ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD
He Saw The Best In Me
He saw the best in me when everyone else around could only see the worst in me!
Posted by: Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
D&T: 12/12/2013
Posted by: Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
D&T: 12/12/2013
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth… 2 Timothy 2:23-25 (ESV)
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12 ESV
Let’s get down to business because I have a lot on my mind, and the subject we will discuss on today is discord… Please feel free to comment and weigh in…
It’s bad when a parent sow discord between children causing animosity and friction because people tend to have favorites this, and favorites that which is o.k, but when it comes to your children that God gave to you, they all should be your favorites because they are ALL gifts from God. It saddens me that a parent would choose to raise one child, and leave the other child to survive on it’s own… Let me tell you that it’s happening because it happened to me, and I was that child that did not meet my father until I was 10-years-old, and I met him by divine appointment that was set up by God! Nevertheless, we finally met!
Since that time, our relationship started out a little rocky being that I was 10-years-old and I possessed my own identity. I knew what felt right to my heart, and I knew what felt wrong. When I was younger, I was always uncomfortable around him, his wife at the time and his daughter… Nevertheless, they all grew on me over the years, and I developed a relationship with her mom which had to be developed if she was going to consider my little sister coming to spend the summer with me when she was younger. We developed a beautiful relationship over these past 37 years… Nevertheless, I pray one day she realizes that family is way more important than money and being someone’s favorite!
With that being said, let’s examine in God’s word what he says about sowing discord. I have shared over 150 scriptures and studied them to see if I can shed some light on my life to make it better that I can continue to LOVE and move forward in Christ!
-Spreading gossip
-Starting rumours
-Talking behind other people`s back
-Lying
Although a “self-centered and clingy personality“ could be the cause of discord, just being such a person wouldn`t automatically mean they are a “sower of discord!“
Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
D&T: 11/5/2013
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
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 make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
How can I bear by myself the weight and burden of you and your strife?
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.
Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.
For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, …
But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Do all things without grumbling or questioning,
In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.
Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.
Do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.
A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.
By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord;
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.”
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? …
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. …
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …
They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.
Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! …
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. …
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
And to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
By his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. …
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, …
Then Jacob became angry and berated Laban. Jacob said to Laban, “What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?
The herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
So that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,
Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
For by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,
For that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. …
For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?
What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. …
And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.
There was again a division among the Jews because of these words.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.
Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.
Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. …
Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence.
Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah …
A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents, if you lay gold in the dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed, then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God.
If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David’s men with him?” All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand.
The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.” And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” …
And Gilead’s wife also bore him sons. And when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.”
When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized,
And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.
For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms.
Posted by: Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
Cited: Scriptures are from Open Bible: http://www.openbible.info/topics/strife
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
Rejoice always,
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
For you are our glory and joy.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Again I Say Rejoice ~
Israel Houghton-
So that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. …
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.
He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; …
The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord.
You shall have a song as in the night when a holy feast is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one sets out to the sound of the flute to go to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel.
So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
So there was much joy in that city.
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. …
Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.
Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God.
They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment,
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.
I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
“At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.” Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and shall enjoy the fruit. …
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation.
That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. …
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.
Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
And the people of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with all their might to the Lord.
And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because God had prepared for the people, for the thing came about suddenly.
And Hezekiah the king and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped.
And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns.
On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people away to their homes, joyful and glad of heart for the prosperity that the Lord had granted to David and to Solomon and to Israel his people.
And David and all Israel were rejoicing before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.
For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!
But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!
With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
A Maskil of David. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
That I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.
When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness.
“Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.
So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.
So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing.
David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy.
And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.
And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. “There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. …
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.
The voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord: “‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’ For I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, says the Lord.
These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;
And joy and gladness are taken away from the fruitful field, and in the vineyards no songs are sung, no cheers are raised; no treader treads out wine in the presses; I have put an end to the shouting.
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken theLord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. …
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.
Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.
He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
Who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.
Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
Then the whole assembly agreed together to keep the feast for another seven days. So they kept it for another seven days with gladness.
So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.
And Jehoiada posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the Levitical priests and the Levites whom David had organized to be in charge of the house of the Lord, to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of David.
And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; …
It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.
I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law.
I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Posted by: Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
D&T: 11/4/2013
Cited: Scriptures are from open bible: http://www.openbible.info/topics/joy
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.. Ephesians 1:11 ESV
Greetings to all of our WIFI subscriber’s, family and friend’s, I am truly grateful on this thankful thriving Thursday that God saw fit just to wake me up early this morning closed in my right mind and he didn’t let me sleep too late, but he woke me up right on time and started me on my way, and for that right now, I pause to say Thank you Lord… No fancy shape form or fashion, just thankful for the small things in life like a roof over my head, clothes on my back and shoes on my feet, my family, a peace of mind, and the love he has placed in my heart…
Somebody should give God some Glory on this Thankful Thursday, because we serve an Awesome God!!!
~ ♥ Minister Evelyn Diane ♥ “Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Also, I want to take the time out to remember my Grandmother: Mrs. Louise Thomas known as (Mother) to many of people around the world… She was a God fearing, virtuous, and great Woman at I’m proud to call my Grandma! Above is a picture of me and my Grandma at her 90th birthday in 2006! May she forever rest in Love and celebrate her birthday royally in heaven!
Be mindful how you treat the Man or Woman-of-God that’s watching for our soul and interceding on our behalf! Nope, I’ll be the first to say that Pastoral care and Ministry jobs are not the most popular for the average Man or Woman of the claw running a local assembly. I estimate with the economy and the lack of teaching on tithes and offering, that most of them probably net from very little to none if they are not working their ministry gift in a commercial capacity such as a mega church, hospital Pastoral care that goes to patient’s room at their request for the Man or Woman of God to come in and speak life over their situation; convalescent homes, or become a Chaplain in a prison or jail, or work in a funeral home eulogizing people who may not have a church home or a Pastor to care for the family or they can work in a wedding chapel where most ordained, licensed men or woman of God can perform weddings.
My point is if most of us can pay the social worker, psychologist, the medical doctor, the Judge, wedding chapels, and your lawyer to attend to you, why is that the preacher has justify that he is worthy of his or her hire? We wonder why when we call upon them that they can’t come… Gas, flowers and greeting cards are not cheap, but we expect them to walk through the door with just more than a prayer when they come into that hospital room or over to your house, etc. to see you. It makes a difference to have Pastoral care when your children are born, or you are sick, or terminally ill.
My question is: Should the Man-or-Woman of God that watch for your soul be treated less than? I’m glad you asked… The answer is “No!!!” Let’s do better people of God, “For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Timothy 5:18 ~
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
D&T: 10/17/2013
Our fan of the week is… Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas! Congratulations. To get picked as our next fan of the week, post on our wall or comment / like other posts and we might just pick you.
Post by: HearandPlay.com ~ Rev. Jermaine A. Griggs
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Posted by: Minister Evelyn Diane Thomas
D&T: 10/16/2013
When you learn to LOVE yourself, then it’s easier to love others… I’m not saying that you should become obsessed because the word of the Lord says in: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” Have a blessed and wonderful Wednesday!!! ~ Min. <a
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