Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Hong Kong protests: How Hallelujah to the Lord became an unofficial anthem

Hong Kong protests: How Hallelujah to the Lord became an unofficial anthem

“Hallelujah to the Lord” is now the unofficial anthem of crowds protesting against the controversial proposed law that would allow people accused of crimes in Hong Kong to be extradited to the mainland. The hymn was picked up by other protesters – soon even non-Christians were singing it.

Fears and uncertainty

If enacted, this controversial bill will permit authorities to detain and extradite people who are wanted in territories where Hong Kong does not have extradition agreements. Many fear that the bill will restrict citizens’ rights.

“The Church has taken a particular interest in fighting the bill. “

On June 9th, Patrick pastor of Yan Fook Church, which is home to about 10,000 members that normally sides with the government made a comment on its Facebook page calling for the extradition bill to the shelved. Edwin Chow, 19, acting president of the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students, told the BBC. “There’s only one line: ‘Sing Hallelujah to the Lord’.” And Yan Fook Church isn’t the only Christian group that has publicly announced its opposition to the extradition bill.

Religion on the forefront of Hong Kong’s protests

On June 11th, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong issued an appeal to the government requesting the government not pass the Extradition Bill “hurriedly before adequately addressing the queries and worries of the legal sector and of the general public.”

Not only is this a show of devotion to Jesus in the midst of tumult and political tyranny, but the singing of this worship song also offers the community a level of immunity, thanks to a Hong Kong law of public assembly that makes exceptions for religious gatherings.

In these volatile days of Chinese agents, facial recognition and mass arrests, this protection is a welcome comfort for the Christian community, who not only stand in unity with their fellow protesters but also solidarity with the much-persecuted Christian community back in mainland China.

On Sunday, Melissa Strzala posted another awe-inspiring video on Facebook revealing the ‘Great Awakening’ happening in China.

“The below video is very special to me,” added Strzala. “It gives me chills every time I watch it. Thousands of Hong Kong citizens are singing their Hallelujah anthem in defiance of Communist China. It’s truly a Great Awakening happening in China. It’s exciting!”

Watch the video in full below, and be sure to SHARE it with your friends to rally them around this cause in prayerful support: 

https://twitter.com/alessabocchi/status/1164887032004526080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1164887032004526080&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftruth4freedom.wordpress.com%2F2019%2F08%2F28%2Fchristian-hong-kong-protesters-turn-out-in-thousands-sing-famous-hymn-in-defiance-faithwire%2F

Christians make up some 11 per cent of the population but they remain influential, especially among the elite — pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam is herself a devout Catholic.

Hong Kong has about 480,000 Protestants and 380,000 Catholics — including Chief Executive Carrie Lam. Non-Christians have also come to be familiar with Christian culture due to Christian-run schools, hospitals and charitable groups.

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The Word This Week — AGAPE: A LOVE THAT GIVES AND DOES NOT EXPECT IN RETURN

Many people these days only give to get. They won’t do a thing without wanting something in return. The way to tell how mature you are is by the way you treat people who can’t do anything for you. We can all be kind to the leadership so we can get a promotion, or more money. We can all be friendly to the popular person at school so they will like us and be our friend.

If we’re going to live the Christian way God intended, we’ve got to learn to be good to everyone, not expecting anything back. Jesus said, “when you do good to the least of these, you’re doing it unto Me.” When you do good to those who can’t pay you back Jesus says “you’ve done it unto Me.” When you go out of your way to befriend the person that everyone shuns, Jesus says, “you’ve done it unto Me.”

Today, instead of looking down at the parking attendant who may have given you a ticket, why don’t you take time to see how they’re doing? That person at the office that others ignore or shun, why don’t you reach out to them and share the love of Jesus? We build the kingdom of God one life at a time. Show His love, show His goodness, and tell people about salvation through Christ. As you reach out and help others, just like a boomerang, that help will come right back to you, from God, (however that should not be your motivation), and you’ll move forward into the blessing and destiny He has prepared for you.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I desire to always honour You. Father, help me to be a more mature Christian, blessing those who can’t bless me back. Please show me the needs of the people around me. God, help me to treat them the way You would treat them. Show me how to help others rise higher and sow good seeds into them, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Praise God He Made You

I heard someone saying they wished they looked different. They wished they were lighter skinned like their friend who gets all the young men. Did you know that when you compare yourself to others, or wish you were like someone else, it’s like saying God just didn’t do a good enough job? It’s actually like saying, “God, why did You make me subpar? Why did You make me less than?”

I’ve got breaking news! God didn’t make anyone inferior. He didn’t make any person second class. No, you are a masterpiece! You are fully loaded and totally equipped for the race that’s been designed for you!

Today, change your mindset and say to yourself, “I may not look like someone else, or have the shape like someone else, or have the job that someone else has, but no one will ever be a better me. I’m anointed to be me. I’m equipped to be me!” Hallelujah! Remember, it’s easy to do what you are equipped to do. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be like someone else. Praise God you are who He made you to be, and embrace the good things He has prepared for you!

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

(Psalm 139:14, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for making me who I am. Father, thank You for equipping me to fulfil my destiny. Today, I will be focused on what You’ve placed in my hand, knowing that as I am faithful to You, You will direct my steps. God, I bless You and praise You for making me who I am, directly from Your hand and mind of the Creator, with my own mind and DNA. Today I accept who I am, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Are You On God’s Timetable?

Are You On God's Timetable?

The most difficult thing for me in Christianity is waiting on God. I’ve had to learn that God doesn’t always work on our timetable. He rarely does. But in a single moment, God can change your life! In the Bible, we see God instantly turning things around for His people. Scripture tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever, which means if He did it for them, He can instantly turn things around for us, too!

Right now You may be going through a difficult trial, be encouraged because your times are in God’s hands. Trust that He has your best interests at heart. He wants to pour out His favour in your life. He wants to take you further than you dreamed possible, and work in your life in ways beyond what you have ever imagined.

Today, resist discouragement by speaking His Word over your future. Keep standing, keep hoping and keep believing, because He is working on your behalf. Have faith because your timings are in His hands, and He will lead you in the amazing life He has for you!

“My times are in Your hand”¦”

(Psalm 31:15, NASB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I humbly come before You giving You my all. Father, I trust that my times are in Your hands. I trust that You are working things out in my favour. God, I set my focus on You, knowing that You are working things out for my good, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

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What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going in ministry, and in life, amidst criticism and gossiping. In Scripture, many times people would come against Jesus and criticise Him. Many times it says, “Jesus answered them not a word.” He simply didn’t respond to His critics. He didn’t try to convince them to change their minds. He didn’t get upset because somebody was talking about Him. No, He just ignored it.

Today, when people come against you and they’re jealous and just evil towards you and those you love, trying to make you look bad, trying to discourage you, remember what they did to Jesus! He was probably criticised and despised more than anyone else. I love the fact that He didn’t try to explain Himself. He didn’t try to make everyone understand Him. He just stayed focused on what He was called to do. He simply ran His race and stayed in His lane, prayed and moved forward. And this is how we should deal with those who criticise us and gossip about us, don’t give in to the demonic distraction, just take them to the Lord in prayer.

”¦but Jesus refused to answer.” 

(Luke 23:9, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I release every person who has criticised me, gossiped about me, or tried to discourage me. Father, I choose to forgive them; I have decided to turn away from that distraction and move forward, refusing to react to the demonic forces that seek to bring me down. God, help me to stay focused on You and all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God Has Already Said Yes And Amen

Sometimes we wonder if God has  heard or will answer our request. Well I’ve got good news, God has already said “yes” to His promises in your life? You don’t have to beg God to be good to you. You don’t have to plead with Him to help you. What He has promised will come to pass. God wants to help you. He wants to pour out His abundant blessings on your life according to His promises.

Today’s verse says His promises are “yes and amen.” Amen means “so be it.” In other words, it’s a done deal. All you have to do is claim His promises and make sure you are living up to your end of the bargain, which is faith and obedience. God’s love is unconditional, but many of His promises are not, so we have to obey His commands in order to see His promises come to pass,  i.e. Malachi 3:10 says that we have to bring our tithe to Him in order to see the windows of heaven open. It says in Deuteronomy 5 that we are to honour our parents in order to live a long and prosperous life.

Today’s good news is that when we surrender our hearts to Him, He empowers us to fulfil every one of His commands. He equips us for every good work, because He wants to see us live a blessed life. Go out today with spiritual confidence that when you pray God’s promises by faith, and obey His Word, His response to you will always be “yes” and “amen!”

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 

(2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I claim Your promises in my life today, believing that You have a great plan to pour out Your blessings and favour on me. Please God, give me strength to obey Your commands and honour You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God’s grace is His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favour

God's grace is His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favour

Have you ever wondered whether God loves you? Well I want to reassure you God does love you, and He is for you! He is for your good; He is for your success; He is for your future. He desires for you to have every blessing and every promise declared in His Word. This is what the Bible calls His favour. 

We have all experienced God’s love and favour even if we don’t recognise it. It is simply His undeserved, unearned, unexplained goodness in your life. God’s favour causes you to reap where you haven’t sown. His favour protects you when you’ve caused the trouble, promotes you and opens new doors when you’re not even qualified. His favour takes you places you could never go on your own.

Today, I declare over your life that in the coming days and weeks ahead, God is going to unleash His unprecedented favour on you, favour like you’ve never seen before! The key is to stay connected to Him; stay in fellowship with Him through prayer, worship and reading His Word. Let Him direct your steps and mould and shape your character. As you pour yourself out to Him, He will pour out Himself on you! He’ll pour out His grace, mercy and supernatural, unmerited, undeserved, unearned, unexplained favour on every area of your life!

“For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favour from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:35, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and undeserved, unearned, unexplained favour in my life. Father, I know You are working on my behalf. I accept and receive Your plans to prosper me and give me a future and a hope. God, I bless You for Your unmerited favour, and I set my mind and heart on You, and expect to see Your goodness in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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You Are Always On His Mind

“God is too busy to deal with my small problems, that’s why I haven’t heard from him yet.”

Have you ever had difficulty receiving from God because you thought, “God has better things on His mind,” or “this isn’t that important to Him?” It may be tempting to let your mind wander in that direction, but the truth is that nothing is more important to God than you are! Every detail of your life matters to Him.

Scripture tells us that He even counts the very hairs on your head. He bottles your tears and holds them as precious. You are important to Him, and nothing that concerns you is too big or too small for God! If you’ve had those discouraging thoughts come to mind, replace them by declaring the truth of God’s Word. Declare, “God’s thoughts are precious toward me. I am always on God’s mind. He loves me, and I matter to Him.”

Today, begin to replace the negative thoughts with the truth of God’s Word, and what He has said about you and His love for you, and your life will begin to change. You will see a transformation in your thinking. You’ll feel His love like you never have before; you will know Him in ways you’ve never known Him before, and you’ll experience His goodness and grace all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!”                                                                                                  

(Psalm 139:17, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, how awesome You are! How great is Your love toward me! Father, help me to receive Your love so that I may know You more. Lord, please change my thinking, reminding me that You’re never too busy to hear from me, and my problems are never too small for You to overlook. God, thank You for perfecting everything that concerns me, as I daily cast my cares on You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Spirit = Breath

Spirit = Breath

Last night at the Southall revival in London I spoke about the Holy Spirit – the invisible breath of God. in today’s verse the word “Spirit” literally means “breath.” In the original old testament Hebrew, this Scripture is saying that the breakthroughs that are coming in your life are not going to happen just because of your talent, your connections or who you know. It’s going to happen because God breathes in your direction. God will shift those negative winds that blow, into a positive breath of healing, promotion and restoration.

You may be wondering how are you going to get well? The medical report say it’s impossible. But when God breathes on you, health, wholeness and restoration are headed toward you. How are you going to accomplish your dreams? You may not know the right people, or have enough money, or feel like you don’t have the talent. No, God is breathing and sending ideas, resources and the right connections in your direction.

Today, if you will stay faithful and keep honouring and obeying God, then suddenly things will change. Suddenly, you will come into abundance. Suddenly, your child will turn around. Suddenly, you will get well. Suddenly, the breath of God will shift things in every area of your life!

“”¦Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”  

(Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for breathing in my direction. Father, thank You for restoring life, peace, health and wholeness to my body and mind through Your Holy Spirit. God, I bless You today, and receive the supernatural winds of change You have prepared for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Higher Heights

Higher Heights

God wants to take you to higher heights. However, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and just settle for normality. Sometimes we think, “well, I’ve reached my limits. I’ve gone as far as I can go. This is as happy as I’ll ever be.” But, if we’re going to continue to increase and really experience God’s best, we have to align our thinking with God’s thinking.

In today’s Scripture, the people limited the Holy One of Israel. Think about that. You and I can actually limit the all-powerful Creator of the universe. How, you may ask? By our thinking. What we believe either opens the door for God to move, or it closes the door. God is limited in our lives by what we believe. So many people don’t even realise that it’s their own wrong thinking that keeps them in mediocrity.

Today, don’t just settle, take the limits off by choosing to believe God wants to take you to higher heights! Feed your faith by studying His Word. Keep an open heart and mind before Him. Allow God to work in your life, and watch Him open up doors of blessing that you’ve never seen before!

“They turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”

(Psalm 78:41, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to believe that You want me to reach the next level in my life. Father, I take the limits off by trusting that You have good plans for my life now and in the future. God, I invite You to search my heart and remove anything that isn’t pleasing to You. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God’s Favour Can Do Remarkable, Astounding, Overwhelming Things

Yesterday I visited a friend in hospital who was asking “when will these challenge end, and why is it happening to her?” We all go through seasons when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. During these times, it’s easy to be tempted to talk about how bad things are. Maybe you are facing a situation right now that looks impossible. Don’t get discouraged and give up, because God wants to do something awesome in your life. Instead of talking to God about how big your challenges are, talk to your challenges about how big your God is. 

The key is to be bold and start speaking positively into your situation. Every day say, “Father, thank You that Your favour is turning this around. Thank You that Your favour is making a way even though I don’t see a way. Lord, thank You that Your favour is doing remarkable, astounding, overwhelming things.” When you release your faith like that, you’ll see God show up and do amazing things that you’ve never seen happen before!

Today, quit doubting and remember, even if you don’t see how things could ever work out, God does. Just do your part and keep speaking to those mountains in your life. Declare favour over those difficult challenges, and get ready to move forward in the victory and blessing God has prepared for you!

“And Jesus answered them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will be done.”” (Matthew 21:21, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is life and power to me. Father, my challenges seem fierce, please give me Your strength today so I can speak favour to the mountains. God, thank You for preparing a path of victory, as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Don’t Just Sit There, Move!

The UK has been battered by a storm over the past four days. We all  face storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward the victory.

When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s in a dark place on the back side of some tree, having been battered by the storms of life. it doesn’t look like it has many options. But, when it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out of it’s cocoon. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places life has placed us in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to move into our victory.

Today, don’t just sit there, move! No matter what you may be facing, don’t forget, His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to be an overcomer in this life. Now is the time to make a move, break free from the clutches of the storm and  rise to new levels, because God has victory and blessings prepared for you!

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 

(2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. Father, I will not stand still in my struggles, I will move beyond them putting my trust in You. God, I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me with strength for a powerful victory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Setting Our Hearts At Peace

Last night I came to a serious realisation after what seemed like the hardest week ever. It’s so easy to let the pressures and distractions of life pull our thoughts away from God, which is the enemy’s plan. It doesn’t take long before we are so focused on earthly things, that we feel overwhelmed and all stressed out. But we weren’t meant to live anxious about life; we were meant to live in peace.

Are you struggling with poor health? The best thing you can do for your health is to set your heart at peace with God? It isn’t just a feeling, it’s a powerful mental and spiritual position. Peace literally means “to set at one again.” In other words, when we are in alignment with the Word of God, we are setting our minds at one with God. It is a position of life, strength and confidence!

Today, choose to keep your heart at peace by staying focused on God and His promises. Give life to your body by staying in agreement with Him. Let His peace guard your heart, so that you can be equipped to live the abundant life He has promised to you!

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” 

(Proverbs 14:30, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is life to my soul. Father, I praise You because You are the Prince of Peace, and You give peace to my heart and mind. God, I will stay focused on You today, please remove all distractions and pressures that the enemy will send my way. Thank You for guiding my every step, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Be Like A Tree

Troubles and Trials Are Momentary

Living in California I saw all kinds of trees. Large trees represent power, majesty and stability. I also noticed the difference between a tree planted by the water and a tree far away from water? The tree next to the water was much more healthy and vibrant. Its fruit and blossoms were the most beautiful.

The same way, when you are “planted” in the Word of God, your spirit is fed and you grow strong, just like the tree by the water. You’ll bring forth fruit at the proper season. In other words, you’ll be in the right place at the right time. You’ll be productive and fruitful. But notice the end of today’s verse. It says that whatever you do will prosper!

Today, do you want to prosper in your relationships? Seek God’s Word regarding relationships. Do you want to prosper in your health? Seek God’s Word about healing. Do you want to prosper in your finances? Seek God’s Word regarding finances. Make sure your heart and mind are planted in the Word of God. Let Him illuminate your heart with truth. Let Him wash over you with His promises. Seek Him, trust Him and obey Him, and everything you do will prosper in Jesus’ Name!

“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”

(Psalm 1:3, NASB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I love You so much. Father, thank You for Your Word which is truth and water to my soul. God, make me like a strong tree planted and rooted in Your Word. Search me, know me, and guide me in the way that I should go, as I stay focused on You and planted in Your Word, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Surprise!!!

Unsplash - Andre Guerra

This year I received a pleasant surprise. After my accident I was blessed with a very nice car. A surprise is normally something good that you weren’t really expecting. It’s something that makes you feel special and lets you know that someone is thinking about you. Surprises should normally bring us joy and lift our hearts. Your heavenly Father wants to surprise you and overtake you with His goodness. He wants to do things that make your life easier, and lets you know how much He loves you.

In our Scripture today the word “overtake” can also be translated “to catch by surprise.” God longs to be good to you, He wants to catch you by surprise! He wants to help you accomplish your dreams and overcome your obstacles. He wants to amaze you with His goodness and mercy. We should wake up every morning with the attitude, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do for me today!”

Today, make room in your heart and mind for what God wants to do in your life. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, you’ll see His surprises pour into your life. You’ll see His hand of blessing overtake you and bring you to new levels in every area of your life!

“If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you…all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you”¦”

(Deuteronomy 28:1-2, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You right now. Father, fill me with Your goodness and overtake me with Your blessings and give me a massive surprise. God, I honour You today and invite You to use me to be a blessing to others, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Today Is A Gift

My days can be so full and busy that I forget how precious and fragile my time on earth really is. It can be so easy to allow little things to creep in and steal my peace and joy. If something didn’t go your way, or someone upset you, you encountered bad traffic or poor driving – these can all cause us to get off focus if we let them.

We must remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss out on the beauty that each day has to offer.

Today, don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable, a gift from heaven above. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment we’ve been given, so we can live a life pleasing to You.”

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

(Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. Father, I will focus on the blessing of each moment, instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. God, teach me how to prioritise for the good and not get caught up in the bad and negative. Keep me close to You always, and help me to show love at all times, as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

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