One day Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts, proclaiming to all the good news…. when the chief priests and teachers of the law and the elders came up to question His views..
“Who gave you this authority?” they asked, for He’d just driven out all who would buy or sell. He’d said they’d made the temple a den of thieves, rather than a house where prayer could dwell.
Jesus answered them back with a question of His own about whether they could recognize…if John the Baptist’s ministry was of his own initiative–or was it divine in God’s eyes?
Before they answered, they debated among themselves on which answer would be best. If they said it was from heaven, they knew He would ask why they then hadn’t believed John was blessed.
But if they said John was acting only on his own, they feared they would actually be stoned… for all the people felt that John had been a prophet, and such an answer wouldn’t be condoned.
So their final reply on where John had gotten his authority was that they really didn’t know– Then Jesus answered them that neither would He reveal the source of His ministry’s flow.
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Jesus went on to tell the story of a man who planted a vineyard and decided to rent it out. He journeyed to a distant land for some time, but sent one of his servants back on the route…
to collect his share of the harvest one day; but the renters beat him, and he returned in lack. The vineyard owner sent a second, then a third servant, who also received the same kind of an attack.
So he came to consider that he would send his only son–surely, they’d give respect in that case– Well, they not only beat him, but they killed the heir as well, thinking then they might own the place.
Jesus asked what they thought the owner would do to those who had done this thing…. He said he would come to destroy them in turn and give the vineyard to others whom he would bring.
This upset the chief priests, teachers, and elders as they realized he was speaking of them in the story. Some said no one would do such a thing, but Jesus brought up scripture that spoke to them of His glory….
What was the meaning, then, He asked, of “The stone which the builders rejected–has become the chief cornerstone” — Of course, therein His own life and ministry were reflected.
You see, the Jewish nation was the vineyard; the chief priests and others like them were tenants of the land. Through the years they’d not heeded God’s servants, the prophets–now His Son they were rejecting on every hand.
This parable speaks of God, the Father, who sent His prophets, then His Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord. As in the parable, He’ll return through His Son–and those who’ve put faith in Him will have great reward….
P. A. Oltrogge
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22
One quiet morning I sat down and began thinking of situations I faced that seemed impossible. The Lord gently said to me, Write all the things that seemed impossible but happened.
I pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen, sat at my desk, and began writing a list of the impossible circumstances, mindsets, health concerns, and financial obstacles that once seemed unlikely to resolve. While writing this ever-growing list of my past, one by one, the memories of the challenges flooded my mind. I felt gratitude to God for changing those impossibilities into possibilities that are now testimonies. I filled multiple pages with these former hardships and my soul filled with joy because of what God did to turn those things around for my good and how He empowered me to take action as well.
Next, God said, Write the things that currently seem impossible in your life.
I grabbed more paper and wrote a list of things that seemed impossible in my life at that moment. I sat the lists side-by-side, and this changed my perspective. The current list of impossible circumstances became a list of things that had “not yet” occurred opposed to things that will “never” occur. I felt joy as I thought of looking at this list in the future and rejoicing over what the Lord did to transform my circumstances.
Luke 1:37 (NKJV) states, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”
This Scripture reminds us that God does not have limits like we do as humans. He can do anything He desires.
What situations are you facing that seem impossible to overcome? What situations from your past once seemed impossible but happened anyway? Consider making a list of the things God did in your past. This list can serve as an encouragement for you now while facing new trials.
Matthew 19:26 says, Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Humans face impossibilities, but God does not. Remember this as you overcome the challenges you face. Trust God to do the impossible for you.
Prayer: Dear God, I am facing situations that seem impossible. I know through You, nothing is impossible. Help me focus on Your possibilities instead of my limitations. Help me remember the impossibilities I once faced but have overcome. Help me to place my hope in You as I wait. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dayna has been with CBN since 2005. She is an Employee Engagement Manager unifying CBN and OB staff through technology, communication, and prayer. She has a Master’s of Business Administration and graduated from Regent University with a Master of Divinity. She enjoys family time, reading, running, weightlifting, fishing, and traveling in her spare time.
Jesus told the story of a man left half dead, having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.
There was no one to help the man until a priest came by; but he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.
After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site, but he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.
Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal, forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.
He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine– “Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”
He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day; the next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.
“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back.” His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.
Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three. A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…
not pass up opportunities to help any who may need our care; but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.
(postscript to the above…)
Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test– “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He thought that he knew this best.
Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.
If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes, yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.
Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command. But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.
By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan– Love God and love your fellow man.
But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way– Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord, from then until this present day.
P. A. Oltrogge
1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”
Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”
From Luke 10:25-28 and Luke 10:29-37 From John 13:13-15
Yes, Christians, in every walk of life, are working to persuade…that “the way” to eternal life for every person has been made.
Because of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection–through Him, our Father God sees any believer in perfection.
And you don’t have to take one Christian’s word alone, for there’ve been many testimonies that conclusively have shown…
that Jesus is alive! His Father is still giving time to decide, to accept His invitation, which is going out worldwide…
to be a part of His kingdom through Jesus, His spotless Lamb–an invitation very graciously extended by the great “I AM.”
Please respond as soon as you can; one thing unknown is the exact date–of when things will come to a close, so it’s very wise not to wait.
There are really just two kingdoms, one of darkness and one of light. Come into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the only choice that’s right.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Jesus’ words, John 3:16-17
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” Jesus’ words, John 5:24
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12 NIV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].” 2 Corinthians 5:11 AMP
(“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.” 2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT)
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Jesus, Matthew 24:36-37
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
I’m hoping that this poem makes a little bit of sense– I’m reminded today that it’s not good to be tense. But it’s best to look to Jesus in situations big or small, for He’s the problem solver, we know, after all.
I’m thinking of those who race horses and know a lot about keeping a horse calm, despite the crowds that shout, and from distraction by other horses that are running in a race– they use blinders to keep the horse focused to better win first place.
I want to look to Jesus only and keep thanking the Lord, for faith pleases Him; and those who seek Him find reward. “The battle is the Lord’s” was David’s decree against the giant– faith in the Almighty made a “Goliath” problem be compliant.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” David’s words to the Philistine, Goliath, in 1 Samuel 17:47
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-6
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
(Blinders, also known as blinkers, have been shown to help some horses stay focused in a race.)
…photo by Paul Kehrer (see original archived post for photographer link)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John14:34-36
If I loved you, I would speak of the One who made earth, the stars, sun and moon…If I loved you, I’d say, though we don’t know when, Jesus could return for us soon.
If I loved you, I would tell you to realize that there’s more than this life only…If I loved you, I would tell you, you have “family”–we need never be lonely.
If I loved you, I would encourage you to find a church online or locally…If I loved you, I would tell you it’s a blessing to give your heart to Jesus totally.
If I loved you, I would tell of the great importance of loving and forgiving others, for Jesus said that those who hear and do God’s word are His mother and brothers.
If I loved you, I’d encourage you to give into God’s kingdom and reap rewards…present and eternal ones, for the principle of “sowing and reaping” is the Lord’s.
If I loved you, I’d say that Christ is the only way to God that anyone can find…If I loved you, I’d say that you must leave all inadequate religious traditions behind.
If I loved you, I would say that you can pray and experience Jesus, too…If I loved you, I’d say to turn to Him as Savior–the most important thing you can do.
If I loved you, I wouldn’t let another day go by without making sure that I know…that you’re coming along with all who are in the “family of God,” for I DO love you so!
…as, with deepest love, does God….
“For God so loved the world that He gave Hisonly begotten Son, that whoever believes in Himshould not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“We love Him because He firstloved us.” 1 John 4:19
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6
“And it was told Him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.’But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’” Luke 8:20-21
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:9-17 NLT
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-5
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 NIV
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work…..He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:12, 20-21
…from John 11 on the death and raising of Lazarus…
“Now Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.’”
“Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time, there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?’”
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So often in life we turn to logical courses and reason; but now’s an opportune time—in fact, in any season, to trust the good Lord for help that’s supernatural, instead of leaning so heavily on mainly the factual.
In the Biblical story of Martha’s brother, Lazarus, who had died, she seemed to sense that her brother’s death could still be defied. Yet, when the Lord said that someone should open the cave tomb door, she reasoned about the time that had passed and other facts in store.
“By this time” became Martha’s very predominant thought, instead of remembering the miracles that Jesus had already wrought. Likewise, in a crisis, we know that God can come through still; but let’s be assured that healing and restoration are always His will.
P. A. Oltrogge
Postscript:
It’s sometimes thought that miracles are few and far between; but, whether instant or more gradual, they’re frequently being seen.
“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.’ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’” John 11:41-44 NKJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV
“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
“He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” Matthew 8:16-17
And Mark 11:23-26
Today’s post,“The Month of Miracles, Part 2,” by Dutch Sheets is found at: http://www.givehim15.com
“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
“And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.
“Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:35-38
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There wasn’t any kind of sickness or disease which Jesus couldn’t cure. Today, He’s still alive; and, of His mighty healing power, we can be equally sure.
Jesus felt compassion for the multitudes, knowing that they were downcast and distressed. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were in need of His touch to be blessed.
It’s still the same in the world today–there’s need for healing and protection, even from any plague. But of greatest need is healing for the soul–as the ability to know God, for many people, has seemed vague.
Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and that we’re to pray for workers to bring it in before the night. And we ourselves can answer the call to share with others, near or far, about His love and light.
Yes, “like sheep without a shepherd” is descriptive of multitudes still today. Open their eyes, heavenly Father, to the Lord Jesus, as their healer, Savior, and Shepherd. This, for them, we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Lost No More” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com
“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14 NASB
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NKJV
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NASB
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NKJV
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Type “101 Things God Said About Healing” (or just 101) into the search bar for scripture references on healing.
Today’s post,“The Month of Miracles, Part 2,” by Dutch Sheets is found at: http://www.givehim15.com
“Expect a miracle” is the very important and faith-filled phrase…that God gave Oral Roberts, who relied on it, giving Him praise.
“Expect a miracle” was reflected in Jesus’ life, by the things He did or said. His was a life of great faith in His Father–thereby, He even raised people from the dead.
As disciples of the Lord, we can’t let our faith be clouded by doubt…but thinking “Expect a Miracle,” and saying so, can help bring a miracle about.
Knowing how great our God is, on Him, our thoughts should stay. We can believe we receive miraculous answers at any time that we do pray.
As for looking at things that were contrary, where it seemed God didn’t come through…God understands what happened at those times; it’s not for us to do.
Just keep your focus on God’s promises as you walk out on life’s waters. “Expect a miracle” will serve you well–we’re God’s faith-filled sons and daughters!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:20-26
Instead of worry, we take no thought…
“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” Luke 12:25-26
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NKJV
Oh, how our souls are often in need of words that are sweet, for it’s so very easy in life to have thoughts of defeat.
Finding words of encouragement, perhaps from a Psalm, will go a long way in helping to keep our thoughts calm.
And the words that we ourselves speak should always be trained to be gracious and uplifting, as God has ordained.
Pleasant words, kind words, are words that will nourish. By them, the lives of others and our own lives will flourish.
P. A. Oltrogge
“A word filly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 AMP
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NKJV
“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” Psalm 31:19 NKJV
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:3 NASB
“Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility, count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 RSV
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love foroneanother, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” 1 Peter 4:8 NKJV
“But He (Jesus) answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NKJV
“Surely goodnesss and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NKJV
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
photo by a bee-keeper friend…
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:103-104 NKJV
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” 1 Chronicles 16:34 RSV