Sunday, June 30, 2019

Here Is The Ocean, Vast And Wide, Teeming With Life Of Every Kind, Both Large And Small.


Here Is The Ocean, Vast And Wide,
Teeming With Life Of Every Kind,
Both Large And Small.
Scripture
Psalm 104
24 O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
    In wisdom you have made them all.
    The earth is full of your creatures.

25 Here is the ocean, vast and wide,
    teeming with life of every kind,
    both large and small.

26 See the ships sailing along,
    and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea.
Observation
Just in case you don't know who 'Walter' is – he is the monster fish that I try to catch in my kayak out in the Gulf of Mexico each summer while out here at the beach. He eludes me each year … but this is a new year!
Kathy and I just finished a two-mile walk on the beach! And I agree with the Psalmist when he says, “It is beautiful! O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! … Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large (Walter) and small (what I usually catch).”
I have noticed that when people come to the beach they either are drawn closer to the Lord because of all of the wonder of creation or they act out by partying and drinking. I hope that when you have the opportunity to spend time out at the beach it draws you closer to your Creator.
I have unfortunately done both in my life.
Sadly, I remember times before I gave my life to Christ that I embarrassed myself, Kathy, and her family by drinking alcohol and acting out while out here at the beach. I am so glad that those days are behind me!
Yet, I realize that I am still a sinner saved by God's grace.
Application
I will enjoy God's creation and I will enjoy my family this week while we are out here at the beach!
How about you? Will you take time to enjoy your family and all that God has created!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating the oceans and the mountains for us to enjoy! O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! Thank You for giving us a family to enjoy too! You are so good.
Daily Bible Reading: Amos 7,8,9; Psalms 104; Titus 2



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Saturday, June 29, 2019

Bend Down, O Lord, And Hear My Prayer; Answer Me, For I Need Your Help.


Bend Down, O Lord, And Hear My Prayer;
Answer Me,
For I Need Your Help.
Scripture
Psalm 86
1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
    answer me, for I need your help.

2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
    Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
    You are my God.

3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
    for I am calling on you constantly.

4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
    for I give myself to you.

5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
    so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
    hear my urgent cry.

7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
    and you will answer me.
Observation
Boy, King David knew how to pray!
This prayer of David's can be a model prayer for us. He prayed with such confidence. The key to his confidence I think is found in verse two of this Psalm, “Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.”
If you and I will devote ourselves to the Lord and put Him first in our lives and serve Him then we can pray with confidence just like David did in Psalm 86!
Do we want to see things change in our life? Do we want God to answer our prayers?
Then let's put God first!
Application
I always want God to have first place in my life.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, there are so many things that compete for first place in our lives. Don't let me settle for anything less than You. This world and everything in it is attractive and it tries to pull me away from You. Don't let me give in to temptation. Help me stay away from sin.

I pray for any person reading this blog today. Give them the strength to put You first. Give them the strength to say, No, to sin and say, Yes, to You.

Daily Bible Reading: Amos 4,5,6; Psalms 86,87; Titus 1



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Friday, June 28, 2019

I Have Fought The Good Fight, I Have Finished The Race, And I Have Remained Faithful.


I Have Fought The Good Fight,
I Have Finished The Race,
And I Have Remained Faithful.
Scripture
2 Timothy 4
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 
8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Observation

The Apostle Paul described his life in 2 Timothy 2:4 in terms of a fight and a race. Today, if we were writing, we might put it in football terms, and say that we were in the fourth quarter and down to the final two-minute warning!
Life is flying by for all of us.
Can I describe my life the way the Apostle Paul described his?
Have I fought the good fight? Have I finished the race? Have I remained faithful? If you were not able to say yes, then now is a very good time to start!
Application

I am in a race and I need to finish well.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to finish well. Don't let me mess up. Keep me away from stupid sins that will cause me to get sidetracked and off course. I want You to be able to say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” I pray for my friends. Help them to finish well too! Keep them on track. Don't let them mess up.
Daily Bible Reading: Amos 1,2,3; Psalms 80; 2 Timothy 4



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Thursday, June 27, 2019

All Scripture Is Inspired By God And Is Useful To Teach Us What Is True And To Make Us Realize What Is Wrong In Our Lives.


All Scripture Is Inspired By God
And Is Useful To Teach Us What Is True
And To Make Us Realize What Is Wrong In Our Lives.
Scripture
2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Observation
The Bible also says that the Word of God is like a mirror, “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” James 1:23-24
I have these two quotes written down in my Bible, “This Book will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from this Book.” ... “The Word – you read it, then it reads you!”
God's Word is a light to guide me, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
God's Word brings healing! “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22
The Word of God is powerful and alive! It will cut and penetrate like a two edge sword.
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12.
Application
I will read God's Word every day.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me neglect time in Your Word every day. Don't ever let me get that busy or that distracted. Keep me away from stupid sins that will keep me away from spending time with You.
I pray for those who are having surgery and for those who are recovery from surgery. I pray for healing and a quick recovery. I pray for Kathy Huffman as she has gall bladder surgery today. Guide the surgeon's hands.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3



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Wednesday, June 26, 2019

But Jonah Got Up And Went In The Opposite Direction To Get Away From The Lord.


But Jonah Got Up
And Went In The Opposite Direction
To Get Away From The Lord.
Scripture
Jonah 1
1 The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai:
2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Observation

Are you, like the Prophet Jonah, going in the wrong direction?

I am greatly encouraged when I hear stories about people who have decided to stop running from God and have made the decision to live for Him.

I still have people close to me who are trying to live their lives like God doesn't exist. And I might add that it is not working out very well for them. But I know that God is constantly at work in their lives and He is in hot pursuit of them.

Oh yes, God is pursuing each and every one of us. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to trust and depend on Him.

Obedience and Blessing go hand in hand … so if you want things to change in your life … live a life of obedience!

Matthew 7:28
But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
Romans 6:16
Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
Ephesians 2:2
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Application
I know God loves me. I know that He wants me to live a life of obedience.
How about you?
Luke 11:28
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so ready to see a change in the lives of some of the people that are close to me. I am tired of seeing them miss out on all the wonderful things that they could be experiencing. Oh, if they would just turn their lives in Your direction. Lord, open up their spiritual eyes. Help them to walk in obedience. None of us deserve Your love. None of us deserve Your mercy. Work in their hearts so they can also receive what they do not deserve.
Daily Bible Reading: Jonah 1,2,3,4; 2 Timothy 2



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Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The Spirit God Gave Us Does Not Make Us Afraid. His Spirit Is A Source Of Power And Love And Self-control.


The Spirit God Gave Us Does Not Make Us Afraid.
His Spirit
Is A Source Of Power And Love And Self-control.
Scripture
2 Timothy 1
7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.
Observation
What are you facing today?
Let me encourage you to dive into God's Word right now so you will be able to have the strength to handle what is coming your direction!
The Apostle Paul was encouraging his son in the faith, young Timothy, to be strong. It is a good word for us too.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds me of another verse,
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3
And those two verses remind me of this verse,
“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 living within you.” Romans 8:11
Whatever you and I are facing today we can handle it through the power of God's Holy Spirit who lives in us!
So let's be strong in the Lord and not wimp out!
Application
I will face whatever comes my way today with boldness.
How about you?
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the strength that I need to live out this day in a way that makes You smile. Don't let me be afraid. Don't let me wimp out. Fill me and control me with Your Holy Spirit, that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead!
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 
Daily Bible Reading: Joel 1,2,3; 2 Timothy 1



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Monday, June 24, 2019

After All, We Brought Nothing With Us When We Came Into The World, And We Can't Take Anything With Us When We Leave It.



After All,
We Brought Nothing With Us When We Came Into The World,
And We Can't Take Anything With Us When We Leave It.
Scripture
1 Timothy 6
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Observation
The truly wealthy in this world is not the millionaires and billionaires.
The truly wealthy are described in 1 Timothy 6:6. So let me ask you this question, “Do you consider yourself to be wealthy?”
We live in a culture that by design stirs up discontent. We are bombarded with messages constantly trying to get us to buy something else.
Storage units are being built all over our city and probably all over the country just to store all the stuff that we thought we had to have.
I don't need to tell you that we don't need the biggest, the newest, the fastest, or the prettiest anything to make us happy or content.
The newest is only new for a day, shiny things quickly lose their shine.
None of the stuff that we can acquire will bring us contentment. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
Application
I will focus my attention on my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me focus on the wrong things today. Help me to keep my eyes on You. Help me to be content with what I have. I am blessed. Because You are my Shepherd I have everything that I need. Help me to be content.
I pray for any person reading this blog today. Don't let them get sidetracked with things that are not the most important. Help them to keep You as the Number One priority of his or her life. Show them that they can trust You to meet every one of their needs. Help them to live godly lives. Help them to be content.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6



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Sunday, June 23, 2019


Listen To Your Father,
Who Gave You Life,
And Don't Despise Your Mother When She Is Old.
I now realize and understand that it was because my Dad wasn't a Christian that he just didn't know how to love his wife or his kids like God intended for a Dad to love his family. I have forgiven him a long time ago for his lack of love.
Scripture
Proverbs 23
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth and never sell it;
    also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 The father of godly children has cause for joy.
    What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25 So give your father and mother joy!
    May she who gave you birth be happy.
Observation
My Dad, even though he mistreated my Mom, and didn't know how to really love us, kids, he did teach me some very important things about life. My Dad worked hard and didn't back away from a challenge.
I have good memories of fishing with my Dad when I was very young in elementary school.
It was when my three siblings and I got older that my Mom and my Dad started having serious problems.
I now realize and understand that it was because my Dad wasn't a Christian that he just didn't know how to love his wife or his kids like God intended for a Dad to love his family.
I have forgiven him a long time ago for his lack of love.
So I now have 5 great kids and 15 wonderful grandchildren. It is my prayer they live out Proverbs 23:22-25.
I hope that each one of them realizes that even though Mom and Dad are far from perfect, that we love each one of them very much.
Application
I will try to live my life close to the Lord so that my children and my grandchildren can see Jesus in me.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the capacity to love people, especially my family, with Your Agape love. Don't let me be a stumbling block that would keep them from a relationship with You. I pray for their salvation. May each one of them fall in love with You.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22,23; 1 Timothy 5; I added: Psalm 23, Psalm 93; Proverbs 23



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Saturday, June 22, 2019

Be An Example To All Believers In What You Say, In The Way You Live, In Your Love, Your Faith, And Your Purity.


Be An Example To All Believers
In What You Say, In The Way You Live,
In Your Love, Your Faith, And Your Purity.
Scripture
1 Timothy 4
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 

9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 

10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Observation

The Apostle Paul's words to young Timothy are good words for me!
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better!” “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
So even though I am pretty sure that getting up and getting 10,000 steps in a day is important for me, taking the time to open up God's Word, to read it and spend time alone with God is way more important!”
Maybe you and I could cut down on the time we spend on Facebook and take that extra time to spend a few minutes in God's Word!
Application
I will read and spend time in God's Word every day.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to not neglect time alone with You every single day. Give me an even greater love for Your Word. Show me things in Your Word that You don't want me to miss. Show me new things each time I open up the Bible. Don't let my love for You to grow cold.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 8,9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4



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Friday, June 21, 2019

Do Not Be Afraid! Don't Be Discouraged By This Mighty Army, For The Battle Is Not Yours, But God's.


Do Not Be Afraid!
Don't Be Discouraged By This Mighty Army,
For The Battle Is Not Yours, But God's.
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20
12 O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
13 As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, 14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 
16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 
17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Observation
I love to read these amazing stories found in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles! God has those stories recorded in the Bible for a reason. They are to show me that He is able to take care of me. He will fight my battles when I put my trust and my faith in Him.
He will also fight your battles if you go to Him and ask Him for His help.
So let's admit to God that we are powerless to handle the situation. Let's go to Him for help. Let's let God fight our battles!
What battle are you facing today?
Take time to take it to the Lord in prayer and ask Him for His help, for the Lord is with you!
Application
I will trust the Lord to fight for me today.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I need Your help today. Give me strength. Show me that I can depend on You to fight my battles.
I pray for any person reading this blog today. Help them to slow down and take time to read Your Word today. Show them that they can trust You with whatever is going on in his or her life. I am reminded today that nothing is too hard for You. Impossible, is not in Your vocabulary.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6,7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3



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Thursday, June 20, 2019

I Urge You, First Of All, To Pray For All People. Ask God To Help Them; Intercede On Their Behalf, And Give Thanks For Them.


I Urge You, First Of All, To Pray For All People.
Ask God To Help Them;
Intercede On Their Behalf, And Give Thanks For Them.
Scripture
1 Timothy 2
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 
2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
Observation
Who are we praying for? It is certainly okay to pray for ourselves sometimes, but if that is the only person that we spend our time praying for then we have totally missed it. God wants to answer our prayers as we pray for the people that He has brought into our lives.
I remember what the Prophet Samuel said “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you ...” 1 Samuel 12:23
Thanks to all of you who prayed with me for my friend Don Kennedy. He came through surgery well. Please continue to pray for his complete recovery!
Application

I will pray for those that God places on my heart. I know that He is working in their lives.

How about you? Who are you praying for?
Romans 1:9
“God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.”
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that there is nothing more important for me to do than to pray for those who You put on my heart. Help me not to get so distracted with my own stuff that I neglect praying for those that You want me to pray for. You are a good, good Father. You love to answer our prayers. All You want from us is for us to trust You and for think about others more than we think about ourselves. Help me to do that today.
Thank You for answering my prayer for my friend Don. Now help him to have a speedy recovery! And I pray for his total healing.
I pray for my daughter-in-law Dominique as she has our grand-baby today. Be with her and my son Eddie as they have baby Eden!
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4,5; Psalms 83; 1 Timothy 2



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Wednesday, June 19, 2019

You Saw Me Before I Was Born. Every Day Of My Life Was Recorded In Your Book.


You Saw Me
Before I Was Born.
Every Day Of My Life Was Recorded In Your Book.
Scripture
Psalm 139
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

16 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Observation
Tomorrow our daughter-in-law Dominque will give birth to our 15th grandchild!
Yes, tomorrow our newest granddaughter Eden will make her grand entrance into this world.
My prayer for her is that she will grow up knowing, trusting, and loving God with all of her heart.
I pray that my son Eddie and his wife Dominque will raise Eden with the training and teaching of the Lord. Please pray for them today!
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not make your children angry, but raise them with the training and teaching of the Lord.
Application
I will do my best to be a good example for my grandchildren and my children. I want them to see Jesus in me.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, our children are a gift from You. Help us raise them in a way that helps them know and trust You. I pray for that You give my children wisdom as they raise their children. Help them to see how important it is to put You first in their lives. Don't let them their life apart from You. Give them the ability to raise their children with the training and teaching that comes from You.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1,2,3; Psalms 82; 1 Timothy 1; I added: Psalm 39, Psalm 139; Proverbs 19



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Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Live Wisely Among Those Who Are Not Believers, And Make The Most Of Every Opportunity.


Live Wisely
Among Those Who Are Not Believers,
And Make The Most Of Every Opportunity.
Scripture
Colossians 4
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 
6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Observation

What we say and how we say it does matter, especially when it comes to how we act when we are around non-believers.

You and I have the opportunity to be salt and light, a real influence, but in order for that to happen, we need to carefully think about how we live.

I have just started reading the book, “MARRIAGE AFTER GOD Chasing Boldly After God's Purpose for Your Life Together”, and in one of the chapters the authors, Aaron and Jennifer Smith, asked this question, “Am I the man that I am encouraging other men to be?”

Am I? Are you?
Application
I will look for opportunities to share my faith.
I will also think about my life and look for things that need to change to make me a more effective witness for Christ.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a more effective witness for You. Show me every 'thing' in my life that needs to change to make me more like Jesus. Bring people into my life who I can encourage in their journey of faith. Don't let me be a stumbling block to anyone.
I pray today for my friends, Doug and Julia, as they grieve the death of Julia's Dad. You are the God of all comfort and all compassion. Help them and also help Julia's Mom and Julia's brother Phil as they go through this time of grief and loss.
I pray for my friend Don who is facing surgery tomorrow. Guide the surgeon's hands. Take care of every detail of Don's life. Give him and his wife Edith a supernatural peace that only comes with trusting in You.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4



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