Category: Month

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Love Much

The Bible is all about people and God’s relationship with them. I am intrigued and amazed as I read, and not only read, but study God’s interaction with us of the human race. I hope you allow yourself to see the Bible when you read it.

It’s in “seeing” the relationships that Jesus cultivated that we see the heart of God. This morning, I want you to see Mary. The other day I asked you to identify with the characters in the story of the man who was crippled and today I would like you to see yourself in this story as well.

Mary was a woman with an unscrupulous past. She was a prostitute. Shocking yes; unlovable no. Jesus has been invited to dinner at Simon’s house. He was a religious leader and a citizen of good standing. There were other guests, but it is these three that are important. (Luke 7:36-50)

Jesus and Simon were in the house getting ready to eat when Mary arrives. Who let her in? Had she been summoned for one of the guests? If not, why did the servants let her enter? Why did no one stop her?

She did something strange. She went and stood behind Jesus. Standing behind someone was a place of deference. A place of submission. The custom of the day was to recline at a meal. Mary was standing near Jesus’ feet.

“Then she came and stood behind Jesus. She cried and started washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. The woman kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them.” Luke 7:38 CEV

This action brought ridicule from Simon. He didn’t speak it out loud, but he thought it in his heart – ridicule of both Jesus and Mary. Jesus knew his heart and asked a question about forgiveness.

Two men were in debt, Jesus said. One owed 50 silver coins and one owed 500. Both were forgiven their debt by the moneylender.

“Since neither of them could pay him back, the moneylender said that they didn’t have to pay him anything. Which one of them will like him more?” 43 Simon answered, ‘I suppose it would be the one who had owed more and didn’t have to pay it back.’” Luke 7:42-43 CEV

You’re right, Jesus said.

Simon hadn’t even shown Jesus the common courtesy of washing his feet or given Him a welcoming kiss. Mary not only washed His feet with her tears but kissed them and wiped them with her hair. Then she poured an expensive perfume on His feet. While Simon did nothing.

“‘So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.’ 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your sins are forgiven.'” Luke 7:47-48 CEV

This is a story of God’s love in action. Both Mary and Simon had debts of sin that needed to be paid. Jesus was there to forgive them both. One harbored resentment in his heart and one was humbled by God’s compassion.

“But Jesus told the woman, ‘Because of your faith, you are now saved. May God give you peace!’” Luke 7:50 CEV

I’ve been like both of our main characters – resentful and critical and humbled and contrite. God’s love and forgiveness was the same toward me in both situations. It doesn’t change. What changed was the peace I felt when I humbly received His forgiveness and His love.

I love much because of His love for me.

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Good Morning Sun

This morning Facebook reminded me of where I was three years ago and what a wonderful memory it is.

Martin Luther King weekend was a time to go camping with our oldest daughter and that year we took along two of our youngest grandchildren. There’s a great campground not far from us and it provides hiking, rock climbing and relaxation. Just what we need and enjoy.

The first morning we were there our granddaughter woke as I was having my prayer time and writing my morning blog. I could see through a crack in the blinds that the sun was rising – my favorite time of day – and I wanted her to experience it with me. So, I wrapped her in a blanket, and we quietly left the trailer and went outside to watch the sunrise.

We stood and we watched. We waited and we watched. The sky was a beautiful gold and when the sun appeared in the saddle of the mountains I said to her say, “Good morning sun – that’s how we greet the day”. She loved it and started repeating “It’s a good morning sun, a good morning sun”. I told her in language a 3-year-old could understand that each morning God blesses us with the sunrise and a beautiful new day.

Fast forward to our trip to California over Christmas, same granddaughter said to me early one morning, “Besta let’s go out and see the good morning sun”. My heart melted!

That’s how our heavenly Father wants us to be. Greeting the day with excitement and anticipation. Welcoming His presence, waiting to see His glory and feel His warmth.

Good morning Son!

“Your glorious power will be seen on the day you begin to rule. You will wear the sacred robes and shine like the morning sun in all of your strength.” Psalm 110:3 CEV

“praise the Lord for answering my prayers and saving me. 22 The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. 23 The Lord has done this, and it is amazing to us. 24 This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate and be glad today.” Psalm 118:21-24 CEV

“Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.” Psalm 143:8 CEV

There’s a praise chorus that I love to sing. The first line goes like this – “In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise give me Jesus. Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You may have all this world, give me Jesus.”.

I hope you join Kristine and I as we rise and say “Good morning Son – thank you for your love”.

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Loss, Love & Triumph

Have you ever lost contact with someone you love? Maybe one of you moved and circumstances changed; maybe it was more permanent than that and death is the cause of separation. If that’s the case, then maybe you can understand the story of Joshua.

Joshua lived in Egypt and he was one of the many that Moses delivered from pharaoh’s control. He and Caleb were two of the twelve spies that saw how luscious and productive the land of Israel was; he gave a good report that the others chose to ignore. He became Moses’ assistant and served God with his whole heart. Now Moses had died and the responsibility for taking the Israelites into this new land was his.

“…The Lord said: 2 My servant Moses is dead. Now you must lead Israel across the Jordan River into the land I’m giving to all of you. 3  Wherever you go, I’ll give you that land, as I promised Moses…5  Joshua, I will always be with you and help you as I helped Moses, and no one will ever be able to defeat you.

6-8  Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land. 9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9 CEV

For forty years Joshua had seen God’s mighty miracles; for the same time, he had seen the stubbornness of the people. He had stood by Moses, learned from him and now he was on his own to lead. I imagine his sense of loss was almost too much to bear.

But God!

God knew Joshua was in need of encouragement. God knew His plans for Joshua’s future and He knows His plans for us.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.” Jeremiah 29:11 CEV

In a few, power-packed verses, God establishes Joshua’s leadership and declares his victory.

  • I will always be with you
  • I will help you
  • No one will defeat you
  • Be strong. Be Brave
  • Obey My Word
  • Be strong. Be Brave
  • Don’t be discouraged or afraid
  • I will be there to help you

Notice the Lord repeated Himself. He was making a point to Joshua and to us.

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Can you hear God saying to you “be strong, be brave – God, in Christ always leads us to victory”? Sure, there are battles but we will be victorious.

God promised to always be with Joshua and He has made the same promise to us.

“ In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—” Romans 8:37-38a CEV

Maybe you’ve experienced the loss of someone you loved and depended upon, just like Joshua. Your heavenly Father is there – in your loss to encourage you with His love and lead you to victory!

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Growing Up with A Song

I’ve been asked, on a number of occasions, how I come up with something new to share each day. The answer – I listen.

Each morning when I wake up, sometimes the night before when I go to bed, I find myself in prayer. I journal my thoughts and praise to the Lord and then I sit quietly in His presence. Listening.

This morning as I journaled these are the words I wrote.

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.”

I sang those words every Sunday morning in a little country church much like the one I used as this morning’s image. I would sing at the top of my voice, at the young age of three the words didn’t have the meaning they do now but that didn’t stop the song.

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven!” Ephesians 1:3 CEV

This morning the song comes from the heart, not just the head of a small child. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”…infinite blessings. Small daily reminders such as the song of the bird outside my window, the hug and smile of a friend, the kiss of my husband, the evening’s sunset, the warmth of my home.

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

The larger blessings, the good and perfect gifts: the love of family, good health, food on the table, our needs being met, giving to others, the joy and peace that fills our hearts. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

“Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forever, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.” Jude 24 & 25 CEV

“Tell every nation on earth, ‘The Lord is wonderful and does marvelous things! 4 The Lord is great and deserves our greatest praise. He is the only God worthy of our worship.” Psalm 96:3-4 CEV

Your list of small and large blessings may be different from mine but we all have a reason to sing and give praise.

The biggest reason of all is this:

“God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. 10 Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.” I John 4:9-10 CEV

Praise God from whom all blessings flow…

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Confident Love

There’s a confidence that comes when we know we are loved. We can open up and share our heart’s desires and our fears, knowing we are in a safe place, a place of free from ridicule and ambivalence.

That’s what God, our Father, wants for each of us.

Old time religion seemed to be more based in fear than in love. Christianity isn’t about religion, it’s relationship! Once I began to see how much God loved me and how He desired a relationship with me, more that I was desiring one with Him, I became God-fident!

I am confident in the One who loves me. Confident that His correction is based on love and not malice. Confident that He will never leave me. Confident that He wants me coming to Him whenever I feel weak and uncertain. God-fident in His unconditional love.

“You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3:26 ERV

David, the shepherd boy, was confident in God’s love and protection.

“ Everybody here will see that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save his people. The Lord always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.” I Samuel 17:47 ERV

“ I want them to be strengthened and joined together with love and to have the full confidence that comes from understanding. I want them to know completely the secret truth that God has made known. That truth is Christ himself. 3 In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are kept safe.” Colossians 2:2-3 ERV

“ So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.” Romans 8:31-32 ERV

The last two verses were written by Paul and were part of his instructions to the new followers of Christ in Colossae and Rome. The basis of his teachings were to get new believers on a firm foundation in their walk with Christ. He wanted them to be God-fident. His teachings will do the same for us.

My last verses today are some I have held confidently in my heart for over 40 years now. I used to pray, wondering if God was even listening. Did He hear my prayers, would He answer them? Then I read these verses and committed them to memory.

“My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.” I John 5:13-15 MSG

There’s a misconception that we can’t know what God’s will is. That would be so unfair of God to leave us in a constant state of unknowing. How can we be confident like that?

“9 But as the Scriptures say, ‘No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ 10 But God has shown us these things through the Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:9-10 ERV

We have God’s word. He does not change. When we see a promise of God in the Bible we can have confidence that He will keep His word when we pray. And if we don’t know what we should be praying for we can ask Him to show us and He will. He will lead us with peace, directed by His word.

We will become God-fident, confident in His love!

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The Greatest of These

I know you’ve probably heard that often quoted phrase, “The greatest of these is love”. I completely agree. At the beginning of that verse are two other virtues which play an important role as well.

“ Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 CEV

Hope works with faith which works with love and the greatest of these is love.

“For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 CEV

I have the following verses written in the back of one of my Bibles.

“ I say this because our hope of being right with God comes through faith. And the Spirit helps us feel sure as we wait for that hope. 6 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 5:5-6 ERV

God has created us with a spiritual DNA of hope, faith and love.

We all have a hope for something/Someone greater than ourselves to help us through this life. No one is a “self made” man or woman. No matter how hard we try to be completely independent we rely on God.

Let me explain. We depend on our body to function properly; our heart beats and circulates blood throughout our body – life giving blood. Our lungs process the air we breathe and fill that blood with oxygen that is needed for the reproduction of cells. I could go on, but you get the point. We rely on God, knowingly or unknowingly, because He’s the one who causes our body to work in concert with itself.

We hope for a better future. Our hope builds our faith; without faith we cannot please God.

“It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 MSG

Our faith brings us to God. The One who not only created us but also cares for us and loves us.

“ 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. 17 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!” John 3:16-17

God’s love devised and implemented a plan for mankind to be reconciled from our sins. His was a plan of love! Not willing for anyone to perish and go to hell, He sent His Son to be our Savior.

We hope for a better life, we put our faith in God and His love never fails us. Our hope, our faith but His love.

The greatest of these is love!

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Make Love the Last Resort

I don’t know who you are and I really don’t expect that you will admit this openly but someone said, just last night, “I have come to the end of my rope and I don’t know what I’m going to do now.”

Been there – said that! And so have many others. God’s love has a way of reaching people who feel they have no place else to turn; they are at their last resort.

There was the professional fisherman who couldn’t manage the storm at sea.

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Mark 4:37-38 KJV

Then there was a woman who spent every thing she had on doctor’s and only got worse.

“And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.” Mark 5:26-27 KJV

What about the military leader whose servant was very ill?

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.” Matthew 8:5-6 KJV

Or the leper whose body was being eaten away?

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” Matthew 8:2 KJV

We can’t forget the rich tax collector who had everything but friends and peace.

“And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.” Luke 19:3-4 KJV

I want you to notice that in every situation Jesus met the need of those who came to him. He didn’t lecture them and say “what took you so long”. Nor did he get offended that they had tried everything else and he was their last resort. Jesus met them where they were and took control over the situation.

He’s still that way today. Jesus isn’t a dictatorial tyrant that comes in demanding allegiance and forcibly takes control; no, he waits for us to come and ask and then He moves with love and compassion to change the circumstances.

Even King David had times that he came to the end of his rope.

“I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalm 118:5-6 KJV

I’m not sure who you are or what you’re going through but I do know if you’ll call out to the Lord he’ll be there and he’ll take you through to victory.

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Love and Friendship

I couldn’t stop thinking about the man I told you about yesterday. The man whose friends destroyed another person’s house out of friendship.

This is a story of faith, friendship and love.

“Jesus went back to Capernaum, and a few days later people heard that he was at home. 2 Then so many of them came to the house that there wasn’t even standing room left in front of the door.

Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a man on a mat because he could not walk. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.

5 When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.”

6 Some of the teachers of the Law of Moses were sitting there. They started wondering, 7 “Why would he say such a thing? He must think he is God! Only God can forgive sins.”

8 At once, Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, “Why are you thinking such things? 9 Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and pick up his mat and go on home? 10 I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” So Jesus said to the man, 11 “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.”

12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement. They praised God and said, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 CEV

Let’s look at the characters in this story: the 4 friends, the lame man, the crowd, the people in the house, the homeowner and Jesus. Who do you identify with?

The four friends had heard of Jesus and the miracles He had been doing. They had a friend who couldn’t walk but they knew Jesus could heal him if they could just get him there. They lay everything aside for the love of their friend.

The man. He was helpless. His friends came in and said, “we’re taking you to see Jesus, he will heal you”. Had the man even heard of Jesus? Where were they taking him? Through the streets of town? Up on the roof? “You’re going to do what?”

The crowd. They came to hear and see Jesus, but they were content to listen from outside. Don’t cause a fuss, just hope to see him when he left the meeting.

Those in the house. Religious leaders and prominent men of the town. Skeptical about this newcomer to their region. They had heard about Him but felt He was probably a charlatan.

The homeowner. He had heard of this newcomer, Jesus. Heard he could do miracles and invited Him to his home. And now some religious fanatics had torn off his roof.

Jesus. Sincere motives, pure heart. Reaching out to all who would listen. Moved with compassion. Undisturbed by conflict and criticism. Doing the works of His loving Father.

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

Which character/characters do you identify with? The four friends on a mission? The man with the problem? The skeptics?

Friendship met the love of God and they were rewarded for their faith.

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A-Mazing Love

This morning my thoughts took an interesting turn. Some of you know that I like to break words down and find their root and that’s what led my wonderings today. I was thanking the Father for His amazing love – amazing grace – amazing forgiveness.

In my mind’s eye I saw one of those corn mazes that so many farms do during harvest season. I realized that much of life is like one of those mazes. We hope to start out on one path and walk straight to our desired dream or goal but that just isn’t life as we know it.

Life is filled with twists and turns. There are storms and set backs; there are disillusionments and discarded dreams. Just look at the life of Joseph. He started life with a coat of many colors and a dream of being a leader. His path, his maze, led him through a pit to a position as a house boy, then to a prison and finally he ended up before pharaoh and became the second most prominent man in Egypt. Read what he told his brothers:

“Joseph told them to come closer to him, and when they did, he said: Yes, I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. 5 Don’t worry or blame yourselves for what you did. God is the one who sent me ahead of you to save lives.” Genesis 45:4-5 CEV

A-mazing. His life was filled with twists and turns but he knew each step of the way he was being led by God.

Now, let’s look at another man who had an amazing life.

“Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a man on a mat because he could not walk. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.5 When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven.’ …10 ‘I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.’ So Jesus said to the man, 11 ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.’ 12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement. They praised God and said, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’” Mark 2:1-12 CEV

A-mazing! This man had his friends come into his home, pick up his bed, carry him through the streets to a roof top, demolish the roof and then let him down through the roof with his bed held by ropes. He was helpless but not hopeless. He met Jesus and the result was amazing!

I want to go back to a verse that we looked at a few days back. It’s a verse about the depth of God’s love.

“ In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:37-39 CEV

The walls of a maze are meant to separate, to confuse and disorient but this verse states clearly ” nothing can separate us from God’s love”!

Maybe your life has been like Joseph’s, seemingly taking one bad turn after another or perhaps you have felt that you were being haplessly carried through life without any say so as to where you were going – no input into the decisions being made for you.

“9  But it is just as the Scriptures say,

‘What God has planned
    for people who love him
is more than eyes have seen
    or ears have heard.
It has never even
    entered our minds!’

10 God’s Spirit has shown you everything. His Spirit finds out everything, even what is deep in the mind of God.” I Corinthians 2:9-10 CEV

Here’s the amazing part – when we are trusting God’s love, nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate from God’s love. It’s amazing!

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Start With Love

Each morning I start with love. I profess my love to the Father, Son and Spirit of God. Then I search His word and hear Him speak love over me. It’s an amazing way to begin each day.

When Scripture is put to song, it really stays with me. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to end, they are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy faithfulness, oh Lord. Great is thy faithfulness.”

Steadfast: a. firmly fixed in place : IMMOVABLE, b: not subject to change: firm in belief, c: determination, or adherence : LOYAL

God’s love is steadfast: firmly fixed in place; immovable; not subject to change; determined; loyal. And His love is towards me!

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 24 ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:22-26

We have all failed. God knows that and His love never ceases. It is new to us each morning. He sees what no one else sees; the times we’ve tried and the times we’ve grown tired from trying. He loves us in our efforts and loves us in our failures.

“ Only those people who are led by God’s Spirit are his children. 15  God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. 16 God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children.” Romans 8:14-16 CEV

The great thing is that the Spirit, living in us, will remind us of that deep and abiding love of God. Failure is not a reason to be condemned, it propels us forward straight into the arms of our loving Father.

“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 4:15-16 ERV

God’s love for us is steadfast, immovable. Heads up and Move forward!

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