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Showing posts from July, 2020

He is Faithful

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Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; — Hebrews 10:23 (NASB) When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:30-31 NASB) All of you who love God— He will watch out for you, but total destruction is around the corner for all the wicked. (Psalm 145:20 VOICE) The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9 NLT) O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; for You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. — Isaiah 25:1 (NASB)

Build UP

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But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! — Jude 20-21 (MSG) The Passion Translation says: “…constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit.” (Jude 20) We should always pray and never give up, or lose heart. (See Luke 18:1-3) And let us keep ourselves in the love of God, receiving His love and allowing it to flow through us and onto others. Not only loving people, but also loving God with all of our heart, mind, and soul. May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you [filling your heart with the spiritual well-being and serenity experienced by those who walk closely with God].  — Jude 2 (AMP)

Gain New Strength

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But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. — Isaiah 40:31 (AMP) Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. (Isaiah 40:28-29 NLT) The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (See 2 Chronicles 16:9) God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. — Psalm 18:32 (NLT)

Rely on Him

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Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. — Proverbs 3:5 (VOICE) Listen carefully, those of you who make your plans and say, “We are traveling to this city in the next few days. We’ll stay there for one year while our business explodes and revenue is up.” The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow. You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another. It would be best to say, “If it is the Lord’s will and we live long enough, we hope to do this project or pursue that dream.” (James 4:13-15 VOICE) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. — Proverbs 3:6 (NLT)

Lead Me

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Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends  you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. — Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) The LORD will make known to us the path of life. (See Psalm 16:11) When we let the distractions of the enemy draw our attention away from God, we lose our sense of direction, and end up on some desolate dead end road. But our heavenly Father is faithful to guide us back to Him. May we give attention to the Word of God and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. (See Hebrews 12:2) 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) Follow His lead. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me . — Psalm 139:9-10 (NASB)

Real Love

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This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. — 1 John 4:10 (NLT) When many of us think of the word: SACRIFICE,  I believe, our first thought is “ What do I have to give up? ” Instead of loss, I encourage you to think about what we have actually GAINED because of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus: a more abundant life on earth and eternal life in His Presence. For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. (Romans 8:32 TPT) Real love leads to sacrifice. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends. (John 15:13 TPT)  We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and siste...

Never Abandon Hope

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After many days of seeing neither the sun nor the stars, and with the violent storm continuing to rage against us, all hope of ever getting through it alive was abandoned. — Acts 27:20 (TPT) Never abandon hope. Just as God rescued the Apostle Paul and those traveling with him, He will also rescue you from all your troubles. Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. (Psalm 37:7a TPT) Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you! (Psalm 27:14 TPT) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18) This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. — Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)

Be Still!

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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) In Psalm 46:10 the Message Bible says, “ Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything. ” Understand that our mighty God is above everything . He is above the current circumstances of this world, and He is above your current personal situation. Pause from busyness, and take a long loving look at the great “ I AM ”. Be still before the LORD. Center your thoughts on YAHWEH, Who He is, and all He has done. His love for you never fails, Our heavenly Father is mindful of everything that concerns you. Instead of being worried and anxious, be calm and confident. Psalm 37:7 (AMP) says, do not fret, whine, or agonize. As you cease striving, have an attitude of patience and trust in God. Trust in His goodness, His ability and His faithfulness. J...

Commit Your Works

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Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. — Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT) “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (See Zechariah 4:6 NLT) 

More Than Enough

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You have been my constant helper; therefore, I sing for joy under the protection of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand reaches down and holds me up. — Psalm 63:7-8 (VOICE) El Shaddai is all-sufficient, more than enough. He is all we need. Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say. “More, more.” I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. (Psalm 4:6-7 MSG) For a day in His courts is better than a thousand anywhere else. (See Psalm 84:10 AMP) In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety and confident trust. (Psalm 4:8 AMP) but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]...” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP)

Patient Perseverance

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…and you h ave perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. — Revelation 2:3 (NASB) Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 TPT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3-4 NLT) We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5:11 NASB) The one who endures to the end, he will be saved (See Matthew 24:13)  … what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! — 2 Timothy 3:11 (NASB)

Deeply Concerned

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And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. — Romans 8:28 (AMP) 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) Cast your burden upon the LORD because He is deeply concerned about you. He is the Source of our help and our only hope. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (See 1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP)

Times of Refreshing

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Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; — Acts 3:19 (NASB) Let us repent of any ways we have missed the will of God. The Voice Bible says, …you need to rethink everything and turn to God… (Acts 3:19).  So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; (Acts 3:19 AMP) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. — Psalm 103:11-13 (NASB)

Fullness of Joy

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You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11 (AMP) Truly, it is the Presence of the LORD Who makes our joy complete. What an honor and privilege for us to be able to enter into His Holy Presence. What a pleasure to have His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, helping us, and comforting us. We get to experience His everlasting peace, in the midst of worldly chaos and confusion. As ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, we are to live a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (See Romans 14:17 NLT) Abide in His Presence and let your heart be filled with joy. Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! — Romans 15:13 (TPT)

Submit

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So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. — James 4:7 (AMP) It is only in submitting to the authority of God in our lives, that we are able to resist the devil and stand firm against him. …when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8 NLT) So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. (James 4:7 MSG) And pray that we’ll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in. I’m finding that not all “believers” are believers. But the Master never lets us down. He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil. — 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (MSG)

Long for the LORD

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Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. — Psalm 105:4 (AMP) In Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT) the Sovereign LORD says: “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Respond to the LORD today. “From here on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with the right heart. For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24 TPT)

Never Shaken

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When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation . — Proverbs 10:25 (NASB) The storms of life may come, but the righteous will never be shaken. (See Proverbs 10:30) The LORD will be the security and stability of our times. (See Isaiah 33:6 AMP) After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10 NASB) So, brothers and sisters, be strong in the Lord. Draw your strength and might from God. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  — Ephesians 6:11 (NASB)

Do Not be Afraid

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“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) This is a very precious and powerful promise because with God all things are possible. (See Matthew 19:26 & Mark 10:27)  The LORD is the One who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you. He will never forsake you. There is no need to fear or be dismayed. “He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (MSG)

He is With You

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“ Do not fear, for I am with you …” — Isaiah 43:5 (NASB) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) This is what the LORD says, He who makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters, (Isaiah 43:16 AMP). We may have to go “through” some stuff but God is faithful to be with us, in it and to provide a way out of it. Amen. “... I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

Acknowledge Him

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In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:6 (NASB) May we acknowledge God in all we do and say. In the use of our time, talents, gifts, finances, etc., let us recognize and appreciate the Source. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3 NLT) God is a very gracious Giver. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down to us from God our Father. (See James 1:17)  As we continually seek God's will in all we do, He will show us which path to take. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. — Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)

The LORD is Near

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The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. — Psalm 145:18-19 (NASB) But as for me, how good it is to be near God!  I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. (Psalm 73:28 NLT)  Let us draw near with true hearts full of faith, with hearts rinsed clean of any evil conscience, and with bodies cleansed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22 VOICE) May we continually draw closer to our heavenly Father with all of our hearts and minds, but also in our actions. Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other. — James 4:8 (VOICE)

The LORD is Good

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The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. — Psalm 145:8-9 (NLT) God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. (Psalm 136:23-25 MSG) For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (Psalm 100:5 NLT) Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:3 NASB) Let your heart overflow with praise to the True God of heaven, for His faithful love lasts forever. (Psalm 136:26  VOICE)

Yes, He Can!

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But as the Scriptures say, No eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heard and it has never occurred to the human heart all the things God prepared for those who love Him. — 1 Corinthians 2:9 (VOICE) God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! (Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG) Remember, all things are possible WITH GOD. Stay submitted to His Holy Spirit at work within you.

Surrounded

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As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. — Psalm 125:2 (NASB) People may desert you, but the Lord will stand with you and give you strength. In His Presence, there is wonder-working power. We are empowered to complete the assignment He has given to each one of us. In His Presence, we have peace, protection and fullness of joy. For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT) Faithfully stand with the Lord, as He stands with you.

Focus on Jesus

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[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God … — Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) Look to the LORD our God. Our help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (See Psalm 121:2) He will not allow your foot to slip; The LORD is your keeper; The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (Psalm 121:3a,5a,7,8 NASB) May we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and on accomplishing the goal He has set before us. We stay focused on Jesus (the Livng Word) by faithfully standing on the Word, and not being shaken by earthly circumstances. Remember, Jesus has already overcome the world.

"I AM"

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God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ — Exodus 3:14 (NASB) Our great God is all we need Him to be and more. He is a strong tower and a safe refuge in the storm. The LORD is our Shepherd, who leads and guides us. He watches over His people and takes care of us. The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14 NLT)  YAHWEH is a faithful Father, and a constant Companion. You have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15) His presence is always with us. When all others abandon us, He stands by our side. His Spirit dwells within us, and gives us strength. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16) May your eyes continually look to the LORD from whom comes your help.

Be a Good Neighbor

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In response to the question, “ And who is my neighbor? ” Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan. A man was traveling, and fell among robbers. They took his clothes, beat him, and left him half-dead. A priest was on his way down the same road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. (See Luke 10:29-32) But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to...

God’s Help

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Give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain [a worthless hope]. With God we will do valiantly, for it is He who will trample down our enemies. — Psalm 108:12-13 (AMP) Human help is worthless. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. Many put their hope in chariots, others in horses, but we place our trust in the name of the Eternal One, our True God. (Psalm 20:7 VOICE)  Your hope in the LORD will not be disappointed. …with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him! (Exodus 15:2a NLT)

Great is His Faithfulness!

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Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. — Lamentations 3:23 (NLT) Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (Psalm 36:5 NASB) For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:5 NASB) Joshua told the Israelites: “Soon I will die, going the way of everything on earth. Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!” (Joshua 23:14 NLT)  Our mighty God does not change. He still fulfills every promise, He has made. In Isaiah 55:11 (NASB), He says: “ So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. ” Keep your hope and trust in God. He is faithful to deliver you out of all your troubles (See Psalm 34:17)

Seek the LORD

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Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. — Psalm 105:4 (AMP) The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. (Psalm 103:8 NASB) How blessed is the man whose strength is in the LORD. They go from strength to strength. (See Psalm 84:5-7) …the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who [reverently] fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, (Psalm 103:17 AMP) Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. They who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. (See Psalm 34:10)

Rejoice in the LORD!

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May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD and praise his holy name! — Psalm 97:12 (NLT) Lift up the Eternal our God in your hearts, and celebrate His goodness at His holy mountain, for the Eternal our God is holy, perfect and exalted in His power. (Psalm 99:9 VOICE) In His presence is fullness of joy. In His right hand there are pleasures forever. His Presence is better than any earthly thing. Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. (Psalm 96:6 NASB) Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. (Psalm 100:1 NASB) For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:5 NASB)