Be like a tree planted by streams of water

He [the one who delights in and meditates upon the Law of the Lord] is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:3, New International Version

Dutch version / Nederlands > Wees als een boom geplant aan stromend water

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    Some kinds of earthly delight can feed our hearts for a short time. However, when difficulties come, our hearts will wither in the drought of their false nourishment. On the other hand, delighting in the LORD and in his will for us provides us with ongoing and ever-fresh joy. Out of this God-seeking lifestyle come both short-term and long-term benefits as well as a resiliency that withstands life's worst droughts.

    Dear God, the Holy One of heaven, I do find my delight in you and your ways. I find my refreshment in your abiding Spirit. Please give me the wisdom to seek your will every day of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Better loaves when the heart is joyous

"Better are loaves when
the heart is joyous,
than riches in unhappiness."
- Amenemope (c. 1000 BC)

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than
share a house with a quarrelsome wife."
Proverbs 25:24

Lord let me give my daily bread
to share with those close to my heart
and to those who feel favourably towards me.
Let my wife and children be a blessing and joy.

Dutch version / Nederlands > Beter broden wanneer het hart vrolijk is

The thought of losing rekindles the joy of having

"The thought of losing
rekindles the joy of having."
- Tom Payne

"Therefore, having been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith
into this grace in which we stand;
and we exult in hope of the glory of God."
Romans 5:1-2

Due to distance ourselves from this world it seems to many that we have a lot of losses.
But by following Christ we win a lot.
We are pleased and grateful that we are justified by faith.
We are pleased that through Jesus Christ we have received reconciliation.
And we are grateful to you God, that you have made all this possible for us poor sinners.

Dutch  version / Nederlands> De gedachte aan het verliezen ontsteekt de vreugde van het hebben

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2013 update:

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Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark

"Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark."
- George Iles

Hope & Faith (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

"Now may the God of hope fill you with
all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope ... "
Romans 15:13

God let all my hope be rightly placed on you.
I trust I can count on you.
That my hope for the coming Kingdom
shall become realised
and that Christ may bring us shining glory.

Dutch Version / Nederlands> Hoop is geloof dat haar hand in het donker uitsteekt

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2013 update:

English: Restored Statues from the Fredenhagenaltar; Left to right: Faith, Risen Christ, Hope (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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• What is Faith?

Give your tears to God

"We can give our tears to God because He is our COMFORTER
Our disappointments because He is our CONFIDENCE
Our pains because He is our HEALER
Our stress because He is our PEACE
Our heaviness because He is our JOY"
- Roy Lessin

"Sorrow may bring us to the earth, and death may bring us to the grave,
but lower we cannot sink, and out of the lowest of all we shall arise to the highest of all."
- C.H. Spurgeon

"Often the clouds of sorrow
reveal the sunshine of His face."
- Hilys Jasper

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:5-6

"The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand."
Psalms 37:23-24

"Therefore, having been justified by FAITH,
We have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
And REJOICE in the HOPE of the GLORY of GOD."
Romans 5:1-2

Comfort me, heal me, give me strength and confidence.
Give that I grow everyday and come closer to you,
finding peace and joy,
in Jesus name, Amen..

Dutch version / Nederlands > Geef je tranen aan God
+++
2013 update:

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• God Will Provide
• Psalm 37:4
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• The Secret Place of the Most High : The Veil and the Holy of Holies (Holy Place) - Prayer
• "Where do you put your trust?" by Pastor Johanna Mukhavhuli, Wednesday Service, the 23rd of January 2013.

A new year with hopes and challenges

"How swiftly flies by the time,
A new year with hopes and challenges.
Plan thoroughly and be
Prepared for joy in living
You will achieve joy.

Nothing fearing,
Expect all things possible
With God

Yearning true
Excellence in character
Aim for nothing less than the best you can
Rise up and shine, ready for loving and serving our God!"
- Compilation

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day."
Psalm 96:1-2
 

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2013 update + 2014 February update: :

god (Photo credit: Notes for the Voyage)

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• A royal psalm. The theme of deliverance is divided into past, present, and future. (proclaimingthegospelofchrist.wordpress.com)
  Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
• Psalm 96:1-2 - Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (church4u2.wordpress.com)
  There is an opportunity for musicians in our generation. The Grammy awards showed that the music industry has become a parody of itself, substituting style over substance. There is a great need for artists who can sing to the Lord a new song, going beyond the current categories of music set up by marketing companies. God has a new song for the earth. Can we hear it, or have we become deaf by the roar of money?
• Morning Prayer 1.24.14: Conversion of St. Paul (dailyoffice.org)
  O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.