended up singing a lot of made-up stuff, all having to do with there being none like, none greater than the God I know. I can’t even remember now how any of it went, but it amazed me in the way the words were coming out rhyming, and the words went with the tune I was singing (also made-up!) That’s how I know it was Spirit-led, because I’m not that musical…surely that was for His ears only. It is only through the grace of God that I can sing to Him a new song!
Psalm 96:1 [ A Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgment ]
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

So tonight, I smiled when I heard the part of Chris Tomlin’s song “Our God” that goes:

There’s no one like You, none like You!

Exodus 9:14
for at this time I will send all My plagues to your very heart, and on your servants and on your people, that you may know that there is none like Me in all the earth.
1 Samuel 2:2
“No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
2 Samuel 7:22
Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

1 Chronicles 17:20
O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

Psalm 86:8
Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.

Isaiah 45:5-6
I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other;

Isaiah 45:21
Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me.

Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

Lord, I praise You, for truly there is none like You! Thank You, God, for such grace, for revealing this to me in a new way, even through a song You would have me sing, through songs I would hear others sing, through the truth of Your Holy Word. Thank You, O God, thank You, for every reason, for every opportunity You give me to worship You…

Jeremiah 10:6-7

Inasmuch as there is none like You, O LORD (You are great, and Your name is great in might), Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of the nations, And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You.

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Touch

Songs: All I Need, Brian Courtney Wilson
Something Beautiful, NEEDTOBREATHE
Love is Just a Touch Away, Freddie Jackson

It is so wonderful to feel so loved through the touch of God … and He touched us in His great mercy and compassion through Jesus:

Matthew 8:3 (NKJV)Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:15 (NKJV)So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.
Matthew 9:29 (NKJV)Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
Matthew 20:34 (NKJV)So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Mark 7:33 (NKJV)And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue.
Mark 10:16 (NKJV)
16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Luke 4:40 (AMP)Now at the setting of the sun [indicating the end of the Sabbath], all those who had any [who were] sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands upon every one of them and cured them.
Luke 7:14 (NKJV)Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”
Luke 13:13 (AMP)Then He laid [His] hands on her, and instantly she was made straight, and she recognized and thanked and praised God.
Luke 22:51 (NKJV)But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.

And even now, sometimes I sense His touch … how precious! As I thought about His touch, I happened to see a prayer in The New International Lesson Annual (lesson 4, September 26, 2010) “from Mongolia, taken from The United Methodist Book of Worship” (emphasis mine):

O God, that we may receive Your blessing, touch our brows, touch our heads, and do not look upon us in anger. In a hard year, offer us mercy; in a year of affliction, offer us kindness; dark spirits banish from us; bright spirits bring close to us; gray spirits put away from us, good spirits draw near to us. When we are afraid, offer us courage; when we are ashamed, be our true face: be over us like a blanket, be under us like a bed of furs. Amen.

Thank You, Lord, for being such a personal God - for being of such great mercy, grace, and lovingkindness towards us, towards me…

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Separation, Not Deprivation

Scriptures:
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV)

"Enter through the narrow gate because the gate and road that lead to destruction are wide. Many enter through the wide gate. But the narrow gate and the road that lead to life are full of trouble. Only a few people find the narrow gate.
"Beware of false prophets. They come to you disguised as sheep, but in their hearts they are vicious wolves. You will know them by what they produce.
"People don't pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles, do they? In the same way every good tree produces good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a rotten tree cannot produce good fruit. Any tree that fails to produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into a fire. So you will know them by what they produce.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does what my Father in heaven wants. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name? Didn't we force out demons and do many miracles by the power and authority of your name?' Then I will tell them publicly, 'I've never known you. Get away from me, you evil people.'
"Therefore, everyone who hears what I say and obeys it will be like a wise person who built a house on rock. Rain poured, and floods came. Winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not collapse, because its foundation was on rock.
"Everyone who hears what I say but doesn't obey it will be like a foolish person who built a house on sand. Rain poured, and floods came. Winds blew and struck that house. It collapsed, and the result was a total disaster."
When Jesus finished this speech, the crowds were amazed at his teachings. Unlike their scribes, he taught them with authority. (Matthew 7:13-29 GW)

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 KJV)

**************************************************

It was the last day of class, and it looked like everybody else was being given something for coming – something that I wasn’t given. It looked like a CD of some sort. I reasoned that because I was seated before they began to be given out, I just got missed. Class had not yet begun, so I thought to go ask about it – what it was, who it was for, etc., figuring that then I would get mine. Even as I prepared to move from my seat, I felt an uneasiness, and sensed that the Lord was saying, “No.” I countered in my mind, that “you have not because you ask not.”

So I was getting ready, again, to go ask about it when I saw part of the cover – it said “CD Bible…” At that moment, the Lord seemed to say, “You don’t need it,” reminding me that I already had the Bible on my PC in the e-sword application, and could use various internet (Biblegateway, crosswalk, blueletterbible, etc.) web sites. By now class had started, and I was really distracted by my not wanting to be left out, my wanting what everybody else had, my desire to have my presence acknowledged and affirmed by those in class through presentation of this gift. Then, I saw another part of the cover, which said “Commentary.” I was reminded of what I had heard in another class several years ago, that “the Bible is its own commentary.”

I persisted in my conversation with the Lord. “But I want one.” I knew I was whining. “I’ve been here all week. If they are giving something away for coming, shouldn’t I get one too?” We seemed to come to an agreement that if something was said at the end of class - like “We have a gift for everyone who came to class this week; did everyone get one?” – I could ask for one.

That settled, I could then concentrate on what was being said in class. Needless to say, no one mentioned anything about the CD, or a gift, or anything at the end, even though there was a general “thank you” extended to all who had attended the class. I shrugged it off with an, “oh well” and left.

Later, the Lord reminded me of His word:

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (Psalms 84:11 KJV)

So it was all right. I might not have gotten what I wanted, but I did what I believe He wanted (in going to class, and in not asking for the CD), so it was all right. I had another lesson in obedience, and just trusted that if it was something I was supposed to have, I would have gotten it – I had not been deprived.

The Lord was not finished with this experience yet, though. Later still, He reminded me of portions of the lesson which were taught concerning separation:

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward. (Isaiah 52:10-12 KJV)

Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 CEV)

It was as though nothing pertaining to that CD was to influence or have part in what God is doing in my life, like with Abraham (when he was still Abram) and the king of Sodom after Lot’s rescue:

The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and keep everything else for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I now raise my hand and solemnly swear to the LORD God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, that I won't take a thread or a sandal strap. I won't take anything that is yours so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I won't take one single thing except what my men have eaten. But let my allies Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share." (Genesis 14:21-24 GW)

I just feel that God is preparing us for His Presence… so if that means not having with others have, not being a part of the crowd, feeling left out or overlooked …

We don't become discouraged, since God has given us this ministry through his mercy. Instead, we have refused to use secret and shameful ways. We don't use
tricks, and we don't distort God's word. As God watches, we clearly reveal the truth to everyone. This is our letter of recommendation. So if the Good News that we tell others is covered with a veil, it is hidden from those who are dying. The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. As a result, they don't see the light of the Good News about Christ's glory.

It is Christ who is God's image. Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake. We are his servants because the same God who said that light should shine out of darkness has given us light. For that reason we bring to light the knowledge about God's glory which shines from Christ's face. Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us.

In every way we're troubled, but we aren't crushed by our troubles. We're frustrated, but we don't give up. We're persecuted, but we're not abandoned. We're captured, but we're not killed. We always carry around the death of Jesus in our bodies so that the life of Jesus is also shown in our bodies. While we are alive, we are constantly handed over to death for Jesus' sake so that the life of Jesus is also shown in our mortal nature. Death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. The following is written, "I believed; therefore, I spoke." We have that same spirit of faith. We also believe; therefore, we also speak. We know that the one who brought the Lord Jesus back to life will also bring us back to life through Jesus. He will present us to God together with you. All this is for your sake so that, as God's kindness overflows in the lives of many people, it will produce even more thanksgiving to the glory of God.

That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. We don't look for things that can be seen but for things that can't be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can't be seen last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:1-18 GW)

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Text Message / Prayer

Song: Already Here, Brian Courtney Wilson
Scriptures:
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. (Psalm 18:28 KJV)

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. (Psalm 139:17-18 KJV)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)

**************************************************
I turned on the television, and switched channels until I landed on the 700 Club. I hadn’t really begun to watch the program when I thought about sending a text message to a family member - just to say hello, let them know I appreciated them and what they do for me, and to let them know I love them.

I picked up the phone to type and send the text, when I heard one of the 700 Club hosts say, “…just stop what you’re doing, and let’s pray.” As the host began to pray about situations in people’s lives to bring them to salvation and prayer, I thought of the text I was going to send, and suddenly it hit me – this was an invitation for communication from God!

In obedience, humbled by the thought that my Lord would call me to Him in this way, I put down the phone, and prayed.

“Lord, thank You! You allowed this time, this situation so that I would have the opportunity now, at this very moment, to send you a short message in prayer, just to acknowledge you in saying hello, to let You know how much I appreciate You and all You do for me, and to let You know that I love You.”

So I took the time, just talking with Him, telling Him what was in my heart, overflowing with gratitude, reveling in His Presence …

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Untitled Cry

Song: Just Love, Brian Courtney Wilson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvq2GrJC_eM
He Saw The Best, Marvin Sapp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRjXczuP9oM
I Understand, Smokie Norful http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0skD7d3usw&feature=related
Let Go, DeWayne Woods http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76o4xhxIKfs&feature=related
I Trust You, James Fortune & FIYA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRwQy2eQbJM&NR=1

Lord, there is so much going on. Your Word is true, and nothing is happening that You haven’t already known about and for which You haven’t planned. O but God, there is so much pain, so much suffering, so many problems, so much violence – so much sin! Lord, You know all of this better than I. You are our only hope, Lord, our only remedy.

2 Kings 8:12"Why is my lord weeping?" asked Hazael. "Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites," he answered. "You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women."
Ezra 3:13No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
Ezra 10:1[ The People's Confession of Sin ] While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children—gathered around him. They too wept bitterly.

Nehemiah 8:8-10 (New International Version)
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Psalm 35:12-14 (New International Version)
12 They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn.
13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

Psalm 126:1-6 (New International Version)
A song of ascents.
1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (New International Version)
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Jeremiah 3:21A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 31:1-17 (New International Version)
1 "At that time," declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people."
2 This is what the LORD says: "The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel."
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
4 I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.
5 Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit.
6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, 'Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.' "
7 This is what the LORD says: "Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, 'O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.'
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return.
9 They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10 "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: 'He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.'
11 For the LORD will ransom Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD— the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.
13 Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty," declares the LORD.
15 This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."
16 This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD. "They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your future," declares the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land.

Joel 2:12-18 (New International Version)
Rend Your Heart
12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
17 Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' "
The LORD's Answer
18 Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people.

Luke 6:21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

Luke 23:28Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.

John 16:20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Psalm 51 (New Living Translation)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. 5 For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. 6 But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. 9 Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. 14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. 15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. 18 Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit— with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.

Daniel 9:4-19 (Contemporary English Version)
Daniel Prays for the People
I confessed my sins and earnestly prayed to the LORD my God: Our Lord, you are a great and fearsome God, and you faithfully keep your agreement with those who love and obey you. 5But we have sinned terribly by rebelling against you and rejecting your laws and teachings. 6We have ignored the message your servants the prophets spoke to our kings, our leaders, our ancestors, and everyone else.
7Everything you do is right, our Lord. But still we suffer public disgrace because we have been unfaithful and have sinned against you. This includes all of us, both far and near--the people of Judah, Jerusalem, and Israel, as well as those you dragged away to foreign lands, 8and even our kings, our officials, and our ancestors. 9LORD God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you 10and rejected your teachings that came to us from your servants the prophets.
11Everyone in Israel has stubbornly refused to obey your laws, and so those curses written by your servant Moses have fallen upon us. 12You warned us and our leaders that Jerusalem would suffer the worst disaster in human history, and you did exactly as you had threatened. 13We have not escaped any of the terrible curses written by Moses, and yet we have refused to beg you for mercy and to remind ourselves of how faithful you have always been. 14And when you finally punished us with this horrible disaster, that was also the right thing to do, because we deserved it so much.
15Our Lord God, with your own mighty arm you rescued us from Egypt and made yourself famous to this very day, but we have sinned terribly. 16In the past, you treated us with such kindness, that we now beg you to stop being so terribly angry with Jerusalem. After all, it is your chosen city built on your holy mountain, even though it has suffered public disgrace because of our sins and those of our ancestors.
17I am your servant, Lord God, and I beg you to answer my prayers and bring honor to yourself by having pity on your temple that lies in ruins. 18Please show mercy to your chosen city, not because we deserve it, but because of your great kindness. 19Forgive us! Hurry and do something, not only for your city and your chosen people, but to bring honor to yourself.

Revelation 5 (New International Version)
The Scroll and the Lamb
1Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."
6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" 14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Night Watch Meditation: Come to Jesus

Song: Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) – Chris Rice
(lyrics from http://www.anysonglyrics.com/lyrics/c/chrisrice/Untitled-Hymn-Come-To-Jesus.htm)
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I heard this song in my head before I went to bed, as I was turning off the computer; but since I was trying to go to sleep, that’s what I did. About 2 hours later, I’m up, working on this blog entry, listening to this song on the computer, reading the lyrics, thinking of Scripture. Guess this is my time to meditate on His Word in the night watches:

1. Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

2. Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3. Psalm 119:148
My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 1st verse:

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

1. Isaiah 55:1
[ Invitation to the Thirsty ] "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

2. John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

3. John 7:37
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

4. Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 2nd verse:

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

1. Isaiah 10:27
In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.

2. Matthew 11:28-30
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Song: There is a Fountain, performed by Bishop Clarence E. McClendon and the Harvest Fire Mega Mass Choir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RxKH-AJdKU)

1. Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

2. Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

3. Psalm 98:1
[ A psalm. ] Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

4. Psalm 149:1
Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.

5. Isaiah 42:10
[ Song of Praise to the Lord ] Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 3rd Verse:

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live

1. Isaiah 8:14
and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.

2. Matthew 21:44
He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

3. Luke 20:18
Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

4. Romans 9:33
As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

5. 1 Peter 2:8
and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 4th Verse:

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

1. 2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.

2. 1 Kings 8:28
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.

3. 2 Chronicles 6:19
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.

4. 2 Chronicles 20:9
'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'

5. Psalm 6:9
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

6. Psalm 10:17
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

7. Psalm 28:6
Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

8. Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

9. Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

10. Psalm 116:1
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

11. Psalm 140:6
O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.

12. Psalm 143:1
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

13. Psalm 145:19
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

14. Isaiah 30:19
O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 5th Verse:

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

1. Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

2. Jeremiah 31:4
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.

Song: Rebuild (Remix), J Moss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQdn7eDcIVI)

3. Jeremiah 31:13
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

4. John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

5. John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

6. Acts 2:28
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

7. 1 Peter 1:8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

8. 1 John 1:4
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 6th Verse:

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

1. John 3:15
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

2. John 6:54
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

3. 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.

4. John 12:25
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

5. John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

6. Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

7. Romans 5:21
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

8. Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

9. Titus 3:7
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

10. 1 John 1:2
(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

11. 1 John 2:25
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

Faith
When you walk to the edge of all the light you have
and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown,
you must believe that one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid for you to stand upon,
or, you will be taught how to fly

© Patrick Overton
The Leaning Tree, 1975
Rebuilding the Front Porch of America, 1997

Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

1. John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

2. John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

3. John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

... and my journey with Him continues ...