Category Archives: Hope

Come On, Lord, Write Your Story On My Heart!

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The world asks…

Is your story still unwritten???

Yes…

But, it’s not my story…

It’s Your story, Lord…

 I want written on my heart!

Don’t write your own story…

Let Him write His story on your heart…

His story is better!!

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Photo by Kenneth Swett

“Write Your Story”

 is a song about being a blank slate

and letting your life be open to whatever story God wants to write.

I think for so many of us

it’s easy to feel like we have to come up with this great plan

for how we’re going to use the gifts God gives us for Him,

but I really feel like He just wants our willingness to be used however He sees fit.

I’ve always tried to live my life with an open hand,

trusting God to take me where He wants to go.

Hopefully this song encourages others to hand God the pen of their lives.” 

-Francesca Battistelli-

http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=17302

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Photo by Kenneth Swett

They say You’re the King of everything The One who taught the wind to sing The Source of the rhythm my heart keeps beating

They say You can give the blind their sight And You can bring the dead to life You can be the hope my soul’s been seekin’

I wanna tell You now that I believe it I wanna tell You now that I believe it I do, that You can make me new, oh

I’m an empty page I’m an open book Write Your story on my heart Come on and make Your mark

Author of my hope Maker of the stars Let me be Your work of art Won’t You write Your story on my heart

Write Your story, write Your story Come on and write Your story, write Your story Won’t You write Your story on my heart

My Life I know it’s never really been mine So do with it whatever You like I don’t know what Your plan is But I know it’s good, yeah

I want my history To be Your legacy Go ahead and show this world What You’ve done in me And when the music fades I want my life to say

I let You write your story, write Your story Write Your story, write Your story

Amen!

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God speaks clearly…

He’s always speaking to us…

Through everything we see, hear, and touch…

Everywhere we go…

He’s given us His book…

The Bible…

The story of who we are…

And the enormous lengths He’s been willing to go through…

To bring us back home!

Slow down and look around you…

God is calling your name!

He’s ready to write your story!!

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Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.”

You’ve Got Mail!! Let’s Read God’s Love Letters!!

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Most of the books of the New Testament are actually letters…

These Epistles contain general Christian teaching…

 And specific instructions for the congregation to which they were addressed…

Paul’s Letters to the Churches:  

 Mail…Florida Style!!

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Romans 1:1-7

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus,

called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 

the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures 

regarding His Son,

who as to His earthly life

was a descendant of David,

and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power

by His resurrection from the dead: 

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 Through Him we received grace and apostleship

to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from

faith for His Name’s sake. 

And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Galatians 1:1-5

“Paul, an apostle—

sent not from men nor by a man, 

but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, 

who raised Him from the dead…

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 

who gave Himself for our sins 

to rescue us from the present evil age, 

according to the will of our God and Father, 

to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.”

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Colossians 1:3-6

“We always thank God, 

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

when we pray for you,

because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus

and of the love you have for all God’s people—

the faith and love that spring from the Hope stored up for you in Heaven 

and about which you have already heard

in the true message of the Gospel that has come to you.

In the same way,

the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—

just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it

and truly understood God’s Grace.”

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1 Timothy 1:1-2

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus

by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our Hope,

To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“I always thank my God for you 

because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 

For in Him you have been enriched in every way—

with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 

God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift 

as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 

He will also keep you firm to the end,

so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

God is faithful, 

who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

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Ephesians 1:3-10

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world 

to be holy and blameless in His sight.

In love He predestined us for adoption to Sonship

through Jesus Christ,

in accordance with His pleasure and will—

to the praise of His glorious grace, 

which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, 

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 

that He lavished on us.

With all wisdom and understanding, 

He made known to us the mystery of His will

according to His good pleasure,

which He purposed in Christ, 

to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—

to bring unity to all things in Heaven and on earth under Christ.”

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1 Thessalonians 1:2-6

“We always thank God for all of you 

and continually mention you in our prayers. 

We remember before our God and Father 

your work produced by faith, 

your labor prompted by love, 

and your endurance inspired by hope 

in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, 

that He has chosen you, 

because our Gospel came to you not simply with words

but also with power, 

with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

You know how we lived among you for your sake. 

You became imitators of us and of the Lord,

for you welcomed the message

in the midst of severe suffering 

with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

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Philemon 1:4-7

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 

because I hear about your love for all His holy people 

and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith

may be effective in deepening your understanding

of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, 

because you, brother,

have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”

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Philippians 1:3-6

“I thank my God every time I remember you. 

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy 

because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day 

until now,

being confident of this,

that He who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion 

until the day of Christ Jesus.”

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Titus 1:1-4

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ

to further the faith of God’s elect

and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 

in the hope of eternal life, 

which God,

who does not lie, 

promised before the beginning of time, 

and which now at His appointed season 

He has brought to light 

through the preaching entrusted to me 

by the command of God our Savior,

To Titus, my true son in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”

Read your mail!!!

My Soul Pants For You, My God!!

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Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water,   

so my soul pants for You, my God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God.   

When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

while people say to me all day long,   

“Where is your God?”

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These things I remember   

as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go to the house of God   

under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise   

among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? 

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Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,   

for I will yet praise Him,   

my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;   

therefore I will remember You

from the land of the Jordan,   

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

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 Deep calls to deep   

in the roar of Your waterfalls;

all Your waves and breakers   

have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs His love,   

at night His song is with me—   

a prayer to the God of my life.

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I say to God my Rock,   

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why must I go about mourning,   

oppressed by the enemy?”

My bones suffer mortal agony   

as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,   

“Where is your God?”

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Why, my soul, are you downcast?   

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,  

for I will yet praise Him,   

my Savior and my God.

Amen!

(P.S.  You’d think these photos might have been taken in NJ, but actually they were taken while we were visiting friends in the Keys.  Our friend, Billy Butler, grabbed my camera while we all quietly watched from the car, and took these beautiful photographs!!!)

Reinhard Bonnke, “America Shall Be Saved!!”

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I was very blessed this year…

To stay at Christian Retreat for two nights…

For our annual Global Christian Ministry Forum Convocation…

http://www.gcmf.org/

Global Christian Ministry Forum International (GCMF Int’l) is a spiritually focused overseeing international presbytery consisting of national leaders from around the world.  The presbytery provides oversight and guidance to GCMF national leaders, working in partnership for the cause of Christ. The mission of Global Christian Ministry Forum International is to link with national Christian leaders and network with them to establish effective ministry organizations in various parts of the world, whereby pastors and Christian leaders can be locally equipped, inspired, and motivated for their unique ministry.

Global Christian Ministry Forum International provides ministry credentials to qualified individuals.  Ministry credentials are issued in conjunction with a national leaders’ recommendation coupled with accountability and oversight at the national level.

I’m a licensed minister with GCMF and

I’ve also spent many weeks over the years at Christian Retreat with

 Kids-A-Fame Camp and

YEX Youth Camp!

Christian Retreat in Bradenton, FL, is certainly…

“an oasis of spiritual refreshment!”

They host conferences, retreats, camping, events, family church, and more…

The facility includes the conference center and church, with hotel style lodging, a cafeteria,

meeting rooms, a gymnasium, a youth center, and outdoor recreation.

As soon as you turn onto Glory Way Boulevard,

you sense the peace that permeates Christian Retreat

located on the banks of the beautiful Manatee River in East Manatee County.

Towering oaks dripping with Spanish moss shade the 110-acre property

that is home to year-round residents, overnight guests, and groups

who use the conference center to host events, meetings and camps.

http://www.christianretreat.org/

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The speakers at the morning and evening services were phenomenal…

Rev. Eugene Weaver, our GCMF President, Pastor Emmanuel Derry from Trinadad, Dr. Phil Derstine, Pastor of Christian Retreat Family Church, which was founded by his Father, Dr. Gerald Derstine.

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The worship/choir music was anointed, also…

Led by Worship Pastor, Rick Giannico, of Glad Tidings Assembly

God has raised Pastor Rick up in this fellowship

and has equipped him to encourage others to fall in love with Jesus

and to make “Melodies from the heart unto the Lord”.

The Lord has blessed Pastor Rick with an ability to write songs, such as;

“‘Indebted”, “‘Lord Of Everything”, “Glory, Glory To The Lamb”‘, “Rescue Me” and several others.

The songs God gives him are specific for a time and season for the ministry of the church.

Pastor Rick has an evident theme of his heart-

Psalm 66:1

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Wuue7UnFA

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On Wednesday evening, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke spoke…

“Don’t think generally,” he said, “As in the country of America will be saved…

Think specifically, as in my family, my friends, my neighbors, my city, my state will be saved!!

Salvation is for everyone…

Every nation…

Christ for all Nations…

Salvation includes all: 

Your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your acquaintances…

Our President?  Yes!!!

People you just met, people you’ve been praying for forever!

Your prayers are answered!

The Lord says, ‘Just like in Africa, America will be saved!

You do the preaching, God brings the people!

When Jesus is next to you, something is about to happen!'”

For the first time in his 35-year ministry history,

internationally known Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

announced that he will host crusades throughout the United States.

Through Good News crusades, Bonnke will travel from city-to-city

to inspire Americans to draw nearer to a relationship with Jesus.

“I’ve recently become a U.S. citizen, and I have come to love my country,

but my heart is burning

as I witness the staggering decline of morals and faith in this nation.

America needs the Gospel like never before.

Despite years of sharing God’s saving message abroad,

I believe God is now calling me to turn my ministry inward

to help America find renewal and revival.”

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Reinhard Bonnke

Evangelist and Founder of Christ For All Nations

http://www.cfan.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinhard_Bonnke

http://reinhardbonnke.com/#&panel1-2

http://reinhardbonnke.com/video/americamissionsubtitles.mp4

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He is known as one with a burning passion for the Gospel,

a vision for Africa and a message for the world.

http://reinhardbonnke.com/author.html

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“God is a consuming fire and God is love.

His touch torches us.

He sets driftwood on fire and makes firebrands of us.

By His flame of love we become burning and shining witnesses of Jesus Christ.”

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“If we are not “fired-up”,

we cannot convey God’s nature to others.

Therefore, everything in this book, One Soul, is about the Bible God of fire,

who fire-baptizes us with his Spirit

and sends us to preach the Good News to all creation.

Anyone who is saved is called to save souls!”

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Live, Work and Pray in the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Millions of people all over the world have been introduced to Jesus

through the ministry of Reinhard Bonnke.

These essential works describe how we too can be an extension of God’s love

by partnering with the Holy Spirit.

With a firsthand account of the mighty manifestations of God at work today,

Bonnke takes a careful look at what Scripture teaches

about the anointing and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus lived, worked, and prayed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel of John

He says, “He who believes in ME,

the works that I do he will do also.”

With this same anointing, we can live this way as well.

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“There is urgency in my heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in America.

My team is now on two active Gospel fronts:

Africa and America.

Evangelist Daniel Kolenda,

http://www.bonnke.net/cfan/en/cfan/daniel-kolenda

Will take over for me in Africa…

He has the same anointing!

Anointing breaks the yoke!

Kick the devil, before you kick the bucket!

I have seen God in His omnipotence in Africa.

Over time our ministry saw 74 million people respond to the call of salvation.

Our God is an awesome God.

Thankfully, believers in America have enabled us financially to bring in this harvest of souls in Africa,

but now ‘the bread cast upon the waters shall return to you.’

God spoke to me that the time had come for a mighty wave of salvation to sweep the USA

from city to city, from state to state, and from coast to coast.

And since Jesus Christ is the same there and here,

I expect no small outcome.

Preach the ABC’s of the Gospel…

The simple message of the Gospel…

So they will understand and received God’s Word…

And be saved!

The key is to bring America to the foot of the Cross!

America shall be saved.”

http://whatgoodnews.com/

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“Reinhard Bonnke is one of the most passionate, faithful and effective evangelists of our generation.”
Joyce Meyer, President – Joyce Meyer Ministries

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“Africa is now being saved!

My work in Africa came paid for mostly by American Christians,

and I am so glad and thankful for their giving hearts,

But God spoke to me and said, ‘I did not send you to America

for the country to just be the offering plate for Africa.

I sent you to America for the sake of Americans.’

God will blow faith across America

In Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, the Lord spoke suddently! 

It was no slight atmospheric change! 

It was like a hurricane!

Hold on for dear life!

A mighty, rushing wind came!

Before the fire!!!!

The human heart is a fireplace, made for the fire of God, made to hold it!

The wind’s purpose is to blow out the ash and get rid of the trash!

We are made for the Gospel, made for His fire!

Tongues of fire!

Which fell on each of the 120 in the upper room!

No super anointed, or double anointed…

One flame of fire on each person was enough, two will kill you!

Everyone, get your own flame!

Not enough to be educated, at the expense of the fire!

Less Holy Spirit, means more cake & coffee…

There’s no substitute for the fire of the Holy Spirit.

There are no copies, you are an original!

Get the flame and serve as you are!

God knew we needed to have power, so He sent the Holy Spirit!

Enjoy Christianity!!!!

It’s a joy to serve You, Lord!

One-hundred and twenty people’s throats announced the Holy Spirit’s arrival…

As He wrapped Himself in them!

Glory to God!

The Holy Spirit needs people!!

The crowd was listening!

Don’t be ashamed of the power of God!

The fire is for keeps!

Get the fire!

Then, once we have it, the fire keeps us burning!!

No stoking necessary…

Permanent, forever!

The Holy Spirit lands on you like on a landing strip…

He doesn’t take off ’til you reach Heaven!

Lord…

Choose me!

Use me!

There is no need for jealousy…

Get your own Holy Spirit…

There’s more than enough for everyone!”

http://reinhardbonnke.com/partners.html

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“In February 2013, we conducted our first crusade in Vero Beach, Florida,

and the Holy Spirit moved mightily.

Then, in September we had our second outreach in the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

There we saw some 20,000 in attendance,

and nearly 2000 people make a decision for Christ!

Now, we will continue across the nation,

Gospel crusade after Gospel crusade, from stadium to stadium.

This is not the day to join the choir of the despaired

but to ‘blow the trumpet of God in Zion.’

This day is the best day ever, because it is the day of salvation.

There will be a crop for God’s glory, not a flop.”

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“Evangelism must always lead into the church.

This is a central truth I have practiced everywhere.

I, the evangelist, bring my nets and borrow the boats of the local churches.

Together we will cast our nets into the human ocean

and pull them in to be emptied on the beach.

My promise to you is not to take a single fish

but to leave them all with the local churches.

Then I will dry and mend my nets and move to the next place.”

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“I am scanning the skies for men and women

who pray and weep for the salvation of America.

As Bill Bright used to say, ‘Let’s leave our logos and egos.’

Let’s rally at the foot of the Cross of Calvary

And preach the Gospel of salvation to the nation.

The Holy Spirit will cooperate.

God is pouring out His Spirit

With glorious indifference to our differences!

He said, ‘I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh.’

And it seems to me He pours Himself into the mold of any vessel.

Please determine how you and your church

can participate in any of these upcoming crusades.”

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“The primary truth about God is that He is the Deliverer, the Emancipator, and the Savior.

He is God only to the free.

Faith is a venture that turns life into an adventure.

Doubts get us nowhere.

They are mooring ropes.

Believing God means we cast off,

like ships designed for riding the high seas and going somewhere.

Faith inspires. Doubt paralyzes.

Faith says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Unbelief does nothing.

Faith in God is exciting. 

I’m an incurable believer, and I don’t want to be cured!

God bless you!” 

Rev. Reinhard Bonnke, Evangelist

hwww.facebook.com/evangelistreinhardbonnkettps://

I walk the streets of London
And notice in the faces passing by
Something that makes me stop and listen
My heart grows heavy with the cry

Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar
As I’m reminded
Every street in London in Yours, oh yes, it is

I walk the dirt roads of Uganda
I see the scars that war has left behind
Hope like the sun is fading
They’re waiting for a cure no one can find

And I hear children’s voices singing
Of a God who heals and rescues and restores
And I’m reminded
That every child in Africa is Yours

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper
Father and Ruler of everything, it’s all Yours

And I walk the sidewalks of Nashville
Like Singapore, Manila and Shanghai
I brush by the beggar’s hand and the wealthy man
And everywhere I look I realize

That just like the streets of London
For every man and woman, boy and girl
All of creation
This is our Father’s world

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper
Father and Ruler of everything

It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God

The glory is Yours, God
All the honor is Yours, God
The power is Yours, God
The glory is Yours, God
You’re the King of kings
And Lord of lords

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
All the greatness and power
The glory and splendor and majesty
Everything is Yours, yeah, it’s all Yours

It’s all Yours
It’s all Yours
It’s all Yours

It’s All Yours, Lord!

Amen!

Bread And Water…That’s Just What We Need!!

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inspired by various people who have touched the country superstar’s life in one way or another.

‘Bread and Water’ is a poignant track about a seemingly homeless man who wanders into a mission looking for food but finding a whole lot more. The Country Music Hall of Famer sat down with The Boot to tell us how his brother Bob, who passed away in 1993, inspired the song.

“‘Bread and Water’ was a song I wrote with Leslie Satcher,” Vince explains. “I threw out this line: ‘One night, he wandered into that old mission.’ The first lines of songs are the most important part of the songs. If you really want to tell a story, that first line has to capture you. I said that line and then got a big lump in my throat and almost teared up. It reminded me of my brother.

“My brother had a rough stretch of life,” continues the country legend. “He had a car wreck at age 21 and was almost killed. He was in a coma for many months and wasn’t expected to live, and he never really fully recovered. He did pretty great considering the depth of the injuries and as a result of it, he would spend some time kinda hobo-ing around and not checking in with us. We didn’t know where he was for periods of time and found out he’s been down in the mission, or working at the Salvation Army or out picking fruit somewhere. So the song is loosely based on my brother.”

– See more at: http://www.vincegill.com/wired/?p=838#sthash.aBVMQ3ZM.dpuf

inspired by various people who have touched the country superstar’s life in one way or another.

‘Bread and Water’ is a poignant track about a seemingly homeless man who wanders into a mission looking for food but finding a whole lot more. The Country Music Hall of Famer sat down with The Boot to tell us how his brother Bob, who passed away in 1993, inspired the song.

“‘Bread and Water’ was a song I wrote with Leslie Satcher,” Vince explains. “I threw out this line: ‘One night, he wandered into that old mission.’ The first lines of songs are the most important part of the songs. If you really want to tell a story, that first line has to capture you. I said that line and then got a big lump in my throat and almost teared up. It reminded me of my brother.

“My brother had a rough stretch of life,” continues the country legend. “He had a car wreck at age 21 and was almost killed. He was in a coma for many months and wasn’t expected to live, and he never really fully recovered. He did pretty great considering the depth of the injuries and as a result of it, he would spend some time kinda hobo-ing around and not checking in with us. We didn’t know where he was for periods of time and found out he’s been down in the mission, or working at the Salvation Army or out picking fruit somewhere. So the song is loosely based on my brother.”

– See more at: http://www.vincegill.com/wired/?p=838#sthash.aBVMQ3ZM.dpuf

inspired by various people who have touched the country superstar’s life in one way or another.

‘Bread and Water’ is a poignant track about a seemingly homeless man who wanders into a mission looking for food but finding a whole lot more. The Country Music Hall of Famer sat down with The Boot to tell us how his brother Bob, who passed away in 1993, inspired the song.

“‘Bread and Water’ was a song I wrote with Leslie Satcher,” Vince explains. “I threw out this line: ‘One night, he wandered into that old mission.’ The first lines of songs are the most important part of the songs. If you really want to tell a story, that first line has to capture you. I said that line and then got a big lump in my throat and almost teared up. It reminded me of my brother.

“My brother had a rough stretch of life,” continues the country legend. “He had a car wreck at age 21 and was almost killed. He was in a coma for many months and wasn’t expected to live, and he never really fully recovered. He did pretty great considering the depth of the injuries and as a result of it, he would spend some time kinda hobo-ing around and not checking in with us. We didn’t know where he was for periods of time and found out he’s been down in the mission, or working at the Salvation Army or out picking fruit somewhere. So the song is loosely based on my brother.”

– See more at: http://www.vincegill.com/wired/?p=838#sthash.aBVMQ3ZM.dpuf

Vince Gill’s latest album, ‘Guitar Slinger,’ is an emotional rollercoaster ride, mixing fun uptempos with tearjerking ballads, along with a few songs that tap into his darker side. All of the project’s tracks, however, have one main thing in common: they’re inspired by various people who have touched the country superstar’s life in one way or another.

‘Bread and Water’ is a poignant track about a seemingly homeless man who wanders into a mission looking for food but finding a whole lot more. The Country Music Hall of Famer sat down with The Boot to tell us how his brother Bob, who passed away in 1993, inspired the song.

“‘Bread and Water’ was a song I wrote with Leslie Satcher,” Vince explains. “I threw out this line: ‘One night, he wandered into that old mission.’ The first lines of songs are the most important part of the songs. If you really want to tell a story, that first line has to capture you. I said that line and then got a big lump in my throat and almost teared up. It reminded me of my brother.

“My brother had a rough stretch of life,” continues the country legend. “He had a car wreck at age 21 and was almost killed. He was in a coma for many months and wasn’t expected to live, and he never really fully recovered. He did pretty great considering the depth of the injuries and as a result of it, he would spend some time kinda hobo-ing around and not checking in with us. We didn’t know where he was for periods of time and found out he’s been down in the mission, or working at the Salvation Army or out picking fruit somewhere. So the song is loosely based on my brother.”

– See more at: http://www.vincegill.com/wired/?p=838#sthash.aBVMQ3ZM.dpuf

All of the tracks on Vince Gill’s album, “Guitar Slinger,” 

have one main thing in common:

They’re inspired by various people

who have touched the country superstar’s life in one way or another.

“Bread and Water”

-is a poignant track about a seemingly homeless man

who wanders into a mission looking for food,

but finds a whole lot more.

Gill’s brother Bob, who passed away in 1993, inspired the song.

“‘Bread and Water’ was a song I wrote with Leslie Satcher,” Vince explains.

“I threw out this line:

‘One night, he wandered into that old mission.’

The first lines of songs are the most important part of the songs.

If you really want to tell a story, that first line has to capture you.

I said that line, and then got a big lump in my throat, and almost teared up.

It reminded me of my brother.

“My brother had a rough stretch of life,”

continued the country legend.

“He had a car wreck at age 21 and was almost killed.

He was in a coma for many months and wasn’t expected to live,

and he never really fully recovered.

He did pretty great considering the depth of the injuries

and as a result of it,

he would spend some time kinda hobo-ing around

and not checking in with us.

We didn’t know where he was for periods of time

and then found out he’s been down in the mission,

or working at the Salvation Army

or out picking fruit somewhere.

So the song is loosely based on my brother.”

Source:

http://www.vincegill.com/wired/?p=838

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Lyrics:

One night he wandered into that old mission

The one out on the poor side of town

He really had no interest in salvation

Just a place to lay his drunk, ole body down

He said, Ma’am I sure am hungry

And I don’t have a penny to my name

Lord knows I hadn’t worked in a month of Sundays

I’m dirty, dead broke, and so ashamed

I need bread and water, ma’am, that’s all I need

Bread and water, and a place to rest my feet

I ain’t too proud to get down on my knees

For bread and water’s free

She said, “You’re always welcome at this table.”

Said, “Brother, you look like you could use a friend

And there’s no need to pay, if you’re not able

‘Cause even Jesus was a homeless man.”

Well, she opened up the Word, and started reading

About the Savior, and the woman at the well

Said, “It ain’t for me to judge this life you’re leading

There’s only two things can save your soul from hell.”

It’s bread and water, man, that’s all you need

Bread and water, and a place to rest your feet

If you ain’t too proud to get down on your knees

The bread and water’s free

When he bowed his head he kinda choked up

They spoke every word of our Lord’s Prayer

He closed his eyes, and never woke up

He’ll find bread and water waiting there

Bread and water, man, that’s all you need

Bread and water, and a place to rest your feet

Bread and water, man, that’s all you need

Bread and water, brother, just believe

If you ain’t too proud to get down on your knees

The bread and water’s free

Bread and water’s free

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John 6:35

Then Jesus declared,

“I am the Bread of Life.

Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry,

and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.”

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John 7:37-38

On the last and greatest day of the festival,

Jesus stood and said in a loud voice,

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.

Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said,

rivers of Living Water will flow from within them.”

Amen!

Here’s Looking At You, “Kidd!” – In Memory Of Justin Kidd…

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I sat outside on my lanai…

With my cup of coffee on a bright sunny day last week…

Reading through some old Pentecostal Evangel magazines…

I have ready outside for just such an opportunity to sit and relax!

I came across an article about “Dave and Robin Kidd, who pastor True North Church (Assemblies of God) in Minerva, Ohio, and offer marriage seminars through their Binding Hearts Marriage and Family Ministries.  The Kidd family suffered the destruction of their home to a fire on the night of April 27, 2013.   Their son, Justin, 20, was unable to get out of his basement bedroom, and perished in the fire. The Kidds have continued in ministry during the months following Justin’s death, and reflect this Thanksgiving on the blessing of his life.”

To read the entire interview with

Scott Harrup, Pentecostal Evangel managing editor…

Go to:

http://www.pe.ag.org/archives/connections.cfm

Oh, my heart broke for them…

I have a 23 year-old son…

  I can’t even begin to imagine such a thing…

I prayed, Lord, please comfort them…

Then, I noticed that his parents mentioned…

 He had a blog on WordPress…

And that it was very popular with his youth group…

As I read his posts…

I, first of all, felt the love he had as a youth pastor…

And I was so amazed at the spiritual maturity of this 20 year-old!

(Please check out his entire blog and pray for his family)

http://justinkidder.wordpress.com/

For instance…

I reblogged an awesome post by Reality of Christ last June…

Debunking the lie that God won’t give us more than we can handle!

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/debunked-god-wont-give-us-more-than-we-can-handle/?preview=true&preview_id=7942&preview_nonce=2bf23c0624&post_format=standard

And Justin had posted the same topic to his youth group!

It caught my attention, because…

I had just counseled one of our young adults on the same subject!

God gives us more than we can handle…

God asks us to do difficult things…

But, we aren’t expected to do them alone…

We’re expected to depend on Him and not on our own understanding!!

Here’s

Justin’s Post of Apr. 18, 2013

Can You Handle?

One of the most common things you will hear people say is simply this: “God Will Not Give You More Than You Can Handle.” Seriously…I have lost count of how many times I have heard this said. Not only have I heard it numerous times, I am also guilty of saying this myself over the years…But here is the thing..It actually is another one of the lies that we buy..Before I started studying the word of god, and actually getting to know him better over the last year I have learned that this is actually in fact false.

This Statement, is actually misquoted scripture coming from 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says simply this:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be TEMPTED beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Saying that God will not give you more than you can handle, and saying he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, IS NOT THE SAME! Temptation is not circumstances..they are separate. You will be tempted and Tested in life, but as it says with the temptation will come a way out so you can endure the temptation, but he didn’t say he wouldn’t give us problems we couldn’t handle. This is why so many people misquote this scripture.

I in fact now believe the opposite. God does in fact give us more than we can handle. This is for the sole purpose of our need for his divine intervention. We alone can not handle..but with his help we can. That is why he allows test/trials.

Yes the saying God won’t give you more than you can handle sounds good..but here is the catch…just because something sounds good…doesn’t mean its true or biblical. There are plenty of things out there in the world that people will tell you that sounds great, but as I said, that doesn’t mean it is true.

I in fact now believe the opposite. God does in fact give us more than we can handle. This is for the sole purpose of our need for his divine intervention. We alone can not handle..but with his help we can. That is why he allows test/trials.

So what is my challenge to my readers this week?

Before believing anything you hear, go to gods word first. As I already said, just because it sounds good, that doesn’t mean it is true. CHECK IT!

This is a new thing that is new to my youth, since this is what I preached last night, but I have been doubting myself and this message since last night, and just now my Aunt turned on a movie, and it just had a scene that I caught and in the scene this message was just taught by the pastor in the movie, so to me this was a confirmation that this is what was to be shared. And for that I thank god for. I needed that myself.

I just loved his passion for God…

 For God’s Word…

And for the youth he worked with!

Here’s another one of his posts…

Perfectly Broken

An excerpt from Justin’s post on March 28th, 2013:

1.) If we think we are perfect, we simply are not real and we are empty.

2.) We are perfect at one thing…..being broken!

3.) We are imperfect and broken people being brought back together by the Perfect God!

4.) The sooner we stop trying to achieve the perfect life, the sooner we can start focusing on things that matter more, and do greater and better things!

Rest in God’s Peace, Justin…

You truly left a legacy of trust in God’s Word!

Amen!

Need A Revelation? Sing A New Song!

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Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus Your Name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery

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2 Corinthians 5:21

“God made Him

who had no sin

to be sin for us,

so that in Him

we might become

the righteousness of God.”

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Revelation 4:8

“Each of the four living creatures

had six wings

and was covered with eyes all around,

even under his wings.

Day and night they never stop saying:

‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,

who was,

and is,

and is to come.'”

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Revelation 22:1-21

Eden Restored

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,

as clear as crystal,

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

down the middle of the great street of the city.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life,

bearing twelve crops of fruit,

yielding its fruit every month.

And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 

No longer will there be any curse.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city,

and his servants will serve Him.

They will see His face,

and His name will be on their foreheads.

There will be no more night.

They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,

for the Lord God will give them light.

And they will reign for ever and ever.”

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John and the Angel

“The angel said to me,

‘These words are trustworthy and true.

The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets,

sent His angel to show His servants

the things that must soon take place.’

‘Look, I am coming soon!

Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’

I, John,

am the one who heard and saw these things.

And when I had heard and seen them,

I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel

who had been showing them to me.

But he said to me,

‘Don’t do that!

I am a fellow servant with you

and with your fellow prophets

and with all who keep the words of this scroll.

Worship God!’

Then he told me,

‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll,

because the time is near.

Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong;

let the vile person continue to be vile;

let the one who does right continue to do right;

and let the holy person continue to be holy.’

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Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

‘Look, I am coming soon!

My reward is with Me,

and I will give to each person

according to what they have done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the First and the Last,

the Beginning and the End. 

Blessed are those who wash their robes,

that they may have the right to the tree of life

and may go through the gates into the city.

Outside are the dogs,

those who practice magic arts,

the sexually immoral,

the murderers,

the idolaters

and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

 I, Jesus,

have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

I Am the Root

and the Offspring of David,

and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say,

‘Come!’

And let the one who hears say,

‘Come!’

Let the one who is thirsty come;

and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:

If anyone adds anything to them,

God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.

And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy,

God will take away from that person

any share in the tree of life

and in the Holy City,

which are described in this scroll.

He who testifies to these things says,

‘Yes, I Am coming soon.

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus

be with God’s people.

Amen.'”

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Life’s Not A Snapshot…Hang In There!!

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                          (Photos taken by my husband)

Galatians 6:9

“Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time

we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up.”

Got a story of rejection???

Defeat???

Trials??

Pain???

Hurts???

Mistakes???

Uncertainty???

Regrets???

Hardship???

Indecision???

Doubts???

Walking in darkness???

Are you scared???

Need some faith???

Some direction???

Is life a bumpy roller coaster ride???

Need some Light in your life???

RIGHT NOW???

To find your way???

Be Brave!

Have Courage!

You’re Not Alone!!

He’s Holding You!

Step Out!

Dare To Believe!

Press On! 

Hang On For The Long Ride!

Fight The Good Fight!

Wait For The Light!

The Dawn Does Come!

This Is Just The Dark Before The Morning!!

Life Is Not A Snapshot!

It May Take Awhile!

Take Some Processing Time!

Processing Time For Your Miracle!

For Your Circumstances To Be Changed!

Through God’s Perfect Plan For You!

For Your Life!!

Hang On!

“Til He Shows You The Bigger Picture!

His Panoramic View!

Of Your Life!

Believe!!

It’s His Best Plan For you!

In The Meantime…

Wait Patiently!

With Great Expectation!

And Use Your Experiences!

To Help Others Along The Way!

Just Wait A Little Longer!

Don’t Feel Compelled To Try To “HELP” God!!

He Doesn’t Need Your Help!

Trust Him Completely!

Amen!!

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Lyrics:

Do you wonder why you have to,
Feel the things that hurt you,
If there’s a God who loves you,
Where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Some day, some how, you’ll see, you’ll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
’cause the pain you’ve been feeling,
Can’t compare to the joy that’s coming

So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you’ve been feeling,
It’s just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
And you know where you’re going,
You just don’t know how you get there
So just say a prayer.

And hold on, cause there’s good for those who love God,
Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
But you’ll see the bigger picture

Once you feel the way of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory

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Lamentations 3:22-24

“Because of the Lord’s great love

we are not consumed,   

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;   

great is Your faithfulness.

I say to myself,

‘The Lord is my portion;   

therefore I will wait for Him.'”

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Yes…

Say this to yourself ever day!!

To walk the walk of Faith in our Mighty God!

Amen!

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Psalm 30:5

“His anger lasts only a moment,   

His goodness for a lifetime.

Tears may flow in the night,   

but joy comes in the morning.”

One-Stop Shopping!

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Don’t you love that???

That one place…

Can and does…

Have everything we need!!

For instance…

Yesterday…

I needed to pick-up a prescription…

Get tissue paper to donate to our county homeless shelter…

Get chips for our Fall Kick-Off  BBQ at church on Sunday…

Purchase a pair of cargo shorts for my son…

Get cookies and snacks for drama practice…

Hunt for that new Windex Pump thing…

So I can wipe my counters and go!!

I found it all!!

At my neighborhood Wal-Mart!!

You can, too!!

In this economy…

Why go anywhere else???

No Way!

The price is too high!

Our Jesus…

Is one-stop shopping!!

Everything you need is within…

His Name!

Why run all around???

Looking in all the wrong places…

When what you need is…

In Him???

In Him you have…

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Don’t go anywhere else…

The price you’ll pay is too high!!

Some of His Divine Names…

He is:

Jesus

YahwehSaves/Helps/Is Salvation

Healer

Emmanuel-God With Us

Christ-The Son of the Living God

The Anointed One

Lord-Master

Logos-The Word

Son of God-Divinity

Son of Man-His Earthly Life

Lamb of God-Savior of the World

New Adam/Second Adam/Last Adam-Redemption

Light of the World-Blind Will See

Bread of Life-We will Not Hunger

King of the Jews-As He’s Led to the Crucifixion

Rabbi-My Great Teacher

I Am-Being of All Things

Apostle-Representing God to Humanity

High PriestRepresenting Humanity to God

Prophet-Divine Revelation Through God

ParacleteComforter

AlmightyAlpha and Omega

First and Last

Beginning and End

Yeshua

Messiah-The Anointed One

God Is:

Yahweh-The God is Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

El-Mighty, Strong, Prominent

Elohim-God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

Adonai-Lord, Master

El-Shaddai-God All Sufficient

Jehovah-Jireh-The Lord Will Provide

Jehovah-Rophe-The Lord Who Heals

Jehovah-NissiThe Lord Our Banner

Jehovah-M’KaddeshThe Lord Who Sanctifies

Jehovah-ShalomThe Lord Our Peace

Jehovah-Rohi-The Lord Our Shepherd

Jehovah-Tsidkenu-The Lord Our Righteousness

Jehovah-Shammah-The Lord is There

Jehovah-Sabaoth-The Lord Of Hosts

Yeshua-Savior

Our Judge

Abba Father– Creator

King Of Kings

Lord Of Lords

Ancient of Days

Most High

One True God

I Am That I Am

Jehovah

Most High

YHWHThe Name

Call His Name!!

The list of needs…

He can meet for you is endless!!

Cry out to the…

Lord Most High!

We can rely on…

His Name…

Jesus Christ!

May you be completely filled with…

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord!!

Amen!

 *To see additional Names of Jesus/God, go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_and_titles_of_Jesus_in_the_New_Testament

http://bibleresources.org/names-of-jesus/

http://www.abetterhope.com/whois/titles.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_God

http://www.ldolphin.org/names.html

You’re Beautiful, My Sweet, Sweet Song!!

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You Are My Jesus Who Loves Me!

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Ephesians 2:4-5

“But because of His great love for us,

God, who is rich in mercy,

made us alive with Christ

even when we were dead in transgressions—

it is by grace you have been saved.”

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Proverbs 8:17

“I love those who love Me,   

and those who seek Me

find Me.”

You are beautiful my sweet, sweet song!

And I will sing again…

You are so good to me..

You heal my broken heart…

You are my Father in Heaven!

You are beautiful my sweet, sweet song!

You ride upon the clouds…

You lead me to the Truth…

You are the Spirit inside me!

You are my strong melody…

You are my dancing rhythm…

You are my perfect rhyme…

I will sing of You forever!

You poured out all Your Blood…

You died upon the Cross!

You are my Jesus who loves me!!

Oh, You’re beautiful my sweet, sweet, Lord!!

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1 John 4:9-11

This is how God showed His love among us:

He sent His One and Only Son

into the world that we might live through Him.

This is love:

not that we loved God,

but that He loved us

and sent His Son

as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Dear friends,

since God so loved us,

we also ought to love one another.”

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Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is with you,   

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;   

in His love He will no longer rebuke you,   

but will rejoice over you with singing.”

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Job 34:18

“…who shows no partiality to princes   

and does not favor the rich over the poor,   

for they are all the work of His hands?” 

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“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.  – Augustine

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However, as it is written:

‘What no eye has seen,   

what no ear has heard,

and what no human mind has conceived—   

the things God has prepared for those who love Him—'”

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I love You, Lord!

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I will sing of You forever!!

Amen!