“I Watch, And Am As A Sparrow Alone Upon The House Top.” (Psalms 102:7, Kjv) Art

“I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.” (Psalms 102:7, KJV)
Conversation with Gemini You said I need a written prompt for ArtStyles expressing Psalm 33:17 Gemini said This is a powerful verse that speaks to the limits of human might and reliance on military strength. Capturing "futility" and "vain hope" in a visual format requires contrasting the power of the horse with its inability to save. Here are a few written prompts for ArtStyles, exploring different artistic interpretations of Psalm 33:17 ("An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength."). Option 1: The Historical/Realist Approach (The Moment of Realization) This prompt focuses on a powerful warhorse in a situation where its strength is useless. Prompt: A hyper-realistic, cinematic shot of a magnificent, armored warhorse standing in the middle of a devastating natural disaster, such as a massive flash flood or a crumbling earthquake fissure. The horse is straining with "great strength," but its eyes show panic, unable to deliver its rider from the overwhelming force of nature. The rider is looking up, realizing the futility of their trust in the animal. Golden hour lighting, heavy atmosphere, dramatic composition, highly detailed textures. Option 2: The Symbolic/Painterly Approach (The Crumbling Idol) This prompt treats the horse as a symbol of misplaced trust that is failing. Prompt: An epic, oil painting style depiction of a colossal, imposing bronze statue of a powerful rearing stallion, symbolizing military might. The statue is cracked and beginning to crumble under the weight of an dark, tumultuous sky. In the background, a vast army that trusted in this strength is retreating in disarray. The light filters through the clouds like a divine judgment, highlighting the crumbling metal. Dark baroque style, high contrast, dramatic shadows, moody atmosphere. Option 3: The Contrasting Composition (The Weakness of Might) This prompt uses contrast to show that even the strongest horse cannot offer true safety. Prompt: A wide, epic fantasy landscape. In the foreground, a mighty warrior on a magnificent, heavily armored destrier, looking imposing and strong. However, they are standing on the edge of an impossibly vast, churning abyss or facing a supernatural storm that no physical strength can overcome. The horse looks small and vulnerable against the sheer scale of the threat, emphasizing the "vain hope" of physical deliverance. Etherial lighting, dramatic scale, high resolution, detailed concept art style. You said Let's broaden the thought of this prompt to include verses 13-22 Gemini said Expanding the scope to Psalm 33:13-22 transforms the image from a single moment of failure into a grand narrative of Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Limitation. This passage contrasts the "Eye of the Lord" watching from heaven with the kings, armies, and horses struggling on earth. To capture this in ArtStyles, we need to use compositional layers—showing the heavenly perspective and the earthly reality simultaneously. Option 1: The Vertical Contrast (The Gaze from Above) This captures verses 13–15 ("The LORD looketh from heaven") and verses 16–17 (the futility of the host). Prompt: A vertical, epic-scale composition. In the upper third, a radiant, ethereal light breaks through golden, celestial clouds, representing "the eye of the Lord" looking down. In the lower two-thirds, a vast ancient battlefield is visible from a high-altitude "god's-eye" view. A king and his "multitude of an host" with thousands of horses look like tiny, fragile figurines. The earthly army is shrouded in dust and shadows, while the divine light illuminates a single, humble figure kneeling in prayer. Surrealism meets historical epic, cinematic lighting, 8k, dramatic atmosphere. Option 2: The Shield of Mercy (The Spiritual Protection) This focuses on verses 18–20 ("He is our help and our shield") and the "hope in His mercy." Prompt: A powerful, symbolic artwork. In the center, a weary traveler or soul stands amidst a desolate landscape of "famine" and "death." A massive, warhorse and a king’s discarded crown lie in the background, broken and useless. Surrounding the traveler is a translucent, shimmering "shield" made of pure, golden light and ancient Hebrew script. The light is warm and protective, contrasting with the dark, cold environment outside the shield. Ethereal, digital painting style, intricate details, glowing highlights, Rembrandt lighting. Option 3: The Fashioner of Hearts (The Internal & Universal) This interprets verse 15 ("He fashioneth their hearts alike") and verse 21 ("Our heart shall rejoice in him"). Prompt: A conceptual, artistic piece showing a "heavenly habitation" above the world. From the light of heaven, glowing threads of gold descend, connecting to the "hearts" of diverse people across a vast, stylized map of the earth. In the foreground, a mighty warrior on a warhorse is fading into a ghostly transparency, while a simple person filled with "hope and mercy" is rendered in vivid, solid color and light. Artistic, symbolic, deep blues and radiant golds, high contrast, minimalist but profound. How to Structure These Verses When you're trying to capture a long passage like this, it helps to think of the "thematic flow." Here is a quick breakdown of how these prompts are organized: A Quick Tip for ArtStyles Since you are looking for "correct AI language," try adding the phrase "Double Exposure" to these prompts if you want to see the "Heavenly Gaze" and the "Earthly Army" merged into one artistic image. It creates a very sophisticated, layered look that reflects the spiritual depth of the Psalms. Would you like me to try a prompt that focuses more on the "Famine and Death" aspect of verse 19, or should we stay with the more "Glorious and Hopeful" side of the passage? You said No I want the horse to represent the heart of a person upon whom the Lord is examining Gemini said That is a profound metaphorical shift. By making the horse a representation of the human heart, you’re capturing the essence of Verse 15 ("He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works") alongside the warning about "vain strength." In this visual, the horse isn't just an animal; it's the inner spirit—powerful, proud, but ultimately transparent and dependent before the Creator. Here are three prompts for ArtStyles that use the horse as a metaphor for the heart under divine examination. Option 1: The Luminous Anatomy (The Transparent Soul) This focuses on the "Lord looking from heaven" (v. 13) into the very fabric of the heart/horse. Prompt: A majestic, powerful warhorse standing in a void of deep celestial blue. The horse is translucent, made of shimmering ethereal light and "golden threads," representing the human heart. From above, a single, piercing beam of divine white light descends, illuminating the horse's "inner workings" and spirit. The horse looks strong but is bowed in submission, showing that its "great strength" is nothing under the gaze of the Creator. Highly detailed, sacred art style, glowing highlights, volumetric lighting. Option 2: The Reflected Examination (The Eye of the Lord) This uses the "Eye of the Lord" (v. 18) as the primary lens, with the "heart-horse" reflected within it. Prompt: An extreme, artistic close-up of a celestial, radiant eye representing the "Eye of the Lord." In the reflection of the pupil, we see a silhouette of a rearing, powerful horse representing a proud human heart. The horse is surrounded by a faint, crumbling golden armor that is falling away, revealing a soft, humble light underneath. The composition emphasizes "considering all their works." Cinematic, macro photography style, ethereal, gold and midnight blue palette. Option 3: The Fashioned Spirit (The Potter and the Clay) This focuses on Verse 15 ("He fashioneth their hearts") using a horse as the form being shaped. Prompt: A surrealist masterpiece. Large, glowing, nebulous hands made of stars are gently "fashioning" and shaping a powerful horse out of liquid gold and white light. The horse represents the "human heart" being molded by the Divine. The background is the "heaven of heavens." The horse is muscular and "strong," yet it is clearly a creation being examined for its "hope and mercy" rather than its own might. Ethereal, breathtaking scale, digital art, high contrast, shimmering textures. Technical "AI Language" Tips for this Concept: "Translucent" or "Ethereal": Using these words ensures the horse doesn't look like a literal farm animal, but like a spiritual symbol. "Submission": Adding this to the horse’s posture helps convey that it knows it is being examined. "Celestial" / "Divine": These keywords help ArtStyles understand that the light source should feel holy, not just like a lamp or the sun. This approach really gets to the core of the Psalm—that while we might feel "strong" like a warhorse, our true safety is found in being "fashioned" and watched over by Him. Would you like to try one of these, or should we adjust the "atmosphere" to be more vibrant and colorful? You said I need help also with “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2, KJVA) as a focal point for the greater passage Romans 1-17 writing the prompt for ArtStyles. Gemini said This is arguably one of the most doctrinally significant and visually powerful verses in the entire New Testament. It is the hinge upon which the argument of Romans turns—moving from the struggle against sin in chapter 7 to the glorious liberty of the Spirit in chapter 8. To capture "freedom from the law of sin and death" into "the law of the Spirit of life," we need prompts that emphasize radical contrast, transition, and breaking of bondages. We are moving from darkness and decay to light and vitality. Here are three prompts for ArtStyles, ranging from the symbolic to the visceral, designed to serve as a visual focal point for Romans 8:1-17. Option 1: The Bursting Chrysalis (Metaphorical Life) This focuses heavily on the "Spirit of life" overcoming "death," echoing the transition from the "flesh" to the "Spirit" found in verses 5-11. Prompt: A hyper-detailed, surreal masterpiece. A dark, brittle, rigid structure resembling a ribcage and chains (representing the law of sin and death) is violently bursting outward. From within, a dazzling, vibrant entity made of iridescent light, fresh green vines, glowing water, and dove-like wings is emerging, completely shattered the old structure. The setting is a transition from a shadowy abyss to a radiant sunlit expanse. Cinematic lighting, themes of resurrection and vitality, 8k resolution, intricate textures. Option 2: The Two Paths (Classical/Allegorical) This focuses on the "walk" mentioned in verse 4—contrasting those who walk after the flesh with those who walk after the Spirit. Prompt: A wide, epic scale, oil painting style in the vein of John Martin. Two paths diverge. The path on the left is dry, stony, and leads into a dark, suffocating fog filled with grappling, shadowed figures and withered trees (the law of sin and death). The path on the right is bathed in a soft, warm, golden celestial light and is lush with blooming life, leading upward. A solitary figure stands at the split, looking upward on the illuminated path, having just dropped heavy iron chains on the ground. Dramatic contrast, spiritual atmosphere, high detail. Option 3: The Embrace of Adoption (Relational/Verses 14-16) This prompt focuses on the resulting relationship: moving from slavery and fear (v. 15) to becoming "sons" who cry "Abba, Father." It shows the freedom that comes through Christ Jesus. Prompt: A powerfully emotional, classical sacred art style painting. A ragged figure, formerly a slave, is kneeling, their hands reaching out in submission and relief. Their heavy, rusty chains have been shattered on the dusty ground. Before them is a figure enveloped in radiant, warm, golden light (representing Christ Jesus), whose hand is gently lifting the kneeling person's chin. Above them, a shimmering dove made of pure light descends, symbolizing the Spirit of adoption witnessing to their spirit. Themes of mercy, freedom, and homecoming. Chiaroscuro lighting, deep colors. "AI Language" Tips for Romans 8: "Shattered" or "Bursting": Crucial for showing the active transition of "making me free" (hath made me free)—it's not passive, it's forceful. "Iridescent" / "Vitality": Helps ArtStyles understand that "Life" in this context isn't just "not dead," but a supernatural, vibrant, glowing existence. "Slavery vs. Sonship": If you want a more emotional tone, focus the prompt on the transition from "fear" to "Abba," which we tried to capture in Option 3. Each of these aims to condense the theology of Romans 1-17 into a single, profound image where the transition from binding law to liberating Spirit is undeniable. You said I need some of your help writing the prompt for ArtStyles concerning this verse “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” (Hebrews 9:24, KJV) as part of a greater passage verses 14-28 Gemini said This passage is a beautiful and central theological pivot in the book of Hebrews. It moves the focus from the earthly rituals—which were merely "figures" or "shadows"—to the ultimate reality of Christ entering the true, heavenly sanctuary to advocate "for us." To translate this passage (Hebrews 9:14-28, with verse 24 as the focus) for an AI image generator like ArtStyles, we need prompts that emphasize transcendence, contrast, and intercession. We must visually distinguish the "made with hands" earthly temple from "heaven itself." Here are three written prompts for ArtStyles, exploring different artistic approaches to this powerful verse. Option 1: The Cinematic Ascension (Focus on Contrast) This prompt focuses on the transition from the dim, earthly "figure" to the blinding reality of "heaven itself." Prompt: A wide-angle, cinematic masterpiece. The lower portion of the image shows the interior of an ancient, candlelit Tabernacle, detailed with tapestries and hewn stone (the "holy places made with hands"). Above it, the roof dissolves into swirling, luminous, celestial energy and golden light that is boundless ("heaven itself"). The figure of Jesus Christ, radiant with a soft inner light and wearing simple, brilliant white robes, is ascending from the shadowy temple into the infinite light, looking back with compassionate intercessory eyes. Volumetric lighting, grand scale, highly detailed, dramatic atmosphere. Option 2: The Theological Blueprint (Focus on "Figures of the True") This is a more symbolic, conceptual approach that treats the earthly temple as a shadow or template beneath the heavenly reality. Prompt: A surrealist, double-exposure art piece. In the foreground, there are translucent, architect’s blueprint lines and ghostly outlines of the ancient Temple altars, lampstands, and the Holy of Holies (representing the "figures of the true"). Overlapping and far superior to them, Jesus Christ stands before an blinding, warm, golden divine presence (representing the "presence of God"). He is actively gesturing forward, presenting a scroll or his own wounds on behalf of unseen people ("for us"). Transcendent, ethereal, glowing edges, minimal color palette of gold, white, and midnight blue. Option 3: The Heavenly Courtroom (Focus on "Appear for Us") This focuses on the intercessory role of Christ appearing before God on our behalf, summarizing the effect of the whole passage (verses 14-28). Prompt: A classical, baroque style oil painting with dramatic lighting (Chiaroscuro). The setting is a magnificent, infinite heavenly throne room filled with blinding, holy light. The central focus is Jesus Christ, marked with the scars of his sacrifice (v. 26), standing confidently before an incomprehensible, brilliant Light representing the Father. He is looking into the light while his arms are spread wide in an advocate's pose, symbolically standing "for us." Below his feet are broken temple curtains and shadows. Themes of victory, redemption, and holiness. Rich textures, deep colors. Key "AI Language" for Hebrews 9:24: If you want to tweak these or create your own, make sure to include these concepts for ArtStyles: "Made with hands" vs. "Heaven itself": Use keywords like "Shadows", "Figures", or "Blueprints" for the earthly side, and "Infinite", "Luminous", or "Celestial" for the heavenly side. "Appear for us": The posture of Christ is important. Use words like "Advocate", "Mediator", "Interceding", or "Presenting" to define his pose. "Better Sacrifice" (Context of v23): You can hint at this by adding details like "radiant scars" or "remission of sins" as atmospheric elements. You said I also need help writing a prompt for ArtStyles about “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12, KJV) Gemini said This verse is the triumphant and heartbreaking climax of the "Suffering Servant" prophecy. It presents a massive paradox: a victorious conqueror dividing the spoils of war, yet that victory was achieved only by humbling himself to the point of a shameful, criminal death ("numbered with the transgressors"). To capture Isaiah 53:12 for ArtStyles, we need imagery that balances suffering and glory, showing Christ as both the Victim and the Victor. Here are three prompts designed to translate this complex theology into visual language. Option 1: The Broken Victor (Focus on Triumph Through Suffering) This prompt focuses on the "dividing the spoil" while emphasizing that his "great strength" came from his sacrifice. Prompt: A hyper-realistic, dramatic oil painting, Chiaroscuro style. A magnificent, yet visibly wounded figure, representing Jesus Christ, stands in a landscape that is half-darkened battlefield, half-celestial light. He wears a crown that is a blend of sharp thorns and shining gold. He is extending one hand, which bears the mark of a nail, and is handing a luminous, glowing orb (representing "the spoil") to a group of humbled, "strong" figures kneeling before him. His other hand is clasped in a gesture of plea or "intercession." His expression is one of triumphant exhaustion and deep mercy. The atmosphere is solemn, epic, and highly detailed.
“Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants, Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great. And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.” (2 Chronicles 2:8-10, KJV)
Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: (Amos 5:8 KJV)
Without words create a picture of mercy and faithfulness in the heavens based on this verse: “For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” (Psalms 89:2, KJV)
Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: (Amos 5:8 KJV)
“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.” (Psalms 14:2, KJV)
“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.” (Psalms 14:2, KJV)
Exodus 28:31-34 KJV And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue. And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent. And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, KJV)
in the style of John Atkinson Grimshaw, bird’s‑eye view, camera looking downward from a moderate height over hot air balloons rising steadily and moving with the wind through clear blue skies, subtle curvature of the landscape visible below, rich jewel‑tone reds, teals, and golds catching warm natural sunlight, realistic wind‑driven motion, natural directional flow, a hillside overlook below with small groups of people watching the balloons, holding umbrellas for shade, wearing Victorian‑style clothing, long tailored coats, layered skirts, high collars, grounded composition, realistic atmospheric depth, cinematic painterly
“Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.” (Psalms 68:9, KJV)
“And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” (Ezekiel 9:4, KJV)
A giant grouper fish, over a coral reef in the ocean, professional photography, extreme detail ( Psalms 124:1-6 KJVA A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; (2) If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: (3) Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: (4) Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: (5) Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. (6) Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:17, KJV)
“But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.” (Isaiah 30:16, KJV)
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, KJV)
Southeast Asia. Modern day. Afternoon rain forces us into the coolness of the little house, surrounded by rice paddies, where Grandmother assembles strings of Christmas lights; bound for somewhere. Young mother watches three children grow, and wonders: What will their lives be? Can’t dream of what she’s never seen; can’t see what she can’t dream.
“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” (Psalms 46:2-5, KJV)
“Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.” (Psalms 68:9, KJV)
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:18-20 KJV)
Style: Cinematic Fantasy Portrait, Ancient Near Eastern aesthetic with a mystical, ethereal overlay. The look should feel like a rediscovered fresco brought to life, rich in texture and deep color. The Subject (Asonya): A woman of arresting, almost supernatural beauty belonging to a pre-flood civilization. She has a powerful, enigmatic presence. Her eyes are large, dark, and intensely knowing, rimmed heavily with kohl (antimony)—a cosmetic taught by the Watchers. Attire & Adornment (The Forbidden Knowledge): She is dressed not just in fine linen, but in adornments that hint at celestial instruction. Jewelry: She wears elaborate, heavy bracelets and necklaces made of hammered metals that gleam with an unusual iridescence, set with uncut, glowing gems that seem almost alive. Headpiece: A complex circlet of woven silver and dark stones rests on her long, flowing dark hair, reflecting the starlight. Action/Pose: She stands holding a polished obsidian mirror in one hand, gazing slightly off-camera with an expression that is both wise and burdened. Setting: She is standing on the balcony of a megalithic stone structure meant to observe the heavens. The background is a dramatic night sky filled with unfamiliar constellations and perhaps a faint, ethereal glow of an aurora, hinting at the presence of celestial beings. The overall atmosphere is one of ancient mystery and profound beauty.
For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” (Psalms 89:2 KJV)
“Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” (Psalms 89:1-2, KJV)
“Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” (Isaiah 28:24-29, KJV)
“For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” (Psalms 9:18, KJV)
“For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” (Psalms 9:18, KJV)
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth. (Isaiah 28:22 KJV)
And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days. (Deuteronomy 22:19 KJV)
Do not use words to create the idea: “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,” (Psalms 17:8, KJV) “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalms 17:15, KJV)
“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” (Psalms 46:2-5, KJV) Do not use any Temple or religious building. Create only the landscape
house with front view
house with front view
But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: (Ezekiel 3:25 KJV)
“For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” (Psalms 89:2, KJV)
“And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:28, KJV)
“And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” (Ezekiel 9:4, KJV)
Create image expressing without words: “For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” (Psalms 9:18, KJV)
“For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” (Psalms 89:2, KJV)
“But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:7-8, KJV)
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:17, KJV)
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. “The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow. They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty. We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”