Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord
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Pin It Now! Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 

You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 

James 5:7-9

Praise the Lord folks! We made it through February 2021!
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If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.
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Pin It Now! Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. 

For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:13-17
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Do not grow weary of doing good
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Pin It Now! And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9,10

True, we can very easily get tired of doing good. Especially if we feel like we are the "only one" always going above and beyond in our service to others. Today's scripture comes as an encouragement that we should still go on and on and on doing good. Like the energizer bunny that is always upbeat and drumming away to happy tunes. 

So, how can we keep doing good? The Holy Spirit - our Source of love will enable us to do that, if we are truly willing to be obedient to His words today. 


Happy Friday folks! Enjoy your weekend!
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Your labor is not in vain in the Lord
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Pin It Now! Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Amen! Let us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Because our labor is not vain in the Lord. Praise the Lord.
 
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You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
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Pin It Now! “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor  and hate your enemy.’ 

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 

And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48

So, why such hard instructions for us believers? Why are we called to be above par? Or in other words, why can't we be like ordinary humans? The last line says it all: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Only because we represent our Lord Jesus Christ. Most people may never step inside a church, but our homes are the church they will enter in. They may never seek Jesus, but they watch us daily. 

Let us therefore be reflectors of Jesus's light and spreaders His love, going above and beyond our human tendencies...

May God bless your sincere efforts to shine for Him glory! Amen.

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You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not break your oath.'
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Pin It Now! “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 

But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 

And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:33-35

No, we don't need elaborate explanations and guarantee for our words. It is much simpler than that. Let our yes be yes and no be no. 


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You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
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Pin It Now! “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. 

If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Matthew 5:38-42

A little hard to follow - right? Wrong. Because His scripture says,

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.'
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Pin It Now! “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 

And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Matthew 5: 27-30

Let us confess get washed all over again this morning by the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so that we stand sinless in His presence one day. Let us also, shun away from all ungodly relationships and acts that hinder us from growing in the likeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Have a blessed Sunday folks!
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You have heard that it was said, You should not murder.'
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Pin It Now! “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:21-24

Are we of clear conscience now and say we have not murdered? 

Giving heed to the scriptures, let us take the first step to reconcile with our brothers and sisters whom we have offended in some shape, way or form. Shall we?
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We have a friend in Jesus - A friend who never leaves nor forsakes us...
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Pin It Now! You have taken from me friend and neighbor-- darkness is my closest friend. Psalm 88:18

He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. Job 19:13

I am dreaded by my friends--they flee when they see me on the street. Psalm 31:11

My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. Psalm 38:11

Quite a sad plight indeed and you may wonder why share such scripturas for a morning coffee... I believe we are reminded of these scriptures by the Holy Spirit because someone among us can relate to these scriptures word for word - right this moment!

It could be due to the current pandemic, or joblessness, or you just broke up with a relationship and feel that all is bare or worst of all, you lost someone dear...Whatever maybe the situation you find yourself in, dear friend, know that our Lord cares. 

Yes He does. He is our ultimate friend who has promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Can any other human being ever promise us that?!

Trust Him. Yes, blindly trust His words. He knows your loss. He still cares.

And here my friend is a hug for you! Love you in the Lord! Hope you feel better soon... <3 <3 <3  

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Psalm 34:18

For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Job 5:18





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Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die...
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Pin It Now! “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.

Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3:1-6

A warning for us today! To wake up, lest we die... 

Every one of us know exactly where we are dying... maybe it is our prayer life, maybe we are neglecting the fellowship of believers, maybe we lack genuine love for others, whatever it is, today's message comes to alert us that we need to wake up. Shall we heed?

With God's help we sure can. Praise the Lord!
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Why are you cast down, O my soul?
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Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11

A contemplation here by sons of Kora, which we all could relate to from time to time. There is sometime no real reason for our 'downcastedness', but we know we are not our usual self. 

What do we do in such times? I think a good idea would be start a contemplation with God like the sons of Kora in this psalm. Reassuring ourselves that our deliverance is at hand will help for sure. Don't you think?

Now, do not be downcast anymore. Cheer up! Chin up! And praise the Lord!
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The Reward of Service
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He who receives you receives Me, and 
He who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. 

Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and 
Whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.

Matthew 10:40-42

So the questions I would like to set in front of you today are:

* Have you received Jesus Christ the Messiah?
* Have you received the prophets who foretold us about Messiah?
* Have you received the righteous men who follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?
* Have you taken care of the little ones, thus taking care of God Himself?

I hope we all can answer a beaming yes to these questions... 


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Who may dwell in the Lord's sacred tent?
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Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?

Who may live on your holy mountain?

  • The one whose walk is blameless,
  • who does what is righteous,
  • who speaks the truth from their heart;
  • whose tongue utters no slander,
  • who does no wrong to a neighbor,
  • and casts no slur on others;
  • who despises a vile person
  • but honors those who fear the Lord;
  • who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
  • and does not change their mind;
  • who lends money to the poor without interest;
  • who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things

will never be shaken.


~ Psalm 15

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Who do you love? As per these specifics?
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If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

Who do you love? As per these specifics? I am pretty sure all of us fail short. But God loves us just like this - unconditionally. selfishly. abundantly. overflowingly. 

Shall we cherish that today? <3

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Let us go to the potter's house
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Pin It Now! The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! 

The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. 

And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it.

Jeremiah 18:1-10

So, what we learned at the potter's house this morning is that we can not take any blessing or curse for granted. A humble heart can cause a curse to become a blessing indeed and a proud heart will even make a blessing into a curse. Our attitude is key folks! Let us be careful to have the right attitude. 
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Teach me to do your will
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Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Psalm 27:11

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

Teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:26

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Psalm 119:66

Shall we make this our constant prayer too, like King David in his examples here?
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A call to praise the Lord.
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Praise the Lord. 

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and women,
old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

And he has raised up for his people a horn, 
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

~Psalm 148

Within the too bookends of 'Praise the Lord' King David has called in all creations to praise the Lord, for His name alone is exalted! Let us praise Him too. 
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A public prayer by King David
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Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said:

“Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.

“Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name.
But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.
For we are aliens and pilgrims before You,
As were all our fathers;
Our days on earth are as a shadow,
And without hope.

“O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own. I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You. And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the temple for which I have made provision.”

Then David said to all the assembly, “Now bless the Lord your God.” So all the assembly blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the Lord and the king.

1 Chronicles 29:10-20

What a beautiful prayer! We can all take some tips for praising God from King David's words - can't we?
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Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh
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I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

Galatians 5:16-26

Having read both lists above - the fruits of flesh vs. Sprit, which of the fruits do we have more of? Do we call ourselves Spirit filled yet yielding fruits of the flesh? That can't be... :(


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The LORD is our keeper
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I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

your Protector will not slumber.

Behold, the Protector of Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

The sun will not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will guard you from all evil;

He will preserve your soul.

The LORD will watch over your coming and going,

both now and forevermore.


Psalm 121
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Rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD
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“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” 

So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. 

Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.…

Joel 2:112-14

Mercy is extended to us this morning; it is up to us how we react to it...

 


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What shall we render to the Lord for all His benefits toward us?
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I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

The pains of death surrounded me, and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.

Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I implore you, deliver my soul!”

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.

The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.” I said in my haste, “All men are liars.”

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? 

I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people.

Psalm 116:1-14

This is what a famous king did! He offers a toast giving praise to the Lord.

Now, what shall we render to our Lord? How about our full heart?
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Tips for a peaceful sleep
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* Know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

* Be angry, and do not sin.

* Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. 

* Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”

* Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

* You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

* I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

* For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:3-8

There you have it folks! Tips for a peaceful sleep... :)
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Though the mountains be shaken...
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Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Isaiah 49:15

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Psalm 27:10

We would suppose that mountains would never move; a mother would never forget her nursing child, and our parents would never forsake us. 

But all around us we can see evidence of just the opposite happening. Mountains shake in earthquakes, nursing mothers throw away their infants, many parents disown their own children when they go against the parent's wishes.

But then for us the children of God He promises a great assurance, that His peace will not be removed from us; that He will not forget us; and that He will receive us. Praise the Lord!

Shall we praise and thank His from our hearts for these wonderful scriptures He has spoken to us this morning?

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
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Seventh day is for resting
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"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest. Exodus 34:21

For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. Exodus 23:3

For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. Exodus 23:12

For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. Exodus 31:15

Very clear instructions on how to honor the Lord by observing sabbath; yet many of us fail to rest on the sabbath day. It doesn't quite matter which day is considered sabbath, but the idea here is to set aside a day for fellowship of believers in a sacred assembly and rest the rest of the day. 

Seems to be a serious offense if we don't. Shall we give it a thoughtful consideration this year?

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Blessed is the man who ...
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 1Blessed is the man 

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, 

or set foot on the path of sinners, 

or sit in the seat of mockers.

2But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, 

and on His law he meditates day and night.

3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, 

yielding its fruit in season, 

whose leaf does not wither, 

and who prospers in all he does.

4Not so the wicked! 

For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.

5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, 

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, 

but the way of the wicked will perish.

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