Category: Hope

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Loaves of Love

I can’t begin to tell you how many loaves of banana bread I have baked in my lifetime. Hundreds, maybe even into the thousands, but none were more meaningful than the loaves I delivered yesterday.

About a month ago a friend told me of a project, Love Loaves, that has been occurring in our community for a number of years. The local mission has a Christmas dinner each year and when folks leave they are given a “Love Loaf” to take home. I was told that some years they have received between 450-500 loaves of bread.

My heart stirred to be a part and so did my mixer! What a great way to express the love of Jesus at Christmas.

“Jesus then told them, ‘I tell you for certain that Moses wasn’t the one who gave you bread from heaven. My Father is the one who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 And the bread that God gives is the one who came down from heaven to give life to the world.’

34 The people said, ‘Lord, give us this bread and don’t ever stop!’ 35 Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty.” John 6:32-35 CEV

The Bread of Heaven.

“The bread that God gives is the one who came down from heaven to give life to the world”. Heaven’s gift basket! The Bread of Heaven was wrapped in cloth, not plastic, and placed gently in a manger instead of a basket and cradled by the hay.

As I sat thinking of Jesus, the Bread of Heaven, the Bread of Life, the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes took on greater meaning than ever before. Jesus blessed the loaves, broke them and had the disciples distribute them to a crowd of five thousand men plus their wives and children. Miraculously all were fed and there were twelve baskets left over.

Jesus, the Bread of Heaven, was there to meet the hunger in each man’s soul. Not only that, He was also able to continue (via the left overs) to touch the lives of those who weren’t even there.

Isn’t that what He’s doing today? He satisfied the hunger of those men and women almost two thousand years ago, His message of life was distriubted by the disciples down through the ages and He is still filling our hearts today.

Bread of Heaven. The Loaf of Love. Let’s keep sharing God’s gift of life!

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Love Was Born

Most of my days are very ordinary, just like yours. Take yesterday for instance, it started with picking up our grocery order that I had placed the day before. Had to run in to Home Depot and grab a couple things Dave needed to complete his home project.

Back to the house where I put the groceries away, started laundry, and reconciled the bank statement before I headed out again to an appointment at the bank and a couple of other errands before heading home. All this was done following the proper safety guidelines and handing out candy canes at each stop.

I had been listening to a Christmas CD as I went from place to place. When I left the last location and started the car toward home a song came through the sound system speakers, “Love Was Born on Christmas Day” *. My heart had been touched by the apprehension of the people I had met at my different stops and this song brought me to tears.

All those folks were wearing their masks, but obviously bothered by the close proximity of their surroundings. There was no Christmas music playing through the intercom systems, no smiles to be seen, no real Christmas joy. Their faces would brighten as I said Merry Christmas, thanked them for their assistance and handed them a candy cane but for the most part the Christmas spirit was missing.

** “This is the story, the power and the glory
Three wise men knelt to pray
A guiding star had led the way
And there he lay born on Christmas day

Joy did he bring, the king
Let every song rejoice
And every heart did sing, hear it ring
The sound of heaven’s voice
The angels proclaimed his holy name
King of kings”

**partial lyrics of Born on Christmas Day

This is the story – the power and the glory, Christ was born on Christmas day. As the words of this chorus repeated my eyes filled with tears. The world, my small world, was missing the joy and the love that He came to bring. I felt God’s heart ache. I wanted to give them all a hug and tell them things would get better. I wanted them to know that they could give all their fears and disappointments to the Lord. Jesus came so we could have a relationship with the Father.

“But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, 5 so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God’s children. 6 Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father.” Galatians 4:4-6 CEV

If each of us touches one person with the love of Jesus this Christmas season it will be life-changing. I pray that we give the most wonderful gift of all, God’s love, to those around us.

* (The underlined song title is an active link to the song on YouTube. I know you will enjoy it.)

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Overwhelmed

The last month of this year, 2020, continues to be challenging. Frustrating. Emotionally difficult. Even overwhelming.

Holidays and life in general can do that too us. Finances, health issues, family, new jobs, finals, relationships, scheduling, legal threats, loneliness…these things can be overwhelming.

“o·ver·whelm: bury or drown beneath a huge mass. synonyms: swamp, submerge, engulf, bury, deluge, flood, inundate, defeat completely, overcome, move, stir, affect, touch, strike, dumbfound, shake, devastate, floor, leave speechless” Any of those sound familiar?

I know a good number of people that have and are experiencing this. For some it is temporary and they are able to shake it off and regain a sense of stability and clear headedness but for others it can linger on.

I’ve been there but that was a long time ago! I have found the answer to being overwhelmed.

“Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! 2 I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Lead me to the mighty rock high above me. 3 You are a strong tower, where I am safe from my enemies.4 Let me live with you forever and find protection under your wings, my God.” Psalm 61:1-4 CEV

In another translation of this verse it says “when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. Jesus tells us the Word of God is our rock or a firm foundation! In and through God’s word we are able to gain victory over those things that seem overwhelming.

“What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32. CEV

This ties in with what we were discussing yesterday. When we begin to understand the depth of God’s love for us – the all encompassing compassion that He wraps us in – we are no longer the victim of overwhelming situations but we become the victor. We aren’t isolated to fight alone; we have God on our side!

No longer overwhelmed. I’d like to pray for you now.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all who are reading this and have been overwhelmed by circumstances in their lives. I don’t know them personally or their situations but You do. There is no time or distance in the realm of spiritual things so I thank you for touching their hearts, healing their hurts and bringing strength to their emotions. Your word states that “with God all things are possible”. I believe that and I pray that Your peace, the peace that goes beyond our natural understanding, will flood hearts now. I pray that they are no longer overwhelmed by circumstances but that their curcumstances are overwhelmingly defeat by Your love and power. Amen.

Was it you I was praying for?

Go to the Rock of God’s word. It will crush the attacks coming against you!

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Waiting…

On Thanksgiving we told our three year-old granddaughter that she and her brother would be coming to our house for the weekend. She was excited. Her brother has come alone on a couple occasions but this would be her first trip without parents. When the day was done and we helped gather up the things our youngest daughter and family would take home from our oldest daughter’s, none of us were giving much thought to the next day when the kids would join us for the ride to our house.

No one except for Kristine.

She isn’t real expressive with words but when her dad lifted her into her car seat she said “Wrong car daddy”. Oh…we hadn’t made it clear that she wouldn’t be coming that night, she had to WAIT one more sleep and we would come for her in the morning. It made my heart hurt.

None of us do well with waiting.

Nowadays we live in an instant, microwave, IM world. Some things are just worth waiting on. As children we waited on Christmas morning; it brought excitement, anticipation and an almost sleepless night. As women we wait expectantly for 9months, 40 weeks – for the birth of a child. Each week, each month there’s a new joy of expectancy; we’re excitedly awaiting the due date.

Then there’s the joy of planning a wedding – deciding on the right dress, the flowers, the venue, the food – registering for gifts, planning the honeymoon – you get the picture – although it’s in the future, there’s joy in the planning.

Guys wait for that first hunting trip of the season, getting the tag, the food, scouting the right spot, the thrill of the hunt, buck fever; or it could be the High School State Football Championship – the weekly games, the playoffs and finally the championship game.

Perhaps it’s the promotion at work, graduation from college or trade school, moving out and getting your own place. It would be silly to think that any of these things could be accomplished without preparation, without the passage of time. Looking at the goal and preparing ourself each step along the way is what makes the end result so successful – so rewarding, so joyful.

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

Wait on the Lord!

How many times have I heard someone get upset because they are having to wait for an answer to prayer, I will include myself in that. Let me encourage you with this; as we’re waiting on the Lord let’s prepare ourself to receive His blessings. Don’t be discouraged instead let the anticipation build and don’t grumble. Wait patiently!

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

Little Kristine is here at Besta and Pappy’s now, without Momma and Daddy, and if you asked her if it was worth the wait I’m sure she’d say yes.

The Lord has so many special blessings planned for our lives. Waiting on Him is a great adventure.

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The Beauty of Daybreak

Each morning I sit in my office looking through a window that faces East. I am able to see clearly the first light of day.

Daybreak.

The sun rises and sometimes the sky is filled with a pinkish hue and at other times there is a golden glow. No matter the color of the sky – clouded or unclouded – my heart always welcomes the dawn with a thank you.

Thank you Lord for a new day. Thank You for your plan and the purpose that I was designed to fulfill. Thank You!

I may have been disappointed with the way yesterday ended; I didn’t get enough done. Or perhaps I did the wrong thing – said something in haste or anger, or neglected to do something that was important but before me I see a new day. A day of potential and a day blessed by God.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. 26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. 27 The Lord is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 118:24-29 NLT

Our Father has a purpose and plan for each day that we live. His mercy never ends, His grace is sufficient, His love endures forever and His goodness is everlasting. He is shining on us. Daybreak is a reminder of His fatihfulness. Each morning He sends the sun to warm the earth and lighten the sky. Each day He is faithful.

But what if the circumstances of life have left you dreading the sunrise? Maybe you have lost a spouse, a child or grandchild and you feel that life is over and frankly, you don’t care if the sun ever rises again.

There’s a lady I know of who lost her dearest friend. She was heartbroken and scared. What would become of her now? How would she survive? Those were the questions that were weighing heavily on her heart. Have you experienced such a heartache?

“On Sunday morning while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance…11 Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down…15 Jesus asked her, ‘Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?’ She thought he was the gardener and said, ‘Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.’ 16 Then Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni.’ The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.'” John 20:1-16 CEV

Mary dreaded the dawn! But inspite of her heartache she went to the last place that she had been with her Lord. The graveyard! There all heartached ceased. There, as the sun was rising, she looked into the face of her Savior and found peace.

Daybreak!

As day breaks this morning I pray that you are thankful for what the Lord will lovingly show you!

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Thankful for Strength

This morning as I was preparing to share on thankfulness my heart asked me this question. What about the people who feel they have nothing to be thankful for? Maybe they’ve lost their jobs, their businesses, their health and even their friends. What do they have to be thankful for?

Good question.

Let me tell you the story of King David. He and his men had gone out to help figth a war. When they returned home they found their homes had been burned and the wives and children had been carried off by the enemy.

The Bible tells us that these strong, brave, fighting men wept until they had no more tears.

“Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” I Samuel 30:4 KJV

Everything they loved and held dear was gone! To make matters worse, they blamed David. Men who had been loyal members of his army were now ready to kill him. Not only had David lost his family, his home and his city but now he had lost his position and his ability to lead.

“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 NLT

At a time like this, how could he possibly find strength? Another translation of this verse tells us that “David encouraged himself in the Lord”. In my times of greatest struggle and darkness moments I have pulled close to God. Tears streaming down my cheeks, heart aching with pain I have cried out. “God, I can’t do this! I don’t know what to do. There’s no one to help. I’m done! I need You – only You! I need Your strength and Your guidance. I need Your peace.”

“May honor and thanks be given to the Lord, because He has heard my prayer. 7 The Lord is my strength and my safe cover. My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. So my heart is full of joy. I will thank Him with my song. 8 The Lord is the strength of His people. He is a safe place for His chosen one.” Psalm 28:6-8 NLV

There is no other place to find true help and strength. God is the only one who can bring peace in the midst of our storms. He is the only one who has the answers.

King David poured out his heart to God in prayer. He got instruction from the Lord on what he should do. He went to his men and told them what the Lord had said and they all went out to recover what had been stolen.

“David took back all that the Amalekites had taken, and saved his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing, small or large, sons or daughters, food or anything that had been taken. David returned with all of it. ” I Samuel 30:18-19 NLV

A perfect time to be thankful and praise God is when hope is all but gone. It takes our focus off our circumstances, places it on God and His ability to alter the outcome.

“Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NLV

Being thankful gives us strength!

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Optimism – Half Full

Yesterday we were “on the road again”. Seems this has been the theme song of our lives for the past twenty plus years. When Dave and I lived in north Idaho we traveled a couple times a month to farm and ranch auctions, searching for treasures. Then fifteen years ago we began producing western memorabilia antique and collectible tradeshows. Once again, we were on the road, traveling hundreds of miles.

Now that we have settled in Arizona our truck takes us up and down the interstate as we search for a different kind of treasure – it’s the treasure we find in visiting with our grown children, grandchildren and my ninety-seven year old mother. These are the treasures we hold most dear.

With all the travels, I am still amazed that we find something new in the scenery on the roads that we have driven dozens of times before. It would seem to some that these excursions would become boring and mundane but there is always something, something new, that catches our attention.

That’s how it is for me when I read the Bible. No matter how many times I read a chapter or one of the parables that Jesus tells or read about Moses, Abraham, David, Daniel, Peter and Paul there always seems to be something new. God’s word is living and although it never changes, its application to my life’s situations is constantly evolving and bringing me new strength.

Our heavenly Father’s ability to see “new things” is amazing. Before mankind was created and the world was infected by sin He saw what would happen and made a way for redemption and reconciliation. His plan would restore the relationship that man dissolved.

God, the Father, and Jesus were/are the ultimate optimists!

They see us as new creatures in Christ – we are forgiven, sins blotted out and created in their image. Look at these verses and see the fullness that God has blessed us with.

“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

” 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.” Colossians 2:2 ERV

“And we have a great priest who rules the house of God. 22 Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. 23 We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:21-23 ERV

Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to keep His promises and we need to be too.

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 ERV

The feelings of inferiority, low self-esteem and lack of confidence come because someone has told us that we are lacking. We adopt a mindset of being half empty. But when we come to Christ He fills our lives with everything new. Not half empty and not half full. It’s important that we see we are new. We are filled completely with His presence.

Fully persuaded, full of confidence, full of faith, full of hope – God lives fully in us!

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Take Time to Pray

Did you know there will be a prayer march in Washington D.C. today? Franklin Graham will lead a prayer march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building with several stopping places along the way for specific prayer.

I ask you to take time, whereever you are, to join in prayer with those in Washington.

If you’re like me, you have been praying for this Nation and our leadership for many months now. We are commanded to pray for those in authority.

“First of all, I ask you to pray much for all men and to give thanks for them. 2 Pray for kings and all others who are in power over us so we might live quiet God-like lives in peace. 3 It is good when you pray like this. It pleases God Who is the One Who saves. 4 He wants all people to be saved from the punishment of sin. He wants them to come to know the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4 NLV

I don’t pray for one political party or another, nor do I pray just for the President. I pray for all members of Congress, the Supreme Court, Governors and local judges. I simply pray that all of our leaders will make just and righteous decisions; decisions that please and honor God as the founders of our nation intended.

And then I pray that we all honor the Lord with our actions and our words. How often do we pray for others to change but first and foremost we must be willing to conform to the person God has called us to be.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17 NLT

Some think of prayer as an action of last resort – a cry of desparation. That it can be! However, I see prayer as a time to talk with my Father telling Him my concerns and seeking His direction and answers. I’ve found it’s much better to get His direction instead of begging Him to get me out of a mess.

“‘Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV

Will you join me today in praying for our Nation? Let’s follow the instruction of the Apostle Paul and “Pray without ceasing”.

AMEN!

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Good News!

Sitting here this morning, there are so many things on my mind and in my heart. Praying for my children and grandchildren, friends who need direction, healing for the friends of friends and for our nation and our government and those who rule our land. So many things around us are going contrary to what Jesus said was the kingdom of heaven and what God has designed for us.

Jesus also lived in a troubled world. The governmental rule was anti-God. The Romans, who ruled over the nation of Israel, preached Caesar as god and his word as infallible. They were living in political slavery when Jesus was born. I find it interesting that God, the Father, didn’t use Jesus to rescue the Jews from the Romans in a similar way that he used Moses to rescue the Jews from the Egyptians.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages preaching the good news of the kingdom of heaven and with that message he demonstrated the power of God by doing miracles.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. 37 Jesus said to his followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. 38 God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.” Matthew 9:35 – 38 ERV

He also sent out his disciples, preaching the same message and they too, did the same miracles.

“As you go, announce that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. [d] 8Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, [e] and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid.” Matthew 10:7-8 ERV

In Peter’s preaching he gave this testimony of Jesus and his ministry.

“You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptized. 38 God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil. 39 We all saw what Jesus did both in Israel and in the city of Jerusalem. Jesus was put to death on a cross. 40 But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. 41 Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to tell others about him.” Acts 10: 37-41. ERV

But the corruption of the government was always on Jesus disciples’ minds and they wondered when Jesus would take control and change things. Here are Jesus last words to his disciples.
“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?” 7Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud. They could not see him, 10but as he went up, they kept looking up into the sky.” Acts 1:6-9 ERV

Today, many are asking the same thing. When, Lord, are you going to do something about our government and those in power? Things are not good that is for certain! But we are hopeful and can trust that God knows the day and the hour. Until then, Jesus final command to the disciples is for us as well. We receive power from the Holy Spirit and are to be witnesses in our home town (Jerusalem), in our country (Judea), to our neighboring countries (Samaria) and then into the whole world. And what are we to preach – the same thing the disciples did. The kingdom of heaven is at hand and we can minister with the same power and authority that they had.

Let’s go and share the good news!

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Mending Fences

A number of years ago, I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly life. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we arrived, we stopped at the mortuary to meet his family. His favorite saddle was positioned at the end of the casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. It made me wonder, how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured once again to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19

To me, hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. A good fence keeps out predators, the fence provides safety. We need to hold tightly to the hope that God gives us in His Word. The hope that His Word brings keeps us secure and safe.

One thing I remarked on at Derald’s funeral was that there was no need for mending fences in heaven. The work is done. All pastures are safe, nothing harmful will break through. Those of us that remain here are the ones who have the responsibility to watch for downed fences and broken wires. We can help keep others safe by sharing God’s word and our faith in His promises.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, He will keep us safe and sure.

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