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I’m giving away a special offer in this week’s podcast! Have you listened? https://apple.co/2PpRmty

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Have you listened to this week’s podcast episode on the power of impartation yet? apple.co/2P8yZtc

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You can skip levels by accessing the power of impartation. Here’s how it works: apple.co/2P8yZtc

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Trigger alert! I may be stepping on some toes with this one, but it's time to discuss the lyrics of some of our favorite worship songs. Are they even scriptural? Will God anoint them? We've got to be discerning and thoughtful about what we sing and believe to be true about God. Listen at your own risk: https://apple.co/2mEESB2

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I'm sure you've heard it said that we, as Christians, shouldn't judge other people. But is that really true? Does the Bible teach that? Today I'm going to show you from Scripture that the exact opposite is true. Not only did Paul teach that we are responsible to judge others, Christ taught it, too. You may be surprised, however, about the first person you're assigned to judge.

Read my new blog post "4 Simple Tips for More Consistent Bible Reading" here.

I want to highly recommend our online training courses found at Miracle Word University. Each course is designed to equip you with biblical knowledge that will give you the fuel to overcome in every area of life.

For more great content, follow me on Instagram: @tedshuttlesworth and Facebook: @MiracleWordMinistries

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Many people believe it's impossible for a Christian to live for the rest of their life without ever falling into sin again. Is that even scriptural? If it is, why do we need repentance? In this episode, I'm going to show you the truth about bondage to sin. Not only will this episode encourage you to live holy, it will engender a hatred for evil within you.

I want to highly recommend our online training courses found at Miracle Word University. Each course is designed to equip you with biblical knowledge that will give you the fuel to overcome in every area of life.

For more great content, follow me on Instagram: @tedshuttlesworth and Facebook: @MiracleWordMinistries

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Trigger alert! I may be stepping on some toes with this one, but it's time to discuss the lyrics of some of our favorite worship songs. Are they even scriptural? Will God anoint them? We've got to be discerning and thoughtful about what we sing and believe to be true about God. Listen at your own risk...

I want to highly recommend our online training courses found at Miracle Word University. Each course is designed to equip you with biblical knowledge that will give you the fuel to overcome in every area of life.

For more great content, follow me on Instagram: @tedshuttlesworth and Facebook: @MiracleWordMinistries

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4 Simple Tips for More Consistent Bible Reading

Aug 6, 2018 • 2 min read

Have you ever been frustrated because another month ended and you didn’t accomplish your Bible-reading goals? Maybe you decided to read the New Testament or a specific book of the Bible and when the month ended your bookmark (whether real or digital) was still in the same place. Here are four tips that will assist you in your journey to be more consistent in your devotional life.

1. Set a Specific Goal

This one is huge. Just saying you’re going to read the Bible daily isn’t enough. How much or how long will you read? Without specifics, you don’t know whether or not you’re accomplishing your goals. Make a monthly plan and stick to it. This way, you can easily track your progress as time moves forward.

2. Attach Your Goal to a Calendar

I discovered that if I read nine chapters of the New Testament a day until I finish Acts, and eight chapters a day thereafter, I will read the New Testament in a month. To make it easier on myself, I created a reading schedule and posted it on my phone’s calendar app. (e.g. August 1st: Matthew 1-9. August 2nd: Matthew 10-18, etc.)

By doing this, I never have to wonder where I left off or what my daily goal is. Let’s be honest, anything that adds work to accomplishing a habitual goal also creates a higher chance that you won’t finish it. Divide your proposed reading plan by thirty and attach it to a calendar.

3. Attach Your Goal to a Daily Event

For example, I like to take a one-hour walk each day when I’m not traveling. During that uninterrupted hour, I listen to the Bible through an app on my phone. Maybe you have a twenty-minute commute to work or you’re a stay-at-home mom and give your child a nap in the afternoon. Consistently attach your goal to that event and you’ll be much more likely to accomplish it.

4. Attach Your Goal to a Friend

Another wonderful way to stay on track is to invite a friend to join you in your Bible reading plan. Now you have someone who will keep you accountable to your schedule. Not to mention, a fellow believer with whom you can fellowship and discuss the Word of God.

By doing these four things, you will dramatically increase the likelihood that at the end of the month your devotional goals will be complete. Never forget that the Word of God is fuel for freedom in every area of your life (John 8:32). If you haven’t already, make a plan to read more than you ever have. Stay hungry. God will bless you.

If you enjoyed this post, I know you’ll really appreciate my recent podcast episode, 5 Things Christians Need to Know About the Bible.

If you found this article or the podcast useful, share it with someone. Much love!

Ted

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How to Make Sure Your Kids Go To Heaven

(3 min read) As a Christian parent, my top priority is raising our children based on what the Word of God says. Sometimes being a parent can feel like the hardest job there is, but just like any other job takes effort and time, so does raising children. Here are five biblical guidelines that will help you

Know what your Bible says.

You've got to transfer your understanding to your kids. Memorize Scripture with them. The Word of God is going to stand up against anything that comes their way and you won’t always be with them.

I’ve chosen scriptures on different topics in the Bible (e.g. fear, healing, salvation, etc.) for our oldest daughter to memorize.

For example, if she feels scared, she would quote 2 Timothy 1:7. Acts 10:38 shows her that Jesus heals all.

Are you willing to saturate your home with the Word of God? It’s the Word of God that trains and equips them for all righteousness (2 Tim 3:16-17). My children and your children will have great faith!

Model Godliness.

The Bible clearly teaches us to imitate God in everything we do (Ephesians 5:1-2). Your speech and actions must match.

Raising them around love, encouragement, peace, and joy will cause them to be confident in themselves and confident in their faith. In order to raise godly children, we must model godly character.

Break away from the trap of approval.

Society’s suggestions about what’s best for our kids has put undue pressure on today’s parents. They have determined the best diet, best schools, and best extracurricular activities for our kids.

Stop and ask the Holy Spirit what’s best for your kids, not Google or the latest edition of Parents magazine.

There are decisions I’ve made for our kids that the world would frown upon. Oh well. I’m more concerned with obeying the Word of God and instructions from the Holy Spirit. That’s Who I answer to.

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. // Galatians 5:25 NLT

Don’t feel as though you have to give your children the same things other families have or do what they do. Raise them to be confident in themselves, not based on what they have.

We need to teach them to focus on gaining God’s approval regardless of what other people may think.

Discipline is okay.

As much as I hate it, it’s an instruction that we must obey. In fact, I had to spank our middle child today. Later, when I was feeling bad about it, a thought came to me: The tears and crying won’t last forever, but destruction will.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11 NLT

Children need to learn the right way of living now so they will receive the blessings of God throughout their entire lives (Ephesians 6:1-2).

If they don’t feel they have to obey you, a teacher, or their boss as they get older (people they can see), what makes you think they will obey Jesus (someone they can’t see)?

Teach them how to respect and obey authority when they’re young, and when they are older, they will reap the many benefits of spiritual obedience.

Kids first. Everything else later.

Giving your children the attention they need also means that you’re willing to sacrifice pleasures and your own personal time. The 15 minutes of playing a game they want or watching them perform for you is what really matters.

As they get older, those memories will forever stick with them. Let chores wait until later. Make them feel loved and special by putting them first. The small things now will be the big things they remember later.

Cherish all your time together. Every opportunity is a chance to speak into their lives and mold them into the champions that God has called them to be (Psalm 127:3).    Training takes a lot of hard work! You can be encouraged to know that if you stay strong and endure, you will reap the harvest. You will have a legacy that you are proud of and children who live strong in the Lord.     - Love, Carolyn

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Laughing Outside / Crying Inside

(2 min read) Not everyone who is laughing has the joy of the Lord. In fact, you may be surprised to find out how many people who look happy are actually hurting.

Many people put on a facade and pretend like everything in their life is fine while the opposite is true. Things may be falling apart for them.

Never mistake laughter for joy. Laughter is merely one of the effects joy has on you. True joy may also cause singing, dancing, rejoicing, sharing your faith, giving and many other outward signs.

The cause is the fountain of joy springing up on the inside of your heart.

The devil doesn’t mind if you laugh as long as there’s no true joy deposited in your life from Heaven. He doesn’t care if you fake it for awhile as long as he can keep you in bondage before, during and after your laughter.

As you are empowered with Heaven’s happiness, God will use you to bring that freedom to someone else. Don’t be put off by the fact that they appear to be happy. When God is leading you to help someone, He knows the internal struggles they’re battling. 

The devil doesn’t care if you laugh as long as he can keep you in bondage before, during and after your laughter.

Once, while preaching a youth conference, I felt to minister to a young man at the altar. He looked healthy, strong and absolutely fine to me.

As I began to minister to him, God led me to rebuke a spirit of depression and anxiety. He didn’t look depressed or sad at all. As I laid hands on him he began to jump and shout.

After the service he shared with me that he had contemplated and almost committed suicide the week before the conference.

God knew what he needed. Freedom came to him that night and I was able to minister to him by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I believe God is going to use you to bring help and healing to those whose lives are void of supernatural joy. Always remember that you cannot judge what someone needs or is believing for by their appearance.

The enemy may try to keep them caged up on the inside, but God has anointed you to liberate every captive. Now that you are free, you’re in position to help others that remain in chains of bondage. (Luke 4:18).

Love you guys!

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Kick Doubt Out

(2 min read) “The crowd laughed at [Jesus]. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.” —MARK 5:40 NLT

Many times when people picture Jesus they imagine a very soft-spoken, non-offensive man floating around in flowing robes.

Jesus may have been meek and humble, but He carried power and authority.

When a man named Jairus traveled to see if Jesus would come to heal his daughter, Jesus responded with compassion and went to Jairus’ house.

When they arrived, his daughter had already died and people were mourning her.

Jesus asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

The crowd began to laugh and make fun of Jesus. So you know what He did? Jesus kicked them out.

Doubt is the most dangerous element in the world. It short-circuits the power of God. When Jesus went back to His hometown, He couldn’t even perform miracles because of all their doubt. (Mark 6:5).

Doubt is the enemy of a miraculous Christian life. Kick it out as soon as you see it. Don’t let it stay.

Jesus finished by raising the little girl from the dead. Some people may have thought Jesus was insensitive that day, but unless He corrected the atmosphere, the parents would never have regained their daughter.

Doubt is the enemy of a miraculous Christian life. Kick it out as soon as you see it.

It’s life or death what type of atmosphere you cultivate in your life. If doubt can steal your opportunity for God to miraculously intervene in your life, it has also stolen your opportunity for overwhelming joy.

When miracles take place, it causes joy to flow freely. (See Acts 8:5–8).

God gave us the remedy for the disease of doubt. It is the power of His Word. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God preached (Romans 10:17).

There’s no excuse for having no faith in our generation. The internet is such an incredible resource. You can watch powerful men of God all over the world using tools like live stream and YouTube.

It’s a privilege to live in a time where knowledge has greatly increased just as the Bible predicted. We should take advantage of all the opportunities presented to us before Jesus comes.

Take intentional steps to build your faith so that doubt cannot hold you hostage when miracles should be flowing in your house.

Build your faith. Grab your miracles. Walk in joy.

Much Love!

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Your Weapon of War

(2 min read) “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit . . .” —ROMANS 8:11 NLT

If you read Romans 8:11 in the old King James Version, it says that the Holy Spirit will quicken your mortal body.

When I researched the Greek word translated “quicken,” I found that it could literally be translated “to startle or make alive.”

Have you ever been startled in the middle of the night? Maybe you forgot you moved a piece of furniture or your child left a toy on the floor. When you stub your toe you go from being tired to startled and made alive.

One night, I woke up and got out of bed to use the restroom. I was extremely tired and my eyes were barely open as I navigated the hotel room I was staying in by the light of my iPhone.

I was so sleepy that my body felt twice it’s weight. I dragged myself toward the bathroom door.

All of a sudden when I passed the closet I saw a full grown man standing in my hotel room with a flashlight in his hand.

Adrenaline shot through my body. I wasn’t tired anymore. I was ready to fight for my life. I almost threw a punch with all the force I had in me.

The power of the Holy Spirit creates a barrier that the worries of life can’t penetrate to steal the Word.

Thankfully, I realized just in time that I was standing in front of a full-length mirror and was looking at a reflection of myself.

I just got quickened.

The Bible says that’s the effect the Holy Spirit had on Jesus’ dead body. The Spirit startled Him and shook His body back to life.

In the same way, we are made alive by the power of the Holy Spirit. His power is able to keep you from the cares of the world which rob you of His mighty Word. (Mark 4:18–19).

It’s a mistake to view the Holy Spirit as God’s side dish to the entrée of salvation. Treating the baptism of the Holy Spirit as optional for the believer is essentially saying, “You’re going to war. You can decide whether or not you’d like to take a weapon with you.”

The Holy Spirit is our empowerment to overcome in every situation of life.

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Where Are The Refreshments?

(2 min read) “With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!” —ISAIAH 12:3 NLT

Christianity is not hard. Let’s get that out of the way at the very beginning today. Some people act like it’s hard, but Jesus said it’s not. (Matthew 11:30).

Have you ever met that Christian? The one who has a sour look on their face as though the more bitter they become the more pious they'll be. What a sad advertisement to the sinner.

Christianity is only frustrating when you refuse to use the tools and resources that have been provided by the Holy Spirit.

My family is full of great cooks. We are kind of over the top in our preparation and presentation of food. When the holidays come you can forget it. You’d think an army was coming to eat from the appetizers that are laid out. In reality, however, it’s only going to be nine or ten people.

By the time dinner is ready we’re completely stuffed with all of the amazing appetizers that covered every square inch of the counters and tables.

Those experiences have pretty much ruined me when eating elsewhere. Even my subconscious expectations are way too high. Once you’ve had fresh lobster stew, massive shrimp and crab cake sliders, old pepperoni slices laid on top of stale Ritz crackers don’t hold the same appeal. I want to be filled, not frustrated.

The same is true in the Kingdom of God. Your life in Christ is designed to be enjoyed and leave you refreshed and satisfied.

Salvation is a fountain to refresh you not a desert to distress you.

The Prophet Isaiah wrote that we would drink deeply from the fountain of salvation with joy. (Isaiah 12:3)

Notice that salvation is a fountain to refresh you and not a desert to distress you.

God has given you His gladness as the cup to enjoy the full benefits of salvation. Understand that without joy you have nothing to use to draw the benefits from your salvation.

If you are not personally refreshed by the Spirit of God, you do not have the ability to refresh anyone else. One of the most vital components of your purpose is the refreshing peace and joy of the Lord.

When unbelievers see what wonderful things God is doing in your life, it creates an interest in His goodness. (Romans 2:4).

Always remember that you are a walking advertisement for the goodness and mercy of God. Make up your mind to show others how good it is to serve the King of kings. Lead them to the refreshments.

Much love!

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The Michael Jordan Effect

(2 min read) “So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.” —MATTHEW 28:8 NKJV

A study published in the British Medical Journal, which followed almost 5,000 people over 20 years, found that happiness can spread through three degrees of separation within social networks, meaning that the happiness of your friend, your friend’s friend, and even your friend’s friend’s friend can infect you with a good mood.

It’s amazing to note the force of joy deposited inside the gospel as you read through the Word of God. Everywhere you turn, contagious, gospel joy spreads through those ancient cities and takes hold of people at a staggering rate. (Acts 8:8).

Paul gave us the diagnosis as to why the gospel has this contagious effect. He explains that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16).

Let’s experiment for a moment. I’m going to give you a few names and you see if you know what these people have accomplished. (No Wikipedia.)

Steve Kerr. Luc Longley. Will Perdue. Craig Hodges. None of these men ringing any bells? Do you know what they all have in common? They all played for the Chicago Bulls and won NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan.

The power of the gospel in your life will cause contagious joy to follow you wherever you go. People will feel it.

You don’t know their names. In 1990-96 people barely knew their names. However, something happened to all of these men. They were sucked into the “Michael Jordan Effect.”

People who have never watched one basketball game in their life know Michael Jordan. His leadership skills caused regular men to rise above their adversaries and conquer again and again. (Six times to be precise.)

His contagious abilities grabbed men at whatever low level they were operating, and pulled them up to where he was living.

When you begin walking in the contagious power of gospel joy, you’ll have the same effect on people that Michael Jordan did. It empowers you to lift others up to a level of victory required to overcome.

The power of the gospel in your life will cause contagious joy to follow you wherever you go. People will feel it. The women who were first given the gospel message ran from the tomb full of reverent awe and overwhelming joy. Allow the good news about Jesus to become your passion and drive your life.

Much love!

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The Wrong Clothes Can Kill You.

(2 min read) “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them . . .The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness . . .” —ISAIAH 61:3 NKJV

When you hear the word “praise” you probably think of your favorite Christian album or possibly the part of the church service before the preaching begins.

Although singing and music are one form of praise, it’s not reserved for those times alone. In fact, we are instructed to live a lifestyle of praise toward God.

David said, “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” (Psalm 34:1).

Praise isn’t reserved for the right moment when your life is at it’s best. It isn’t an emotional response to prime conditions. Praise is a choice.

When you choose to praise God, you’re making a conscious decision to involve God in your situation. Praise is a tool given to us by God that engages heavenly assistance on our behalf.

By praising God you illicit a response from Heaven. Prayer is a powerful tool that we should always use in our lives, but it’s not enough. Praise is the catalyst that makes your prayers explode.

Maybe you’ve seen someone who has built a miniature volcano as a science project or possibly built one yourself. After the papier mache or plaster is formed into a mountainous shape that is the frame of the volcano, you have to create the lava that flows out of the top.

To create the illusion of lava flowing out of the volcano, you have to mix two ingredients: baking soda and vinegar. You can leave the baking soda in the volcano forever and it will never erupt, but when the vinegar is added the mixture produces the flowing lava effect.

Praise is a tool given to us by God that engages heavenly assistance on our behalf.

Praise is the catalyst that causes your prayers to be explosively answered and overwhelming joy to flood your life.

The enemy’s desire is to keep you in a constant state of heaviness. That heaviness becomes a never-ending anxiety and depression that holds you prisoner.

Thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to strip off what the Bible calls a “spirit of heaviness” and put on the “garment of praise.” Wear it proudly like a new pair of shoes. Don’t be embarrassed that you love Jesus. Praise God every chance you get.

Start by removing things that allow heaviness to fill your life, e.g. depressing music, wrong relationships or even attending a dead church.

Fill your mind and heart with the uplifting promises of God’s Word. Sing praise to God. Pray and talk to Him as often as you can, and for crying out loud, find a church that is on fire. What if you can’t find one in the area where you live?

Move.

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Turn Up Your Volume

(2 min read) “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” —PSALM 47:1 NKJV

Have you ever shouted loudly in a public place and scared people around you? I have. Many times.

I felt the power of God once in Walmart and shouted in the frozen foods section. The only other person in the aisle was a white-haired, old lady. She promptly pushed her cart to another aisle.

There’s something about a shout that carries power. As God’s people, we’re commanded to shout unto Him with a voice of triumph.

The mistake some Christians make is waiting until God performs a miracle in their life to shout.

Common sense says that if you’re shouting before the victory it’s premature. Logically, you should save the celebrations for after the victory.

Did you ever consider that your shout secures the victory? I call it “The Shattering Shout.” You can see it in action in Joshua chapter 6.

God instructed Joshua and his army to march around the walls of Jericho and then shout in triumph. As they did, the mighty walls of Jericho collapsed allowing them to run in and conquer the city.

When you shout unto God, supernatural power is released to destroy the walls the enemy has set up to contain you.

In the distinguished day and age in which we live, people may be hesitant to simply shout unto God. I assure you that I do it on a regular basis.

Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” When he said that, they were all still standing outside of a fortified barrier.

The key is to shout through any issue the devil has tried to raise up in your life. The power of your shout will shatter the walls of his evil plans and they’ll fall flat to the ground.

Shouting victoriously is simple faith in action. It tells the Lord that you believe He has already won the battle for you.

Shouts carry power. When Jesus shouted on the cross and released His spirit into Heaven, the earth shook and graves opened up. People were raised from the dead that day. (Matthew 27:50–53). His shout brought victory.

When He returns to rapture His church from the earth, He will descend from Heaven with a commanding shout. (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Throughout the Bible, God shows forth His power through the Shattering Shout. Employ yours today and watch the walls crumble.

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The Power of Habit

(2 min read) “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” —PSALM 34:1 NLT

It’s been said that you can make or break a habit in 21 days. Simply disciplining yourself to repeat the same action over and over can cause it to become second nature to you.

God encouraged Joshua to create an obsessive habit of studying and meditating on His Word (Joshua 1:8). God explained how that habit would cause Joshua to prosper in everything he would do.

In 2012, author Charles Duhigg released a book entitled The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. During a Q&A session regarding the origin of his book, Duhigg said:

“I first became interested in the science of habits eight years ago, as a newspaper reporter in Baghdad, when I heard about an army major conducting an experiment in a small town named Kufa.

The major had analyzed videotapes of riots and had found that violence was often preceded by a crowd of Iraqis gathering in a plaza and, over the course of hours, growing in size. Food vendors would show up, as well as spectators. Then, someone would throw a rock or bottle. When the major met with Kufa’s mayor, he made an odd request: Could they keep food vendors out of the plazas? ‘Sure,’ the mayor said. A few weeks later, a small crowd gathered near the Great Mosque of Kufa. It grew in size. Some people started chanting angry slogans. At dusk, the crowd started getting restless and hungry. People looked for the kebab sellers normally filling the plaza, but there were none to be found. The spectators left. The chanters became dispirited. By 8:00 p.m., everyone was gone.

I asked the major how he had figured out that removing food vendors would change peoples’ behavior.

The U.S. military, he told me, is one of the biggest habit-formation experiments in history. ‘Understanding habits is the most important thing I’ve learned in the army,’ he said.”

Habits change results.

When David wrote Psalm 34, he was making it clear that he would habitually praise God at all times and on every occasion.

When you turn praise into a habit, victory becomes a lifestyle.

That’s why the Bible has so much to say about praising God. The book of Psalms is basically a book dedicated to praising Him.

Throughout the entire Bible we have stories of the wonderful intervention of God when His people began praising Him.

Make praise a habit in your life today and God will show Himself strong on your behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9).

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