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Showing posts from May, 2020

God is Love

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Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. — 1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) Let us devote ourselves to loving one another and pursue peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14a NASB) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)  “Be angry, and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26A NKJV) “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22 NLT) Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins ...

Live In God

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“ You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. ” — Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) The key to remaining in perfect and constant peace is to keep our mind stayed on our great and awesome God. Give more attention to the Good News than to the nightly negative news. Keep your thoughts focused on the Most High God, Elohim, the all-powerful One. For you know the saying, “We live in God; we move in God; we exist in God.” And still another said, “We are indeed God’s children.” (Acts 17:28 VOICE) “ Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. ” — Isaiah 26:4 (NASB)

Pour Out

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Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7 (TPT) Pour out all you cares, concerns and anxiety upon the LORD. Empty your mind of any anxiety-producing and stressful thoughts. Let the LORD fill you with His love, joy and peace. Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. (1 Peter 5:7 VOICE) Jesus said, “And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33 TPT) His victory is abiding. Amen.

New Life

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The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone. The rains have soaked the earth and left it bright with blossoming flowers. The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived. I hear the cooing of doves in our land, filling the air with songs to awaken you and guide you forth. Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth. The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air.” — Song of Songs 2:11-13a (TPT) “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the LORD]; for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the LORD has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 AMP)

Build on the Rock

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“ Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. ” — Matthew 7:24-25 (NASB) May we build our lives on the solid rock. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? (Psalm 18:31 NLT) God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life. (Psalm 62:1-2 MSG) Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” — Isaiah 28:16 (NASB)

We Can’t Lose

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I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose. — Philippians 1:20-21 (MSG) Your life is like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (See James 4:14) So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes. (Ephesians 5:15-16 TPT) There is a message in the mess. Every problem gives you a pulpit to proclaim the goodness and grace of God. In Christ, we can't lose. He has already given us the victory. For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Hi...

Joy in His Presence

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And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our LORD. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NASB) In His Presence we have strength and peace. Draw near to God. Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “ The LORD be magnified! ” (Psalm 40:16 NASB) You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. — Psalm 16:11 (NASB)

Called to Active Duty

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For every soldier called to active duty must divorce himself from the distractions of this world so that he may fully satisfy the one who chose him. — 2 Timothy 2:4 (TPT) Let us divorce ourselves from the distractions of this world. We do not belong to the world. (John 17:14) We have been called out of darkness into His wonderful light, so we can show others the goodness of God (1 Peter 2:9 NLT). Let us proclaim the excellencies of the Most High God. We were called to active duty, not to passively sit by the wayside and be a spectator. We are a chosen people, chosen to actively and passionately serve the LORD. May we fully satisfy the One Who called us. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. — 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT)

Stop & See

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“ Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth. ” — Psalm 46:10 (TPT) Surrender to God your thoughts, your will and your emotions. Present your body to Him as a living and holy sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Be still and silent before Him. Know, recognize, and understand that He is the Most High God. He comforts us in all our troubles and affliction (2 Corinthians 1:4). When others abandon us, He is our constant Companion. He strengthens us when we are weary. He takes our brokenness and makes us whole. In times of doubt and confusion, He brings clarity and gives direction. He reveals destiny and purpose. He is the Light of the world. Everyone who believes in Jesus will not remain in darkness (John 12:46). He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. (Psalm 103:3) He redeems our lives from the pit (Psalm 103:4). He reveals truth and sets the captives f...

Better Days Ahead

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That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” — 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) … we are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18b AMP)  The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (Proverbs 4:18 NASB) In God, the best is yet to come. Don't give up. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. — Isaiah 64:4 (NASB)

Shine as Lights

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Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, — Philippians 2:14-15 (NASB) May there be no grumbling, whining or complaining, as we run the race the Lord has given us to run. Do not compare your course to your neighbor’s route. Instead, strip off every weight that slows you down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And run with endurance the race God has set before you. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (See Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT) … press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. — Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

Trust in the Lord

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Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. — Proverbs 3:5-6 (TPT)  Never depend on your own ideas or human opinions. Totally rely on the Lord, El Elyon, the God Most High. He knows all and sees all. He is the Sovereign God in whom we can put our trust. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5 NLT)

Be Committed

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“ I know your works. You are neither cold with apathy nor hot with passion. It would be better if you were one or the other, but you are neither. So because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. You claim, ‘I am rich, I have accumulated riches, and I need nothing’; but you do not realize that you are miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked. ” — Revelation 3:15-17 (VOICE) “Those I love I also correct and discipline. Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back. Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me.” (Revelation 3:19-20 (VOICE) “ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ” — Revelation 3:22 (NASB)

Cast ALL Your Cares

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If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:6-7 (TPT) In order for us to cast all our cares, anxieties, worries, and concerns on God, we have to first humble ourselves and admit that apart from Him we can do nothing. (See John 15:5) So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God. Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. (Psalm 55:22 MSG) The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. — Psalm 34:17 (NLT)

Never Give Up

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  — Romans 8:18 (NASB) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17) Fix your gaze upon Him.

Armed with Strength

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For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. — Psalm 18:31-33 (NLT) The LORD trains my hands for battle; He strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. He has given me His shield of victory. His right hand supports me; His help has made me great. (Psalm 18:34-35) I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain! (Habakkuk 3:18-19 MSG) Hallelujah and Amen!

Reflect His Glory

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We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TPT) As we draw close to Him, we are progressively being transformed into the image of God. May we become more like Him, every day. Let us forgive others, the way He has forgiven us. (See Matthew 6:14-15). God's thoughts about us outnumber the grains of sand. May Jesus be at the center of all our thoughts and actions. Let us love the way He loves, sacrificially. Love keeps no record of being wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5). Let us reflect the grace and mercy He has given us onto others. And may we consistently reflect His compassion, kindness and gentleness.

Know Whose You Are

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But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world. — 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) Let us be devoted to the One who called us out of darkness and made us members of His royal family. This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.  (Romans 8:15-16 MSG) No matter “ what ” happens, know “ who ” you are: a child of God. And remember our heavenly Father is with you and He always takes care of His children.

The Only Way

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Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  — John 14:6 (AMP) Jesus is the only way.  He is the living truth and the only life worth living. Stay in step with Him. The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 NLT) Be led by the Holy Spirit. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14 NLT) “ I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. ” — John 10:10b (AMP) 

He is with You

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God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. — Psalm 103:6-8 (MSG) God said to Joshua, “ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. ” (Joshua 1:5 NLT) Just as God was with Joshua, He is with you and He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Live IN Christ

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And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives. — 1 John 2:28 (MSG) As followers of Christ, let us live in Him, every moment of every day. The deeper you go, the less likely you are to fall out. In Christ Jesus we have redemption (Romans 3:24), and liberty (Galatians 2:4). There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) We are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:11) The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) We who are many, are one body in Christ. (Romans 12:5) We are to dwell together in love, peace and unity. Our victory is in Christ. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ...  — 2 Corinthians 2:14a (NASB)

Love the LORD

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You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being] . — Deuteronomy 6:5 (AMP) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:1-2 NASB)  O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1) Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. (Psalm 63:3-4 NASB) You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. (Psalm 63:5 NLT) I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. — Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT)

Endless Love

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Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!  — Ephesians 3:18-19 (TPT) What amazing love the God has lavished on us! His love never fails. God hears every cry, knows every anxious thought and He rescues, delivers and saves. Because of His love, Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross and became the ultimate sacrifice to pay the debt of our sins. …Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the...

Bless the LORD

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Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. — Psalm 29:1-2 (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 none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (Psalm 103:1-5 NASB) The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NLT) Amen and hallelujah!

Hold onto Hope

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...constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], — Romans 12:12 (AMP) So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT) Continually rejoice in the hope we have in Jesus. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God … — Hebrews 6:18a (MSG)

Just Come!

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I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” — Psalm 32:8-9 (TPT) Don’t fall prey to the schemes and deceit of the enemy. Before every person lies a road that seems to be right, but the end of that road is death and destruction. (Proverbs 14:12 VOICE) Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; (1 Chronicles 22:19a NASB) Now prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to follow the Eternal One your God. (1 Chronicles 22:19a VOICE) The path God lays before us, leads to eternal life and a more abundant life.

Vessels of His Light

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Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. — Romans 12:1-2 (NASB) Let us not conform to the ways of the world around us, just going along with the flow, being carried by the currents of popular culture. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people ... (1 Peter 2:9a KJV). We are to be in this world, but not of this world. Let us allow the Spirit of God to transform us from the inside out, first our hearts, and thought life, then our actions will follow. Be a vessel of light through which His love can be poured out. May we walk in love and show kindness, and compassion to everyone He brings our way, whether or not, they look like us, talk ...

Great & Marvelous

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O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! — Psalm 8:9 (NASB) The great I AM, is the One true and living God. Blessed be the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Great and marvelous are His works. He set the sun, moon and stars in place. He knit each and every person together in the womb of their mother. He knows each person by name and knows the number of hairs on our head. God is intimately acquainted with all our ways. He desires continual fellowship with His children and wants us to reflect His glory on the earth. He created each one of us with a purpose and a good plan for our lives. He wrote all our days in His book before we drew our first breath. That means He has already gone into your future and made a way for you. Amen.

Seek the LORD

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You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.  — Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 NASB) Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT)  ...they who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing. — Psalm 34:10b (AMP)

His Love Never Fails

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Praise the LORD, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack . — Psalm 31:21 (NLT) Let us rejoice in the unfailing love of the LORD. Because the Most High God is a God of forgiveness, grace and mercy. He is slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38 NLT) You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. (Job 10:12 NLT)  I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. (Psalm 31:7 NLT)

Come & Worship

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Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!  — Psalm 95:6-7 (NLT) Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:3 AMP) The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3 AMP) Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, a nd I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD. — Psalm 23:6 (AMP)