Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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God’s Report 

As a teacher, each term we write reports for each of our students. In life each day, we get “reports” from the news, our experiences, our friends and family, and other sources. In the Word of God, we also get reports that oftentimes contradict what others are saying. That’s when we have a choice of who or what we believe. Do we believe what we hear in the natural, or do we believe the report of the Lord?

Remember, we serve a supernatural God! Just because we don’t see a way, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a new level. He has explosive blessings that can change your report, that can blast you out of debt and into abundance. 

Today, choose to believe the report of the Lord. You may be saying, “I don’t think I’ll ever get well. You should see what the medical report says about me.” That may be true according to medical science, but we have another report, and it says, “you will live and not die. God is restoring health unto you.” With men, it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible. Believe God, for if God says yes, nobody can say no. Stand firm no matter what is going on around you, knowing that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life! Hallelujah!

“I have heard a report from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 49:14, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, Thank You for Your Word, I will believe Your Word above all else. Father, I know that You are working on my behalf and will cause me to triumph. God, help me to tune out the negative reports and voices of the world, so that I can focus on Your positive report, voice, and goodness all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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It’s Time To Think Big!

One young man said to me I’m average. Many say I’m ok, or I’m getting there. God doesn’t want us to just get by or be average in life. He wants us to thrive and experience the fullness of His blessing. Not only does He want to meet our needs, but He also wants us to be able to reach out and help meet the needs of others, too.

When we ask God for something, it opens a supernatural door. Our faith gives God something to work with. Faith is what pleases Him. Faith moves mountains. Did you know that it pleases God when we pray bold prayers and ask Him for big things? God loves it when we step outside of the realm of the possible and believe what He can do. With God, all things are possible! Hallelujah!

Today, get bold with your prayers. Ask God for big things. Believe that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Put your faith to work because God is faithful. Don’t claim mediocrity or survival, God has big things in store for you beginning right now, so ask Him!

“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalm 2:8, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I come to You with an attitude of faith and big expectancy. Father, You said that if I ask anything according to Your will, it will be done. God, I ask boldly for knowledge, wisdom, and peace. I thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life today, and believe You for big things in my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Perseverance

Have you ever put energy into a relationship, but it didn’t work out? What about a new business venture but you are still struggling with finances? Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped.  

Now they think it’s never going to happen. But one thing we must learn is that God honours perseverance. On the way to your “yes,” you may encounter some “no’s.” You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means keep going!

Today, please remember if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. The Word say, through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. Hallelujah! This is where patience and perseverance come in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. Your “yes” is on the way. Rise and press forward. Keep believing, against all the no’s, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I will believe Your Word today. I will trust Your promises. I will keep standing, believing, and asking. God, I believe Your “yes” is on the way, and I receive it in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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We Are All Sinners

How to Love the Sinner & Hate the Sin

Why do we need Christ? We need Christ because we are sinners. That isn’t confined to the small “easy to fix” sins. That applies to ALL sins. We put so much pressure on ourselves, but the truth is that we need Christ. We need him because we absolutely cannot live the way we are called to live on our own. 

Don’t look down on people for sinning. That’s the most hypocritical thing we could do. We can never forget that we, sin. We were once drowning in our sin. And I don’t know about you, but I still struggle to keep my head above water every day. We are broken; we are sinful. Jesus comes in and changes that. If we could change ourselves, then we wouldn’t need him. He wouldn’t have had to die on the cross. None of that is necessary if we can “fix” ourselves on our own. What is so wonderful about Jesus is that he changes something fundamentally inside of us. It’s a change that cannot be described in words, it can only be experienced. You don’t have to change for Jesus. He is the one who changes you. 

Today even those of us who have accepted Christ aren’t perfect. We need to cut each other some slack. We need to recognize that, yes, we must live to a certain standard as Christians, but that Jesus is about forgiveness first. He forgives us before he changes us, and then he continues to forgive us over and over again. we are only human. We must remember why we need Jesus; why his sacrifice was necessary. We must remember that true change of heart requires supernatural intervention, not human intervention. We must remember not to get things in the wrong order. We should help each other up and pray for the grace to get up when we fall. 

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you that you are the one that can change me. Thank you that I do not have to change myself. Thank you for dying so that I could have life. Father, help me not judge others in sin but treat them with love and compassion. Lord, help me come to you just as I am: broken, imperfect, but fully alive and healed by the power of your blood. Hallelujah Jesus! This is good news. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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I Want A Miracle Today! 

In the past, God parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also must look forward to what God is doing today. If He, did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

In today’s verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of favour and blessing in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the years to come!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my life in years to come. Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Make Me A Giver

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Today as I prepare to start my day, I am reminded of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “I want you to excel in the gracious ministry of giving.” He could have said, “I want you to excel in business, excel in sports, excel in medicine.” That’s all good. But he said, “What I want you to really be great at, what I want you to excel in is giving.” What a challenge from Paul to us. 

Today I’ve made up my mind I’m going to live my life as a giver. If you get around me, I better warn you, you’re going to get blessed – not with finances necessarily – but I will study ways that I can be good to you. I’m going to encourage you. I’m going to uplift you. I’m going to be good to your children. I’m going to pray your dreams come true. When I come to the end of my life, I don’t only want to be remembered for, “Ray was a good speaker, he wrote some nice books. He travelled the world.” No, I want to be remembered as a giver. “Ray made my life better. Ray brightened my day. Ray was good to me.” Hallelujah! 

Today, and throughout 2022, let your desire also be to leave people better off than when you met them. Excel in the grace of giving and glorify God in all you do! Give and it will come back to you! 

“But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to do good to others. Help me to be a good person to all those I meet. Father, I give You my selfishness and pride.  Please show me ways that I can be a blessing to others and honour You in all that I do. God, if my life were to come to end, may I not be known for the secular achievements of men, but as a giver. Someone who excelled in caring, encouraging, uplifting, and making dreams come true. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Speak Blessings

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ?

As we think about our purpose now and for the rest of the year, how we treat others and how we use our influence can bless or curse us, and the people around us. Have you thought about how the people in your life need your blessing? Especially our youth. Some need your approval. They need to hear you say, “I’m proud of you. You’re going to do great things.” That’s speaking blessings. That’s using your influence to bless. When you say to the people, “I’m so glad you’re in my life. You mean the world to me,” you just spoke blessings. 

When you tell one of your employees, co-workers, or a student, “you amaze me with your ability. You have such a bright future,” those are not just nice compliments. When you speak the blessing, you’re releasing God’s wisdom, protection, favour and maybe even abundance into their life. You can literally help shape their destiny. One word of encouragement, one word of approval can be what helps someone break, depression, addiction and other negative thoughts or behaviour, and help them take the next step to who God created them to be.

Today, choose to speak blessings and influences to those around you. Sow good seeds into the lives of people. Remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. The Bible says whatsoever you sow you will reap. Sow blessings and reap blessings, and experience God’s favour all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for empowering me with Your love, grace, favour, and influence. Father, show me ways that I can be a blessing, and speak a blessing over the people I encounter in my life. God, use me for Your glory to bless and influence others to You, in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen

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By The Spirit

Spirit = Breath

Have you gone through your life struggling or striving to make things happen? Maybe it’s in your finances or relationships. It’s good to do everything we know to do in the natural, but we must never forget that victory or breakthrough doesn’t come by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of the living God.

The word Spirit in today’s verse in some translations can be translated as breath (Ruach). “It’s by the breath of Almighty God,” that’s how breakthroughs come. When you realise God is breathing in you by His Spirit it’s time to take a leap of faith and say, “yes, this is my season; I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I’m going to reach my goals, I’m going to grow spiritually.” That’s when you will feel God’s wind beneath your wings. That’s when you’ll feel a supernatural lift, an anointing that will help you accomplish what you could not accomplish before.

Today, know that the breath (Ruach) of God is blowing through you. This is your season. This is your moment to believe again. Believe that God can open doors that no man can shut. Believe that He is working in your favour. Believe that it’s your season, it’s your year, and get ready to embrace every blessing He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit who is at work in my life. Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, my mind, my will, and my emotions to You. God, I believe if You breathe into me Your supernatural power, then my breakthrough will come, so I give You permission to take my breath away and fill me with Your Spirit so that things will change in my life. Lord, direct my steps and give me the power to overcome my weaknesses, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A New You!

At this time of year with summer approaching, we are looking forward to new beginnings. Everyone loves to receive new things to truly appreciate something new you must say goodbye to some old things. When you become a believer in Jesus, you not only receive something new, but you can also become something new. His brand new creation! The old is gone, the new is here! Hallelujah!

The Bible calls this salvation – it also says we should work out our salvation. That means you must retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak, and live according to the new Spirit within you, instead of turning to the old habits you used to have. The good news is with total surrender God will do the retraining, renewing, and reforming.

Today, don’t get stuck believing the enemy’s lies thinking, “I’ll never change…that’s just the way I am, I can’t be made new.” No, the Word of God says that His Spirit helps us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome and begin again. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors. If there is something you want to change right now, remember, that you can be a new creation in Christ. It’s time to say goodbye to the old and embrace the new. You are empowered to overcome!

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me anew. Thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer. Father, I give permission to retrain, renew and reform me, so that I can be new. God, I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy today. I trade in my old for Your new. I give this day to You and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Unexpected Storms

After learning about the sudden passing of my friend and now a few months later his wife has passed away and thinking about their children and family, and how unexpected this is, it led me to say, everyone faces storms in life where unexpected circumstances shake us emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes we have the faith to be delivered from the storms instantly; sometimes we have the faith to walk through the storms. But no matter which route you take, you can be sure that God is right there with you.

No matter the size of the storm, or the unpredictability of it, know that God will equip you and sustain you. He will give you strength and grace, as well as the supernatural empowerment to make it through. With every step, you take, know that God is doing a work in your life. Know that He is with you, and He will comfort you. Remember the blessings of the past, and if it’s the loss of a loved one how they affected your life with theirs. Keep moving forward and walk through the storm to the place of victory He has prepared for you!

Today, maybe you are facing an unexpected storm and can’t see a way out. Maybe you’re not sure what the answer is, or why things have worked out the way they have. All you must do is take it one step at a time by saying, “God, I know You have a good plan for my future. I know You are leading and guiding me. I trust you with this storm and the many others that will come my way.” Weeping may endure for the night, but joy will come…

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me through every season of life. Father, I thank You for being a shield of protection around me, for going before me and preparing the way. During this unexpected storm of my dear friends, God stay close to them show them love and give them comfort and strength to move forward into the victory You have for them, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Crypto Won’t bring you True Freedom

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say on our lives. Christ does. He reigns over all because He defeated death on our account. Seated at the right hand of the Father, the name above every other name, Jesus Christ determined our freedom. 

We will never forget the last few years, but it isn’t the first time a generation has looked their freedom in eye and wondered what would become of it. God reigns over all that threatens to steal our peace, hope, and freedom. Christ, promised never to leave us. And though our world feels out of control, God holds the reigns. We may not understand what’s happening or know who or what to believe on this earth. But we can unwaveringly trust God. He is unchanging, rock-solid, dependable, and aware of what is happening on earth. 

Today don’t forget where our true freedom comes from. Not a country. Not leaders, nor policies. It isn’t dependent on a clean bill of health or an accumulation of wealth, nor does it fluctuate with crypto coins. Freedom was established on the cross, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He sits at the right hand of the Father. Our hope is not in this willy-nilly world full of false hope of money and pretences built on shaky ground. No, our freedom is in Christ the. Saviour of the world. He has already won the battle. And when we live each day in pursuit of Jesus, we get to experience pure freedom and hope. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for setting me free. Father Freedom is something I won’t let the world define, and I won’t fall victim to its false pretences. It is in Christ I find true freedom, defined by His grace. God as I struggle through a year that has brought many daily routines, lives, and jobs to a halt, I pray for Your encouragement and wisdom. Lord help me to hear Your truth above all the noise and news. Give me the ability to know what is true, and what to do. Guide my next steps and fill my heart with grace and compassion towards others. In Your powerful Name, I pray, Amen. 

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Stand!

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything hard. We run from our problems. We run from responsibility. We run from people we don’t like or have conflict with. We run from our past. We run from anything that makes us uncomfortable.

We don’t seem to face issues and deal with them, we take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you must learn how to face your challenges head on. Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No!

Today, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it in your strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle you will ever face, including the one you’re going through right now! Hallelujah!

“…stand and see the salvation of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of strength. Father, please search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I am running or hiding from life’s difficulties. God, help me stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles and move mightily on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Enjoy Life

In today’s ever-changing world, I begin my day thanking God for waking me. Unsure of His purpose and exact plan each day, or why everything in the world we live in seems to be immensely chaotic, I do know if God has awakened me for another day, there is a purpose for it. How often do we take a moment to embrace and enjoy the gift of another day before diving into T.V and social media? 

Today verse Psalm 128 say, “God’s blessing goes with his people everywhere, even when they are not in Jerusalem,” in other words the blessing of God is on us even outside of our home. Hallelujah! We often get caught up calculating a successful life in achievements and possessions, forgetting to embrace the literal breath of every moment. 

What if we approached every day with a grateful heart for the breath in our lungs? Instead of striving for what we think will make us happy, can we embrace the joy God offers us in Christ to sustain us? Christ died for us to live life to the full, not to live in fear over what each day will bring. 

Today let’s remember the world will always be in chaos until Christ returns to set it right. Putting our hope in Him allows us to embrace and enjoy life. After all, God promises His plans for us are more than we can ask for or imagine! Live, blessed… because you are! 

“May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children- peace be on Israel.” – Psalm 128:5-6 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to embrace and enjoy the life you’ve given me. Father, I know I am not accidentally here! Each day I wake to breathe, you faithfully meet me with purpose. I lift my anxiety and worry to you, today, as I seek to embrace your peace and promises. God, I confess my tendency to condemn, criticize, and compare instead of embracing the peace and blessings you have showered over my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Emotional Rest

How would you feel if someone came up to you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them. So, hand them over.

As you begin your day remember, that God wants to give you rest and restore your emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.

Today and throughout your life, release your cares to God. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation, and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfilment and blessings for your body, mind, and emotions He has in store for you!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You so that I can live in Your rest and break free from the stress of this life. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. I give You my mind heal it and take control of all my emotions. Please God, lift my burdens and refresh my weariness. God, help me find ways to share Your rest and goodness with those around me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Reflections 

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Christ. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a tall order; after all, He was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Today, we must let God work on our attitudes and actions. We must open the door and invite Him in. Decide to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart, and attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Separated No More

Christ on the cross symbolised redemption. The word ‘redemption’ means saving or being saved from. Jesus’ death and His resurrection mean we’ve been saved from our sins. Hallelujah! The Bible says: ‘there is salvation in no one else, but Jesus! And there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

Without Jesus’ death, our sins would continue to separate us from God forever. Jesus fulfilled the law for us; therefore, we have been declared righteous. Peter says, ‘He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross, so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.’

Jesus is our substitute. He took our punishment, freeing us and giving us the opportunity of eternal life. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). On the cross Jesus became what we were – sin – so we could become what He is – righteous. When He died, the curtain in the Temple was torn. At that moment, the Bible says that ‘the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.’ This symbolised that the sinful barrier between God and us had been removed.

Today, let’s remember, that Jesus’ death freed us from a life of sin and shame, and opened up a life where we can personally come to God and enter His presence. Before the curtain in the temple was torn, only priests were allowed into the holiest place of the sanctuary, where they could meet with God on the people’s behalf (Exodus 40). Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice, we’ve been redeemed. We’re no longer condemned, now we can go directly into God’s presence, where He will accept us and forgive us.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.’ (Matthew 27:51 NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, how can I say thank You for taking my place, my sin, and my shame? Yahshua, thanks for removing the division my sin had caused, so now I can be close to You, and that You can always be close to me. God, after the reflection of this weekend, my love for You has become deeper, and I vow to commit my life to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen

 

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