Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Jesus Calling: January 29

Keep your focus on Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of your mind. Only the crown of My creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in My image.Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you reset in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.
Psalm 8:5
English Standard Version
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

Genesis 1:26-27
English Standard Version
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

2 Corinthians 10:5
English Standard Version
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Isaiah 26:3
English Standard Version
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You,
because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You [i.e. trusts  in you].

My Prayer
Lord, I want to focus on You and only You. Lord, I want You to get my praise. Lord, thank You for giving me the ability each day to be focused on You. That I don't have to be a product of my circumstances. My circumstances are there and make up my life, but my life in You, in Your presence, sits far above my circumstances and you define my life via my Trust in You. Lord, help me and others near me to see that we are made in Your image.

Lord, I want to surrender my thought life to You. To this day, I get weak and I plan out how I'm going to be far from You, I want to instead present my thoughts to You and be confident in You and trust in You.

Lord, my friend Karl really struggles with this and he has habitually now surrendered his flesh not to You, but to the one of this world. Lord, give him the strength each day to surrender his life to You. I pray that he would not be in a mode of defeat, but that you would give him a thirst for righteousness all the days of the month. Distract him from his sins. Help him to see that You are his strength. He is weak. You are strong. And your plan does not include his sins. Rescue him. Focus him on You. Help me to encourage him properly and in a way that honors You.

Peace. Lord, that is my desire. To have peace. I am restless instead. I am concerned. But, I want to stand in Your peace. Don't let me get distracted.

Lord, I want to destroy anything, any desire or craving that is against being about God, and instead take every thought and make it captive to Christ. So, that every thought enters my life on the high road.

What a beautiful picture of trust. Lord, I want that trust in my life. I want to commit myself to You. I want to lean on You. And hope confidently in You. That is trust.

Lord, you know that I'm unsettled with my job. There is emptiness there. There is not complete joy. I provide for my family as the provider and yet the future is not encouraging. I don't know what would hold for me in a future source of income, but I want to give You that idea and surrender to You and be ready if You direct me elsewhere. I want to be on the alert for that. Lord, as you speak to me, I want to listen and obey. (Update: July 2013 - God provided a new job for me and even 3 years later, while more challenging every day, it is not empty and there is joy. Thank you God.)

Bring me people to disciple and fellowship with. Give my wife and I unity on this so that we could discover a way to fellowship with others.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

160 comments:

  1. @PaytonFamily. Your prayer today, six years ago, was AWESOME in content and attitude, and inspirational in its courage to specifically talk about your job. Now 3 more years have passed. I pray your work continues to be joyful and challenging.

    God does work in mysterious ways! Had I not had major surgery over a year ago and been given Jesus Calling and then forgotten my copy when travelling... I wouldn't have found your blog which now leads to almost daily interaction, which then is shared with others as something helpful. Then, multiply that times the dozens or more who read and post each day!

    All from you blogging and praying! God is using your openness to help others who are seeking Him in this neat little online community. We serve an AWESOME God! Thank you.

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    1. Amen MadFox. God is good!

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    2. Praise the Lord, MadFox. I agree 100% with you. Love this community of believers. we all struggle, yet we all have faith. I too hope paytonfamily's job is fulfilling.

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    3. Amen! I stand in agreement with you. I am thankful for this blog, and JC Family. I am praying for each of you today! CO

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    4. Praise the Lord for this site. I read it every day and need the word of God early each day. Jesus Calling has helped me. Jesus brings light to me and all who love Him and believe in Him.

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    5. I love this blog and body of believers! Mr Payton you have shared such honest and beautiful prayers! It is so wonderful to read your prayers for your friend Karl. We would love to hear how God is working in his life too. Your openness in your job now many years ago is uplifting and inspirational. Praise God for bringing you into a new job that challenges you and brings joy! God is love and He is Joy! We would also love to hear updates in this! God sure is using your and your blog in mighty and victorious ways! Glory be to God
      Also, thank you Madfox for sharing and for your very uplifting and open prayers
      God bless each of our JC family prayers for Gods love, strength and healing for All!
      Texas friend
      Brandy πŸ™πŸ’–πŸ˜‡

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    6. Still so true, MadFox! This wonderful JC Family and this blog (thank you Chris) is such a sweet refuge for me every day. I get so much comfort and joy knowing we are all of one accord here and we all stand on the Rock. The winds of change hit us but we stand steadfast on His promises. We look above what we can see, and we lift each other in prayer, and share Christ's love, wisdom, peace and joy. Praise Him who guided us all to meet in this sweet place each day. God bless you, my brothers and sisters!

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    7. Amen Jeanne πŸ™. God bless you and peace be with you.

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    8. Adding my agreement and AMEN. What a great fellowship of believers.. Thank you Lord for bringing us all here.

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    9. So true sweet Jeanne, so true. I don't get to post every day but I pray for this family everyday & the needs posted πŸ™πŸ₯°

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    10. Payton Family,
      thank you so much for your sincerity and truth in your prayers. Your words of n and updates with life situations give me hope and clarity with my own thoughts. This devotion/ blog has been such a blessing to me. Thank you,
      Angela

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    11. Ditto, Jan. I came to this blog similarly to MadFox in that my kindle app wouldn't transfer my books to my phone and I felt the evil one was trying to keep me from it. HA!...was NOT going to allow that and in determination, came across this blog. God is SO awesome when directing our paths....no matter the path...it's us allowing and welcoming His direction. Feel so blessed, as all of you do too, for this blog and this wonderfully encouraging and loving JC family! Blessings of healing and abundance to you all in Jesus's GREAT name!
      *If you've never listened to Zach Williams songs, I encourage you to. Started my morning with his praise music list. His lyrics speak to my soul.

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    12. Good morning friends in Christ! This blog is so very powerful to keep me on track and focused on the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Jesus for forgiveness of my sins, my brokenness, my weaknesses. Thank you for healing, miracles and wonders. Thank you for your Word that promises everything will be OK, that the war is already won. Whatever the rest of my life looks like here in earth, please help me to confidently know that it is temporary and unfulfilling compared to the glory of an eternity with you and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you Jesus, I trust you Jesus!

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    13. I see I wrote last year as well!
      I love this body of believers and Always love and appreciate Chris Payton and Madfox’s words of wisdom, joy and love. Special Prayers for both of you men who share your hearts & your love for Our Mighty Lord! God bless each of our JC family
      Much love
      πŸ’•πŸ’«πŸ™
      Brandy

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    14. I have a try to do God will.now I can. let go and let god have his way.

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    15. As we wait on the Lord, I am grateful for this blog as a pause along the way to reflect and pray for others and spend quiet time with God. Reading Chris Payton's prayer again this year, I think it will be of great help to share with my BIL Paul, who is nearing the end of his life. We pray together for the Peace that is offered to all, accepted by many. To count ourselves among those receiving such forgiveness and gifts of the Holy Spirit is a great blessing. Thank you Jesus, thank you Payton family. πŸ™✝️♥️

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    16. I love todays devotional, scriptures and prayers. Be blessed friends
      Love and prayers
      πŸ™❤️πŸ™

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    17. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have started my day with this word of God and all the shares brought by each of you. God bless you and keep you.

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    18. Rereading from the top down in 2024. Thankful for this group of believers and warriors. Thankful for @paytonfamily for this blog. God is good.
      SC Anonymous

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    19. Eternally grateful for all of you, especially Chris who made this JC family! I've been here everyday for four straight years now. The book was given to me by my sister, God's Princess, Angelia πŸ˜‡, my guardian angel, who never gave up me. She also found the blog and passed it on. I've been the silent Warrior praying with you and for you and now I have a voice, praise our Father God. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart! You all mean so much to me! God is so very good!!πŸ™✝️πŸ’œ

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    20. I seek God’s Grace while constantly praying for you all!! God bless you and your Families.

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    21. I so agree with Everything said here! This blog is an integral part of my morning devotion for 3yrs now. It Always speaks to my situation and provides perfect guidance and support. Thank you All you amazing Prayer Warriors!❤️πŸ™

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    22. Our online family of pray-ers and believers, the strong and the weak, are lifted up by the grace of God thanks to the Payton family. I love to read that voices are found, prayers are answered and over the years this family grows. God bless as we enjoy this day, this way.

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  2. Dear Lord, thank you for our freedom of choice and thought. May we use it wisely and also to think upon You constantly. May we always be guided to You. Amen .

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  3. Bravo Paytonfamily! Bravo MadFox! Bravo dear Lord Jesus!
    I am grateful, even in a blizzard, frozen tundra here in Michigan! However, I am warmed by the blog and comments AND GOD'S PRESENCE! Amen.

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  4. I, too am snowed in in Michigan! My Jesus Calling book got moved and I searched for this day... and I am so glad that I found this blog! Without reading the end of your post, my mind immediately went to the unsettling feeling I have with my work. On the days when I'm at home, I incessantly think "I can find something better," or "Wouldn't it be nice to do X instead..." and then I hunt on the internet for new opportunities. I email friends, message friends, inquire, etc. You see, I'm not even in a miserable job right now - but I am in a job that requires a lot of my time and energy (though paying well) and causes me to feel like I'm being less than a Mother that my kids deserve. I need to surrender the feeling of "there must be something else that I can do" to Him. I know that He always has a plan, and sometimes it takes our patience and always our trust to let that plan work out.

    So for now - repeating your prayer, giving up on the hunt - and choosing to trust and continue to seek joy where I'm currently placed.

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  5. Thank you Paytonfamily!! I also have my own Jesus Calling book. I enjoy reading your blog mostly because all of the bible verses are already there. I read it daily to my 12 year old granddaughter Zoe . She and her mother live with me. My daughter is an alcoholic and this has been a most difficult way of life for Zoe. I started reading the Jesus Calling for children when she was 9 yes old. About a month ago it was misplaced and so I read your blog to her. She has decided that she would rather be read the adult version. I read it to her every morning while she is eating her breakfast before school. I feel strongly that all of us need to start our mornings hearing the word and thinking on How Jesus is working in our lives. I hope that your friend Karl has become closer to God and not just about the world. Blessings Payton family!!
    CeCe. πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

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    1. I am thrilled beyond belief that God has used this to minister to others. Glad you begin your day with the Lord as well. I am with you and agree that we are to start each day in the Word as it defines my day. I am thankful that I can do this each day. Life is different naturally from where I was 6 years ago as I am at my job now for 5 1/2 years and God has given me a lot of peace about the work that I do and I'm amazed to see how he uses me in my office as I manage a staff of 10 people. My daughter is now married and living 8 hours north, while my two sons are still here at home, one is 23 and working and the other turns 18 soon and is on trek to finish high school. My bride of now 27 years and I remain a strong cord and I'm thankful each day I have her by my side. Karl remains a close friend. He is disabled and not worked now for 10+ years, but he continues to believe in God and trust Him with his life though he continues to struggles getting past some habitual sins in his life. God is faithful. We praise God for the salvation of our two oldest children and continue to pray with confidence for our youngest son. Thank you for being faithful as well to Zoe and caring for her - may your daughter find her satisfaction in Him alone and gain freedom from addiction. Be blessed.

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    2. God is so good! Thank you for your updates a year ago! Prayers for All on this blog and for all that read and don’t post. I often read and do not post.
      God bless you Mr Payton
      What a blessing this blog is that you took the time, love and energy to create! Glory be to God
      Texas friend
      Brandy πŸ’–πŸ™πŸ˜‡

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    3. Thanking God, Chris, for His faithfulness in your life. God bless and protect your wonderful family. I pray your youngest son will come to seek the Lord for himself. I understand this need, personally, as I am praying for my 2 younger sons and my husband to seek Him with their whole hearts, minds and souls. I'm glad Karl believes in God and trusts Him. Everything else will follow. I pray this last year has been good to you and yours, Chris. God bless you always.

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    4. Praying with you Jeanne πŸ™.

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    5. Praying with Jeanne for Chris and family. Thank you Chris for this blog spot πŸ₯°

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    6. God bless you Payton family! Many thanks to you, Chris! ♥️πŸ™✝️

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  6. LOVE the "Update" and that God met the desires of your heart. I also noted that it took several months. You stayed your mind on Him. Thankful for the extra sleep I got and that all of the fam's needs are met. So many things worked out yesterday that seemed difficult at the time. Thankful for all of the JC followers on this blog. Praying with you! Stay warm!

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  7. In everything give thanks. God thank you for prayer warriors. Thank you for people who put you first and pray for others as they grow closer in their walk with you. Thank you Father for trusting and believing and relying solely on you. Thank you God to hear your whispers in the mist of noisy chaos because to said, "You would never leave nor forsake us." Thank you for being the best and only Father many know. Thank you for answered prayers and the common courtesy to know that all that we are, all that we have is directly from you. Thank you for each moment.
    Thank you for your healing and protection of the five police officers in Houston that are in your care. We are praying for them, their families, fellow officers and the communities of Houston, TX. We honor and praise you Father God. We love you and ask that you help us to keep our thoughts, our walk, our direction soley on you and your Word. God is love and love is God.

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  8. How wonderful it is to be able to access this devotional through this blog. I have my copy on my night table and use it every day, but often times I crave a little lift during the day and I can turn to this site. Your prayers are so thoughtful and inspirational, and are teaching me a better way to express myself in prayer. Thank you!

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  9. Amen, what a great encouragement to ask our Father for anything!

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  10. Father God thanks πŸ™ for being my anchor in the storm & putting the right people in my life to keep me grounded

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  11. Jesus - thank you for this JC community - these posts, even though a year ago, are so inspiring. Chris Payton's openness thru the years has helped all of us to focus on You! What a wonderful day this will be! KS

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    1. So agree with you, KS! Inspiration thoughts that come from the Spirit are eternal in nature. Praise be to God!

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    2. Also thank you Bob for your words of love and praise for our God! It is absolutely wonderful to read the love and wisdom from not just women but from men as well. We need more strong and loving men in this world! Praise God for each of you and for our JC family
      Prayers and God bless
      Texas friend
      Brandy

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  12. All inspire with their honesty. God Bless.

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  13. Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW. Teach me to love You more, I want to see the world through Your eyes. Make me a channel of love and blessings to those I encounter. Love ♥ and blessings to JC Wariors

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    1. You ARE a channel of love and blessings, Sassy Mom! <3

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    2. Amen! Dear Sassy Mom, Praying you are feeling much better and that Miss Pat has found relief from her pain. Much love, dear Sister.

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  14. I sat with a well known parable this AM recorded in Mark 4:1-20, The Parable of the Sower. It appears to be the main intention of Jesus in the parable, to demonstrate the four primary responses of people to the gospel message. Indeed, we can look around us and see the truth of this parable in lives of people. But beware of using this parable to categorize people and even yourself. The Spirit led me to another way of viewing God's truth. Rather than defining myself by one of the soils, I was led to consider where each of the soils may represent the status of my soul in my relationship with my Lord. Such questions surfaced: Are there still aspects of who I am that God's love has not penetrated because I have become calloused to certain people or situations? Are there parts of my soul that lack depth so the love of God is not able to develop roots? Are there still interests in my life that choke off the love of God from reaching fruition? Certainly there are areas that have been fruitful by the power of the Holy Spirit (thanks be to God) but, in all honesty, there are still areas of my soul in which the cross has not been allowed to plow the soil to receive the seed of God's love and become fruitful. The liturgical prayer, Veni Creator Spiritus is useful at this point: "Come, O Creator Spirit, visit the souls of those who belong to you; fill with Your grace from on high the hearts which You have made." The issues of today's JC reading could be looked at in this light. Have a blessed day, JC Family. God be with you.

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    1. Thank you Bob for your insight to redirect the point of the parable of the sower. We are so quick to judge and categorize others. But to use the parable as a measure of where I am in my own life makes it a tool for growth.
      God help me to be aware of the areas in my life that need growth. Surround me with people who can inspire accountability as I share my weaknesses and need for growth.
      The blog is great for inspiration, but the anonymity in the virtual world leaves us open to the secrecy that the Devil likes to play in. Face to face interaction, with other believers as we share, inspires action and accountability. God can use their knowledge of what we share to light some of our "dark corners". Our responsibility is to share with those God has placed in our lives that we can trust.
      Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

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    2. Amen Amen
      Thank you 10-4
      Prayers and God bless
      Texas friend
      Brandy

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    3. Bob, are you retired? I picture you each morning at your desk, or in your den or home-office pouring over the Word of God. I love your posts. You inspire me. Thank you!

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    4. Bob, I too have studied that parable and wondered if there were times in my life where I was all those soils. But I know that now I am His beloved child forever. I love His Word and I trust His promises. God's love has given me roots that grow deep and I will not be swayed by this world and its empty promises. Belonging to Jesus is quite enough for me. I'm not saying I'm not a broken sinner, but He is everything to me and the best part of me. I know who I belong to and He loves me with an undying love.

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    5. Praise the Lord Jeanne πŸ™Œ πŸ™ πŸ‘.

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    6. God bless you Jeanne! Lord, I want what she's having πŸ˜‰πŸ™♥️

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  15. John 16:33
    " I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take heart; I have over come the world."
    Lord you are the source of my peace, help me to remember this as each day brings the choice to go out on my own with my own ideas, fears, and anticipated outcomes or chose to rely on you! Running into your arms full knowing that your way is the only way to peace, freedom and joy. That your way satisfies eternal outcomes and is the way to store " treasures in heaven"
    Thank you Father! How great thou art.
    As my mind settles into surrender to you my body relaxes and I find hope.
    Blessing to all!

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  16. Good morning from Texas. This is the day The Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Grateful for this daily devotion, much gratitude to Sarah who used Jesus as her inspiration to write... gratitude to @paytonfamily for reposting to this blog and much gratitude to the community it has created here. I have been reading this daily devotion off and on for over 10+ years... my teenage daughter requested it for Christmas one year and when I previewed it at the book store I was so impressed I bought one for myself... I have now given it as a gift to several friends and family members. I have been reading it here daily, without fail, since Sept 2019 and have been inspired by not only the reading but by this prayerful community. Today I was inspired to share my gratitude. I will try to share my trials and my victories and miracles in the days and months to come. May Jesus our Lord and Savior bless you all this day. God bless, Scott

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    1. Good morning, Scott. I'm in Houston.

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    2. Scott --- I thank you for your insightful post. Welcome to this incredible family of JC WARRIORS! They are full of such love, wisdom and grace--not to mention, fierce Prayer WARRIORS! So, welcome, welcome! Looking forward to your posts. Great Blessings and God's favor upon you! In His Grip of Grace from Kansas

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    3. So thankful for all of you! JJ - you make me smile, as do you Suzanne - and, yes - Welcome Scott! This is my Go-To place for love, comfort, the Word of God - served on a humble, yet golden platter. MadFox said, at some point, that he thought it was interesting that we don't discuss denominations or chastise each other for our personal beliefs. That is the 'gold' on this blog. We all come, we read, we share, we pray for each other. I, for one, have SO MANY victories that have come from these mighty Prayer Warriors prayers.

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  17. Thank You Lord for another day. Thank You for life in itself and for being in my sound mind and having mobility. Praise and Honor to Your Holy name.

    Today Lord, I ask You to help me keep my focus on You and not on my own desires, problems, short comings or even focus on other people. I need and want to keep my focus on You and not even depend on myself. King Solomon knew that trust is exactly where we must start: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
    I want and need You to be first in my life always, not putting myself first or congratulating myself when something good happens and when something bad happens, console myself or blame others or You. May I check myself by Your words and not make excuses for bad behaviors, actions and words. The Prophet Jeremiah writes:“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
    To trust in God, we need to examine ourselves from behaviors that are not pleasing to Him and know that the objective measure that tells the truth comes from God and His word. We may not always like what we see or how we see it but the scripture tells us: “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke” (Proverbs 3:11). When we have the scripture planted firmly in our hearts, God will use them to deal with us, help us to listen to the Holy Spirit and rest in God's love.
    Trusting God takes a whole-hearted commitment from dawn till dusk. But we’re not alone in doing so: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).

    Blessed and safe day to all. Be reminded to keep your focus and eyes on Jesus and stay in His Peace.

    Maplewood, NJ

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    1. Maplewood NJ
      Your prayers and words are always so incredibly inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing scriptures and your heart
      God bless you today and always
      Texas friend
      Brandy

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    2. Maplewood - you inspire me to thank God everyday for EVERYTHING! Lately, you've thanked Him several times for 'mobility.' As an almost 65 year old, I SO GET THIS! You are thankful for the little and the big. For the simple and the great. I love your words and thank God for your vision. You are also humble, so this 'praise,' may make you uncomfortable. Please don't let it. You are a Daughter of God, the Princess of His high calling. I am rejoicing in your belief, as of a child and for your thankfulness, that reminds me everyday to...GIVE THANKS, REJOICE ALWAYS, and again, I say, REJOICE! God Bless you, Maplewood and thank you.

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    3. No matter what the year, Maplewood, your posts always encourage and bless me. You are sharing Spirit led words with us, and I am grateful for the wisdom and messages God gives you.
      We must make a consistent effort to make sure God reigns in our heart above all. It is something we must be aware of all through our day. I was in the kitchen cooking most of the day. I'm driving to Brooklyn in the morning to spend the weekend with my good Mom. I kept talking to the Lord and telling Him I knew He was in my kitchen with me and He was helping me get everything accomplished. He even reminded me not to get cranky when I had been on my feet so many hours. I was tired when I was almost done and cutting the french fries, I tried to be sweet to my husband. He was very kind to do the shopping and the laundry today. The Lord brings out the best of us. When we are leaning on our emotions and getting angry or resentful it is only because we let go of His Hand. Don't let His peace slip away for anything. Especially when you just need more sleep. I do Rejoice each day with the morning light. Thank God we get a brand new day each morning. One more chance to make things right and to glorify Him.

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    4. Praying for safety in your travel Dear Jeanne. Like you I love my "lab", my kitchen that is. Lately with my leg hurting, I haven't been able to enjoy my time there with the Lord. He's my Co- Chef. Enjoy your visit, be safeπŸ₯°

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    5. Safe travels and precious time with your mom Jeanne. Healing for your leg Jan. Mindy

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    6. Thank you fir all your kind words, love and blessings! Was busy with Mom all day so just got to read you our responses and posts!
      Jan, hope that keg gets better. Audra, hope your swelling going down. Thanks Mindy! Much love to all!

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    7. A lot of typos. Sorry. I meant your responses, and Jan, your leg not keg! That mistake made me smile.

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  18. Pondering on what thoughts I need to lasso today.

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  19. Blessed beyond words reading the many inspirational comments and prayers. Thank you Warriors.

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  20. Amen Amen Amen
    Thank you for sharing this honest and humble perspective. Prayers that God searches each of us and yes, penetrates deep in each soul, in every nook to grow and change us to be like Christ in His love
    , goodness and grace!
    Prayers & God bless
    Texas friend

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    1. Praying for you Brandy. Hope you are not in any pain in your head and neck, and things are going well.

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  21. Oh, Dear JC Family, thank you for your prayers. Today was a lovely, long, exhausting day. I got my Evaluation today. I got all 5's (highest rating) and 2 starred areas: Compassion and Going The Extra Mile. I was humbled, because my Chief Of Staff saw the God in Christ in me. That is the only explanation I have for her wanting to give me 10's when 5 is the highest rating. I've worked in HR. You don't 'give' the highest rating b/c it leaves no room for goals. My boss knows me and know that I am my own strictest critic. How much of a blessing is that? I set my goals for 2020 to include continued desire to become healthier (which means I have to set aside time to use the gym that I joined 12/31 and have only gone to ONCE! UGH!!! To de-clutter my office and home and leave only what truly blesses my Hub and me. To make time for my One True Love on this Earth...my Man of God. I don't ever want him feeling 2nd fiddle and I'm guilty of that when the cares of this world become to great.
    I am praying tonight for my dear sister in Christ (the one whose husband has vascular dimentia (saying, the 'long goodbye,'), who lost a 42 yr old nephew yesterday. He was the first-born Grandson and will be so missed. I am also praying for the colonoscopy she will have in the next week or so. I'm praying for a dear sister in Christ who is in Hospice right now. For her sister (who lost her wonderful husband way too soon) and is caring for her. I'm praying for my friend who was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. For my husband who has had 2 days without the stomach issues (thank YOU JC Prayer Warriors!!). I am praying for the families of all, who have gone too soon and the truth that I don't understand why, other than a personal adversary, who seeks to kill, steal and destroy. I am praying for wisdom and spunk to rise up and speak the Truth, every day to Believer and non-believer alike. I am thankful for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who pray diligently, who heed His Word and who inspire me every day to face my fears with the One who cares for me.
    Long day. Praying for a long sleep - but not TOO long. Wake me up refreshed and ready to go that extra mile for YOUR Glory!!!

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    1. Praying you are getting some long sleeps, dear Sister and your hubby is feeling better. You are so good and loving, you deserve 10's in everything. Much love!

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  22. Father, please help me keep my eyes on You. Help me with this swelling in my body Lord. I am trying not to stay focused on it,but on You. It's a bit daunting to be honest. Let the Holy Spirit lead me on the path of Your will and not my own. Thank You Jesus. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen πŸ™. Praise the Lord continually and always.

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    1. Keeping you in healing prayer Janet. May He comfort and guide you and meet your needs, dear sister.

      Blessings from France

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    2. Joining in healing prayers for you dear Janet. I'm going to claim this swelling to be temporary and gone soon and we will give thanks for victory here and rejoice with you in Jesus' name in the near future. Thank you Lord for healing for Janet and hearing our prayers.

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    3. May the Lord Jehovah Rapha heal your body dear Janet. He knows how much you love Him. He is faithful & will see you through this. Amen.

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    4. So sorry you're experiencing this swelling discomfort, Janet. Praying for healing and drainage, sweet sister in Christ.

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    5. Joining in prayers for healing and comfort, Janet. In Jesus's name!

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    6. Thank you all for your wonderful prayers. I really appreciate each and every one of you ❤. God bless you πŸ™.

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    7. Joining all prayers for your healing, sweet Janet! πŸ™

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  23. Been praying for that swelling to go down, sweet Sister. Sending a gentle hug to you.
    Thank you, Father for bringing dear Janet back to perfect health and comfort. Holy Spirit, guide her to Your Will. Thank You Jesus! We trust You and we will wait on You.

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  24. Dear Janet, maybe we aren’t supposed to make suggestions, but just to pray, which I will. Not knowing what is causing your swelling, I will offer this. Eating a bowl of freshly chopped cabbage (not bagged from the store) has a natural ingredient in it that causes the body to shed excess water. This is very effective for my husband and myself. Praying!

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    1. Thank you Ellen for the advice and the prayers πŸ™. My grandmother's name was Ellen and she was my most favorite person in the world.

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  25. Dear heavenly Father, I give all of me to you this day. My thoughts. My words. My actions. Help me to continue to see myself worthy of your many blessings, even among any perceived hardships or self doubts. You are so compassionate and forgiving. All praise, glory and honor to you dear Jesus. Always. Forever. Amen.

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    1. Amen! He loves us exactly how we are and where we are in our lives. Praise Him!

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    2. Yes! Repeat even louder!! Amen!

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  26. Teach me to love You MORE, Lord. Show me how to place You at the forefront of my life and my thoughts. Help me to center my life around You and grow in obedience to You. Praying strength, hope and encouragement for those who are sick, grieving and feel defeated. Praying for you as you pray for me.
    "God Is in control and you just can't beat it." RDS

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  27. My beloved JC FAMILY, I continue to pray for each step on each of your individual journeys. No one has an arm like you Lord, full of power and might. Lord, release Your powerful angels on behalf of the JC WARRIORS to fight their battles in the heavens, in the name of Jesus. I release The Fire of God to burn out sickness or disease that would operate in any part of my JC WARRIOR'S bodies. At the cross, Jesus, You healed all diseases, therefore, our youth is renewed like the eagles, in Your name. I command the storm of destruction to gather upon every satanic power that is trying to come against my JC WARRIOR'S health. Lord, Your right hand establishes us, and Your holy arm strengthens us and gives us VICTORY in the name of Jesus. I decree and declare Your freedom, healing, deliverance and breakthrough for each JC WARRIOR! For Your Honor, Lord, and for Your Purposes, AMEN and AMEN In His Grip of Grace JJ

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    1. Joining in your prayer JJ πŸ™. Thank you and Amen.

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    2. Amen JJ !!

      Blessings from France

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    3. Very powerful JJ. Amen and Amen. Mindy

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    4. Amen! Beautiful and heartfelt.

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    5. JJ, your prayers are so powerful and full of confidence, as you say, in His grip of Grace. I am so fortunate to have found this blog. I find GREAT peace and comfort in it in my daily devotions, and I pray for those walking through life in this community of believers. I have a prayer request: My scalp suture line from my brain surgery in October has opened up once again. My doctor has prescribed antibiotics, but it can get discouraging as it is now 3.5 months in the healing process. My prayer is that it heals from the inside out and closes securely. I stand in divine health. AMEN!

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    6. Ellen, does seem like too long on your healing. Prayers for resolution and to see another doc if you don't heal this time, in Him, Godspeed.

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    7. Extending prayers for Ellen and all others (including myself) for the Great Healer to facilitate our bodies to regenerate the necessary cells to close any wounds in restored health. Thank you Jesus! We trust you Jesus!

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  28. Thank you Jesus! Thank you JJ! ♥️

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  29. Loving Father, Thank You for a new day in which I can depend on Your strength. It’s been a rough few days, but Your unconditional Love, Mercy and Grace have kept me and I just want to say thank You! I entrust my life in Your safe-keeping, knowing that Your love surrounds me and Your grace is sufficient, no matter how dim the circumstances of life may appear. Thank You Father, for holding the world in the palm of Your hand, knowing that nothing can snatch your children from that secure position in You. We are blessed to be accepted in the beloved and loved by the Father and Savior of our lives. Keep my heart from unnecessary fretting or worry, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, may I build myself up in holy faith, by praying in spirit and truth and walking the way of righteousness You have set before me. May I learn to always prevent my eyes from focussing on the trials and tribulations that are coming on the earth, and rather, help me to look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. I know that in all things He is the VICTOR, and as His child, I am securely positioned in Him through time and into eternity. Thank You Father, for JESUS!

    “What the enemy doesn’t want you to know is that Unlovable doesn’t exist, it was canceled out on The Cross”!

    “See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1

    Praying with and for ALL the needs and prayer requests listed here daily, even the un-spoken ones. God be with you all.

    Blessings and Peace.

    Maplewood, NJ

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    1. Amen Maplewood! Keeping you in healing prayer dear sister.

      Blessings from France

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    2. Praying with you and for youπŸ™πŸ’—

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    3. Blessed by your post, thank you Maplewood.

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  30. Requesting prayers for peace and protection as we anticipate staying in a hotel (concerned about the covid risk) in order to make an early morning appointment an hour and a half from home. It's a biopsy for a 91 year-old friend who can no longer drive the distance. The 5:30 am check-in necessitates the overnight stay. Prayers that the procedure comes off well because it has been postponed twice. Each time it's been preempted by other patient's urgencies.(once, after we had made the trip.) God be with us as we travel and deal with the uncertain So-Cal weather.

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    1. Praying travel mercies, guidance for the medical staff and healing for your friend. God bless you and yours 10-4!

      Blessings from France

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    2. Praying for God’s protection, traveling safety, your friend’s healing and good results. God bless you too dear 10-4

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  31. Thank You Jesus. I praise God always and forever.

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    1. Amen to that dear Janet. Praise and Gratitude!

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  32. " Keep your focus on Me".
    My wife Karen and I had a really blessed day yesterday. Long time friends, a brother and sister in the Lord, who we hadn't seen for years ( a narrowboat in a canal is their home), drove 300 miles south to within 40 miles or so of our home to pick up equipment for their boat. We met them and had a great catch-up. We were so blessed to talk openly about the Lord in the restaurant ( yeah, you get odd looks), then later chatted for hours in the cottage they rented for the night.
    Other subjects cropped up but mostly, at least 90% of the time it was about the Lord and our respective Christian journeys to-date. Our focus was Him. How He was working in our lives and other folk, sharing testimony after testimony. We all were very conscious of the Lord's Presence. Our time spent together was more edifying, more building up in our 'most holy faith', than many church services I have attended. Thinking on this, this morning, I believe that it is relationship that counts most in our Christian living. First and foremost with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Secondly with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We didn't have a 'program' or agenda. We had no liturgy or ritual but we were as much 'church' or ekklesia it is possible to be on Earth: a group, or a few believers meeting together with Jesus present and Him as our focus.
    Maybe, in the not too distant future, with the world going as it is, this is the only way we may be able to meet; to be church in one another's homes.
    This JC Blog to me is also ekklesia, a group of believers meeting with Jesus as our focus.

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    1. Sounds like a perfect day Peter. What a blessing to have friends to share your faith with. Especially when our Lord and Savior is present.

      TJ

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    2. Peter, this blessed me SO much! We get to meet up with my sister and brother in law today for a little while and I expect it to be much the same. Thank you for sharing this delightful time with us!

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    3. How absolutely wonderful, Peter! It reminds me of a children's book I had entitled "God is Everywhere". Such awesome time spent with dear friends feeling God's presence throughout....that will surely be remembered forever. Thanks for sharing this with us!

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    4. One of my greatest joys was to find this blog and family to have these very conversations with, in the language of love I had been longing to find for years. It's what keeps me coming back every day. ♥️

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    5. What a blessing to spend time with your friends and brethren in Christ. What a perfect day you had. Cherish those sweet memories and remember the talks you had. Much praise and thanksgiving tucked into your day! It was all meant to be. God is so good.

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  33. Good morning dear ones πŸ’•. A thankful heart to the Lord of Lords! A thankful heart for warriors! The swelling on my grandson's neck is almost gone. No biopsy needed. Praise be to God! Hallelujah!love & blessings on each you this day.

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    1. Great news Jan! God is so good.

      TJ

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    2. DOING THE HAPPY DANCE, Dear Jan!!! Thank you, Heavenly Father!

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    3. PRAISE GOD our Jehovah Rapha!!! The GREATEST PHYSCIAN! Such answered prayer, Jan! Victory, victory, victory!!! Thank you, Jesus, for this healing of Jan's grandson! Praise, praise, praise!

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    4. PTL for answered prayers for your grandson's condition!

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    5. Hallelujah for another victory! So happy your grandson’s doing well!

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  34. Pray as our church has a very special service today for a Memorial for the Unborn. A very solemn service marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Amen

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  35. Please pray that my son finds a house. He has been looking for five months and with inflation and not many houses on the market he has not been able to find something. I have offered this journey up to God, but prayers would not hurt. I hope everyone has a safe weekend. Keep warm!!! wherever your are. Thank you in advance for all your thoughts and prayers. AMEN!!!!

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    1. Praying Anonymous for just the right house for your son. May he ask, seek & knock daily for this desire & need. πŸ™πŸ₯°

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  36. Dear Anonymous! May God in all His wisdom guide your son to the perfect house and most convenient location. We ask for this dear Father in Jesus’ Name.

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  37. Was up so late last night. I watched all 8 episodes of the first season of The Chosen. Then today my Mom and I started watching Jesus of Nazareth! Just wonderful! I shoveled a lot and ate too many cookies. We had a good day! Got almost 2 feet of snow so I’ll be here for a while. Praying for you my dear family. Spent some good time just being still. That’s what God wanted.

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  38. Looks like I may be singing by myself in Church, unless a choir member shows up. I saw our Choirmaster's email and everyone was canceling. I will go up to the choir loft with a mask and shine some light for the Lord.
    As today's devotion says, I will stay in God's presence and peace.
    "Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence.....I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me."
    Have a blessed Sunday dear JC Family. Praying for more answered prayers and a day well spent in His presence. Get that lasso ready for any distractions that threaten to separate you from your First Love. Stay in the light, guard your peace, and give Him some glory.
    God bless you all.

    Psalm 96:1-3
    Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!
    Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
    Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
    Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
    Declare His glory among the nations,
    His wonders among all peoples.

    Isaiah 26:3
    You will keep him in perfect peace,
    Whose mind is stayed on You,
    Because he trusts in You.

    Matthew 5:16
    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


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    1. Praying for you Jeanne πŸ™. Let the light of His presence lift you up and make you full. As you sing to the Lord, know that He is with you and smiling greatly ☺. God bless.

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    2. Jeanne as you sing to the Lord remember He sings over you, you are not alone.
      Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing."

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    3. Thanks Janet and Peter! You both made me smile today. You lifted me too! And I’ve always loved that verse. There was no heat in the church and only one person was up in the choir loft. I put my coat back on. God led me there because they needed me to sing! I sang from my heart for the Lord and I knew He was smiling down at me. It blessed my day and my choirmaster was so thankful that I came. I had my mask on except when I sang. And the one person up there was my dear sister in Christ, Pat who is in my Bible group. That was such a sweet gift too!! God is so good to add light to every day. Hope He fills your paths with bright light too! Much love.πŸ’—πŸ™πŸ˜Š☀️🎢

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  39. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2). Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23). Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16:3).

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    1. Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. (Isaiah 30:18).

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    2. Amen! Thanks sweet Janet! Waiting on the Lord and trusting He is already answering our prayers because He is so good and merciful and He loves us dearly. Thank You Jesus!

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  40. The PATHWAY to JESUS is paved with His blood. Thank You Jesus for saving my soul.

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  41. Amen good sister!!! Saved by His Blood and so grateful. Praying with you and for you.

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  42. Reaching out for prayers family. Healing for my wife and her fibro that is really bad right now. For the family of a childhood friend who just died suddenly. For my anxiety that is making things so difficult right now, including my marriage, especially as I head to the cardiologist tomorrow (just a routine follow up, but still makes me feel anxious)

    All this as I try to keep my focus on the Lord and feel his peace, and presence and be thankful for all the blessings I do have. He is a loving Father. Yet it’s a tough storm.

    Thank you everyone! Be blessedπŸ™

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    1. Dear Rich --- You got my prayers for all of your concerns. My Father God, Your name is BREAKTHROUGHS! Your name is HEALING! Your name is VICTORY! Your name is LIFE! You are the God WHO MAKES GIANTS FALL. I ask that You SLAY THE GIANTS that are taunting Rich. I Declare that NO FORCE of hell will be able to prevent the manifestation of Your plan for Rich and his family. Father, fill Rich with Your Grace, Mercy, Knowledge, Wisdom and Your GLORY--a source of ALL Goodness! In Jesus's name, AMEN and AMEN.

      Rich, God wants His Glory to be seen on you. He wants you to stand out in a crowd. He wants you to be so blessed that everyone around you can see His goodness on you. So KEEP STANDING; KEEP BELIEVING; KEEP HOPING; KEEP DECLARING His WORD, because blessing and favor are coming your way! I Plead the Blood of Jesus over you and your family. The devil CAN'T DEFEAT THE BLOOD!

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    2. Hallelujah!! I certainly felt the Spirit in that prayer! Thank you. AMEN AMEN AMEN!πŸ™πŸ’›πŸ˜Š

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    3. Dear Rich C, God goes before you always, so rest in Him. He knows what you and yours are going through. Joining in all prayers for you and your wife and the family in need of God’s comfort and guidance. May your tests come out fine and God’s healing cover your good wife and may He remove any anxiety that you feel and replace it with His peace and comfort! Let your light so shine before men so they can see your good works and give glory to God in heaven. You are not walking alone. Trust in His promises and try not to lean on your own understanding. God’s got all of this! Thank You Jesus.

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  43. Rich - lifting you, your wife, and the family of your childhood friend up in prayers. Anxiety can be paralyzing if don’t keep your eyes on God. Thank Him everything- the good and the bad. May God bless you and your family.

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  44. Thank you!!! Keeping my eyes on the cross! ✝️

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  45. Praying for you and your family, Rich C. It's gonna be OK...
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HznXBBCdBE
    Sleep Sweet - God is on the Night Watch.
    Jeanne - you are the BEST! To show up, be the only singer in the choir, after the last few weeks you've had. You amaze me. I love you, Sister! God will bless you BIG for your loving actions.
    Love and Blessings to all of my JC Family!
    'Nite

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  46. Amen dear Norah! Joining with you in telling out brother Rich: It’s gonna be okay. What a powerful song!
    Thanks for sharing! Thanks for your prayers and sweet words. Love you too!!

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  47. Jeanne, those are two of my favorite passages from the Psalms. What a great prayer and scriptures to start the day! Thanks for blessing us all on this site. @paytonfamily, thanks for starting this project that has touched so many lives. I share this with friends and family every morning. May GOD bless you and keep you all!

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    1. Thanks dear KCJONES! God’s Word feeds us here along with Sarah’s Spirit guided words, and we feed each other! God has led us all here and we are blessed by it. Hallelujah!

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  48. "....I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me." Thank you Jesus! Keep me calm and anxious free-as I focus on You all day, every day. My faith and trust is in You always. Amen.

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    1. Yes ABC! Joining you in gratitude to our Savior and friend, Jesus Christ.

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  49. Amen to that, dear ABC!

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  50. Amen! Ephesians 4:29
    Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those that hear.
    I must read this daily πŸ˜‰

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  51. Hopping on to say, "Hi and I'm praying for all of you beautiful Saints!" Hubby is improving day by day (sing it Brie!) and we are thankful. We have a follow up appt tomorrow for the pneumonia and his Post Op appt on Thursday. Have a blessed evening. I'll be with my Ladies this evening.
    Love and God's Best to each of you!

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  52. Such good news that he’s feeling better. May God guide all to good in his post op appointment on Thursday. Thanks always for your prayers. Eli still needs so many prayers. He’s lethargic and in a lot of pain. Thanks. May God help the little guy tolerate the chemo and cure him completely. Thank You Jesus.

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  53. Amen Jeanne. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Allowing God to be your guide begins with a commitment to trust.

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  54. Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. You’re all in my prayers tonight. Please keep me and my wife in yours.

    Be blessed.
    ShalomπŸ™

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  55. Dear Rich C. You are always in my prayers. Praying for you and your wife that God will lead all things to good. May He answer your prayers and give you peace.

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