Category: John

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Puppy Love

Last night we were talking with friends about the obvious devotion that our little dog has for me. Dave loves to tell the story of when we brought her home. Her previous owners had put her in a crate and had her flown from Iowa to Montana. It was the middle of the night when she arrived. She was nervous, hungry and a little cold.

I took her from the crate and held her in my arms for the entire two hour trip home. The whole way Glory looked up into my face and I spoke to her softly telling her how glad we were to have her and that we would give her a good and loving home…and we have.

This morning the Lord reminded me again of how this loyal pup is an example for me to learn from.

“Then Jesus said, “I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.” John 6:35 ERV

My morning starts by letting Glory out, starting the coffee, feeding her and then coming to my chair where Glory joins me as soon as she’s eaten. Each morning she knows I will feed her and she waits for me to get up. But it’s what happens after she eats that means so much. Glory comes as close as she can, lays at my feet and waits for me to rub her head. She comes to be loved on. After a few minutes she moves away a bit but still stays close.

The Father has shown me that this is what He wants our routine to be like. Coming to Him for nourishment, feeding from His word and staying close so that He can love on me.

He doesn’t want my Bible reading to be “drudgery”. I should be excited to come, eat and then stay to be loved on. God’s word is a wonderful love letter but it’s also a banquet, a meal, that will strengthen me and provide all I need for each day.

I shouldn’t eat and run. It’s not fast food. He wants me to stay, visit and develop a loving relationship. Make it a routine! I need to be ready to spend time, loving time, with my Father. (I can learn a lot from Glory.)

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the wildflowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. 29 But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. 30 If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!

31 “Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 ERV

Jesus said to learn from the birds and the flowers. This morning I’m learning from a little miniature Aussie. If she can trust me to provide everything that she needs, I can certainly trust the Father to do the same!

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Not Without Hope

Today we will attend the memorial service of a long time friend. Don was a wonderful man. He had a generous heart and he never met a stranger. He loved the Lord and was committed to telling people how much Jesus loved them. His wife is a dear lady with the same love of Jesus and together they shared their faith by singing country gospel music.

As Christians, when we lose a friend or loved one to death it’s only a brief separation. We have God’s promise that we will see them again once we get to heaven.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the One Who raises the dead and gives them life. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will live again, even if he dies. 26 Anyone who lives and has put his trust in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NLV

It’s hard to say good bye because our hearts are wanting to keep that person close. We don’t want to lose that touch of a hug or the sound of their voice. But for them, death is like standing in a doorway. At one moment they are on this side and then with one step they cross over to the heavenly side. Although life on earth ceases, as Jesus said, they never die. They simply walk into life in heaven.

In heaven there is no sorrow, no tears, no pain! What a glorious thought.

We have hope – hope of heaven, hope of the Lord’s return, hope of eternal life.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14 NLV

We grieve certainly but not like those who have no hope! We put our hope in God and in Him we find comfort, joy and peace.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLV

Thank you Father for filling us with hope!

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Good Ole Days

I was reminded this morning of a country song that the Judd’s made popular in the 1980’s. To some of you reading this the 80’s may seem like the “olden days”.

Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)

“Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like
This world’s gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong
Didn’t seem so hazy

Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say?
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Oh, Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days…”

In today’s world, we have better living conditions, better advancements in health care, better education than the generations before us. But we also have more stress, more acts of violence, more fear and less family stability.

In the “olden days” people prayed for rain and the success of the crops, families worked and played together, communities gathered together to help a neighbor in need and children were educated by teachers who prayed and used the Bible as the core curriculum in reading.

Truth was the foundation for society, government and the family.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. ” John 14:6 ERV

The word “the” is a defining force. Truth isn’t subjective, it’s an absolute. You are either telling the truth or it’s a lie. If you leave facts out to skew the story or sway the outcome, it isn’t truth. Remember the days when people in court had to place their hands on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? People swore or affirmed their statement by the Bible because it was and is the only standard of truth that has never changed since it was written.

“The way”. Our life’s a journey and we can chose the path but when we follow paths of our own making we become distracted, confused and even lost.

“Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life. And he will give you a long life in the land that he, the Lord, promised to give to your ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ERV

I love that verse. When we chose “the way” and “the truth” we gain life. And when we don’t, we face an enemy who seeks to destroy us.

“Everyone who came before me was a thief or a robber, and the sheep did not listen to any of them. 9 I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:8-10 CEV

When Kaci was very little she woke up one night crying. I got up and took her to the living room to rock her back to sleep. She didn’t want to be there – she strained and leaned in my arms, wanting me to take her to another room. I did and her actions were the same. Wanting to go from the living room to the family room to the kitchen and then the dining room and finally back to the living room.

No matter which room we were in, she wasn’t content. When we arrived back in the living room (only about 10 minutes had past), she snuggled into my chest and fell asleep. I remember saying to her, “This is where we started. I knew this was the best place for you. Why couldn’t you trust me and see that?” And then I heard God speak in my heart and ask me the same question.

Oh!

Why don’t you trust Me to know what’s best for you and to have you in the right place?

WOW!

I wish I could say that I never had to learn that lesson again but that wouldn’t be the truth. However, the longer I walk with Him the easier it is for me to see that I am on a path of my own making and not where He wants me. I quickly come back to the place of comfort and peace.

I encourage you to join me, make your foundation “The Way”, committed to “The Truth” and finding “The Life” that is abundant and everlasting! Return to the Good Ole Days.

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Good & Perfect

The last few weeks my heart has been drawn to the goodness of God.

Goodness is one of God’s attributes. He is always good! He can’t be anything but good. God is love and everything He does is motivated by love. His love is never tainted with selfishness or envy so everything is does is good.

This is what James was trying to get us to see.

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. 20 Anger does not help you live the way God wants.” James 1:16-20 ERV

Don’t attribute the bad in your life to God. When you do you are misguided in your thinking. The enemy, the one responsible for the destruction in this world, takes pride in getting you to mistrust God and to loose your confidence in His goodness.

Instead we need to focus on the good and the perfect. These are the gifts God gives to us freely. It started with the gift of salvation – there is no greater expression of God’s love and His goodness. He provided a way for us to have relationship with Him. It cost us nothing; it cost the Father his Son!

Jesus told his disciples that He came so we would be free from the enemy’s tactics and could have an abundant and good life.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

This is the same promise that the Psalmist, David, wrote about hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth.

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:1-3 NLT

King David knew that God was good and His plans for our life were good. He never wanted to forget all that God had promised – He wanted us to remember that we were forgiven, healed, and crowned with love. Or as Jesus said, we have a full and good life.

Each day the Father is showering our lives with good gifts. Look for them and give His thanks.

“Praise the Lord because he is good. Sing praises to our God. It is good and pleasant to praise him.” Psalm 147:1 ERV

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Importance of Light

Have you ever gotten up in the middle of the night in a new place and everything was pitch black? You walked carefully across the room, stubbing your toes more than once, wishing there were a night light that could give you some assistance in your journey. I have. As a child Dave was a sleep walker and would wake up lost, so needless to say, we have night lights in our home. Very helpful indeed.

But what about those times when you need a “night light” walking through life?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:105-106 KJV

It would be silly to ask someone for help or directions when we don’t know the way and then ignore what they say. The same holds true for mental and spiritual direction in our lives.

When we have God’s word to light the way and give us direction we shouldn’t be second guessing or ignoring the instruction we receive.

“If we live in the light as He is in the light, we share what we have in God with each other. And the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, makes our lives clean from all sin. ” I John 1:7 NLV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“I am under an agreement with You, O God. I will give You gifts of thanks. 13 For You have set my soul free from death. You have kept my feet from falling, so I may walk with God in the light of life.” Psalm 56:12-13 NLV

When we walk in the light of God’s Word our way is smoother! Walk well today!

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Under The Circumstances

This morning I will admit that I have been under the circumstances for the past few days. The circumstances of low cell service and internet connection. We are here, lakeside, in the early morning when I found that I can get a signal strong enough to up load this post.

I am an overcomer!

Too many times people become overwhelmed by the circumstances that surround them. I remember once I taught a ladies Bible Study on “Are You Under the Circumstances or A World Overcomer?” This was a six week study so suffice it to say that I won’t be doing the full teaching here…

However, I continually find myself going back to these verses and principles, putting myself in remembrance of what God says my life should be.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

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

“4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

So when you are feeling overwhelmed or under the circumstances do what King David said.

“God, hear my cry for help. Listen to my prayer. 2 From a faraway land I call to you for help. I feel so weak and helpless! Carry me to a high rock where no one can reach me. 3 You are my place of safety, a strong tower that protects me from my enemies.” Psalm 61:1-3 ERV

I can almost hear someone say, “that’s fine and good for you but my lifestyle isn’t close to God. He probably doesn’t want anything to do with me and wouldn’t help me if I asked.”

Let me remind you of a young man who felt that way about his father. He had squandered his money – lived with prostitutes, gamblers and didn’t care about anyone but himself. Then when he got to the bottom, he thought he would try to go home and work as a hired hand.

The Father had other plans. He saw his son coming from a long way, ran to him, hug and kissed him and restored him to right standing. And so He WILL do it for you too.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the world but overcome it in Jesus!

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The Value of Inheritance

Yesterday morning as I was cleaning house my mind began to think about the inheritance we have as followers of Christ. Strange, right?

Have you seen those shows where people are sought out by someone from a law firm? Someone has died and named them in the will as a beneficiary of their estate. It’s always a feel good story…someone down on their luck, scrapping to get by and then there’s this knock at the door. “We’re so glad we found you! Our client died and you have been left one hundred thousand dollars.” Tears flow, the music swells and there’s lots of hugging.

Or what about those websites you can visit to see if you have any unclaimed money? You know the ones the States have to publish by law so they can return refunds to people; things like utility deposits, inheritances, tax rebates, etc. It’s fun to wonder if someone somewhere has left us something.

They have!

That someone is God, the Father. When Christ died, his will or covenant was initiated and we, who became Christians, are the beneficiaries of the will. We have an inheritance!

“15 I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 16 So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings (inheritance) that will be yours together with all of God’s people.” Ephesians 1:15-18 CEV

“His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy.

12 I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised (inheritance) his people in the kingdom of light. 13 God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who forgives our sins and sets us free.

These verses, and many others, written by Paul tell us that God has given us an inheritance. Jesus, Himself, told us what we have been given because we choose to follow Him.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. ” John 10:10 CEV

A full and abundant life are part of the inheritance God has provided us. He has rescued us from the darkness and the thief who wants to destroy us. Our inheritance includes forgiveness of sin, peace, joy, power, authority, strength, health, provision, protection – it’s all in the Word.

“The Spirit God gave us (inheritance) does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. II Timothy 1:7 ERV

“The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ (inheritance). And that is why we say “Amen” through Christ to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 ERV

It is imperative that we learn what has been given to us and we do that by reading God’s word. I remember the first time I read “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” after realizing this was part of my inheritance.

I wept!

I was overcome by the revelation that Jesus had died that horrible death on the cross and provided me with all the strength I need each day. It was overwhelming to me! Let me leave you with one more verse on our inheritance.

“Remember that in the past you were without Christ. You were not citizens of Israel, and you did not know about the agreements with the promises (inheritance) that God made to his people. You had no hope, and you did not know God. 13 Yes, at one time you were far away from God, but now in Christ Jesus, you are brought near to him. You are brought near to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13 ERV

It would be irreverent for us to refuse what He died to provide. We have a great inheritance; we have been made joint-heirs with Jesus. Let’s boldly use what He has provided.

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Is That All There Is?

The last few days I seem to be emphasizing the importance of knowing God’s plan. I haven’t intentionally set out to make that my theme but when the words begin to roll out of my heart and on to the screen they share the common thread of God’s plan for us.

We’ve almost completed the first half of 2019. I know we have one more month until we are really half way through but it’s about this time that folks begin to readjust their schedules and make new plans. School is coming to an end, graduation day has come, the New Year’s resolutions we made are almost forgotten and we begin to plan for summer vacations.

It’s important that we keep God in the planning process.

God has designed us to have a purpose, a plan, a destiny that is so much greater than anything we can imagine! He sees in us a Christ-like quality and desires to use His power to accomplish great things. If we’re living a life that is comfortable to us and one in which “We” can accomplish what we set out to do, we’re settling for less than what God wants to do through us.

“With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.” Ephesians 3:20 ERV

Let me encourage you to dream bigger and trust God to direct you to impact your world with what He’s calling you to do – God will use you where you are if you trust Him. Our lives have a design and calling to do great things. We have direction; our purpose is greater than the lyrics from Peggy Lee’s song “Is that all there is?

“The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). 3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 AMP

Yesterday I heard a pastor talk about verse three above. (It’s one of my favorite verses) He said that the original intention of the verse meant to “roll off a load”. The example he used was one of a camel who was carrying a heavy burden. The way to get the pack off a camel is for it to get down on its knees and then roll to the side so the burden can be removed.

Making plans without the Lord’s guidance can be a heavy load, one we need to roll off and let Him carry. When we trust Him, He will carry the burden and show us how to succeed. Our lives will take on meaning, direction, purpose and there will be no need to ask “is that all there is” because life will be full and abundant.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

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So Many Questions

How many times a day do you answer questions? If you live with a toddler you might say that your entire day is spent that way. Honest questions are a search for knowledge and understanding. Others are asked to avoid the obvious and still some are poised to incite argument and confrontation. It’s not always easy to determine which are which.

Solomon, who the Bible says was the wisest man, told us to answer aggravating questions like this.

“A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. 2 Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness.” Proverbs 15:1-2 CEV

And James, who is best known for his teaching on controlling the tongue, gives us this instruction for contention.

“Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be confusion and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and to do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. 18 People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living.” James 3:16-18 ERV

This is good advice when dealing with someone who is simply asking questions to stir up anger and division. It’s best to answer softly and peaceably. But what about those honest questions that we ask ourselves and those that we ask God? It’s vitally important that we know how to ask and how to receive the wisdom we need.

When I’m needing answers to some questions that are past my knowledge I don’t want to be held back because of my ignorance. I seek the Father and His wisdom.

One thing that has been proven over the years, not just in my lifet but throughout time, is God is faithful and His word is true. When He tells us to ask for wisdom and that He will give it, He does! When He says ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will open, if we do and He does!

When we call – He answers!

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 2 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 show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).” Jeremiah 33:1-3 AMP

When it seems like we are in prison, the prison of our circumstances or the one caused by our limited knowledge or even an actual physical prison, He reminds us of who He is, His power and His willingness to help.

Call on Me and I WILL answer and I’ll show you the things that were hidden, the things that you don’t recognize or understand. CALL! After we call, be still and listen. It’s hard to hear correctly if we don’t stop talking.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46:10-11 NKJV

I would encourage you to write the questions down and leave space to also fill in the answer when God gives it to you. When we ask in faith and sincerity God is always ready to provide the answers. In fact, the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 NKJV

I started my morning asking the Lord some questions of my own. Now I must take my leave – be still and listen!

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Where To Now?

I’m sure that must have been a question on the mind of the disciples as they talked among themselves after the crucifixion. Where do we go from here?

I ask that of myself. Where am I going? What do I depend on to guide me through life? Jesus has the answer for me and for you also. He said “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6 ERV

The whole purpose of His ministry was to bring us to place where we would put our faith in God’s love and be brought into relationship with Him.

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.

9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger. 10 I mean that while we were God’s enemies, he made friends with us through his Son’s death. And the fact that we are now God’s friends makes it even more certain that he will save us through his Son’s life.” Romans 5:8-10 ERV

There are four verses that are the basis for my daily walk. In some way or another, each day I remind myself of my foundation in the Scripture. These verses guide my life and my relationship with the Lord.

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

“…Anything that is not done in faith is sin.” Romans 14:23b NLV

“When someone belongs to Christ Jesus, it is not important if they are circumcised or not. The important thing is faith—the kind of faith that works through love.” Galatians 5:6 ERV

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails!” I Corinthians 13:4-8 CEV

So here’s the progression of thought.

  1. I want to please God the Father so I must have faith and believe that He wants relationship with me.
  2. I recognize whatever I do that is not done in faith is sin.
  3. In order for faith to truly work it must have love as its foundation.
  4. Finally to have effective faith I must be walking in love and love is kind, patient, unselfish, not rude or jealous, boastful or proud. Love assumes the best and is supportive, loyal and trusting – it never fails.

My decisions, actions and reactions need to be based on knowing God’s amazing love for me; His character is love and He shares that with me so that I can walk in faith and please Him. My faith is never in my own works or abilities but always in His! Then and only then is my day truly successful!

This Easter morning is a good time to examine and evaluate our path in life. Let’s walk in faith and please the Father today!

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