The difference

 from "Old Collection"

From a daily devotional, dated October 30, Wednesday

"O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come: (Psalm 65:2)

When we pray to God the Father, in the name of the His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, We can be sure that He does hear our prayers, and He will answer them, in His time, not ours. The omniscient God knows our needs before we ask them, and He knows what is in our hearts better than we do ourselves. "But verily God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer" (Psalm 66:19). "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matthew 21:22).

It is very easy to get discouraged when we pray if our prayer is not answered in what we consider a timely manner. Sometimes we expect an immediate answer, and it does not come that quickly. As the sovereign Creator of time (Genesis 1:1), He reigns outside of time, and while He recognizes the present (from our perspective), He also knows the past and the future. Only from His vantage point can the timing as well as substance of a proper answer to prayer be discerned. We can and must rest in His sovereign control of His creation, including us. "For He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, the poor also, and him that hath no helper" (Psalm 72:12). "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22).

There are times when it appears the Lord does not hear us and our prayers are never answered, but through our faith and trust in Him we should realize that He will "Give ear to [our] prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from [our] supplication" (Psalm 55:1). We know that He always knows what is best for us regardless of what we ourselves think we want or need. "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion" (Psalm 71:1). MRT

Their time

 from "Old Collection"

From a devotional dated Friday, September 23

    BEFORE THEIR TIME

"The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come"  (Isaiah 57:1).

How tragic it seems when promising young Christian men or women are cut off "before their time." Even more painful is the sudden death of a child, before there was ever the opportunity for him or her to grow up at all. Yet the Christian believer can be confident that such events do not occur before God's time, for He "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Ephesians 1:11). We know that God loves us, because He sent His own beloved Son to die for us. Therefore, "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

It may well be that God has allowed the righteous to perish and the merciful to be taken away, in order to spare them from "the evil to come," either increasing tribulation in the world, or perhaps the further growth of incipient sin in their own lives. It may be that their "untimely" departure "to be with Christ; which is far better" (Philippians 1:23) will be used of God to lead others to Christ and salvation. It also should give their loved ones greater incentive to learn more of God's Word and its gracious promises, as well as to forsake sin in their lives. In those situations where death seems to have been hastened because of zeal for the Lord, their loved ones can rejoice that the martyr's "crown of life" (Revelation 2:10) is awaiting them.

Other reasons may exist which we cannot understand now, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord?" (Romans 11:34). But we do know that even a sparrow "shall not fall on the ground without your Father" (Matthew 10:29). We may not fully understand now, but we can rest in the fact the He does all things well.

HMM

Just happen

 from "Old Collection"

THINGS JUST DON'T HAPPEN

Things don't just happen to us who love God,

They're planned by His own dear hand.

Then moulded and shaped, and timed by His clock,

Things don't just happen, they're planned.

We just don't guess on the issues of life

We Christians just rest in our Lord.

We are directed by His sovereign will,

In the light of His Holy Word.

We who love Jesus are walking by faith,

Not seeing one step that's ahead.

Not doubting one moment what our lot may be.

But looking to Jesus, instead.

We praise our dear Saviour for loving us so,

For planning each care of our life.

Then giving us faith to trust Him for all,

The blessings, as well as the strife.

Things don't just happen to us who love God,

To us that have taken our stand,

No matter the lot, the course, or the price,

Things just don't happen, they're planned.

~Esther L. Fields

"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."  ~Romans 8:28

No mistake

 from "Old Collection"

He Maketh No Mistake

My Father's way may twist and turn,

My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I'm glad I know,

He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray.

My hopes may fade away,

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

Tho' night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break;

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,

He maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight's far too dim;

But come what may, I'll simply trust

And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift

And plain it all He'll make.

Through all the way, tho' dark to me,

He made not one mistake.

~A.M. Overton

Happy Poor

from "Old Collection"

From a devotional dated March 30, Sunday

The Happy Poor

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3)

This first of the beatitudes - the opening sentence of Christ's great Sermon on the Mount - is often misinterpreted in affluent America, and made to read something like: "Blessed are those of humble spirit," or "downcast spirit." The word for "poor," however, occurs some 36 times in the New Testament, and always means "poor" in the literal sense - referring specifically to those who are poor financially. That this was the Lord's meaning here is evident from the parallel passage in Luke 6:20: "And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God." Our text could be better rendered as: "Happy are the poor, in the Spirit!"

Christ, in His first public message, asserted that God had anointed Him to "preach the gospel to the poor" (Luke 4:18). Consider also the rhetorical question of James 2:5: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?"

These, and many other such admonitions in Scripture, warn us against the "love of money" (1 Timothy 6:10). If God does entrust a measure of wealth to a believer, it is not to be stored up in bank accounts, or used for unneeded luxuries, but first to provide "for those of his own house" (1 Timothy 5:8), and then, also, for the preaching of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they may not be high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19). For the poor, in Christ, the promise is the Kingdom. HMM

Asleep

 from "Old Collection"

from a devotional dated Monday, April 7

Asleep in Jesus

"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" (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

The hope of the Christian is the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the rapture of living believers at His second coming. This is the primary theme of this epistle -- especially verses, 4:13-5:10. In fact, it is significant that this book, possibly the first of Paul's epistles chronologically, is also the one with the largest number of specific references to Christ's second coming.

If it were not for this hope, we would have no hope for the future. "If in this life only we have hope in Christ," Paul said, "we are of all men most miserable" (1 Corinthians 15:19). When an unbeliever dies, he dies without hope. When a believer dies, he is simply "asleep" as far as his body is concerned. At the same time, his soul and spirit go to be with the Lord until the resurrection day. Perhaps it is analogous to the state of dreaming, when the body is asleep in bed, while the person's consciousness seems to be engaged in varied activities far from where the body is resting.

The Bible uses the term "sleep" to describe death only in the case of Christians -- never for non-Christians (see John 11:11, etc.). There is genuine sorrow, of course, when a believer dies, but that sorrow is softened and sublimated by the "blessed hope" of Christ's return (Titus 2:13). "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will bring God with Him" (1 Thessalonians 4:14). The souls of those whose bodies are asleep have gone to be with the Lord, and will return with the Lord when He returns. "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"(vv.16-17).

Delayed

It's delayed not denied.

God will come through for you.

Keep the faith, refuse to give up.

The best is yet to come.

Meeting expectations

God isn't in the business of meeting expectations.

He's in the business of blowing them out of the water.

Gain

from "Old Collection"

Torn out from a daily devotional ~ Saturday, October 19

To Die is Gain

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  ~Philippians 1:21

Although the glorious resurrection bodies which have been promised all believers must await the return of Christ, even the spirit-existence after death is better than the present life for the believer. Paul himself expressed a "a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better" (v. 23) --"to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).

  Thus, it is "gain" when a Christian dies! Since Christ, in His resurrection body, is in heaven at the right hand of the Father, the spirit of "sleeping" Christians are also there. The intermediate state is somewhat analogous to the dreaming state, in which the consciousness travels to various places and experiences while the body is asleep. In fact, death is called "sleep" for the Christian. (I Thessalonians 4:13).

   However, in some amazing way, these conscious spirits of believers are still distinct and recognizable. Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:3), as well as Samuel (I Samuel 28:12-19), were identifiable in their spirit-form, even by people here on earth.

   One of the greatest blessings of dying and going to be with the Lord will be the joy of returning with Him "at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." (I Thessalonians 3:13). "Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him...And the dead in Christ shall rise first" (I Thessalonians 4:14,16), just before the "rapture" and glorification of the saints who are still living. As wonderful as it might be to live until Christ returns, it will be even better to be with Him!

   The death of a Christian, therefore, may be a time of loss and grief for those left behind, but it is a time of joy and blessing for the one who dies, including a happy reunion with those who have gone before. HMM

Difficulties known

 from "Old Collection"

If all difficulties were known at the onset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all.

Good sense

 from "Old Collection"

An insert from a church bulletin perhaps from Bob Jones University (Do Right Daily), 2005

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 

~Proverbs 27:12

Every year before we open college the business manager, Bob Jr., and I talk things over. We figure the minimum income and the maximum outgo. We never figure the maximum income. We figure the minimum income. The business manager says, "Well, we should have so much a month this year, and we will probably have to spend on an average so much a month." I say, "Now, let's think this over just a little. Don't you think we had better cut down that income? Something might happen. An epidemic might come. A building might burn. Something might disturb our plans." Cut down your income. Add to your outgo. Figure on the worst, but hope for the best.

A wise general out to win a battle always figures that the first lines may not hold. He figures the second may not hold, and the third may not hold, and so on. He figures on the worst and hopes for the best. That is good sense.

The seeds

 You and I can count the seeds in an apple but God can count the apples in a seed.

If you

 from 3 am Thoughts

If you stay, stay forever.

If you go, do it today.

If you change, change for the better.

And if you talk, make sure you mean what you say.

Calendar Collection #2

 from "Old Collection"

More tear-offs from a devotional calendar, looks like a different year. 

Friday, August 1

O spare me, that I may recover strength.  ~Psalm 39:13

In other versions this phrase is translated, "let me smile again." Have the burdens of life crushed your spirit and wiped the smile from your face? David often had reason to feel this way and Psalm 39 is the response that he felt appropriate to such circumstances. Confident that the Lord had allowed these events, and permitted his tears to fall (v. 12), he anticipated the day when he would smile again. Don't give up; you will smile again, too.   ~Garry W. Seale

The thought of God will ever make

Life's sweetest smiles from tears,

And is a daybreak to our hopes,

A sunset to our fears.  ~Frederick W. Faber

Monday, August 4

He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. ~Mal. 3:3

In ancient days, the refiner of silver would begin his work by subjecting the metal to intense heat. Then scooping away the dross that had risen to the top, he would look over his completed work to view his own reflection. Only when he was able to clearly see his own image did he know that his work was done. As the Lord sends us through fiery trials, the impurities of our faith will rise to the surface so that they can be identified and scooped away, thus reflecting the image of Christ.  ~Mark Kolchin

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.  ~George Keith

Thursday, August 14

He sought God...and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.  ~2 Chron. 26:5

At the age of sixteen, Uzziah came to the throne following the death of his father Amaziah. His 52-year reign started well, but in pride he went into the temple to burn incense, a task to which he was forbidden, and he was smitten with leprosy and died far from God. May the sad end of his life remind us that when we seek the Lord we prosper and when we are in disobedience we suffer under the disciplining hand of God. Remember, when Uzziah sought the Lord, he prospered. It was as simple as that.  ~Arnot P. McIntee

O Thou who died on Calvary; to save my soul and make me free,

I'll consecrate my life to Thee, my Saviour and my God.  ~R.H.

Thursday, August 19

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 

~Psalm 73:26

The Psalmist had fallen to a level of deep discouragement that perhaps you are feeling today. He saw the prosperity of the wicked (v. 3); the pride of the foolish (v. 6), and the presumption of the ungodly (v. 11). His focus was off the Lord and on the circumstances of life and his faith was shaken to its very foundation (v. 13). What was the solution? "I went in to the sanctuary of God" (v. 17). Ah, this is the secret. It is there he sees the end of the unbelievers (v. 18); the wonder of God (v. 23); and his own unworthiness (v. 22). Dear discouraged Christian, "Draw near to God" (v. 28).  ~C.T.

Lord, some are pressed with worldly care, and some are tried with sinful doubt;

And some such grievous passions bear that only Thou canst cast them out.

Wednesday, September 17

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  ~Psalm 23:6

There are many foreign students that come to my place of employment to be educated and trained. Some have names that are difficult to pronounce. Often African students have very colorful names that are easy to remember and spell. One day my secretary informed me that two students had been following me and that I had eluded them by going around a corner. I asked their names. "Goodness and Mercy," she replied. Are you aware, dear believer, that goodness and mercy are following you and shall do so all the days of your life. Rejoice in this.  ~Brian Powlesland

Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me,

And in God's house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.

Calendar collection #1

 from "Old Collection"

Like the previous post, I found several Daily Readings that I ripped of a pad. There are several from the same pad, so I'm grouping them accordingly. No year, just months/days.

Wednesday, January 7

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.   ~Ephesians 3:20-21

Ask

All that we ask

Above all that we ask or think

Abundantly above all that we ask or think

Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think

Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

My heart rejoices in God's will, 'tis ever best - I do not doubt;

He may not give me what I ask, but gives me grace to do without,

O blessed, hallowed will of God, to it I bow with heart devout.

Friday, January 17

Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren...for this thing is from Me. ~1 Kings 12:24

King Rehoboam had marshaled his army to suppress a revolt against his kingdom. But God had different plans and takes responsibility for circumstances that are unaccountable to our natural minds. In our walk with God we inevitably are going to face similar imponderables. At such times remember that we have a God that is the Creator of all worlds, the fount of all wisdom and knowledge. He knows what is best for us. He cannot err. Only believe.  ~Edwin Fesche

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

Saturday, January 24

Who by Him (Jesus) do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead. ~1 Peter 1:21

Some profess to have difficulty in believing God. What proof is there of a personal, loving God in this modern, scientific age? Peter would say to such doubters, study the life of Jesus. Read about His miracles; study His beautiful teaching in the Gospels. Think about His death, His burial, and yes, His resurrection. Read about His resurrection appearances to many people over a period of forty days - men and women who were willing to die for their faith, rather than deny the reality of a risen Christ. Read, study, believe the eye witness accounts and you too will believe the living God. ~D. Norbie

There's a story ever new; it is wonderful and true,

And the best thing you can do is believe it.  ~J. Ferguson

Thursday, January 29

Mount Sinai was altogether in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire...all the people answered with one voice...All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.  ~Exodus 19:18, 24:3

As long as God's presence and work were evident, the people believed and were faithful. But as soon as Moses was away and they did not hear God, they chose another - one they could see. May we be faithful to God even when we do not see His working, for even then He is still keeping us and carrying us. When God seems distant, simply keep looking to Him. A father does not hide from his children to frighten them but to give them the joy of finding him, and their desire to find him brings great joy to him. ~Joshua Fitzhugh

Let me seek for Thee in longing; let me long for Thee in seeking,

Let me find Thee in love; and love Thee in finding.  ~Anselm

Monday, April 5

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come.  ~Psalm 71:18

Many employers today are constantly looking at the retirement age of their workforce. Many companies have over the past years reduced the age when their employees may retire. However there is no retirement in the Christian life. We can never be too old to work for our Lord. If we are willing to work, He is willing to find new areas of land to be possessed (Josh. 13:1).  ~John M. Clegg

For age is opportunity no less

Than youth itself, though in another dress;

And as the evening twilight fades away

The day is filled with stars invisible by day.  ~H.W. Longfellow

Tuesday, April 6

Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.  ~Psalm 115:15

The limitless resources of the God who created the universe ensure both the unfailing quantity and unmatched quality of His blessings. Our perspective is so restricted; we fail to appreciate that His abilities are unlimited and that in His all-knowing love He allocates blessings precisely suited to meet our needs. Trust Him for what you need today.  ~Garry W. Seale

I know that ev'rywhere I look

I see His guiding hand,

More beauty, mercy, love and faith,

Than I can understand. ~Phyllis C. Michael

Wednesday, April 7

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

"Whatever we do, even if we are reading the Word or praying, we should stop for a few minutes - as often as possible - to praise God from the depths of our hearts, to enjoy Him there in secret. Since you believe that God is always with you, no matter what you may be doing, why shouldn't you stop for a while to adore Him, to praise Him, to petition Him, to offer Him your heart, and to thank Him?" So wrote Brother Lawrence. To which we can say, "Amen!" Today let u stop often to commune with the living God, our Redeemer.  ~Donald L. Norbie

Praise Him for His noble deeds; praise Him for His matchless power;

Him from whom all good proceeds, let all heaven and earth adore.  ~C.W.

Friday, April 23

Be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. ~Ps. 71:12

David was in trouble and perhaps you are also. It could be that you feel as though you are in darkness facing a mountain of misery. Eric Weihenmayer was the first blind man to climb Mount Everest. By the sound of his pick hitting the ice he could tell if the ice was safe for climbing. The only favor he received was that the climber ahead of him wore a bell. Though he could see nothing, he kept climbing toward the top by following the sound of the bell. Fellow saint, press on no matter how dark and hopeless things may seem. Listen to the Lord's voice through His Word and keep following Him toward that ultimate goal of the Father's House.  ~W. Ross Rainey

I want to scale the utmost height and catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I'll pray till heav'n I've found: Lord, lead me on to higher ground.  ~J.O.

Wednesday, May 5

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out. ~Gen. 24:15

Sometimes the Lord is answering our prayer as we speak it. Sometimes the Lord is planning a change for our life as we go faithfully about our everyday responsibilities. Sometimes the Lord is using our smallest kindness to a stranger as an answer to their prayer and need. Pray; He will answer. Be faithful; He is faithful. Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. He wants to make you a blessing to someone today. Some day as you go about your tasks, as any other day, He'll come to take us all away forever to be with Him - His pure and spotless bride.  ~R.M.B.

The life that counts must aim to rise above the earth to sunlit skies;

Must fix its gaze on Paradise - that is the life that counts.  ~Unknown

Monday, May 10

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with the keeper. ~1 Samuel 17:20

The keeper is unknown to us. Yet, had he not faithfully tended the sheep, David would not have been free to accomplish his exploits in the Valley of Elah. Perhaps we won't be the one to do "great" things for God ourselves, but our faithfulness in the "small" things (Mt. 25:21, 23) may release others who can. Some day, when the whole story is told, we will rejoice together.  ~Garry W. Seale

Put thou thy trust in God,

In duty's path go on;

Walk in His strength with faith and hope,

So shall thy work be done.  ~C. Wesley

Thursday, May 13

Jesus was not come to them.  ~John 6:17

He saith unto them, it is I; be not afraid.  ~John 6:20

The disciples had rowed three to four miles toward the western shore of the Sea of Galilee when boisterous winds pounded their boat, taking it from trough to crest of mountainous waves. Then, above the swell they heard His voice, "It is I; be not afraid." Soon they landed at Capernaum ("village of comfort"). Today, listen for His voice rising above the winds of circumstance. He says, "It is I; be not afraid." He can take you to the place of comfort.  ~A. McIntee

Looking off unto Jesus, my spirit is blessed;

In the world I have turmoil, in Him I have rest;

The sea of life all about me may roar;

When I look unto Jesus, I sorrow no more.  ~Anna B. Warner

Tuesday, May 18

I besought the Lord thrice...And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee. ~2 Cor. 12:8-9

This is the best answer to prayer - the grace of God is His divine favor poured out on us and in us. The great apostle asked for the removal of infirmity and distress but the Lord's answer was "no," and He gave Him something better. Paul was not discouraged or depressed because he didn't get what he asked for. Note his words in verse 10, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities...for when I am weak, then I am strong." Dear believer, God's grace is sufficient for you, too. Take comfort and encouragement in His grace today!  ~Carl Knott

Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,

All sufficient grace for even me.  ~Haldor Lillenas

Saturday, May 29

Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. ~2 Cor. 3:3

The believer's life is God's gospel message to the world. The world doesn't read the Bible but it reads the Christian and expects a higher standard than they are willing to attain. Because the Christian is God's letter, read by the world, its message must be legible and convincing, with no error in translation or interpretation. The poet captured this thought in the following poem.  ~M.H.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day,

By the things that you do, and the words that you say.

Men read what you are, whether faithless or true,

Say, what is the gospel according to you?  ~Unknown

Friday, June 4

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?  ~Matthew 10:29

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

~Luke 12:6

It seems as though one little sparrow is all but worthless, thrown in for nothing, as it were, if five were bought instead of two. Yet, not one of them is forgotten before God. Then the Saviour assures us, "Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows." He who cares for these tiny birds will care for me and it pleases Him that I should trust Him. ~Jim Flanagan

Simply trusting every day;

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small

Trusting Jesus, that is all.  ~Edgar P. Stites

Saturday, June 19

But he seemed as one that mocked (joked).  ~Genesis 19:14

When Lot tried to warn his sons-in-law of God's impending judgment, they thought he was joking! Why? Because of the way he was living. An important man of this world, Lot's job and position seemed to mean more to him than God's blessings. Consequently his life indicated to these young men that eternal values were not important! Tragically when they heard eternal truth from such a man, they couldn't believe it and were destroyed when the judgment fell, while Lot himself lost everything he had been living for! What is my family learning from the way I am living my life?  ~David Croudace

Jesus has set the example, dauntless was He, true and brave;

Give Him your loyal devotion, give Him the best that you have.  ~H. Grose

Give thee

 from "Old Collection"

I found several Daily Readings (not sure of the year) that were ripped off a pad and saved. This one says it's from Friday May 31st, but don't know what year. Interesting to see what concerned me whenever this was.

Ask what I shall give thee.   ~1 Kings 3:5

Early in Solomon's reign, God asked, "What shall I give you?" Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth. While the Lord doesn't promise wealth to those who follow Him, He gives us what we need, if we put His matters first (Mt. 6:31-33). Setting our sights on riches will leave us dissatisfied because we will always want more. In fact the failing of man is not so much in possessing as in wanting. But if we put God and His work first, He will satisfy our deepest needs. Which would you rather have?      ~Dennis R. Crump

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

First wake up

from "Old Collection"

by Monica Baldwin

"I have always felt that the moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the 24 hours. No matter how weary you feel, you possess the certainty that anything may happen. The fact that it practically always doesn't matters not one jot. The possibility is there." 

Dearness only

 by Thomas Paine

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

(from "Old Collection")

Quotable women

 from "Old Collection"

I had this titled "Quotable Women" and numbered, but when I looked up who said what, one of the quotes was from a guy. Oh well.

"You must do the things you think you cannot do."  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm." ~Sidonie-Gabrielle Collette

"Life begets life.

Energy creates energy.

It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich."

~Sarah Bernhardt

"Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans."  ~Robert Balzer

"I don't wait for moods.

You accomplish nothing if you do that.

Your mind must know that it has got to get down to earth."  ~Pearl S. Buck

"Why not seize the pleasure at once? How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!"  ~Jane Austen

"Trouble is a part of your life, and if you don't share it, you don't give the person who loves you enough chance to love you enough."  ~Dinah Shore

"You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you."  ~Mary Tyler Moore

"...the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances."

~Martha Washington

"I like living.

I have sometimes been wildly,

despairingly, acutely miserable,

racked with sorrow,

but through it all

I still know quite certainly

that just to be alive is a grand thing."

~Agatha Christie

"If you have made mistakes...there is always another chance for you...you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."

~Mary Pickford

"...that is the best - to laugh with someone because you both think the same things are funny."

~Gloria Vanderbilt

"The psychic scars caused by believing that you are ugly leave a permanent mark on your personality."

~Joan Rivers

"It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head."  ~Sally Kempton

"Just remember, we are all in this alone."  ~Lily Tomlin

(my addition: not really, because God is always with us)

"Always there remain portions of our heart into which no one is able to enter, invite them as we may."

~Mary Dixon Thayer

"I always feel that the great high privilege, relief and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing."  ~Katherine Mansfield

"'Stay' is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary." ~Louisa May Alcott

"Superior people never make long visits."  ~Marianne Moore

"Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction."  ~Anne Sullivan

"One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done."

~Marie Curie

"To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work." ~Sister Mary Lauretta

"It is the friends you can call at 4 am that matter."  ~Marlene Dietrich

"If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends - you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it - that's the time to hold your tongue."  ~Alice Miller

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."  ~Twyla Tharp

"The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next."  ~Ursula K. LeGuin

My friend

 from Charlotte's Web

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked.

"I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."

"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte.

"That in itself is a tremendous thing."

Spongebob

 from 3 am Thoughts

Spongebob:  What if I break your trust someday?

Patrick:  Trusting you is my decision, proving me wrong is your choice.

Favorite line.

Not happy

 Only people who are not happy with themselves are mean to others.

Remember that.

Exciting adventure

 from "Old Collection"

James L Framo:

"People do not marry people, not real ones anyway; they marry what they think the person is; they marry illusions and images. The exciting adventure of marriage is finding out who the partner really is."

The fullest

from "Old Collection"

May God inspire you to live each day to the fullest 

Live each day to the fullest.

Get the most from each hour, each day,

and each age of your life.

Then you can look forward with confidence,

and back without regrets.

Be yourself, but be your best self.

Dare to be different

and to follow your own star.

And don't be afraid to be happy.

Enjoy what is beautiful.

Love with all your heart and soul.

Believe that those you love, love you.

When you are faced with decision,

make that decision as wisely as possible - then forget it.

The moment for absolute certainty never arrives.

And above all remember that

God helps those who help themselves.

Act as if everything depended upon you,

and pray as if everything depended upon God.

Pressed

 from "Old Collection"

Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;

Pressed so intensely, it seems beyond strength;

Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul.

Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll;

Pressed by foes and pressure by friends;

Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends,

Pressed into knowing no helper but God;

Pressed into loving the staff and the rod;

Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;

Pressed into faith for impossible things.

Pressed into living a life in the Lord,

Pressed into living a Christ life outpoured.

Worthwhile person

 from "Old Collection"

(This seemed to be from my graduation cards too, but seemed to deserve its own post).

If you put truth

above your own desires

and value as friends

who feel the same,

If you take pride in things

that you've accomplished

and when you're wrong

stand up and take the blame...

If you can

understand your limitations

and not waste time

on tasks beyond your scope,

But take the future

as a brand-new challenge 

That you can meet

with confidence and hope,

If you can listen to those

who would advise you

and then judge for yourself

just what is right,

If you can keep in touch

with all about you

and settle differences

without a fight...

If you can find delight in simple pleasures

and see the rainbow - not the falling rain,

If you can lose - and never give up trying,

Believing that there's nothing done in vain,

If you can staunchly stick by 

your convictions

and not let others set your

goals for you,

If you can be as practical as 

need be

and still remember sometimes

dreams come true,

If you can live the life 

that you believe in 

and trust your judgment 

and maturity,

Then you'll be not just happy

and successful,

But the worthwhile person

you are meant to be.

Graduation cards (mine)

 from "Old Collection"

(These are things I had written down from some of MY graduation cards)

Within our reach

lies every path

we ever dream of taking

Within our power

lies every step

we ever dream of making

Within our range

lies every joy

we ever dream of seeing...

Within ourselves

lies everything

we ever dream of being.

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

...with God all things are possible

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

Each moment you live

has a purpose,

So strive hard in all

that you do,

For with love in your heart

and trust in the Lord

Every dream that you have can come true!

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

Lord,

make me an instrument of Your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not

So much seek to be consoled, as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

It is in dying

that we are born to eternal life.

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

Let your dreams 

be as constant

as the North Star

to guide you

On your voyage through life.

Follow them and be happy.

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

I am not afraid of tomorrow,

for I have seen yesterday

and I love today.

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

There is nothing beyond the reach of determination.

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

You have every reason

to be proud

of what you've done.

The goals that you have achieved

and the success

that you have won --

And you have every reason

to pursue the goals you've set

With a feeling of assurance

that they can,

and will, be met.

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

To accomplish great things,

we must not only act

but also dream,

not only plan

but also believe.

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

Only as high as I reach

can I grow

Only as far as I seek can I go,

Only as deep as I look can I see,

Only as much as I dream can I be.

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

Whatever you wish,

Whatever you dream.

Whatever you hope

to achieve...

Whatever you try for,

Whatever your plan...

It is yours if you only believe.

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

A dream is a path to the future,

a quiet belief in the heart,

A small, secret wish

nurtured deep in the spirit

where all great accomplishments start...

A dream is an endless horizon

that only the dreamer can see --

A dream is a challenge

to all that you are...

A promise of all you can be!

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

May every dream you're dreaming,

Every hope and plan come true,

May happiness surround you

In everything you do --

May graduation be the start,

Of a future that will bring,

Success, good friends, good fortune,

And the best of everything!

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

To know the joy of living

is to know life's worthwhile things:

The satisfaction of work well done,

the joy that friendship brings...

It's counting up a lifetime,

not by the years we've spent,

But by our store of memories

and by our heart's content.

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

Behind every success is ambition,

Behind every ambition is effort,

Behind every effort is someone

who's willing to try.

Love someone

 from "Old Collection"

by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

When you love someone, you do not love him or her exactly the same way, moment to moment. It is an impossibility. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on continuity, when the only continuity possible is in growth, in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass but partners in the same pattern. The only real security in a relationship lies neither looking back in nostalgia, nor forward in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now.

Why worry?

 from "Old Collection"

There are only two things to worry about:

Either you are well or you are sick.

If you are well, there's nothing to worry about.

But if you are sick,

there are only two things to worry about:

Either you get well or you die.

If you get well, there's nothing to worry about.

But if you die, there are only two things to worry about:

Either you will go to heaven or hell.

If you go to heaven, there's nothing to worry about.

But if you go to hell

You'll be so busy shaking hands with friends

You won't have time to worry. 

(I liked this until the end...)

Only way

 from "Old Collection"

The only way you can make a man trustworthy is to trust him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him and show your distrust.

Make our love felt

 from "Old Collection"

by Lou Buscaglia

The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our encouragement, who need our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.

Secret of happiness

 from "Old Collection"

by John Burroughs

I have discovered the secret of happiness - 

it it is work, 

either with the hands or the head.

The moment I have something to do,

the draughts are open and my chimney draws,

and I am happy.

Catch hold

 from "Old Collection"

Cast your lure of faith

deep into the sea of God's faithfulness

and catch hold of one of His promises.

In His time

 from "Old Collection"

I wait on God

to bring to pass

all He has promised me,

and as I wait

I rest in faith

for what I cannot see.

For in His way

He will provide

at just the perfect time

everything that's

good and right

to bless this life of mine.

Leadership

 from "Old Collection"

Leadership.

It doesn't appear magically

it grows within a person,

through learning,

through experience,

through taking the bull

by the horns and going out

and doing something,

rather than sitting back

and letting someone else

determine the course of your life.

Be a leader.

Truly free

 from "Old Collection"

To be truly free

is to be the one

making the choices;

choices about your life

and the factors

that affect it,

both now and in the future.

When given the chance

to gain that freedom,

take hold of it with both hands,

for it is a beautiful

and powerful thing.

Do not choose to

 from "Old Collection"

As attached as partners are in long marriages are to one another, they could live alone and manage if necessary because each remains an individual, whole and intact in the midst of their partnership. If they had to, they each could survive without the other. They simply do not choose to.

Remember anything

 from 3 am Thoughts

If you remember anything of me, 

after I leave this world, remember

that I loved even when it was

foolish. That I cared even when it

was unwanted.

When my body is gone remember my heart.

God's patience

 from @blessedlifeofficial

Don't mistake God's

patience for His absence.

His timing is perfect and

His presence is constant.

He's always with you.

Pull you out

 by Kimberly Henderson, Proverbs 31 Ministries

(THIS!)

I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine.

I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul's spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king.

I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.

I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.

And oh friend. I want to you pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce. He knows the beauty this hardship will grow. He's watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. He's promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.

So instead of trying to pull you out, I'm lifting you up. I'm kneeling before the Father and I'm asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I'm asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I'm asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I'm asking Him how I can best love you and be a help to you. I'm believing He's going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for the road you've been on.

MSU and kindergarten

Definitely from "Old Collection"- cut out of the campus newspaper (The State News) at Michigan State. This was written by a 1991 graduate.

Of MSU and kindergarten

by Cammie Pohl

   In a book published a few years ago, the author, Robert Fulghum, affirms that he learned everything he really needed to know in kindergarten. Lessons like "Don't hit," "Play fair," "Don't take things that are not yours," and "Warm cookies and milk are good for you. True, we may gather many values, skills, habits and dreams during our early years, but what if we stopped there? What about all the ideas, information and abilities we have made our own since? What if we were to be suddenly shorn of what we have learned in the last few years at MSU? I, for one, would be bereft. Missing would be the knowledge that I need to follow my career. The first thing I learned at MSU was that I had chosen the wrong field of study - and for the wrong reasons. I then followed my heart and went against advice from both family and friends and chose journalism, but was a lot happier. Then I learned a degree alone would not get me a job. I realized hard work, dedication and self-motivation would lead me on a path to my career. I realized the value of experience to be gained through internships. The internships in which I participated taught me what books and lectures could not. These programs gave me an added insight on what would be expected of me as a new member in my field.

As a student at MSU, I benefitted from my professors' wealth of knowledge. Those teaching in my major shared advice and anecdotes which added to my understanding of the business. 

Missing would be the friendships that have enriched my life. Friends such as Spiro, who was one of my first and best friends I made here at MSU.

He helped me change from a very naive freshman into someone who better understands myself and others, as well as the world around me. A friend who coached me through the early days here, which were so terrifying, and then cheered for my achievements.

I would not have had the opportunity to live with a house full of men. Their practical jokes kept me on my toes, laughing and light at heart - even when I was totally stressed out - not to mention their insight on the more baffling sex.

I wouldn't have lived with my two crazy roommates those first two years. Through our experiences and misadventures, I established my system of values and beliefs I have continued to carry with me. I surely would not have met Tom, my fiance, someone who loves the person I have become while attending MSU. Missing would be the confidence I have gained as I met the challenges that come with pursuing a university degree. I gained confidence as I grew into an adult by making my own decisions and finding I could live with them and learn from them, even though some were wrong. I gained confidence every time I was able to deal with a person with ideas different than my own. And every time I learned another building on campus, or when I finally figured out how to use the library, I gained a little more confidence in myself and my ability to be an independent adult. But most of all, I would have missed the opportunity to experience the world of diversity as it is epitomized on the MSU campus, and to see this diversity at work to the advantage of all. There has been the opportunity to share ideas with students from East Lansing and the East Indies; to sit in class where opinions are aired reflecting London, Ontario, and London, England; to ponder and question philosophies utterly foreign to me, and find that I may not accept the beliefs, but I do not reject the believer. 

No, I did not learn everything I need to know in kindergarten. Nor have I learned it since. As we graduate and leave behind our University, we will find there is still much we need to know if we are to succeed in our professional and personal lives. But I feel ready to meet those challenges, prepared by my years of schooling from kindergarten on - and particularly my years at MSU. May you share my confidence that there is a special place out there waiting for us, because we are graduates of MSU.

A believer knows

Instead of wishing or hoping for something to happen, a believer knows that their hope is solid, concrete evidence because it is grounded in the Word of God and we know that God cannot lie. (Hebrews 6:18, Numbers 23:19)

Hebrews 6:18

"...that lay two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us."

Numbers 23:19

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

One day

 by Toby Mac

One day all of us in 

Christ will sit around

an enormous table

exquisitely set with

a feast of rich

foods, prepared in

divine kitchens.

No one will be left out.

No one will be alone.

No one will be nameless.

No one unknown.

No one with nowhere to go.

We will finally be home.

Distant

 from 3 am Thoughts

I do not get mad.

I get distant.

Restore to you

This verse was brought up at the last Grace Group meeting when Nance B. said how her recent raise at work covered what she lost this year on her Airbnb:

Joel 2:25

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,

The crawling locust,

The consuming locust,

And the chewing locust,

My great army which I sent among you.

Perfect heart

 from "Old Collection"

(This one actually had a date on it - it was a forwarded email from my mom dated 2/21/01)

PERFECT HEART

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen.

The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart. Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said "Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine."

The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges.

In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing. The people stared - how can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought?

The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw its state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said. "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears."

"Yes," said the old man, "yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love - I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges - giving love is taking a chance.

Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?"

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out.

He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges. The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man's heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked side by side.

I wonder what GOD'S heart looks like? How many gouges are still empty? GOD gave each and everyone of us a piece of his heart when he offered His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Those scars run deep.

Have you replaced the gouge in GOD'S heart, the gouge that GOD Himself pulled out just for you?

Then give your whole heart to His Son, Jesus Christ, and the LORD, GOD Creator of the Universe will create in you a clean heart more beautiful than both the hearts mentioned in the story above.

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.'"

(John 14:6)

All my life

 from "Old Collection"

All My Life

"All my life I waited for someone like you. I remember praying often and asking God to bring the person He had chosen for me. There were times when, in my own impatience, I'd launch out and try to make something happen. But God would assure me to have a quiet heart and trust Him. If I had known then who God had in mind for me, it would have been much harder to wait. When I first met you, I knew I wanted you. The more I got to know you, the more I knew how perfect you were for me, and I am so thankful I waited and so happy that I am now a part of your life, and that you are a part of mine. It means so much to me to know that you are God's gift to me and that He has allowed us to walk together...to live united...and to share our hearts in love. HOW SPECIAL AND DEAR YOU ARE TO ME."

An oyster

 from "Old Collection"

"I realized it had functioned exactly as a seed in an oyster is supposed to - as an irritant, never letting the oyster alone until it's built something beautiful."

A matter of

 from "Old Collection"

"I guess there were people who lied to others. But, I realized, there were plenty who didn't lie. It was a matter of trust, but of something else too. It was a matter of letting other people explain things and keeping an open mind that helps build trust."

No distance

 from "Old Collection"

"...But no distance can keep us apart, as long as you are here in my heart..."

The years

 from "Old Collection"

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The years teach much which the days never know.

The best

 from "Old Collection"

by John Greenleaf Whittier

No longer forward nor behind

I look in hope or fear;

But grateful, take the good I find,

The best of now and here.

Lure of faith

 from "Old Collection"

Cast your lure of faith deep in the sea of God's faithfulness and catch hold of one of His promises.

Dreams

 from "Old Collection"

If you have a dream inside of your heart don't ever let it go.
For dreams can be the tiny seeds from which tomorrows grow.

In His time

 from "Old Collection"

In His Time

I wait on God

to bring to pass

all He has promised me,

and as I wait

I rest in faith

for what I cannot see.

For in His way

He will provide

at just the perfect time

everything that's

good and right

to bless this life of mine.

Trust Me

 from "Old Collection"

Trust Me. I have everything under control.   -Jesus

As unto Me

I guess I've been collecting quotes and inspirational sayings for quite some time. I found a lot of them when I was cleaning out some papers/storage bins. I think as I am entering them on my blog I will refer to them as "Old Collection" so nobody thinks that any of these things are happening now. 

As Unto Me

Others may not notice your efforts or give you recognition for something you've done. The credit may even go to someone else. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I am pleased by your service and will honor your obedience.

There may be times when a job you have done will be rejected. Something you have prepared may be delayed or cancelled. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I see all things and will bless the work of your hands.

You may do your very best but have your labors fail. You may sacrifice time and money to help someone and receive no words of appreciation. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I am your reward and will repay you.

There may be times when you go out of your way to help others and later have them ignore you. You may be loyal on your job and still have someone promoted ahead of you. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I will not fail you or make you be ashamed.

You may forgive others only to have them hurt you again. You may reach out to bless others only to have them take advantage of your kindness. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I know your heart and will comfort you.

You may speak the truth but be considered wrong by others. You may do something with good intentions and be completely misunderstood. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I understand and will not disappoint you.

There may be times when keeping your word means giving up something you would like to do. There may be times when a commitment will mean sacrificing a personal pleasure. ~ Do it anyway, as unto Me, for I am your friend and will bless you with My presence.

Heal

 by Toby Mac

Heal.

So when someone tells you they love you.

You may allow yourself to believe them.

My delights

Bible Gateway Verse of the Day

Psalm 119:143

Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,

Yet your commandments are my delight.

That's it!

 from T.D. Jakes Ministries

Your blessing doesn't come when you see a small cloud and ask, "That's it?" -

it comes when you see the same cloud, shout and say, "THAT'S IT!"

Lying

 by Toby Mac

Your anxiety is lying to you.

You are loved.

And going to be okay.

The world

 Bible Gateway Verse of the Day

1 John 2:15-16

Do Not Love the World

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world.

Extravagant

 

I was listening to the song by Casting Crowns called, "Your Love is Extravagant." I decided to look up the definition of extravagant:

-lacking restraint in spending money or using resources

-costing too much money

-exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; absurd

Thunders marvelously

 Bible Gateway Verse of the Day

Job 37:5-6

God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth;" Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.

Seriously wrong

 by Martin Lloyd Jones

There is something seriously wrong with the man who is praised by everybody.

Never know

 from 3 am Thoughts

You will never truly know how damaged a person is until you try to love them.

Something different

 from HpLyrikz.com

The truth is the more intimately you know someone, the more clearly you'll see their flaws. That's just the way it is. That is why marriages fail, why children are abandoned, why friendships don't last.  You might think you love someone until you see the way they act when they're out of money or under pressure or hungry, for goodness' sake. Love is something different. Love is choosing to serve someone and be with someone in spite of their filthy heart. Love is patient and kind, love is deliberate. Love is hard. Love is pain and sacrifice, it's seeing the darkness in another person and defying the impulse to jump ship.

Normal

 Quote from Morticia Addams from The Addams Family

Normal is an illusion.

What is normal for the spider,

is chaos for the fly.

Overrides

 by Tony Evans

Faith does not automatically remove fear.

It overrides it.

Makes a way

 From @blessedlifeofficial

God didn't remove the Red Sea, He parted it.

Sometimes God doesn't remove your problems,

He makes a way through them.

Your soul

 from Thinking Minds

Your soul is what makes you attractive.

Greatest test

 From @blessedlifeofficial

The greatest test of faith 

is when you don't get 

what you want, but still,

you are able to say,

"Thank You, Lord."

The more

The more you trust God.

The more He amazes you.

Shutting down

 From 3 am Thoughts

Me shutting down is far worse than me blowing up.

I promise.

Make it work

 From PoemsVibe

You can't just give up on someone because the situation's not ideal.

Great relationships aren't great because they have no problems.

They're great because both people care enough about the other person

to find a way to make it work.

Productive

 from Thinking Minds

Taking care of yourself is productive.

The storm

 by Max Lucado

Don't let this

storm you're in 

turn you inward.

Let the storm

turn you upward.

The wound

 from Toby Mac

Be grateful for the wound that pushes you toward God.