The Shutter and the Sentence

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."

--Psalm 118:8-9

Governments, leaders, and civilizations come and go, but God is in control forever!

Photo: Procession of the Princes, Dresden, Germany

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

--Philippians 4:13

Photo: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

-Romans 12:2

Photo: Brookfield Zoo, Illinois

"For you were once darkness, but you are now light in the Lord."

--Ephesians 5:8

Photo: Ft. Myers, Florida

"The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

-1 John 4:4

Photo: Ely, Minnesota

 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

-Luke 2: 8-12

Photo: Frankenmuth, Michigan

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. -- Psalm 23:5

Photo: Blair Castle, Scotland

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."--Proverbs 3:9

Photo: Door County, Wisconsin

“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.”

--Genesis 8:22

Photo: Ark Encounter, Kentucky

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way you should go, for to you, I entrust my life.”

 --Psalm 143:8

Photo: Ettal, Bavaria, Germany

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. “

 -- Matthew 25:13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

Photo: Charlevoix, Michigan

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” -- Jeremiah 29:11

Photo: My Backyard

“Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.'” -- Mark 10:27

Photo: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” -- 1 Corinthians 13:13

Photo: Traverse City, Michigan

"Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”

--Lamentations 3:22-23

Photo: Chicago Botanic Gardens

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests."

--Luke 2:13-14

Photo: Branson, Missouri

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

-- Exodus 23:12

Photo: My House