Tag Archives: covenant

DEAR GOD: You Are My Path That Keeps Me Steady~

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Psalm 25:10 “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.”

“The Path That Holds Us Steady”

 This quiet verse from Psalm 25 is one many believers pass over, yet it carries a profound truth about the nature of God’s guidance. It does not say some of His paths are mercy and truth. It does not say occasionally His direction is steady. It declares that all His paths — every single one — are shaped by mercy and truth for those who walk with Him.

We often imagine the path of righteousness as something we must strain to stay on, as if God is far ahead and we are scrambling behind. But this verse reveals something gentler: the path itself is built from His character. Mercy forms the ground beneath our feet. Truth forms the rails that keep us from drifting. We are not walking on our own strength; we are walking on His nature.

Mercy means He does not abandon us when we stumble. Truth means He does not let us wander without correction. Together, they create a road that is both soft enough to catch us and firm enough to guide us.

When life feels uncertain, when decisions feel heavy, when the future feels foggy, this verse reminds us that the path is not random. It is shaped by a God who knows exactly where He is leading us.

To “keep His covenant and testimonies” is not about perfection. It is about posture — a heart that turns toward Him, even imperfectly. When we choose His way, even in small steps, He surrounds us with mercy that lifts us and truth that steadies us. The righteous path is not a tightrope; it is a road held together by His faithfulness.

And perhaps the most comforting part is this: God’s paths do not change with our emotions, our fears, or our circumstances. They remain mercy and truth, even when we feel unsteady. When we cannot see far ahead, we can still trust the ground beneath us. His path holds us when we cannot hold ourselves.

“LORD lead me in Your paths of mercy and truth. When I feel uncertain, steady my steps. When I feel weak, lift me with Your mercy. When I feel confused, guide me with Your truth. Help me walk in Your covenant with a willing heart, trusting that every path You set before me is shaped by Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Love Your Unchanging Love & Mercy~

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“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” — Malachi 3:6 (KJV)

Unchanging God, Unfailing Mercy
by C D SWANSON~

Malachi speaks into a weary, wandering people — a people who had drifted, doubted, and forgotten the God who carried them. Yet in this single verse, the Lord declares something breathtaking: His constancy is the reason we are still standing.

God does not shift with moods, seasons, or circumstances. He does not love us one day and withdraw the next. His mercy is not fragile. His patience is not thin. His covenant is not conditional.

When life feels unstable, when people disappoint, when our own hearts falter, this verse becomes an anchor. We are not consumed — not overwhelmed, not destroyed, not abandoned — because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

His mercy meets us every morning. His faithfulness holds us every night. His love outlasts every failure.

Malachi reminds us that God’s unchanging nature is not a theological idea — it is a personal rescue. It is the reason we wake up with hope. It is the reason we can return to Him again and again. It is the reason grace still flows.

Reflective Scriptures

  • “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” — Lamentations 3:22 (KJV)
  • “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
  • “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5 (KJV)

Personal Thoughts

There is something deeply comforting about knowing that God does not change. In a world where everything shifts — emotions, relationships, finances, health — His steady presence becomes a sanctuary. His mercy is not a moment; it is a daily gift. His love is not a phase; it is a lifetime covering.

When I read Malachi 3:6, I hear God saying: “You are still here because I am still here.” And that truth alone is enough to breathe peace into any storm.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for being the God who never changes. Thank You that Your mercy meets me every morning and Your faithfulness carries me through every night. Teach me to rest in Your constancy, trust in Your character, and walk in Your grace. Let my life reflect gratitude for Your unending mercy. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: When Walls Fall -Your Power Not Our Own!

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“So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat…” — Joshua 6:20 (KJV)

🏰 WHEN WALLS FALL: GOD’S POWER, NOT OUR OWN

The fall of Jericho’s wall is one of Scripture’s clearest reminders that God alone brings victory, and that human strength — no matter how determined — cannot accomplish what only the LORD can do.

Jericho was impenetrable. Its walls were thick, fortified, and humanly impossible to conquer. Yet God did not ask Joshua to invent a strategy, build siege towers, or rely on military brilliance. He asked for obedience, trust, and worship.

And the wall fell — not by human hands, but by divine command.

🌍 Humanity’s Promethean Overreach

Across history, and especially in our own age, humanity repeats the same ancient pattern:

  • Trying to act like God
  • Assuming control that belongs only to the Creator
  • Believing we can define truth, life, morality, and destiny
  • Trusting in technology, intellect, or self‑power instead of the LORD

It is the same spirit that built the Tower of Babel, the same pride that led Israel astray, the same arrogance that Scripture warns against again and again.

We try to break covenant with God by elevating ourselves to His throne — forgetting that He alone is sovereign, and He alone brings walls down.

🧱 The Meaning of the Wall Coming Down

Jericho’s wall represents:

  • Obstacles too great for human strength
  • Systems built on pride
  • Barriers that only God can move
  • The illusion of human control

When the wall fell, it declared to every nation:

“The LORD is God. The LORD is in control. The LORD fights for His people.”

Today, our “walls” look different — walls of self‑reliance, human pride, cultural rebellion, technological arrogance, and the belief that we can shape the world without the One who created it.

But the message is unchanged:

God brings down what humanity builds in pride. God lifts up what humanity cannot. God alone is the Author, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all things.

🙏  LORD God, teach us to walk in humility, to trust in Your power rather than our own, and to remember that every victory belongs to You. Break down the walls we build in pride, and draw us back into covenant faithfulness. Let our lives reflect Your sovereignty, Your wisdom, and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📖  

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” — Psalm 127:1 (KJV)

DEAR GOD: AGAPE: The Eternal Embrace of God’s Unfailing Love”

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A – Adoration

🌟 God’s love begins with adoration—not just ours for Him, but His for us.

“The Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

G – Grace

💧 Agape love is drenched in grace—unearned, undeserved, and freely given.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” — Romans 5:8 (NLT)

A – Abundance

🌿 God’s love is not measured or rationed. It overflows and nourishes every dry place.

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” — Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

P – Patience

🕊️ Agape waits. It holds space for growth, healing, and return.

“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

E – Eternal

🔥 This love is not fleeting. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1 (NLT)

“Abba Father, Thank You for the gift of agape love that never fails, never fades, and never forgets. Let Your adoration anchor us, Your grace renew us, and Your abundance overflow in every dry place. Teach us to wait with patience, to walk in peace, and to trust in Your eternal embrace. May our lives reflect Your glory and may every act of love be a mirror of Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Unfailing Love In The Midst Of Ruins Brings Hope & Peace~

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God Is Love

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT)

In a book drenched with sorrow, this verse rises like a sunrise over a battlefield. Lamentations is a cry from the ruins—a city broken, a people grieving, a prophet weeping. And yet, in the heart of this lament, Jeremiah lifts his eyes and remembers: God’s love has not ended. His mercies are not exhausted. His faithfulness is still great. This is not denial. It is defiant hope.

Jeremiah does not pretend the pain isn’t real. He names it, mourns it, walks through it. But he also anchors himself in the character of God. The Hebrew word for “faithful love” is chesed—a covenant love, loyal and enduring, not based on our worthiness but on God’s nature. It is the same love that carried Israel through the wilderness, that forgave them time and again, and that still reaches for us today.

Each morning, God renews His mercy—not because we earned it yesterday, but because He is merciful today.

God’s Love and His Word: A Personal Reflection

There are mornings when I wake with a heavy heart—memories that ache, prayers that feel unanswered, longings that stretch across years. And yet, this verse meets me like a gentle whisper: “I am still here. My love has not run dry. My Word still stands.” And at once I am drenched in blessings from above as my soul receives His love like balm soothing me and covering me with peace.

God’s love is not seasonal. It does not waver with our emotions or diminish with our failures. It is steady, like the rhythm of the sun rising. And His Word is the lamp that lights our way through the shadows and lights our path. (Psalm 119:105)

When I read Scripture, I don’t just find commands—I find comfort. I find a Father who speaks tenderly to His children, who reminds us that we are not forgotten, not forsaken, not alone.

Supporting Scriptures

Here are a few verses that echo the truth of Lamentations 3:22–23:

  • Psalm 103:8 (NLT) — “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
  • Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) — “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain.”
  • Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) — “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
  • Romans 8:38–39 (NLT) — “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love… 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.”

Reflective Questions & Answers

Q: What does God want from His children in seasons of sorrow?A: He wants honesty, not perfection. He invites us to bring our grief, our doubts, our brokenness—and to trust Him with it. He desires relationship, not performance.

Q: How can we respond to His daily mercies? A: By waking each day with gratitude, even if whispered. By seeking His Word as our nourishment. By extending mercy to others as we have received it.

Q: What does it mean to trust in His faithfulness? A: It means believing that even when we don’t see the outcome, God is still working. It means remembering that His promises are not fragile—they are eternal.

A Prayer of Morning Trust

“LORD- Thank You for meeting me in the quiet of this morning. Thank You that Your love has not ended, even when my strength has. You are faithful in ways I cannot measure, merciful in ways I do not deserve. Help me to rest in Your Word today—not just as truth, but as a lifeline. Teach me to see Your mercies in the small things: a breath, a sunrise, a verse that speaks directly to my heart. I give You my sorrow, my questions, my hopes. Renew me, Lord, as You renew the morning. Let my life reflect Your love and let my heart stay anchored in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: We Are Held In Your Hands Forever – Thank You!~

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Isaiah 49:16 (KJV)

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”

 

This verse is a tender declaration from the heart of God to His beloved. It’s not just poetic—it’s personal. “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” speaks of permanence, of love etched so deeply it cannot be erased.

In ancient times, engraving was a lasting mark, indelible, incapable of being erased- often used to signify covenant or devotion. Here, God tells us that we are not just remembered—we are inscribed into His very Being.

We are etched into Him and His love for us is infallible.

Today, in a world where people feel forgotten, overlooked, or discarded, this verse is a balm. It tells the weary soul: You are not lost. You are not invisible. You are held. Even when life feels like rubble and the walls of our peace seem broken, God sees it all—“thy walls are continually before me.” He watches over what we care about, what we mourn, what we hope to rebuild.

And into Eternity, this verse takes on even deeper meaning. When we stand before Jesus in paradise, we will see the scars on His wrists and hands—marks of love, sacrifice, and victory. And we’ll know: those hands bore our names. We were never forgotten. We were always His!

And shall be forever!

 “ Thank You for engraving us upon Your hands—a love so deep it bled for us. When we feel unseen, remind us that You gaze upon us with eternal tenderness. Let this truth anchor our hearts in every storm and every silence. May we live today with the confidence that we are held, watched over, and cherished. And when we meet You face to face, may we fall into those nail-scarred wrists and hands with joy, knowing we were always Yours.  In Your precious name, Amen.”

 

 Here’s a beautiful scripture to embrace and reflect upon as we go to sleep…

Psalm 4:8 (KJV) –“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”

 

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DEAR GOD: Your Quiet Overflow Embraces My Soul~

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“The Quiet Overflow”

Psalm 132:15

“I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.”

Commentary

This verse, often overlooked in the shadow of more famous psalms, is a tender promise nestled in God’s covenant with Zion. It reveals not only His intent to provide, but to do so abundantly. The word “her” refers to Zion, yet in the broader spiritual sense, it speaks to the Church, the faithful, the beloved. God’s provision is not rationed—it is generous, overflowing, and deeply personal. He doesn’t just feed the poor; He satisfies them. This is not survival—it is sacred sufficiency.

  Supporting Scriptures

  • Isaiah 55:2 – “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?… hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good.”
  • Matthew 6:26 – “Behold the fowls of the air… your heavenly Father feedeth them.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…”
  • Psalm 34:10 – “…they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
  • Deuteronomy 8:10 – “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God…”

 Loving Tribute to the Lord

O Lord, You are the Keeper of quiet mercies, the One who fills empty hands with more than enough. You do not forget the lowly, nor overlook the weary. Your love is not loud, but it is lasting. You prepare tables in unseen places, and Your bread is never stale. You are the God who satisfies.

 Moral Thoughts & Analysis

This verse challenges the modern obsession with scarcity and self-sufficiency. It reminds us that divine provision is not earned by striving but received through trust. The moral call is twofold: to believe in God’s abundance even in lean seasons, and to reflect that abundance by becoming provision for others. In a world that hoards, God gives. In a culture that fears lack, He whispers, “I will satisfy.”

 Brief Loving Prayer

“LORD- thank You for being the God who sees the quiet needs. Teach me to trust Your provision, even when I cannot trace it. Let my heart rest in Your abundance, and let my hands reflect Your generosity. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Heart Yearns To Draw Near and Close To You~

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4 Ways to Draw Near to God: The Scripture Store

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” –Jeremiah 23:24

 

The LORD is everywhere and there isn’t anywhere He does not see – or hear – or know what is happening to one of His children.  A friend of mine said recently, “I don’t want God to know, but I truly did something foolish…”  And I stopped her and said, “Um- He already knows what foolish thing(s) you’ve done, even before you actually physically did it!

The LORD is Omnipotent and brilliant. This God who created the Universe. Our God who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Great I AM – the Father of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior! He knows it all, before any of us even contemplate what it is we are going to do – He already knows!

As Christians we are aware of His promises. Plus, many followers are familiar with Biblical verses and the overall plan of the LORD for our lives. The great commission. But how many of us stop to take the time to clearly grasp the enormity of how GREAT He is? How many of us stop to realize that He sees our hearts and knows our intentions. He knows if we are with Him and for Him.

As Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…”  That is to say – some of us may read the Bible, recite the verses, or even memorize man – but when it comes down to applying their lives and convictions to the LORD, they don’t. They go through the motions, and their heart isn’t wrapped up in the One important Being – Christ!

It’s crucial to being a Christian – the actual application of seeking to follow the path of righteousness, and to seek His face in all we do.  That is to say – follow and adhere to His Word – align with the truth and truly look to mesh ourselves with His will for our lives.  Plus, this verse is a masterclass in prophetic continuity. Jesus draws from Isaiah 29:13 to confront the Pharisees, exposing how religious tradition can become a mask for spiritual emptiness. It’s not just about ancient Israel or first-century leaders—it’s about us.

This verse invites us to examine not just what we say, but who we are when no one’s listening.  It is about being authentic in all times, for God sees us at all times. There is no escaping the LORD – and who would want to?  Certainly not me – and assuredly not you dear readers.

There is something reverent in living our lives according to His will and plans for our lives. We can be assured that it is for our own good, all things for our own good. And when we aspire to please Him and obey Him – our days become less burdensome, and easier no matter what we are facing. It is our bridge over troubled waters.

  • Today – think about all you do before you do it – because God already knows what you intend to do.
  • Ask yourself this – are my actions going to please God?
  • Is God going to smile after I do this?
  • Is God going to be disappointed?
  • Is this something God would do?
  • And-am I being Christian in my actions today?
  • Isaiah 29:13 – This is the original source Jesus quotes: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” It’s a sobering reminder that ritual without relationship is empty.
  • 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse reinforces that God’s concern is always the inner life, not just external performance.
  • Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” This speaks to the new covenant Jesus fulfills—one where worship flows from within, not just from tradition.
  • Micah 6:6–8 – This passage questions what God truly desires: not burnt offerings, but “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” It’s a call to integrity over ritual.
  • John 4:23–24 – Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” This is the heart of what Matthew 15:8 critiques—worship that is only in form, not in spirit.

Remember God wants us to be with Him in Eternity. He gives us warnings in the Bible and tells us what we are to do to attain eternal bliss. Accepting Christ as our Savior, we will get to the Father, (John 14:6) He is the truth the way and the life. Seeking Him daily, loving Him wholly, and honoring Him in all we do – we are going to please Him for sure.

Remember we ALL fall short – no one is perfect- but ONE – and that is our LORD!

But how amazing is His grace and forgiveness, that when we fall short, or slip up – we repent, and we are forgiven. Our sins are blotted out (Isaiah 43:25) – thank YOU FATHER GOD!

“LORD – Let me love You with lips that follow the lead of my soul— and a heart that beats, closer and closer, to You in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Simple Grains Of Food Laced With Love~

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“You must present all grain offerings to the Lord. Make these offerings from the finest flour, and pour olive oil on them; sprinkle them with incense.” — Leviticus 2:1

Morning Reflection: This morning, as I stir a pot of warm buckwheat and drizzle it with golden honey and a pat of butter, I’m reminded that even the simplest grains are sacred when offered with love. The Bible speaks of grain offerings not just as food, but as fragrant gifts—symbols of devotion, gratitude, and covenant. And I think: how beautiful that God receives even the humblest things when they’re given from the heart.

I begin my day with Scripture and coffee not out of routine, but reverence. The Word steadies me. It reminds me that I am not alone in the labor of love, in caregiving, in the quiet sacrifices that no one sees but God. Just as the Israelites brought their finest flour, I bring my finest moments—my attention, my praise, my willingness to serve.

Throughout the Day: From sunrise to sunset, I want my life to be a living offering. Whether I’m preparing a meal, comforting a friend, or simply pausing to breathe, I want to season each moment with praise. Not because life is always easy, but because God is always present. His provision is not just in the food on my table, but in the strength to rise, the grace to forgive, and the peace that surpasses understanding.

Evening Reflection: As the day winds down, I return to the Word like a child curling up in a parent’s arms. I reflect on the small victories, the quiet mercies, the unexpected joys. I give thanks for the grains of His goodness scattered throughout my day—each one a reminder that I am held, nourished, and deeply loved.

Supporting Scriptures:

  • “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1
  • “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” — Psalm 34:8
  • “Give us today the food we need.” — Matthew 6:11
  • “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him.” — Colossians 2:7
  • “Let everything you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
  • “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the grains that nourish my body and the Word that feeds my soul. Thank You for the quiet strength You give me to love, to serve, to keep going. May my day begin and end with You, and may every moment in between be seasoned with praise. Let my life be a fragrant offering, a reflection of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Dreary Outside – Joyful Inside~

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I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 9:13

 

 

Yikes!  It seems it hasn’t stopped raining for months!  I almost expect Noah’s Ark to sail by at this point in time.

Since spring began, the Northeast has been hit hard with rain. Yes, we need rain to replenish and irrigate, and fill our reservoirs, etc. However, there is a limit before “flooding” begins to unravel creating havoc, and dangerous situations for those in the vicinity in which the rain has fallen! And on the news, this is the case right now. So many people have encountered dangerous waters rising. Flooding is rampant, and there is still rain in the forecast.

Even though it’s dreary outside, I always have a reason to be cheery inside. Because that’s where my spirit and the Spirit of Christ live side by side!

You know the flooding and havoc is akin to the enemy.  He “floods” God’s children with lies and misery.  That’s his job, and he excels at it. Making people unsure, grappling at their insecurities, tampering with their very lives. He tries to create havoc until it overflows!

Isaiah 59:19 —So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

This is what we have to be diligent about, watching and sensing the enemy’s next move.  He seeks to destroy us all!

1 Peter 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We are under the protection of the Highest Royal God, and the enemy has nothing on us!  When we follow God, and know Christ gave us the authority in His name to send that old serpent packing, slithering away like the rotten snake he is!

Luke 10:19-–Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

As I gaze outside it is getting extremely dark. An ominous cloud is hanging over my home, set to unleash another round of pelting rain. But all I see is the cloud with the silver lining. Christ!  And I know that at the end of this storm…a beautiful rainbow is set to come out full force.

With Christ giving me the authority in His name over the enemy, and the silver lining being my LORD and Savior, do you get why I’m cheerful inside?

How do you handle the dark days of your life?

Do you handle it like a child of Royalty?

You better!

 

 

“Father thank You for giving me the authority in Your name to handle the enemy, and for recognizing that with You, the sun and rainbow are never far from your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”