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Quebrantada pero no derrotada (Broken but not Defeated)
El sacrificio que sí deseas es un espíritu quebrantado; Tú no rechazarás un corazón quebrantado y arrepentido, oh Dios. Salmo 51:17 NTV Cuando escuchamos la palabra “quebrantamiento”, inmediatamente imaginamos algo que no se puede arreglar: un cobarde, alguien que tiene un complejo de inferioridad o alguien que tiene baja autoestima. Me he aferrado a estas mentiras durante muchos años. Pero el Señor me ha mostrado el significado de lo que es el verdadero quebrantamiento. Según el Salmo 51:17: El sacrificio que sí deseas es un espíritu quebrantado; Tú no rechazarás un corazón quebrantado y arrepentido, oh Dios. He enfrentado muchas pruebas y tormentas en mi vida. Recibí una factura esta…
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Broken But Not Defeated
“The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalm 51:17 NLT When we hear the word ‘brokenness,’ we immediately picture something that can’t be fixed: a wimp, someone with an inferiority complex, or someone with low self-esteem. I’ve held onto these lies for many years. But the Lord has shown me the meaning of what true brokenness is. According to Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” I have faced many trials and storms in my life. I received a bill this week that…
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Consequences Of Not Knowing How to Handle Your Anger.
And “don’t sin by letting your anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesian 4:26 New Living Translation) When I was younger, I recall my grandmother always telling my siblings and I, right before we went to bed, not to let the sun go down while we were angry. As a child, I didn’t realize she was trying to teach us something; I assumed it was part of her evening prayers. Of course, her words remained in my heart for years, even today. I can still clearly recall a day when my late husband became quite angry at me. He was a…
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Remain in Me
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NLT Today, I woke up with a heavy heart. The memories were overwhelming my heart. I went to the Lord and lay my heart and the pain as I cried out to Him and told Him that my heart could no longer bear the pain and regrets of the past. “Lord, why can I let go? Help me, Jesus, I can’t do this without you,” I said. Suddenly, the Lord led me to read John…
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From Death To Life
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Buscando a Dios en la viña (Looking for God in the Vineyard)
Yo soy la vid verdadera, y mi Padre es el viñador. Él corta de mí toda rama que no produce fruto y poda las ramas que sí dan fruto, para que den aún más. Juan 15:1-2, NTV Como dije anteriormente, mis amigos y yo hemos estado estudiando Scouting the Divide de Margaret Feinberg. En nuestro último devocional vimos a Dios como nuestro Buen Pastor y cómo trató a las personas de manera diferente según sus necesidades. Hoy veremos la relación entre Dios y la vid y la importancia de que Jesús sea la vid y nosotros los ramas. Mis hijas me sorprendieron con un viaje de fin de…
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Searching for God in the Vineyard
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John 15:1-2, NLT As I previously stated, my friends and I have been studying “Scouting the Divide by Margaret Feinberg. In our last devotional, we saw God as our Good Shepherd and how He treated people differently depending on their needs. Today we’ll look at the relationship between God and the Vine. And the importance of Jesus being the Vine and us as the branches. My daughters surprised me with a weekend trip…
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Llámame (Call Out To Me)
Pídeme y te daré a conocer secretos sorprendentes que no conoces acerca de lo que está por venir. Jeremías 33:3 NTV El pasado domingo por la noche, mi alma se sintió inquieta. Sentí preocupación, miedo en mi corazón, como si algo imprevisible estuviera a punto de suceder. Pasé tiempo con Jesús, pero no me senté y hablé con Él sobre cómo me sentía. Luego, mientras me preparaba para acostarme, el Espíritu Santo me instó a tocar la canción Famous For (I Believe) de Tauren Wells y Jenn Johnson. Empecé a llorar cuando escuché la canción y comencé a hablar en el Espíritu No tena idea de por qué estaba…
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Call Out to Me
Ask me, and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. Jeremiah 33:3 NLT Sunday night, my soul felt restless. I felt this worry, concern, and fear in my heart, as though something unforeseeable was about to happen. I spent time with Jesus, but I didn’t sit down and talk with Him about how I felt. Then, as I was getting ready to go to bed, the Holy Spirit prompted me to play the song “Famous For (I Believe)” by Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson. I started to cry as I heard the song and started speaking in the Spirit. I had no idea…
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El buen pastor y sus ovejas (The Good Shepherd and His Sheep)
Alimentará su rebaño como un pastor; llevará en sus brazos los corderos y los mantendrá cerca de su corazón. Guiará con delicadeza a las ovejas con crías. Isaías 40:11 NLT En nuestro devocional anterior, “Nuestro Buen Pastor”, aprendimos acerca de Jesús como el Buen Pastor y las cualidades únicas de un buen pastor: Está dispuesto a arriesgar su vida para proteger a sus ovejas. A sus ovejas llama por su nombre, y ellas conocen su voz. Él mantiene seguras a sus ovejas. Él guía a las ovejas. Las corrige cuando es necesario. Siempre vigila a sus ovejas. Él lleva a las ovejas a pastos verdes donde pueden comer con…
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The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11 NLT) In our previous devotional, “Our Good Shepherd,” we learned about Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the unique qualities of a good shepherd. He is willing to risk his life to protect his sheep. He calls his sheep by name, and they know his voice. He keeps his sheep safe. He guides the sheep. He corrects them when needed. He always keeps an eye on his sheep. He leads the sheep into green pastures…
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Broken But Not Defeated
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Mi Buen Pastor
Yo soy el buen pastor; conozco a mis ovejas, y ellas me conocen a mí, como también mi Padre me conoce a mí, y yo conozco al Padre. Así que sacrifico mi vida por las ovejas. Juan 10:14-15 NLT Mis amigos y yo decidimos estudiar el libro, Explorando lo Divino: Buscando a Dios en el Vino, la Lana y la Miel Silvestre, de Margaret Feinberg. El título despertó mi interés. Como soy una chica de ciudad que nunca ha estado en una granja, desconozco el significado espiritual de las ovejas, el vino y la miel silvestre. Pero estaba emocionada porque sabía que había una razón por la que Dios…
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Our Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 NLT My friends and I decided to study the book “Scouting the Divine: Searching for God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey” by Margaret Feinberg. The title piqued my interest. Since I’m a city girl who has never been on a farm, I am unaware of the spiritual significance of sheep, wine, and wild honey. But I was excited because I knew there was a reason God selected this book for us to study. So…
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Our Unchanging Father
We were able to learn a few of our Father’s characteristics in our devotional “You Can Count on Me.” Our Father is seen as all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, and always faithful to His Word throughout the Scriptures. Today, we’re going to get to know our Father more intimately. God loves us and demonstrated it to us by sending Jesus to die in our place and receive the punishment we deserved. 1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (New International Version) Furthermore, we learn from Psalm 100:5, “For the…
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There’s Joy in Everything
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Ustedes pueden contar conmigo (You can count on Me)
Así que, hermanos, mediante la sangre de Jesús, tenemos plena libertad para entrar en el Lugar Santísimo, por el camino nuevo y vivo que él nos ha abierto a través de la cortina, es decir, a través de su cuerpo; y tenemos además un gran sacerdote al frente de la familia de Dios. Acerquémonos, pues, a Dios con corazón sincero y con la plena seguridad que da la fe, interiormente purificados de una conciencia culpable y exteriormente lavados con agua pura. Mantengamos firme la esperanza que profesamos, porque fiel es el que hizo la promesa. Hebreos 10:19-23 NIV ¿Con qué frecuencia nuestros familiares, amigos, y nosotros mismos decimos: Puedes…
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You Can Count on Me
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrew 10:19-23 NIV) How often have our family and friends…
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Let Him Catch You!
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Unidos en Cristo (United in Christ)
Y en unión con Cristo Jesús, Dios nos resucitó y nos hizo sentar con él en las regiones celestiales, para mostrar en los tiempos venideros la incomparable riqueza de su gracia, que por su bondad derramó sobre nosotros en Cristo Jesús. Efesios 2:6-7 NVI …
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La disciplina de la tranquilidad (The Discipline of Quietness)
“¿Por qué estoy desanimado? ¿Por qué mi corazón está tan triste? ¡Pondré mi esperanza en Dios! Lo alabaré de nuevo: ¡mi Salvador y mi Dios! ” (Salmo 42: 5-6) ¿Cómo está tu alma? En este versículo, el salmista se habla a sí mismo. Su alma está desanimada (habiendo perdido la confianza o el entusiasmo; descorazonada). Su alma está en angustia y confusión. No puedo evitar pensar en las muchas veces que mi alma se desanimó hasta el punto de desesperación. ¿Cuántas veces me retiré a un lugar tranquilo para tratar de calmar mi corazón, mi alma? Pero no importa a dónde fuera, mi alma no podía experimentar la paz. La…
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El pan de vida (The Bread of Life)
Entonces Jesús declaró: Yo soy el pan de vida. El que a mí viene nunca pasará hambre, y el que en mí cree nunca tendrá sed. Juan 6:35 NVI ¿Te gusta el pan? ¿Te gusta comer pan? ¿Sabías que antes de que se rompa el pan, éste debe pasar por un proceso? ¿Sabías que el pan debe pasar por un proceso antes de que pueda ser el pan que tú y yo disfrutamos comer? La semilla primero debe plantarse antes de que pueda crecer. Luego, cuando el grano está listo, debe ser cosechado y molido en harina. Finalmente, antes de que el grano se convierta en pan, debe pasar…
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The Bread of Life
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. John 6:35 NIV Do you like bread? Do you enjoy eating bread? Did you know that before the break because bread, it must go through a process? Did you know that bread must go through a process before it can be the bread you and I enjoy eating? The seed must first be planted before it can grow. Then, when the grain is ready, it must be harvested and ground into flour. Finally, before the grain becomes bread, it must pass through the oven.…
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Somos elegidos: Un estudio del libro de Efesios (Introduction to We Are Chosen: A Study of the Book of Ephesians)
¿Quiénes somos? Pablo habló acerca de quiénes somos en Cristo en el libro de Efesios. Cristo nos ha redimido, y a través de la salvación, hemos sido unidos con Cristo. Con frecuencia nos preguntamos quiénes somos en Cristo. Sin embargo, Pablo nos recuerda que Jesús está en nosotros y nosotros en Él, lo que debería cambiar la forma en que vemos todo. Nos vemos a nosotros mismos como creyentes en Cristo. La identidad de Cristo cambia nuestra identidad. Y luego miramos nuestra vida cotidiana a la luz de esta unión con Cristo. Vivimos de manera diferente debido a lo que somos en Él. Pero, ¿qué significa realmente vivir en Cristo?…
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Efesios 5: Cómo vivir una vida cristiana (How to live a Christian life)
1 Por tanto, imiten a Dios, como hijos muy amados, 2 y lleven una vida de amor, así como Cristo nos amó y se entregó por nosotros como ofrenda y sacrificio fragante para Dios. Efesios 5:1-2 NVI En Efesios 5, Pablo da instrucciones sobre cómo vivir una vida cristiana. Pablo nos recuerda que Cristo se entregó a sí mismo a Dios como sacrificio para expiar todos nuestros pecados, pasados, presentes y futuros. Por lo tanto, debemos vivir una vida digna de Su sacrificio y llamado. No podemos vivir como incrédulos mientras afirmamos ser hijos de Dios. No solo debemos comportarnos como Cristo, sino también hablar como Él. Estas instrucciones…
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Ephesians 6: The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full Armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full Armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate…
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Ephesians 5: How to live a Christian life
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT In Ephesians 5, Paul gives instructions on how to live a Christian life. Paul reminds us that Christ gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to atone for all our sins—past, present, and future. Therefore, we must live a life worthy of His sacrifice and calling. We cannot live like unbelievers while claiming to be the children of God. We must not only behave like Christ but…
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Deja que te atrape (Let Him Catch You)
Y sé que el Señor continuará rescatándome de cada tropiezo, trampa, lazo y escollo del mal y me llevará a salvo a Su reino celestial. Que Él sea glorificado por toda la eternidad. Amén. 2 Timoteo 4:18 La Voz ¿Alguna vez has ido al circo a ver un acto de trapecio? Es una de las actuaciones más aterradoras. Siempre me ha asombrado y aterrorizado ver el acto aéreo. Mientras un trapecista vuela, el otro atrapa. Siempre me he preguntado por qué este acto fue tan exitoso. El secreto es que se supone que el volador solo debe volar, confiando en que el receptor lo atrapará y evitará…
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Let Him Catch You!
“And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom. May He be glorified throughout eternity. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 VOICE Have you ever gone to the circus to watch a trapeze act? It is one of the scariest performances. I’ve always been both amazed and terrified watching the aerial act. While one trapeze performer does the flying, the other does the catching. I’ve always wondered as to why this act was so successful. The secret is that the flyer is only supposed to fly, trusting that the catcher will catch him…
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You Can Count on Me
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Ser fiel en la Espera
No nos cansemos ni nos desanimemos en hacer el bien porque, si no nos damos por vencidos, a su tiempo cosecharemos. Así que, mientras nosotros (como creyentes individuales) tengamos la oportunidad, hagamos el bien a todas las personas (no solo siendo útiles, sino también haciendo lo que promueva su bienestar espiritual), y especialmente (seamos una bendición] para los de la familia de la fe (creyentes nacidos de nuevo). Gálatas 6:9-10 NVI ¿Alguna vez has sentido que las cosas no salen según lo planeado o que no estás donde imaginaste que estarías, que de alguna manera estás atrapado en una sala de espera, esperando que suceda algo? Amigos, no sé ustedes,…
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Being Faithful in the Waiting
“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time; we will reap if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).” Galatians 6:9-10 AMP Have you ever felt like things are not going as planned or that you are not where you imagined you would be? That somehow, you’re stuck in a waiting room, waiting for something to happen? Friends, I…
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Ser Fiel En La Espera (Being Faithful In The Weaiting)
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Ser Fiel En La Espera (Being Faithful In The Weaiting)
No nos cansemos ni nos desanimemos en hacer el bien porque, si no nos damos por vencidos, a su tiempo cosecharemos. Así que, mientras nosotros (como creyentes individuales) tengamos la oportunidad, hagamos el bien a todas las personas (no solo siendo útiles, sino también haciendo lo que promueva su bienestar espiritual), y especialmente (seamos una bendición] para los de la familia de la fe (creyentes nacidos de nuevo). Gálatas 6:9-10 NVI ¿Alguna vez has sentido que las cosas no salen según lo planeado o que no estás donde imaginaste que estarías, que de alguna manera estás atrapado en una sala de espera, esperando que suceda algo? Amigos, no sé…
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Seasons Of Waiting
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Study of Ephesians Day 3: United in Christ
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV What does it mean to be united with Christ? We are united with Christ because of His love and mercy. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to sin but can be overcome by the power of God. Yesterday we looked at the condition of our hearts before Jesus came and rescued us. When we were dead in our sins…
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Study of Ephesians: Day 2: Made Alive in Christ
Day 2: Made Alive in Christ “And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. 3 Among these [unbelievers], we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of [a]human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses]…
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Introduction to The Book of Ephesians Day One: Who are we?
“In Him also we have [a]received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,” Ephesians 1:11 AMP Paul addressed who we are in Christ in the book of Ephesians. Christ has redeemed us, and we have been united with Christ through salvation. Yet, we frequently wonder who we are in Christ. However, Paul reminds us that Jesus is in us, and we are in Him, which should change how we view everything. We see ourselves as believers in Christ. Christ’s identity changes…
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Review of Chapters 1 & 2 of the Book of Ephesians
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The God of Second Chances
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His nature and promises] and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose] 1John 1:9 AMP Have you ever wondered why the Lord consistently stood by the Israelites despite their betrayal and stubbornness? That is a question I have asked myself many times. But, one day, I realized that God never stopped loving them despite their repeated betrayal and disappointment. Do you know how I know this is true? Because He did the same for me.…
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God, The Master Weaver
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In the Stillness, There’s A knowing
“If you are faithful with a few matters, he will set you over many.” Matthew 25If so, you’re not alone. I faced a harrowing situation at work about four years ago that changed my life. I had no idea why I was going through this storm or trial. I couldn’t see how God was going to get me through it. I don’t know if you are like me; I wanted to run out of the storm. I didn’t want to endure the pain, the humiliation. I just wanted it gone. Have you ever faced a storm and wondered if God has forgotten you? Would I ever get out of…
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He Will Get You Through This
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV Will you get through this? How many times do we hear people recite these lines? The last thing we want to hear while drowning in our sorrows and grieving is, “You’ll get through this.” Although nothing is wrong with saying these words, they are the last thing we want to hear when we suffer. Unfortunately, these are not magical words that instantly make our pain disappear. I should know…
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God, The Master Weaver
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20 ESV) I occasionally run across people who I’ve known for years. Most are amazed by how much I’ve changed or, as some like to say, “developed.” The fact is, I have changed; I’m no longer the same person I was. I had a choice; I could have continued to wallow in my pity party or taken a stand for what I believed. During one of our weekly chats last week, my niece told me how proud she is of…
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The God of Second Chances
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Seasons Of Waiting
Waiting is difficult. We don’t like to wait. We live in a world that is constantly moving at a dizzying speed. We don’t walk; we run. We don’t stay in our lane while driving; instead, we get irritated and veer off when the car in front of us moves too slowly. We become impatient when we have to wait at the doctor’s office. We don’t like waiting in line for too long. We want things done yesterday. God doesn’t work like that. He works according to His pace and will. One year for us can be a thousand years for God. So, what do we do during our season of…
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Ser Fiel En La Espera (Being Faithful In The Weaiting)
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He Chose You
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.” John 15;16 NIV Many of my friends have spoken to me about the television series “The Chosen,” which is based on the life of our Lord Jesus. In one of the episodes, Jesus met a man named Simon the Zealot. At one point, Simon asked the Lord Jesus, “Why did you choose me?” Jesus turned to face him and said, “Simon, I have everything I need, but I wanted you.” Isn’t that…
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No Place Like Home
When life doesn't live up to our expectations, we can feel out of place and become discouraged, just like Dorothy. That's why we need to know our home address. We're not orphans. We're not homeless. We have a seat at the King's table and a place in His heart.
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Come to Me
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Awaiting With Expectancy For The Bridegroom
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 ESV How does a bride prepare for her Bridegroom? I was 21 years old when my husband proposed to me in front of my parents. I was so excited and happy that I couldn’t think about anything else. My thoughts were only on my fiancé. But after I recovered from the initial shock, my parents sat me down, and we talked about the wedding preparations. Choosing a date; choosing the bridesmaids; making a wedding list; looking for a venue; selecting a menu; ordering invitations; looking for a church; looking for the perfect dress…
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Set Apart For Such a Time as This
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Breaking Ground
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV Today, K-Love was playing the song “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton. Suddenly something unique happened in my heart. As I listened to the song, tears began to fall down my face. I had to stop what I was doing. I was unable to contain or explain what I was experiencing. My heart was so full of joy, yet I couldn’t stop sobbing. For years, I’ve brought into the enemy’s lies that I’m not good enough—not a good mother, wife, friend and especially…
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From Death To Life
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die. And whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26 NIV) John chapter 11 portrays Jesus as having power over death. My entire life changed when my beloved father passed away 23 years ago. Incredible grief consumed me. I remember the therapist suggesting visiting my father’s grave so I could find comfort and accept that he was gone forever. Unfortunately, that didn’t help at all. Visiting my father’s grave only confirmed the fact that he was dead and I would never see him again. The emptiness in my heart…
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Waiting with Expectancy
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout… It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:25, 26 NIV Jesus was born seven hundred years after Isaiah foretold the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. Wow, that’s a long time—700 years! I don’t know about you, but I’m not very patient. Luke, however, tells us of two people who lived their lives waiting with expectancy for the coming of the Messiah who would one day redeem Israel. One of them is a man by the name of Simeon. Simeon…
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One With US
“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The Virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’) Isaiah 7:14 NLT God with us! These words resonate in my heart, soul, and mind—what a precious gift to have God among us. Isaiah prophesied about the promised child- the seed of David that one day would come to redeem His people and restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father. This precious child was to be born from a virgin Jewish girl and was to be called Immanuel, which means ‘God with us in…
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True Happiness
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (NIV) So often, I hear people speaking about what makes them happy. But what exactly is happiness? According to an article on verywellmind.com titled “What Is Happiness?” written by Kendra Cherry, “Happiness is an emotional state characterized by joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment.” The article acknowledges that happiness can take on different forms and definitions and “is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment,” as well as “a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” Although there are many different definitions of happiness,…
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A Promised Seed
And I will cause hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NLT In Genesis 3:15, following the fall of humanity, our Heavenly Father declared and gave us a hint of His plan to restore our relationship with Him. The serpent (devil) deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, but Adam willfully disobeyed the Word of the Lord. Because of this act of disobedience, humanity fell. However, because of God’s unfailing love and mercy, He promised that one day the woman’s seed—a descendant or offspring – would restore our relationship with Him. “And…
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Uncompromised Faith
"I issue a decree that in every part of my Kingdom, people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and endures forever; his Kingdom will not be destroyed, and his dominion will never end." Daniel 6:26 NIV According to the Book of Daniel, Chapters 5 & 6, no matter how much authority we believe we have on earth, we learn that God is ultimately in control. He is supreme over all creation. A message for the King of Babylon appeared on the wall during a lavish feast. Daniel was called to interpret the message, which told of the impending fall of Babylon. “The…
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La Santidad de Dios Silencia La jactancia Humana
Cuando Isaías vio la santidad de Dios, cayó sobre su rostro y se dio cuenta de que no era digno de estar en la presencia del Señor Todopoderoso. La santidad de Dios silenció su jactancia humana. ¿Con qué frecuencia nos encontramos en situaciones en las que sentimos la tentación de jactarnos de nuestro trabajo, estatus o posesiones? Sin embargo, cuando nos encontramos cara a cara con Jesús, nada de eso importa. La visión de Isaías nunca fue sobre él, sino sobre Dios y su gloria. Isaías estaba consciente de su inmundicia e indignidad cuando se encontró con Dios. Se humilló en la presencia de Dios y dijo: “¡Ay de mí!…
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God’s Holiness, Silence Human Boasting
Humans tend to boast about many things: our careers, accomplishments, financial status, etc. But today, the Lord showed me through Isaiah that who we think we are and what we have can’t be compared to Who God is and His holiness. When Isaiah saw God’s holiness, he fell on his face and realized that he was unworthy to be in the presence of the Lord Almighty. This is because God’s holiness silences his human boasting. “Woe to me! I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”…
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When God Unexpectanly Shows Up
I remember going to school in the fall of 1992 to take a midterm exam. The night before my husband and I had a heated argument the previous evening. I don’t remember what the fight was about, but I do recall that we were both angry and didn’t speak to each other after it. We were both ready to give up. Everything was going wrong. I felt like God was so very far away from me. Early that morning, I dropped off my daughters at school before taking my midterm. After finishing the exam, I felt an overwhelming desire to call my husband and ask him for his forgiveness. So,…
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Facing Our Goliath
Last Saturday, my husband took me to see “David” at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I prayed to the Lord right before the concert started, asking Him to keep me from being distracted from the message He wanted me to learn. When the show started, my mind completely blocked the noises, the people’s complaints regarding their seats’ locations, and the sound effects; I could only see David, a shepherd boy playing his harp and singing songs to His God. Then the Lord focused my attention on David’s reaction to the threat Goliath represented to the Israelites. When David saw how Goliath mocked God, he said, “Who is…
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A Lamp for Living an Obedient Life Through Grace
What are you seeking today? Are you seeking God first? Or are you so preoccupied with living your daily life and trying to accomplish your goals? Following the death of his father, King David, God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 King 3:5-6) Instead of asking for wealth, power, or the destruction of all his enemies, King Solomon asked the Lord to give him a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong. (1 King 3:6-9) King Solomon understood that he needed God’s wisdom and guidance in order to lead God’s people. God was pleased…
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In Your Presence
Many mornings I lay awake, tempted to stay in bed, and have no desire to go through my “to-do list.” When this happens, I always feel the soft whispering of the Holy Spirit saying, “Celeste, you need to get up and spend time with me.” Truth be told, my entire day falls apart when I ignore this prompting. I have learned how important it is for me to begin my day in the arms of my Heavenly Father. He loves me so much that He knows what would happen if I don’t start my day in His presence. In Psalm 143:8, David urges us to start our day in the…
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Life is by Design and by Choice
We often ask ourselves, why am I going through a dark season? Where are you, Lord? Darkness is an overwhelming cloud that sneaks up when you least expect it. So how do we fight this overwhelming darkness that engulfs us and leaves us paralyzed with fear? The Scripture tells us that whenever King David was about to face a battle or fear tried to overpower him, he always withdrew and sought the Lord. David knew that God was faithful; therefore, he had hope in the One who loved him and fought his battles. The One who knew him; forgave his sins and saved him by grace. So, David came to…
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He Takes Good Care of Us
I took my grandchildren to a farm Saturday. The children had a great time feeding the animals. A sparrow suddenly flew by and began to pick up the leftovers my grandkids had dropped. At that precise moment, God reminded me of how awesome He is. The little sparrow had no one to feed him or his family, yet God knew he was hungry. In his song, Sparrows, Cory Asbury quotes, “The sparrow’s not worried about tomorrow or the troubles to come. The Lily’s not thinking about the seasons. The drought or the flood. A tree planted by the water isn’t fazed by the fire. A heart that’s planted in forgiveness…
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When We Can’t, He can!
My family fell apart a year ago. Roots of unforgiveness and old wounds overtook my family. I couldn’t understand why my family couldn’t get together and discuss those ‘old wounds that have kept us in chains for decades. I knew it was not God’s will to live like our ancestors once lived. Most of them were lost and didn’t know Jesus. But we do. Having been bought and paid for by Jesus on the cross, we are a brand-new generation that God has created to live as His children. Why then couldn’t we live that way? So what is holding us back: our pride, unforgiveness, old wounds? One night, I…
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Soaring Like Eagles
Time seems to stand still in the “waiting room” of life. It is a place where life is put on hold. When I visit my doctor, I sometimes wait in his waiting room for what seems like hours, but when I check my watch, it’s only been 20 minutes. When we are in the waiting room of life, it seems as if time has come to a screeching halt. This is how it sometimes feels while we wait on the Lord. One of the most important exhortations of the Bible is the instruction to “wait on the Lord.” Even though God promises special blessings for those who wait, waiting is…
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Hope, A Place of Expectancy
Today I read Chapter 2 of Luke. In this chapter, Luke tells us of an older man named Simeon. This man was a righteous man who served the Lord at the temple and held on to a promise our Heavenly Father gave him. God promised that he would not die until he saw the salvation God had prepared for all the nations. (See Luke 2:25-32) The incredible thing about Simeon is that he wasn’t just a righteous, devout man, but he eagerly waited for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. For Simeon, it wasn’t a question of “if” it would happen but “when.” Simeon had this kind of hope.…
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The Power is not in the Prayer but in the One Who hears it.
I can’t even begin to fathom this father’s suffering watching his son’s anguish and suffering since he was a young child. While other parents watch their children grow up and play with other children, this desperate father was trying to keep his son alive. According to Mark 9, this boy had been subjected to this evil spirit attempts to kill him by throwing him into fires and water since he was a young child. The father was likely exhausted and desperate for help. And what did he do? He cried out to Jesus in desperation. “If you can do something for him, please have pity on us and help us.”…
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Pouring New Wine into Old Wineskin
I remember when I first became a teacher. I would begin my day with prayers inviting the Lord to help me show everyone that He lived in me and through me. Then, I would end the prayer by asking the Lord to send His angels to guard and protect my students and me. I did this for years. My husband will remind me daily to make sure I show everyone through my actions that I am a Christian. Unfortunately, I was the only Christian teacher. Non-believers surrounded me. Although I tried to remain faithful, the influence of the outside world was overwhelming. Without realizing it, I was trying to be…
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God, do You Care?
Almost everyone has asked this question at some point in their lives. No one has ever gone through life without wrestling with this agonizing question, “Does God care?” Mark tells us in chapter 4, verses 35-41 that the disciples and Jesus were caught in a storm. As the winds howled and raged, the impatient and frightened disciples screamed with fear to Jesus, who was sleeping and resting from a full day of teaching and healing those in need. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to drown?” Jesus could have continued sleeping. He could have told them to be silent or ignored them. Even better, Jesus could have impatiently…
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Someday I Will…
Someday… what a simple word to utter with painful consequences. Someday I will get to buy a house away from the city. Someday I will retire and travel with my husband. Someday, my children will understand why I had to work so many hours. The truth is someday may never come. Max Lucado once wrote, “Someday… the enemy of risky love is a snake whose tongue has mastered the talk of deception.” My dear friends, I used to live a life in which ‘someday’ became my best friend. So I used to put things off, thinking someday it would get done. The day my father died, my school was holding…
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Where are you anchored?
The last few weeks have been very challenging. With the Lord’s guidance and my family’s support, I accompanied my mother to the Dominican Republic to visit her younger brother. You’re probably wondering, how is that challenging? My Mom has Alzheimer’s. She desired to return home. So, I took her on this trip, not knowing what to expect. Whenever I asked the Lord for his guidance, I got the same response, “Do you trust me?” To everyone’s surprise, my Mom had no problem. She came alive! It was a joy to see her so full of life. We did, however, encounter a storm. Upon our arrival, my heart couldn’t take it,…
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The Source of My Strength
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God is working on our present circumstances
Why are we required to wait for God’s timing? My fiancé and I were engaged for a few years before we decided to get married. But, so often, my family and friends would ask me what we were waiting to get married. Just do it already. They often said you’d been a widow for years, and you’re not getting any younger. Somehow, I knew in my heart that God wanted us to wait. Why? Only God knew. However, there were times that I went to the Lord and tried to give Him a timeframe. “Lord, if you don’t open the doors by the end of the year, I’m not getting…
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Faith, Faithful, Keep HIs Promises; Bible; Jesus; Heavenly Father; Faith; Meditating on God's Word, In the stillness there's a knowing
Spiritual Dehydration
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT What happens to our body when we don’t hydrate enough? According to Marian Moghaddam, D.O., a family medicine doctor with the Henry Ford Health, “Human beings are made up of about 80% water. Every organ, cell, and tissue in our bodies use it to function properly, so drinking enough water every day is important.” We are required to drink six to eight 8-ounces of water daily.” My cardiologist, neurologist, and urologist constantly tell me how vital…
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Fear Not
Lord, Jesus, thank you for never giving up on me. You were carrying me in the darkest periods in my life, comforting me, even when I couldn’t see you, Lord. But looking back, I can see how much you wanted to fill my empty and hopeless heart. So it was during these times when you were filling my empty cup. Because only when I was empty-open, afraid, worried, anxious, depressed, lost, and didn’t have the answers is when you were able to replenish my soul with your unconditional love. Only You, Lord, Jesus, can fill my empty spaces. Flood my heart and soul with your presence every moment as you…
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Waiting On God- Part 3: God is working on our present circumstances
Why are we required to wait for God’s timing? My fiancé and I were engaged for a few years before we decided to get married. But, so often, my family and friends would ask me what we were waiting to get married. Just do it already. They often said you’d been a widow for years, and you’re not getting any younger. Somehow, I knew in my heart that God wanted us to wait. Why? Only God knew. However, there were times that I went to the Lord and tried to give Him a timeframe. “Lord, if you don’t open the doors by the end of the year, I’m not getting…
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Waiting On God- Part I: God Works On Our Behalf
Have you ever wondered why things we wish for don’t turn out to be the way we wanted or when we wanted them? I have learned that things don’t exactly work out the way I expected when I rush into things and don’t wait on the Lord. When I’m not willing to wait, my life turns into chaos. God doesn’t want us in spiritual debt. He wants to give us what we need. But only in His time. He knows everything about our lives, from beginning to end. He knows exactly where I am at this moment. God knows exactly what I need when I need it, and when I’m…
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Persevering In The Waiting
Have you ever faced a storm and wondered if God has forgotten you? Would I ever get out of this storm? If so, you’re not alone. About four years ago, I faced a harrowing situation at work that changed my life. I was wrongly accused of misplacing senior dues. I didn’t know why I was going through this storm or trial. I couldn’t see how God was going to get me through it. I wanted to run out of the storm desperately. I didn’t want to go through the pain or the humiliation. I just wanted it gone. God, on the other hand, had different plans for me. So, I…
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Faith, Faithful, Keep HIs Promises; Bible; Jesus; Heavenly Father; Faith; Meditating on God's Word, Forgiveness
It’s Okay to Let Go.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 Does your past keep you up at night? Have you ever had a fabulous day where everything seemed bright! You had a great day with the Lord, and you felt that nothing could cloud your day. Suddenly a familiar song, an unexpected call, or a text triggers an old memory, a painful one. Immediately your mood changes. Your bright sunny day becomes gloomy. Your mind takes you to a painful time in your life. You feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine and were transported to the past for…
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He can’t be bargained with
Have you ever promised to do something for The Lord if He would grant your request? I have. At the end of 1998, after my father had three colon surgeries, the doctors told us that the cancer had spread and there was nothing they could do for him. Our family, including myself, was devastated by the news. So, because I didn’t know any better, I began to bargain with God. I promised God that if He could cure my father, I would do anything for Him. But unfortunately, the fear and pain of losing my beloved father were too much for me to bear. In my ignorance, I believed that…
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Looking Beyond The Storm
“Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV In the Book of Jeremiah, chapters 30-33, Jeremiah assured the Jewish people that they wouldn’t be captive forever. God would free them to return to their land and restore their fortunes. He would repay their enemies for their wickedness. How amazing is our Heavenly Father? Even when we stray and get into a mess, He’s faithful and true to His Word. Friends, I have learned that no matter what storm I may be facing, God will always come through. Our enemy, the devil, would never have the final…
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We are Unique
Psalm 139:13-14 You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. My husband loves to visit old mansions. He finds the uniqueness of its structure and architecture fascinating! Did you know that the design of each mansion or castle is unique, although it may appear similar to the viewers? But only the architecture and designer can determine how many bricks were laid, the type of bricks, or the structure. Yet, to us, everything seems the same. This principle applies to us as well. You and I were created unique…
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He is Faithful and true to His Promises
God is faithful to keep His promises. When we pray, we can find peace in knowing that He will answer our prayers
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Forgiveness is a Choice
Why do you think it is so hard for us to overlook offenses and forgive those who have wronged us? Overlooking offenses is one of the biggest problems we face in our family. For generations, my family has been dealing with “forgiving but not forgetting.” But, unfortunately, many relationships have been broken because of our lack of overlooking offenses. When my parents got married, they chose to live with my grandmother. My Mom was an only child, so when she got married, my grandmother went to live with them. At that time, that seems to be a good idea. My parents worked, and my grandmother took care of us. However,…
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Faith is not Works, but Trust
And Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 NIV Have you ever asked yourself, “If only I had enough faith, God would listen to me? Have you ever had someone tell you-“You need to have more faith if you want God to move.” I often wondered if I had enough faith; perhaps God then would hear my prayers and heal my loved ones. The truth is, faith has nothing to do with works. Faith entails more than merely believing in something. Faith is living in a way that shows our trust in…
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Come to Me
Jesus invites us to give Him our worries, burdens and struggles and He will give us rest.
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