Tag Archives: Love

DEAR GOD: Another Week Of Loving You~

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Mark 12:30-31 LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART Bible Quote ...

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  Matthew 22:37 (NKJV)

Jesus emphasized that the most important commandment would be the verse above in Matthew. That was always an important and outstanding message from Jesus, and so I began reflecting upon it more so than eve. As the week comes to a close, I started a mental picture of what I had done the past week that solidified that statement in my life overall.

  • Listening and loving Him through others, as Christ commands.

Well for one thing, I listened to several people speaking about their lives, and these people are very unhappy. Their circumstances are all so dim and exhausting in terms of their relationships, or lack thereof. It is sad, frustrating and to be honest, exhausting and draining. However, it’s done in my heart for the LORD, who says, “go and love as I have loved you” and when we love, which includes “listening” and helping others, it is part of His plan. These individuals are non-stop in their daunting misery, and “what-ifs” conversations, or murmurings. But–Jesus wants us to love. And by loving others, we are following His commandments of “loving.”  We are a daily reflection of His light, and when we do as He commands and trust in Him and follow Him by being a representative of who He is, the best we can. We are loving Him fully, and with all our heart, mind and soul. Let’s examine what some issues are that could be attributed to this verse, some we may not even be aware of.

  • Patience with others and holding back any negative responses that would otherwise escalate into a futile disagreement or worse.

Then I went on to being silent in areas that could become “challenging” to say the least, which at times can be a struggle. I am sure most of you reading this post can attest or relate to that right now, am I correct in that assumption?

Well, patience is a Characteristic of the Spirit, and virtue and gift, but it is at times overwhelmingly difficult to handle.

For example, if someone is being arbitrary or bearing an accusatory or condescending tone while engaged in some dialogue, it can be a Herculean task to keep our mouths and responses on hold. But through the spirit I did so.  Numerous times in fact. To be fair, it’s in my nature to hold back and not respond to negative and derisive speech. I guess it comes from my career in the nursing home industry. I listened to all of the patients, and loved them unconditionally, and treated them all the same irrespective of their differences in personality, or behavior.  I thank God for this gift from His hands of grace.

  • Courteous behavior displayed by being an example of Christ.

Then I thought about being courteous to others, respecting someone and honoring someone. For one thing, on the road there can be discourteous and aggressive drivers, no matter where you may live. And exercising self-control and not giving in to someone cutting you off or honking their horn, because you lingered a moment too long at the traffic light, is a mainstay with me. I am an overly courteous driver, and at times I am dismayed by the way others drive. Not to mention it can be dangerous these days. Road rage is real, and so be extra careful not to get mixed up in any of it. But…again, courtesy is part of the good spirit, and that is also a sign of loving God. Jesus was both kind and courteous. Again, a witness to Him when we behave accordingly, as He wishes us to behave as Christians.

  • Helping others, offering a smile or some other means of extending your love for your neighbors.

Our neighbor is an individual in her late 80’s and a widow. We offer her our help where we can. Taking out her garbage, picking up something in the store for her. Offering a ride to the doctor or other appointment. Bringing her some dinner or lunch. These are all ways to give willingly and with love. Jesus said by helping others, you are helping me. Another example of loving Him and following the commandments. A representation of the Spirit and who Christ is.

These examples, along with praying and writing devotionals to get His Word out are all ways to engage fully and actively in Matthew 22:37. I will try even harder this coming week, God willing. As He leads, guide, directs, and shows me the path. Which He always does. And which I am entirely grateful for.

Have you reflected on your week?

Have you shown and demonstrated that very important verse in Matthew 22:37?

Try marking it down this week, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you are doing in response to Jesus’ words.  And remember through it all, Jesus loves you!

“Father, may I always be in accordance with Your will, Your commandments, and Your ways, may I be an example of Your Spirit that dwells inside me, may I be all that I can be every single day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: May I Be Childlike In My Faith~

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Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:2-5 (NLT)

 

Jesus is instructing His disciples when He tells them they need to “transform into childlike qualities” or it’d be impossible to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Childlike qualities include humility and a sense of compassion and kindness and openness that are characteristics of a little child. In other words, entering into the Kingdom of the LORD in Heaven won’t be accomplished by defeating all opponents’ and gaining boastful achievements that express a selfish desire to get ahead in a ruthless fashion, or sense.

Instead, we must be humble and walk in compliance and in alignment with His Word and commandments. We must have the “mind” of Christ, and have a heart filled with love of God in all things we endeavor to do in our lives.

Those who enter must be humble in recognizing like little children, we are powerless over the circumstances in our lives. That like little children who are dependent on their parents, we are to understand we are “completely dependent on God” to provide for us and protect us from harm.

Only through this kind of mind-set and actions can we attain the grace from God. And by accepting His Son and following Him in spirit, and belief.

Have you “embraced the inner child” from within to accomplish and attain the goal of His Kingdom?

Are you walking in humility and trust?

Jesus’ words are infallible and His promises are real.

“Father God, thank You for instructing us in preparation for Your Kingdom, may I walk in complete humility and trust, may I hold true to the characteristics of children, and may I embrace You daily, today and always, and know that Your Spirit still guides me every day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Your Word Refreshes My Soul~

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Restores my soul through truth and action! – Robertson-Wesley United Church

 

The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7 (NASB)

 

The Word of God refreshes us inside and out. It transforms us to a higher realm and state of inexplicable rewards. And the law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing our soul, and igniting a fire of love, and wisdom, set forth by our relationship with Him.

The Psalmists soul refreshment was the Word of God.

Jesus Himself made the Word of God an important priority in His earthly life and ministry. Jesus had to go off alone many a time to pray, and connect with His Father, and He needed to refresh, revive and be in perfect accord with the Word and His Father, our God.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  Mark 1:35 (NLT)

If Jesus had to do this, of course so should we all. Connecting with God on a daily basis, whether it’s once, twice, or however many times we need to in a given day, is vastly important for ones’ soul and affirmation and transformation. Your mind if it is upon the LORD will open all avenues for you to explore in His name and will.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

Being with God, asking for guidance, help, or just speaking with Him are all forms of communication with Him. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “prayer that someone else wrote.” And it shouldn’t be a “formality” it should come from the heart. It can be spontaneous. It can be planned. It can be an ongoing song from within your heart to the Father. But the important thing here is, that “connection” to Him, His Word, and His love. Also, His will for our lives. And we can go to Him freely and openly and boldly.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (CEB)

When we’re rooted in His Word, we gain entry to a whole new prospective in our lives. We become engaged in a daily practice of a meaningful way of living. While we are here in our flesh bodies, and on earth in our “temporary” homes, we have a mission and job to do. We all have a certain role to play in the harmony of the “body of Christ” in every facet of our being.

We can gainfully explore all avenues pertaining to His Word, in our actions, and our thoughts, and our souls. Being connected to the LORD is like an effervescent shower of peace. Because no matter what is happening in our lives, around us, or in the world, we have the “key” to gain access into a realm of tranquility and strength, through Christ Himself.

Have you sought the LORD and asked for His help today? Have you thanked Him for your blessings? Have you expressed your love for Him?

He is available from sunup to sundown, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Now this is the question I ask— within all those minutes, hours, days, months, and years…how much of it do you spend with Him?

“Father, my LORD, thank You for Your Word, for refreshing my soul, for revitalizing my Spirit and keeping me filled with Your peace, I thank You, I love You, and I need You, now, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

 

DEAR GOD: How Do I Find Favor In Your Eyes?~

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10 Signs of God's Favor in Your Life - YouTube

Psalm 106:4- Remember me, O Lord, in Your favor toward Your people; Visit me with Your salvation,

 

How do we go about finding favor in God’s eyes? How do we seek the ability to navigate through the treacherous waters of life by His favor and grace?

There are so many verses in the Bible to guide us and bring us insight on the ways we can promulgate such favor.  But within these verses are His promises which are faithful and true.

  • Psalm 90:17: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”  This particular verse comes from the earnest cry of the Psalmists, asking for God’s favor in all things, and for strength through their hands to accomplish such deeds. It is a prayer for help, guidance and the fortitude to take care of business, through His grace and favor.
  • Psalms 5:12: “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Here there is a tone of certainty and assurance that God will bless those who follow Him and are obedient to Him and His Word. There is an air of peace surrounding the Psalmist (David) because he is stating that the LORD will and has found favor in King David, and He will provide His love as a shield for him.
  • Psalms 84:11: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Again, the confidence and prayerful voice stating with an abundance of confidence that, God will provide to those who are His. And that there isn’t anything that He wouldn’t do for those who accept Him and love Him. He is a shield, and we will be impregnable to our enemies, and the dark ones.

Proverbs 12:2
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. 

God will be all things to those who have a heart for Him, and follow Him in Word, action, and deed. He will grant them favor and provisions that we wouldn’t have otherwise. And at the same time, He will mightily condemn a person who brings about evil and immorality to others, and in others.

Loving God is simple. Honor Him. Worship Him. Read His Word. And do all things according to His will and purpose in your life. When you do all these, and love Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul, you are on the path of righteousness in His eyes and will ultimately find favor in His eyes.

Have you found favor with God today?

“Father God, may I find favor in Your eyes in all I do each day of my life, may I be granted Your Peace and Guidance in all I endeavor in Your precious Son’s name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: THANKS FOR YOUR EVERLASTING LOVE~

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There are many passages in the Bible where the Lord declares that He wants us to enjoy His presence. “God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight.”  (Ecclesiastes 2:26) Makes one wonder why, despite God’s declarations, that many of His children fail to enjoy His presence.

First, one of the reasons might be that they think God is not approachable, and therefore untouchable. However, nothing could be further from the truth.  God wants a relationship with you, He desires a close and abiding one with all of His children. If people fail to recognize the depths of His love, they’ll miss out on great blessings.

He has an everlasting love, He says to all of us today as He has throughout the ages, that He wants us to come to Him, and have an intimate relationship with Him.  The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 3:13 KJV)  

His heart is pure and open, as it so clearly demonstrates throughout the entire Bible.  He is our Father and much like our earthly fathers, longs for a close and honest relationship with His children.  The relationship we share with our Father is an individualized as our DNA. So, although the relationships will be different in how we relate and speak with Him, the connection should be one and the same. We are all HIS and He created us. We belong to Him.  We all share that common denominator.

Second, they may view God as a legalistic God.  He is not a legalistic God.  He doesn’t sit around looking at us, thinking “hmm, let’s see, whom can I condemn today?”  Nor does he sit and scrutinize our actions while investigating our motives. He knows our hearts, and He sees our very soul.  The very soul He held in His hands as He created it. He wants to instead, “set us free” and that is what He did when He sent Jesus. He loved/loves us enough to have sent His Son for us. Embrace that love…hold it firmly, and shine your light from within to all those in your path.

Third, they may be afraid of Him. God calls us in reverence of His holiness, but not to be afraid. He has said so many times in His Word, “Do not be afraid!”    The following are just a few of the more familiar scriptures that show us clearly that the Lord does not want us to be afraid:

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15:1 KJV) 

And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: (Joshua 8:1 KJV)

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. (Luke 1:30 KJV)

God loves us the way we are and accepts us fully without any qualms or motives. There really isn’t anything we can do that’ll make us more acceptable, He loves us just the way we are.  He doesn’t like sin but…He loves us, fully and completely just as we are. He forgives us our sins, when we call them to mind and repent of them, thereby allowing us to fellowship with Him further, and opens us up to blessings in abundance. God is a God of forgiveness and love and acceptance.  He also promises restoration.

How can one not enjoy that? Love, acceptance, restoration…and fellowship with your creator, does it get any better than that?

He enjoys being with us. Spend time with Him and begin to trust Him to meet all of your needs.  He’ll never let you down.

Are you ready for the best relationship you’ll ever have in your life?

“Father, thank You for Your love and acceptance, may I always do all according to Your will and purpose in my life, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD” RSVP – LORD I ACCEPT YOUR INVITATION~

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Devotion - The Faith of a Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28) - Lutheran ...

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:43 (NKJV)

 

God wants everyone to partake in the promise of Eternity. He specifically makes reference when He refers to the “Wedding Banquet.” Jesus often taught spiritual truths in the form of parables or stories. Some of the parables were explained by Jesus in the Bible; others were not. One Christ’s parables is the wedding feast found in Matthew 22.  

The groom at the wedding feast is Christ. An invitation is given to those to attend this wedding banquet. And those who attended were in wedding garments and attended gladly. And others ignored the invitation with all kinds of excuses. Those who accepted Christ were in attendance of the wedding banquet. They had on their wedding clothing and were prepared for the marriage.  Those who attended were going to be part of “eternal rewards” and at the Lamb’s table, the feast, the wedding.

Now everyone is surely invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, the bad as well as the good. Sinners are all called to repentance, to salvation, and to eternal life by trusting in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

In this parable, the king finds a man at his feast who is not wearing a wedding garment. The king asked why he wasn’t adorned in wedding attire, the man’s speechless and offers no reason as to why he wasn’t wearing the proper garments. In other words, “he had no excuse.”

Although we are ALL invited, only those who are fully clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith in Jesus will be given entry and allowed into heaven and the marriage supper of the Lamb. Some may try to gain their way into heaven by other means, such as good works, but only the blood of Christ can cover our sines and wash us clean.

Our Father will not accept any excuse for rejecting His Son’s sacrifice. There is no plausible reason or viable excuse for rejecting His Son. Those who refuse to adhere and accept the LORD, as stated will be case into the outer darkness of hell, such as the “speechless” man in the parable.

Do you want to share in Eternal life in Heaven and be seated at the Lamb’s supper? If so, put on your wedding clothes and be ready, Amen!

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

“Father, my LORD, may I always have on my wedding attire as I wait and know Your promises of Eternal Life are forthcoming, until then, I live for You and Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How May I Serve You Today & Always~

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Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you-

1 Samuel 12:24

 

In the still of the morning, what do you hear?

Do you hear the LORD calling and drawing you near?

Do you realize that today, you’ve nothing to fear?

Do you realize He loves You and holds you dear?

I can honestly state that in the morning, I hear Him by the “silence” and peace I feel while eating my breakfast. I know through His Word He draws me near. I do realize that I’ve nothing to fear, and of course I know He holds me dear.

Recognizing the gift of His grace, and His infinite love is part of the “feeling” of knowing all of which I’ve just said above. His Presence is overwhelming, so much so at times I am dumbstruck. To think He loves me so much that He sacrificed His only begotten Son, for ME/ US?  That statement and fact is mind boggling and emotionally numbing.

We of faith know what happened. Christ suffered, died, was buried and resurrected. His blood set us free. He redeemed us. And we embrace it, fully and completely. But, when one takes the time to truly digest the concept and reality, the very image and thought leaves me wondering, why?  But then I know, and I’m filled with joy. It’s simply because He loves us so much, and didn’t want to be separated from us, thereby offering us salvation through Him.

So, the question becomes this? How do we serve Him every single day? There is nothing even remotely equated to what He has done for us.  But we can love Him, follow Him, praise Him, and do all we can in the capacity in which we can, and in all that we can every day.

We can get to know Him more and more by reading His Word daily. Reflecting His Word and love in all we do, all we encounter, and all we say. We can honor Him and meditate on His Word and try to emulate Christ in our behavior overall.

And to serve Him with unfailing dedication, platitudes of love and service Him by having a contrite and true heart, all the time, every time, and till the end of time and beyond.

Do you recognize Him? Listen. Look. Watch. He’s right there beside you!

“Father, thank You for Your visual cues, Your Word and Your promises, may I do all that I can to service You, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I Praise You and Choose You~

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“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

This verse encourages those of faith and followers that believe to pursue spiritual growth and transformation by aligning with God’s will. It is a course of action that we choose to partake in. It is a reality in which we live, and it is an assurance of comfort and dependability knowing there is a God.

Aligning with God’s word is fundamentally akin to building a house on the Rock, the foundation is sure and sturdy. No chance of it caving in or sending us toppling to the ground.

When we are with God in all we do, the mission is obvious and the rewards unmeasurable. The heaven’s rain down blessings when we become in-sync with God and His Word. We are able to think clearly, react appropriately and have an easier way of communicating with all that we encounter.

There are consequences to our behavior and actions. In psychology it was termed A-B-C.   Action = Behavior = Consequences. And so too for our choices in terms of our Christianity. Either rewards will be forthcoming, or not.

Choosing the world or God should be easy, a no-brainer as it’s said.

“Father, I pray for those in the darkness for them to see the light and to follow Your Word, and for their choice to be You and only You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I’m Hoping to Please You in All Things~

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Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

The clearer way perhaps to interpret this passage might be best rendered this way, “The LORD Jehovah helps me, and I’m not ashamed. And because I’m not ashamed and because of the LORD’s help, I am determined to endeavor all that is before me in God’s name and Spirit.

We are all servants of the LORD. We sometimes might have issues, but as servants we may face inflexible circumstances, but it’s the LORD who can resolve these things, if we surrender and acquiesce to His will and ways.

A situation can quickly get out of control and snowball into a huge confrontation if not handled correctly. There needs to be a tone of confidence, sprinkled with a measure of docility, and a patient endurance.

There is a combination of being two things. As Jesus said, in Matthew 10:16 –“be wise as the serpent, but gentle as a dove.”  What a striking contrast between those two images. One is a side winder in all aspects of “charm and ambiguity” – while the other is clearly apparent, soft and gentle in approach and character.

One can be a mixture of a warrior and saint. It takes the right amount of each to make it a successful recipe overall. One is easy, the other is rough.  Submit to God in all resistance in the face of hostile individuals.

The unique camaraderie Christians share is the way we are called to be “over comers” in all our paths. We are called to a realm of reality in perfect union with Christ. We are followers and subscribe to His Word and ways.

When we align to His Will and not our own, trust in Him fully, acknowledge Him and love Him and turn from evil, we will experience health and peace deep within our very souls (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We are here for a moment in time but we can do all that is expected of us during this precious period of being on earth. We can acquire so many accomplishments in our flesh bodies.  We have jobs to do. All varied, all of equal importance, and all according to Him and His ways.

When we do things, we need to realize that God sees all.

God knows all.

And most important part of this equation, God loves us.

When we go with an attitude of “hoping to please God” you know what happens? We probably are doing just that.

“Father God, may I always acknowledge You, trust You, and follow the path in which You guide me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”


DEAR GOD: Thank You for Your Generosity~

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For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will set me high on a rock. 

Psalm 27:7

The generosity of the LORD is unmeasured, and nothing can compare to His Holy and pure Spirit in all things exemplified by His Presence.

I remember one time, about oh…40 years ago or so. Ron and I were going through some financial hardships.  We did the best we could to scrap by (as most people probably have) and we were living paycheck to paycheck.  At this point in time, we had an unexpected expense that would cost $750.00. We were baffled and tried to figure things out. Then something came to me. What about all of my broken earrings that are completely useless?  And several earrings I had lost leaving only one behind!  I brought them to a place that took old broken items of gold. And the owner was a Christian by the way…melted them all down. And guess what the amount came to?Come on, say it with me. Guess how much?

You got it, $750.00 on the nose!  Amen!

God will supply all of our needs. You just have to believe and keep the faith. He delivers on all of His promises. He never will let you down in the process. Nor will He desert you in the interim. Amen!

Well. After we paid off that unexpected expense. We donated and gave to local charity.  When we did someone stopped us and said, “you just won a TV!”  Our TV had stopped working, and we no longer owned one. Not that TV was a big part of our lives then or now. It’s just we didn’t have one any longer. Yet here was GOD again.  The prize was from a raffle to raise money for missionary workers.  We had forgotten all about it.  Well, the money was raised for the seven missionary Doctors, and then some. And we won a TV in the process!  How amazing is God?  How generous is He? Amen!

Can you think of a time when God offered you help in a situation, and generously answered your prayers? How did you react? Have you shared it with anyone along the way, giving Him glory and praise?

We cannot outgive God!  He will open the windows and flood you with a surplus, when You surrender, obey and have faith in Him and His ways, God will react in kind.

There are so many other stories I can share with you about How good God is.  It would take an entire lifetime to do so. I can’t remember a single time where I haven’t felt God’s Presence and goodness.

He is a kaleidoscope of lights, shapes, sounds, all pleasant and definitely good!

  • With God is our corner, how can we lose?
  • With the LORD near us, of whom shall we be afraid?
  • God is everywhere. And everywhere is God.
  • The smallest crevice of existence…to the most magnificent in life.

Generosity is an extension of who He is. One side of a multi-faceted God who stands on all He says. And does all He promises.

Hold on to Him. Embrace Him. Because God is our lifeboat and our breath of support throughout our existence here on earth and beyond.

Can we all agree to agree about God and His undefiled and pristine Spirit and character? Amen!

“Father, Thank You for Your generous acts throughout my life, and for all of the mercy You have continuously shown to me, which essentially is Your love, and support, may I be ever mindful of Your heart and be thankful all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”