A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
(Proverbs 21:2 -- NIV)

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep.  Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

(Revelation 5:5 -- CSB)

 But all who are among the living have hope, because a living dog is better than a dead lion.
(Ecclesiastes 9:4 -- GW)

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

(John 14:2 -- NIV)

When surrounded by a world of enemies, Martin Luther said,
“You can expect from me everything save fear and recantation.  I shall not flee, much less recant;” and,

“Not go to Worms!  I shall go to Worms though there were as many devils as tiles on the roofs;” and,

“Here I stand; I can do no other;” and,

“I was afraid of nothing; God can make one so desperately bold.”

"Lord, pay attention to their threats now, and allow us to speak your word boldly."
(Acts 4:29 -- GW) 

 

 

A person may
plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.
(Proverbs 16:9 -- GW)


Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/footprints-in-the-sand-gm1025933264-275167080

About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.  I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, "Saul!  Saul!  Why do you persecute me?"  
"Who are you, Lord?" I asked. 
"I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting," he replied.
(Acts 22:6-8 -- NIV)

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
(Hebrews 11:3 -- ESV)



Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/double-rainbow-gm535511370-94977029

Acknowledge the power of God.  His majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies.
(Psalm 68:34 -- GW)

Wine makes people mock, liquor makes them noisy, and everyone under their influence is unwise.

(Proverbs 20:1 -- GW)

"Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea.  It gathered all kinds of fish.  When it was full, they pulled it to the shore.  Then they sat down, gathered the good fish into containers, and threw the bad ones away."
(Matthew 13:47-48 -- GW)

Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.
(Psalm 39:6b -- CSB)

Photo:  https://us.fotolia.com/id/115347218?lightbox_page=2

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!"
(Matthew 25:23 -- NIV)

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
(Proverbs 23:22 -- ESV)

"We thank You, our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept us this night from all harm and danger; and we pray that You would keep us this day also from sin and every evil, that all our doings and lives may please You.  For into Your hands we commend ourselves, our bodies and souls, and all things. Let Your holy angels be with us, that the evil foe may have no power over us.   Amen." 

(Luther's morning prayer, modified from singular to plural)

Whenever I form clouds over the earth, a rainbow will appear in the clouds.
(Genesis 9:14 -- GW)

Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/rainbow-in-dark-sky-gm1005756566-271501617

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

(Stephen Covey)

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

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!
(By Thomas Chisholm)

Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/rows-of-corn-gm874147140-244094511

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 -- NIV)

He created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.  Whether they are kings or lords, rulers or powers—everything has been created through him and for him.  He existed before everything and holds everything together.
(Colossians 1:16-17 -- GW)

Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/purple-petunias-gm1014570994-273105414

Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns?

(Job 1:10a -- CSB)

God has shown us his love by sending his only Son into the world so that we could have life through him.  This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.
(1 John 4:9-10 -- GW)

Photo (as below):  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/globe-and-bible-gm1013596974-272917410

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

(Psalm 68:19 -- NIV)

Whoever practices discipline is on the way to life, but whoever ignores a warning strays.
(Proverbs 10:17 -- GW)

Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/diving-duck-gm961909688-262689277

"If you love me, you will obey my commandments."

(John 14:15 -- GW)

Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work.  If one falls, the other can help his friend get up.  But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls.  There is no one to help him get up.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 -- GW)

Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/two-longhorns-gm982068684-266692216

I will say to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
(Psalm 91:2 -- GW)

Prepare to meet your God.
(Amos 4:12b -- GW)

Photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/exploding-fireworks-gm990569584-268484630

Happy
Friday
. . .





Key words:
socialism, lemonade, stand, friend, partners, fan.

Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people of this land, from the highest to the lowest . . .
(1752, George Washington)

Similar photo:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/flag-of-the-usa-gm537324996-95197931

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.  His truth is your shield and armor.  You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon.
(Psalm 91:4-6 -- GW)