Word of the Day

Proverb 1: 33

But he who listens to me shall live securely and shall be at ease from the dread of evil.

Exodus 3: 21; 12: 35 – 36, Psalm 105: 37

And I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty handed . . ..

Proverb 3: 11 – 12

My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof, for who the Lord loves, He reproves, even as a father, the son in whom he delights.

Hebrews 10: 23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

1 Thessalonians 3: 2

. . . and we sent Timothy, our bother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.

Matthew 21: 12 – 13

And Jesus entered the temple and cast out all those who were buying and selling in the temple . . .

Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For He will be like a tree planted by the water . . .

Psalm 46: 10

God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble.

Matthew 21: 31- 32

Truly I say to you that the tax gatherers and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you. For John came . . .

Hebrews 4: 16

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

Psalm 128: 2

When you eat the fruit of the labor of your hands, You will be happy and it will go well for you.

Romans 3: 22 – 24

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Hebrews 9:13-14

Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more . . .

Exodus 28: 36, 38a

You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, ‘Holy to the LORD.’ It shall be on Aaron’s forehead.

Psalm 89: 34

My covenant I will not violate, nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.

Hebrew 4: 2

For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

John 17:16

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

John 16: 33

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 9: 10

And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, O Lord, has not forsaken those who seek Thee.

Psalm 9: 9

The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 3: 8

Thy blessing be (is) upon Thy people.

Isaiah 61: 1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners.

James 4: 8

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

On Memorial Day we honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. On this day we should also remember their friends and family who also made great sacrifices in the defense of our country. Our prayers go out to all of you who had a service person lose their life. We also offer our prayers for those who are serving in military service currently. May you all have a blessed Memorial Day.

Philippians 4:6 – 7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Chronicles 15: 2

And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him.

Ephesians 2: 8 – 11

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 1: 15 – 18

For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you . . .

Psalm 119: 68

Thou art good and do good.

Psalm 23: 1 – 3

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Matthew 18: 16

…so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Matthew 28: 20

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Exodus 35: 30 – 31

Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has . . .

Matthew 14: 25

And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Ephesians 2: 22 & 24

In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self . . . and put on the new self.

Mark 9: 24

Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

1 Chronicles 28: 9 

If you seek him, you will find him.

2 Corinthians 10: 5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

James 1: 17

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

1 Peter 1: 3

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy. We have been . . .

Luke 2: 19 Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Mary never lost sight of the miracle child and his mission.  She kept all the words spoken about him and all the prophecies safely hidden in her heart.  Of course she did, you might think but it is a harder thing than one might consider. We know his story and have witnessed his miracles in our own lives, and yet, the enormity of it sometimes slips through our fingers during the hulabalu that is everyday life.  It is easy to lose sight of the miraculous power that is

Luke 2: 10 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Galatians 4: 4

But when the right time came, God send his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.

Romans 6: 6 – 7

Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

Hebrews 10: 23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Galatians 3: 6 – 7

In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

Ephesians 2: 3

Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

John 14: 20

On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I in you.

1 Chronicles 28: 9

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.”

Psalm 19: 7 – 8

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple, the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Isaiah 50: 4

He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple, the Lord God has opened my ear.

Ephesians 2: 4 – 5

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).

Isaiah 9: 6

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us . . . and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Philippians 2: 3 – 4

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Matthew 5: 48

Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

What a crazy thing for Jesus to say!

Proverb 10: 19 – 21

When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, but one who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is like. . .

Psalm 37: 4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

This certainly sounds like good news to me. You? And yet, I wonder.

1 Peter 1: 23

For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is through the living and abiding word of God.

1 Chronicles 15:13

“It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.”

Matthew 11: 28 – 30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11: 28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

1 Chronicles 20: 12 & 15

“Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

15 “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude for the battle is not yours but God’s.”

Psalm 25: 4 – 5 

Make your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you.

Psalm 27: 13 – 14

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Galatians 5: 1

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 6: 7 & 9

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.

Psalm 27: 7 – 9

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!

Luke 10: 41 – 42

But answering her, the Lord said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and bothered about many things; but only one thing is necessary.

Psalm 22: 24

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He heard.

Mark 10: 22

But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

Mark 10: 17 – 21

As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

Romans 8: 37

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

1 Kings 17: 8 – 16

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.” And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in you hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.” Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first, and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.’”

Leviticus 9: 10

On the altar he burned . . .

Isaiah 16: 5

When oppression and destruction have ceased and enemy raiders have disappeared, then David’s throne will be established by love. From that throne, a faithful king will reign, one who always does what is just and right.

Romans 10: 3

For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Matthew 6: 5

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

Matthew 6: 2

So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

Matthew 6: 1

Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

Proverb 23: 9

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

John 15: 5

Apart from me you can do nothing

Romans 8: 28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

2 Chronicles 7: 15

My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.

Romans 8: 35

Who shall separate us from the love Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 2: 19

[A]nd are confident that you yourself are a guide to people who are blind, a light to those in darkness.

Jude 20 – 21

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Habakkuk 2: 2

Then the LORD answered me and said, “Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.”

James 4: 2

You don’t have the things you want, because you don’t pray for them.

Acts 18: 6

And when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads! I am clean. From now on I shall go to the Gentiles.”

I received a New Year’s blessing from a friend who wished me the best year of all in 2023.  It is a wonderful sentiment, even if  not completely unique; and not unique because it is the premier wish we have for our friends.  This time, the cherished good sentiment hit me differently.  Normally I would simply set my heart in agreement.  This time, though, I asked myself what that would mean.  Would I make more money, more friends, accomplish some big goal, perform better athletically, feel better physically?  What would make 2023 the best year ever?  Are you looking for

John 15: 9

Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.

Acts 18: 5

But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Mark 4: 24

And He was saying to them,. . . “By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.”

Philippians 4: 18

But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied.

Ephesians 1: 20-22

He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church.

Ephesians 2: 6

. . . and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 59: 1 – 2

Behold the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Genesis 26: 28 – 29

And they said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’”

Psalm 105: 14 -15

He permitted no man to oppress them, and He reproved kings for their sakes: “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.”

Psalm 46: 1 – 3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

Isaiah 43: 2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.

Genesis 12: 3

And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you, I will curse.

Nehemiah 10: 39

Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.

Proverb 2: 6 -7

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.

He is the wisdom and the plan. You are the hands and feet. Let Him instruct you. Then . . .

Psalm 115: 16

The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of mankind.

Proverb 2: 6 -7

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.

Luke 6: 46

And why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?

Luke 6: 7

And the scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely, to see if He healed on the Sabbath.

Luke 6: 12

And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Luke 6: 35

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great; and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.

Isaiah 49: 10

They will not hunger or thirst, neither will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water.

Revelation 12: 9

. . . Satan who deceives the whole world.

John 1: 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

God is not judgment, anger or correction. He is . . .

1 John 4: 17

By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

We discover that love abides in us because God abides in us and God is love.

1 John 4: 8

The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Philippians 2: 9 -10

Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.

Philippians 2: 8

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2: 7 [He] emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Jesus was, and is, and always will be. He was with God at the creation of the world. He sat in the high places with God, and He was God. And yet, he emptied Himself of His deity and came to earth in the form of a bond-servant. Why? No one less than the very Son of God was good enough for God to send into the earth for the redemption of each and every one of us. And what

John 14: 13 – 14

And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Daniel 10: 12

“Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.”

Deuteronomy 1: 21

See, the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

This is the word of the Lord for you today.

Psalm 20: 1

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!

Romans 12: 2

Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Matthew 6: 33

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.

I hope you enjoyed the healing series from the Word of the Day.  I pray you got something out of it. I appreciate, though, that it encompassed much material and requires time to assimilate.  Transforming our thoughts doesn’t happen overnight.  You can read a scripture, engage with it and then the very next day have your thoughts fly in absolute contradiction to it.  That is why we meditate on scriptures and spend time with them. Because there was so much information and so many scriptures, I have created a new tool for you.  The entire healing series is now available

Numbers 5: 39

Obey his commands instead of following your own desires and going your own ways, as you are prone to do.

Joshua 14: 7

I returned and gave from my heart a good report, but my brothers who went with me frightened the people and discouraged them.

John 21: 3 – 6

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are also coming with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish to eat, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find the fish.” So they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great quantity of fish.

Exodus 22: 29

Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.

Luke 18: 40

Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him.

Hebrews 13: 8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.

Acts 10: 38

You know of Jesus of Nazareth . . . and how He went about . . . healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Hebrews 10: 35

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Revelations 12:11

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.

Philippians 4: 6 – 7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Luke 13: 32

“Behold, I am casting out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I reach My goal.”

James 5: 14 – 15

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

Psalm 41: 3

The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to health.

Did you know that right now, wherever you are . . .

Psalm 30: 2

O Lord my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me.

Acts 2: 23

“With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.”

Luke 8: 46 

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.”

I think we just need to be more stubborn and more determined.

Ezekiel 47: 9

So where the river flows everything will live.

There is a river of life, and it heals and blesses everything it touches.

Proverb 16: 24 

Pleasant words are like honey from a honeycomb – sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.

1 Peter 2: 24

For by His wounds you were healed.

2 Kings 4: 38 – 41 

Elisha now returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. One day as the group of prophets was seated before him, he said to his servant, “Put a large pot on the fire, and make some stew for the rest of the group.” One of the young men went out into the field to gather herbs and came back with a pocketful of wild gourds. He shredded them and put them into the pot without realizing they were poisonous. Some of the stew was served to the men. But after they had eaten a bite or two they cried out, “Man of God, there’s poison in this stew!” So they would not eat it. Elisha said, “Bring me some flour.” Then he threw it into the pot and said, “Now it’s all right; go ahead and eat.” And then it did not harm them.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Galatians 3:13 – 14

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” – in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Proverb 3: 7 – 8

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

Matthew 4: 23

Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Malachi 4: 2

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

Matthew 9: 28, 21: 22

And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this? If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

2 Corinthians 9: 6 – 8

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.

2 Corinthians 10: 4 – 5

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

. . . all those mental gymnastics, must be brought to kneel at Jesus’ feet.

Luke 6: 12

Now it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray.

Romans 12: 1 – 2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. There are two aspects of these verses that are important for health and healing and they both point to our obligations. The hard truth is that we are responsible for our

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your moral bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.

Romans 4: 17 – 21

17 (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
18 In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So shall you descendants be.”
19 And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;
20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
21 and being fully assure that what He had promised, He was able to perform.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.

Mark 16:17 – 18

And these signs will accompany those who have believed; in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Mark 11: 23 – 24

“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 is going to happen, is shall be granted you. “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.

Matthew 21: 21 – 22

“Truly I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the seas,’ it shall happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”

Matthew 18: 19

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 8:2-3

And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

If you had any doubts about Jesus’ willingness to heal you . . .

Mathew 8:16 -17

And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.”

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds.

This verse is special to me among the healing verses and here is why.

Jeremiah 1:12

You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.

God is scanning the whole earth watching and listening for people who will call on His Word.

Isaiah 53: 4-5

Surely our griefs (sickness) He Himself bore, and our sorrows (pains) He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging (stripes) we are healed.

There are reasons for every part of Jesus arrest, sentencing and crucifixion.

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am you God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

You know, I am quite fond of giving you tools, and today’s verse is a strong one. Here is what I want you to do . . .

Proverb 18:20-21

With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit.

There is nothing in God’s Kingdom that is not hinged on our word and His.

2 Kings 20: 5

Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you.”

Proverb 17:22

A joyful heart is good medicine.

Proverb 4:20-22

20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.

Psalm 118:17

I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.

Psalm 107:20

He sent His word and healed them.

In the beginning was the Word . . . and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us

This is my very favorite healing verse. I just love this it.

Psalm 103:1 – 3

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of His benefits.
3 Who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases.

Fully appreciate the benefits.

Psalm 91:16

With a long life I will satisfy him.

Hey, forget this sickness business. Let’s just leave that to the Egyptians. Let’s live in the promise of God, intertwine our lives around Jesus and get full and satisfied. Yeah, I like that!

Job 22:28

You will also decree a thing and it will be established.

This may be the most important verse in the whole series.

1 Kings 8:56

Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.

My Valentine for God Will you please take this heart of mine? Place it in your garden of love; Please water it well with kindness And feed with wisdom from above. Take the ugliness from within, Replace with understanding and light; Then each day bless and hallow it, That it may rest in peace at night. Alma Hopkins I am going to take a pause from our healing scriptures to send you this special Valentine. This is another of those newspaper clippings found recently. There is no telling how long ago this was clipped from the paper or even which

Exodus 23: 26

I will give you long, full lives.

One cannot pray in faith for healing if he has the misconception that God created his sickness.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you many live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding close to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, so that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 28: 2,3, 5, 14 – 17, 61 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the Lord your God. 3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. 5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 14 And do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. 15 But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God,

Deuteronomy 7:15

“And the Lord will remove from you all sickness; and He will not put on you any of the harmful diseases of Egypt which you have known, but He will lay them on all who hate you.”

God is removing sickness from among us, as He promised to do. Our part in the bargain seems to be listening to His commands and faithfully obeying them.

Exodus 23: 25

But you shall serve the Lord your God and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst.

Do you think it sounds silly to pray about food?

Exodus 15:26

And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.”

John 1: 1

In the beginning was the Word.

Job 42: 10

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes.

I can imagine how little Job wanted to pray for them too. He must have thought some choice things when God told him to pray for those fools. Fortunately, though, Job obeyed.

Habakkuk 2: 2

Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.

Fourteen days later, I reviewed my written goals and realized . . .

1 John 4: 8

God is love.

I believe in love. I believe in a Father who gave His son specifically to save us. It stands to reason, then, that He has plenty of methods in place to assure that people get the chance to meet Jesus.

Colossians 1: 27

For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.

Job 23: 2

If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there.

Ephesians 1: 7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Colossians 1: 11 

We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.

Genesis 40: 8

“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.”

Genesis 39: 4 – 5

Joseph naturally became quite a favorite with him. Potiphar soon put Joseph in charge of his entire household and entrusted him with all his business dealings. From the day Joseph was put in charge the Lord began to bless Potiphar for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.

Genesis 39: 2 – 3

The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.

Ephesians 3: 17

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.

1 Chronicles 28: 9

If you seek Him, He will let you find Him.

Whether you are Jewish, Baptist, Pentecostal or any of a myriad of belief systems, it all comes down to this quite simple principle . . .

Proverb 31: 8 – 9

Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Psalm 63: 1 

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee.

Proverb 6: 16

There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to him.

Joshua 22: 24

“We were worried because of the situation we’re in. We thought sometime in the future your children might say to our children, ‘What relationship do you have with the Lord God of Israel?’”

Psalm 77:6

I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, and my spirit ponders.

Journaling with Jesus is different than the type of journaling most of us learned initially. This type of journaling is actually . . .

Proverb 30: 1 – 3

Ephesians 3: 16

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3: 14 – 15 

When I think of the wisdom and scope of god’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.

Habakkuk 2:2

Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.”

Matthew 5:16

Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Revelation 21:5

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

  Amongst all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, I hope you find time to sit and savor all of the beauty of the holiday.  Breathe in the aromas, delight in the flavors.  Let your eyes feast on the twinkle of lights and colorful decorations.  I hope you enjoy every single silly and whimsical delight of this festive time of year.  I also pray that you find time to let your spirit drink in the deepest joy and greatest love.  I pray that your spirit will be as sensitive and tender as it was when you were a

Luke 2: 6 – 18

Proverb 29: 9

When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, the foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

Psalm 68: 18

He ascends into the heavenly heights, taking his many captured ones with him, leading them in triumphal procession. And gifts were given to men, even the once rebellious, so that they may dwell with Yah.

Ephesians 4: 6 

And he is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all!

It is, in fact, the New Covenant in a word . . .

James 5: 14

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.

James 4: 17

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Proverb 3: 34

God treats the arrogant as they treat others, mocking the mockers, scorning the scornful, but He pours out His grace on the humble.

Proverb 28: 25 

An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper.

Ephesians 3: 12

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

Jesus is the reason for the season, but . . .

Ephesians 3: 6

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

Psalm 27: 14

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.

Psalm 32: 8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.

He must keep an eye on us to make sure we don’t walk off any cliffs.

Proverb 27: 19

As in water a face reflects the face, so the heart of a person reflects the person.

Proverb 3: 27

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

I say, let’s give until it feels really good, until we feel the blessing of God ignited within us.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Proverb 18: 2

A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Deuteronomy 14: 2

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Proverb 26: 23

Like a clay pot covered with cheap silver, so is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart.

Ephesians 5: 20

 Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:9

Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices.

We cannot be both renewed ambassadors of the Messiah and . . .

Matthew 16: 24

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”

Discipleship kinda flies in the face of our individualistic approach to life . . .

Proverb 25: 21 – 22

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

He has blanketed us with His grace so . . .

Acts 9: 36

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.

James 1: 22

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.

Acts 9: 1 – 2

Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them in shackles to Jerusalem.

Acts 10: 1 – 3

In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment.

It is interesting to me that there are two stories in the Book of Acts about people receiving visions and . . .

Proverb 24: 17 – 18

Never gloat when your enemy meets disaster, and don’t be quick to rejoice if he falls. For the Lord, who sees your heart, will be displeased with you and will pity your foe.

Romans 8: 2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

2 Corinthians 2: 14

But thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ.

Matthew 28: 19

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

My intention with this Word of the Day is . . .

John 16: 33

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world, [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].

Proverb 23: 12 

Live a more disciplined life, and listen carefully to words of knowledge.

There is so much we could discuss about living a disciplined life . . .

Proverb 1: 8-9

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not ignore your mother’s teaching; For they are a graceful wreath for your head and necklaces for your neck.

Why should we go through . . .

Proverb 18: 24

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

David had a friend like this . . .

2 Chronicles 11: 16

People from every tribe of Israel who were determined to seek the Lord God of Israel followed the Levitical priests to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord God of their ancestors.

Deuteronomy 15: 10 

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

God wants to bless everything you touch.

Proverb 22: 9 

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

If I may, I would also like to be so honest as to say . . .

1 Corinthians 2: 10 – 13

God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, especially the deep things of God. After all, who knows everything about a person except that person’s own spirit? In the same way, no one has known everything about God except God’s Spirit. Now, we didn’t receive the spirit that belongs to the world. Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we could know the things which God has freely given us. We don’t speak about these things using teachings that are based on intellectual arguments like people do. Instead, we use the Spirit’s teachings. We explain spiritual things to those who have the Spirit.

1 Kings 3: 3 – 5, 15

Now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David. . . And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there . . . Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.”

Then Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and held a feast for all his servants.

Proverb 20: 28

Good leadership is built on love and truth, for kindness and integrity are what keep leaders in their position of trust.

Leadership is hard . . .

Proverb 20: 19

One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a gossip.

There is a Jewish concept called Loshon hora . . .

Proverb 21: 23 

Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

I think the secret to guarding one’s mouth is . . .

Philippians 4: 13

I can do all things.

Is God schizophrenic? Does the Bible set up a dichotomy telling us one thing and then the opposite?

Luke 6: 38

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.

If you read yesterday’s Word of the Day, you know that . . .

Luke 6: 46

“Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

Jesus doesn’t demand you obey him because he is an egomaniac . . .

Luke 6: 31

Treat people the same way you want them to treat you.

It sounded so simple when we were children . . .

Proverb 20: 27

The spirit God breathed into man is like a living lamp, a shining light, searching into the inner most chamber of our being.

James 1: 22

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.

Each Word of the Day is an invitation to see . . .

Philippians 2: 3 – 4

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Love one another; just as I have loved you.

John 13: 34 – 35

I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

Psalm 119: 49

Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

These promises from God . . .

Proverb 19: 5

A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who declares lies will not escape.

So, the difficulty is not in understanding. I mean face it; this passage is as clear as fine crystal. The hard part is obeying. We are like petulant children. We don’t want to grow up and face the consequences of our actions, so we lie about them.

Isaiah 55:6

Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.

It sounds like a Hallmark movie . . .

Proverb 12: 15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Psalm 119: 62   

At midnight I rise to thank you.

Do you ever have trouble sleeping?

Proverb 10: 4

Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverb 18: 20 – 21

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled – with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. Death and life are in the control of the tongue. Those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.

John 16: 32

Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Proverb 14: 7

Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge.

Psalm 91: 1

One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.

Faith is not making a decision and expecting God to back it. Faith is only found in following Him.

Proverb 10: 22

It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich.

It is the blessing of the Lord which is at work. The blessing of the Lord makes rich!

Proverb 17: 22

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

If you want a healthy body, then you need a joyful heart.

Psalm 119:63

Anyone is my brother who fears and trusts the Lord and obeys him.

In these confusing times, it is nice to have theological guidance from the one who is best qualified to teach us, the Lord Himself.

Romans 8: 26

Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

James 5: 13

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.

Proverb 16: 3 & 9

Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverb 16: 20

One who pays attention to the word will find good, and blessed is one who trusts in the LORD.

Psalm 145: 14

The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.

Hebrews 4: 12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.

Proverb 12: 25 

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Instead of being anxious, through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving . . .

Proverb 15: 1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.

Proverb 14: 6

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Proverb 13: 10

Through overconfidence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

Proverb 12: 14

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

Proverb 11: 17         NIV

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

Proverb 10: 22

It is the Lord’s blessing that makes a person rich, and hard work adds nothing to it.

Proverb 9: 10 – 11

The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship Yahweh. To receive the revelation of the Holy One, you must come to the one who has living understanding. Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before.

Proverb 8: 32, 35

Now then, sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. For one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

It is most humbling seeing the kindness and generosity of your blessed and anointed hearts. Christ within you is so evident.  As your donations are coming in for the Bike MS event, not only am humbled, but I am also blessed and inspired.  I feel more impetus to get out on my bike and do my part for you and for those with MS.  I cannot do enough to thank you, but I will do my best. Here I am on a recent ride. This was at my 35 mile rest stop on a 50 mile ride.  That is my longest

Proverb 7: 8

Passing through the street near her corner; and he walks along the way to her house.

Proverb 6: 16 – 19

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who declares lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.

Galatians 5: 1

 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Proverb 5: 1 – 5

My son, pay attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding, so that you may maintain discretion and your lips may comply with knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

Proverb 4: 7

The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your possessions, acquire understanding.

Proverb 3: 13 – 18

Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her produce better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are those who hold on to her.

Proverb 2: 1 – 5

My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding. For if you cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.

Proverb 1: 1 – 7

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

As we pause this weekend to remember and honor those who gave their lives to protect our freedom, let us also remember the one who initially purchased that freedom for us.  Love is known by this, that Jesus willingly laid down his life for us (1 John 3: 16) so that we might be free.

John 14: 21

The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.

John 14: 7 – 10

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works.”

Psalm 150

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Everything that has breath shall praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!