“Select capable men from all the people-men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain-and appoint them as official over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens” (Exodus 18:21)

The apostle Paul writes, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.”

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

Psalm 37:24 also says, “Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

Proverbs 19: 17 tells us, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay him for his deed.”

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17

Hebrews 12:14 says, “work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”

Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs.”

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38)

Deuteronomy 6:4-9: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”

“The people stood and watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Proverbs 29:7

Proverbs 21:20: “There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.”

Matthew 25: 40 says, “The king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20: 29-31)

David writes in Psalm 139: 13-14, “for it was You who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made.”

It seems as if time is passing us by too quickly. Just last week we were celebrating Thanksgiving, and now we are in the Advent

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107: 8-9