#the bible is full of wisdom and many truths but i do NOT believe it is infalliable i do NOT see it as the highest authority

[queerprayers]

1/2- Sorry if this is a weird ask. You're a person of sincere faith who doesn't judge and I'm desperate for outside opinions. I've recently learned that many modern tarot readers don't believe in divination or spirits, but rather that the images on the cards can help us think about things and bring out deeper ideas from our own subconscious. Zero future telling, only for self reflection. That sounds ok to me, and using the cards for visio divina has done really good things for my prayer life.

2/2- But still I worry- what if the more conservative types are right and all use of the cards is bad? What if it's displeasing to God? I beg and pray but I can't seem to find any peace or inner sense of guidance on the topic. Can you please pray for me, and share any wisdom you might have about this? Thank you so much.

Hello, beloved--I don't think this is weird at all! There's so much fearmongering among Christians about things being Satanic or pagan or whatever else, and it's important to not give into that panic while also taking our faith seriously.

None of the people I know who have been interested in tarot do it as a religious or really even spiritual practice--for most of them, it's been a fun thing, like getting your fortune read at a county fair, and it's not something to "believe in" so much as do and think about. I also know people who, as you said, find it useful for reflection, usually for finding new ways of looking at things. I'm not scared of tarot, and I don't think it's demonic.

Christian history is full of things like opening your Bible to a random page to see what God has in store for you or protecting yourself from evil spirits or saying a certain prayer so that a saint will do something for you. Everyone has these superstitious instincts, to find stories in chance, to not waste the few things that are in our control. I don't think there's inherent evil there--evil comes when we trust these things more than God, when we look in our own actions more than God's, when we think we can know the full story, when we try to pin God down. And I don't think superstition with Christian wrappings is any less superstitious, or any more truthful, to be honest.

A lot of people fearmongering about stuff like this are scared about where it might lead--that you'll end up somewhere chanting around a human sacrifice. And of course there are people who start with harmless religious experiences and end up in evil places--lots of Christians go to a potluck and end up believing in prosperity gospel and putting their kids in conversion therapy. But I don't hear you in danger of abandoning God or of harming anyone. And any religious practice can go too far, no matter how pure its roots. What you bring to the practice makes up most of whether you are reaching out toward God with it, and we can balance it with other traditions and other impulses.

In case someone's using the Bible to scare you: what the Bible tells us about fortune-telling/magic/communing with spirits is from a very specific Ancient Israelite perspective that I'm not qualified to unpack, but we don't find it an applicable worldview today. We have different ideas of how to live in community with other religions, and religious practices serve very different functions. We don't follow Ancient Israelite cultic practices--nor do modern Jewish people, for that matter. Christian practice has developed in the past two millennia in so many directions, and barely any of it would be recognizable to the Biblical authors. I obviously trust that God gave us these writings for a reason, and am not saying to ignore them--we can find useful ideas, but not a rule book.

The tarot deck most people know was created in 1909 by an occult secret society, who used symbols from Christianity and astrology. I think it's misguided to find truth in them as they exist, but neither do I think they're inherently evil--they're archetypes, stories. They're just human. I find occult secret societies generally more silly than demonic--although there is lots of racism/cultural appropriation in their histories. I respect those who avoid tarot based on its origins, just as I respect those who won't do yoga because it's a Hindu practice. But so many things come from non-Christian origins, and we cannot throw away the world if we want to live in community with it. (Yes, we are called to be set apart from the world as Christians, but also to love it--there is the line we must walk.)

There is real Biblical precedent for avoiding a practice associated with things outside of your faith--ancient Israelite religion was very concerned with these associations. Paul did not think meat that had originally been offered to pagan gods was sinful to eat, but basically advised people not to eat it because of how it would affect others or perhaps normalize idol worship. These are things we're continually navigating, and in any Christian community you're gonna have to be clear where your faith lies and probably answer some questions. I think it's a good thing that we're called to be purposeful, and to be aware how our actions affect others.

So my general advice would be to really think about it, to do it all purposefully, paying attention to how it affects your life, relationships, and practice, and whether it's bringing you to the life you know God wants from you (one of love). But this sounds like what you're already doing! I think you care more about this than most people I know, and you're coming to God genuinely--these are gifts.

Prayer is sensory, story-filled, interactive. It's a way of moving through the world. You say this has done good things for your prayer life, and I believe you. Contemplation is a major Christian prayer tradition. Anything can give us a new perspective, anything can shove us toward the truth. You're not causing harm, and neither are you abandoning your faith. There are other people navigating the same things as you--Contemplative Tarot is a book by a Catholic tarot practitioner, and it looks really interesting. I know people who have made their own tarot cards, and I wonder what that would look like with more intentional Christian symbolism/stories, even saints. Sometimes I pick a random prayer card to say--this is coincidence, and while it's not something I'm depending on, it does affect how my day goes.

Don't fall for anything or anyone that claims to know the ultimate truth, don't fall for the people who say that tarot has ancient Egyptian/kabbalah roots, don't fall for people who are just selling you things, don't believe anyone who tells you the truth is inside you if they aren't making clear that it's God that's living there, don't base your entire religious practice on something like this. But don't throw away a way of looking at things if God has led you through it. Don't put your life in the hands of cards, but move through your life with stories and new perspectives and contemplation. God's mercies are new every morning.

I don't know if I've given you peace--maybe just more questions. The good news is, you don't have to figure it all out now, and the bad news is you'll never figure it all out. Religious practice is a continuous dialogue and negotiation with the world. I have faith in you, and in the ways God is moving in your life. Bring Jesus with you, wherever you end up--he'll come regardless, of course, but see it happening. A man with a sword or a cup doesn't know your future, nor is he doing anything--but you know that. You're seeing more of the story, you're contemplating the wonders of God, you know the swords and cups that matter, and they are present with you, and seeing them everywhere is a gift.

Something my mother says before I start anything new, or go anywhere important--what she said when I went to the psych ward, and on the first days of school, and when I go to a protest--is "remember your baptism." I think my grandfather said it to her, too. I don't know whether you've been formally baptized, but remember your calling. Remember the beginning of your journey, and why you're still on it, and how you're being a representative of it. Remember your baptism, whatever that means to you. We have been marked with the cross of Christ forever.

<3 Johanna

[henrysglock]

One as Bible Quotes (As A Treat)

"Then the One seated on the throne said, 'Look! I am making everything new.' He also said, 'Write, because these words are faithful and true.'" (Revelation 21:5)

"The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)

"The day of Pentecost came. The believers all gathered in one place. Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like tongues of fire. The flames separated and settled on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:1-4)

"The Lord sees everything you do. Wherever you go, he is watching. The sins of the wicked are a trap. They get caught in the net of their own sin. They die because they have no self-control. Their utter stupidity will send them to their graves." (Proverbs 21-23)

"'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth'" (Acts 1:8)

"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Holy Spirit will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7)

"And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)

"My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (Corinthians 2:4)

"All were astounded and greatly confused, saying to one another, 'What does this mean?'" (Acts 2:12)

''This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God." (Mark 10:27)

"For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:20)

"Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38)

"These are only the shadow of the things to come..." (Colossians 2:17)

Plus a surprise Henry (for the ones who Get It):

"'You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty...You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you...and you corrupted your wisdom...So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries.'" (Ezekiel 28:12-19)

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Sheep’s  Amongst Wolves 

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK
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+ Jeremiah 17:7: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
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VERSE OF THE DAY 
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+ Romans 16:17-18   I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites
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SUBJECT: Sheep’s  Amongst Wolves 
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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **
I AM A SHEEP
I AM WISE
I AM RIGHTEOUS 
I AM FULL OF WISDOM 
********************************
THOUGHTS:
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     We will meet people who are not out to serve Christ. They will seem to have the agenda of serving God, or that they are a Christian, but truly they were placed there to destroy your destiny. Many people are working for the enemy, and they can see what God has placed in you and they are ready to block it. Today's verse says I urge you; he said, “I strongly desired; I encourage you to watch out for people that can cause problems contrary to what you know the word says; these people aren’t serving god, but their plans.”
 Paul warns us that everyone will not want to see us succeed in our walk with God. There are folks out there, that are from the demonic, and they want to cause you to separate from God, and they will do everything they can to give you the wrong word from God. They will even give you information that isn’t true because they are out to stop you from walking in the light and using the anointing that was given to you by God; they want to stop the call you have. Look at this prophet in the bible
 1 King 13:18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.)
 This prophet didn’t mean this other prophet any good; he lied to him, and the other prophet refused to heed the instructions of God. He already knew what God was telling him to do, and instead of listening to God, he listened to this prophet and he told him wrong. Just because someone carries a title doesn’t mean they know what suits your life. That’s why we must “believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 
    We must pray about new and old people who come and has been in our lives because they are out to destroy what we have with God, and they will do it and move on to the next person. If we aren’t wise to the snares and traps of the devil, that’s why we pray every day and connect with the true vine; the word even tells us that John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
    It says we can't bear any fruit without him; we can't do anything without him, so we must remain in Him. To remain in God, we must feed our spirit man daily with the word. We can't destroy Satan by shouting , or with tears and emotion. We can only defeat the spirits he sends our way by speaking the word of God; that’s why we must learn the word of God so that we can grow in discernment, in seeing, and in hearing because if we are ignoring God and ignoring our relationship with him my friends, we will become spiritually dry. We will lose our destiny or calling by doing things that are not of God because we allowed our relationship to die.
   2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no surprise that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
 

It’s people out here right now who are not out to see you succeed in your growth with God; they will deceive you and tell you that your gift of tongues isn’t tongues; they will try to silence you to make you stop praying, and this is what the enemy wants for us all to stop praying in tongues because when we do he then understand what we are speaking to God about but otherwise he can’t understand it, nor can he block so he plants doubts in our heads about it to silence us the Christian walk is real and the things we come against is real but as long as we think that a devil is a small man with a pitchfork and a hat and not see him as what he is , the Bible calls the devil a roaring lion , If we don’t stop and take under consideration of who we are entertain we will forever dwell in a season of non-growth and disbelief. 
   ***Today, we learned about false teachers, false prophets, and destiny stealers; we learned that this is real, and we must pray about the people that are in our lives and are heading our way; the word says Jesus said unto us I send you out as sheep amongst wolves, that the world is dangerous and people will do whatever they can to pressure you from your path look at Peter, Peter said “ Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
  Jesus immediately rebuked him, and that’s what we must do: rebuke the enemy and stay away from what is false; the enemy wants us not to get to our calling because he knows that once we start walking in the peace of God , in his love ,in his grace ,in his mercy and it’s no way he can stand against the power and the anointing that’s going to be upon our life by God. Children of God, we must be mindful of what we do and who we are around, the enemy will use anyone to place thoughts and bridges between us and God! ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee
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PRAYER
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Heavenly Father, we thank you for everything; we ask you to help us get through the day, give us wisdom and knowledge so we may understand your word, and remove anyone in our life we shouldn’t be around or listen to. God gives us eyes to see and ears to hear. Lord, protect us from the things of this word. Lord, we are your sheep and we hear your voice , We ask you to direct our steps, and we will heed your voice ,forgive us of the sins we have done; in Jesus Name, Amen 
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REFERENCES 
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+ Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God but merely human concerns.”

+ Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'"

+ Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock
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FURTHER READINGS 
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Proverbs 5 
1 Chronicles 8
Leviticus 13
2 Chronicles 12
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[walkswithmyfather]

“The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.” —Psalm 119:64 (NIV)

“Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do.” —Psalm 119:64 (FBV)

“Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.” —Psalm 119:57‭-‬64 (MSG)

“Give me more revelation of your ways, for I see your love and tender care everywhere. Your extravagant kindness to me makes me want to follow your words even more! Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light, for I believe in your commands. Before I was humbled I used to always wander astray, but now I see the wisdom of your words. Everything you do is beautiful, flowing from your goodness; teach me the power of your wonderful words!” —Psalm 119:64‭-‬68 (TPT)

“10 Things to Know About Psalm 119” By Kevin Halloran:

“Many of us desire to love God’s Word more, but are unsure of how to cultivate those desires. Psalm 119 is a heartfelt prayer from the Psalmist that can be used as a tool to transform your affections to love God’s Word more. Here are 10 Things to Know about Psalm 119:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. It has a similar length to some of the Bible’s shorter books like Philippians, James, or Ruth!

The purpose of this Psalm is to celebrate God’s word and instruction to his people. It is used in Jewish tradition to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (which is Jewish New Year). This holiday is the first of a series of holidays called Yamim Nora’im, or in English ‘Days of Awe.’ It is fitting to use this psalm in that setting because the Psalmist beautifully expresses awe and adoration of God for his Word. Here is one verse commonly used in this celebration: “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119:72

The structure of Psalm 119 is comprised of 22 stanzas, each starting with a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has 8 verses with two lines each.

There is a tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church that King David used this psalm to teach his son Solomon both the Hebrew alphabet and the “alphabet of the spiritual life.”

Many of the verses mention God’s Word in one line, and then in the second line connect it to God’s revelation. Other words used to describe God’s revelation are: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, word, and rules.

Psalm 119 is a prayer that includes many different elements, including prayers of praise (45-48), lament (81-88), vindication (132-134), obedience (57-64), and petitions for wisdom (33-40).

David Powlison observes, “Psalm 119 is actually not about the topic of getting Scripture into your life. Instead, it is the honest words that erupt when what God says gets into you. It’s not an exhortation to Bible study; it’s an outcry of faith…Psalm 119 is the thoughtful outcry that rises when real life meets real God.” (Speaking the Truth in Love, p. 14). “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

Charles Spurgeon liked this Psalm so much, he said, “we might do well to commit it to memory.” That’s a tall order for a Psalm that has 176 verses! He also had this to say about it from his Psalm 119 commentary: “As those who drink the Nile water like it better every time they take a draught, so does this Psalm become more full and fascinating the oftener you turn to it.”

The song “Thy Word” by Amy Grant is based on one of the most memorable verses from this beloved Psalm, verse 105 which says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (KJV). You can listen to the song here.

Use this Psalm as a tuning fork to tune your heart to love God’s Word more. Read the psalm straight through and pray that God will shape your life and heart to love him and his Word more!”

[childofchrist1983]

We have heard the phrase, "We all have our cross to bear." Although it is a nice quote, Jesus Christ is the one that bore a cross for our sins. None of us can imagine what that was like for Him and to take it lightly does a great disservice to the sacrifice that Father God Almighty and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, made so that our sins could be forgiven.

Think about the most difficult thing that you have ever done. Think about the greatest pain that you ever endured. Think about the greatest sacrifice that you have ever made on behalf of other people. Now imagine doing the exact same thing for everyone that has and will ever lived. This is the sacrifice that Jesus Christ Himself made so that we may be saved and live with Him forever in His Kingdom of Heaven. What does God ask in exchange for this sacrifice? That we take up the cross daily and follow Him. What do you do every single day that you are alive? Can you honestly say that you take up the cross everyday?

We all have doubts and anxieties, worries and regrets. The LORD God Almighty asks that we put these aside and follow Him. Given the hectic schedules and hassles that all of us must endure, this can be a very difficult task. It is hard to keep our mind on one thing when we have so many things to distract us. But we must try. We must make all of our efforts to always put God first, to take up the cross and love and serve God as we follow Jesus daily. I find it remarkable how wise and how selfless and forgiving Jesus was, even in His last moments as He hung on the cross at Calvary. He does not think of Himself, He is teaching until His last breath, and He shows how much He cares through His actions and His words. We must pray for Him to help us that we can be a little bit more like Him daily. How can we take up our cross and follow Him? We must ask ourselves this question, but more importantly, ask the LORD. May He give us the peace and endurance we need each day, and may He use this time to help us grow in His wisdom and strength and to grow in our walk and relationship with Him. May He make us more into the person that He not only created us to us to be, but called us to be from the very beginning.

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for securing a place for all true Christian believers as followers of Christ and spiritually reborn children of God in His eternal Kingdom. Each day, the sun rises and its light and warmth, and the Holy Bible gives us a glimpse of the promised eternity to come. May we continue to walk in the love and light of Christ with our heads held high and our eyes on the finish line. May we lead others to His Gospel Truth and to His light as well throughout this journey with Him. Let us all humble ourselves before God daily, asking Him to forgive us and to strength and teach us to view life through the lens of God and His promises. May He guard our hearts against Satan and the temptations of this world and our flesh. May He give us the peace to find full satisfaction in God and His peace and promises, so that we may live our lives daily in ways that honor and pleases Him. As we seek Him daily, may He reveal Himself to us through the words He has provided and use it to conform the desires of our heart to Him and His love and compassion and grace.

As true and spiritually reborn Christians, we love, trust and believe in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ. We choose to keep Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ first in our hearts and lives and all other worldly desires behind us. He extends salvation to everyone, and we want to show the world the freedom, hope and peace they can have in accepting and following Him. We must ask Him to help us grow spiritually in our relationship with Him and strengthen us and the bonds of love that He has given us, so that our unity may glorify and testify to His power and goodness. Thank Him for calling us to faith and imparting us with salvation and righteousness. May He empower us to live in His will and righteousness, so that we may testify to His soul-saving power as our faith carries us past all doubt, fear, and failure. May He grant us the grace to forgive others who have wronged us, and the humility to seek forgiveness where we have caused strife. May we follow and serve God daily with love, trust, awe and wonder. May Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ strengthen our faith, lift our spirits, protect our hearts, and show us opportunities to help bring others to Him and His Gospel Truth daily. May we do this duty boldly, humbly and faithfully. Seek, follow and trust in the LORD God Almighty always! To God be all the honor and praise and glory!

We must come to Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ with sincere hearts to ask forgiveness and follow Him and His Holy Word and Spirit always. We praise Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the mercy He bestows upon us and we are grateful for His grace and mercy and infinite blessings. By surrendering our hearts and our lives to His will, we see all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. God our refuge and our salvation and our constant provider. We lift our voices to Him in praise for His steadfast love, mercy and understanding. May Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ open our minds and hearts more and more to perceive and embrace Him and His truths. May He help us to find time to pray and read and study the Holy Bible daily and to find power in prayer, praying according to His Holy Word and will. May He help us to come to Him in true repentance and with faith in Him and His grace and merciful nature. May He give us the grace, courage and strength we need to walk with Him and do His will daily. May He teach us to watch our words when we pray to Him and to speak reverently and rightly. May we continually ask God to transform our hearts and make us faithful and humble as we walk with Him daily. We must come to Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ with honest, humble and repentant hearts. We must seek Him and His will and choose to follow Him all the days of our lives. May He help transform our hearts, help us to seek and live for Him above all else and to grow spiritually and build our faith and relationship with Him with each passing day. May He forgive our sinful nature and help us always make Him and our relationship with Him top priority.

As true and born-again Christians, we choose to walk in His righteous path and lead a life that is pleasing to Him. We desire Him and His will above anything else. We desire to walk in accordance with the love and light He has shown to us through His Holy Word and Spirit. We long for a deeper relationship with Him and a deeper fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ as well. When we fall into temptation and sin, we must turn to Him for forgiveness, strength and guidance. When believers learn to walk in accordance with God's Holy Word and Spirit, they have deeper fellowship with both God and one another. And the sin that could threaten to destroy that fellowship, if confessed (1 John 1:9), is covered in the blood of Jesus Christ and no longer a barrier between us and God. May we ask Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ to forgive us for any sins we have sinned this day or in days past. May we be faithful to Him and His Holy Word always. May He help us to walk more consistently in the light and to not neglect long to confess and forsake any sins that hinder our walk with Him. May He lead us in the direction He wants us to go so that we may seek and serve Him faithfully. God is holy and almighty and deserving of all praise honor and glory. We rejoice in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, knowing He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8). May our hearts always be filled with thanksgiving and rejoicing. May He help us to praise Him freely and honestly like all believers who came before us. May we live a life that showcases our love and trust in Him and His Holy Word and Spirit as He uses us draw others to Him and His soul-saving Gospel Truth daily. May He continue guide, correct and protect us, so that we continue to grow in Him and not weaken and stray. May we all remain faithful to Him and to this duty and purpose He has called us to. Seek and put your faith and trust in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and let Him do the rest. May He humble our hearts and help us focus on following and serving Him daily and helping others with joy and happiness. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, peace, faithfulness and grace - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, the KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[fumcpastor]

A Catholic Spirit

In 1750, John Wesley published his sermon, “A Catholic Spirit” after he and his Methodist preachers were being persecuted by leaders of the Church of England. This famous sermon has wisdom and guidance for us today in the United Methodist Church as we navigate through a separation. While there are several catalysts for this separation, one issue seems to rise to the top: convictions regarding the degree of inclusion of persons who identify as LGBTQ in the life of the church. The theological issue argued by many who choose separation is the authority of scripture; that those who embrace the full inclusion of persons who identity as LGBTQ do not hold the scriptures as supreme authority.

I find this not only personally offensive, but an untrue broad brushstroke. For myself, I believe in the authority and Divine inspiration of the Bible. Like faithful people of God throughout the history of the church, I wrestle with the Scripture. I come to the Scripture with questions – difficult questions – seeking guidance and truth. I look at the Hebrew and Greek words used. I look at the historical context.

I have great respect for those who translate the Bible into English. It is difficult work to translate a word or phrase from one language into another while retaining the intended meaning of the original author. However, I don’t always agree with the translator that their translation is the best or only translation of a word, phrase or concept.

With respect to the debate about homosexuality and the teachings of the Bible, I will gladly concede that a face-value reading of the English translation of the Bible would indicate that the practice of homosexuality is forbidden by God as sin. However, after much study and prayer, I have come to believe that there are other interpretations of the relevant verses of Scripture that make me believe that the issue is not as black-and-white as I once thought it was. I believe that there are reasonable alternative translations and contextual issues that cause me to think that the traditional translation of the relevant verses are not the only faithful interpretations; and if I am going to err, I would rather err on the side of love and grace than dogma.

It is, therefore, for me, not a question of the authority of the Bible, but interpretation of the Bible.

It is because I understand where each side is coming from, that I have tried to practice what John Wesley called, a catholic spirit. By “catholic spirit,” Wesley meant a love and respect for all people and their opinions and convictions. (catholic here meaning universal – not the Christian denomination)

Let me outline and quote from Wesley’s sermon, A Catholic Spirit.

He begins by reminding his listeners that love for God, neighbor and fellow Christian is the foundational practice of every Christian. And then Wesley acknowledges that we don’t often practice loving each other as Christ loved us. He concedes that we don’t all think alike, and so we don’t all live out our faith alike. These, Wesley says, we have allowed to come between us and loving our fellow Christian.

Wesley then goes on to say, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without doubt, we may. In this all the children of God may unite, even though they retain these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may help one another increase in love and in good works.”

Wesley reminds us that as smart as we are, humanity is still flawed in our thinking and our living. “And it is certain, so long as we know but in part, that all men will not see all things alike. It is an unavoidable consequence of the present weakness and shortness of human understanding, that several men will be of several minds in religion as well as in common life.”

He then goes on to consider a question from his Scripture lesson (2 Kings 10:15): “If your heart is right as mine is right…”

The first thing implied is this: Is your heart right with God? Do you believe his being and his perfections, his eternity, immensity, wisdom, power, his justice, mercy, and truth? Do you believe that he now "upholds all things by the word of his power," and that he governs even the most minute, even the most noxious, to his own glory and the good of them that love him? Have you a divine evidence, a supernatural conviction, of the things of God? Do you "walk by faith not by sight," looking not at temporal things but things eternal?

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, "God over all, blessed for ever?" Is he revealed in your soul? Do you know Jesus Christ and him crucified? Does he dwell in you and you in him? Is he formed in your heart by faith? Having absolutely renounced all your own works, your own righteousness, have you "submitted yourself unto the righteousness of God, which is by faith in Christ Jesus? Are you "found in him, not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness which is by faith?" And are you, through him, "fighting the good fight of faith, and laying hold of eternal life?"

Is your faith filled with the energy of love? Do you love God (I do not say "above all things," for it is both an unscriptural and an ambiguous expression, but) "with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul, and with all your strength?" Do you seek all your happiness in him alone? And do you find what you seek? Does your soul continually "magnify the Lord, and your spirit rejoice in God your Savior?" Having learned "in everything to give thanks, do you find "it is a joyful and a pleasant thing to be thankful?" Is God the center of your soul, the sum of all your desires? Are you accordingly laying up your treasure in heaven and counting all other things dung and dross? Has the love of God cast the love of the world out of your soul? Then you are "crucified to the world," you are dead to all below, and your "life is hidden with Christ in God."

Are you employed in doing, "not your own will, but the will of him that sent you," of him that sent you down to sojourn here awhile, to spend a few days in a strange land, until, having finished the work he has given you to do, you return to your Father's house? Is it your meat and drink "to do the will of your Father which is in heaven?" Is your eye single in all things, always fixed on him, always looking unto Jesus? Do you point at him in whatever you do, in all your labor, your business, your conversation, aiming only at the glory of God in all, "whatever you do, either in word or deed, doing it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God, even the Father, through him?"

Is your heart right toward your neighbor? Do you love as yourself, all mankind without exception? "If you love those only that love you, what reward do you have?" Do you "love your enemies?" Is your soul full of good-will, of tender affection toward them? Do you love even the enemies of God, the unthankful and unholy? Does your heart yearn over them? Could you "wish yourself" temporally "accursed" for their sake? And do you show this by "blessing them that curse you, and praying for those that despitefully use you, and persecute you?"

Do you show your love by your works? As you have time and opportunity, do you in fact "do good to all men," neighbors or strangers, friends or enemies, good or bad? Do you do them all the good you can, endeavoring to supply all their needs, assisting them both in body and soul, to the uttermost of your power? If you are thus minded (may every Christian say, yes), if you are but sincerely desirous of it, and following on until you attain, then "your heart is right, as my heart is with your heart."

All of these are serious and challenging questions, and I suspect that very, very few of us can say “yes” to all of them with a great degree of confidence. I am so glad that Wesley added the words, “if you are but sincerely desirous of it,” towards the end of his survey. If I cannot already say yes, I can at least say I desire to say yes.

Wesley continues, “If it be, give me your hand." I do not mean, "Be of my opinion." You need not. I do not expect or desire it. Neither do I mean, "I will be of your opinion." I cannot, it does not depend on my choice. I can no more think, than I can see or hear, as I will. Keep your opinion and I will keep mine, and that as steadily as ever. You need not even endeavor to come over to me, or bring me over to you. I do not desire you to dispute those points, or to hear or speak one word concerning them. Leave all opinions alone on one side and the other: only "give me your hand."

By, “give me your hand,” Wesley meant:

“First, love me. If your heart is right, as mine with your heart," then love me with a very tender affection, as a friend that is closer than a brother, as a brother in Christ, a fellow citizen of the New Jerusalem, a fellow soldier engaged in the same warfare, under the same Captain of our salvation. Love me as a companion in the kingdom and patience of Jesus, and a joint heir of his glory.”

“I mean, Secondly, commend me to God in all your prayers.”

“I mean, Thirdly, provoke me to love and to good works.”

“I mean, Lastly, love me not in word only, but in deed and in truth. So far as in conscience you can (retaining still your own opinions), join with me in the work of God, and let us go on hand in hand.”

Then Wesley turns that same instruction to himself, covenanting that he will love, pray for, encourage and work with those with whom he disagrees.

Wesley then seeks to clarify what the catholic spirit is not – it is not moral or theological relativism or indifference. Wesley assumes that those who disagree with him have thought out their opinions and convictions, and reasons why they embrace them, just as he has thought out his opinions and convictions and the reasons he embraces his.

In the middle of his sermon, Wesley says this: “Hold fast to that which you believe is most acceptable to God, and I will do the same.” I hope what I am telling people is similar: “hold on to your convictions, but do so with grace, humility and love.”

This, I believe is the catholic spirit for which John Wesley appealed for all Christians, and more specifically for the people called Methodist.

I would have loved to have seen this kind of spirit incarnated in the current situation in the United Methodist Church. Unfortunately, this has not happened to a great degree, though I believe it IS happening in pockets here and there. It is my prayer that this catholic spirit can be lived among us here at Fenton United Methodist Church as we wrestle with our discernment of God’s will for us.

As always, I am still glad to be…

With you on the journey,

Jeffrey L Jaggers

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for April 15, 2023

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:15-18(KJV): 15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Thought for the Day

Verse 15 - The Hebrew word for simple in verses 15 and 18 means "foolish, easily seduced." The simple believe anything; the wise examine a matter before committing to it. The Bible tells us that we should prove all things, not believe all things. Society is flooded with things that appear harmless. We cannot be overcomers until we learn to "test" or "prove" the issues of this life (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Jesus warned of false teachers and gave guidelines for detecting them (Matthew 7:15-23). Just because someone prophesies, casts out devils, or does miracles in Christ's name does not mean that he is from God. Jesus said we would know false prophets by their fruits (by whether or not they live godly lives). This fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

While we are admonished to be careful, some become close to some beautiful Biblical truths in the name of caution. We are told to prove all things; neither rejecting something because it is strange or new, nor receiving anything until we have proved it against God's Word. All Christians agree that our standard is the Bible. God gave us this book as a gauge so that we could know whether something is good or evil, truth or error, right or wrong (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Not only are we to "test" the spirits in men, but we are to do the same with any supernatural manifestations that we might experience. Today, when the world is being exposed to so many false things, we need to be careful not to expose our spirits to false dreams, visions, revelations, prophecies, or voices. The Word of God teaches that God can manifest Himself in any of these things, but we are not to blindly accept everything that comes in the name of Jesus. We need to test or prove these also. One of Satan's greatest devices is to counterfeit the real things of God and come to us disguised as the working of the Holy Spirit. How do we test these things? Let us look to God's Word, as there is always wisdom there to show us what is truth.

Verses 16-18 - Those who are wise will reverence God and turn away from evil. Fools are arrogant, quick-tempered, and reap folly as their portion. The wise gain knowledge from God and leads overcoming lives. God's ways are pure, peaceable, and full of good works. The devil inspires strife and envy. We must prove all things, checking to see if they agree with Scripture and if they produce good fruit. Only then can we accept it?

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your wisdom and guidance each day. It is so exciting to walk in Your way. We do appreciate the unexpected blessings You bring our way each day. Thank You for the wonderful people You have brought into our lives. Lord, give us the discernment to recognize those things that are not of you. Give us spiritual eyesight to see things that are of the enemy so that we might not be fooled by him. Keep us from anger and help us to know Your will so that we can follow You closely in all of our ways. Bless our families and friends and keep them from the wicked ones also. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. From: Elder Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ, Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA. Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956, Twitter: @GatekeeperWatchman1, @ParkermillerQ, https://twitter.com/StevenPMiller6 Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gatekeeperwatchman, https://www.tumblr.com/gatekeeper-watchman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElderStevenMiller https://www.facebook.com/StevenParkerMillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller,#Eldermiller1981

[crossoverglobaloutreach]

COMPELLED BY THE SPIRIT

"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again" (2 Cor 5:14-15).

The New Spirit Filled Life Bible states the origin and biblical use of the word "compels" refers to "a sense of constraint, a tight grip that prevents an escape. The love of Christ leaves us no choice except to live our lives for Him." Consider this compelling description while reading the below...

“And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.” - Acts 18:4-5

Although Paul reasoned and persuaded every Sabbath, there came a day when he was constrained by the Spirit to press those listening into a decision, a response. In other words, he got to the bottom line that “Jesus is the Christ.” Scripture seems to indicate that the arrival of Silas and Timothy as supporting co-laborers played a part in Paul’s release. These were faithful men come to help in prayer, confirmation, teaching, or whatever was needful as the full impact of the gospel would hit the Corinthian Jews. Take a moment to read the details of this rather intense story in Acts 18:1-17. 

We often stay on friendly, non-offensive ground as we build trust and relationship with people, but the day will come when the Spirit will compel us to initiate potential conflict. Darkness must be confronted for the light of the truth to come forth. Doctrines, traditions, superstitions, lies and ignorance are some of what keep folks bound to certain mindsets. The light of His truth is always looking to break in and take us further into His ways.

“O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.” - Isaiah 2:5 

Unfortunately, the response in Corinth was largely negative and the Jews rejected all that Paul’s reasoning and persuasion led up to. “But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles’” (v. 6). Sometimes it is necessary for God to find expression through “fresh blood,” even as Paul realized he could go no farther with these Jews and turned to the Gentiles.

An established church system can also become dull of hearing and resistant, compelling the Lord to leave it to itself. He will go outside those recognized as “His people” and find expression and openness to move among the newly saved or touched by the Spirit, but labeled heathen or inexperienced. Though perhaps unseasoned in His ways or the Scriptures, they are willing in spirit for all there is of God. Certainly, the Lord’s first choice is to move through His chosen and established people to reach the world – it’s what they’ve been prepared for all along. Spiritual maturity, however, can have its negatives. It can hinder a move of the Spirit with criticism, pride and prejudice rather than nurture and propel it ahead, as it ought, by godly wisdom and perspective, yet still keeping a child-like awe and reverence for the Lord's doings. “Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord…” (Hos. 6:3). This is a wise admonition for young and old.

When the Spirit withdraws, He may not go far. Ironically, Paul landed right next door to the synagogue! “And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue” (v. 7). And what happened next?... “Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (v. 8). Paul’s divine move was surely a continued jealous draw by God for His people, though it became a point of violent jealousy to the Jews. The spiritual conflict here erupted into rage and hostility, however victory prevailed for the kingdom of God in Corinth.

When compelled by the Spirit, be certain our testimony that “Jesus Christ is Lord” will stir up all sorts of earthly and heavenly reactions. It removes a religious situation from the indifferent, the grey, to a decisive belief, one way or the other. Let’s take heart, gripped like Paul by the Lord’s simple words in his night vision (v. 9):

“Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent.” 

- Elese  

[mystic-evangeline]

Dear God. Please reel me in. I'm scared. I'm alone. I'm hurting. There's always hope but I'm in so much pain it's unreal..... I feel like every time I try to get close to someone, it fails, or I can never seem to meet caring Christian men who are for me. I struggle with my views on human sexuality and idolatry of it. I don't know what to believe sometimes. I go through so many phases. Ups and downs. Numbness. Constantly battling between voices in my head, the voices of the world, voices of Christians who lack wisdom and/or are judgmental, and Your voice. I feel so vastly different from everyone around me. I feel like no matter how hard I try to belong, it never works. I like this and yet it also is very lonely at the end of the day when it comes down to it. I idolize certain men and sexuality and it just hurts me a lot because nothing feels pure or right about it. Part of me wants to live for pleasure and just seek fun things in life but the other part of me is so broken. I rely so much on my ego to define me and the creative arts can even turn into an idol if I'm not careful. It's hard for me to submit to You. I feel like You deprive me of my individualism and my creative mind. I don't understand what it means to be obedient and social media Christians skew my perception of godliness. Maybe I'm just rebellious at heart. Maybe I need to submit. Maybe I am filled with pride. Whatever the case, I know that You didn't appoint Christian leaders to operate in the flesh, which is usually what I run into. I'm confused on my beliefs. I want to be a mystic, yet I'm caught between following the Bible and doing my own thing, as usual. I just have a hard time understanding why certain things in the Bible are forbidden because the way that Christianity is painted is as a killjoy and something that inhibits freedom. I'm being pulled in so many directions. So many influences and it just overwhelms me. I'm very vulnerable. I am full of ego and pride. I think that I am my own creator and that I'm special and superior. I'm not recognizing the sin that's inside of me. The vulnerability, the impurity, the inability to discern the truth. My weakness, my darkness. My unwillingness to obey the Bible. I need to get in line with the Word more. I'm grateful You pulled me out of a fleshly and ungodly church. I'm grateful that You helped me to recognize my sins in the situation. It was painful as heck but I am growing.

[rainsmediaradio]

Rhapsody Of Realities 26th December 2023 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy) – Jesus-God’s Word Manifest in Flesh

The Topic of Rhapsody of Realities for Tuesday 25th December 2023 is “Jesus-God’s Word Manifest in Flesh”. Today’s  Scripture: John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY TUESDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2023.

John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh…” (NKJV), manifest in the flesh, and that’s Jesus! Where was Jesus before He was born in Bethlehem? He was in God as God’s Word. For example, your words right now are in you until you speak them forth. Words are thoughts clothed with vocabulary. When you speak, you speak your thoughts. Your thoughts are clothed with language so someone else can understand. So, your thoughts reside within you until you express them in words. When you’re thinking about something, nobody else can discern your thoughts; they remain concealed within your heart. However, when you speak, your words become tangible and can be captured in time. This is why we can record your voice and replay it later. Five years down the line, someone can hear what you said, but it was hidden in your heart until you uttered it. Imagine if your words, once captured in time, could step out of a computer or a recorder and materialize as the very things you said. This is precisely what God did through Jesus Christ. Jesus became the embodiment of God’s will, a revelation of His divine purpose and the manifestation of His boundless love. If you wanted to understand what God is like, you only needed to look at Jesus. He declared, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). And He consistently performed the works and spoke the words that emanated from the Father. In essence, Jesus was the living expression of God’s Word. It’s quite common for people to be puzzled by certain aspects of Jesus’ life, such as when God spoke from heaven during His baptism. So, they say, “If Jesus was the manifestation of God, how come, when He was being baptized, God spoke from heaven?” God’s nature and capabilities are far beyond our understanding. We can draw a parallel from modern technology: when I preach from a particular location, anywhere in the world, my voice is heard in every known country and territory on earth and in multiple languages. If that is possible in this world, then think about what God can do! His ability to speak from heaven while Jesus was on earth transcends human limitations. PRAYER Lord Jesus, you’re the God of heaven and earth; you pre- existed creation, and by you, all things exist and consist. I honour you, for you’re the embodiment of wisdom, grace and truth; the only true God! Thank you for giving me a life of victory, success, prosperity and divine health. I love you forever. FURTHER STUDY: John 1:1-4 NKJV; 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:10-14 NKJV 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. The Word Becomes Flesh 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18 & Zechariah 4-6 2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 4:1-12 & Ezra 5 Read the full article

[wolint]

FRESH MANNA

SOUND TEACHING

Titus 2:1-15

What is sound teaching ? This is what the Bible calls the uncorrupted or right teaching or doctrine. Sound teaching is what saves the sinner and sanctifies the saint. Sound doctrine summarizes the Bible’s teaching as a coherent whole, bringing together all of Scripture’s teaching on every subject the Bible addresses. According to our text, Paul's letter to Titus, sound teaching is primarily a matter of living out good character and being consistent in one's lifestyle.

Verse 1 says “As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching”. It means to simply teach things that include moral as well as theological content.

This scripture is a good model for leaders to emulate, it’s packed full of sound counsel, instructions and methods for learning leadership skills.

Every believer is to teach God’s word with passion and conviction so that others will learn to follow the leader and then God obediently. We must be different from the false teachers by teaching others to live in a way that agrees with sound doctrine.

Paul takes account of life’s experiences in telling the older men and women to mentor and teach the younger ones, obviously from their learnt sound doctrines that have served them well.

Christianity is not a social club where no one is held accountable for their actions and character. As believers, we all have the responsibility to zealously pursue the work of God, motivate others to live and walk by faith and be committed to serving God and humanity. We are to encourage those around us with sound teaching to grow deeper in their love and relationship with the Lord.

Christians and churches sometimes use the phrase ‘sound doctrine’ to express their commitment to be theologically accurate.

Many false prophets have gone out into the world” declares 1 John 4:1 and there are tares among the wheat and wolves among the flock says Matthew 13:25; Acts 20:29 but the best way to differentiate truth from false is to know what the truth is. Sound teaching!

1 Tim 6:3 says “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness” If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness”

The church now has a lot of teachings and doctrines, but sadly not all are sound or right. The overall teaching of the church contains many elements, but the primary message of the Bible is explicitly defined: “Christ died for our sins and was raised on the third day according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 and no one is permitted to add, embellish, modify or polish the message to make it a better doctrine or teaching for others. This is the unambiguous good news, and it is “of first importance.” If the message is changed, that message and the basis of faith shift from Christ to something else. Our eternal destiny depends upon hearing “the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation” according to Ephesians 1:13, the sound teaching spoken of by the men of renown.

The altar and pulpit of God have become so corrupted that sound teaching is no longer sought after or required by the “Christian community” much less the unbelievers.

Sound teaching is important because the gospel is a sacred trust, and we mustn’t dare tamper with God’s communication with the world. We must deliver the message, not change it, and Revelation 22:18-19 (the very end of the Bible warns of the consequences of unsound teachings.

Remember the word of wisdom in Proverbs 22:28 “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” and be warned about peddling false and wrong teachings.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, may I always apply wisdom to sound teachings and never stray or undermine the simplicity that is in Christ in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT. PRAYER MIN.

[the-sky-is-falling-get-jesus-now]

Every one of us will one day take our last breath. Time is something that seems to go by faster and faster as we age. When we reach a certain age we begin to reflect on our life decisions, time spent, cherished moments....time wasted.

I have researched various religions and belief systems. I am more confident than ever that I have found The Truth....

The Holy Bible is about 1/3 Prophecy. This ancient book as an EXCELLENT track record for prophetic fulfillment. However the goggles of hate as well as those who hide the truth, have so many humans confused.

Within the last decade, there is an increase of near death experiences, with some of the most credible witnesses of both heaven and hell.

Jesus Christ has the keys to death and hell, and The Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, the creator of the world has declared the end from the beginning, and He has made clear that He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy. He alone has the last word, because He alone knows the heart of every person.

Truth is hidden from those with ulterior motives. There are humans that just want to control other humans. They want them to hate what they hate, keep mouths shut and follow blindly without asking questions.

The Living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob wants you to ask, seek and know truth.

Please visit the following FREE Bible Prophecy Bible Study channels where you can learn why it's important to know what the Holy Bible says about all that we see happening today globally. So that you may know the importance of getting saved TODAY.

The world's cup of sin is nearly spilling over, and Judgment is coming whether you believe it or not.

Jesus loves you and died to save you. Pray to Him, admit you are a sinner in need of a Saviour (as we all are); call out to Jesus Christ and ask Him to be Lord and Saviour of your life. Find a Christian Church that does full immersion baptism, buy yourself a Holy Bible (or ask that newly joined Church if they have one to gift you); and read the word of God, pray always for all things, especially for wisdom. And welcome to the family of God.

We invest in our physical, temporary existence; without any thought of how much we need to desperately invest in our eternal soul's resting place, after we take our last breath.

Jesus Christ is your eternal life insurance. Do not leave this earth without Him....He loves you, and wants to save you from what is coming.

Life in this world is so short. We are not promised tomorrow. Call on Jesus today, secure your eternal resting place.

For free Bible Prophecy Studies, please visit the following channels, and if this post agrees with your spirit, please help me share it. The censorship in most major Social Media sites is palpable when it comes to Bible Truth, especially Bible Prophecy. God bless you! Jesus is coming soon, get saved TODAY!

1.) YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RaptureBibleProphecyBYTHEBOOK/videos

2.) RUMBLE: https://rumble.com/user/RaptureBibleprophecyBythebook

*****THE MOST RECENT BIBLE PROPHECY BIBLE STUDY:

Revelation 12: A Third of Stars vs Angels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLGokogKsqw

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion Dwell In The Shelter Of Jesus

#DailyDevotion Dwell In The Shelter Of Jesus Psalm 91 Let him who lives in the shelter of the Most High and stays in the shadow of the Almighty, 2say to the LORD, “My Refuge and my Fortress, my God Whom I trust!” It is thought this Psalm is also written by Moses. It has no inscription but it follows 90 which claims Mosaic authorship. The first verse picks up on the theme in Psalm 90:1 “O Lord, You are our home through all the ages.” Shelter and shadow of the Almighty and Most High may refer to the cloud the LORD put over the Israelites to protect them against the sun while they were in the wilderness. It is also further clarified in verse 2 by the words Refuge, Fortress and trust. Indeed we too should make the LORD Jesus Christ our Refuge, Fortress and trust. We are called to live in His shelter and stay under His shadow. We do this through regular worship and bible study where He feeds us with His Word and Sacraments. We also do this by committing everything in our lives and yes even our own life to His care and protection. Are there places in your life where you tell the LORD, “Hey, I got this”? Even in these places we should recognize and thank God for the resources, strength and wisdom to deal with our day to day stuff and not think it is by our own power, might and wisdom we have achieved anything. 3He is the One Who will rescue you from the snare and from the deadly plague. 4He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His truth is a shield and an armor. 5You need not be afraid of anything dreadful at night, an arrow flying during the day, 6the pestilence moving in the dark, or the plague ravaging at noon. 7A thousand may fall at your side table and ten thousand at your right, but it will not come near you. Here Moses recalls the promises of the LORD to the Israelites if they would just keep His Word and follow His statutes, precepts and commands. In those there are sacrifices that can be made where they fall short. He recalls how the LORD did all these things when He inflicted the Egyptians with the ten plagues but the LORD made a distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians during many of the later ones. The LORD provided the Paschal lamb to prevent the angel of death from killing them when they believed the word of the LORD. It recalls how the LORD slew the Egyptians in the Red Sea when they pursued Israel through it. We likewise should recall how Jesus is our Paschal Lamb who has taken away our sin. He has overcome the power of the evil one and rescued us from death by His resurrection on the third day. When we remember this, we need not fear anything the world, its people and leaders, nor any dark spiritual forces throw at us, for at the resurrection we shall be raised victorious and inherit the kingdom prepared for us before the foundation of the world. 8You will only watch it with your eyes and see how the wicked are paid back. Indeed, for all our complaints how it seems the wicked seem to get away with everything and how we suffer, if we are faithful to Christ and always make Him our Refuge and Fortress as we put our trust in Him, we shall see the recompense of all those who do evil and do not repent. With our own resurrected eyes we shall see them all cast into utter darkness, into the fiery pit where the worm does not die nor the fire go out. We therefore should daily repent of our sins, turn to God our Father for help in every need and give Him thanks and praise for all He has done for us. Heavenly Father, we pray, make Your Son, our LORD Jesus Christ, our Shelter, Fortress and Dwelling that we may overcome the world through His victory over sin, death and the power of the devil. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

[steveezekiel]

FACTORS FOR WEALTH 2

“And you shall remember the LORD YOUR GOD, FOR IT IS HE WHO GIVES YOU POWER TO GET WEALTH, that He may establish [confirm] His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV)

• The truth is: practicing the biblical covenant principles for financial PROSPERITY makes you an example of financial abundance.

THE Power to generate wealth is with you, and on the inside of you as covenant child.

- The location, economic climate of wherever you are cannot affect it.

THE environmental condition of the place you are does not determine your financial success.

- It does not matter where you are, you are an example of Blessing—financial abundance.

- Whichever part of the world you do find yourself, you are a blessing by covenant, and the power to generate wealth is within you—right on the inside of you.

- When you have this understanding, you will not be afraid of where to live, and what to DO.

- Inasmuch AS God is the One who instructed you to live there, and do that which you are doing.

THAT is, you started whatever you are doing, the assignment or Business, by the leading of God.

- Location should not matter to you as a Believer, what should matter most is the instruction God has given to you—what He has commanded you to do and where and when to do it (Genesis 26:1-6,12-14).

- Knowing fully THAT wherever you are, you will make it, because you are a Blessing by covenant.

THE power to generate wealth is on the inside of you.

- You will not be afraid of whatever happens because you have what it takes to make things happen.

- The News about economic crisis or downturn would NOT bother you, because that does not determine your Blessing or financial abundance, but your covenant with the God of HEAVEN.

- The economic climate does not change the Covenant, it is the Covenant that changes the climate.

KNOWING that your source is there above in HEAVEN, not here on the Earth (2 Corinthians 4:18).

• Examples:

(a) Isaac sowed in the Land where God said he should stay, and he had thousand-folds of harvests; whilst others were starving and wasting away (Genesis 26:1-6,12-16).

(b) Jacob went to Laban's place and he became prosperous, without having any possession when he got there:

"You [God] have been very kind to me [Jacob]. YOU DID MANY GOOD THINGS FOR ME. The first time I traveled across the Jordan River, I OWNED NOTHING—ONLY MY WALKING STICK. BUT NOW I OWN ENOUGH THINGS TO HAVE TWO FULL GROUPS" (Genesis 32:10 Easy to Read Version).

- Jacob said he crossed the Jordan River with his staff, walking stick, alone, but God has blessed him so much (Genesis 32:10).

EVEN Laban attested to it, he said since Jacob came things had changed for him: “Please don’t leave me,” Laban replied, “for a fortune-teller that I consulted told me that THE MANY BLESSINGS I'VE BEEN ENJOYING ARE ALL BECAUSE OF YOUR BEING HERE" (Genesis 30:27 The Living Bible).

(c) Joseph also did not take anything to Egypt, in fact, he was a slave but things committed to his hands did prosper: in the Portiphar's house, in the prison, and when he was appointed as the governor of the land (Genesis 39:2-4, 20-23; 41:39-44).

• If a covenant child started a business, or joined someone in a business, or got involved in a particular assignment, based on the instructions GIVEN him or her by God, such business or assignment would prosper—produce maximally and work out well.

- Believers' Wealth or financial prosperity is made a reality BY: establishing a relationship with God, having a strong fellowship with Him, which leads to the discovery of a Vision; And added with the practicing of the covenant principles for financial prosperity.

• The Place of Wisdom in the School of financial abundance—financial prosperity Or Wealth: 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. 18 RICHES AND HONOUR ARE WITH ME [wisdom], ENDURING RICHES AND RIGHTEOUSNESS (Proverbs 8:12,18 NKJV).

- Wisdom gives wealth. Wherever financial abundance is found, Wisdom is not far from the place.

- For you to swim in abundance, and to experience financial liberty, you would need Wisdom from above.

• How Wisdom is gotten—Sources of Wisdom

(a) Wisdom is gotten by asking in prayer from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, LET HIM [her] ASK OF GOD, WHO GIVES TO ALL LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM [her]" (James 1:5).

SOLOMON did ASK for it and it was given to him (1 Kings 3:9-13).

(b) Wisdom is also gotten through the knowledge of the Word of God: by studying and practicing it (James 1:22,25; Ephesians 1:17,18; Joshua 1:8).

(c) It is gotten by walking with the Wise: "HE WHO WALKS WITH WISE MEN WILL BE WISE, But the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20 NKJV).

(d) Also, through fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit: listening to Him for guidance and directions. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2).

(e) Wisdom is gotten by impartation laying on of hands: "NOW JOSHUA THE SON OF NUN WAS FULL OF THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM, FOR MOSES HAD LAID HIS HANDS ON HIM; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses" (Deuteronomy 34:9).

• Products of Wisdom

(a) Divine initiatives, witty inventions [outstanding inventions]. When you walk with God, you will always have fresh ideas on what said to do that would move you forward in whatever you are assigned to do.

THE Holy Spirit would always give you fresh ideas that will beat your imaginations and that of others.

HE would ALWAYS give you ideas to get abundance of blessings, wealth, needed to fulfil your assignment and to beat others in your Field of Operation.

(b) Being anointed with Oil

THERE is a divine mystery about being anointed with oil and impartation.

- If you humble yourself and do allow an anointed servant of God who has the understanding of the Bible and the significance of laying on of hands, lays hands on you for Prayer, your life would not remain the same.

- Some people's lives have been closed by the devil. IT will take the ANOINTING of God to open their closed destiny: "... AND THE YOKE WILL BE DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE ANOINTING OIL" (Isaiah 10:27).

- I have seen those who's lives have been battered by the devil, living in abject poverty, and such lives are changed by the reason of the anointing,

- Impartation prayer with the application of the anointing oil is not ordinary, it is SPIRITUAL (Isaiah 10:27; 1 Samuel 16:12,13).

- A transfer of spiritual substance happens when an exercise of hands laying and the impartation with the application of the anointing oil takes place (Isaiah 10:27; 1 Samuel 10:1,9; 16:12,13; 2 Timothy 1:6).

VIRTUE flows when someone who has the grace of God on their Life lays hands on you (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Acts 6:6).

- Do not despise it, when you have the opportunity to be imparted and hands are laid on you by someone who has the grace or the ANOINTING for financial PROSPERITY.

- Do not meet a man of God casually, especially the One who has the grace or the ANOINTING for financial prosperity And liberty.

- God has deposited different ANOINTING on each Minister of His. God has raised some Ministers to be financial deliverers in the body of Christ.

PREPARE in your heart to receive spiritual substance that cannot be bought with money when you meet such.

- You can only attract what you appreciate.

WHAT you despise cannot bless you. IT is what you celebrate that adds to you.

MAY the Lord give you understanding!

• NOTE: the devil is a counterfeiter, there are those who go about as Ministers of God, laying empty hands on empty heads (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

THEY were not sent by God, the proof and the evidence that the anointing for financial abundance does rest on their lives is NOT there (Jeremiah 23:21; Matthew 7:15,16,20).

THEY Con people out of money, telling them they would be blessed if they give certain amount of money, Or if they buy a particular material as a religious object or an holy relic that would give them financial Fortune:

19 After all, you think you are so Wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools!

20 You put up with it WHEN SOMEONE ENSLAVES YOU, TAKES EVERYTHING YOU HAVE, TAKES ADVANTAGE OF YOU, TAKES CONTROL OF EVERYTHING, and SLAPS you in the face" (2 Corinthians 11:19,20 NLT).

• Beware of such people! You will not be a prey in Jesus' name.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

[walkthroughtheword]

Reading for October 3rd 

Psalm 110

“And your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.” Psalm 110:3

Tired and worn out! That’s how many of us feel as we battle through the issues of life these days. We could fill in lots of blanks to give you examples, just in case you are one of those rare humans that has vim and vigor 24/7 and absolutely no cares in the world…

Family troubles, betrayal from a friend or someone you love, health issues, job stressors, financial concerns, turmoil in the world, pandemics that never seem to end and the list could go on. Sleepless nights can be our foe and long days where we lose our focus, maybe even our hope, are not a friendly force in our lives. 

Here’s the real, true hope as believers, though. God gives us a choice. We can sit in the emotions and physical weariness that each day might bring, or we can choose Jesus and the promises of His Word! We need our strength to be renewed each day, and while troubles may not go away, God gives us the ability to choose LIFE! To choose HIM over any thing that would dare to bring us down! 

Consider this scripture:  “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls!”  Matthew 11:28-29

Or how about this:  “Even youths will become weak and tired and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those that trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 30-31

God is not a genie in a bottle that we rub and request 3 wishes that He will grant. He is a powerful force in our lives, full of strength, wisdom and courage. Our job is to put down our own abilities and take up HIS ability to conquer every source of weariness and weakness. Our job? Take up the Word of God on a daily basis (Ephesians 6:17) . Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In this, we are more than conquerors! (Romans 8:37)

Let’s help each other practically today. How do you gain spiritual, physical and soulful strength? We’ll start… Every day we write or say 5 to 10 things we are thankful for. When we can’t sleep, we pull up our Bible app and let the scriptures be read via the app all through the night. We play worship music or hymns throughout the day on our Alexa or radio. Post in the comments about what helps you stay strong… we are to encourage one another and build each other up! 

[childofchrist1983]

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; - Acts 2:42-44 KJV

Those who had been baptized following Peter's Pentecost sermon knew that they needed to learn more about Jesus Christ and so they continued to study alongside the Apostles. They would gather for prayer and would break bread together in fellowship. The power of God was still evident in the signs and wonders that accompanied the Apostles. Do you ever wonder what it might have been like to sit with the Apostles and listen to their stories about Jesus? They could ask the Apostles questions and get some personal information about Jesus. It must have been exciting to be a part of something new.

Today, we still need to learn about Jesus Christ's teachings even though Christianity is not a new religion. Where do we go to learn, break bread and find fellowship with other believers? For those associated with a particular church community, the answer could be there. For others, it is still important to join with other believers. This is what sustains our faith when we are weak, and we, in turn, provide strength for others in their times of need. Do you attend a Bible Study class or group, or have a regular time to sit on your own to pray and reflect on Holy Scripture? I enjoy the insights I gain from the people who attend alongside me. The discussions open my mind to see other ways of looking at something. We all need to look at Jesus Christ and the earliest Christians throughout the Holy Bible as models for our own behavior.

It's easy to envy the early Christians who had the given wisdom and insight to help them learn more and more about Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ. May He help us to never stop learning and seeking fellowship with Him and other fellow Christian believers. May we always remember to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!