Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
They demonstrate God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. (NLT) -Romans 2:15
Do you ever get a feeling inside convicting you to take an action? Sometimes we fight and wrestle and don't want to give money to the needy or raise our hand in worship or whatever you are feeling compelled to do. When we resist too long the moment will pass us by and we are left wondering, or worse, seeing the consequences. But giving in to our conscience and taking action feels good when we know we are doing right. Is there something you are feeling convicted about? Take action now!
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Thursday, October 29, 2015
If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (NLT) -James 1:26
Our tongues can get the better of us if we let them. But it doesn't have to be that way if we work on improving control over our tongue. When our tongue goes uncontrolled it allows others to connect the things we say to what we profess to believe. Let's not let our uncontrolled tongues negate all that we stand for and who we believe in. Put your effort in holding back your tongue as an effort to improve your self-control.
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A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT) -Proverbs 17:17
It's almost expected for our friends to be loyal and our family to help but there is a precursor to this that we don't always think about. These relationships need to be nurtured. Have you reached out to a friend lately to offer some help or simply meet for lunch? Make an effort to engage in an activity together with a friend or family member. Building your relationships will not go unnoticed over time.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. (NLT) -Philippians 4:5
This verse isn't asking us to put on a show and make it obvious for everyone to see that we are considerate. Instead it is saying our consideration should be so well thought out it becomes obvious to the amount of thought involved. What does consideration look like? Anticipate others' needs, have empathy, tolerate personality differences, use basic manners or even being punctual. Focus on one area of consideration you can work on improving today.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. (NLT) -John 14:11
Much of the work Jesus did on earth was miracles he performed. However, in present day we discount the credibility of miracles because we rely heavily on reason and logic but a large portion of believing in miracles is having faith in God. Is there an area in your life where a miracle is needed? Maybe it's in your relationships, finances or in your heart. Don't give up on believing. Miracles can and do happen but only through your faith in God.
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Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
-Luke 17:22-25
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For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. (NLT) -Ephesians 5:25
The second part is the challenge to all. Being loving is good but is your action the result of giving or getting? One way of showing your love is by encouragement. Encourage her in her good deeds even if it diminishes your pride. Put her first always like God did for us.
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Monday, October 26, 2015
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT) -James 1:1
This passage was written by James, the brother of Jesus. We as humans see our siblings realistically with their faults and failures. Isn't it against the norm to hear one man say their brother was the Son of God? Doesn't this lend more authenticity to Christ when even his own brother admitted his divinity to be true? Keep this in mind when other people challenge your faith.
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A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (NLT) -Proverbs 27:12
The difference between the prudent and the simpleton is in their response to danger signs. When the dentist mentions to work on flossing, the prudent person changes their daily habit. By blindly moving forward and not taking action, we are forced to take more painful action later on such as having a difficult conversation, foreclosure, or painful oral surgery. What danger do you foresee that you could take action on today?
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Sunday, October 25, 2015
Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food." (NLT) -Genesis 1:29
We are blessed with a God who provided for us from the very beginning. He still does today, when we have food in our cupboard. However, not everyone receives the same blessings you and I have. Let's share our blessings with others and provide for others as God has done for us. God sees this and brings you flowers every spring.
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Saturday, October 24, 2015
“Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool, saying, ‘Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy.’”
-Psalm 132: 7-9
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No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (NLT) -Hebrews 12:11
When you are training for a marathon, it's often helpful to have a coach guide and correct you. Waking up early in the morning, practicing in the rain, and enduring through the cold elements challenge your discipline. A coach keeps you accountable and ensures you stay on track. Yet, there is no feeling quite like finishing a marathon. When your Coach pushes your limits remember you are preparing for a marathon. It may be painful, but you can push through.
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Faith's Checkbook: Godly Stability
Jer 15:20 - And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/october/24
Friday, October 23, 2015
If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. (NLT) -Proverbs 15:32
Discipline can be a hard thing to take, especially as an adult when we are so used to getting everything our way. But isn't it true that when you fight discipline it only makes things worse? Those who fight it end up feeling the pain much harsher. Public figures who deny scandals and later turn out to be true are disciplined much harsher. Don't fight it and grow.
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But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
-Luke 5:30-32
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And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (NLT) -Deuteronomy 6:5
We all have some passions in life. Why not pour your passion into God? What does that entail? Just think about the actions you take when doing something that you love. You think about it all day. You want to spend all your time on it. You put it first above all other things. Now channel all those actions towards God and you will see grace filter through your day leaving behind anger, guilt and selfishness.
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Thursday, October 22, 2015
Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
-Psalm 98: 7-9
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People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night's sleep. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 5:12
A good sleep does always come after a physically exhausting day. There's nothing like a good night's rest when you wake energized and refreshed in the morning. However, if you are unable to sleep because you are kept awake at 3:15 a.m. worrying about possessions, you may want to take a closer look at your priorities. Is that possession really worth what it is costing you in sleep every night, patience towards others, or attitude during the day?
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. (NLT) -Psalm 4:4
Your face gets flushed, your blood begins to get hot, and your head begins to throb. These are physical signs that anger is beginning to control you in the moment. When our anger gets out of control there is never a good result. In such situations, the smartest thing is to remain silent and take some time to think overnight. In the morning, after time has passed, it's easier to respond with a calmer stance.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2015
It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 5:5
Obligation, guilt, reciprocate, these are only a few reasons that cause us to make promises whether or not we intend on keeping them. When we don't follow through on our promises this leaves other people let down and frustrated. Or something even worse happens, they begin to not trust in our future promises. It's challenging, but let's practice committing only to promises we know we can keep and intentionally following through on those we have already made.
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If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. (NLT) -1 John 2:4
Having a relationship with Jesus will keep you grounded and leaning into a growing faith. A growing faith is a good sign. In a relationship, truth is spoken, conviction is felt, and confidence in God strengthens. Walk in the truth and obey God's commandments. Was there a time in your life when you weren't living in the truth? What were the circumstances?
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Monday, October 19, 2015
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. (NLT) -Proverbs 25:28
Hundreds of years ago, city walls were a source of protection from invading forces. In the same way city walls protect a city, Solomon is also saying self-control protects a person from outside attacks. A few areas people may struggle with balance is emotion, financial, verbal, food consumption, etc. What areas do you struggle with self-control?
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Sunday, October 18, 2015
My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
-Psalm 57: 7-11
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"To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away." (NLT) -Matthew 25:29
Are you spending each day utilizing your God given talents? If not, think about doing things that take advantage of your special talents and then put a lot of muscle behind it. When we make wise choices and use our talents to the fullest extent, success follows.
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Saturday, October 17, 2015
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. (NLT) -Romans 12:15
In times of happiness and sadness it is important to serve others in their need. Not only does it give an opportunity to serve others but it also helps in loosening a hard heart. It's such a pleasure to walk with someone through a time of laughter or weeping. When was the last time you walked with someone through one of those times?
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The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. (NLT) -Proverbs 18:22
A woman should be so engaged with Christ that she loses herself in knowing the Lord. When this happens, a man seeks the Holy Spirit in the woman first in order to learn more about her. This brings favor from the Lord.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless - like chasing the wind. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 4:4
What drives you and your purpose in being successful? Do you resent your neighbor because of what they have? The wrong motives for success can keep you from actually enjoying success. Otherwise, you will never become successful in your own eyes. There will always be someone more successful to come along. As Solomon says, keeping up with the Jones' is fruitless.
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Thursday, October 15, 2015
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever! (NLT) -Psalm 89:1
Upon what conditions do you give your love? Or is love a condition of good behavior? When someone we love does things or makes decisions that we disagree with, that's not the time to use our love as a tool for manipulation. Unconditional love is pure and everlasting regardless of behavior. Is there anyone who doesn't deserve your unconditional love? That's exactly the person you should focus on loving.
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Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. (NLT) -Romans 13:8
If you don't show your love for someone, it may appear to others that they are not loved. Are you sidetracked by your busy day that you're forgetting the little things? Those little things add up and become powerful enough to send the wrong message. Overcome this and send a loving message. What speaks to your loved one? If it's confidence, encourage them. If it's feeling pretty, compliment them. If it's strength, support them. Fulfilling this law will honor God.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. (NLT) -Proverbs 23:4
Do you know when to quit? Is enough really ever enough? Not only is wisdom important in quitting, but so is self-discipline. Isn't it financially true, just as you are about to reach quitting time something shiny and new comes along and becomes more important. Know when to quit, finish it out, and stay finished.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. (NLT) -Psalm 145:8
Who better to model after than our Lord. While we tend to both break and mend our love for one another, God always loves us even when we do wrong. While we get angry and hurt others emotionally, God is slow to get angry. If you could be more like Christ, just imagine how peaceful you would be. Be patient, loving and understanding especially to your loved ones even if they deserve otherwise.
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Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. (NLT) -Proverbs 21:23
Sometimes emotions can get the best of us and cause us to say words we don't truly mean. Or we are charged with emotions and choose words with different implications than we intended. When you get in this state do your best to stabilize and then try to communicate emotions when you can better watch your tongue.
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Faith's Checkbook: If, and a Triple Promise
2 Chr 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/october/13
Friday, October 09, 2015
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. (NLT) -Nahum 1:7
Our God provides us with a shelter to protect us from life’s troubles. The question is whether we accept his protection. When you run into a wall or trip over hurdles, it’s easy to feel defeated. If you travel through life with God, He will most definitely give you strength to overcome them and peace to enjoy it. Have you talked to God lately about the troubles you are facing?
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Thursday, October 08, 2015
Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love. -1 Corinthians 13:13
The greatest of these may be love, but don't underestimate the power of hope. When we are in our deepest depths of despair, it is hope that keeps us going when it's hard to get out of bed. Have you lost sight of our hope? Our hope is everlasting. Our hope is full of grace. Our hope is in Christ Jesus.
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Their minds are full of darkness; they wandered far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. (NLT) -Ephesians 4:18
Our heart becomes hardened when we choose to ignore that inner feeling inside which nudges us to do or say something. When this feeling is ignored too many times the heart becomes insensitive to conviction and it becomes hardened. It's important to realize the impact of our actions or inactions. Have you declined your compassion to others with a hard heart?
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As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlastin the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
-Psalm 103: 13-18
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Wednesday, October 07, 2015
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (NLT) -Psalm 119:105
When you find yourself in sticky situations, it's important to arm yourself with God's word. The way it translates into real life is through memorizing scripture. You will find that the word of God comes to mind when you need it most. Go ahead and prepare yourself by choosing a verse each week to tuck into your heart.
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Tuesday, October 06, 2015
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. (NLT) -Colossians 2:13
Do you behave like someone who has been forgiven of their sinful nature? Do you dance with joy, sing out loud, and forgive those who wrong you? These are only a few qualities of a forgiven person. If not, focus on the undeserved grace you've been given, then you can experience the joy. God has wiped away our sins, so let's act like it.
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Monday, October 05, 2015
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NLT) -Matthew 5:48
We all know that we are far from perfect. Perfection doesn't have to be the end goal, but rather a path in the right direction. Are you heading in the right direction? Perfection might be to love someone who has harmed you in the past. That may be a difficult and seemingly impossible thing to do, but have you thought about simply sending them a pleasant card or gift? The important point is to strive to be more God-like by moving in the right direction.
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Sunday, October 04, 2015
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
-Psalm 40: 1-3
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If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. (NLT) -Galatians 6:3
Do not read this passage and think our heavenly father does not see us as important, because he does. Instead, it points out that we are capable of fooling our own selves. Be careful not to deceive yourself by thinking that you are too important to help others. This passage should make us think: what else are we fooling ourselves about?
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Friday, October 02, 2015
Fear of the Lord is the Foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. (NLT) -Proverbs 9:10
Does anyone ever try to learn bad judgment? No, they would be foolish to do so! Everyone wants to be considered wise and perceptive. This scripture is telling us that we can be blessed with more wisdom. It starts by fearing the Lord and seeking to know more about God.
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Thursday, October 01, 2015
No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT) -Romans 8:39
Isn't it refreshing to know that we can always count on God to love us? Even when we are unable to love ourselves, God will. How freeing it is to know that you can be in a relationship with God where nothing you can do, say, or think will ever halt His burning love for you. Rest in God's love.
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As a boy I decided from the beginning that I did not want to sin against the God of Heaven. I wanted to honor God, my little heart was so loving, so deep, so sincere, innocent and pure. I loved talking with Jesus, it was just life that He was there and speaking to me and He explained everything in ways that I was able to understand. I could hear Him clear as a bell, undistrupted, uninhibited. The conversation never ended, it was just a constant.
As I experienced life, the only thing that I was able to cling to were the hopes in His promises. Eventually events occured that caused trauma as life ambled on, my mind was bombarded by a world that was beyond my comprehension or ability to bare; God held a broken child through it all, blind and confused still somehow crying to the Almighty for the peace that passes all understanding in the midst of the chaos. Sins and abominations and abhorrent actions and words escaped my tongue and flesh, a fearful heart corrupted by confusion and a youthful clinging to a promise given, yet an observant mind that somehow always missed that golden goose. Unable to bridle or withstand of my own strength or accord I constantly sought Him, yet was I given over to blindness and deafness; still small voice, that was the only hope for so many years.
Today I sit writing of Him while face the eviction on the tenth of this month, this morning I sit thanking Jesus for bringing me this far.
I would wish to expound on the prayers of my heart as they do differ greatly from my words as I was injured by the beating that I received yet did Christ heal me and restore me as does He continue to do at the present. My heart cries for the grace of God to cover each and every person that I have every known or connected to be it directly or by proxy, that His Holy Spirit would work in each of us according the gracious kindnesses of His Perfect Will. My heart exclaims thanks and praises to the Most High for each person that I have known and the greatest love for each and everyone. My heart cries for wisdom and discernment from that gracious loving spirit for each person. I thank God for the trials that He brings us through and for the joys that He blesses us with. I thank God for YOU! And I Praise Our Heavenly Father for your place in His Plan and for guiding your steps according to His Beautiful Heart for He alone maketh each moment and each event to accord to perfection and harmony. I Glorify and Magnify the Most High with the all of this little heart because it is truthfully all that I have, and that is beyond measure when there is no money; when you have been broken and offended your family and friends, when God promised.
As I do not ask ordinarily for donations, and I am passive in pressing for collections not for being offended but rather for my own faith that God will provide; I suppose maybe my heart truly doesn't push for money as others do, yet it is nice to have a living and these things have been my growing up but also my heart and my art. I do say my whilest I will acknowledge that I have so many artist friends who have aided throughout the years, and I have loved them with the love of God. We have sinned together and prayed together fallen to hell and been redeemed from the flames. By the grace of God many of us still stand on the faith that God is Good and graciously loving towards His Children and His Creation. That being said, I do state that these are my gifts from my Heavenly Father shared on faith that they would produce a living. I do not care for all of my words or songs or inspirations but I pray about them fervently and I have devoted myself to this art to the point of desolation on many occassions because this world has truly been a hateful world seeking self destruction for Lucifer would much prefer to undo God's Will that it would cease to exist rather than face an eternity in hell, yet the Holy Spirit did remind this spirit that the Heavenly Father would not allow variance nor rewording of His Word. Thus the young man prays and sings and shares and excerises the creativity he was blessed with in the full faith that His Heavenly Father would deliver him from the spirits that pervert, steal from His Kingdom and destroy His Children because God is Holy so the heart of His Children seek after holiness ceaselessly calling to Christ Jesus for instruction and guidance. Thus simply stated, donations are appreciated; and much needed as these artworks are strictly donation supported.
Thank you and God Bless you through blessed and Holy Spirit of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and as in all things to God be all Glory Honor and Praise. Shalom
Beachem Paul Cockroft
10.01.2015
bcockro@gmail.com for paypal donations if the Holy Spirit moves your heart.
Note: So are all ministry writings and all ministry pages that I am associated with, thus the load is taxing in a finance driven society when one has no finances. Shalom
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