The people who know their God shall always prevail

Do you know your God?  Do you know how He works?

"The LORD keeps faith forever,
 secures justice for the oppressed,
 gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free."

"The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out  great  exploits."
(Dan 11:32 NKJV)

"The LORD gives sight to the blind.
 the LORD raises up those who were bowed down;
The LORD loves the just. the LORD protects strangers."

Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ, His Son.  Eternal life starts here and now.  (John 17:3)

"The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia."
(Psalm 146)

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Jesus versus the bank

Are you trying to serve two masters?

"No worker can serve two bosses:        He'll either hate the first and love the second.   Or adore the first and despise the second.   You can't serve both God and the Bank.
(Luke 16:13 MSG)

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There is a time to work and a time to account for work.

There is a time and season for everything.

"So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’"
(Luke 16:2 NLT)

"All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left."
(Matthew 25:32-33 NLT)

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Come and rest from your burden

What burdens are causing you sleepless nights?

"Come to me and I will give you rest— all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke — for it fits perfectly— and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light  burdens"  (Matthew 11: 28-29 TLB)

"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."
(Psalm 27:14 AMP)

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Don't be intimidated by the cost of discipleship. The reward is infinite.

Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.

"And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple."   (Luke 14:27 NLT)

"So no one can become my disciple unless he first sits down and counts his blessings — and then renounces them all for me."  (Luke 14: 33 TLB)

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Rejoice in our confident hope

Let love be always sincere and hate what is evil.

"Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."

"Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.  When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night."  (Romans 12: 11-13 TLB)

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Hope will never fail

Is your hope the type that never disappoints?

"And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. 

Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."  (Romans 5: 4-5 TLB)

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How to survive the Great Distress

Have you washed your robe in the Blood of the Lamb?

"Then one of the twenty-four Elders asked me, “Do you know who these are, who are clothed in white, and where they come from?”

“No, sir,” I replied. “Please tell me.”

“These are the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation,” he said; “they washed their robes and whitened them by the blood of the Lamb."  (Revelation 7: 13-14  TLB)

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The Choice, the Call and Gifts of God are Irrevocable

The Lord will not abandon his people.

"For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]"
(Romans 11:29 AMP)

"Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law."
(Psalm 94:12 AMP)

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Don't have a different standard for your neighbor

Why do you have a different standard for your neighbor?

"Then he turned to them and said, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?”
Again they could not answer."
(Luke 14:5-6 NLT)

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If God promotes you, who can say nay

Who will condemn us if God has cleared our name?

"If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones?"  (Romans 8: 31-33 RM)

Trust Completely in Jesus.  God Never Fails!

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Now we are family with Jesus and citizens of Heaven

Living apart from Christ Jesus is exclusion from citizenship in Heaven.

"Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God’s own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God’s [own] household."

"You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone."
(Ephesians 2:19-20 AMP)

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Be patient. The reward is unbelievable!

The reward will greatly surpass the waiting.  Wait for it.

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.

For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day  when God will resurrect his children."  (Romans 8: 18-19  TLB)

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The Holy Spirit gives us a foretaste of our future glory

How do we become truly members of God's family?

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, “Father,  Father.”    For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children."  (Romans 8: 14 - 16 TLB)

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Lord, I want to see

"What do you want me to do for you?' The blind man said to him, 'Rabbuni, let me see again'" (Mark 10:51)New Jerusalem Bible

Suppose Jesus asks you: "What do you want me to do for you?" How would you reply?   If I sense Jesus asking me the question,  my answer would depend on my circumstances.  In periods of ill-health, I want instant healing. When my car is in deep trouble, I desire a new car.   Jesus complained to St Maria Faustina that our desires are too petty and always  circumstantial.   Bartimaeus wanted to see people and God’s beautiful creation.   Jesus praised his faith.

When God asked Solomon what he wanted most, Solomon's request pleased God. Why? Because the king had asked for wisdom -- not for his own benefit, but so he could rule Israel according to God's purpose. God wants us to choose wisely and in accordance with His will. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus taught us what to pray for. God's will is paramount. He showed an example in Gethsemane when in terrible anguish, he groaned: "My Father,..not what I want but what you want" (Matthew 26:39)

Bartimaeus' prayer brought him physical and spiritual vision. Jesus always gives more than we ask for. He wants us to pray with confidence for all our needs, but he also desires we place spiritual well-being above material comfort. The world needs people with spiritual vision. "Without vision the people perish" (Proverbs 29: 18). The prophet Hosea writes: "My people perish for want of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) May God help us to pray with Bartimaeus: Lord, that we may see!

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Accept and enjoy your freedom through the Spirit of life

I am now free from compulsive behavior to sin.  Thank You Jesus, Savior and Redeemer.

"There  is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
(Romans 8:1 NKJV)

"And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."
(Romans 8:2 NLT)

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Do not be wise and learned in your own eyes.

The wise and the learned miss the simple truths of eternal life

"At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

"Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."
(Matthew 11:   25 - 26 NIV)

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Thank You Jesus for delivering me from this End.

Do not follow the advice and tips of the wicked.

"But now that you've found you don't have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master."
(Romans 6:22-23 MSG)

"For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."
(Psalm 1:6 NLT)

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The Lord will save us from the raging anger of men

Who was your help when men rose up against you?

"Had not the LORD been with us, let Israel say, had not the LORD been with us?
When men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive; When their fury was inflamed against us."

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

"Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;
The torrent would have swept over us; over us then would have swept the raging waters.
Blessed be the LORD, who did not leave us  a prey to their teeth."

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Yes Lord, I will do your will

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

"Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin‑offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.”

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!”

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know."  (Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 RM)

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Please No Unbelief. No Doubt.

May Unbelief never prevent you from entering your Promised Land!

"No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God,
Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised."

"That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).
(Rom 4: 20  -  22 AMP)

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I will testify to you Lord.

"The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify."
      -  Yes Lord, I will testify to you!

" When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

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Jesus was crushed for our sake

"The LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity."

"Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear."  (Isaiah 53: 10 - 11 RM)

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

"For we do not have a high priest
   who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
   but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
   yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
   to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."  (Hebrews 4: 14 -  16 RM)

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God cares deeply for you

All the wild animals are fed by God.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten or uncared for in the presence of God."

"But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows."
(Luke 12: 6-7  AMP)

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My soul is waiting for the LORD

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication."

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

"I trust in the LORD;
 my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn."  (Psalm 130: 1-2, 5-6  RM)

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

" Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices."  (St Teresa of Avila)

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The reason why God is so patient with us

Don't despise God's kindness and patience

"But you who are judging another for doing what you do yourself, are you hoping that God's decision will not take effect against you? Or is it nothing to you that God had pity on you, waiting and putting up with you for so long, not seeing that in his pity God's desire is to give you a change of heart?"
(Romans 2:3-4 BBE)

"Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all. (Psalm 62: 2 - 3 RM)

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Are you ashamed of sharing the GoodNews?

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." (Luke 2: 10 NLT)

"It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!

"God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives."
(Romans 1:16 MSG)

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You are chosen and called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ

Help us O God to fully present the Good News of Jesus Christ.

"Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name."

 "And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ."
(Romans 1:5-6 NLT)

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His Name is the Word of God

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

"You know the commandments: 

“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”

“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions."  (Mark 10:17-30 RM)

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Jesus Christ is the full Disclosure of God

Abba Father spoke just One Word -  Jesus, who is the Logos.  Jesus Christ is the full Disclosure of God.

"As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
(Luke 11:  27 -  28 NLT)

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Jesus is our Captain in spiritual warfare

On whose side are you?

"When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound. But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he's beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered. "
(Luke 11:21 -  22 MSG)

"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy if you're not helping, you're making things worse."
(Luke 11:23 MSG)

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Go for the best gift but trust the Father

The Father knows exactly what we need.

"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider?

As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
(Luke 11:10 MSG)

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My God is good and gracious

"I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish."  (Jonah 4: 1-11)

Lord, you are merciful and gracious.

"Have mercy on me, O Lord, for to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."

Lord, you are merciful and gracious.

"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.
Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my pleading."   (Psalm  86: 3-4, 5-6 RM)

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Don't be anxious and upset about many things

Choose today what is better and what will not be taken away from you.
"But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

"But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!"

"There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
(Luke 10: 40 -  42 NLT)

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You too can be a Good Samaritan.

“And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied,  “A man fell victim to robbers."

"A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight."

"Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:25-37 RM)

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Jesus became a perfect Man through suffering

God made His Son Jesus a perfect Man through suffering.

"God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation."
(Hebrews 2:10 NLT)

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"  (Hebrews 12:7 NIV)

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Do not forsake the Eternal Father who nourished you.

He who brought disaster upon you will bring you back with enduring joy.

The Lord listens to the poor.

“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive, for the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.
Let the heavens and the earth praise him, the seas and whatever moves in them!”

The Lord listens to the poor.

"For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah.
They shall dwell in the land and own it, and the descendants of his servants shall inherit it,
and those who love his name shall inhabit it.

The Lord listens to the poor.
(Psalm 69: 33-35, 36-37 RM)

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The Lord has put His angel in charge of you

The Lord has put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

 “See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.  Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is my representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion.

But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you.-
(Exodus 23:20-22 NLT)

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The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

“Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.”

For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
(Nehemiah 8:9-10 NLT)

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You come. No excuses. No procrastination.

"Come.  Follow me."   What are your excuses?

"I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home."

"Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."  (Luke 9: 61 -  62 MSG)

"They all began making excuses."  (Luke 4: 18 NLT)

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We can shame our Accuser

See how we overcome our Accuser.

"The accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night.   

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die."
(Revelation 12: 10 - 11 NLT)

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Become like little children

"Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest.

But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side.

Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”  (Luke 9: 46 - 48 NLT)

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Consecrate us to the truth

"Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth."  (John 17:17 AMP)

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8: 32 NLT)

"For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant."  (2 Samuel 7: 28 NLT)

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Let our hearts burn within us as You unpack the Scriptures for us

Open our minds and hearts to the Scriptures O Christ our Teacher!

“Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.”
But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it."  (Luke 9: 44 -  45 NIV)

"Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"   (Luke 24:32 MSG)

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Lord Jesus, You are all I have got in life

“Who do people say I am?”   “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” 

“But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”   (Luke 9:18-20 NLT)

Lord Jesus,  You are my Savior and my Redeemer.  You are my Good Shepherd. You are my Security in everything.  Without You,  life is completely meaningless.

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Come to My Party. Satisfaction is Guaranteed

How to be content and satisfied:

“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!  You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!"
(Haggai 1:4-6 NLT)

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
(Matthew 6:33 NLT)

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Amazing Grace is my Portion

Amazing Grace is my Portion.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

He scourges and then has mercy;
   he casts down to the depths of the nether world,
   and he brings up from the great abyss.
No one can escape his hand.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Praise him, you children of Israel, before the Gentiles,
   for though he has scattered you among them,
   he has shown you his greatness even there.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

So now consider what he has done for you,
   and praise him with full voice.
Bless the Lord of righteousness,
   and exalt the King of ages.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

In the land of my exile I praise him
   and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Bless the Lord, all you his chosen ones,
   and may all of you praise his majesty.
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
(Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8 RM)

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See the blessings of keeping God's easy commands

"How joyful are those who fear the LORD— all who follow his ways!"
(Psalm 128:1 NLT)

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." (Luke 11: 28 RM)

"Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them."
(John 13:17 NLT)

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Sunday Rest

"On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health."  (CCC 2185)

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Jesus comes to your workplace

Jesus invites you to use your talent and time to serve Him.

"Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, "Come along with me." Matthew stood up and followed him."
(Matthew 9:9 MSG)

"And he said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."  (Matthew 4:19 BBE)

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