Kiss

Kissing Camels

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Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies! Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty;

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.

You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet.

"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Psalm 85:10 Proverbs 24:26 Luke 7:45 Luke 14:33 1 Peter 5:14

The designs of creation points to the Master Designer

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Give Thanks

God's Handiwork

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Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

WE GIVE praise and thanks to You, O God, we praise and give thanks; Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near and they who invoke Your Name rehearse Your wonders.

To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 100:4 Psalm 86:12 Psalm 105:1 1 Chronicles 16:34 Psalm 75:1 Psalm 30:12

Praise to God comes naturally when you count your Blessings.

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* Today Jeanette and I give thanks, also, to you - for sharing with us God's beauty in nature, and most expecially in reading HIS WORD daily!

Confident

Steamboat Springs,CO

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You shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope

Trust (lean on and be confident) in the Lord.

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation.

If you set your heart on God and reach out to him … You'll forget your troubles …Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring. Full of hope, you'll relax, confident again; you'll look around, sit back, and take it easy. Expansive, without a care in the world, you'll be hunted out by many for your blessing.

My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!

Job 11:18 Psalm 4:5 Psalm 37:5 Psalm 13:5 Job 11:13 Psalm 57:7

Fear comes from looking at others; confidence comes from looking to God

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Settled

He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.

He changed wasteland into fresh pools of water, arid earth into springs of water, Brought in the hungry and settled them there; they moved in—what a great place to live! They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest. He blessed them and they prospered greatly;

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! … Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.

And since we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have the requests made of Him.

Psalm 78:55 Psalm 68:10 Psalm 107:33 Ephesians 1:3 1 John 5:15

With practice, anyone can master the art of thankfulness.

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Able

No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely).

For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders].

“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.

What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

Luke 16:13 Luke 17:21 John 5:30 Acts 20:32 John 14:12 Acts 1:7

God must rule our hearts if our feet are to walk His way.

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Acquire

Alaska

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Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation

To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

Acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.

EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy ( interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).

Proverbs 4:7 Proverbs 4:5 Proverbs 13:2 Proverbs 19:8 Colossians 1:9 1 Corinthians 14:1

We learn the lesson of trust in the school of trial.

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Seek

Seek Me that you may live.

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.

[ Seek God ] So get yourselves together. Shape up! You're a nation without a clue about what it wants. Do it before you're blown away like leaves in a windstorm, Before God's Judgment-anger sweeps down on you, Before God's Judgment Day wrath descends with full force.

Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Amos 5:4 Amos 5:14 Zephaniah 2:1 Zephaniah 2:3 Matthew 6:33 Luke 11:9

When we keep our eyes on Christ, obstacles become opportunities.

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Actions

Your actions are a sign to show what will soon happen.

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.

Your actions give a clear message: I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

Ezekiel 12:11 Proverbs 21:2 2 Samuel 19:5 Psalm 119:5 Isaiah 3:10 Proverbs 16:3

When words and actions agree, the message is loud and clear.

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Above all

Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine.

God, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won't bring you to ruin, he won't forget the covenant with your ancestors which he swore to them.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life

And today God has reaffirmed that you are dearly held treasure just as he promised, a people entrusted with keeping his commandments, a people set high above all other nations that he's made, high in praise, fame, and honor: you're a people holy to God, your God. That's what he has promised

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Exodus 19:5 Deuteronomy 4:29 Proverbs 4:23 Deuteronomy 26:18 Psalm 27:6 Matthew 6:33

Perseverance can tip the scales from failure to success.

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Rejoice

New Day

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This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling.

The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.

Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, The wealth of the nations will come to you.

Psalm 118:24 Psalm 2:11 Psalm 22:26 Psalm 5:11 Psalm 68:3 Isaiah 60:5

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!”

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Sure

Anamis River

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You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him.

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God.

Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world's "sure thing," ignore what the world worships; The world's a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts. Nothing and no one comes close to you!

The fulfillment of God's promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing him and what he does. God's promise arrives as pure gift. That's the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it.

Psalm 4:3 Psalm 19:7 Proverbs 16:9 Psalm 27:13 Psalm 40:4 Romans 4:16

Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. Romans 15:3

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Holy Spirit

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:16 Romans 8:26 Romans 8:27 Romans 12:11 Romans 14:17 Romans 15:13

Awful circumstances cannot alter the goodness of God.

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Testimony

Above Young Life Camp,CO

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The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

This will be a time (an opportunity) for you to bear testimony.

And I have seen [that happen--I actually did see it] and my testimony is that this is the Son of God!

If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord

If we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son.

Psalm 19:7 Luke 21:13 John 1:34 Luke 9:5 2 Timothy 1:8 1 John 5:9

God is looking for ordinary people to do extraordinary work.

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Horses

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD.

The Egyptians are mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together.

Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God

I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.

His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts. He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud. The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. It's exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

Isaiah 31:1 Isaiah 31:3 Psalm 20:7 Isaiah 43:17 Luke 1:46

Faith bridges chasms that reason cannot fathom.

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Expect

Code Mt.

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And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You.

Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon.

This is what God's servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." God's Decree.

Wait for and expect the Lord and keep and heed His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; [in the end] when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

Psalm 39:7 Psalm 31:24 Isaiah 54:11 Psalm 37:34 Isaiah 30:18 Isaiah 40:31

The storms of life reveal the strength of our faith.

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Fill

Great Sand Dunes, CO

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How can anyone fill and satisfy [these people] with loaves of bread here in [this] desolate and uninhabited region?

He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread and fish to the disciples to hand out to the crowd. After the people had all eaten their fill, twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered up.

Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

"Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!"

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Mark 8:4 Luke 9:14 John 2:7 John 2:9 Acts 2:28 Romans 5:5

Let God’s Word fill your heart and guide your words.

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Shine

Many, LORD, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of your face shine on us.

Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.

Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning….Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me... Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book!

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth.

Psalm 4:6 Psalm 80:3 Psalm 18:28 Psalm 119:129 Psalm 57:5

Nothing can dim the beauty that shines from within.

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Saying

Silver lining

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But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!”

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance be it done to you

Psalm 31:14 Psalm 85:8 Psalm 137:3 Matthew 5:48 Matthew 6:31 Matthew 9:29

The sweetest experience of God’s love can be found in times of sorrow.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Determine

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

“Jeremiah, I have made you a tester of metals (Hebrew reads: of metals in my people a fortress., ) that you may determine the quality of my people.

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.

For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ”

Ephesians 5:10 Jeremiah 6:27 Romans 14:13 Hebrews 10:30 Luke 6:38

The world’s applause cannot compare to the Lord’s approval.

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Between

Inbetween Seasons

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That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next.

You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.

"Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.”

"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth. ”

"And that's not all. You will have complete and free access to God's kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven."

Romans 8:18 John 4:35 Mark 10:13 Matthew 6:14 John 1:51 Matthew 16:19

Those who wait on the Lord will never be disappointed.

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