Sunday, April 12, 2015

Jesus Calling: April 12

     Trusting Me is a moment-by-moment choice. My people have not always understood this truth. After I performed miracles in the wilderness, My chosen children trusted Me intensely--but only temporarily. Soon the grumbling began again, testing My patience to the utmost. 
     Isn't it often the same way with you? You trust Me when things go well, when you see Me working on your behalf. This type of trust flows readily within you, requiring no exertion of your will. When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies. You are forced to choose between trusting Me intentionally or rebelling: resenting My ways with you. This choice constitutes a fork in the road. Stay on the path of Life with Me, enjoying My Presence. Choose to trust Me in all circumstances. 

Exodus 15:22-25
English Standard Version
Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them. 

Psalm 31:14
English Standard Version
But I trust in you, O Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”

My Prayer
Lord, this is so true of me - that I trust You easily when things are going well, but when they are not, I start to wonder. It's amazing how quickly a simple trial can get my eyes off of you. It is embarrassing. Too often Lord I worship you only because what you have done for me. Help me Lord to worship You because of who You are. Your nature is majestic. People everywhere know that you are there, but I want to help people see who you really are. The world tries to get me conformed to the idea that I can be happy because of having things, but I want to be happy always because I have You. In all the circumstances of life, I want to trust You.


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.

134 comments:

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    1. Joining my prayer in with yours, Chris. Your prayer fits me like a T. And along with ABC, I am praying to trust You more, sweet Jesus and make choices that increase my trust in You day by day, independent of all situations and circumstances. Would You please Help me Lord? I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    2. Help me too, Lord. I want to be happy just because I have you. Keep me in the moment and remind me this too shall pass, into the next moment with you. I'm standing next to Brie and the JC Family knocking on the door to say thank you, I trust you, I love you.

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    3. This word is true. It speaks about me all the way.

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  2. I decided to leave a comfortable paying job in Virginia to chase a personal desire to go into the sport fishing profession in Florida. Unable to locate an opportunity and become hired, I feel as though I was much better off staying in Virginia. This decision has lead to a high degree of frustration. The risk to leave a decent living for a whimsical fantasy left me with an income to just barely support an apartment and basic living requirements such as food and gas. I believe I have learned what it means to be thankful when money is flowing in thicker, and to stop chasing every breeze of thought trying to get me to believe that I am not satisfied with my current circumstances. A risk can be defined as an intentional interaction with uncertainty. I have an inherently risky nature. Where does God fit into this? I believe God gave me the boldness to be able to move to new places regularly, but I need to learn how to Trust that when I am in a position with good pay and a desirable town, it is sufficient, and the search for a "better city" will only be satisfied once I get to heaven.

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    1. Amen brother, I have been reminding myself alot lately that I am not meant to be satisfied with this life here on earth... I will not see perfection with the intricate details in my life because my perfect life is awaiting me in heaven. If things are perfect here what will I have to look forward to? No, the Lord is good and I will see His goodness in the land of the living but my soul will be satisfied when I put off this corruptible for the incorruptible and join Him to life everlasting. Amen

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    2. Well said, Angela! From one who obsessively compulsively searches for order and perfection here in a fallen world where it simply is unattainable. I pray, I learn, I trust, and repeat. Thanks be to God and encouragement found in this blog. Blessings JC readers and friends!

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    3. Lord help me when I am just like your Israelite children: You save me from the water, with the water, and then You have to listen to me grumble about the water? I can understand why You made the water taste bitter. Why waste Your sweet water on mumbling, grumbling, whiny, complaining children, who will drink it up, forget its sweetness, and just find something else about which to mumble, grumble, whine, and complain?
      Would you help me choose to appreciate everything You provide, and always rejoice, praise, compliment and thank You because of Who You Are? I need Your Help In Jesus' Name. I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. Amen.

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    4. Amen Sisters, When I am smack dab in the middle of a difficult day, it is usually because I am not holding on to my loving Father's hand. I am looking at the rain and the gray sky and not saying Thank You for this blessed new day. Today was a difficult day because I had stayed up too late the night before and I got up early to pray with my Sis and Mom and then fell back to sleep. I didn't actually thank the Lord sincerely for the day until I woke up again. But the gray skies and light rain just pulled down my heart. I was just not trusting God for a day flooded with His light no matter the circumstances. Angela, it is so true that we will see His goodness and glory when we reach our Home with Him. But His peace and joy is in every day no matter what we are going through. We just must keep our eyes on Him and our heart open to receive His comfort and joy. When I look at my sweet grandson's face, I see God's perfect goodness and when he speaks my name, I am overjoyed. God gifts us with these sweet moments to renew our weary hearts. Amen Audra. Thanking God with you for this wonderful blog and family. It is a shelter to me and a place of refreshment and renewal. Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place. Dear Brie, we all must be thankful and try not to grumble. I felt like grumbling this day but I prayed and God turned my heart towards Him. I have my Bible group in a few minutes so I pray I will be a light to them. May all our hearts be open to the meaning of His words and His message.
      Seeking, Knocking, Praising and Thanking with you, my Sisters.

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    5. So well stated Angela...and so applicable to me! I am nourished n refreshed by your insight/testimony..thank you

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  3. Amen!! I trust you Lord!! I know we all have our rough days and our challenges God hands us but this is how he tests us and helps us trust him more :) You can do all things through Christ who gives us strength πŸ’ͺ🏼 God has a perfect plan for us all!! And it’s mind blowing!!! When we think we’ve figure it all out.. BAM!! He shows us more and more :) Truly indescribably our Lord and Savior is :) No words worthy enough to describe our Father :) God has a plan for us all hang in there everyone!! Enjoy the ride!! God bless everyone!! Have a blessed day!!!

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  4. Good morning JC family 😊. Read some victory comments yesterday from addictions, yay God!He is awesome. Still more to pray for. Jody, God has a hold on your future, awesome that you ended with just enjoying the day. Atta girl πŸ˜€! Unknown, God made you brave, taking on the task of raising your grands, you are awesome. Your reward is at hand. God hears your desperate cries for your children to be free of their addiction. MarkL, I continue to pray for your work situation & son. Norah, still lifting your hubby up for complete healing, stay calm through this storm dear, Jesus has you & your hubby in the "eye" of it. Anonymous, hang in there, praying for you alsoπŸ™. Love & blessings to allπŸ₯°.

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    1. Thank you Jan. Your encouragement is infectious!

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    2. God bless you Jan! Prayers for each of the jC family and your families as well. ♥️♥️♥️πŸ˜‡

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  5. Anonymous, just to add, my hubby finds it hard to meet my emotional needs also. I read a book, Lord change me. I began to see through the Lord's eyes at my hubby. Compassion enveloped me for him, understanding I never had before & a new resolve to look to God to meet my needs. Granted we still need that tender touch from them, so at my greatest need I would instead apply that to him. God will show you. Be strong, hold on.πŸ₯°

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  6. Day 3 of sobriety - thank you Jesus! Be sober-minded & alert...

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  7. Thank you Jan for the encouragement. My last devotional reading yesterday was the message that when God answers prayers we need to respond immediately and re orient our life in obedience. The lesson was the choice the rich ruler made in contrast to the choice the disciples made and the eternal consequences for that choice

    Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord

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  8. Happy Easter JC Warriors. He is risen indeed. May God bless you all on this glorious day.

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  9. Holy Week Treasure Map- RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Jesus is Risen; God gives us eternal life in Jesus (The Real Treasure)!

    SUNDAY CAME, The KING is RISEN! GOOD MORNING MY JESUS!

    Dear Heavenly Father, We give thanks, glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever to You for your indescribable gift, the gift of this season! For without this glorious Day called Easter, there would be no Christianity. Without Your Son’s' suffering, execution and subsequent resurrection, we would not be here today. As terrible His suffering was, it was part of Your plan for the salvation of humankind. Today dear Lord, we remember the resurrection of Jesus our Savior as a way to renew our daily hope that we have victory over sin. In a world that grows increasingly dark, help us hold up His light so that we can celebrate Him every day of our lives. We thank You that Easter is about all people. As well as your love and Your gift of Salvation for all who confess with voices, hearts and lives that the tomb He laid in is empty. Your Son Christ Jesus, our Savior is risen! His mission is accomplished in that, He introduced the Holy Spirit to us, that we might know love and forgiveness, that You His father might be revealed to us, that heaven is our home, that we may have assurance of life after death, that lives might be reborn and Your name glorified now and for eternity.
    Thank You for erasing our sin and calling us Your own. Thank You for the miracle of life, abundant life here, and eternal life with You in Heaven. Thank You that the grave is only a journey into Your Presence. You have removed the sting of death and empowered this thing called life. Teach us to call your name as Jesus did and help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world. Give us the strength to be still and receive Your mercy and grace in this moment and always, in the name of Jesus our Savior who saves completely!

    You started it Lord, and it is FINISHED. We trust You for our tomorrows, moment by moment! Thanks to the KING who came to redeem us. He is indeed RISEN!

    REJOICE!
    The stone is rolled away,
    Hallelujah (He is risen!)!

    REJOICE!
    The curtain’s torn in two,
    our God invites us in,
    Hallelujah (He is risen!)!

    JC family, May the grace, peace, blessings and unconditional love of Jesus on this Easter Day, rest upon each of you.

    HAPPY EASTER!

    Maplewood NJ

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    1. That was wonderful, Maplewood! We sure do trust the Lord for our tomorrows. We have a very present help in times of trouble. He is the Author of our future, so we must stand firmly on the Rock that doesn't crumble. Wishing you and all of my JC Family a very blessed Easter, celebrating The Risen Lord. Much love.

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    2. Amen Maplewood! I am so grateful that we serve a Risen Lord and the gifts He gives us are eternal. I do trust in Him but something in today's prayer hit me:
      It's amazing how quickly a simple trial can get my eyes off of you.
      Sometimes we begin our day in prayer and reading the Word and trusting in His guidance and provisions. And then Boom! Something happens that we didn't expect and we get nervous and unplug ourselves from Him. We must remember that human emotions are not what we should lean on. He has not left us through trial and in Him, we find true peace in every situation or cirumstance. Keeping my eyes on the Lord and keeping my heart open to receive all that He blesses me with. If there is a storm or an obstacle in my path, I will hold His hand and continue on.

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    3. Dear sweet Maplewood! Your words always lift and encourage my weary heart! I read every word and praised God for the gift of you and your generous spirit! Amen and Amen. Continuing to pray for you, your Mom, your sister, and your son. Praying that your Mom and son are getting closer to Jesus and He is healing all of you in body, mind and spirit! You are so loved, dearest sister! Miss you. Have a blessed and joyful Easter celebrating the Risen Lord.

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  10. Happy Easter to all JC Warriors! May the Risen Lord shower us with blessings! KS

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  11. Don't be disheartened because our church is empty, REJOICE because the tomb is. HE IS RISEN. HALLELUHAH!!!

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    1. Beautiful! Amen!✝️♥️πŸ“–

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    2. This says it all! Thanks, Sassy Mom.

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    3. Thank you Sassy Mom..our cup overfloweth with Jesus's love for us!

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  12. AMEN, Maplewood, Sassy mom and Anonymous...and all of our delightful JC Family. So thankful that we know, that we know, that we know - He is Risen and has paid the price for all of us. We are left to share the good news and trust Him in ALL circumstances - even (especially) during this unnerving time of the pandemic.
    Love and Blessings to each of you checking in on the JC Blog today, so graciously provided and updated by the Peyton Family. We are blessed. I thank each of you who provided so much insight during this Lenten season and right up to THE day that we all celebrate and give thanks for.
    I am so thankful and praying for each of you.

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    1. Just wanted to say your replies and comments bless my soul. I appreciate all of your encouragement, Norah. You have always added light to my day. I am blessed by your insight and, like you, am so thankful for all of my brothers and sisters who daily pour their hearts and prayers here. We are all of one accord.

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    2. So thankful with you Norah. All the posts and prayers that our JC Family shares mean so much to me. Jesus is in their hearts and their words are spirit ordained.

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  13. Easter Day 2020, a global pandemic has literally brought the world to a stop. Oh, it's still spinning on its axis, and some vital commerce remains for food, utilities, and essential services, but most workplaces, schools, and even houses of worship are idle. Worse, no one save, God knows for how long. Thus, fear of the future is as widespread as the actual coronavirus, now in over 180 countries globally.

    And this Sunday, is also the day that we memorialize that Jesus left the tomb, after an unjust trial, a brutal flogging, and a crucifixion leading to His death. He arose from the grave to calm His closest friends, living in fear of their future, to prove and assure them that He did not die but he atoned sin for all mankind, forever. Fear not, Apostles for He is with you!

    Jesus Calling (no saying!) expresses the same message today: "Trusting Me is a moment-by-moment choice... When things go wrong, your TRUST-FLOW slows down and solidifies... Choose to trust Me in all circumstances."

    It struck me that Sarah used the analogy of "flowing" after I'd mentioned in the past week, an elder wise gentlemen saying that he had wished that he had quit swimming upstream or against the flow of God. And allowed himself to "go with the flow". I think he would like the terminology of 'trust-flow'. And so, I'm reminded today that God is still in control of the universe. He has our tomorrow secure for us. We must have faith and trust that today's pandemic is no different than world wars, the plague, or great famines... this too shall pass, and He will be with us always. Praise Him. He has Risen. He has Risen, Indeed. We are redeemed. Amen.

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    1. Amen MadFox! This too shall pass and we will all see the faithfulness of God. He has never left us and He is in this picture and mighty as ever. We must stand on our fruit of the Spirit. Wait on Him in trust and anticipation. He is mighty to save. Trust-flow. We will go as He guides us because His way is better than ours. Praise Him with every breath and be blessed. He is Risen and we are redeemed. Amen.

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    2. Great overview, MadFox! Blessings on you and your family as we remember your daughter and the loving medical service she is providing those in need. She is the hands of Jesus who is alive and well.

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    3. MadFox, Praying that your daughter is surrounded by a hedge of protection as she does God's work helping people survive this Pandemic. God bless her always.

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    4. Amen MadFox, Trusting really is a moment to moment choice. We must not let any problem stand in our way of trusting the Lord. Exercise those trust muscles in every situation.
      I know you have had your trials and challenges, and you are still standing steadfast on the Rock and trusting Him with every fiber of your being. Praying for you and your family. He is so faithful. Rest in Him dear brother.

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  14. Happy Easter all! Hallelujah to our risen King! I'm praying for all of you every day for your protection and provision. I hope you all have a happy day and feel loved.

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  15. Hallelujah Christ is risen! YES INDEED, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR HAS RISEN! Sending love and Easter Blessings to all! Scott from Fort Worth, Tx

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  16. Happy Easter, JC family! Sending love and prayers for all! Enjoy God’s blessings!

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  17. EASTER SUNDAY

    (John 20:1-18) After decades of contemplating his life with Jesus (much as the JC readings continually call us), John puts pen to papyrus and writes down all he felt was most important and what he experienced in them. He tells the first Easter morning experience a little different than the other three gospels because he wants us to experience the resurrection through Mary Magdalene's eyes. She came in love that first Easter morning to complete the burial process that was only half completed on Friday. She came because she loved Jesus so and still did; she will always love Him even though He is now gone. She came for a last expression of love, of putting the appropriate spices in the burial clothes to offset the odors of bodily decay which would be offensive to those who passed by. She wanted no one to be offended by this tomb which held Jesus. She wanted no one to think ill of Him; for to her, He was the most beautiful loving person who ever lived. She came in love because she was so loved.

    And what did she experience for all of her efforts? Well things weren't as she expected them to be. She found the stone rolled away and Jesus' body was not there. "Something had gone wrong," she thought. Her grief increases because now she is unable to show the love she came to express. She hears someone coming up behind her. She turns to see someone standing there. Assuming it is the gardener, that is all she sees (as we think so is how we see things). She speaks to Him as the gardener. He responds, "Mary." No one but Jesus says her name in that loving of a way. Her mind is changed completely and she realizes in some unexplainable but valid way, it is Jesus and He is alive. She is overwhelmed, flabbergasted, and everything else one could feel in the presence of a miracle. She so wanted to embrace Him and never let Him go but it was not permitted by God's design. As her moment in the presence of her beloved Lord came to a close, she had to let others who loved Him know what she had experienced.

    In His resurrection, God met Satan head on and defeated Satan at his best (or worst). When Mary came to the tomb determined to love, she got to experience something miraculous. There is a profound truth here. To approach any circumstance that reeks of death, and show love and only love, will enable one to experience a miracle. This is why John told the first Easter morning as he did. He wanted us all to see the magnitude of love and miracles that can be experienced when we trust love. As he would say in a letter to a church, "God is love. Those who live in love, live in God; and God lives in them." (I John 4:16). Love is the power of God that produces miracles. Love raised Jesus from the dead and love enabled Mary to be the first to experience Jesus that first Easter morning. John wanted us all to know that.

    Hallelujah! Christ is risen! God wins! Therefore, love will always win! A what a day! Blessings on each of you this day and forever more. With love, Bob

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    1. Amen! Do not fear! Jesus is greater than he that is in the world. Halleluia. We shall overcome.
      Love wins and God wins.

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    2. Bob, this post is another for the permanent archive. Simply beautiful!

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  18. Thanks for the thought that today, our church-houses are a true replication of what really happened in the tomb on that first Easter Sunday! Because He had risen to Heaven, He was not there in the tomb. Today, we are also "resurrected" to build a church within our heart and take it everywhere, instead of letting our church be but a one day house of prayer! Time to practice living out everything I learned inside the church house and fulfill our church's mission:"Enter in to pray and learn to live as Jesus did; and then Exit out to serve and practice living by His example!" Sending Happy Easter prayers and high Hopes to my very much loved and appreciated JC FAMILY.

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    1. Thanks dear Brie! Amen. Taking this with me:
      "Enter in to pray and learn to live as Jesus did; and then Exit out to serve and practice living by His example!"

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  19. Lord I chose to trust you in all things! Amen. Thank you Lord for another beautiful day, the day of ressurection,Jesus is alive! Thank you Jesus for giving your life for my son's,so I can be forgiven. Thank you for your amazing Grace. Thank you for showing me a new way of life! In Jesus name amen!

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  20. The veil of darkness transformed to the brightest light. The most dreadful end became the most beautiful beginning. The depths of despair fade to reveal hope everlasting. The curse of death defeated by eternal life. -- Author Unkown-- Lord, death could not hold You. And because of You, The Resurrection, we, too can live. Hallelujah!!! A Very Blessed Easter to this Incredible JC Family!!!

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    1. Beautifully said dear JJ! He is the brightest light and He lights the darkest storm and wilderness, and through His suffering and death. He has given us abundant life and new life in Him, and the Hope of Salvation. He has Risen! Halleluia.
      Praying you are feeling a little better dear JJ, every day.

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  21. He is risen! King of kings..Lord of lords. My prayer that all have a blessed Easter!

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    1. Loveconquersall, You and your family are in my prayers dear sister. May God bless, heal, guide and protect all of you.

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  22. COME EAT BREAKFAST (John 21:3-14)

    Last year on this day, it was Easter Sunday and the above posts reflect our joy at it being so. The above passage is a good one to reflect upon this many days after Easter this year for it occurred in a similar time frame. The disciples are coming off their spiritual high and resuming some sense of normality. They proceed to do what the know best, to go fishing. They put forth all their best efforts and have zero success. A voice comes from the beach with guidance on what they need to do. They listen (would you have?). Abundant success! Then they are able to identify that voice from the shore since they had a similar experience before (Luke 5). The passage closes by saying, ‘this is the third time the disciples had experienced the risen Lord’. (The Easter event is still sinking into their heart.)

    The JC readings that have brought us here, are constantly admonishing us to trust. We read them and we all realize we still have a ways to go. Sometimes we may post with a bit of frustration with our self for not doing better. Be careful about being too hard on your self. Perfect trust takes a lifetime to develop. The above incident is recorded for us to see the disciples in process of developing that absolute trust. The Acts of the Apostles records their going forth and the success they had in ‘catching people’ as they trusted. Did they ever come up short of success sometimes? Probably so when their trust had waned. Did they ever give up on themselves when they fell short! Obviously not, for church history tells that they all (save John) were martyred for their faith. (If you read beyond the suggested passage above, you will read of Peter being forgiven for his past mistakes.) Jesus shows mercy for as He told Nicodemus (John 3:17), ‘I have come into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world.’ Our lives have been flooded with mercy in our shortcomings. Something for which to be thankful. Onward Christian soldiers!

    In the early morning hours, Jesus invites you to the breakfast He has prepared for you found in the scriptures. A good breakfast starts the day off well. God be with you! With love, Bob

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    1. ...A good breakfast starts the day off well...
      especially when HeBrews!

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    2. Amen Bob! I believe He made fish for breakfast. He always takes care of those He loves.
      Brie, You made me smile! Thanks for the light and joy you always bring me.

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    3. Presently awaiting a procedure at the hospital. My trust is in the Lord. Prayers solicited. Claiming the victory. Thank God for Jesus. Keep me calm and at Peace. Blessings

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    4. Phoebe praying for peace for you and that the procedure will go as planned and the results positive. JE

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    5. Praying for your healing dear phoebe. Trust in lord Jesus Christ. He is wonderful. Jesus loves you.

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    6. It is great to "see" and hear from you our dear Phoebe. It brings me great pleasure to pray for you and for and with our entire JC Family.
      Dear Heavenly Father God,
      You and You alone are The Lord Who Heals. And You and You Alone are the God Who Alwys Stays.
      Would You please heal and stay with Your Phoebe, and all of Your JC Prayer Warrior Family in need of You any this time?
      In Jesus' Name, I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. Amen

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    7. The God Who Stays by Matthew West
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHMVSdIjBcg
      If I were You I would've given up on me by now
      I would've labeled me a lost cause
      'Cause I feel just like a lost cause
      If I were You I would've turned around and walked away
      I would've labeled me beyond repair
      'Cause I feel like I'm beyond repair
      Oh, but somehow You don't see me like I do
      Somehow You're still here
      You're the God who stays
      You're the God who stays
      You're the one who runs in my direction
      When the whole world walks away
      You're the God who stands
      With wide open arms
      And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
      From the God who stays
      I used to hide
      Every time I thought I let You down
      I always thought I had to earn my way
      But I'm learning You don't work that way, no
      'Cause somehow You don't see me like I do
      Somehow You're still here
      You're the God who stays
      You're the God who stays
      You're the one who runs in my direction
      When the whole world walks away
      You're the God who stands
      With wide open arms
      And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
      From the God who stays
      My shame can't separate
      My guilt can't separate
      My past can't separate
      I'm Yours forever
      My sin can't separate
      My scars can't separate
      My failures can't separate
      I'm Yours forever
      No enemy can separate
      No power of hell can take away
      Your love for me will never change
      I'm Yours forever
      'Cause you're the God who stays
      You're the God who stays
      You're the one who runs in my direction
      When the whole world walks away
      You're the God who stands
      With wide open arms
      And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
      From the God who stays
      You're the God who stays
      You're the one who runs in my direction
      When the whole world walks away
      You're the God who stands
      With wide open arms
      And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
      From the God who stays

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    8. Dear Phoebe, Praying that your procedure goes smoothly and you will recover quickly.
      Father God, Thank you for guiding Phoebe's doctors to do exactly what they must to make her better. Grant her Your amazing healing and bring her back to a complete recovery. Thank you for this in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

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    9. ♥️🎢✝️πŸ™

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  23. Thank You Jesus. I Praise You Lord πŸ™ πŸ™Œ.

    Those who know the Lord trust Him, because He will not leave those who come to Him. Psalm 9:10

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    1. Janet praying for God's provisions to be poured on you!

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    2. Yes Janet, Thank God, HE IS The God Who Saves!

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    3. Sweet Janet, You are going through some difficult valleys but He is right at your side. He knows you are seeking His help.
      Trust in His saving power. He knows what you need better than you do. Praying you see His faithfulness shining like the sun!

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  24. Amen dear Janet! He is holding you tight in His Hand. He knows what you're going through and He really cares. He loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave you, sweet sister. He knows what's in your heart and in your future. Rest now and stay very safe. We love you.
    God bless and hold and guide all of you, my brothers and sisters. We are all of one accord standing together on the Rock that never crumbles. How Great Thou Art! and How Blessed We Are!

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  25. Lord please help me to only choose You and Your way always. Forgive me when I stray from my path with You. I am weak and selfish sometimes and am sorry for that Let Your will be done in my life today. Amen

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    1. Mark L, I can relate to your honesty. Amen.

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    2. Yes Mark L and ABC, I am weak, YET HE IS STRONG!

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  26. Thank you JC for the reading today. I often feel so abandoned when things are dark and not going my way. I am first to thank you when things go well. Help me to to be stronger in my faith. To see You are truly with me in ALL times, darkness and light. I need to be grateful ALWAYS even in the struggles of darkness as well as time of light. Blessings on all who visit this site. Amen.

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  27. Thank you for adding my hubby's uncle and cousin to your prayers today. Uncle is now in the blessed care of Hospice, and cousin is a bit overwhelmed dealing with decisions and heaviness of her father's condition. They are believers and we pray that the Peace of Jesus washes over them both and that all the details flow easily for cousin Kathy. May she humbly reach out for God's hand and those of others offering assistance along the way. Thank you! πŸ™✝️

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    1. Father, please pour out Your perfect comfort, peace, love, and strength in to the hearts, souls, minds, and bodies of Audra's hubby's uncle and cousin Kathy. Lift all of them up and let Your peace comfort them while they endure this time in their life. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. Thank You Jesus. Praise the Lord continually and always.

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    2. Joining my prayers in with your prayers, Audra and Janet for our dear cousin Kathy and her Earthly Father.

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  28. Joining in prayers with my sisters. Praying for your husband's uncle and cousin, dear Audra. God is calling the Uncle to Him now, so may his passage be a sweet one. Nothing to fear in going Home to our dear loving Father. May God guide, lift, strengthen and encourage your husband's cousin who is carrying so much on his shoulders. God knows his tired mind and heart and what he needs to accomplish. May He shower both of them with His perfect peace, comfort and the blessed assurance that He loves them with an everlasting love.

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  29. Asking for prayers for my Kindred Spirit, Son, Chuck. Ear surgery tomorrow morning at 8:15 EST. I'm picking him up at 5:15 in the morn. Oh, for the Love of God! I'm getting up at 4:00 AM!! So thankful that I'm the one driving my son to the hospital. SO excited for him to be able to hear again.

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    1. I m with you in prayer Norah. I can't wait for his hearing to be restored too. May he hear the precious words the Lord speaks to his heart. May he be comforted.

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    2. What a blessing Norah! Praying it goes perfectly and your dear son Chuck will soon be hearing every sweet word and beautiful songs and the birds singing and the raindrops coming down and laughter.
      Thank You Father for answering our prayers and guiding the doctor's to bring perfect hearing to Chuck. Thank you for keeping Norah and Chuck safe as they travel. We ask this in the Name of the Risen Lord, Christ Jesus. Amen.

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    3. I continue to keep Chuck in my prayers for perfect hearing. How is he doing? Is his hearing better dear Norah? Praying he has received God's healing and has his hearing restored. Thank You Jesus.

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  30. If we can thank Him and acknowledge his plan even in the midst of our trials, we won't be defeated. Trials are gonna come, but so will the victories. He's with us for both. This is something I can't lose sight of in the middle of it. He's got us. He's taking us one step at a time. Thank you God. Please keep us needing you.

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  31. Dear Sisters Keeper, Amen to that. The trials will come but He will be there with us to weather the storms. One step at a time in His presence with gratitude and praise.

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    1. Absolutely Jeanne! "One step at a time in His presence with gratitude and praise." Thank you! Amen.

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  32. Thanks my dear sister! I sure will trust the Lord at all times. Even when I feel like I must go out on a limb for Him. I am His and He is mine.

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  33. Just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers. My sister got her injections and the doctor said she should feel a bit better in 6 weeks. I am praying she will feel much better sooner than that. My dear sister in Christ Danuta sent me a message from the recovery room. Her back surgery went well because God was guiding it. Now she must lean on the Lord's faithfulness as she recovers. Your prayers helped alot. I prayed for you my dear ones. Do not be afraid, He goes before you always. Much love.

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    1. We continue to trust God for complete healing !

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    2. How wonderful! Another victory in Christ Jesus! Hallelujah!

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    3. Great update dear Jeanne. God is good! Amen? Aaaamen! Hallelujah!

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    4. Thank you so much dear Min Ahadi, Janet and Jan! Such a blessing to be able to share our victories and pray together.

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  34. The more we know Him, the more we can willingly surrender to Him. We can trust Him, even when we don't understand the circumstances, because we know His character.

    We can say with confidence, "You are our God."

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    1. Amen! I couldn't get through one day without Him and why would I want to! So blessed to be His beloved child.

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  35. Joining in your heartfelt prayer Chris Payton. Amen πŸ™.

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  36. The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane:
    I spent most of the day in Gethsemane, Sunday and yesterday.
    I revisited previous notes and studies and turned to Bible Commentaries and Concordances.
    Re-read the account of Gethsemane in the four gospels.
    I went back to the Greek and Aramaic texts to capture the original 1st Century meaning.

    I find this for me, is the most difficult part of the events leading to Jesus' Crucifixion.
    I weep even as I write.
    Luke's account I find most moving for although he was not one of the twelve and therefore not present in Gethsemane ( he would have questioned Peter and John exhaustively), Luke alone mentions the angel sent to strengthen Jesus and alone mentions blood-sweat.
    Luke 22: 41-44 " 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground."

    What Jesus went through in Gethsemane is unimaginable to us, because He knew all of what was to come (our future, thankfully is hidden from us).
    Matthew 17:22-23 "And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved".
    He knew the physical, mental and spiritual agony that was to come. He knew He would experience the full weight of the Father's wrath as He carried my sin, your sin, the sin of all mankind.

    The biggest difficulty I have is, was Jesus afraid ?
    The Aramaic in Luke 22:44 says "He was in fear, and prayed earnestly" ( I believe He knew fear but was not subject to it. Thus He could empathize with us and say to his disciples several times "fear not".)
    Jesus was familiar with, among other prophecies, Isaiah who in chapter 53 prophesied 700 years earlier concerning the 'suffering servant'.
    Original Greek for Luke 22:44 reads "He was in ἀγωνία (agonΓ­a) anguish.

    Jesus prayed Luke 23:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
    In my understanding this meant 'I submit to Your will Father, I will take the full curse of sin upon myself including experiencing the full force of Your wrath and death on the Cross'.
    This is the precious result of Gethsemane.
    The Garden of Gethsemane was where Jesus chose to pay full price for that sin. Thereby relieving us of the penalty of sin which is spiritual death. ( If we have confessed and repented of sin).

    The two Gardens, Eden and Gethsemane:
    The Garden of Eden was where Adam and Eve chose to sin. Thereby sin entered the world.
    The Garden of Gethsemane was where Jesus chose to be obedient to the Father, thereby enabling forgiveness of sin.

    We are the reason Jesus’ soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Those blood-sweat drops came at a great cost, part of the price for my salvation, and yours.
    As You gave Your life for me Lord Jesus, I can do no less than give my life to you.
    'I surrender all'. Amen.
    https://youtu.be/SW8EA7DEQ2M

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    1. Thank you Peter. He surrendered all for us. He didn't want to drink the bitter cup but out of love for us and His Father, He gave all to save us. I surrender all. He is the greatest part of me and my joy will be full when I see Him face to face.

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  37. Father God, right now I just want to pray over my beloved JCFAMILY. Thank
    you for not leaving us helpless or hopeless. You left us with the Greater One on the inside of us. I want to thank you Father God, that You always WIN and we are on the WINNING SIDE!!! HALLELUJAH!!! I just Declare that whatever is holding any of us back, it will hold us back NO MORE. I break the chains in Miracle Working name of Jesus, over each and everyone of us, who are bound, held captive or enslaved by the enemy, in any way he is trying to destroy us. I thank you, Father, that You are DESTROYING the enemy that is against us. I thank You that our enemies are falling and failing!!! Right now that brings us peace on the inside of us. We give you Great Praise and Honor, Father God, because we know the TRUTH of Your WORD, and the TRUTH SETS US FREE!!! GLORY To GOD In The Highest!!! We are standing on HIS HOLY GROUND!!! AMEN and AMEN.

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    1. Beloved JJ - I receive your prayers with joy and gladness. Thank you for loving JC Family.

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    2. As do I, JJ. Many thanks and blessings in return to you

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    3. Amen and Amen! I need that peace on the inside of me right now. Praise to the Most High! Thank You Jesus.

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  38. Thank you brother Peter for sharing the agony of Gethsemane. As holy week continues, let's also remember our dear Maplewood mapping out the journey of this week for Jesus. Holy Tuesday is when Jesus lamented over Jerusalem. His heart was broken over the spirit of unbelief amongst the people. The very same people who saw & experienced the miracles He delivered are now doubting & joining the throng of accusers. I can't say that I would not have been one of them at the time. The enemy has blanketed the atmosphere with darkness. The fight for you & my redemption is on! We know who wins! Let's continue dear family to honor holy week with the spirit of thanksgiving to our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

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    1. We know who wins. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Hallelujah!

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    2. Amen Jan, sadly I too would probably have been in the jeering crowd. I too would not have bee able to keep watch in Gethsemane, falling asleep as the others did. I am soo glad that I was born this side of the Cross, soo thankful that the way of salvation was explained to me clearly when as a child I was saved. Thank You Jesus.

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    3. Reading about the Garden of Gethsemane & thinking about how I might respond...well, I had a situation that told the story perfectly. One of my best friend's was in early labor, in 1980. My hubby and I lived across the street from the hospital, so she and her husband asked if she could stay with us that night, "just in case." My DH said, "You girls take the king-size bed; I'll sleep on the couch. So there is my dear friend Martha, lying on the other side of the bed. We prayed and her only request was that I stay awake, in case the pains came faster. I said, "Of course, Martha, I'm right here." I. COULD. NOT. HOLD. MY. EYES. OPEN. Several hours later, she woke me up and said, "It's time." Thankfully, I woke up in seconds and she, I told my DH that we were leaving. From the hospital, I called her hubby and he arrived. Mine stayed with our son. Her darling daughter was born later that day. 3 lbs, 3 oz. We had 24 hours of prayer going on at our townhouse and the day her daughter was born is the day Pres. Reagan was shot. The prayers were non-stop for all of them. This year, the precious daughter, turned 41. She is lovely, and we all remember her entry to this world!
      Yes, I'm afraid I would have been one to fall asleep. Thank God, He doesn't hold it against me. He knows what we are made of.

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  39. Amen JJ! I join you in breaking the chains that bind us declaring, acknowledging, & holding up the banner of calvary & the victory that was accomplished there. Amen! Hallelujah!

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  40. Pass me not https://youtu.be/qr-o-kVcR6E

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    1. Thanks dear Sassy Mom! What a sweet song that is! Beautiful harmonies too! Pass me not, O gentle Savior. Do not pass me by. Amen to that.

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    2. Sassy Mom --- So glad to see your post! I just hadn't seen one for awhile. I might of missed one. I don't always get to read everything. Loved the song. I know our Jesus will not pass us by. He is crazy about us and loves us without measure!!! Blessings,blessings to you and much Love! JJ

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  41. Oh how I need trust today! Please pray for my daughter-in-law who is having some problems after delivering our new grand baby yesterday.
    My wife Jill hurting with her fibromyalgia…
    I have a follow up doctors appointment today and praying all goes well.

    Thank you family and you are in my prayers as well.
    Shalom πŸ™

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    1. Rich C --- I just stand in the gap for each of your prayer requests. My Heavenly Father, look upon Rich, his wife and daughter-in-law with your eyes of mercy. May Your healing hand rest upon each one. Let Your Life-Giving powers flow into every cell of their bodies and into the depths of their souls, cleansing, purifying, restoring each one to wholeness. I DECLARE
      that they are Washed by The Blood, Covered by The Blood, Saved by The Blood, Healed by The Blood, and devil you CAN'T DEFEAT THE BLOOD! In Jesus' name, I pray and believe, AMEN and AMEN

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    2. Praying with you Rich C for daughter-in-law, and wife Jill. My wife Karen also suffers from fibromyalgia, Gabapetin Neurontin helps to a degree, but I believe prayer helps more.

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    3. Praying for all of you, Rich C. Looking forward to hearing the victory.

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  42. Father God, Spread your healing Hands over Rich's daughter in law and strengthen every one of her weaknesses, and make all things right. Relieve dear Jill of her pain and heal her fibromyalgia. Give her rest and comfort. Guide Rich's doctor's appointment perfectly and give him a good report, heal him completely and give him peace of mind. Thank You for showing all of them Your faithfulness and healing in the powerful Name of Christ Jesus, our Risen Lord. Amen

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  43. Dear Family and Chris. I need some help. I just updated my Iphone 7 to ios 15.4.1
    Now I am unable to post or respond in any way on this beloved blog on both my phone and my IPad. I spent a lot of time with two Apple technicians today and they both said it's not a phone issue but that the Jesus Calling Blog webside is not updated. I don't understand what needs to be done. You all know what this means to me. If anyone can help me resolve this problem, please help me. I can't bring my computer with me to Brooklyn and I need to always be able to join you and read your posts and prayers, and pray with you all and be a part of our family here through my phone. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you! Gotta pick up my little Gabriel from school now. Much love to all.
    Father God, You are our Way Maker. Thank You for making a way for me. Thank You Jesus.

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  44. Trying now to post on my phone. I’m using Google Chrome and I know you have been praying for God to help. Thank You Jesus.,

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  45. It worked! Hallelujah! If you’re having trouble, pray and then try getting Google Chrome. God is so good.

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  46. So thankful, Jeanne!!! I know what that is like, from my traveling days. So glad it worked.
    Love and prayers to your and yours. I bet your little Gabriel is thrilled to have you there. <3

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  47. Trusting God to help dear Anonymous who has a friend on a ventilator and her half sister in Hospice. We thank You Father for comforting her heart and healing her friend on the ventilator and guiding her half sister to comfort, rest and peace. Thank You Father for surrounding all three of them with your love and care and comfort. Let them know that You are present and at their sides. Hold them tight and lead them according to Your will and plan. Thank You Father for this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

    Psalm 27:14
    Wait on the Lord;
    Be of good courage,
    And He shall strengthen your heart;
    Wait, I say, on the Lord!

    Psalm 121:1-2
    I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

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    1. Joining in prayer for Anonymous, friend and half sister. Lord Jesus You know the need of each one. Attend to them oh Lord according to Your will and good purpose. Amen! πŸ’žπŸ™πŸŒˆ

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  48. Heavenly Father, thank You and bless Your holy name πŸ™ πŸ™Œ! I praise You Lord always and I thank You Jesus! I trust You Lord always! Help me trust You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding, but acknowledge You in all my ways and You will direct my path. Let me not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind in Christ Jesus. You mean everything to me. I need and want You Lord! I can't do anything without You Lord. I can't thank You enough Lord! Thank You for all my benefits and blessings. Thank You for always being with me. Thank You for always listening to me and for answering me. Help me keep You first and foremost in my heart, mind, soul and life and when I get distracted from You, please bring me back to You Lord. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen πŸ™.

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    1. Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16:3).

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    2. Thank you Jeanne and Janet for these prayers- I join in- with you and for you and all our JC family. ❤️πŸ™

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    3. Thank you dear sisters for the sharing of the word. Bless your day. πŸ’žπŸ™πŸŒˆ

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  49. Jesus I trust you, help me in those moments when I doubt.

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    1. Mark 9:23-24
      23 Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.”
      24 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”

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    2. Amen brother Peter, amen! Anything can happen! Thank you for the reminder. πŸ’žπŸ™πŸŒˆ

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    3. Thanks Peter! Amen Jan, We are only human and sometimes we unplug ourselves from God and start to lean on our emotions instead of His Spirit. Anything can happen but He never changes. Hallelujah

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  50. Once again dear warriors please keep praying for Jeff and Sherry. Jeff has to repeat the antibiotics every hour for his eyes. This is so exhausting for them. There may have to be a cornea transplant down the road for him. Thank you warriors. πŸ’žπŸ™πŸŒˆ

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    1. Praying for God's healing power to restore health to Jeff's eyes so he won't need a cornea transplant, and to cover them both with His peace. Thank You dear Jesus for this. Amen

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  51. Dear JC friends, will you please pray with us as my prayer group prays in person this morning for a very ill man in acute heart failure. God is at work here and I trust HIM> Thank you!

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    1. Dear Ellen, Praying God has resolved this ill man's heart problem and is answering your prayer group's prayers and all of ours. Thank You Father for this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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  52. Joining the JC family in prayers for all requests today. Joining in TRUST for positive outcomes. By faith we are healed!

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  53. Ellen - Joining JC Warriors in prayer with your prayer group to pray for all requests.

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  54. Amen. By faith we are healed. We are healed by His stripes.

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