Tag Archive | vision

He Holds the Future

I am told she was a visitor, and I don’t remember ever seeing her before. She stood out in the isle near me, singing robustly to the Lord. When worship ended, I glanced over and she returned my gaze; the moment she did, the Lord showed me a vision of her all grown up, though she is actually about 7 or 8 years old.

In an instant, I saw her as an adult.

In this glimpse she was standing in front of an empty stage, with microphone in hand; but she was down on the floor level, standing right in front of the people. Though I didn’t see the size of the group, I sensed it to be quite large, as the stage extended quite a span. I could see the front rows of people near her as well, and they lined the length of the stage. In just a moment of time I witnessed what she looked like, height, body shape, clothing, hair, and I knew her demeanor to be feisty, no nonsense–

A passionate warrior for the Lord.

Then, just as suddenly, I was no longer seeing a young woman, but this young girl standing before me.

I had shared something after worship, but I didn’t mention what I had been shown of this girl’s future. Later, as if in confirmation, a testament of her heart, she came to me as I was washing dishes; my church shares a meal together after. She found me in the kitchen and stood at my elbow but slightly behind, waiting for me to notice her. As I turned, she looked up at me with serious eyes and said, “I liked your talk.” I smiled, thanked her, and she quickly darted off.

May she be nurtured to grow in the admonition of the Lord.

May she fulfill the Lord’s call on her life.

I don’t even know her name, but I don’t have to–the Lord knows her future!

He knows I will pray.

That’s why He shows us these things!

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV

This same day, also during worship, my son had a powerful encounter with the Lord. His recount of it had many wiping their eyes. In a moment of time, his lifelong quest of questions, laced with doubts, was settled by the Lord Himself! Hallelujah!

Parents, trust the Lord with your children.

He knows the way to each heart. He alone knows the time to reach them–He will reach them!

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

“O Lord, thou has searched me and known me! Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar. Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalms 139: 1-6

“For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well; my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalms 139:13-18

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I invite you to scroll down to the message, “Books for Inmates,” to learn how you may participate in sending the Lord’s Compassion to inmates in prisons, jails and rehabs nationwide. Please consider joining this ministry to place “Comfort in the Challenge,” “His Voice in My Heart” and soon to print, “His Voice in My Heart, Vol II” in the hands of those hidden from society, but not hidden from God. These books are filled with messages from the heart of God. Messages of love, hope, healing and freedom; as well as many amazing, true testimonies of the miraculous power and love of God. This author is not taking anything from the first three published books. All donations will be invested in books to help those struggling to find new life. We offer hope and the Good News of, truly, a new life in Christ!

Thank you, for prayerfully considering partnering with us to touch the hearts’ of this hurting nation! All donations are tax deductible. Scroll down to “Books for Inmates” for more information. Again, thank you!

“‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:37-40

Welcome 2020!

Jan1

Hello Everyone, Happy New Year!

EXCITING TIMES–We are no longer teenagers–

It’s TIME for the world to grow up!

2020 is going to be a GREAT YEAR ♥

A New Year is the Perfect Time to Begin a New Book!

Now Available, My First Book–

‘Comfort In The Challenge’

“You don’t have to look far to find someone coping with a challenge. It may be a friend, co-worker, parent or child. Maybe you need only to look within. The list of trials in life is endless–the challenge within. But God knows the need, and He knows the heart of the one you love–He knows YOU!

‘Comfort in the Challenge’ is filled with messages spoken from the heart of God. Inside you will find that God loves you and He cares about you, personally, and what you care about matters to Him. He wants to take that care, in exchange, with His thoughts of Love, Hope, Healing, and Direction. He speaks to the need, He speaks to You, to bring you–‘Comfort In The Challenge.'”

© 2019 Lori J. O’Neil

Click to Order: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

All royalties for the life of this book will go directly to the ministry, Canaanland, of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland, takes in men that have lost control of their lives to addiction and crime. Their tremendous (40 year) success rate has often prompted the judges of the surrounding area to offer, Canaanland, as an alternative to jail time. But, Canaanland, is not a bail from jail; it is a golden opportunity for those who truly want a new life! I have met some of these men and they are so full of joy that they absolutely shine–truly transformed by the love of God!

Canaanland charges nothing for a year stay; including room and board for their families as well, if necessary. I find the true dedication of Canaanland, in surrounding these men with love, and the life-changing power of the Word of God, to be unsurpassed. All is made possible through the dedication and hard work of these men, and generous donations of partner support.

It is their vision to have a ‘Canaanland’ in every state and my vision, for this book, to help them realize this goal. Will you join me in helping these men and their families receive a new life? Will you consider purchasing ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ for your friends, loved ones and yourself–for Canaanland? The books are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Click this link to Order Today: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you always!

Lori J. O’Neil

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Now Then, Are We There Yet?

Dec2

People are often more interested in reaching then, than they are concerned about now.

They want to play now–rather than pray now.

Yet I say, pray now, for the fields are white for harvest.

Pray that I may send you!

If your now is not right, then you are not prepared for then, and you may not reach it when. For I have come for now, but I will come a second time for THEN.

Know Me now, so you will know Me then, and you will be fully prepared for WHEN!

“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.” John 4:35-36

“–The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37

Readers, I am excited to announce the arrival of my first published book–

‘Comfort In The Challenge’

“You don’t have to look far to find someone coping with a challenge. It may be a friend, co-worker, parent or child. Maybe you need only to look within. The list of trials in life is endless–the challenge within. But God knows the need, and He knows the heart of the one you love–He knows YOU!

‘Comfort in the Challenge’ is filled with messages spoken from the heart of God. Inside you will find that God loves you and He cares about you, personally, and what you care about matters to Him. He wants to take that care, in exchange, with His thoughts of Love, Hope, Healing, and Direction. He speaks to the need, He speaks to You, to bring you–‘Comfort In The Challenge’.

© 2019 Lori J. O’Neil

Click to Order: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

All royalties for the life of this book will go directly to the ministry, Canaanland, of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland, takes in men that have lost control of their lives to addiction and crime. Their tremendous (40 year) success rate has often prompted the judges of the surrounding area to offer, Canaanland, as an alternative to jail time. But, Canaanland, is not a bail from jail; it is a golden opportunity for those who truly want a new life! I have met some of these men and they are so full of joy that they absolutely shine–truly transformed by the love of God!

It is their vision to have a ‘Canaanland’ in every state and my vision, for this book, to help them realize this goal. Will you join me in helping these men and their families receive a new life? Will you consider purchasing ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ for your friends, loved ones and yourself–for Christmas? I literally just received my books, as I am writing this. They are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Order Today by visiting: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you and yours this Christmas and always!

Lori J. O’Neil

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanlandministries.com

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

The Production of a Lifetime

Mar3

It is for discipline–all that you are learning is for discipline of the life that is to come.

You are not waiting to ‘live’ then; you are living now in practice, much as an actor rehearses a script to get his lines ‘just right.’ He practices where to stand, inflections in his voice, body movement, pauses, all to convey what he wishes to express to the world.

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.” Ecclesiastes 10:10

No, you are not an actor, you are genuine, but you are learning to ‘act’ on what you know. And what you are learning from My Word, you are developing the storyline of your life.

We are co-directors, you and I…

We consult, we command together, and together we produce your future.

As you practice what you learn, you are studying to show yourself approved. You are laboring to enter into My rest and you will find your delight in Me.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

For I AM

Come, see your future on the big screen. Often your thinking is too small–for I have big plans for you.

You will be successful in all you do. I’ve put my trust in you, will you then trust Me, to do what I’ve called you to?

Trust and Do!

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” Hebrews 5:1-5

“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 11:29-30

“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

A Sign of Birth

Jan28

A week or two ago I had a very clear dream. I rarely dream but this was like a vision. Several people were gathered, looking at a pool of water on the floor. I could see questioning looks on their faces and some expressed their thoughts by asking, “What is it?”

I recognized what it was and declared to them. “It is the amniotic fluid, the water has broken.” “God is about to birth forth His plan and purpose.” “The long wait is nearly over.”

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house which you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things are mine, says the Lord. but this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.'” Isaiah 66:1-2

“Hear the word of the Lord you who tremble at his word; ‘Your brethren who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they who shall be put to shame.'” ‘Hark, an uproar from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, rendering recompense to his enemies!’

‘Before she was in labor she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she was delivered of a son.’ Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her sons. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? says the Lord; shall I who cause to bring forth, shut the womb? says your God, Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may suck and be satisfied with her consoling breasts; that you may drink deeply with delight from the abundance of her glory.”

For thus says the Lord; Behold, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall suck, you shall be carried upon her hip, and dandled upon her knees, as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.” Isaiah 66:5-14

Persistent Fruit

Dec19

Love is genuine

There are those who set forth a pretense of love and yet their heart is absent. Others attempt to love, but their flesh nature of selfishness choke and block that love from flowing.

Genuine love is not pretentious nor stagnant, but flows from a heart that is pure.

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.” I Peter 1:22

Be assured that the fruit produced comes from the root of the tree. If the roots are not planted in good soil the tree will not produce good fruit.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Come to your right mind, and sin no more. For some have no knowledge of God–.” I Corinthians 15:33-34

A perfectly good tree needs the right conditions to produce fruit.

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall are all seasons necessary to produce fruit–yes even Winter. I don’t rush the seasons and neither should you. Learn to produce lasting fruit by learning from the seasons.

Remain firmly planted.
Allow Me to prune.
Keep your chin up and keep looking to the Son.
Seasons will change.

Love will grow.

“Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

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

Persistence bears fruit!

“For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.” Hebrews 6:7-8

“In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work. So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22

“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 the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end–it will not lie. If it seem slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:2-4

“Though the fig tree do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds’ feet, he makes me tread upon my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

“And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:15

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation.” Psalms 24:3-5

Minute By Minute

Apr2

You see a lapse of time as wasted, but what you don’t ‘see’ is what is happening all around you. The stage is being set for your future, all about you, and yet you continue unaware.

You think nothing will change and yet every minute changes your life.

Your focus is narrow and you see with your eyes. I want you to ‘see’ with vision. See possibility in every circumstance, no matter how mundane. And those that you thought, affected you not–those I want you to re-claim.

“Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see!” Isaiah 42:18

You see every minute has a purpose–an action in your life; carving and shaping your destiny.

The things that you fight–serve as insight, of growth that’s yours to be gained.

Value every minute of your life!

“Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the Lord? He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.

The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness sake, to magnify his law and make it glorious. But this is a people robbed and plundered, they are all of them trapped in holes and hidden in prisons; they have become a prey with none to rescue, a spoil with none to say, ‘Restore!’

Who among you will give ear to this, will attend and listen for the time to come?” Isaiah 42:19-23

“Lord, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is! Behold, thou hast made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in they sight. Surely every man stands as a mere breath!” Psalms 39:4-5

“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

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge than he who has strength; for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 24:3-6

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Proverbs 19:20-21

“Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” Psalms 84:5

My Story

Dec16

A captivating tale is a story that captures the heart. But, My Story, is the heart; the heart of the matter and all that matters, for it is the beginning and the end.

“”And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:6-7 KJV

Those who’ve thought they’d lost it all can find new life in Me.

A new life is not a continuation of the old, it is new. Why then would you want to carry old thoughts into the new, as if they were unfinished business? Contemplating your past, as if it hadn’t passed, holds your vision backward and hinders you from moving forward–a cause for stumbling.

Turn your face toward the Son,

feel the warmth. I’m not behind you–I beckon you forward. Embrace this new life as if the other never was. Manage your feelings before they manage you!

“How precious is your 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

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:9-11

“–Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12

“If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26

“Do you not know that in a race all runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:24-27

“Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. John 12:35-36a

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 KJV

There’s No Better Way

Dec3

The choice is yours, whether you walk the highway or travel the low path. Both lead to a destination, but is that destination your desired end?

You have a say in your future

You had your way in salvation; I gave you room to grow. You’ll have your day in judgment, should you not judge yourself by what you know.

“But if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are chastened so that we may not be condemned along with the world.” I Corinthians 11:31-32

Clarity of vision comes from walking in My light; not ahead of it, nor behind, but My light is cast upon you when you walk with Me.

“For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light.” Psalms 36:9

So, if you choose to walk with Me, I choose the highway.

It is the right way for those who see. The diligent choose the more difficult route, for it is easy to walk without a thought; stepping on those you find along the way. ‘What does it matter?’ For tomorrow’s another day.’…

It does matter to Me!

If you choose to walk free, I’ll see to it that you are not snared with cares. But you must be diligent unto Me. It may seem a battle, this higher way. But, in time, wisdom gives you greater vision to see.

Work on one thing–determine to love.
Then take on the battle with your tongue.
Judge no other, for I would have you to judge yourself.

Handle these three and more will be in store. But for now, work on this–it is key; for the greater walk is to love your neighbor as yourself. There is no high way, no right way, no better way than this–

Love

“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:8-10

“The way of the righteous is level; thou dost make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of thy judgments, O Lord, we wait for thee; thy memorial name is the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for thee in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks thee. For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:7-9

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10

“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.'” I Peter 3:8-12

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Galatians 5:13-14

Listen

Nov30

In a vision I saw the earth with countless facets of light radiating out into the universe. The earth itself looked as if, as midnight, but lights shown out from all around it. Then I saw the earth with a pacifier stuck in it, as if it was a baby’s mouth, and the Lord spoke this message to my heart…

The voice has been silenced because too many of My people have chosen not to grow. They have been distracted by many things, and as a baby, that is too caught up in his own cry to stop and listen will not be comforted until he is first brought to silence.

The physical, the emotional, overpowering the spiritual–this must not be.

Can a child suckle forever? No, he must be weaned, made to stand, urged to walk, correction comes; such is the path of life–the path that is right.

But parenting has become confused. Children are controlling their parents; parents fear the temper and wrath of a child un-ruled. This chaos is a reflection of darkness. Evil has planted a seed–so confusion grows.

Need of truth
Need of reproof
Need of LOVE

Pop the cork and refuse to be pacified any longer. Open your mouth to receive, for I will fill it as a mother bird feeding her young.

And you will grow

And you will know

that true sustainable harvest is the planted Word in the hearts of mankind. Planted to grow, for a harvest of souls that know that My light shines in the darkness through the hearts of men.

Listen

“Ho, every one who thirsts come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without price. 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 55:1-3

“Hear, O my people; while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me! There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Psalms 81:8-10

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ‘For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.'” Isaiah 55:9-11

“For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7

“And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15