Tag Archive | blessed

From Rest to Blessed

Jun22

I compel you to come.

As the mist waters the earth as dew,

so I water you–

when you come.

Come early before mornings’ light.

Don’t wait until the time seems right–

just come.

I gather you from your rest–

those who choose to be blessed.

For it is early that I yearn to see,

those, my faithful few who seek—

My purpose each and every day.

Words to carry them along the way–

Be blessed.

Arise from your rest and…

BE BLESSED.

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:1-8

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything.

And he made from one every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring’.” Acts 17:24-28

“Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4

“Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12

“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” Psalms 119:2-3

So BE It!

Jul25

Are you satisfied to live a mediocre life or do you believe there to be more? So many settle and do not think beyond what they see.

Mary listened and thought beyond what she saw–and then there were three

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.” St. Luke 1:26-36 KJV

But first she listened and accepted what she heard

Never mind that it was beyond her comprehension; she believed what she could not see, because she trusted her God, and she trusted that the messenger was sent by God–a lie He could not tell.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” St. Luke 1:38 KJV

“Be it unto me as you have spoken,” she responded. You might say…So BE It!

Now, would you say ‘So BE It’ to a mediocre life?

Because you have a decision to make–the choice is up to you. You can read My Word and declare ‘So BE It’ and take what it says to be your own…

or…not believe it, not receive it, and declare to your mediocre life–‘So BE It’ and it will BE!

The decision is up to you and that is the beginning…

So BE It!

“And without faith it is impossible to please him. for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, took heed and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go.” Hebrews 11:8

“By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” Hebrews 11:11-12

“By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land; but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.” Hebrews 11:29

“So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “in you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.” Galatians 3:7-9

“Awake, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember then what you received and heard; keep that, and repent. If you will not awake, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:2-3

Make Ready

May14

Honor and riches are given to those who are not foolish–those who don’t waste their time on earth as if it were free to be wasted. You have been allotted a segment of time as a gift, but a requirement comes with the gift as the wrapper of the package. This time is to be utilized in learning and spiritual growth; for as you grow and change, you are then able to call others higher by example.

Heaven is not a place where sin transfers to, but a place where only righteousness dwells. Why then, would you not be prepared? Prepare yourself as a Bride prepares her wedding trousseau. She makes everything ready before the wedding day. Yes, after the marriage, there is much to learn as maturing continues, but oh, before that day, she makes ready. Her entire focus is in the preparation. She has no time to think of life after marriage, for time passes so quickly, with so much to do. Many are enlisted to help her in her plans for that big day. She trusts that her life will be completed in marriage and all is special and wonderful. Her hopes and dreams shine with love for her Bridegroom is near.

Do you see?

Make ready, for I AM near and time is fleeting…

Make Ready!

“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.” “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.” I Corinthians 4:1-2, 5

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” I Corinthians 5:9-11

“–he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6:17-20

“And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, ‘Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'” Isaiah 25:7-9

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18

“And from the throne came a voice crying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure”–for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.'” Revelation 19:5-9

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13

Show Your ID

May2

It is amazing, that even though I created man to be unique and individual, so many are desperately trying to be like someone else. I created you special, and put My stamp of approval on you–your fingerprint. No two are alike. Every day more are created, yet none duplicated.

Why?

Because I wanted you and no other like you. I purposed you, and none other for your purpose. Through the ages many are called, but no one has the exact same call. No duplicates means, no mistakes.

Twins look the same to the world if they are identical. You may ‘fool’ the world, as they say, but I AM not of this world and I AM not a fool. Man looks on the outward appearance–

I look on the heart.

I see who you are, not what you look like. I AM the author and finisher of your faith and the lover of your soul. I reject no one, for you are irreplaceable–uniquely you! Therefore, My question to you is…

Why?

Why in a world teeming with people, do you feel insignificant, when I know right where you are at all times? I never stop thinking about you. My eye is ever upon you. You will never have another fingerprint, and no one will ever have yours.

Why then, would you not want to leave a footprint that is just as unique?

Be you.

If you want to imitate someone, imitate Me. For I AM never the same to two individuals–I AM unique to you and My footprint I gladly give to you, as I gave you My Life.

Be uniquely you and come, follow Me. Bring along your fingerprint–you’ll need some ID.

Follow Me.

“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” I Peter 4:12

“–for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b

“I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, ‘When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.'” Ephesians 4:4-8

“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

“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

“The Lord looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men; from where he sits enthroned he looks forth on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.” “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield. Yea, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let thy steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in thee.” Psalms 33:13-15, 18-22

“In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-12

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6

Walk Free!

Apr29

Blessed is the man who keeps My council; who walks in the way of righteousness. His foot will not slip. for if you have been made righteous by My Blood, I AM the keeper of your steps. Your life is hidden within Me and in My light, you shall see light, and more light, and more. I will increase your light as you take delight in the light that you’ve been given.

Those who have chosen to walk in My steps, shall not again walk in darkness, for My light casts darkness away from them. Light consumes darkness and overpowers it.

Delight in My ways and in giving Me praise–so your days will be filled with laughter and the joy of the Lord is your strength!

Much heartache can be found by those who seem profound, but are speaking against My Word. They call into being, things lacking–not seeing, the power that’s spoken in My Word.

So trust Me at all times, looking forward–not back; the times becoming increasingly clear, that it’s My voice you should hear and not that in your ear–

of the enemy calling you back.

Come forward into My fullness of joy!

Don’t look back to that of lack, for I take great delight in giving you light, that poverty you’ll no longer see.

By faith you shall walk FREE!

“How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings. They feast on the abundance of thy house, and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights. For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light.” Psalms 36:7-9

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalms 1:1-3

“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” Psalms 37:30-31

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible in light. Therefore it is said, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.'” Ephesians 5:6-14

“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! O fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalms 34:7-10

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb! May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! He that goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalms 126:1-6

“Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

To the King!

Apr17

Tenacious perseverance is required to reach the maturity level I would like My saints to obtain. I find very few willing to pursue this–a level of excellence. Not a prideful stance, but a level of integrity and service that declares you to be the servant and the son of a King.

Ours is a unique relationship. You are a son and yet, like the Son who came to serve, you are a servant. A royal priesthood willing to lay down all for his brother is a beautiful and rare gift. A gift that, if acquired, will last. For when you obtain that level of maturity you will have suffered through many things

and

You will understand completely that the evil one has no power over you.

You will fully know how to utilize My Word in every situation you find yourself in.

and

You will love your brother as yourself–esteeming him highly as a prize of the King. Those who love Me to this capacity–who honor others before themselves; will wear My Crown of Glory.

True riches it will bring–

To the King!

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” Psalms 119:1-3

“If you really fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well.” James 2:8

“and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:44-45

“Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:2-5

“Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. but the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is right? But even if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed” I Peter 3:8-14a

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11

Finding Confidence

Apr16

Decisions are made by much deliberation but, truly, the best decisions come from looking within. For if you gaze into your heart, you can rely on the Holy Spirit to bring clarity and focus to your need; without the confusion that may enter your mind when you are simply trying too hard to ‘find’ the answer or ‘come up’ with a solution. Both of these indicate a man’s own interpretation to a situation or intervention to the solution and yet, the best decisions and answers come from your heart–sent from above.

For–

I know the end from the beginning.
I know the minds and hearts of each one involved.
I know the parameters and limitations.
I know what you know and I know what you don’t know

I KNOW!

Trust Me to guide you to the right solution.

Pray and seek wisdom.

Listen and look within.

I will surely not withhold; the good that you are seeking is the good that you will find.

Listening to your mind is like the blind leading the blind. Both will fall into a pit. So take no direction from your mind, but use your mind to follow My guidance from within. Your decisions and choices will be sure and confirmed.

And

True confidence you will find!

“–And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:14b

“A wise man’s heart inclines him toward the right, but a fool’s heart toward the left.” Ecclesiastes 10:2

“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.” Proverbs 23:15

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

“–for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” I John 3:20b-22

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:26-28

“Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalms 28:6-7

Pure Contentment

Apr10

Sigh–Sometimes this form of letting out a breath is quick and short to express exasperation. At other times it is a long and drawn-out release that can express exhaustion or even resignation.

But

There is another sigh…

One that I would like to hear often…

It is the sigh of pure contentment.

My love, I look for that smile on your face–your upturned praise and the sigh that tells Me you know your place!

Pure contentment is not a goal that you set out to accomplish. It is the reward that comes from simply living the life I have planned for you. The willing and obedient eat the good of the land. If you are willing to see things My way and obedient to do the things I say, then I will place you on the highway and you will be blessed!

“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides thee, who works for those who wait for him. Thou meetest him that joyfully works righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways.” Isaiah 64:4-5

“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” Isaiah 55:2-3

“The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.” Proverbs 16:17

“Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.” Psalms 84:4-7

“–You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” And they shall be called The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called sought out, a city not forsaken.” Isaiah 62:6b-12

Free Indeed!

Apr5

The thoughtful heart thinks of others before themself. They search and see ways in which to please another, rather than appease. They loosen their hold on what they know of another and allow that person room to change.

Everyone needs room to grow, opportunity to change–Grace to move on.

I came to bring forgiveness.
To extend a loving hand up.
To boost those who are hungry to a higher level.
To release the captive from darkness.

Not to be lost again outside of locked doors, but an open door to freedom like they’ve never known before.

My Emancipation Proclamation!

I came to set the captives free. Come out from among them and be ye separate. Join yourselves to My true Body–those who extend My Grace and will allow you to find

Your Place

They enable you to forget what is behind, and press on to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

I AM Jesus

Come follow Me–Learn of Me

and

Be FREE

For he whom the Son sets free is free indeed.

He is free in deed!

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not reckon his sin.” Romans 4:7-8

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion–to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3

“–But God has so adjusted the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. ” I Corinthians 12:24b-26

“–but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14

Star Bright

Mar28

Look up Abraham, do you see the stars? So shall your descendents be. Can you number them? My Kingdom shall have no end.

You are part of that Kingdom if you said yes to My Word and received Me as your Lord and Savior. You are one of the stars that shine for Me. Your light shall never go out if you remain in My Word–basking in My Presence; you are not ashamed of the gospel, and are looking expectantly for My return.

But, stop and consider, one lone star twinkles gently in the sky; a peaceful presence that makes one smile, but many stars grouped together makes a stunning presentation. An awesome sight in the heavenlies–a path to light the way.

Forsake not the gathering together of the brethren. Your light builds off the presence of another. Encouragement and courage are found when My children are together, and I bask in the glory of My saints gathered at My feet.

You are generated from Abraham

Carry the torch…

Not just a twinkle in My eye, but ablaze for My Kingdom!

And

My Kingdom

Shall know no end.

“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

“Thus Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.” Galatians 3:6-9

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:28-29

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25

“–And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” Isaiah 62:1-3

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16