Friday, June 14, 2019

Don't Worry About Anything; Instead, Pray About Everything. Tell God What You Need, And Thank Him For All He Has Done.


Don't Worry About Anything; Instead, Pray About Everything.
Tell God What You Need,
And Thank Him For All He Has Done.
Scripture
Philippians 4
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Observation

I am guilty. I am guilty of sharing these verses with people probably more than any other passage in the Bible.

If you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ putting these three verses into practice would solve many of your problems. So why not memorize them so God's Holy Spirit can bring them to your mind the next time worry takes over.

All of us have plenty of things that can cause us to be worried and stressed out … For example – our kids, our grandkids, our finances, our health, our future, our relationships, our job or no job, etc., but worrying about all of those things does us absolutely no good.

In fact, the only thing that worrying about those things will do is to make us sick.

Philippians 4:6-7 is the best solution for how to deal with all of life's stressful situations.

Is your heart broken over the bad behavior of one of your grown children?

Pray for them! Ask God to deal with them!

Application
Every time I catch myself worrying about something I will stop worrying and start praying.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that all of these problems that come into my life are useful if they cause me to look up to You for help and cause me to pray. Don't let me waste my time worrying about something. I know that when I worry it is actually a lack of faith. It means that I am not trusting in You. Help me to trust You with everything that is happening in my life.
I pray for any person reading this blog today. Help them to put Philippians 4:6-8 into practice today. Help them not to worry. Show them that they can trust in You to handle whatever is going on in their life.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4



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Thursday, June 13, 2019

No, Dear Brothers And Sisters, I Have Not Achieved It, But I Focus On This One Thing: Forgetting The Past And Looking Forward To What Lies Ahead, I Press On …


No, Dear Brothers And Sisters, I Have Not Achieved It,
But I Focus On This One Thing: Forgetting The Past And
Looking Forward To What Lies Ahead, I Press On …
Scripture
Philippians 3
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 

13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 

14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Observation
Some people seem to think that since I am a pastor that I am somehow different than other people when it comes to sin. Some people, I am sure that I am not talking about you, sort of put pastors and missionaries up on a pedestal. My friend, that is not a good idea.
It is okay to honor and respect your pastor. I honor and respect my pastors Bruce Moore and Brian Elliott, but I also remind myself that Bruce and Brian are sinners just like I am. They are not perfect and neither am I.
I am sharing the Gospel today at our church's Vacation Bible School. I am taking with me a big paddle. Not to use on the kids, but to use as an object lesson as I tell them a story about me and what happened to me when I was a kid.
I got in a fight with my younger brother after school and the principal of the school saw us fighting and called us both into his office.
He told us that he was going to give both of us a spanking because we were fighting. For some crazy reason, I told the principal that I would take my brother's spanking and he let me get the spanking for both of us.
I guess I want to share this story with our kids for two reasons:
  1. To show them that Jesus took the punishment for our sins and paid for them with His death on the cross, like I did, in a lot smaller way, for my little brother when I took his spanking.
  2. And to let the children know that pastors, even though they are spiritual leaders, are not perfect either.
You and I, no matter who we are, we are still a work in progress! We have not arrived!
Application
I am a work in progress. God is not finished with me yet.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I speak with the children this morning I pray that You give them an understanding of the Gospel message. I pray that some of them will place their trust and their faith in You today. Help them understand the message.
I pray for any person reading this blog this morning. I pray for his or her salvation. I pray if they are a believer that You help them to grow in their faith. Help them to trust You today with every detail of their life.
I pray for my son Eddie today on his birthday. Help him to be the man of God that You want him to be. Help me be a great husband and father to his children. Help him to continue to grow spiritually so he can lead his family the way that You want him to.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3



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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

And I Am Certain That God, Who Began The Good Work Within You, Will Continue His Work Until It is Finally Finished On The Day When Christ Jesus Returns.


And I Am Certain That God, Who Began The Good Work Within You,
Will Continue His Work Until It is Finally Finished
On The Day When Christ Jesus Returns.
Scripture
Philippians 1
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 
6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Observation
You and I are work in progress. We have not arrived. So when you pray for me and my rough edges and I pray for you and your rough edges, we can be sure of this, that one day we will finally be made perfect … on the day that Christ Jesus returns.
So in the meantime, let's continue to pray for each other!
This passage gives me a lot of hope for the people in my life who I am praying for, some of them I have been praying for, for a very long time. God is at work in their lives. One day that they will turn and begin to live for Him.
They are a work in progress just like I am.
Application
I will continue to pray for people that God places on my heart. I will not give up on them.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be more concerned about a person's soul than I am about their behavior. Remind me often that I too am a sinner just like they are. Help me to pray for them and never give up. I pray that those close to me will soon turn and put You first in their lives. They are missing so much.
I pray for my friends who are sick. Heal them, Lord. I pray for those who are waiting for test results. Give them strength. Show them that they can trust in You during this uncertain time in their life.
Daily Bible Reading: Song of Solomon 5,6,7,8; Philippians 1



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Monday, June 10, 2019

You Are Beautiful, My Darling, Beautiful Beyond Words.


You Are Beautiful,
My Darling,
Beautiful Beyond Words.
Scripture
Song of Solomon 4
1 You are beautiful, my darling,
    beautiful beyond words.
Your eyes are like doves
    behind your veil.
Your hair falls in waves, ...
7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling,
    beautiful in every way.
9  You have captured my heart,
    my treasure,  my bride.
You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes,
    with a single jewel of your necklace.
10 Your love delights me,
    my treasure, my bride.
Your love is better than wine,
    your perfume more fragrant than spices.
11 Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride.
    Honey and milk are under your tongue.
Your clothes are scented
    like the cedars of Lebanon.
12 You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride,
    a secluded spring, a hidden fountain.
13 Your thighs shelter a paradise of pomegranates
    with rare spices—
henna with nard,
14     nard and saffron,
    fragrant calamus and cinnamon,
with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes,
    and every other lovely spice.
15 You are a garden fountain,
    a well of fresh water
    streaming down from Lebanon’s mountains.
Observation
Song of Solomon, it wasn't me making that up in case you were wondering! It comes straight out of the Word of God.
And my wife Kathy is all that Solomon says about his lover and then some!
Here is my personalized version of part of Solomon 4:
Kathy is beautiful, my darling, beautiful beyond words. Her eyes are like doves.
Kathy is all together beautiful. She is beautiful in every way. She has captured my heart (over 50 years ago). She is my treasure, my bride. She still holds me hostage with one glance of her eyes.
Will she read this? I don't know. I hope she does.
Come on guys, brag on your wife -


Application
I will continue to enjoy the wife of my youth!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such a great wife. I am blessed. She is as close to being a Proverbs 31 woman as any woman could ever get. Help her to be all that You want her to be. Thank You for giving her such spiritual discernment and faith. She encourages me every day. Continue to help her as she serves You, especially with the women in our church and with our children and our grandchildren. Give her wisdom and strength and good health.
Daily Bible Reading: Song of Solomon 1,2,3,4; Ephesians 6



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Sunday, June 09, 2019

So Again I Say, Each Man Must Love His Wife As He Loves Himself, And The Wife Must Respect Her Husband.


So Again I Say, Each Man Must Love His Wife
As He Loves Himself,
And The Wife Must Respect Her Husband.
Scripture
Ephesians 5
33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Observation
Love and respect, both are necessary for a great marriage! I am fortunate to have a wife that treats me with respect. Even when there are days when I don't deserve it she gives me the gift of respect. Just as love is a gift, so is respect.
When a woman disrespects her husband because she feels unloved then he loves her less because he feels disrespected – the couple is caught in a vicious cycle that somebody needs to break.
So husband love your wife as Christ loved the church. And remember how much He loved the church - He gave His life for her.
Wives respect your husband – whether he deserves it at the moment or not.
Application

I choose to love my wife as Christ loved the church.
How about you? Are you doing your part?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when I see how other women treat their husbands it makes me appreciate my wife even more. I don't know how some guys put up with all the nagging and complaining. And I am sure that the same could be said for wives that don't feel loved by their husbands.
I pray for couples who are caught in the vicious cycle of feeling unloved and disrespected. Help them break out of that cycle. Show them how to love and how to show respect to each other.
Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 10,11,12; Psalms 94; Ephesians 5



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Saturday, June 08, 2019

Instead, Be Kind To Each Other, Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another, Just As God Through Christ Has Forgiven You.


Instead, Be Kind To Each Other,
Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another,
Just As God Through Christ Has Forgiven You.
Scripture
Ephesians 4
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Observation

What are you known for? What am I known for? Are we known for our kindness? Or do people, when they talk about us, talk about how harsh we are? Well … if that's the case … get rid of it!

The Apostle Paul says, “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander” so that means it is a choice you and I must make.

So if we are jerks, we are choosing to be that way!

Men – be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving today!

Let's say to our wives, “I love you. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?”

Application

I will love my wife the way that Christ loved the church.
How about you? Are you being kind? It is a choice!
Ephesians 5
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her
26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 
28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, don't let me be a jerk. Don't let me be harsh with my wife or anyone else. Convict me every time I act unloving towards Kathy. Give women strength and the extra love to put up with grumpy, mean husbands. Change the hearts of men who verbally abuse their wives. And change the hearts of women who verbally abuse their husbands.
Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7,8,9; Ephesians 4



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Friday, June 07, 2019

I Pray That From His Glorious, Unlimited Resources He Will Empower You With Inner Strength Through His Spirit.


I Pray That From His Glorious,
Unlimited Resources He Will
Empower You With Inner Strength Through His Spirit.
Scripture
Ephesians 3
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 

15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.

16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 

17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 

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
What you and I need more than anything else is to understand, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God's love is for us and we need to experience it!
This prayer of Paul's in Ephesians 3 is my prayer for you today.
Read it a few times and let it sink in!
Application

I will pray this prayer for people that God puts on my heart today.

How about you? Who are you praying for?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for any person who might read this blog today. I pray that from Your glorious, unlimited resources You will empower them with inner strength through Your Spirit. May Christ make his home in their hearts as they trust in him. May their roots grow down into Your love and keep them strong. 
And may they have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is.
May they experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then they will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
(Ephesians 3:16-19 personalized)
Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 4,5,6; Psalms 18; Ephesians 3



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Thursday, June 06, 2019

For We Are God's Masterpiece.


For
We
Are God's Masterpiece.
Scripture
Ephesians 2
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Observation
Look in the mirror! There is no one exactly like you! You and I are God's masterpiece! Let's act like it today. Here is what God says to me as one of His children:
God loves me (John 3:16, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 4:19).
God says that He delights in every detail of my life (Psalm 37:23).
He is constantly thinking about me (Psalm 139:17-18).
God knew me before I was even born (Psalm 139:16).
He has good plans for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).
God cares about me so I can trust Him with all of my concerns (Psalm 55:22, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7).
God has given me every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
I could go on and on but you get the idea – you and I are God's masterpiece!
Let's act like it!
Application
I will not let negative thoughts by the enemy mess up my day. I am God's masterpiece!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You have given me Your Word and all of Your promises so I will not believe the enemy's lies. I know that I am Your child. I know that You will take care of me. I know that You care about every detail of my life. You even know how many hairs I have left on my head. Every hurt, every pain, every ache that I feel, I know that You feel too. Nothing that happens to me escapes Your attention. I know that nothing touches my life without Your permission.
I pray for any person reading this blog today who is feeling down. Help them to see and understand how much You love and care about them today. I pray that they would read Your Word and hold on to Your promises.
Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1,2,3; Psalms 45; Ephesians 2



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Wednesday, June 05, 2019

I Also Pray That You Will Understand The Incredible Greatness Of God's Power For Us Who Believe Him.


I Also Pray
That You Will Understand The Incredible Greatness
Of God's Power For Us Who Believe Him.
Scripture
Ephesians 1
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere,

16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 

17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 
20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 
21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 
Observation
I am praying for you this morning. “I am asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.” I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead ...”
I love the book of Ephesians. I am looking forward to reading its six chapters over the next few days!
I hope that you are taking the time to read a little in God's Word every day. Find a reading plan that works for you and stick to it. If you started reading your Bible every day, but for some reason have stopped today is a great day to start back again!
You can do it!
Go to Biblegateway website and pick out a reading plan. There are lots to options to choose from.
Application
I will pray Ephesians 1:17-19 for those people that God places on my heart.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me wisdom and insight so I can grow in my knowledge of You. Flood my heart with light so I can understand the confident hope You have given me. Help me understand Your incredible power that is available to me, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.  
And I pray the same prayer for anyone who might be reading this blog. May Your face shine brightly on them today, Lord.
Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 30,31; Psalms 33; Ephesians 1



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Tuesday, June 04, 2019

I Prayed To The Lord And He Answered Me.


I Prayed To The Lord
And
He Answered Me.
Scripture
Psalm 34
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
    He freed me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
    no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
    he saved me from all my troubles.

7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
    he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Observation
We live out every single day with uncertainty. Since you and I are not God we don't know what our future holds.
Oh my goodness, I don't know how people survive without a relationship with the Lord.
For me, even though I don't know the future, and even though my tomorrow is filled with uncertainty just like yours, I personally know the One who holds and controls my future ... Do you?
God has given me Psalm 34 and so many other Bible passages just like it to reassure me that He is taking care of me. Those passages are for you too!
Psalm 34:17
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
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!
Psalm 56:9
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!
Romans 8:31-32
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?

Application

I will trust the Lord. My future is in His Hands.

How about you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, do not let me be afraid of tomorrow. Thank You for all of Your promises letting me know that You are going to take care of me and Kathy. It is so easy to be afraid of the unknown. Every day we face new challenges that cause us to turn to You for help. You are my refuge and strength. You are always ready to help me in times of trouble. I know that You are on my side. You are enough.
Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 28,29; Psalms 60; Romans 16; I added: Psalm 4, Psalm 34



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Monday, June 03, 2019

I Pray That God, The Source Of Hope, Will Fill You Completely With Joy And Peace Because You Trust In Him.


I Pray That God,
The Source Of Hope, Will Fill You Completely
With Joy And Peace Because You Trust In Him.
Scripture
Romans 15
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Observation

Nothing is more important than taking the time to pray for the people that God places on your heart – Nothing! In this same chapter, just a few verses down from this verse the Apostle Paul is asking for the believers in Rome to pray for him!

So Romans 15:13 is my prayer for you today!

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

And please take time to pray for me today too!

Application
I will pray Romans 15:13 for those that God places on my heart today.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, all of us are in need of prayer. I pray for those who are in the hospital right now. I pray for Dale Lyons. Help the doctors figure out what is going on and I ask You to intervene and fix the problem. You are the source of all hope! We put our trust in You.
I pray for our dear friend Don Kennedy and his wife Edith as they see a neurosurgeon today to discuss the results of a pet scan.
Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 25,26,27; Romans 15



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Sunday, June 02, 2019

But The Godly Will Flourish Like Palm Trees ... Even In Old Age They Will Still Produce Fruit.


But The Godly Will Flourish Like Palm Trees ...
Even
In Old Age They Will Still Produce Fruit.
Scripture
Psalm 92
12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees
    and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

13 For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
    They flourish in the courts of our God.

14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
    they will remain vital and green.

15 They will declare, “The Lord is just!
    He is my rock!
    There is no evil in him!”

Observation
Getting old is not for wimps … I am amazed at how many different parts of your body can ache all at the same time! But Psalm 92 reassures me that even in old age I can still produce fruit and I can still be vital and green!
Our country is in a battle right now over the value of human life. It has been going now for quite a while. The unborn, those will special needs, orphans, those in foster care, and the elderly are all highly valued by our Creator and we must also protect them as well.
Application
I will not believe for a minute that just because I am old..er that I don't have value and worth.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to still produce fruit in my old age. Don't let me give up. Show me where to spend my time and energy. Show me who needs my help.

I pray for those who feel defeated today. Help them, Lord. Show them that they can rely on You. Don't let them give up.


Psalm 71:9,17-18

“And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 22,23,24; Romans 14; I added Psalm 32, Psalm 92



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Saturday, June 01, 2019

People Ruin Their Lives By Their Own Foolishness And Then Are Angry At The Lord.


People Ruin Their Lives
By Their Own Foolishness
And Then Are Angry At The Lord.
Scripture
Proverbs 19
3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness
    and then are angry at the Lord.
Observation
It is so easy to blame other people for the predicaments that we find ourselves in. We can get mad at God because of our situation, even though we are the ones that ruined our lives with sinful living and poor choices.
So instead of getting angry at God, and blaming Him and blaming those around us for the chaos and drama, we are experiencing, let's humble ourselves and admit that it is our fault and ask God and those around us for forgiveness.
2 Chronicles 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.
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Application
I accept responsibility for the poor decisions and poor choices that I have made in my life and I will not blame others.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner saved by Your grace and mercy. I am so glad that You have forgiven me for the stupid things that I have done. Your faithful love never ends! Your mercies never cease! Great is Your faithfulness. Your mercies for me begin afresh each morning!
Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 19,20,21; Romans 13



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