Serving An Audience Of ONE! Don’t Give In To Those Who Always Want To Go Backwards

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Psalm 29;Proverbs 29;John 3

Serving An Audience Of ONE!
Don’t Give In To Those Who Always Want To Go Backwards

Scripture

Proverbs 29

²⁶ Many seek an audience with a ruler,
   but it is from the LORD that one gets justice. 

Observation

Maybe you are like me! I like to please everyone! I want everyone to like me. It didn’t take long as I served as Senior Pastor of Tampa Baptist Church for me to realize that it was impossible for me to please everybody. Every family that left our church during those years caused tremendous grief for me. But I couldn’t please them and do what God had placed on my heart to do. Most of the changes that were made during my 8 years as pastor were painful and many of our old friends couldn’t handle the changes so they left. It broke my heart. 

But I serve an audience of ONE. 

One day when I stand before my Lord and Savior I want Him to say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” It is true that I could have pastored the people and only done the things that would have made them happy, but I knew that the church was there not to keep the “saints” comfortable but to reach the lost for Christ. Most churches that are in decline are way to concerned with keeping everybody happy – which my friend is an impossible goal!

Our church is now Christ Fellowship Church! We are a completely new church. Our focus is on reaching the people that need Jesus!  

Pastor Bruce, you serve an audience of ONE! 

Stay focused and keep us on track. Lots of people will come to you and share with you things that they are unhappy with. Listen to them - if their criticism is valid and there needs to be a correction then by all means make those corrections. Many of the ones that will come to you will be complaining because the church is not the way it used to be – that is when you need to remember that you serve an Audience of ONE.  

Application

I will make decisions based on what the Lord wants me to do and not give in to those that always want to go backwards.   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we serve You. Help us to serve You with all of our hearts. Don’t let us coast. Don’t let us give in to ideas that have not come from You. Guide our church. Guide and empower our leadership team. Help each one of the team realize that they serve an audience of ONE. 

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All Growing Churches Have One Characteristic! There Is An Atmosphere Of Love Among The People (Rick Warren) How Does Your Church Shape Up?

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All Growing Churches Have One Characteristic!

 There Is An Atmosphere Of Love Among The People  (Rick Warren)

How Does Your Church Shape Up? 

Scripture

I Corinthians 13:3-7 (Message)

^3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

   Love never gives up.
   Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
   Love doesn't strut,
   Doesn't have a swelled head,
   Doesn't force itself on others,
   Isn't always "me first,"
   Doesn't fly off the handle,
   Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
   Doesn't revel when others grovel,
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
   Puts up with anything,
   Trusts God always,
   Always looks for the best,
   Never looks back,
   But keeps going to the end.

⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

Observation

Last night we covered Session 3 of Forty Days of Community and it dealt with verse 7 of 1 Corinthians 13 – Love Always Protects; Love Always Trusts, Love Always Hopes; Love Always Perseveres.

The number one characteristic of a growing church is the atmosphere of love among the membership. How would you describe the atmosphere of love in your church (welcoming, warm, safe, impersonal, cliquey, etc)? (Taken from Belonging Together What on earth are we here for? - Rick Warren)

I think our church Christ Fellowship is growing because there is an atmosphere of love. I love the way people hang out after the services to talk to each other and more and more people are getting involved in life groups and serve teams! It is a wonderful thing to watch!

I know I still have a long ways to go to be able to live out 1 Corinthians 13. I need to grow in so many areas when it comes to love. How about you?

God is so good. He modeled for us how to love when He sacrificed His One and Only Son for ours sins.  

Application

I will show my love in a tangible way to someone this week that would not expect it and I will invite someone to come to church as our guest this week.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to grow in love towards those around me. It is my desire to be more loving. Give me Your heart and give me Your love for people. Help me not to think only of myself but let me keep my focus on the needs of others. I pray for those that are sick today. I pray that you heal them. I pray for those that are grieving. I pray that you wrap them in Your love. I pray for my sister Bea today on her birthday. I pray that You bless her and her family. You are a Mighty God and You are Worthy of All Praise!

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“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Words To Think About On A Monday! God’s Word Will Change Your Mondays. God’s Word Will Change Your Life! Take Time To Read This Morning…

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Numbers 21,22,23; Mark 6,7

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”

Words To Think About On A Monday! God’s Word Will Change Your Mondays.

God’s Word Will Change Your Life! Take Time To Read This Morning…

Scripture

Mark 6

⁴⁵ Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. ⁴⁶ After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. 

 ⁴⁷ Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. ⁵⁰ They were all terrified when they saw him. 

   But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, ⁵² for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in. 

Observation

Just as it was important for the disciples to hear those encouraging words from Jesus on that stormy scary night it is important for you and I to be encouraged by Him today. 

 Monday starts your new workweek. For some this is going to be a great week with everything sailing smoothly during the entire week. For others there may be a conflict at work that has escalated to the point of somebody having to be let go and that somebody might be you. You may be reading this blog this morning and you are out of work and desperately want to find employment so you can take care of your family. 

Don’t run out of the house on a Monday morning without taking time to dig into God’s Word.

One of the reasons that I love reading God’s Word every morning is just about every morning in some way or another God has a way of telling me, “Don’t be afraid,” “Take courage! I am here!” Yesterday I read Psalms 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

 Tomorrow I know that I will read something else that will encourage me in my spiritual journey. All I have to do and all you have to do is take time everyday to dive into God’s Word. It will change your Mondays. It will change your life.  

Application

I will open and read God’s Word every day. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, there are days when I need to be encouraged. I know that is true for every believer who tries to live a godly life. Give us strength today to live out this Monday with courage and not fear. I pray for those who need jobs. I pray that You will provide them just the right position. I pray for those who are going through conflicts at work. Help them to depend and trust totally in You. Help them be people of integrity in the workplace. You do not want us to be afraid. Help me put my faith and my trust in You as I go through this Monday. You are Worthy of Praise!

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The Lord Is My Strength And Shield I Trust Him With All My Heart. He Helps Me … When I Am Weak. He Can Help You Too…

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Numbers 19,20; Psalms 28; Mark 5

The Lord Is My Strength And Shield

I Trust Him With All My Heart. He Helps Me … When I Am Weak.

He Can Help You Too…

Scripture

Psalms 28

 ⁷ The LORD is my strength and shield.
      I trust him with all my heart. 

   He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
      I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Observation

The past few days have been difficult for me. I have been really weak and just haven’t felt very good. I am no fun to be around when I get in this condition. Now I risk saying that knowing that many of you won’t understand what I am trying to say and you will choose to bombard me with advice telling me to either not to push myself so hard or to take all of the special nutrients and supplements. 

Please don’t do either. 

The doctors have told me that I have to push myself hard if I am to get better. I am already taking a ton of nutrients, medicines, and supplements … thank you very much!

There are going to be days when things don’t go well. There are going to be days when I am weak and tired. Just like there are going to be days in your life when you are weak and tired. 

Here is my point! 

It is during times like these that I am so glad that “the Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.”

The Apostle Paul summed it up very well when he was describing a health issue of his own. “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Application

I will trust the Lord with all my heart because He is my shield and my strength! 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are a Mighty God. You are so good to me. I trust in you with all my heart. You are my strength and my shield. Your Grace is sufficient for me for when I am weak You are strong. So I will take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  You are My Healer. You have done a miraculous work in my life for which I give You praise!

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Biblical Story Telling It Is The Only Method Jesus Used To Teach Why Not Use It Today

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Numbers 17,18; Psalms 29; Mark 4

Biblical Story Telling

It Is The Only Method Jesus Used To Teach

Why Not Use It Today

Scripture

Mark 4

³³ Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. ³⁴ In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Observation

In church today we tend to think that Bible stories are only for children to learn in Sunday school. For some reason we think that Biblical Story telling is only for teachers working with children.

The entire Bible is one big love story about how God loves us and pursues us even though we are sinners and don’t deserve His love. What a shame that as adults we aren’t challenged to learn the powerful stories found in God’s word.

All over the world Biblical story telling is the most effective way of communicating God’s word and the Gospel, but here in the United States we somehow feel that God’s stories that are found in His word aren’t worthy enough to be taught to adults just the way they are. We want to teach and tell folks what they should get out of a Bible story rather than letting the Holy Spirit show them.

In the small group that meets in our home we have been doing Biblical storytelling for over a year and it has been so refreshing just to dive into God’s word and see God’s word come alive. Right now we have taken a break and we are doing “40 Days of Community” with Rick Warren, but to be honest I look forward to being able to return to Biblical Story Telling.

Jeff Holley is one of the leaders of this movement in our area and he would be glad to come to your church and show you how it is done. You will be glad that you did. His email address is jeffholley@tbba.org

Application

I will continue to promote Biblical Story Telling both here in the United States and where ever God leads us overseas.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for every story that Your word contains. Help us to learn those stories so that we can share them with the people around us that need a personal relationship with You. Help our churches see the importance of just telling Your stories and letting Your Holy Spirit work through them. Amen. 

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Attitude … What Does God Think About Your Attitude? Do You Need An Attitude Adjustment?

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Numbers 14,15,16; Mark 3

Attitude …
What Does God Think About Your Attitude?
Do You Need An Attitude Adjustment?

Scripture

Numbers 14

²⁴ But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.

Observation

The twelve spies had just come back from the Promised Land and had given their report to the people. Ten spies gave a very negative pessimistic account of what they saw in the Promised Land. All they could see were obstacles to conquering the land; they described the people as giants and talked of the fortified cities. Even though they did acknowledge that the land flowed with milk and honey their report focused only on why they couldn’t conquer the land. Joshua and Caleb were the only two spies that gave a positive report of how God would give them the land.

I love what God says about Caleb, “But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have.” He and Joshua were in the minority, but they had God on their side and that was enough.

What does God think about your attitude? Would He describe you and would He describe me as people with a different attitude? I hope that He can. God looks at our hearts.

Do we need an attitude adjustment this morning? If so, just look up and ask God to change your heart. It is a great time to talk to Him this morning and get things right. Get that attitude in alignment with His!  

Application

I will ask the Lord to give me the attitude of Caleb today … how about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I look forward to meeting Joshua and Caleb when I get to Heaven. They walked with You even when the majority of the people didn’t. Give me a heart like theirs. Give me an attitude like Caleb’s. Help me to walk by faith like these two men did when it was not a popular thing to do. Don’t let me live in fear. Help me be a man of faith. Give me the ability to trust You with every detail of my life. You will conquer all of my enemies. I will walk in victory. You are a Mighty God. 

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Lessons From The Life Of Moses ... Take Time This Morning To Dive Into God’s Word! Here Are Some Important Learns from God’s Word This Morning…

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Numbers 12,13; Psalms 90; Mark 2

Lessons From The Life Of Moses ...
Take Time This Morning To Dive Into God’s Word!
Here Are Some Important Learns from God’s Word This Morning…

Scripture

Psalms 90

For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.

⁵ You carry them away like a flood;
They are like a sleep.
In the morning they are like grass which grows up:
⁶ In the morning it flourishes and grows up;
In the evening it is cut down and withers.

¹² So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.

¹⁷ And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Observation

Psalm 90 is a Psalm written by Moses. As I also read Numbers 12 & 13 this morning and they were also about Moses I thought that I had better write about Moses!

I love the description that God gives of His Prophet Moses in Numbers 12 after Miriam and Aaron questioned Moses’ divine calling and spiritual leadership. Here is a little background just in case you didn’t read Numbers 12 yet this morning:

1 … Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married… ² So they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. ³ (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)

“If there were prophets among you,
      I, the LORD, would reveal myself in visions.
      I would speak to them in dreams.
 ⁷ But not with my servant Moses.
      Of all my house, he is the one I trust.
 ⁸ I speak to him face to face,
      clearly, and not in riddles!
      He sees the LORD as he is.
   So why were you not afraid
      to criticize my servant Moses?” 

After saying this about his servant Moses God struck Miriam with leprosy and Moses had to cry out to God for her to be healed. God still cast her out of the camp for 7 days so that she would learn her lesson about speaking against God’s anointed.

One important lesson in this for all of us is that we need to be very careful when and if we criticize our spiritual leaders. They are not perfect and sometimes we might have to come along side of them to help them, but we should never think that somehow we are on equal leadership with them. Pastor Bruce Moore is now the senior pastor of our church. I am no longer the senior pastor. He is my leader. I have no business ever criticizing him. If I do, I believe the same risk as Miriam did when she criticized her brother Moses. If I see or think I see that he needs some help I can go privately to him and talk to him.

But my “real learn” is from what Moses wrote in Psalm 90 and that is this: “Life Is So Very Short.” It is fleeting like grass that grows in the morning and in the evening it is cut down and withers. When you have a heart attack like I had in October of 2011 it gives you the opportunity to experience just how short life is and how precious it is!

Here is my blessing for you this morning taken from Psalm 90:12&17, “¹² So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children.¹⁷ And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Application

³ (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)  I want God to be able to say that about me. How about you?   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Moses was the most humble man on the face of the earth. You spoke to him face to face. He pleased You with his life. Help me be like Moses. I want to please You with how I live. I want you to be able to smile when You think of me. Don’t let me ever cause You pain. Help me to serve You with all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind, and all of my strength. You are Worthy of all Praise.

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My Heart Has Heard You Say, “Come And Talk With Me.” And My Heart Responds, “Lord, I Am Coming.” Are You Making Time To Talk With God?

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Numbers 10,11; Psalms 27; Mark 1

My Heart Has Heard You Say, “Come And Talk With Me.”

And My Heart Responds, “Lord, I Am Coming.”

Are You Making Time To Talk With God?

Scripture

Psalms 27

⁷ Hear me as I pray, O LORD.
      Be merciful and answer me!
 ⁸ My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
      And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” 

Observation

Before you even got out of bed this morning did your heart hear the Lord’s voice say, “Come and talk with me?” God so wants you and me to talk to Him.

You have developed routines in your life – we all have. Maybe before you go to bed each night you watch a couple of television programs. When you get up in the morning maybe you go and make yourself a cup of coffee or you drink a soda. These routines are normal and everybody has them, but God wants to be included.

He is saying to us this morning, “Come and talk with me.” The only way you can say, “LORD, I am coming” is to make time for Him.

Do you need to change your routine to include a few moments to be able to talk to God? Has your heart heard Him say, “Come and talk with me.” Don’t ignore that still small voice that is whispering to you, “Come and talk with me.” Take time today – change your routine!

Application

I will guard my time in the morning to talk with the Lord. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we all get in ruts and we call them routines. Help me to have the same kind of heart like King David’s when he said, “Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Amen.

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Finishing Well … How Are You Doing In Your Christian Life? Are You Going To Finish Well?

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Numbers 8; Numbers 9; Acts 28

Finishing Well … 

How Are You Doing In Your Christian Life? 

Are You Going To Finish Well? 

Scripture

Acts 28

³⁰ For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, ³¹ boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.

Observation

You and I can read into this passage that after the two years in Rome Paul was probably executed. His goal was always to travel to Rome. It was one of his dreams. I don’t think that he ever thought that he would travel to Rome under arrest and that Rome would be his final destination. 

One thing that you and I can learn from the Apostle Paul is that we need to finish well. At the end of your life and at the end of my life will we be able to say like Paul did when he wrote Timothy, “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

I have watched so many pastor friends mess up their lives because they didn’t set boundaries or they decided to ignore the boundaries that they had previously set and they did not finish well. Other friends of mine have messed up but have not let those mess-ups defeat them and they are going to finish well. 

I want to be like the Apostle Paul. I want to boldly proclaim the Kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ until the day the Lord takes me home.  

Application

I will make sure that I don’t cross the boundaries that I have established for myself so I can make it to the end of my life and be able to say like the Apostle Paul, “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me mess up. I want to finish well. Help me to stay on track. Don’t let me veer off course. I want to serve You until the day I die. I pray that You protect our senior pastor and his family. Help them to finish well. I pray for my pastor friends that You help them set boundaries for their lives so they don’t crash and burn. Help them finish well. I pray for our lead team. Help each one of them stay on course. Protect them from the Evil One. 

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You Are Blessed … Here Is A Word Of Encouragement For You As You Begin Your Week!

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Numbers 7; Psalms 23; Acts 27

You Are Blessed …

Here Is A Word Of Encouragement For You As You Begin Your Week!

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

This was a declaration of David’s faith in His God. He didn’t write this because everything was going well and he was enjoying the luxuries of being royalty … of being the king. No, David spent most of his life being chased and hunted down and he had to live in the constant danger of being killed by King Saul. 

Even when he became king of Israel it was not smooth sailing for David. His children became his worst nightmare and he had to flee for his life because his son Absalom was going to kill him. 

This week I have everything that I need. God has provided everything that you and I need to live out the Christian life. We do not lack one thing. You might look at your checkbook or you might look at all your problems that face you this week and you might want to argue with me about having enough, but trust me God says in His word that you have all that you need to live out this week in victory.

 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

“ The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”  Psalm 23:1

Application

I will live out this week knowing and claiming that because the Lord is my Shepherd I have all that I need.

Prayer      

  

Heavenly Father, King David was able to be content even when his life seemed out of control. He trusted in You. Help me to trust in You just like he did. Help me to live out Psalm 23 this week. You are the Great Provider. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing. My cup overflows with blessings! 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!

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Learn How To Do This And It Will Change Your Marriage… Not Married? Learn How To Do This And It Will Change Your Life!

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Numbers 5; Numbers 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26


Learn How To Do This And It Will Change Your Marriage…
Not Married? Learn How To Do This And It Will Change Your Life!

Scripture

Numbers 6

²² Then the LORD said to Moses, ²³ “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: 

 ²⁴ "May the LORD bless you
      and protect you.
 ²⁵ May the LORD smile on you
      and be gracious to you.
 ²⁶ May the LORD show you his favor
      and give you his peace."

Observation

If you are married do you have the habit of giving your spouse a kiss before you leave the house to go to work? I hope that you at least you still do that for each other!

A few years ago I was attending a Marriage Seminar with my wife Kathy and learned something that I needed to start doing in our marriage. It is something that is so much more important than giving her that quick kiss before I go out the door. Even though that quick kiss and a hug are super important in maintaining a great marriage!

The conference leader told us guys that we needed to pray a blessing over our wife everyday before we left the house. I had never thought of doing that before, but I think about it all the time now!

It was good to read this passage this morning because I have gotten slack in praying a blessing over my wife everyday before we go our separate ways. Don’t get me wrong I still pray for her everyday and we read together from 2 devotional books everyday while I eat my breakfast, but I have to get back to praying a specific blessing over her every morning before I go out the door. It should be as consistent as giving her that good-bye kiss every morning. Some of you guys need to get back to do that too!

This blessing found in Numbers 6 is a good blessing to pray over your wife each day and of course you can change it and use your own words and put it into the context of the world you are living in.

Application

I will do my best to pray a blessing over Kathy everyday this week.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is amazing that you even bother to hear our prayers. We are nothing compared to You. You instruct us to pray blessings over people so You can bless them. Help me to be more diligent in asking You to bless the people that I am praying for - especially Kathy. I pray a blessing on our church today. Bless our pastor and his family and our lead team and their families. May You bless them and protect them. May You smile on them and be gracious to them. May You show Your favor on them and give them Your peace.  

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Jesus Christ Became God’s Substitute … The Redemption Price For Us … Very Costly Have You Been Redeemed?

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Numbers 3,4; Acts 25

Jesus Christ Became God’s Substitute …

The Redemption Price For Us … Very Costly

Have You Been Redeemed?

Scripture

  

Numbers 3

⁴⁴ Then the LORD said to Moses, ⁴⁵ “Take the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn sons of the people of Israel. And take the livestock of the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn livestock of the people of Israel. The Levites belong to me; I am the LORD. ⁴⁶ There are 273 more firstborn sons of Israel than there are Levites. To redeem these extra firstborn sons, ⁴⁷ collect five pieces of silver for each of them (each piece weighing the same as the sanctuary shekel, which equals twenty gerahs). ⁴⁸ Give the silver to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the extra firstborn sons.”

Observation

As you read through the book of Numbers you can easily get lost in all the details of the elaborate organization that God had for the people of Israel and the care and use of the tabernacle. Every tribe seemed to have a specific task involving the tabernacle. The Levites were singled out as especially belonging to the Lord. They were the priestly line and they would serve in the tabernacle itself. 

This passage in Numbers three caught my attention because of two key words that the Lord used in his instructions to the Levites about the first born males and the first born livestock: substitute and redemption. Are those words important to you? If they aren’t they sure should be. It is the theme that runs through our entire Bible.

 I will share a few examples of how important these two words are to God and His eternal plan for us: 

“Of all the people of Israel, the Levites are reserved for me. I have claimed them for myself in place of all the firstborn sons of the Israelites; I have taken the Levites as their substitutes. Numbers 8:16

^“ knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19

 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) Galatians 3:13

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,” Revelation 5:9

With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hebrews 9:12

The word “redeemed” or “redemption” means to buyback or repurchase and that is exactly what Jesus did for us. Jesus bought us back with His very own blood as He sacrificed Himself on the cross in our place. 

Application

I will give thanks to the Lord today for my salvation. He has redeemed me. How about you?   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die in my place. I deserve to go to Hell, but because of Your great Mercy and Grace I am not going to get what I deserve. 

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If You Were On Trial For Being A Christian Would They Find Enough Evidence To Convict You?

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Numbers 1,2; Acts 24

 If You Were On Trial For Being A Christian Would They Find Enough Evidence To Convict You? 

Scripture

Acts 24

¹⁴ “But I admit that I follow the Way…”

Observation

If you were on trial for being a Christian would they find enough evidence to convict you? Would you deny that you were a follower of Jesus Christ? The Apostle Paul was on trial for his life and as he spoke in his defense the one thing that he would not do was deny that he was a follower of the “Way”. 

It is easy to say that we would not deny Christ, but what if a gun was placed at your head? What if you had already watched six other people get shot because they wouldn’t deny their Savior?
This doesn’t happen in our country but it does happen in other places in our world. People are dying for their faith every day in places like China, Sudan, across the Middle East and in Africa and many other places in our world. 

So lets take every opportunity to share our faith and be bold in our witness while we have the chance! 

^“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” I Peter 3:15

“Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (Amplified Bible)

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16

 Application

I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ and I will boldly share my faith with everyone that I can.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me ever deny You. Give me the boldness to always share my faith. I pray for the opportunity today to share my faith. Give me the right words to say and prepare the heart of the person I plan to share with. 

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Our Choice Today – God’s Blessings or God’s Punishment What Will Your Choice Be?

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Leviticus 26,27; Acts 23

Our Choice Today – God’s Blessings or God’s Punishment
What Will Your Choice Be? 

Scripture

Leviticus 26

 ³ “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, ⁴ I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit. ⁵ Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in your own land. 

 ⁶ “I will give you peace in the land, and you will be able to sleep with no cause for fear. I will rid the land of wild animals and keep your enemies out of your land. ⁷ In fact, you will chase down your enemies and slaughter them with your swords. ⁸ Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword.

Observation

You would think that after the children of Israel read Leviticus 26 and the promise that God makes to them that they would always live in obedience and always live under God’s blessing. Nope, somehow they missed focusing on this chapter and ended up receiving God’s punishment and correction. He spelled it out so clearly to them. If they didn’t obey Him here is some of what He would do to them:

¹⁴ “However, if you do not listen to me or obey all these commands, ¹⁵ and if you break my covenant by rejecting my decrees, treating my regulations with contempt, and refusing to obey my commands, ¹⁶ I will punish you. I will bring sudden terrors upon you—wasting diseases and burning fevers that will cause your eyes to fail and your life to ebb away. You will plant your crops in vain because your enemies will eat them. ¹⁷ I will turn against you, and you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will run even when no one is chasing you! Leviticus 26:14-17

Don’t think that we are much different today than they were back in the days of Moses. We too choose to be disobedient rather than obeying our Lord. God promises to bless us if we are obedient too just like He promised the Israelites.

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. Romans 6:16

And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. I John 3:22

And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” John 3:36

But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:26-27

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Obedience is a choice. Will you choose to obey God today?  

Application

I am making a choice right now to live out this day to obey God and His Word. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that when I am obedient to You I come under Your Divine protection and I will receive Your Divine blessings. Don’t let me sin today. Don’t let me walk in disobedience. Help me to please You. Guide me through this day and keep me from sin. I want to obey You and Your Word. Help me to do just that! Amen. 

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Praying Scripture Back To God Haven’t Tried It …Why Not Try Praying Psalm 25 Back To Your Heavenly Father!

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Leviticus 25; Psalms 25,26; Acts 22

Praying Scripture Back To God
Haven’t Tried It …Why Not Try Praying Psalm 25 Back To Your Heavenly Father!

Scripture

Psalms 25

¹ O LORD, I give my life to you.
    ² I trust in you, my God! …

⁴ Show me the right path, O LORD;
      point out the road for me to follow.

 ⁵ Lead me by your truth and teach me,
      for you are the God who saves me.
      All day long I put my hope in you.

 ⁶ Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
      which you have shown from long ages past.

 ⁷ Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
      Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
      for you are merciful, O LORD. …

¹¹ For the honor of your name, O LORD,
      forgive my many, many sins.

¹⁴ The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
      He teaches them his covenant.

 ¹⁵ My eyes are always on the LORD,
      for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. …

 ¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy,
      for I am alone and in deep distress.

 ¹⁷ My problems go from bad to worse.
      Oh, save me from them all!

 ¹⁸ Feel my pain and see my trouble.
      Forgive all my sins. …

²⁰ Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
      Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.

 ²¹ May integrity and honesty protect me,
      for I put my hope in you.

Observation

It is 4 AM and I am up because I couldn’t sleep! I was wide-awake at 3 AM, and finally decided to get out of bed at 3:30! Getting enough sleep is still an issue for me, but at least I slept pretty good until three!

As I began to read Psalm 25 this morning I realized that it is a perfect scripture to pray back to God. Read it slowly and see if you do not agree. This Psalm was a prayer of King David. It took a long time to write. This Psalm is Hebrew acrostic poem. Each verse begins with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. There are several Psalms that are written in this same manner. He didn’t sit down and write this in a couple of minutes.

It is a prayer of David’s total faith and trust in his God. Have you taken time to read it slowly? Why not take time to read it right now? In fact, why not read it slowly several times and as you read it make it a prayer to your Heavenly Father! 

Application

This is my prayer to my Heavenly Father this morning!

Prayer

 O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! … Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past.  Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.  Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. …

For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins. The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.  My eyes are always on the LORD, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. … Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.  My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!  Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. … Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. Amen.

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We Serve The King Of Glory! Who Is The King of Glory? The LORD, Strong and Mighty; The LORD, Invincible In Battle!

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Leviticus 23,24; Psalms 24; Acts 21

We Serve The King Of Glory!

Who Is The King of Glory? The LORD, Strong and Mighty; The LORD, Invincible In Battle!

Scripture

Psalms 24

⁷ Open up, ancient gates!
      Open up, ancient doors,
      and let the King of glory enter.
 ⁸ Who is the King of glory?
      The LORD, strong and mighty;
      the LORD, invincible in battle.
 ⁹ Open up, ancient gates!
      Open up, ancient doors,
      and let the King of glory enter.
 ¹⁰ Who is the King of glory?
      The LORD of Heaven’s Armies—
      he is the King of glory. 

Observation

It helps to be reminded who we serve lest we forget! We serve the King of Glory! Who is the King of Glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle. Who is the King of Glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies – He is the King of Glory. 

If we were to peek into Heaven we would see Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – He is the King of Glory. Just take in this description of Jesus that we find in Revelation 19:

¹¹ Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. ¹² His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 

¹³ He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. ¹⁵ From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. ¹⁶ On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

And this description of Jesus that we find in 1 Timothy 6:15:

¹⁵ For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 1 Timothy 6:15

Application

I will serve the King of Glory with all my heart, with all my strength, with all of my mind and with all of my soul! How about you?  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I look forward to the day when Jesus, the King of Glory, returns for His Saints. He will come as a Mighty Victor! He will come to judge this world and redeem His Saints. He is the King of Glory! Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle. Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies—he is the King of glory. 

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Finishing Well … Making Your Life Count For God

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Leviticus 20,21,22; Acts 20

Finishing Well …
Making Your Life Count For God

Scripture

Acts 20

²⁴ But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Observation

The Apostle Paul was coming to the end of his life. The Holy Spirit had been telling him over and over again that what was facing him in the near future would be jail, suffering, and death. 

“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. … “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. Acts 20: 22-23; 25

Yet he didn’t shrink back. He continued to head toward Jerusalem even though the believers along the way begged him not to go.
What is your commitment to the Lord like? Would the above statement by Paul found in Acts 20:24 be a reflection of your life? Maybe better stated, “Would it be a reflection of God’s calling on your life”? 

I am nothing like the Apostle Paul but this one thing I know – I want to finish my life well. I want to count for God until the day I die. I want to die on the mission field in some other country consumed with the Savior’s work. How about you? 

Do you even have your passport?  

Go Online Today To Get Your Passport Application!

You can’t go on a mission trip with us if you don’t get that passport!

Application

I will continue working towards the goal of being a catalyst missionary for an unreached unengaged people group in the year 2012. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me finish my life well. Help me to never give up. Give me the energy, the health, and the desire to continue serving You. I look forward to the future. I look forward to what You have for Kathy and I. You are wonderful. Give me the Apostle Paul’s drive and give me his kind of heart for doing Your will. 

Thank You for a great day of worship yesterday. Thank You for all the volunteers that worked so hard to make it such a special day of worshiping You. Thank You for our leadership team and our senior pastor. I pray that Your Powerful Hand continues to remain on them. 

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Leviticus 18,19; Psalms 13; Acts 19

Turn Our City Upside Down

 Scripture

Acts 19

¹⁷ The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. ¹⁸ Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. ¹⁹ A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. ²⁰ So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect. 

Observation

Revival … can you imagine the people bringing out their sorcery incantation books piling them up and then burning them in a bonfire. Not just a few books mind you, but several million dollars worth of books. 

What if that happened here in Tampa? What if it was pornographic magazines instead of books about sorcery! Wouldn’t that be exciting! Revivals like this can sweep a city. Wouldn’t it be great if it happened in Tampa! It could! 

I believe that one day God will raise up a church that will cause the city to sit up and pay attention. I believe that God will raise up a church that will bring revival to our city. I am praying that our church will be that church. I hope that you are praying that it will be your church. God has placed our churches in this city to bring revival. He has placed our churches in this city to turn this city upside down. One day God will raise up a church to do just that! 

Application

I will continue to help keep our church outwardly focused - thinking of those living all around us.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will raise up a church that will dramatically change our city. I pray that it will be our church. What happened in Ephesus can happen right here! Do a Mighty work in our city Lord. Bring revival and let our church have a big part in all the action. Be Glorified. Be Exalted. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You are worthy of all Praise!

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Don’t Be Afraid! Speak Out! Don’t Be Silent!

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Leviticus 15,16,17; Acts 18

Don’t Be Afraid! Speak Out! Don’t Be Silent!

Scripture

Acts 18

⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! ¹⁰ For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 

Observation

I never would have thought that the Apostle Paul would have ever been afraid. By this time in his ministry he had already suffered a lot of persecution at the hands of the Jews. Sometimes we forget that Paul was a human being and yes Paul must have dealt with fear and intimidation. 

These are good words for us this morning: “Don’t be afraid. Speak out! Don’t be silent! Jesus does promise to be with us. “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

Fear is the absence of trust. You can’t trust God and live in fear at the same time. It is one or the other. 

Paul obviously was at a point in his life where he needed an encouraging word from God. You and I also need to hear encouraging words from God. If you and I are going to hear words of encouragement from our Heavenly Father then we have to be in His Word on a daily basis.
How many times this week have you started out your day by opening up God’s Word and letting Him speak to you? 

I am surprised at how few church - goers actually read their Bibles on a regular basis. Do a survey at your church and you will be shocked.

Application

I will help new believers learn how to have a consistent quiet time so they can live in victory and not in defeat. So they can live by trust and not live in fear.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. It encourages me everyday. Your word guides me it is a light for my path. I can count on Your Word. It is trustworthy. I can walk by faith and not by sight because I have Your Word in my heart. You constantly remind me through Your Word not to be afraid. I pray that our people at Christ Fellowship would be people of Your Word. Give them a hunger for Your Word. 

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Wired For Worship! You and I Are Going To Worship Something…

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Leviticus 13,14; Acts 17

Wired For Worship!

You and I Are Going To Worship Something…

Scripture

Acts 17

²² So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, ²³ for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. 

 ²⁴ “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, ²⁵ and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. ²⁶ From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. 

 ²⁷ “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ For in him we live and move and exist.

Observation

God has wired all of mankind to worship something. We were created for worship. You and I were created to worship Him.

You will worship something. If it is not the One and Only True God then it will a substitute. For you it may be a boat, a woman, a man, wealth, a car, a false god, but you will worship something. Paul found his self in Athens with people who he described as very religious. They were just worshiping all the wrong things. He found that they wanted to cover all of their bases so they even had a shrine to the unknown God. 

It was the God who was unknown to them who Paul said they needed to get to know. Paul shared with them that their unknown God that they had made a shrine for was the only true God. He created the world and everything in it. Then Paul drove home the point that they needed to repent of their sins and turn to God: 

“God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. Then he shared with them that He would judge all of us by the man who He raised from the dead. (Jesus) Acts 17:30

³¹ For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”

Some of the Athenians became Christ Followers that day after hearing Paul speak, but other laughed in contempt. 

How do you know what or whom you are worshiping? What dominated most of your time this week? What or whom did you spend the most money on this past week? What or whom consumed your thought life? Your answer to these few questions may let you know who or what you worshiped. 

Application


I have someone that I am getting to know who is a practicing Buddhist. She is worshiping, but the focus of her worship is misplaced. Over the next several weeks I will work at sharing with her the reason why trusting in Jesus would be so much better for her than trusting in someone who is dead.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that many people will find true worship in Jesus this Sunday at Christ Fellowship. I pray for my Buddhist friend that her eyes would be open to the truth about Jesus. Work in her heart Lord. Work in her heart. Thank You for all the volunteers that we have serving at CF. It is amazing what You are doing within our fellowship. We give You all the Praise and all the Glory! 

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