Rejoice In The Lord

Philippians 4:4-9 KJV; Rejoice in the Lord even when times are bad for the Lord has a good plan for you.

Peace Does Not Come From Filling Our Heads With Evil

Philippians 4:5-9 KJV

Psalm 103 KJV

 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

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What a magnificent and powerful bird! I have been most blessed to have lived where eagles fly quite regularly. I see them now and then in Florida as well. But, I see a whole lot more vultures here. They too are pretty magnificent when they are flying; not so awesome when you have to stop your vehicle because they are busing eating road kill in the middle of the road. Eagles usually have the good sense to fly away when a car approaches.

Whenever, I see a bald eagle flying or sitting in a tree watching me, my heart just leaps. These birds, our national birds, give me a sense of both peace and security. The sight of them refreshes me. They take my breath away if but for a moment. These beautiful creations of God are marvelous to behold.

To watch the majestic flight of the eagle is a reminder how magnificent and powerful God is. It is a reminder to me that in his infinite wisdom God is in charge of things. He made man to walk upon the earth, the fish to swim, and the eagle to fly. How wonderful is that? Who will not bow in humility when one realizes the power and authority that God has. All these things.... and so much more....

He blesses our souls, heals us, reconciles us to Him and to one another. He forgives us our iniquities, though we are far from worthy. He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies. All that is are His. We are His. That should bring a sense of peace and security to all people. It will, once we realize that He is God and there is no other.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." (vs 1,2)

May God refresh you today and every day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Praise Ye The Lord

Psalm 116:12-19 KJV

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

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What, indeed, shall we render to the Lord for of his benefits toward us? 

Because he loves us so much that in spite of our sinful natures he has saved us we give him thanks and praise. We do not worship him in order to be saved. We worship him and give him thanks and praise because he has already done this marvelous thing. 

"Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (Psalm 106:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Bless The Lord

Youth Is Renewed Like An Eagle

Bless the Lord O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord executeth righteous: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psalm 103:1-6 KJV

If we took the time to consider what a mess we really can be; if we considered what we really deserve we would thank the Lord with our whole hearts. He has been most gracious to those of us who show so little grace. He has been so loving to those of us who can be so unloving. When we are down, He lifts us up.

Count the blessings! Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy is great and His love endures forever!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Servant Of All

The Last Shall Be First In The Kingdom of God

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Who would like to be a servant to everyone? Practically no one would be my guess. Except, of course, those who are actually active in serving others. Those who have sincerely tried it find that serving others can be a most rewarding experience.

We've often heard that it is better to give than to receive. We often tell our children that just before the Christmas season. A gift given that is truly needed and appreciated will lift the giver's spirits as well as the spirits of the one who receives it.

Jesus' words that tell us that if we want to be first we must be last can be hard on the ego. But; if we listen to them, they will, in the end, bring much joy to our spirits. Though the Son of God most high, Jesus was willing to put himself at the very last. He was willing to give everything, even his very life that all people might live reconciled to God and to one another. He was willing to be beaten and hung on that cross so that you and I and all who would believe in him might receive eternal life. What greater gift can one give.

Jesus, was willing to serve us at the cost of his life. He was willing to be last for our sakes. Are we willing to be last in order that others might reap the benefits of our service; that others might come to know the loving gift of life in Jesus Christ, our Lord?

God's Peace - Pr. J.