Writing Your Life

Apr28

If you were to write a book of your life, chapter by chapter, what would its title be?

How about, Faith Proven?

It may not be a ‘catchy’ title to sell books, but it is how I would like you to look upon your life–as if it is already complete.

You see, that is what faith is–seeing the work already accomplished–the goal completed.

Faith Proven, means that chapter by chapter your life has increased…

  • In Faith
  • In Love
  • In Accomplishment
  • In Blessing

I could go on, but you understand. Step by step, your life is a book unfolding. As you read, My Book, you are able and enabled to write, your book, a word, a sentence, a page at a time. And as whole chapters unveil, you begin to picture your life; an understanding becomes ‘clear’, that I AM truly the author and finisher of your faith.

Master your life as it unfolds before you.

Your dedication–

To the ‘Master’ who gave you life. All rights reserved, your life preserved–for all Eternity.

Cover to cover this book will complete, the one whose faith proceeds.

For as your faith has proven, no end will be given–the final chapter, this statement of faith…

To be continued it reads, no ending it needs–

Just write

A blessing you’ll be, an open book for all to see–Faith Proven!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”       I Peter 1:7 KJV

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 3:10

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places…” Ephesians 1:16-20

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

“And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

 

 

The Hidden Link

Apr27

Compassion is a link to My own heart, for I AM Compassion.

I have lived compassion.

Those who came to Me sick, lame, hungry and alone, the poor and brokenhearted–all will testify that I lived compassion. In death I held compassion for each and every one of you. I freely gave My life, that you may eternally live as I lived–in compassion for others.

There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Within compassion, you will find another word…

Compass

A true heart will be led by compassion, and the direction you are to take can be found in your heart, if your heart contains compassion.

Follow the leading of your heart, for I dwell within…

and

I AM Compassion.

I AM your Compass.

Follow it.

Follow Me.

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:13-14

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:35-36

“And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:30-31

“Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:2-6

“–and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34b

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.'” Lamentations 3:22-24

“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Matthew 4:19

 

 

True Reflection

Apr26

A true reflection of Me would mean that you and I would agree–on everything.

For a reflection is as if you were to look in a mirror and see yourself.

Do you mirror My image to the world?

When they see you, do they then recognize Me?

I have given you a picture in My Word to follow. I have chosen you to represent Me. Therefore, you must ‘see’ Me as I AM to be a reflection.

I AM

The one who knows Me, intimately, who draws ever closer to Me, privately, will see Me face to face.

Would you agree?

“Thou has said, “Seek ye my face.” My heart says to thee, “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.” Psalms 27:8

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” I Peter 4:14

“Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” I John 3:2-3

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” II Corinthians 3:18 KJV

 

 

Come Back Quickly

Apr25

Let Me briefly explain to you the meaning of the word apostasy. I have those on My heart who once walked with Me and received blessing from My hand, but their hearts were shallow, as were their roots. A firm foundation they did not build, and they languished.

Their eyes and hearts began to drift to other things–delights to the eyes and ears. Their hearts became leaden and their delight in Me became wearisome–a chore–no longer captivated with My love.

A coldness and hardening settled upon the once fervent heart, now stagnant, indifferent. And so, they turned away.

Apostasy

  • The deceitfulness of sin entered in.
  • Love no longer captivates.
  • A soul no longer hungry.

Apostasy

Dead in their sin and turned away–a lifeless form.

Come back quickly

Before you reach

Apostasy!

“For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.” Matthew 13:15

“For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt.” Hebrews 6:4-6

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2

“–Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:34-36

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

 

 

What do you Believe?

Apr24

There is much talk these days that everything is good and right, as long as you believe it. And that each can have their own beliefs, and all are right. This is futile talk and total deception. How can everything be right and nothing wrong? How then, can something be right if there is no wrong to compare?

Foolish nonsense

Did I die for nothing, if all gods are the same? Would I die–lay down My life, for another to take My place on the Throne?

Nonsense

Utter Foolishness!

On the Day of Judgement, do you have complete confidence that your god will save you? Can you save yourself? If you are one that is a god unto themselves, and claim that all are their own god, what exactly is your plan when the end comes?

It will come I assure you, but if you don’t believe that, why believe anything at all? My Throne I give to no other, and no other gods stand before Me.

All will be judged and your own words will justify or condemn you. You have been given a free will to choose–you make the choice. And you will not be given opportunity to blame when you stand before the Judgement Seat.

You have also been given a brain to think clearly, that you may choose your words wisely. Choose Me–choose life. I already took care of the hard part for you, that you may enjoy your Salvation–worry free.

You Choose

“‘You are my witnesses,’ says the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.'” Isaiah 43:10-11

“‘Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it, let him declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.'” Isaiah 44:6-8

“‘I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'” Matthew 12:36-37

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world.”
I John 4:15-17

“And Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life.What I say therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.” John 12:44-50

“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

 

 

 

Well Done!

Apr23

Total surrender is often difficult to maintain. It takes more discipline, more humility, and definitely more restrain.

Refrain from sin, and having it your way, for surrender is a state of the heart of one that is ‘set apart’ and devoted to service. The one who, so desires, must discipline their life to be of service, avoid strife and continue to monitor their life.

  • Selfishness
  • Permissiveness
  • Discouragement
  • Disgruntlement

and a host of other sins will continue to vie for a foothold in your life.

Take a firm stance against them by a passive front–that of total surrender. It is not a sign of weakness but, rather, the evidence of strength. For one is in complete control when going to such length…

to glorify and magnify the one who dwells within. An honorable position to obtain, if only one would abstain, and offer their life as sacrifice to the one who gave it all.

That they might be called the sons of God…

a credit to us all.

Well Done!

“Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” I Peter 2:18-24

“Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul.” I Peter 2:11

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God.” I Peter 4:1-2

“abstain from every form of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.” Proverbs 20:3

“for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.”  I Timothy 1:7

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all  your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:6-11

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

 

 

 

Be A Friend

Apr22

I was often ridiculed for keeping company with sinners, but that is where the harvest is. Look up–the fields are white; the harvest is ready. The time to reap is now!

Do not fear their faces. If they stare back at you, blankly, it is simply because they do not know.

You have been blessed with the wisdom of God, and the understanding of the Holy Spirit. Your eyes have been opened to the secrets of the Kingdom. You have been made to know and understand the deep mysteries of God. To the one who is not enlightened, well they are simply dumbfounded and don’t know how to respond.

What is there to be afraid of?

If they reject what you have to say, they are not rejecting you, but Me.

Do not be overly eager for the Kingdom.

First

Be a friend.

Leave the rest up to Me. I will put the right questions in their hearts. The Holy Spirit awaits with the answer within you. Your job is to look up; for the fields are white with harvest, and the time is now!

Leave the rest up to Me.

“And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” Matthew 9:10-13

“For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:9-10

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” I Corinthians 4:1-2

“And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” I John 3:1

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” John 4:35-38

“And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

 

 

Find Me There

Apr21

To deny Me, is to deny the very essence of your being. You may have not denied Me for Salvation. You may have asked Me into your heart to dwell with you, be a friend to you. But when you hold back as ‘untouchable’ those areas of your heart you choose not to reveal or let go of, you deny not only Me, but yourself. You rob yourself the opportunity to be healed-to be touched by the one who loves you most; who esteems you highly as a prize–a treasured gift!

My love, I know it is painful to look within. You have hardened yourself–formed callous to not be reminded of the wounds within. But I AM gentle and kind and with you in mind, I will take that pain.

Forever

I have the ability and capability for that which would take endless council. But, when you open to Me, I know.

We don’t need to dig and divide for I know.

What seems monumental, is made very simple, when you bring it to the one who knows–the one who loves you the most. You will find Me there–right next to that care.

Trust

and Find Me There.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2

“Come to me, all 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 11:28-29

“Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7

“–Have faith in God, Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.” Mark 11:22-24

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalms 34:1-8

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.'” Lamentations 3:22-24

“–I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.” Psalms 131:2

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” Psalms 31:24

 

 

Just Give

Apr20

“I give what I can.”

“I do the best I can but, you know, times are hard.”

These are statements I hear often, and have for many years. It seems the times are always hard, but I’m not asking you to give, just when the times are good; I am requiring you to give when the times are hard. I don’t want you to give what you can. Rather, I expect you to give what you can’t, because I ‘can‘ and that is faith.

If you give to Me first, when it would seem that there won’t be enough, but you give out of obedience anyway, because the word says to; then I, in turn, will give out of obedience, because My Word says so. Did it ever occur to you that I obey the Word too? I was obedient unto death for you. Will you be obedient unto life for Me?

For I don’t ask for your money to strip you of your lifestyle and cause you poverty. I ask you to give, to give back to you, and give you then, ability

  • to grow and increase
  • all your needs met
  • all My needs met
  • to give more

You give and are, in turn, blessed and you then bless. You’re blessed more, and you give more, until one day you’ll find that you are overtaken with blessings, and you will laugh in delight that My Word is right. What I knew all along, that it’s right where you belong…

Protected in My Blessing.

But it all begins with giving, when you don’t think you have enough.

In these hard times…

I haven’t changed.

Just give!

“And if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (See vs. 1-14)

“Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:10-12

“give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38

“Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” Psalms 37:3-4″With a free-will offering I will sacrifice to thee; I will give thanks to thy name, O Lord, for it is good. For thou hast delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.” Psalms 54:6-7

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22

“Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house; and his righteousness endures forever. Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the Lord is gracious, merciful and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever. He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” Psalms 112:1-7

“He who observes the wind will not sow; and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

“The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalms 34:10

 

Pursue Me

Apr19

What would have happened if Moses had not veiled his face at the peoples’ insistence? Repentance would have come. For what is brought to the light is revealed, and what is revealed will be cleansed.

Sin cannot stand in My Presence.

My Presence brings forth repentance.

Moses’ face shown with My Presence for he communed with Me and when he descended that mountain, My Presence remained upon Him; for I went with him.

When you come into My Presence it is not temporary–I go with you. But it is in the active communion with Me that My anointing flows; My Glory is revealed upon you.

Stay actively seeking, actively communing; even throughout your day.

Whatever chance may come, and whatever time you pursue. And, you will find that My Glory shines ever brighter as your spirit communes with Mine.

Deep calls to deep

Go for the glow–be actively seeking.

Be aglow in the Spirit.

Pursue Me!

“When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the door of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses.” “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”  “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” Exodus 33:9, 11a, 14

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tables of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. And when Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” Exodus 34:29-30

“And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone; and Moses would put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.” Exodus 34:33-35

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts; all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7 KJV

“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” Habakkuk 1:13a KJV

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:12-14

“O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually!” I Chronicles 16:8-11

“What man is there who desires life, and covets many days, that he may enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry.” Psalms 34:12-15

“Thou has said, “Seek ye my face.” My heart says to thee, ‘Thy face, Lord, do I seek.'” Psalms 27:8

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3

“Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.” Romans 12:11