i Promise
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
“If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving be me”
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? (Psalm 199:82)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelations 3:20) I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.(Hosea 2:19) ... and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you. (Haggai 2:23) Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. (Jeremiah 29:12).. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you (Isaiah 66:13) Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Never will i leave you; never will i forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more will you love me less? (2Corinthians 12:15)
For I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. (2Corinthians 2:4) This is my command: Love each other.(John 15:17) 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself; I am the LORD.’(Leviticus 19:18) This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. (Deuteronomy 30:11) Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard.(John 1:27) See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, if it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. (1John 2:24) Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.(Song 8:6-7) You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.(Joshua 23:14) Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit; perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.(2Corinthians 7:1) Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good..(Romans 12:9) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.(John 15:13) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.(Romans 14:9)Greet one another with a kiss of love. (2Corinthians 13:12)
Truly my soul waits on God: from him comes my salvation.(Psalm 62:1) He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.(Psalm 18:16) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want, He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake .(Psalm 23:1-3) Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.(Psalm 90:1) O Jehovah, our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth, Who hast set thy glory upon the heavens! (Psalm 8:1) I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13:6) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.(2Corinthians 1:3-4) For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2Corinthians 4:17)
“being deeply loved by someone gives you Strength while loving someone deeply gives you Courage”
to cherish YOU
"You take away the old and show me the new,
I feel like i can fly when i stand next to you."
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1) "Tell them, 'As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, I don't want wicked people to die. Rather, I want them to turn from their ways and live. Change the way you think and act! Turn from your wicked ways! Do you want to die, people of Israel?'(Ezekiel 33:11) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9) Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing (Isaiah 40:26) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2Peter1:4) He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20) It is through the Lord's love that we have not come to destruction, because his mercies have no limit.(Lamentations 3:22) For nothing is impossible with God.(Luke 1:37) for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. (Luke 1:49-50) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.(1John 4:9) But I am afraid just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be somehow led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2Corinthians 11:3)
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. (Isaiah 60:2) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35) The LORD protects the simple hearted; when i was in great need he saved me. (Psalm 116:6) ...LORD God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keep covenant and mercy with your servants that walk before you with all their heart (1Kings 8:23) You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORDmy God, I will give you thanks forever! (Psalm 30:11-12)The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.(Psalm 116:5) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11) ... I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honour in every land where they were put to shame.(Zephaniah 3:19) And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart(Ezekiel 11:19)
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call. (Acts 2:39) So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. (Romans 4:16) But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2Peter 3:13) Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (Hebrews 4:11)
As for me, I am in your hands--do with me as you think best. (Jeremiah 26:14)
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens ~ Psalms 68:19
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND 
~ Mary Stevenson ~
One night I had a dream ~ I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints, one belonged to me and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints."I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
compiled by leslie marsh, May 4 2010
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a state of tranquility or quiet ~ peace 
The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace [Psalm 29:11]
”It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work ;
it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart”
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. {John 14:27} I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. {1Timothy 2:8} Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know {Jeremiah 33:3} Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest {Mark 6:31} I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. {Jeremiah 31:25}
The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. {Psalm 4:2} God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. {Matthew 5:5} You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! {Isaiah 55:12} The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. {Isaiah 11:6-9}
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. {Ecclesiastes 3:1-8}
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. {Job 22:21-22} For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. {1Corinthians 14:33} He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord. Trust in the Lord God always, for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength. {Isaiah 26:3-4} Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. {Isaiah 57:2} But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. {Psalm 37:11}
Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. {Habakkuk 1:3} Men you are brothers, why do you want to hurt each other? {Acts 7:26} Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.{1Peter 5:8} Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. {2Timothy 2:23-24} A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. {Proverbs 15:18} For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. {Romans 8:6} Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. {Matthew 5:9}
“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose”
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {1Corinthians 1:3} Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.{Psalm 119:165} But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. {1Timothy 1:5} Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. {Romans 5:1} For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. {John 3:34} He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. {Ephesians 2:17} But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.{Isaiah 53:5}
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. {Ephesians 4:1-6} Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. {Colossians 3:15}
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. {2Corinthians 13:11} But keep yourself from those desires of the flesh which are strong when the body is young, and go after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those whose prayers go up to the Lord from a clean heart. {2timothy 2:22} Have respect for all, loving the brothers, fearing God, honouring the king. {1Peter 2:17} Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour; {Romans 12:10} Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. {Hebrews 12:14}
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.{1Thessalonians 5:23} May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. {Hebrews 13:20-21}
Seek peace and pursue it ... 1Peter 3:11
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with you all.
2Thessalonians 13:16
SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE A tendency to think & act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experiences, an unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment, a loss of interest in judging other people, a loss of interest in judging self, a loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others, a loss of interest in conflict, a loss of ability to worry, frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation, contented feelings of connectedness with others & nature, frequent attacks of smiling, an increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen, an increased susceptibility to love extended by others & the uncontrollable urge to extend it
WARNING Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace. The hearts of a great many already have been exposed and it is possible that people, everywhere, could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what, up to now, has been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. If you have some or all of the above symptoms, be advised that your condition of inner peace may be too far advanced to be curable. If you are exposed to anyone exhibiting any of these symptoms, remain exposed only at your own risk.
[ by Saskia Davis © 1984 ]
compiled by leslie marsh jan 19 2010