Tag: Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is considered by Christians to be the Son of God and the Messiah (or savior) prophesied in the Old Testament. He is one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity and his life and teachings form the basis of the religion.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in present-day Israel, during the reign of King Herod the Great. According to the Bible, he was born to Mary, a virgin, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was raised in Nazareth and, at the age of 30, began his public ministry. He traveled throughout the region, preaching and teaching about God’s kingdom and performing healings and other miracles.

Jesus’ message centered on the idea that God’s kingdom was at hand, and that people should repent of their sins and believe in him as the Messiah. He called for a radical reorientation of life, urging people to turn away from their sins and to love God and their neighbors.

Jesus’ teachings and miracles drew large crowds, but also drew the attention of the religious leaders of the day, who saw him as a threat to their authority. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. According to the Bible, Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a tomb, but on the third day, he rose from the dead.

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian belief and the event that convinced his followers that he was the Son of God and the Messiah. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and many others before ascending to heaven.

The life and teachings of Jesus have had a profound impact on the world and continue to shape the beliefs of millions of Christians today. His message of love, forgiveness, and redemption has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, and his example of selfless service has been a model for countless individuals throughout history.

It is worth noting that there are many controversies and debates surrounding the life and teachings of Jesus, and different scholars and religious traditions interpret his story in different ways.

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Justin Bieber Drops a Kanye Bombshell as He Opens up about Leading Worship

“I like making the music that I make,” Bieber said when asked if he would be recording a worship album.

Justin’s has immersed himself in religion in recent years, attending both Churchome and Hillsong services, and now it looks like he’s taking on a bigger role.

On Wednesday night Justin Bieber led worship at a Churchome service in Beverly Hills. Clips from the performance went viral on social media.

He wrote,

Sang at church last night. God is pulling me through a hard season. Having trust in Jesus at your worst times is the absolute hardest. But he is faithful to complete what he started. I also want to thank my wife for being such a huge support in my life through this season ”¦ it says in the Bible count it ALL JOY when you face trials of various kinds. Sounds insane considering when u face trials u feel terrible. But if we are grateful and worship god for what we do have in that season there is so much power in that”¦ whatever pain you are going through just keep telling yourself THIS WONT LAST! Love you guys we in this together

According to TMZ, pastor Judah Smith explained to the congregation that it was time for Bieber to help lead the flock in song after years of being a worshipper.

Bieber says his breakout moment was part of a larger message he wants to spread.

The 25-year-old has been open about his faith – particularly in recent years – attending services at Churchome and Hillsong.

In the caption to an Instagram post featuring a few clips from the evening, Bieber alluded to some recent struggles in life during this “hard season”, but also said he is leaning on his faith to get him through. He also encouraged others who are experiencing difficult times to rely on Christ.

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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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It’s Ok To Be A Christian And Go Through Tough Times

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

It is often in the very toughest of times and trials that God brings us to a crisis of faith, and it’s through that experience that we begin to pray. I’ve heard it said that, “when you’re swept off your feet, get on your knees.” Whatever broken conditions you are facing today – in your marriage, your home, your family, through a child that’s wandered away, or the collapse of a career?

]How many times through our pain do we discover our purpose? How many times through our pain do we discover power?

“It is so often pain that drives us to dependence upon God.”

Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is made perfect through our weaknesses. With God all of your cares will be cared for. All that is His will be yours. Through prayer you can experience the delightful nearness of God and lean into His warm embrace.

Today, kneel before God in prayer until He communicates with your spirit. Surrender your weaknesses to Him and exchange them for supernatural strength. Pray this day for the power of Jesus Christ in your life to deliver you and the ones you love from temptation.

Trust in Him at all times, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalms 62:8 NKJV 

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
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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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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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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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I’ve Found A Great Hiding Place

I’ve Found A Great Hiding Place

As a child, one of my favourite games was hide and seek. We looked for the best place to hide in the house or back yard, and waited quietly for our friends to try to find us. It’s a great game for kids, but as adults, we also look for a good place to hide from time to time. A place of refuge, a place of safety, or a place to rest when we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of life, a place where the enemy of our soul can never find us.

I’ve got good news. God has the perfect hiding place for you! You don’t have to hide at work. You don’t have to hide in relationships. You don’t have to hide in food or addictions, because God Himself promises to hide you! He freely offers you shelter from the storms of life, any time you call upon His name.

Today, remember there’s only one place the enemy cannot find you. There’s only one place where opposition cannot steal from you. There’s only one true place of safety and rest for your soul, and that is in the arms of Jesus. Know that He loves you, and He is ready to receive you when you call upon His name! Hallelujah!

“In the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”

(Psalm 27:5, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I come humbly before You giving You all of me. Father, thank You for hiding me in Your shelter and keeping me safe from the storms of life. God, today my soul finds rest in You, please hide me from the enemy of my soul, as I seek You and praise Your Holy Name, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Intentionally Taking Root

This weekend I attended a dear friend’s 50th birthday celebration. Amidst  the laughter, fun and music, friends and family alike all agreed that she was a great spiritual person. A godly woman that God had planted a seed of greatness in. Someone that was able to bounce back from illness and adversity, someone who didn’t have a negative bone in her body, who is willing to help at all times. Person after person expressed what a wonderful person she was in Christ.

Today, I want to let you know God has planted seeds of victory on the inside of you. He’s wants to increase you. He’s wants to enlarge your vision. He wants to take you to new levels of victory. But before you see a harvest, the seed has to intentionally take root. You have to conceive it before you are going to receive it. In other words, before you’re ever going to be successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful. Before you’re ever going to have your dreams come to pass, you’ve got to look out through your eyes of faith and see them coming to pass. That’s how you allow the seed to intentionally take root.

Today, please examine your thought life. What are you allowing to take root? Are God’s seeds of victory and life growing in your heart and mind, or are you nurturing seeds of defeat and despair? The good news is that you can change your thoughts right now, at this very moment. Begin to dwell on God’s promises and His goodness. Let His good seeds take root in your mind and heart. It won’t be long before you’ll see that harvest of blessing come forth in every area of your life!

“He answered, ‘the one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man’.” (Matthew 13:37, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I surrender every area of my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I dwell on Your goodness and faithfulness, so that the good seeds You’ve planted in my life will take root. God, keep me close to You and direct my steps, as I intentionally walk down the path You have prepared for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

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Peace Today Please God

I’m sitting in Casablanca, Morocco. The airport is packed, so many different languages, people arguing. Oh how I wish for peace after a long frustrating day. What about you do you need peace in your life? Are you feeling frustrated, hopeless or like things are beyond your control? That was me today, nothing seemed to be going according to plan. Everywhere I turned seemed to be blocked. Even God appeared to be distant.

Here’s is how things began to turn in my favour. I asked myself these questions, “what do I have my mind set on? And what am I thinking about – is it positive or negative?” If you are focused solely on your circumstances, or how impossible everything is, it’s going to affect your peace level and maybe even the outcome. But when you keep your mind stayed on God and what He can do, when you get your mind going in the right direction, then you are setting yourself up for peace and spiritual success. Then things will change in your favour, that’s what happened to me. Hallelujah!!!

Today, you may be going through difficulty; you may be in overwhelming circumstances in your life; however, God still promises you peace in the midst of the storm. He promises that He will preserve you when you call on Him. Choose to keep your mind focused on the Father. Be empowered by meditating on His Word. Find peace today by putting your trust and hope in Him.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for peace that passes understanding. It was a blanket of comfort to my heart, mind and emotions today. Father, help me change my thinking when things are going bad. God, I choose to keep my mind stayed on You, and I thank You for ordering my steps today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Don’t You Quit

Don’t You Quit

One of the most frustrating things since becoming a Christian is when I pray from my heart and nothing happens. Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped on the first try. Maybe they put energy into a relationship, but it didn’t work out. They tried that new business venture, but they are still struggling with their finances.

Now they think it’s never going to happen. But one thing we have to 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, rest assured if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. Through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. This is where patience comes in; this is where perseverance comes in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. No, instead, rise up and press forward. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

(Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for being a faithful God. Father, I believe Your Word and trust Your promises. Please remove my frustration when it seems like You’re deaf to my request. I won’t stop asking, I will keep standing, keep believing and keep asking with patience and perseverance, knowing that I will receive what You have promised, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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God’s Word Will”¦

Romans 10:17 says that faith grows as we read and study His Word. Faith, in turn, produces patience, and when we allow patience to have its perfect work in us, we will lack no good thing. God wants you to be perfect and complete, living in His abundance, and lacking nothing on this earth.

Now, that may seem like a stretch from where you are today, but in an instant, things can turn around. God has set up a system of blessing for you, and it starts with His Word. The Bible says that God has given each of us a measure of faith. We all have faith, and it’s up to us to develop it through the Holy Ghost.

Today, no matter where you are in the process of life, keep moving forward by reading and hearing God’s Word. God’s Word is alive. God’s Word will heal your heart and restore your soul. God’s Word will produce patience in your life so that you can move forward, being complete and lacking nothing all the days of your life!

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

(James 1:3-4, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and directs my way. Thank You for its healing power. Thank You for the restoration it brings. I choose to put You first. I choose to meditate on Your Word, knowing that it will increase my faith and bring me patience. God, place Your Word in my mind so I can move forward, lacking nothing, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

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