I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Psalm 119:75
“It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I obey your word.”
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. Hebrews 12:10
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. ”
And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:4
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Mark 13:30
“In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.”
“O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; bow down before him, his glory proclaim; with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name.”
“Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness, high on his heart he will bear it for thee, comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness, guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.” What an awesome God we serve!
“In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love, throughout the whole wide earth.” Amazing!
“In Christ shall true hearts everywhere, their high communion find, His service is the golden cord, close binding humankind. In Christ now meet both east and west, in Him meet south and north, all Christly souls are joined as one, throughout the whole wide earth.”
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. Ephesians 3:7
“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging, if it is giving, give generously, if God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously, and if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth. You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb; my praise shall be continually of You. Psalm 71
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust, let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape. Incline Your ear to me and save me, be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually. You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.”
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1
“See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you, all assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah; and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.”