Category: John

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Better than Anticipated

I know everyone reading this has probably ordered something on-line, sight unseen. When the package arrived there was an anticipation of what the contents would be like. Was it better than anticipated or was it disappointing?

I wrote these words in my prayer journal this morning, “better than anticipated, Lord, You do not disappoint”.

From those words of heartfelt appreciation this verse came to mind.

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 ERV

Four hundred years before Christ was born Isaiah the prophet wrote these words.

“But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 CEV

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

For hundreds of years the nation of Israel anticipated the Child who was to be born. This was a promise from God and He was coming sight unseen. There was no estimated delivery date, no Amazon tracking that said “you package is 10 stops away”.

But there was a growing excitement. There was faith in God’s promise, hope for the Messiah.

“…The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:9-12 CEV

Delivery of the package! A gift that changed the world.

Not a dictator with a strict list of rules. Not a tyrant but a Savior. Not a thief but a Shepherd.

“ I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will be able to come in and go out. They will find everything they need. 10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. 11 “I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 ERV

This gift, this life, that we celebrate at Christmas came sight unseen, but He does not disappoint. He came bringing abundant life to all who receive Him.

Yes, He’s much better than anticipated!

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Everlasting Father

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 TLB

God the Father, revealed His character through His Son. His nature; “God is love” was reflected in all that Jesus did. Even when he chastised the scribes and Pharisees, his words were true to his nature. When people were fearful, Jesus was there to bring peace, He righted the wrongs. He spent time with the Father so that He would always know the Father’s heart’s desire.

I shared these verses last night at prayer meeting.

“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 ESV

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV

Our loving heavenly Father wants us calling on Him. He wants us to learn from Him. He wants to show us the great and mighty things He has planned for our lives – plans for our good and not for evil.

He is our everlasting Father!

Jesus lived a life rich in prayer. He would go out early in the morning to a solitary place to pray. He would stay up late at night, after He had sent the crowds and the disciples away, to pray. To talk with His Father.

And in His darkest hour, He prayed.

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” John 17:9-11

“ I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me… 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:20-26 ESV

Jesus prayed that we as believers would be one as He and the Father were one. The Father living in the Son and now the Son, living in us.

The everlasting, eternal Father wants to show us the great and mighty things He has planned for us. Amazing things.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

Our job now is to spend time with Him, just get to know him and we’ll begin to look like our heavenly Father as Jesus did.

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Mighty God

These words are transforming, life-changing and exciting! These words are to be lived – they are not just words on a page.

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 TLB

They are words that I have heard every Christmas for as long as I can remember. They are words, not just for the Christmas season, but they are our hope for every day of our lives.

Each “royal” title for Christ deserves to be examined and meditated on; this morning I’ll share just a few thoughts on “the mighty God”.

The mighty God – THE mighty God – the MIGHTY God – the mighty GOD – THE MIGHTY GOD – no matter where you put the emphasis, it means that HE is greater than I am. He is mighty.

From the beginning, God’s plan was to be involved in the daily lives of His creation. He wanted fellowship with the people He created. He walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. He spoke with Noah, Abraham, Samuel, David, Solomon, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Joseph and then He came personally to dwell with mankind and reveal His nature – His heart – His plan.

The MIGHTY God made an old couple able to bear a child; shut the mouth of hungry lions, brought victory after victory in battle, fed the Israelites with bread from heaven, raised the dead, healed the sick, open the eyes of the blind, walked on water, defeated Satan and death to rise triumphantly from the grave.

The mighty GOD came to live among us, to experience what we experience and to give us the victory. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”I John 4:4

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16

There is NO situation or circumstance in our life today that “the mighty God” can’t handle. When we give it over to Him, we experience His presence and His peace.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

All our worries, cares and frustrations need to be given over to our “Mighty God”. He promises to carry the load; to give us His peace, mercy and kind help in our time of need. He promises to never abandon us or leave us without help. He promises to be our help in times of trouble.

He is Mighty God and He is our constant friend and guide.

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Beginning Forever

When did forever begin? Maybe that’s a little deeper thought than you want to begin the day with but it’s important to ponder.

It’s the foundation and basis of our faith.

“In the beginning God” Genesis 1:1 and “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God”. John 1:1

Forever began in the eternal existence of God and will continue with no end.

“ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 ERV

We are living in God’s forever plan. It didn’t start the day we were born, it has always been. Remember, at few days back when I wrote about God choosing us before the foundation of the world”?

Forever began in God’s heart at that time. His purpose and plans were put into effect.

“The Lord is our God. He rules the whole world. 15 Remember his agreement forever, the promise he gave that will never end.” I Chronicles 16:14-15 ERV

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

The Lord doesn’t want us chasing after things that change. The things this world offers are fickled. They change. There values increase and decrease, they can’t be trusted to stand the test of time.

‘”Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said,

‘I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.’

6 So we can feel sure and say,

‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. People can do nothing to me.’

7 Remember your leaders. They taught God’s message to you. Remember how they lived and died, and copy their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Don’t let all kinds of strange teachings lead you into the wrong way. Depend only on God’s grace for spiritual strength, not on rules about foods. Obeying those rules doesn’t help anyone.” Hebrews 13:5-9 ERV

We are living in the “forever” of God. His plans and promises have not changed. The purpose of God has always been the same.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

If you haven’t realized it before, today begins your forever. Your forever of living in God’s promises, your forever of living in God’s peace, your forever of being called His child, the beginning of your eternal life.

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Today, is the beginning of forever in His love!

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Good Fruit

Dave and I made a quick trip for groceries yesterday morning. We had placed our order on-line, but I forgot a few things, so I ran in to get them while he collected our order.

I was on my way to the register when a grape display caught my eye. A few weeks back we had purchased a large container of red grapes, they were so crisp and tasty I wanted to get another one.

Good fruit!

This morning, I’m thinking about the good fruit that God produces in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith.

I was a Christian for a lot of years but had no peace. Worry was a big part of who I was. I worked hard to find peace. Occasionally I would find small moments of it but for the most part peace eluded me.

Peace isn’t the absence of conflict or struggles; instead, it is a clear focus while in the turmoil. Like King David says in Psalm 91:

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.‘ 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. 5 You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. 6 And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon.” Psalm 91:1-6 CEV

True peace, peace that comes from God, isn’t something we “work” to get. It is a natural outgrow of being attached to Jesus the living vine.

“ I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. 6 If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire. 7 Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.” John 15:5-7 CEV

Jesus told his disciples that He was the vine, we are the branches and if we abide (stay joined) in Him we will bear fruit. Peace is some of the fruit that will grow while abiding in Him.

Producing fruit is a natural result for a healthy plant. Water, sunshine, good soil and a strong stock produce good fruit. Good ground (a prepared heart), the Living Water, the Vine and the Son.

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.” Galatians 5:22-24 AMP

I bring my heart to Christ. I let Jesus cultivate the soil and I become grafted to His vine. He bears the fruit through me.

Focus on the Vine today and good fruit will come!

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10,000 to 1

As I lay in bed last night, waiting for sleep to come, I was reminded of a precious thought from my college days.

One of our chapel speakers was Dale Evans Rogers. Just to refresh your memory, she was married to Roy Rogers. She talked of some of the hardships she had faced in life and how her faith in the Lord carried her through. She talked of the fame she and Roy shared and all the adoring fans but she said in the rough times it wasn’t the fame that comforted them, it was the “One” where they found strength.

That was a pivotal moment for me. I walked out of chapel realizing if I never married, never had a family, never had friends other than Christ, my life would be complete. The others would just be added blessings but my person, who I was made to be, didn’t come from others it came only from Jesus.

10,000 to 1.

Jesus was followed by crowds. He fed the 5,000 men plus their families with 5 loaves and 2 fish. He had twelve men who were called His apostles. He planted the truths of God’s word into their hearts, daily. He had three apostles who were closest to Him – Peter, James and John. They were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, they were with Him in the garden but when the soldiers came, they fled.

Then there was the one. When Jesus looked down from the cross, He saw John standing with His mother. He was John the Beloved.

Holiday times can bring on a touch of melancholy. Remembering old friends, loved ones who have passed and favorite “good times”. If we aren’t careful, those memories could lead to depression and depression robs us of our gratitude for what we have.

Looking back should make us grateful for all the wonderful blessings and joys we have had, for the daily expressions of God’s love that we experience. Afterall, when He is our One, we are complete.

“ What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?” Romans 8:31 CEV

God the Father has made us His one.

“…Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. 40 Martha was worried about all that had to be done…41 The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 CEV

He wants our lives to be God-focused, so the worries, distractions and busy-ness of life don’t separate us from our commitment to Him. Jesus final prayer before dying was this.

“I pray not only for these followers but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching. 21 Father, I pray that all who believe in me can be one. You are in me and I am in you. I pray that they can also be one in us… so that they can be one, just as you and I are one. 23 I will be in them, and you will be in me. So they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as you loved me.” John 17:20-23 ERV

“ I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

We are complete in Christ. We go from being the 10,000 to being the 1!

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Through Loving Eyes

Do you ever have problems with being critical or judgmental? Finding fault before finding the good? Ya, me neither! But we all know someone who is like that.

Are you glad that our heavenly Father isn’t like that? Oh yes, He sees our flaws and our shortcomings but He uses His strength and love to help us grow and overcome.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger.” Romans 5:6-9 CEV

Our Father isn’t willing for any of us to perish – and surely in all of time, in all the world, there could have been someone, some where who could have really irritated Him enough that He would have, could have said – “Nope, not offering you salvation. I just don’t like you.” but He didn’t.

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

“16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

“The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13 CEV

Where we see faults, the Father sees a child worth dying for.

Transformation is having that kind of mindset. Looking for the value and worth in a person as God does and then letting the Holy Spirit bring the correction and change.

” Don’t make God’s Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. 31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Ephesians 4:30-32 CEV

I wish I could tell you that I have this down, that I am free from criticism but if I did that it would be a lie. I can tell you that I am convicted more than I ever have been about the words I say. God is working in my life on a daily basis.

Paul says in I Corinthians 13 that love thinks no evil but is patient and kind. I will pray for you and ask that you pray for me. I desire to live God’s word to the fullest in every area of my life.

“God doesn’t intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. 11 That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing…14 My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.” I Thessalonians 5:10-15 CEV

Lord let my words encourage and build up others today. Let me see others through Your loving eyes!

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What Has Jesus Done?

That’s the question I have for you this morning. What has Jesus done for you and who have you told?

I was reading about the demon-possessed man who had lived in graveyards, been chained at various times, lost his mind and walked around naked. He had an encounter with Jesus and Jesus set him free.

The demons went into a herd of pigs who then ran off a cliff and drown in the sea, but that’s a story for another day.

The men taking care of the pigs went into town and told the owners what had happened to the pigs and to the man. They came out to see for themselves. There they found the man sitting at Jesus’ feet. He was clothed and in his right mind. The towns people were frightened and told Jesus and his disciples to leave. The man wanted to go with Jesus but Jesus told him “No, stay here and tell everyone what has happened to you”.

” 37 All those who lived in the area around Gerasa asked Jesus to go away because they were afraid. So Jesus got into the boat to go back to Galilee. 38 The man he had healed begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 ‘Go back home and tell people what God did for you.‘ So the man went all over town telling what Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:37-39 ERV

It was the testimony of people just like this man, telling his story, that brought the crowds to see Jesus. The leper, the blind man, the woman with the adulterous past, the woman’s whose son was raised from the dead, all gave testimony to what Jesus had done.

I love the account of the man who was born blind. The religious leaders were trying to discredit Jesus, and they spent a great deal of time questioning this man. They even questioned his parents.

“25 The man answered, ‘I don’t know if he is a sinner. But I do know this: I was blind, and now I can see.‘ 26 They asked, ‘What did he do to you? How did he heal your eyes?’ 27 He answered, ‘I have already told you that. But you would not listen to me. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to be his followers too?’…30 The man answered, ‘This is really strange! You don’t know where he comes from, but he healed my eyes.'” John 9:25-30 ERV

Jesus spoke to Mary in the garden after His resurrection and He told her to “go tell Peter and the disciples that I am risen”.

Before Jesus went back into heaven He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

Let me ask you again. What has Jesus done for you? Go tell someone, they need to hear your story. Tell it as an act of gratitude and thanksgiving.

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The Pain of Betrayal

Last night I didn’t sleep well at all. Finally, about 3 a.m. I came to the couch and had a nap. So this morning I will share my thoughts from nine years ago on the subject of betrayal.

I pray God uses it to speak to your heart.

My thoughts as I was reading John 13 yesterday were on Jesus. He knew Judas had betrayed him. He knew this when He knelt down and washed Judas feet. He knew of the betrayal when He sat at dinner with him and He knew when He sent Judas out that His arrest and crucifixion would be soon.

“After Jesus said these things, he felt very troubled. He said openly, “Believe me when I say that one of you will hand me over to my enemies.”

22 His followers all looked at each other. They did not understand who Jesus was talking about. 23 One of the followers was next to Jesus and was leaning close to him. This was the one Jesus loved very much. 24 Simon Peter made signs to this follower to ask Jesus who he was talking about.

25 That follower leaned closer to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus answered him, “I will dip this bread into the dish. The man I give it to is the one.” So Jesus took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 When Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus said to Judas, “What you will do—do it quickly!” 28 No one at the table understood why Jesus said this to Judas. 29 Since Judas was the one in charge of the money, some of them thought that Jesus meant for him to go and buy some things they needed for the feast. Or they thought that Jesus wanted him to go give something to the poor.

30 Judas ate the bread Jesus gave him. Then he immediately went out. It was night.

31 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the time for the Son of Man to receive his glory. And God will receive glory through him. 32 If God receives glory through him, he will give glory to the Son through himself. And that will happen very soon.” John 13:21-32

Why didn’t Jesus confront Judas? If He had called him out in front of the other disciples I’m sure Peter would have tackled him and beat the living day lights out of Judas. However, Jesus kept what Judas had done a secret.

Jesus’ heart had to be breaking that someone He loved so deeply had lied to him so why did He left Judas walk away?

Answer: Because Jesus loved us more than He hated being betrayed! If Judas had been stopped, then the soldiers wouldn’t have known to come to the Garden. The arrest wouldn’t have happened, the rigged trial, the beating and the crucifixion would not have been completed.

Jesus allowed the betrayal and all that came with it because His purpose in coming to earth was for one purpose, to bring salvation, restoration, to all mankind. He allowed the betrayal because it led to the cross and ultimately to the empty tomb!

If you’ve been betrayed and your heart is breaking go to Jesus, He understands. He’ll give you comfort and a right perspective.

He’s a wonderful Savior!

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In The Light

Last year Dave bought this great flashlight.

We can sit on our porch and see clearly into the desert across the road. The light beam can be focused on one spot, or it can cast a broader light. It’s so helpful in seeing those things that create the crunching sounds in the underbrush.

Not sure why that came to mind, but I know enough when I have an abstract idea like this to stop and listen to what the Lord is saying to my heart.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

There it is – this is what the Lord wanted me to dwell on.

Just like that flashlight with its bright beam the Lord’s word gives light to our path and guides our steps. And with both the natural and the spiritual light there are shadows; however, we don’t need to fear what might be hiding there.

“ Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:4 NLV

When we follow the path the Lord has for us there is no need to be afraid of the shadows. He will lead us and He will protect us on this journey.

“ Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.’” John8:12 ERV

It’s interesting to see how these verses tie together. The Psalms say the Word is a lamp and a light. Jesus is called the “Word made flesh” in John 1:1-2 and then Jesus, himself, said “I am the light of the world”.

When people ask why I put so much time reading the Bible and studying God’s word the answer is simple. “These are the words of life”.

“Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path.” Proverbs 22:6 ERV

“ So listen, my son, and be wise. Always be careful to follow the right path.” Proverbs 23:19 ERV

There may be rough spots along the path; there even may be danger but we have His promise to be with us. In fact, the Bible tells us He will never leave us or abandon us.

Walk in the light of God’s word. It’s the right path to follow!

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