We all want to thrive. Everyone wants to experience the best. We all want to experience “the good life.” However, there are times in life when we face what seems like insurmountable odds. There are times when we face suffering. It is in those times when we might discover that Jesus is our Rock. He is the firm foundation, day by day, always there to stand upon. From that firm foundation, there are times when we find ourselves not only willing to thrive, but able to thrive, despite the circumstances.
Andraé Crouch
My Tribute
This group of Texts invites an injunction, welcomes a Word. It seems a little raw for me, so I share it tentatively. I mean no offense, but David encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30.6). So shall I!
What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?
1 Samuel 15.22.a
People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16.7.b
Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16.3
The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
whoever follows that path is safe.
Proverbs 16.17
Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
Proverbs 16.20
I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.
2 Samuel 12.23.b
Kind words are like honey-
sweet to the soul and healthy to the body.
Proverbs 16.24
All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.
2 Samuel 14.14
Injunction | You were never separated from me my son. You were separated from her, and I allowed it to happen. And since I allowed it to happen, I will make provision for your well-being. Yes, I will make room for you to thrive. Trust me now as you always have. I have already been devising ways for you to thrive, in this season. I have not swept away your life, your hopes, your dreams, your good work. If you could see what I have placed before you, you would worship and not worry. Why not worship now in anticipation of what is not yet seen?
There is a path before each person that seems right,
But it ends in death.
Proverbs 16.25
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