Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Be On Guard. Stand Firm In The Faith. Be Courageous. Be Strong. And Do Everything With Love.


Be On Guard. Stand Firm In The Faith.
Be Courageous. Be Strong.
And Do Everything With Love.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
14 And do everything with love.
Observation
Being strong and being courageous is not the same as being careless, irresponsible and reckless. If you ignore what our government leaders have asked us to do to help slow down the spread of this virus, that my friend is not courage, it is being totally irresponsible.
If we as believers get recognized by the national press lets get recognized because of some good works that we are doing and not for showing disregard for our neighbors by defiantly huddling up together and possibly spreading the disease to our family and to our neighbors.
What is happening right now in New York City could happen right here in Tampa. All we have to do is to continue to ignore “social distancing” and the stay at home order.
Had to get that off my chest … had to vent …
What do I need to do? How do I need to respond?
I need to practice verse 14, “I need to do everything with love.” What can I do to help someone today? Who needs a phone? Who needs a meal?
I am reminded of my life verse found in Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Application
I will call people that the Lord puts on my heart. Kathy and I will encourage a family by getting a meal delivered to them.
How about you?
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for wisdom. Show me how to respond during this crisis. I want to be helpful to the people around me and not a hindrance. Put on my heart the right things to do. I pray for my family, my church family, my neighbors, and my friends. Keep them safe, Lord. Show us how to live in a way that always brings You glory and honor.
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 9,10; Psalms 49; 1 Corinthians 16



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Monday, March 30, 2020

So, My Dear Brothers And Sisters, Be Strong And Immovable.


So,
My Dear Brothers And Sisters,
Be Strong And Immovable.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable!
The reason that we should be strong and immovable is found in the 57 verses preceding verse 58! I hope that you take a minute to read the entire chapter!
Over and over and over again God reminds me throughout the Bible to be strong, to be brave, to be courageous! Why does He have to constantly remind me? He has to constantly remind me to be strong and courageous because life and all of life's circumstances they tend to overwhelm me and if left unchecked would leave me cowering in fear!
But God's Word reminds me that God has given me His Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. (Romans 8:11).
“God gave us his Spirit. And the Spirit doesn’t make us weak and fearful. Instead, the Spirit gives us power and love. He helps us control ourselves.” 2 Timothy 1:7
I am on information overload right now. How about you?
And I do want to know what is going on in the world around me as this outbreak continues to grow. I am not going to stick my head in the sand and ignore the seriousness of this crisis or think that I can be careless or irresponsible just because I am a child of God.
But at the same time I must constantly remind myself that I belong to the One who set the moon, the sun and the stars in place, the One who knows how many hairs are still on my balding head.
Application
God is in control. And He knows what is going on. Nothing is going to touch my life that my Heavenly Father doesn't allow. He has me in the palm of His hand.
How about you? Are you in the palm of God's hand too?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for taking care of me. I know that nothing touches my life without Your permission. I will do my best to stay healthy, but I am also trusting in You. Help the people around me take this virus seriously. Use this crisis to get our country's attention. Give me the boldness and the compassion to help those around me who need my help. You are All-Powerful. Nothing is too hard for You!
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 8; Psalms 42; 1 Corinthians 15



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Sunday, March 29, 2020

But If The Lord Is With Us, Why Has All This Happened To Us?


But If The Lord
Is With Us,
Why Has All This Happened To Us?
Scripture
Judges 6
12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?
Observation
Am I the only one who is wondering, in this current situation that we find ourselves in, what Gideon was bold enough to ask the Lord?
He asked the angel of the Lord, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? This plague has now covered the entire world and it begs the same question that Gideon asked the Lord, “Why has all this happened to us?”
I look for the Lord to raise up valiant mighty warriors to fight this invisible enemy just like He did when He chose Gideon.
Gideon didn't think of himself as a warrior, but God saw that Gideon was a leader before Gideon realized it. In fact, Gideon told the angel of the Lord that he thought he had the wrong guy for the job.
Then in Judges 7 the Lord told Gideon that he had too many soldiers to fight the battle and then the Lord told Gideon to only keep 300 soldiers and send the rest of the army of 32,000 back home!
In an unbelievable show of God's power Gideon takes the 300 soldiers into battle and the Lord because Gideon and his 300 soldiers were courageous and obedient the Lord used them to defeat their overwhelming enemy.
We sure need for God to raise up brave men and women to fight this invisible enemy that we are facing today! We desperately need to pray for God to raise up some Gideons! We desperately need a victory!
Can I get an Amen?
Application
I will pray and ask God to send a deliverer, someone like Gideon, to defeat this enemy.
How about you? Will you join me in asking God to raise up men and women who will deliver us from this invisible enemy?
2 Chronicle 7:14
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we don't know why this is happening, but we know that You do know. This comes to no surprise to You. There is a reason for all of this even though we can't see it or understand it.
I know that You are good. You are a good, good Father. Nothing touches the life of a believer, nothing touches the life of one of Your children without Your permission. You are Sovereign. You are all-knowing. I am asking You to help us. Raise up leaders to defeat this enemy. Nothing is too hard for You. Nothing!
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 6,7; Psalms 52; 1 Corinthians 14



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Saturday, March 28, 2020

And So, Lord, Where Do I Put My Hope? My Only Hope Is In You.


And So, Lord,
Where Do I Put My Hope?
My Only Hope Is In You.
Scripture
Psalm 39
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
    My only hope is in you.
1 Corinthians 13
 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Observation
And so Lord, where do we, or where should we put our hope? Our only hope is in You! I don't know about you, but I am not putting my hope in our government during this crisis.
Even though I think for the most part they are trying to do their best to help us.
But this is a God size problem. This is huge. And only God can rescue us and only God can keep us safe.
This enemy, this virus, is like the air we breathe. We can't see it, but it is there, or it could be there. It could be on the next thing we touch or the next person we meet. We could be spreading it ourselves to others without knowing it. So to protect those around us we must act like we have it. This is a crazy-scary time.
“Now we see things imperfectly” … do you realize that this virus has everyone in the entire world scratching their head trying to figure out how to deal with it.
Application
So because of all the turmoil and uncertainty that is happening all around me I am turning to the only One who knows what is going on and I am saying with the Psalmist, “Lord, my only hope is in You”!
How about you? Where are you turning for strength during this crazy, frightening and unprecedented time?
Psalm 91
3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this enemy is invisible, just like our enemy Satan. This enemy is just as real. In fact, the prince of this world, Satan, might be the schemer behind this pandemic. He is the destroyer. He may be the destroyer but he is not allowed to do anything without Your permission. You are Healer. And I know that You could stop this plague today if You chose to do so. Nothing is too hard for You.
But until You decide to stop it I pray for safety. Keep my family safe.
Keep any person who may read this blog and his or her family safe. Our hope, our only hope, is in You.
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 4,5; Psalm 39,41; 1 Corinthians 13



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Friday, March 27, 2020

But Our Bodies Have Many Parts, And God Has Put Each Part Just Where He Wants It.


But Our Bodies Have Many Parts,
And God Has Put Each Part
Just Where He Wants It.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 12
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 
15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 
16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 
17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 
19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 
20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 
21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
Observation
Reach out and help somebody! All of us are going to have to look out for one another as we go through this crisis! We are the body of Christ, His church, we were made for times like these! We are God's hands and feet!
You probably have extra time on your hands these days so be sure to spend time, extra time, plenty of time, reading God's Word. It will do a lot more for your soul and spirit than constantly listening and watching the news.
Let's do something to help someone else today. Somebody needs our help! Just a simple phone call … a text message … a trip to the grocery store for them … a meal … or maybe fix something for them that is broken!
Let's be sure check on the elderly – And if you are elderly then check on someone older or more fragile than yourself.
Stay safe. Stay at home as much as possible.
Application
I will be in God's Word every day and I will look for someone to help and encourage today.
How about you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are Sovereign. Nothing happens in my life without Your permission. I don't understand why this crisis is happening and why it is happening world-wide but we know that You are allowing it for some purpose! Help me take advantage of this crisis to help those who are in need. Bring people into my life and into Kathy's life who need to be encouraged. Help us be Your hands and feet.
I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help them, Lord. Help all of us be the body of Christ to those around us!
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 1,2,3; 1 Corinthians 12



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Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Lord Lifts Up Those Who Are Weighed Down. The Lord Loves The Godly.


The Lord Lifts Up
Those Who Are Weighed Down.
The Lord Loves The Godly.
Scripture
Psalm 146
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 He made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them.
    He keeps every promise forever.

7 He gives justice to the oppressed
    and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.

8     The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
    The Lord loves the godly.

Observation
“Weighed Down”, I think that is a pretty good description of the way I feel this morning. How about you? I am so glad that I have a personal relationship with God who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.
Yes, I am so glad that my God keeps every one of His promises forever! Yes, I am so glad that He is my God! I don't know how people will make it through this crisis who do not have a personal relationship with Creator God.
We need to focus on and hold tightly to every single promise that God has given to us in His Word. He has given us thousands of promises for us to hold on to during times like these. And He will keep every single one of them!
What promise or promises from God are you holding on to that is helping you get through this crisis? If you have already read your Bible today what promise if any did you discover?
Please feel free to share your favorite promise in the comment section. It might encourage someone else!
Application
The Lord will lift me up. He loves me! Verse 8
(Godly people are not perfect … they are just people who have made the decision to put God first in his or her life.)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Habakkuk's prayer is my prayer this morning,
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17)
Lord, Your promise that I will hold on to this morning is found in Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Thank You for giving me thousands of promises for times like these. You are an awesome God! Your faithful love endures forever! Amen.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 23,24; Psalms 44; 1 Corinthians 11; I added: Psalm 26, Psalm 146, Proverbs 26



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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Don't Be Concerned For Your Own Good But For The Good Of Others.


Don't Be Concerned
For Your Own Good
But For The Good Of Others.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
Observation
When the Apostle Paul wrote this he wasn't thinking about the coronavirus, he was talking about meat that had been sacrificed to idols, but the principle is a good one for us today. Our being selfish or reckless could cause the death of a loved one. You and I, if we disregard what our government leaders are telling us to do, we could be responsible for spreading this deadly virus.
Let's not just do what is best for us; let's do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
I was working as a Chaplain at the hospital last night and I can tell you that everyone at the hospital is taking this virus very seriously.
It is a great time to check on everyone around us, especially our elderly!
Speaking of the elderly … Kathy and I appreciate everyone that has checked in with us to make sure that we were okay.
But be sure to check on those who might not have a support group and especially those that may live alone.
Application
I will check on some people today who might need some help and who might need some encouragement.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the midst of this crisis show me how to be Your hands and Your feet. Show me who needs some encouragement today. In this midst of all of this bad news show me who needs some good news today. I pray and I ask You to stop this virus. I pray for protection for my family. Keep them safe, Lord. Don't let me miss the lessons that I need to learn as I go through this crisis. I pray for our government. Give our leaders wisdom. Raise up godly leaders for us to follow. You are mighty God. Nothing is too hard for You.
I pray for any person who may read this blog. Encourage them, Lord. Use them to encourage others. Help them to be concerned for the good of others. Bless them, Lord.
Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 21,22; Psalms 47; 1 Corinthians 10



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Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Run In Such A Way As To Get The Prize.


Run
In Such A Way
As To Get The Prize.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 9
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Observation
I know that a passage on running a race when we are all sheltered in, hunkered down, and doing our very best not to spread this virus around to other people, may seem a little out of place.
But as I think about it, it serves as a reminder to me today that my life is not a quick wind sprint lasting only a few seconds, no, my life is a grueling 26.2 mile marathon.
Life and everything that life throws at us is definitely not for wimps!
Over and over and over again in the Scriptures God reminds us to be courageous. How many times in His Word does He tell us to “Fear Not”? Over and over and over in Scripture God tells us to be strong and courageous!
Isaiah 41:10
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Joshua 1:9
9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This is uncharted territory that we find ourselves in … it is confusing for our leaders to know what to do … pray for them.
Let's ask God to give them wisdom!
Application
I will be strong and courageous.
I will pray for our leaders asking my Heavenly Father to give them the wisdom to lead us through this.
How about you? Courageous or Fearful?
Romans 8:38-39
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am reminded again this morning that nothing is too hard for You. I pray for our leaders that You give them wisdom. I pray for the people I love. Keep them safe. Show me how to respond to all of this and help me encourage those around me.
I pray for any person reading this blog. Give them courage and strength today. Help them to walk by faith and not by sight. Keep them safe, Lord. Keep them safe.
Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 18,19,20; 1 Corinthians 9; I added: Proverbs 24



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Monday, March 23, 2020

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.


Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.
Scripture
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.
Observation
Even when I walk through the darkest valley … I don't know about you, but I think that this is about the darkest valleys that I have ever faced!
What is really crazy and unnerving is that people, especially our young people don't yet realize how serious this is!
I heard one of my very best friends, Rev. Hugh Roberts yesterday share this verse with his church family as he was preaching to them out in his church's parking lot with all the church members in their cars, he said, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
There will never be enough masks, gowns, gloves, ventilators, hospital beds etc., if we don't slow this virus down.
Stay home. Pray … let's humble ourselves and seek God's face!
Application
I will stay home as much as possible. I will practice social distancing. I will pray.
How about you? Will you stop and pray?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, hear our prayers! Lord, we desperately need Your help. You are the solution to this problem. You are the only solution! I pray that You give our country's leaders wisdom. Somehow show the young people in our country that this is a life and death situation. Help them to be responsible. Show me how to respond to these desperate times. Show me who needs my help.
Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 15,16,17; 1 Corinthians 8; I added: Psalm 23; Proverbs 23



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Sunday, March 22, 2020

May You Experience The Love Of Christ, Though It Is Too Great To Understand Fully.


May You Experience
The Love Of Christ,
Though It Is Too Great To Understand Fully.
Scripture
Ephesians 3
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 

19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Observation
When I do not understand, when I am not able to grasp how much God loves me, then life for me is never going to make sense. My life will be empty and will lack purpose and meaning.
This prayer by the Apostle Paul is a great prayer for me and a great prayer for you. None of us understand what is going on right now. This is the time where it is impossible to see God's hand in what is going on – so we must trust His heart.
Verse 20 is a reminder to me to ask BIG because I have a BIG GOD! In fact, God is able to do far more that I can ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond my highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes!
Not able to go to church today? Why not join us for worship – Because of the coronavirus we are meeting on line – Go to our Facebook page Christ Fellowship Tampa or look us up on the web! Service times are 10 AM and 11:20 AM.
Application
I will ask BIG because I have a BIG GOD!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word promises me in Romans 8:28 that all things work for the good of those who love the Lord. I don't know how You are going to do it, but I know that somehow You are going to turn this crisis around for our good. I know that because You always keep Your Word. Help me to ask Big today because You are a Big God. Nothing is too hard for You! Nothing!
I pray for our pastors today. Give them strength. Give them wisdom. Speak through them today!
Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 12,13,14; 1 Corinthians 7; I added: Ephesians 3



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Saturday, March 21, 2020

You Are Not Your Own; You Were Bought At A Price. Therefore Honor God With Your Bodies.


You Are Not Your Own;
You Were Bought At A Price.
Therefore Honor God With Your Bodies.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 6
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Observation

Social distancing – up until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard of such a thing! But as this coronavirus continues to spread it is more and more important for us to distance ourselves as much as possible from each other so this virus can run its course and stop. Lives are at risk!

Why does it matter? It matters to me because life is so precious.

I have been blood bought. I have been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ!

Life is so precious that God left Heaven, came down to Earth, took on human flesh, as Jesus Christ. For 33 years Jesus lived a sinless life and then allowed Himself to be crucified on a cross. His blood paid the price for my sins so that I could be forgiven and so that I could have Eternal life and live forever with Him.

God loves every person on this planet. They are made in His image. And God wants all men and women to hear about Jesus and have the opportunity to place their faith and their trust in Him; to trust in what He did for them on the cross.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Ephesians 2:13
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
Hebrews 10:19
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.
Hebrews 13:12
So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood.
Application
I will do my best to practice social distancing for the well being of others. And I will tell people about Jesus every chance I get!
How about you?
1 Peter 1:2
God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.
1 John 1:7
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray and ask You to stop this virus. I know that You can stop it in a moment … You are God. Nothing is too hard for You. I also know that this virus would not be spreading around the world without Your permission. So I realize that You are allowing it for a reason. It is way beyond what we as humans can understand. Your ways are not our ways. I pray that this crisis brings many people to place their trust and their faith in Jesus. Use this crisis to bring salvation to thousands of people around the world. Show Yourself powerful in the midst of this growing and worsening situation. You are mighty God.
Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 9,10,11; 1 Corinthians 6



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