Category Archives: Life lessons

“Some Fell On Rocky Places…”

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(All the photos on this post were taken by my sister, Tina!)

Matthew 13:5-6

Some (seed) fell on rocky places,

where it did not have much soil.

It sprang up quickly,

because the soil was shallow.

But when the sun came up,

the plants were scorched,

and they withered because they had no root.”

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 Matthew 13:13-17

Though seeing, they do not see;   

though hearing,

they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;   

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused;   

they hardly hear with their ears,   

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,   

hear with their ears,   

understand with their hearts

and turn,

and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes because they see,

and your ears because they hear.

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people

longed to see what you see

but did not see it,

and to hear what you hear

but did not hear it.”

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Matthew 13:18-23

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:

When anyone hears the message about the Kingdom

and does not understand it,

the evil one comes and snatches away what

was sown in their heart.

This is the seed sown along the path.

The seed falling on rocky ground

refers to someone who hears the Word

and at once receives it with joy.

But since they have no root,

they last only a short time.

When trouble or persecution

comes because of the Word,

they quickly fall away.

The seed falling among the thorns

refers to someone who hears the Word,

but the worries of this life

and the deceitfulness of wealth

choke the Word,

making it unfruitful.

But the seed falling on good soil

refers to someone who hears the Word

and understands it.

This is the one who produces a crop,

yielding a hundred,

sixty 

or thirty times what was sown.”

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Don’t let your heart become calloused!

Open your eyes to

See...

Open your ears to…

Hear the Word

Open your heart to…

Understand the Word

Turn to the Lord…

He will Heal…

So you can be Fruitful

and…

Produce a Crop!!

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Amen!

Every Starry Night Was His Design!!!

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Give your life to the only One…

Who makes the moon reflect the sun!

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(All photos on this post taken by my sister, Tina!)

John 14:6

Jesus answered,

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Chris August explains the story behind the song:

“In ‘Starry Night,’

I sing about how amazed I am

when I look at the stars

or trees blowing in the wind.

People take great pictures

and make great drawings of nature

and I think that’s very creative,

but God was the One who made those things.

There was a void,

and God created everything.

Those are the things I’m thinking about

when I sing the song.

The line in the song,

To the Faith it takes,

to pray and sing,

from the painted sky,

to my plank-filled eye,

He is God of all,

He is everything’

is based on me trying to process my own emotions

and doubts about myself.

I recognize that I’m a sinner.

Sometimes,

singers and pastors can get so caught up

in their popularity and giving messages

that they forget that God gave them everything

including their songs and sermons.

When I have something on my heart,

I pray

and ask God to reveal what He’s trying to tell me.

All of my songs are based on my prayer life.”

To read more about Chris August, go to:

http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=411

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Romans 3:23

“…for all have sinned

and fall short of the glory of God,”

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He’s God of all…
He is everything!

Give your life to the only Son
Who was and is and yet to come!

Let the praises ring…
‘Cause He is everything!!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
I believe!

On that starry night, He changed my life!!

He gave me hope when I had none…
So let the praises ring!

Every angel sings…
That He’s Heavenly!

So let the praises ring!
‘Cause He is everything!

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Psalm 147:4

“He determines the number of the stars   

and calls them each by name.”

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Psalm 148:3

“Praise Him, sun and moon;   

Praise Him, all you shining stars.”

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Matthew 2:9

“After they had heard the king,

they went on their way,

and the star they had seen when it rose

went ahead of them

until it stopped

over the place where the child was.”

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We’re here because of that starry, starry night!!

It was His Design!!

And He’s still guiding wise men, today!

He’s Alive!

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Believe It!!

And Base Your Whole Life Around That Truth!

(We did a human video drama of this song for Fine Arts Competition several years ago…)

So Powerful!!

John 19:35

“The man who saw it

has given testimony,

and his testimony is true.

He knows that he tells the truth,

and he testifies so that you also may believe.”

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The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin’ through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers’ feet

But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told me where she’d been
She said they might have moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone’s been rolled away
And now His body isn’t there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they’d taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Oh, something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn’t lift me very high
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him
Then I saw Him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I’d promised Him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His Name
And even if He was Alive
It wouldn’t be the same

But, suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
The love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I’d ever had
Just melted into peace

He’s Alive!  Yes, He’s Alive!
Yes, He’s Alive, and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s Alive!  Yes, He’s Alive!
Oh ,He’s Alive, and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s Alive!  Yes, He’s Alive!
Hallelujah!!  He’s Alive!
He’s Alive, and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s Alive!  He’s Alive!  He’s Alive!
I believe it!!  He’s Alive!
Sweet Jesus!!

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John 20:19

“On the evening of that first day of the week,

when the disciples were together,

with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,

Jesus came

and stood among them and said,

‘Peace be with you!’

After He said this,

He showed them His hands and side.

The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”

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Acts 1:8-11

“But you will receive power

when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth.

After He said this,

He was taken up before their very eyes,

and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going,

when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

‘Men of Galilee,’

they said,

‘why do you stand here looking into the sky?

This same Jesus,

who has been taken from you into Heaven,

will come back

in the same way you have seen Him go into Heaven.’”

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Acts 2:33

“Exalted to the right hand of God,

He has received from the Father

the promised Holy Spirit

and has poured out

what you now see and hear.”

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Revelation 1:18

“I am the Living One;

I was dead,

and now look,

I am alive for ever and ever!

And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

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He’s Our Risen Savior!

Allow Jesus To Be Alive In Your Life!!

Amen!

You’ve Stolen My Heart, Yes You Have!

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I’ll Sing Your Praise!!!

Romans 1:20

“For since the creation of the world

God’s invisible qualities—

his eternal power

and divine nature—

have been clearly seen,

being understood from what has been made,

so that people are without excuse.”

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Every tree and every stone
Every rushing wind that moans
They sing Your praise
My God, they sing Your praise
Every star and open sky
Tell of Your Glory Divine
They shout Your praise
They shout Your praise, yeah

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You’ve stolen my heart
Yes, You have!
You’ve stolen my heart
Yes, You have!
You’ve wiped away the stains
And broke away the chains
Yes, You have!!

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With Your love, You set me free
Three nails gave me liberty
So I’ll sing Your praise
This is all for You
Oh, with Your love
You forgave my sin
Forgot my past
And brought me back again
So I’ll sing Your praise
I’ll sing Your praise, yeah

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If I ascend into the sky
Or hide behind the night
I can not run, Your love is chasing me
If I fall into the sea
Your hand will rescue me
No one will take Your place
Because…

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This is all for You
Yes, this is all for You
You’re the King of the world
You’re the King of the world

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(photos-taken by my friend Marian, on her family trip to Lake Billy Chinook)

You’ve stolen my heart!

Yes, you have!!

This is all for You!

My God, I’ll sing Your praise!

You’re the King of the World!

I’ll shout your praise!!

Mathew 22:37

Jesus replied:

Love the Lord your God

with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your mind.

I do, Lord!!

Amen!

 

Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

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Faithfulness

Is a major attribute of our God!!

The Bible reveals…

He’s Trustworthy!

He’s Dependable!

He’s Consistent!

He’s Loyal!

He’s Steadfast!

We can trust Him!

He’s true to His Word!

We can obey Him!!

We can experience His faithfulness first hand!

We can rely on Him every day!

Our confidence in Him grows!

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Deuteronomy 32:4

“He is the Rock,

His works are perfect,   

and all His ways are just.

A faithful God who does no wrong,   

upright and just is He.”

Psalm 36:5

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the Heavens,   

Your faithfulness to the skies.”

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Psalm 89:1

“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;   

with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known   

through all generations.”

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Psalm 91:4

“He will cover you with His feathers,   

and under His wings you will find refuge;   

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

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Psalm 110:4-5

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving   

and His courts with praise;   

give thanks to Him and praise His Name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;   

His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

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Lamentations 3:22-24

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,   

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;   

great is Your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;   

therefore I will wait for Him.”

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1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“May God Himself,

the God of peace,

sanctify you through and through.

May your whole spirit, soul and body

be kept blameless

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The One who calls you is faithful,

and He will do it.”

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Has He proven His faithfulness to you???

I Still Believe…Even When I Don’t See…

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Ever Felt Like This???

Scattered words???

Empty thoughts???

Torn???

Feel His Grace…

Falling like Rain…

Washing away pain…

Believe in His Faithfulness
Believe in His Truth
Believe in His Holy Word
Even when you don’t see…

Still Believe!

Let Jesus prepare your heart…

Brokenness???

Fall into His Arms…

He’s near…

Jesus!!

Believe!

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Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for

and assurance about what we do not see.”

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Matthew 9:28-30

“When He had gone indoors,

the blind men came to Him,

and He asked them,

Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied.

Then He touched their eyes and said,

According to your faith let it be done to you;’

and their sight was restored…”

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Matthew 21:21-22

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you,

if you have faith and do not doubt,

not only can you do what was done to the fig tree,

but also you can say to this mountain,

‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’

and it will be done.

If you believe,

you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

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Mark 9:23

“What do you mean,

‘If I can’?’

Jesus asked.

“Anything is possible if a person believes.”

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Still Believe…

Even when you can’t see!!

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Yes, I Am

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Who Are You, Lord????

John 8:56-58

“Your father Abraham

rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day;

he saw it and was glad.”

“You are not yet fifty years old,”

they said to Him,

“and you have seen Abraham!”

“Very truly I tell you,”

Jesus answered,

“before Abraham was born,

I Am!”

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Think about it…

He Is…

Maker of the Heaven  

Bright and Morning Star  

Breath of all Creation

Who Always Was

And Is To Come

One Who Walked on Water  

One Who Calmed the Seas  

Miracles and Wonders

So Come and See

And follow Him

You will know

Fount of Living Water
Risen Son of Man
Healer of the Broken

And When You Cry…

Your Savior and Redeemer
Who Bore the Sins of Man
The Author and Perfecter
Beginning and the End

He Is

Spirit Deep Inside You
Word Upon Your Heart
One Who Even Knew You

Before Your Birth
Before You Were

Before the Earth
The Universe
In Every Heart

Where You Are
The Lord of Love
The King of Kings
The Holy Lamb

Above All Things!

Yes, He Is!

Almighty God Your Father
Risen Son of Man
Healer of the Broken

And When You Cry…

Your Savior and Redeemer
Who Bore the Sins of Man
The Author and Perfecter
Beginning and the End

He Is

Right there beside you!!

Amen!

Comforting, huh???

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On Our Knees Again??? Oh, Right…We’re Not Perfect! And Neither Is Life!

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What happened???

What did you do???

What did you say???

What were you thinking???

Were you thinking???

So now you’re on your knees again???

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Job 8 (The Message)

(This is a response to Job’s afflictions by his friend Bildad, 

when Job’s three friends came with sincerity and tender sympathy to comfort Job,

and yet proved miserable comforters!)

Does God Mess Up?

Bildad from Shuhah was next to speak:

“How can you keep on talking like this?
    You’re talking nonsense, and noisy nonsense at that.
Does God mess up?
    Does God Almighty ever get things backward?
It’s plain that your children sinned against Him—
    otherwise, why would God have punished them?
Here’s what you must do—and don’t put it off any longer:
    Get down on your knees before God Almighty.
If you’re as innocent and upright as you say,
    it’s not too late—He’ll come running;
    He’ll set everything right again, reestablish your fortunes.
Even though you’re not much right now,
    you’ll end up better than ever.”

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Lately, she’s been thinking what her daddy said,
How when you’re winning, you got more friends,
But are they your friends, if you fall, they’re gone?
Something about those kind of people seems wrong.

Who’s gonna be there when the phone call knocks her down?
All of the steeples, but she can’t hear a bell sound,
Jumps on a bus to head downtown,
And picks up the paper that’s been blowing around, it says,

“When your heart breaks, He’ll hurt for you!
Dreams are out of reach, He’ll pull you through!
When you lose hope, all you gotta do is,
Get on your knees again!

Not long now and you’re gonna see,
No mountain’s too high for you, or for me,
Or fall too far, if you can believe,
And get on your knees, on your knees again!”

She folds up the paper and puts it in her bag,
Knows she really needs a Savior like that!
Walking past her church just up the street,
Says, “Maybe it’s time to get on my knees!”

‘Cause He was there when no one was around,
All of the people, but no one made a sound,
Thinks of her brother, who’s been feeling down,
Pulls out the paper and reads it aloud,

You’ve given everything you’ve got,
Still it’s hard to believe,
Love comes from the inside out,
If you wanna be free!

Ya gotta give your love and never stop!
When you think about giving up,
Get on your knees!

When you’ve given everything you’ve got
Ya gotta give your love and never stop!!

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Ephesians 6:18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions

with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind,

be alert

and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

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Go to:

http://www.biblestudyspace.com/profiles/blogs/fight-your-battles-on-your

For the entire lesson…

“Fight Your Battles On Your Knees”

By Charles Stanley

“What are you battling today?

Does it seem as if God doesn’t see your pain or understand your heartache?

Let me assure you He knows exactly what you are going through.

Sit in the Lord’s presence today, and offer this prayer:

‘Lord, I don’t want anything in my life that displeases You.

Take my bitterness, resentment, and anger.

I give You this battle,

and trust that You will turn it for my good

in Your way and in Your timing.’

Release your problems to Almighty God,

and you will find victory.”

Amen!

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Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray

so that you will not fall into temptation.

The spirit is willing,

but the flesh is weak.”

Believe It!! We’re Safe In His Arms!

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You Can Believe God’s Promise!!

Ahhhhh!  Safe!! 

Relax!!

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Deuteronomy 33:12

“…Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him,   

for He shields him all day long,   

and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”

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Deuteronomy 33:27

“The Eternal God is your refuge,   

and underneath are the Everlasting Arms.

He will drive out your enemies before you,   

saying, ‘Destroy them!’”

Hallelujah and Amen!!

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Psalm 139:5-6

“You hem me in behind and before,   

and You lay Your Hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,   

too lofty for me to attain.”

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To the one who’s dreams are falling all apart
And all you’re left with is a tired and broken heart
I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own
But you’re not all alone!

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas
Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet?
With a love so strong He’ll never let you go
Oh, you’re not alone!

You will be safe in His arms!
You will be safe in His arms!
‘Cause the Hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always!
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms!

Did you know that the Voice that brings the dead to life
Is the very same Voice that calls you to rise?
So hear Him now He’s calling you home
You will never be alone!

These are the Hands that built the mountains
The Hands that calm the seas
These are the Arms that hold the Heavens
They are holding you and me!

These are Hands that healed the leper
Pulled the lame up to their feet
These are the Arms that were nailed to a cross
To break our chains and set us free!

You are safe in His Arms!!

Go to:

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9JBFBJNU

To hear the story behind this song by Phil Wickham

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John 10:28

“I give them eternal life,

and they shall never perish;

no one will snatch them out of My Hand.”

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Run to Christ…

Into His Arms of Safety!!

And stay there!

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2 Timothy 2″13

“…if we are faithless,   

He remains faithful,   

for He cannot disown Himself.”

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We’re safe not because we’ll never fall,

We’re safe because He never fails!

Praise God!

Let God embrace you in His Mighty, waiting Arms!

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Psalm 144:2

“…He is my steadfast love and my fortress,   

my stronghold and my deliverer,

my shield and He in whom I take refuge,   

who subdues peoples under me.”

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What more do we need to feel safe and secure?!?!

Ya Gotta Believe in Yourself…

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Because God believes in You!!

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you;    

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;    

I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand.”

Here’s the triumphant story…

I received through e-mail…

Of a little pup, called Daisy…

Who overcame all obstacles!

The vets suggested putting her to sleep…

But Daisy’s eyes and her spirit said otherwise…

She wanted to LIVE!!!!

So people refused to give up on her…

Nor did she give up on herself!!

It’s a story about strength…

Friendship…

And love…

But most of all…

It’s a story about believing in ourselves!

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”

.

The inspirational music…

“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban…

Is sung as a contemporary hymn in church services…

People find it embracing and emotionally strong…

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when You come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up

To more than I can be.

God never gives up on you!

He sent His Son, Jesus…

To rescue you…

So you can run, too!!!

John 6:29

Jesus answered,

“The work of God is this:

to believe in the One He has sent.”

Matthew 9: 28-29

“When He had gone indoors,

the blind men came to Him,

and He asked them,

Do you believe that I am able to do this?’

‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied.

Then He touched their eyes and said,

According to your faith let it be done to you’;”

Believe!

God has not forgotten you…

He couldn’t possibly love you anymore than He already does…

Believe what God has said in His Word…

About you!!