Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Jesus Calling: January 8

Softly I announce My Presence. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.
     Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.
Psalm 46:1
English Standard Version
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Romans 12:12
English Standard Version
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 15:13
English Standard Version
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

My Prayer
Lord, you are in my life. You are with me. Every day I need you. Every moment. Lord, You are over all this earth. You created it. You ordained righteousness, my highest goal. And you are personal. Again,  you are with me. Thank you for living alongside me. Thank you for living in me.

Lord, yesterday was a day of trial and being unsettled about that car purchase. Lord, I prayed for your peace and never got it. There were signs everywhere that I shouldn't get it, and yet I pressed on, not wanting to upset the buyer. Thank  you for my wife and her common sense. O how I needed her. I had prayed that she would be there and would speak. She has good sense. And she spoke when I couldn't. I saw once again Lord how you made her to complement me. You made her for me. She is my Eve. Thank you Lord. Thank you for Your presence through my wife. I sat there in the mechanics window and thought of You and Your presence, realizing I was weak and needed Your guidance. Thank You for showing me Your presence in my weakness.

Father, I pray for Hope. Hope tells me that my tomorrow with You will always be better. My hope of heaven and being in Your presence, intimately connected with You relieves me of the discomfort of this present life. Remind me of this hope. And center me on this future glory. Bruce and I talked yesterday about how we cling to our problems. When we are struck with an illness or medical problem, it begins to take over our life. And all we want is to be free from it. And yet Lord, it should move us to a greater desire for You and a greater hope to be in You. And a greater reminder that in saving me, my future hope is secure. Nothing can hurt me. So, as future hurts come my way and as I age, and health issues become larger, may my Hope remain in You and not simply focused on being freed from current burdens. As a people of God, help us to be focused on this.

Lord, you are my refuge. You are my strength. You are my help in trouble. Teach me patience in tribulation versus a quick exit to the tribulation. Through it may I rejoice in hope and be in constant prayer. Lord, give me peace and joy in believing, so that my hope abounds.

Lord, I pray for the spiritual leaders of our church, all of them. Guide them in their teaching and passing on of the Word. I pray for effective teaching that Your word would be received well. I pray they would each be bold, would look to be bold both in the church and outside of it. Raise each of them up to be laborers for You. Give them humility and help them to be respectful and gentle. Help them to listen and confide in others, to know when there message needs to be altered.

Lord, I pray for my pastors. You have gifted each of these individuals in different areas of the church. In each of their disciplines, may the message of Your Hope and Your Gospel and Presence be clear. Help them to be bold in their witness. Increase their dependence on You. As they have moments of teaching others, may their teaching be accurate and authentic. Help them to be clear and accurate, bold and humble, gentle and respectful. Guide the worship ministries, the youth ministries, missions and evangelism, military, small group, discipleship. Raise up people that want to be more than just buckets, but be hoses that want to carry Your message.

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

216 comments:

  1. "Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity." The great challenge in times of trouble is not spiraling into self-pity and depression because you feel hopeless.

    Jesus tells us He was and is the Hope of the world, more simply - our Savior... thru His death, we have been promised the hope of heaven! Embrace that message and shed your dark fears.

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    1. Amen MadFox! Just calling His Name is enough to lift my weary heart and renew my spirit. We have a very present help and HOPE in Him.

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    2. Our Hope is in You Our Lord! Praying for out JC family and for our Country
      Thank goodness You Father God are our refuge and strength! Hope that you are well Madfox
      Praying for you you and for your family
      Love and prayers

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    3. Amen dear Brandy. Hope your head and neck are better and all is going well. Praying with you and for you. He is our refuge and strength. Can't do anything without Him but with Him I can do all things.
      MadFox, Joining Brandy's prayer that you are doing well.

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    4. Amen, MadFox - our hope is in Jesus and not this world - such a good reminder in 2024.
      SC Anonymous

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  2. Replies
    1. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you.” (Zephaniah 3:17). Let us listen to the music. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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    2. Each and every morning I read, Jesus Calling and scriptures to each. I know I am being heard, because of the appropriate responses to each given situation and problem I face. So, with my spouse. We have been enduring much health issues and sometimes we feel overwhelmed, questioning whether we are deserving of these inflictions. Lo, and behold-we are put at ease with comfort, understanding, renewed faith-for the issues we face are raised in Jesus Calling, and scriptures. His Will be done! In Jesus name, we celebrate!

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    3. Amen Bob, I will try today to slow down in my day and be still in His presence so I can listen to the music of Him rejoicing over me.
      Unknown, Praying that you and your spouse have seen God's faithfulness and your health has improved. God's promises are reliable so we must continue to Hope in Him and wait on Him and trust Him above all other things. Amen His will be done! Thank You Jesus!

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  3. Lord, give me the strength to release my self-pity when my husband makes hurtful comments in jest. Resentments and anger are luxuries I do not have for I will certainly drink again if they allowed to fester. Thank you, Lord for another day sober.

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    1. Amen, thanks for another day of sobriety. Father release us from all resentments and character defects so we may more freely do your will.

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  4. Praying the name of Jesus over our President, our country, all our military, police, and first responders! I pray for the wisdom of the Lord to surround them. Lord I ask that you would bless them and protect them. May they know Your presence is with them at this time. May the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ be with them always. I also pray for Your steady hand over Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem. AMEN and AMEN

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    1. Amen, amen, and amen to this prayer JJ! Thank you, God bless you and yours as well!

      Maplewood NJ

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    2. Kneeling with you....adding my prayers for wisdom, discernment and protection. Amen.

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    3. Have prayed accordingly, am praying, and will always pray. May the spirit of the Lord be upon them; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in His presence. I pray!!!

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    4. Amen! Lord have mercy on us.

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    5. JJ, As He always does, once again The Holy Spirit knew we would need these prayers today, now, more than ever before. So he got you to get us praying them a year in advance of the dire need. Praise God for showers and showers of blessings on our country through us! Amen

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    6. Amen, Lord we thank you for surrounding this nation with your power, your presence, and your might. We are so unworthy Lord and thank you that your mercy endureth forver. We repent for the wandering of our heart, bring us back to out first love and let our light so shine before men. As we enter into a new season and a new year we know you go ahead of us and thank you Lord that only you can make the crooked way straight. Guard our president and give him wisdom for the days ahead. In Jesus name i pray, and to God be all the glory, Amen

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    7. Good morning God! Heavenly Father hear our prayers for a nation divided. United we stand, divided we fall. And if our backs should ever be against the wall, we'll be together. Together in prayer with you. Thank you for this reminder in today's reading: Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness. All praise, glory and thanks be to You. Amen!

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    8. Amen! So very true Brie! God gave us the comfort of last year's post from JJ. He was just preparing us as His Spirit guided JJ's heart and words to us. He always takes care of us, including our hearts.
      Amen, dear Angela! Joining in your prayer of gratitude, repentance and hope. Thank you for echoing the words of my heart.
      Dear Audra, Thank you and Amen! Clinging always to Hope in the Lord. I'm not shaking in my boots because I stand on the mighty Cornerstone.

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  5. JJ - Warriors are joining you in prayer for our President, country, military and those who protect us.

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  6. Thank you Lord for helping me to stay sober.

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    1. Zfuntastic~ you have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since your post last year. Glad you're doing well.

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    2. Zfuntastic--- You have been in my prayers and will stay in my prayers. Lord, I would ask that anyone with addition struggles[alcohol, drugs, food, sex] You would pull them close to You. Impart deliverance, strength, Your great mercy and grace to them. I ask Your great blessings and favor upon them and let them know how much You love them. In the Miracle Working Name of Jesus AMEN and AMEN

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    3. Zfuntastic, you are always in my prayers. Thank you Jesus, our lord and savior.

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    4. Z........how wonderful it is to hear from you! You and your son remain in my thoughts and prayers. How are you? How is your son" Love you

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    5. Praying with my sisters for you and your son, Zfuntastic. Always in my prayers. May 2021 bring you good health and peace and fulfillment.

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  7. Yes, joining all of you in prayer - protection over our President, country, military and first responders.
    Also asking for prayer for a young friend, who turned 29 yesterday and pregnant (29 weeks). She was admitted to the hospital with pre-eclampsia and her water broke. They are praying that she holds off for 4 more weeks. Father, surround this young mommy with Your loving arms of comfort and let her know Your Peace. Protect that little girl she is carrying. Please, Father, send your band of Angels to protect her and that baby. She lost a baby a year ago at 8 weeks.
    I also lift my young friend, B, who lost a baby last summer and hasn't been able to get pregnant again.
    Comfort Your women, Lord. Bless their wombs with life and health.
    Also, Unknown Unknown, you've been on my heart. Prayers that you are fine and upheld by His grace.
    Prayers for my sister in law - her appt. is Friday; we take her to the Oncologist. Let her receive a good report, Father. And for my friend in NY - that she be healed in the name of Jesus Christ.
    Psalm 46:1
    English Standard Version
    God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
    Praying in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

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    1. Norah--- Lifting up Your requests for prayer. Bless you richly for all the care and prayers you give to those that cross your path. You are loved!

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    2. Norah- Standing with the JC prayers warriors in prayers for you and for all those you mentioned. God is able!

      Maplewood, NJ

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    3. Norah, Praying with all JC Warriors for your loved ones. GOD is GOD ENOUGH!

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    4. What foresight Norah!...praying protection over our President, country, military and first responders. Also including our elects in your prayers!

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    5. Amen Norah! Joining in prayers for our country and our good and loyal servants doing the work of the Lord. Resting in Him who cares for us.

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  8. I touch and agree with each spoken and unspoken request as well as names mentioned and not mentioned because GOD knows.God's will be done as HE provides each of us with hope and peace as we trust that he never leaves nor forsakes us, and this too shall pass. BE ENCOURAGED! As John 14:12-13 declares: "Verily verily I say unto you , HE that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do because I go unto my father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I DO, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." KJV
    IN HIS LOVE

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  9. JJ, joining all warriors in praying for our protection - President, country, military and many more. And Norah, I'm praying for all your requests for the young mothers, your sister-in-law.. for their comfort and healing. Blessings to all. Thank you to Bob and MadFox and all JC Warriors for each and everyday of posts and prayers, hope and encouragement. Thank you Jesus. I trust in you always. KS

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  10. Father, I need you now. You say You love me and see exactly where I am…and in spite of how I feel, I choose to believe Your Word. In the face of all I am going through, I look to You for help. I need Your strength to deal with everything that feels too big for me right now. Help me to keep my eyes on You. Please make Yourself real to me…and encourage me for the road ahead. Help me experience Your love and presence in a tangible way. I give all that I am to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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    1. Suzanne R --- I am going to the Throne of Grace to intercede for your circumstances. Father God I declare that You are Suzanne's refuge and strength. When it seems like she is being thrown around by the storms of life, You take away her fears. When she is weak, You are her strength. When she cries for help, You will answer. Remind her Father that You are always with her, You will never leave her or forsake her. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN and AMEN.

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    2. Thank you JJ, your prayer will be my continuous prayer for Suzanne R.

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    3. Continuing to pray for you Suzanne and your family. Father, hear our prayers and fill every one of Suzanne's needs this new year. May it be a blessed one of answered prayers, peace and good health.

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  11. John writes in his epistle (I John 4:18), "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear..." John speaks from experience. For example, in Mark 6:45-52, John was rowing with the other disciples when a storm came upon them in the Sea of Galilee. The conditions caused them great fear...and then came Jesus, in a most miraculous fashion, walking on the water. "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid." Yes, John experienced frightening conditions as you and I do. And he experienced Jesus coming to him miraculously in those conditions. Thus he witnesses to all who would listen, we are loved, there is nothing to be afraid of because His love for us exceeds the "fears of the moment" and in the perfect love relationship with our Lord, we will experience a saving act as he did that night on the Sea of Galilee. From my readings this AM: The secret of the spiritual life consists in this: "that we try, with a spirit of faith and with sincerity of heart, to unite ourselves to God in the midst of all the vicissitudes of life..." (Luis Maria Martinez). God be with you!

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    1. Thanks BOB. I have seen about everything but never these vicissicissitudes of life.
      Thanks God for God in the midst of all this! Amen.

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    2. vi·cis·si·tude
      /vəˈsisəˌt(y)o͞od/
      Learn to pronounce
      noun
      plural noun: vicissitudes
      a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.

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    3. Amen and Amen!!! Still perfect encouragment for these uncertain times, Bob! Thank you!
      Dear Jesus, Meet us where we are right now. Lift up our hearts and strengthen us. Save our country, heal our infirmities, refresh our souls, comfort our hearts, guide our steps, show us Your power and answer our prayers. We are sinners and unworthy but we belong to You and trust in You. We hope always in your faithfulness. Thank you, Lord and Savior. You are truly in the midst of us and You are in control.

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  12. Dear Jesus, please bless all who experience any type of depression or anxiety. Help them to know you are with them every step of the way. Help them to know it is not a time of abandonment but an opportunity to draw closer to you. Amen.

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    1. Thank you...from all of us with anxiety and depression.

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    2. I think this excerpt from today's reading is worth repeating at least three times today, #2 as I am praying for those with anxiety and depression:
      Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

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    3. Amen ABC!
      So true right now, when our future is quite gray and uncertain. But for God! His promises remain and I will not be afraid. When I am discouraged and frustrated, I call His Name and He lifts up my head.
      Our God is greater than the turmoil in our world. I'm holding onto His Unchanging Hand and going forward into the future He has prepared for me.

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    4. Amen! Praying this prayer again over all those with anxiety or depression.

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  13. Thank You Lord for being my Refuge and Strength, my ‘Ever-Present help in time of need’. I am grateful to be in Your Presence this day.

    Romans 5:3-5 says: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”.
    How can we have hope when everything looks hopeless? In the midst of our pain and suffering, we can rejoice because these challenges causes us to rely on God’s presence. He is doing something good in us. He uses hurt and disappointments to shape and build us into the image of Jesus, which is His highest passion. These sufferings makes us rely on God’s presence. In Psalm 23:4, David writes that he does not fear, because God is with him. He relies on God’s Presence, and it brings him strength and comfort. He also declares in Psalm 31:1: “In You, O Lord, I have placed my trust and taken refuge, let me never be ashamed. In Your righteousness rescue me”. He reveals in Psalm 32:1 that one of the reasons for his joy is that he is forgiven: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered”.

    Our weaknesses can be anyone or anything, maybe a child, family member or a friend you've given up on, a job situation that has gone awry, a medical diagnosis that has left you with doubt or like the apostle Paul, insults, hardships, or persecutions. No matter what it is, we are to stand our ground and say like Paul: 'I will boast in those things because when I am weak, the power of Christ rests on me.

    Remember that for there to be a shadow, there has to be a light and as the Apostle Paul says in 2 Cor. 12:9: “ but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough, always available regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me).

    Write down what you are suffering and struggling with and keep saying to yourself: God got this! Then live in his Presence! When you are weak, then He is strong. Remember that the greater the attack against you, the greater Christ is in you, but you have to rely on His Presence, His provision and His power.

    Maplewood, NJ

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    1. Maplewood--- Your post is a great encouragement to me. Thank you! This spoke volumes;"Remember that for there to be a shadow, there has to be a light...".

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    2. Maplewood--- Quoting JJ - Your post is a great encouragement to me. (Warriors) Thank you! This spoke volumes;"Remember that for there to be a shadow, there has to be a light...".
      A Beth Moore tidbit: When be abide in the shadow of the Almighty, the shadow comes because we are standing behind God. God is in front of us. HE is the one who goes before us and stands between us and the enemy!

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    3. Thanks for the forewarning, Maplewood...How can we have hope when everything looks hopeless? In the midst of our pain and suffering, we can rejoice because these challenges cause us to rely on God’s presence. He is doing something good in us. He uses hurt and disappointments to shape and build us into the image of Jesus, which is His highest passion. These sufferings makes us rely on God’s presence...
      Lord, we were lying in Your Presence last year and today, we are re-lying on it. Come Lord Jesus Come! Thanks for your Shadow that comes as You walk in front of us, as Sassy Mom taught us.

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    4. Psalm 91:1-3 He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the SHADOW of the ALMIGHTY. I will say of the LORD, "HE is my refuge and my fortress, my GOD, in whom I trust." Surely HE will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He is the one who goes before us and stands between us and the enemy!!!!!! AMEN!! Thank You Lord for reminder of favorite verses of Lorna, my friend and now deceased Sunday School teacher.

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    5. Amen! This is Scripture worthy of deep study. Standing in the shadow of LOVE. Thank you Jesus!

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    6. Just what I need to read right now. With all the problems going on in our Capital and also in our world. My dearest twin sister is sick and may have Covid. Her blood pressure was even higher today. She's having a virtual appointment with the doctor right now. Praying she gets the help she needs right away. I am not afraid because I trust in the Lord and His promises. He is my greatest refuge and strength. He is holding us so tightly in His unconditional and perfect love. I will rest in Him because He keeps in promises. That's why I keep praying and all of us just keep praying. He is our God and He listens. He is our Way Maker!
      Amen Sassy Mom!!! He is going before us and protecting us from the enemy! He is ALMIGHTY. He is FIGHTING OUR BATTLES. Thank You dear Jesus! Praying for you and your daughter, Debbie, and for you, Brie and your husband, son in law and brothers, and for Norah and her husband and little Grace and your friends and Dottie and Doug, and MadFox and his family, and for Fern, her husband and Joe and Julie, for Audra, for Maplewood and her sister Janet, for GTT, for BFF, and for JJ, for Jan and her son and sister in law, Janie, for Xavier, for Choose Joy, for PEBGD, for Bob, Mindy and her son, Camden and daughter, Jane, Tina and her daughter and grandson, Justin, Rose and her nephew and husband, Terri and her grandchildren, Suzanne, God's Daughter, Janet and her sister, Debbie, Mark, Keith and his love, Pamela K, CO, zfantastic, purplemartin, ABC, Donna, LCA and her daughter, sister in law and grandson, and JE and her Mom, BamaGrl and her daughter and Mom, Linda and her daughter and her friend Alysia, Lisa, Ellen and her daughters, Unknown and Anonymous, and Miss Pat, Pastor Louie. I'm sure I'm forgetting many but you are all in my prayers and with God's help we will overcome. He is greater than anything we are dealing with. Hope and trust in Him.

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    7. Praying with you Jeanne 🙏. May the Lord be your sister's healer and give her the strength, comfort, and peace she needs. May God bless you and give you peace in your heart in knowing that He is with you always. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Thank You Jesus.

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    8. Thank you sweet Janet! Amen!

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  14. Jesus, yesterday was a day of trial and today looks much the same at work.
    I am learning to turn to You more in troubled times. Thank you for being my rock and refuge in troubled times. confusing times. Please help me to keep You in focus all day in all things. Be clise to me as I navigate this day. I am unworthy sinful servant ready to do Your will. Thank you for another day of spbriety. Amen

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  15. Prayers for everyone here today. Prayers for the Pastors and leaders of my church, that the focus of giving stays within Gods purpose and not worldly wants. Pray that God leads me in my giving and paying personal
    debts. I want so much to honor and glorify Him.

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  16. Love to all this morning. Your prayers and sharing is the best medicine. Great job fellow recoveries! 5 years February 13th for me. Glory to God in the highest! God bless America. 🤗

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    1. Unknown--- Your soon to be -- 5 years on the path of recovery-- is AWESOME!!! What an encouragement and a blessing you are for so many! Bless you, Bless you!

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  17. Lord we have been on this Salvation Airlines 2021 ride for only 7 days and the turbulence would be mind blowing through a wind tunnel and stomach turning ad nauseum had it not been for you in our lives. You, Who give us smooothe passage through it all. I just want to say thank You Lord! Thank You Jesus. Amen

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    1. PS Lord, Are the Blue Angels in the cockpit? Asking for a friend ;)

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    2. Amen! Probably Blue Angels, Snowbirds and Thunderbirds! KS

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    3. Brie, I love your cryptic sense of humor! Eh, Mad 🦊? Send like a good place for #3:
      Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

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    4. Amen Brie! We are headed for smooth sailing with Jesus at the wheel.
      Amen Audra! Thank God there is no darkness in Him at all.
      Walking in His light today and resting in His peace.
      God bless you all! Much love.

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  18. Father, please lift me up in my weaknesses and let Your glory flow through me and reach out to others and bring them to You. Let me be Your witness in the world. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Thank You Jesus. Praise the Lord continually and always.

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  19. And the Peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

    Lord, let your hope become ours,for your glory!

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  20. The hope theme also draws me this morning.
    “Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.”

    I suspect, in these dark days of our current situation in this country, that many people do not know what to hope in. We hope in our leaders, but really, our only hope is Christ. And maybe that is part of my own sin, that I have hoped too much in leaders and what I think needs to happen to this country.

    Scripture is pretty clear that God calls us to humble ourselves. How humbling has it been and these last months but especially days, to at some juncture, be concerned about what we looked like to the world. Perhaps, we need that humbling?

    I know for certain, that our Papa God longs for us to draw near to him. In my own life, when everything is going well, I tend not to seek God as passionately. Things in our world, in our nation, are not going well. I pray, as many of you have here, for leadership. Additionally, the pull, the draw, is to be on my knees constantly. And perhaps that too, is our hope. We are desperate for your leadership, Papa. You are our hope. We cannot overcome evil with evil. And evil is present. We can overcome evil with good. And my hope again today, is our seeking of you, our desperation for you, our worship of you, will draw us into your goodness. As you are gentle with our weakness, may we be gentle with each other.

    I agree with Brother Keith- May our hope mirror yours, for your Glory!

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    1. AGREE. WE CHRISTIANS MUST SHARE OUR HOPE IN CHRIST ALONE! This blog could be censored at some point in the future. It is also why I'm very concerned about the precedents being set by "fact checks" and the censoring by Facebook, Google, and our news media. China has already setup and used them and these type of internet companies to monitor and to rate the masses into the haves and have nots. FB and Google fact checkers are no different than atheist communist growing control of not just their citizens but the world's. Pray that our new government leaders are not going to cede our American rights away for Chinese billions.

      This blog is a force for good, I have greatly benefited from all here. Let's pray we get to keep posting and not be censored in the years ahead. Godspeed America. Wake up to the economic and global crossroads, the pandemic has exposed and may we also wake up the sleeping American greatness shown in WW2 and the Cold War. LORD Jesus Christ have mercy on this nation, heal our division politically, unite Americans in Your name to a new religious revival and restore moral and honesty in our media, government and YES in our children and all American citizens. RIOTS MUST BE STOPPED. PEACE with Your love is the way to peace in the world. AMEN.

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    2. AMEN, united we stand. ♥️✝️🙏

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    3. Totally agree MadFox! This is a nightmare only God can conquer. It's spiritual warfare at its peak. We must
      P-R-A-Y! for HIS intervention-guidance-strength-faith-wisdom-will-compassion and mercy. Let us be the leper in Luke 5-(12-16) “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
      Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
      “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Dear Lord reach out and touch all of us in this country for healing. Amen.

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    4. So true dear GTT! "our Papa God longs for us to draw near to him." He waits for us to come to Him because He never leaves us. We choose to leave Him, often for hours. We must consciously bring ourselves back to Him, our first Love.
      Praying with all of you for our country, our health, our lives and our peace.
      Amen MadFox There are so many ungodly people in the world but our great God is so much greater. And His mercy endures forever. I will stake my very life on His Words and promises. He is the Peacemaker. I pray He leads this fallen world to wake up and soften their incredibly hardened hearts and open their blind eyes to the truth that only in HIM will we find peace in our world.
      Amen MadFox: Lord Jesus, PEACE with Your love is the way to peace in the world.
      Amen Audra, We are ONE in the SPIRIT.
      Amen ABC, Prayer is the Key and Jesus is the Door and the Answer.

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    5. This was so right on, Mad 🦊, I thought about it and read it again. I have the same view from my window aboard SA 2021.

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    6. Amen Madfox 🙏. We need to pray that all Christians stand up in their faith and not let the darkness come in or take over.

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    7. Lord hear all our prayers 🙏

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  21. JC Warriors, Humbling and kind comments from Team MadFox regarding the conversation yesterday with the Nurse Mgr! I'm in awe of how this current challenge is capable of doing a lot of spiritual, mental, and physical good for me, my family, and to those we interact with daily. The relatively minor side effects and the agape I feel here have me emotionally raw at times.

    Yesterday, I was given the stem cell pre-op schedule for the 3 weeks prior by the research and a top hospital in this field. It is daunting and the relative ease of my chemo leading up to this, will be in stark contrast to what lies ahead in early March, and the reality of possible setbacks. It will be far more challenging for my family as I become totally dependent on them for a few weeks immediately after the transplant. As Norah knows having had her husband experience a stem cell transplant, the wiping out of your bone marrow and rebooting your immune system with collected stem cells is the riskiest chapter of the treatment plan. I am mentally prepared but being "in it" is different than battle preparation.

    Please start praying for my family, specifically my wife as we transition from a smooth pre-transplant process to one of unknown outcomes and health setbacks that are not avoidable due to the aggressive nature of the transplant. In all of this, God has given me through bible studies, friends, and prayer, a level of peace that this type A control person never thought possible. Being able to share here anonymously has been a great avenue for me to grow in my faith as well. From amazing inspiration, to song lyrics, to words of comfort, to kind observations, and lastly to the agape love for a "unknown" or "anonymous" blogger is quite remarkable... it is why we can change the world if we Christians use the pandemic forcing worship to be virtual and in using thee prayer rooms of the internet. Much agape to you all. In Him and Amen.

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    1. Our dear MadFix, just as we are doing for Maplewood NJ, your JC Prayer Warriors have you also Smothered, Covered, Chunked & Topped in prayer, better than Waffle House Hash Browns! Blessings now and forevermore.
      I imagine total dependence and patiently awaiting positive outcomes may be as hard as the procedure?

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    2. I'm praying for you MadFox. Love, Kathy

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    3. The leper said to Jesus, "If You want to, You can make me clean." To which Jesus responded, "I do want to; be clean!" (Mark 1:40-45) Who wanted the leper clean, the man himself or Jesus? (Your answer is...?) Who wants you, dear brother MadFox, clean; yourself (and all your family and us here in this blog) or Jesus? (Answer should be the same as the previous question.) The love of God for you exceeds everyone else's love for you in total. Enjoy His love for you throughout whatever path you will walk. "Lo, I am with you always..." because He loves being with you. God be with you, bro!

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    4. Praying on the flight with you, Mad 🦊, just a little bit longer, it's gonna be ok!

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    5. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and so is your family. God is greater than your condition and treatment. He will lead you through and give you grace as you go through the fire. He will not leave you or forsake you. He will hold your lovely wife's hand when you are weary. I love you and you are a precious member of this family.

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    6. Continuing to pray for you daily, Maddox. As you approach the tough days ahead and are not able to join in here, please know we all surround you in spirit to offer peace and love. You, your family and entire medical team are always in our prayers.

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    7. You are in my daily prayers, as well as all here. I know that the Lord is with you and doing His will and you are being used by Him to do His will and great works in the world. While it may seem depressing at times, it is a great blessing to have the hands of the Lord upon you and do His work. May He give your family strength, comfort, love, and peace while they help you through your journey. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Praise the Lord continually and always.

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  22. MadFox - haven't stopped praying for you and your family and will continue! Our good Lord is watching over you every step of the way. I wish you peace, blessings, healing and strength through it all. JC Warriors are with you!! KS

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    1. KS. Humbled by your continued prayers Thank you.

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    2. Anonymous - KS Echoing your prayers for our dearly loved Madfox.

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    3. Amen KS! We are all here in prayer for our dear MadFox. God is holding you so tight, dear brother! Thank You, Jesus, for your faithfulness and loving kindness.

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  23. Most Gracious Father, Thank You for another day to say thank You. You created me and know the number of hairs on my head, You even know the thoughts conceived in my heart before I vocalize them. You said we can come to You and ask for every need of life. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals, and you have the final word on my destiny, You know the number of years I'll live and glorify You on earth. It is wonderful to be able to worship You without stain or blemish and to be totally healed and in good health and for this and many other reasons, I say that as I prepare for another procedure tomorrow, my trust remains in You. Teach me how to rest right in the middle of storms and help me to enjoy the feast You prepare for me, right in the middle of every battlefield. I want my whole life to testify that there’s a God in heaven who knows my name and who will get me safely through every life’s challenge.

    Fill me afresh with the wonder of Your love and power. Show others Your healing power so that they may be healed and walk in wholeness, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. In name of Jesus. Amen.

    “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4

    Blessings and Peace.

    Maplewood, NJ

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    1. Pray the procedure restores you 100%. In His name, Amen

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    2. Maplewood - Joining warriors in continued prayers to Jehovah Rapha for perfect health for OUR BELOVED MAPLEWOOD!!!!! You are in our hearts and prayers.

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    3. Our dear Maplewood, your JC Prayer Warriors have you Smothered, Covered, Chunked & Topped in prayer, better than Waffle House Hash Browns! Blessings.

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    4. Be blessed in your procedure, twin bd sis! He is with you, we are with you, you are surrounded by love. God be with you!

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    5. This plane is bound for Glory, fueled by the healing power of our Saviour and King! Hold on as we focus on our fellow passengers in their individual situations. God bless yous 😉🙏

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    6. Praying your procedure will be guided by the Lord as He is always the greatest Doctor in the room. He loves you beyond words and you are His beloved daughter.
      Thank you dear Father God for bringing our dearest and sweetest Maplewood through her successful procedure and for leading her back to perfect health. Thank you for hearing all of our prayers and taking good care of our dear Sister. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ we pray.

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    7. Prayers to you, your family and entire medical team, Maplewood. May He wrap you all in his loving arms and give you peace during this troubled time.

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    8. May the Lord hold you in His loving arms and comfort you always, Maplewood. Thank You Jesus.

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    9. Dearest Maplewood, prayers for your procedure tomorrow. Prayers for peace, healing, comfort.
      MADFOX, always in my prayers for your journey and prayers for healing, as you use your life as a witness to others to point them to Jesus. My JC family, You are ALL in my prayers daily. Love and peace to you. Mindy

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  24. I too have and will continue to mightily pray for you, your wife and family as well as your medical team, MadFox. You have incredible courage and strength as well as peace thru and with Christ by your side. I talk with Jehovah Rapha daily thanking him for your healing and His presence with you and your wife. As KS said, this JC family is with you!

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    1. Thank you. I know prayers here are helping me to maintain my courage through Christ. His example is humbling when you realize what his true humanity endured. In Him, Amen.

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    2. Keeping you and your family in my prayers, MadFox. ...that you have continued healing, peace, and courage...that you will become and even more powerful prayer warrior and inspiration to others.... possibly because of what you are going through. God has big plans for you..it is your destiny. And Maplewood, you are in my prayers, as well...that God will heal you and make you strong. I’m also in agreement with you, MadFox , on the state it our nation..We can take nothing fir granted. As Christians , we must get more involved...in our state, school boards, city councils.

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    3. Amen dear NJS, MadFox is equipped for this treatment because God has made him brave and strong and Christ is ever at his side and in his heart.
      Amen Bright Star! God has great plans for MadFox and Maplewood! They are His dear ones.

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    4. Dear NJS, How is your dear daughter, the nurse? She is always in my prayers. May God strengthen, heal and bless her in all things. God bless you and your family too.

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  25. I'm praying for you Maplewood. Love, Kathy

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  26. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to Heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more of your weight is borne by ME and the more you are Enlightened. I am singing chords while clinging to Your cord so tightly, my knuckles are turning colors.
    Quick Question: Is this cord hanging down from the inside or outside of Salvation Airlines 2021? Asking for a friend.

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  27. BOB MALSACK: I want to be completely healed and Jesus freely gives healing, but alas, is that healing here and now, or the ultimate healing in the next life, sooner than later? My wants are not necessarily aligned with my
    spiritual timing. NOW, my wants after much growth as a person spiritually and chronologically, are at least (finally) more about others than myself... to be here longer would to be more dedicated as a force for good, to help my grown kids in a strange new world, and to be a team with a life partner, my extraordinary wife, prepare for whatever lies ahead and to mentor others with our experience in love not pride.

    Thanks Bob. Emotionally I'm so humbled at all of the goodness expressed here. It is truly undeserved but treasured in my heart and at times causes uncomfortable emotions for a military guy whose trained exterior demanor is "stare the enemy down" or blowing pressure off with your buds with laughs and tall tales. But then our Lord also was emotional for Lazarus, for Jerusalem, for us, for the world. AS WE GROW IN HIM, we also learn to weep over the sin and the pain of those we meet, and of course, for our missteps. Our Lord does that as well for each painful chapter we traverse. Agape, thank you my Brother and JC Friends.

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  28. Kinda stuck on this song this morning, as I pray to hear it with God's ears and rebuke any claim by the devil on the Kingdom of God.
    The Times They Are A'Changing by Bob Dylan
    Come gather 'round, people
    Wherever you roam
    And admit that the waters
    Around you have grown
    And accept it that soon
    You'll be drenched to the bone
    If your time to you is worth savin'
    And you better start swimmin'
    Or you'll sink like a stone
    For the times they are a-changin'

    Come writers and critics
    Who prophesize with your pen
    And keep your eyes wide
    The chance won't come again
    And don't speak too soon
    For the wheel's still in spin
    And there's no tellin' who
    That it's namin'
    For the loser now
    Will be later to win
    For the times they are a-changin'

    Come senators, congressmen
    Please heed the call
    Don't stand in the doorway
    Don't block up the hall
    For he that gets hurt
    Will be he who has stalled
    The battle outside ragin'
    Will soon shake your windows
    And rattle your walls
    For the times they are a-changin'

    Come mothers and fathers
    Throughout the land
    And don't criticize
    What you can't understand
    Your sons and your daughters
    Are beyond your command
    Your old road is rapidly agin'
    Please get out of the new one
    If you can't lend your hand
    For the times they are a-changin'

    The line it is drawn
    The curse it is cast
    The slow one now
    Will later be fast
    As the present now
    Will later be past
    The order is rapidly fadin'
    And the first one now
    Will later be last
    For the times they are a-changin'

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    1. Thank you Audra. Perfect song for the times

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    2. This song remains a perfect fit. Thanks Audra!

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  29. Mad 🦊, a gift I pass on to you, or any others with health issues, that I listened to this morning. Inspirational!
    http://bible.com/r5GJFwd:Fwd:https://youtu.beIxsH3VZHjkUU

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  30. Thank you Audra.
    I have an update about my twin sister.
    She is in an ER in Springfield MO now and she's alone and scared. I think they may have put her in a room by now. Her blood pressure was 209 over 98 today and she had doubled her bp medicine. Please pray very hard. She is so dear to me. Thanks

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    1. Couldn't comment today but know I am praying for her and all of you. Declaring the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ the Perfect Lamb over each of you. Healing, Peace, strength, comfort and many blessings flow abundantly from His Throne of Grace to meet your needs and beyond. He is with you and for you, holding your hand and taking care of you.

      Blessings from France

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    2. Praying for your sister, Jeanne. May she feel the warmth and comfort of Gods loving arms around her when her family cannot be there. I ask for His mercy in restoring her normal BP and peace in her heart and mind.

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    3. Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen 🙏. Please place Your healing hands on Jeanne's sister and take her affliction away. Give her Your love, comfort, and peace, and let Your heavenly presence flow through her. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Praise the Lord continually and always. Thank You Jesus.

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    4. Dear Heavenly Father,
      I come to you on bended knees to beg your intercession for Janet's quick, easy, and complete healing. In Jesus Name. Aneu

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    5. Joining in prayer for jeanne's sister, in your name, Jesus,!

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  31. Amen!! Thank you all so much for your prayers and blessings. Janet is doing a little better and they got her bp down to 150. She has a headache but God is with her.

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  32. Maplewood, I’m prayIng your procedure goes well tomorrow and God will guide the doctor’s hands to make you better. God loves you and will lead you back to perfect health. Rest up now, dear one. Much love.

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  33. Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. I am not sure I know how to hope. I don't know the difference between hope and wishful thinking, nor if there is a difference, Do any of you have tips on how to hope?

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  34. A ray of HOPE and HOLY SPIRIT BLESSING this morning as i read the post and comments! I am away from my wife (58 years this July) on family business for a week and this in comment section; "I saw once again Lord how you made her to complement me. You made her for me. She is my Eve. Thank you Lord. Thank you for Your presence through my wife."

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  35. Ellen December 27, 2021 at 5:16 AM
    Dear JC family, I enjoyed reading the earlier descriptions of marriage differences, and how they were lived out/resolved. My husband and I have been married for 48 years (!) and are very different, and it hasn’t always felt easy. We agree in the important areas, but are so different in time frame for planning, risk taking, etc. He lives in the moment and finds time to savor life, and I am always looking to complete a task, and do something productive. I wanted to share something that has been SO helpful in understanding each other, even after all of this time together. For the past year, we have each had a journal of just things that we appreciate about each other. Every morning we write in it, and then we share it aloud these positive things about the other one with each other. It has done so much to fill in “the well” of good will and understanding as issues come up in the day. It has brought such joy and ease throughout the day. I believe it was a gift from God to help us through a difficult season in our lives, and I wanted to share it with you. Blessings to all of you

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    1. Dear Ellen,
      Thanks for your December 27 post. Larry and I borrowed your journal idea and began same on Jan 1 of this year. So far, it has been a rewarding experience. Thank you for sharing. Much Love, Brie

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    2. Dear Brie, Thank you for sharing that you are benefitting from your appreciation journal about each other! We truly feel that God gave us this idea to strengthen our relationship and support of each other prior to a time of challenge in our family. I find I appreciate my husband so much more and feel his love and appreciation of me. Blessings to you and your husband!

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    3. It makes us look for the good and focus on the attributes for which we are thankful.

      I have long wanted to rid myself of criticizing, condemning, complaining, and judging, since this baggage has no place in His Kingdom. Instead, appreciating something new everyday helps us cling to Hope, and yes, once we do, His rays of Light reach us through the darkness.
      Thanks again. Much Love, Brie.

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    4. Loved the idea of sharing a journal. Something I know my husband wouldn't want to do. I am a hopeless romanticist and he is not. We've been married 40 years so we must be doing something right. Praying for his salvation. At least he's going to Mass. He's seeking.

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  36. Father, thank You for everything. I praise You Lord always. You are so amazing and wonderful. Please let Your power, goodness, glory, love, mercy, grace, peace, and joy fill me up. Let Your power be perfected in my weaknesses. Thank You Jesus. Amen 🙏.

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  37. Good morning dear JC family. Blessings to each one of you. May we walk into this day in His glory. Acknowledging that Jesus is not only the Lord of the universe but Lord of our heart, soul, mind & body. May we invite & enjoy His presence throughout this day along the path He has for each of us, thanking Him for for each twists & turns we encounter. We ask oh Lord that at the end of this day you tuck each of us & our family safely in our own beds, covered by the shadow of Your wings. In Jesus' name, amen. Hallelujah!

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    1. Thanks for the Good News coverage, Jan.
      Amen and Hallelujah, to everything you prayed.

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    2. My Dear Sister Jan - Echoing your prayers. I receive your blessing.

      A Beth Moore tidbit: When we abide in the shadow of the Almighty, the shadow comes because we are standing behind God. God is in front of us. He is the One who goes before us and stands between us and the enemy."

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    3. Just beautiful. Amen dear Jan! He sure has been helping me. So happy that He is such a good friend to me.
      I just love that Sassy Mom! He goes before us and stands between us and the enemy! He fights our battles for us.

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  38. "Heaviness is not of My kingdom."
    🎵Put on the garment of praise🎶
    🎶For the spirit of heaviness🎵
    🎵Lift up your voice to God🎶
    🎶Praise with the Spirit🎵
    🎵And with understanding🎶
    🎶Oh magnify the Lord!🎵
    Isaiah 6:3 "to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness".

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    1. My praise garments are on!
      Next: Dancing Shoes

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    2. Praise Him and lift your voice in adoration. He is our Great High Priest whose reign is forever.

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  39. Dear friends in Christ, I pray God’s blessing and healing over each one of you and let you know how much I savor each entry every day and pray as God leads me for your situations. He hears every word AND HEALS! Our words bring HIS POWER! I think our prayers for each other are so powerful when we can’t always ask for prayers for ourselves. I ask now for prayer for my husband. He had a large score on a cardiac screening test and now is going through more testing. Please pray that the tests find what is going on and that it can be fixed, so he can go on with his very active lifestyle without worrying about a cardiac event. He is a rock in our family. Also, please pray that I would have the courage to read my MRI and neurosurgeons notes from my recent 3 month check up after brain surgery. I think it will be good, but sometimes fear creeps in. /thank you!

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    1. Prayers for your husband are being prayed now. Ellen, and they will continue through Thanksgiving Prayers when we get His Victory Report. Much Love, Brie

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    2. Continuing to pray for you dear Ellen. Do not be afraid, God is by your side so read your MRI and neurosurgeon's notes. Praying what you read will be encouraging. God is faithful.
      Keep trusting that He will heal your weaknesses and lead you both back to perfect health. Thanking Him for healing your dear hubby and guiding his doctors to find the reason for his high score on the cardiac screening test. May the new test results be good ones. God bless, heal and protect you both.
      Thank You Father for this in Jesus' Name.

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  40. I did read my report and it was good and reassuring that my surgery was very successful!

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    1. Amen Ellen, Praise God. Praying too for your husband, I've been there.

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    2. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.

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    3. Rejoicing with you over the good word. Praying for your dear husband, too!

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    4. Joining in gratitude to our Lord for your good news report, Ellen. 👏

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    5. Hallelujah! I'm so glad you have one more reason to rejoice and be thankful! Praying your hubby will also be blessed by his test results and his doctors will understand his problem. Thank You Jesus!

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  41. We who are in Christ, at this hour in God's plan (AD 2022), are privileged indeed. Even as we would have been had we been walking out of Egypt with Moses at the time of the Exodus (13th Century BC), witnessing marvelous things.
    So we now, in the closing chapters before the rapture, are witnessing the beginning of woes.
    Daily, Biblical prophecies are turning into the reality of experience. So much of what was foretold is now fact.
    But it is not a time for fear, of apprehension or heaviness of heart.
    Jesus said (John 16:33) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
    ("Take heart," / "Cheer up" / "Be encouraged, I have overcome the world".)
    Jesus overcame the world. So do we, how?
    1 John 5:4-5, "everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

    So if in our faith we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, WE overcome the world.
    ( It's good to say out loud, 'Jesus IS the Son of God').
    By that simple belief or statement, we overcome the world, all its lies, its scheme's, its hypocrisy, it's fake news, it's scaremongering, and all that is in it that is not of God.
    We are not subject to it. We are subject only to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the Son of God.
    So encourage each other with these words as in 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18 " For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
    18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
    So dear JC Blog Brothers and Sisters in Christ: "ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS".❤️

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    1. Thanks for this wonderful encouragement dear Peter. Jesus is indeed the Son of God and He is God. He is divine and human. His humanity always brings me closer to Him. He really truly understands what we go through. He understands our hearts and every emotion that we experience. Someday I will look into His beautiful face and that encourages me. His promises are reliable and true. He is everything and He is enough.

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  42. Up way too late drawing Olaf from Frozen for Leo’s 3rd Birthday. Will be back later dear ones. God bless your new day in every way and keep you safe and warm. Remain in His Peace and hold onto His Hope. All will be well.

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    1. I would love to see some of your loving work, dear Jeanne. Be safe and enjoy your grands!!

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    2. Dear GraceTakesTime, Thanks! I can send you my new drawing of Olaf if you give me your email. Maybe one of your dear ones would like the drawing if they like Frozen.

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  43. Father, I come to you this morning so blessed to see another day. Father, I'm asking you to guide me to make the best decision. To lead me down the straight and narrow path you have lade out for me. I'm so thankful for everything I have in my life. Somedays I may get frustrated with things but I'm so grateful to have them. So keep giving me the patience I need.
    I love you Jesus, my Father

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  44. JC Prayer Warriors - I received a text last night saying that a dear sister in Christ's DIL had been in labor all day and still no baby. I asked for an update this morning and STILL no baby. Please pray with me that the mommy's strength is sustained and the baby is healthy and gets here in God's best timing.
    I was praying or you Ellen, and saw when I checked again that you DID get the great results. THANK YOU, FATHER! Praying for all of you and thanking God for your loving suggestions, prayers and encouragement on these pages.
    Leo will LOVE your Olaf, Jeanne!!
    I'll let you all know when the baby arrives.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Norah! Praying that a perfect healthy baby arrives via a smooth delivery and Mother and child will be just fine. Thank You Father for this in the Name of Jesus!

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  45. Praying all will see God in the waiting. Praying in hope and faith.

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  46. Praying for our nation to return to God, for honest Godly men and women to be placed in leadership positions so we are heading towards God not away from him.

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  47. The baby boy is here and the Daddy said, "All is well." ! Thank you JC Family!!

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    1. Hallelujah! More answered prayers! Thank You for more victories to celebrate.

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  48. Amen to all prayer requests and fulfillment expressed here today!
    Lord, have mercy on Paul as he struggles with breathing and humbles
    himself before you. Help Marc and I to be guided to any timely action. We all come and go from this world according to your plan. As we have chosen you and you have chosen us, we wait in peace for whatever is next.

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    1. Lord of Mercy and Compassion, look with Mercy on Paul, Audra and Marc, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    2. Dear Audra, Praying for you, Marc and Paul to be comforted, strengthened and guided by the Loving Hand of God. You are all remaining in His presence and peace and that is what matters. All the rest is up to HIM.

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  49. I love this verse:

    The Message – Isaiah 26: 3-7

    People with their minds set on you,
    you keep completely whole,
    Steady on their feet,
    because they keep at it and don’t quit.
    Depend on God and keep at it
    because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.

    I've read it several times throughout this week and tell myself, "DON'T QUIT!" We all know that LIFE gets to us sometimes -there's nothing wrong with us, when it does. But, we have to determine whether or not we 'stay' there....God, thank you, for always bringing me back to Your Word.

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    1. Sure thing, you just can't beat that!
      Thanks Norah

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    2. Awesome Norah. Here's a bit more to encourage our hearts:
      “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
      “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8
      “‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’” - John 14:27

      “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” - 2 Corinthians 13:11
      “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15

      “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

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  50. I really needed to read this devotion. Have been thinking a lot about hope. We who belong to Jesus have that Hope. He is our hope. And we continue to cling to the cord that connects us to Heaven. His Spirit is already telling us to boldly go forward in the wilderness because He is guiding everything. No reason to doubt or be afraid. Trust in His Word, Trust in His Promises and Trust in His Faithfulness. Thank You Jesus.

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

    Psalm 32:8
    I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

    Genesis 28:15
    And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

    Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV
    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

    Psalm 119:105
    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

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    1. Thank You for the Hope Filled Verses. I am praying them now.

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    2. I'm glad. God feeds us well and we feed each other. Love you, sweet Brie!

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  51. Heavenly Father, thank You. I praise You Lord always. Bless Your holy name. You know me better than I know myself. For over 35 years I lived with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. But You took all those dark thoughts and feelings away from me and freed me from them. Thank You Jesus! I can't thank You enough Lord. You brought life, peace, love, and joy into my life. I had no hope in my life, but You gave me hope. You showed me a completely different way of living than I was. You transformed me into a new creation and I am so grateful. I know the power of God and it is mighty. There is nothing like it. And there is no one like You Lord. I love You Lord! I will sing praises to You always and forever! In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏.

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    1. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17).

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    2. My experience as well! Thank You, our Abba Daddy for renewal of spirit and transformation of mind. I can't thank or praise our God enough!!

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    3. Dear Janet and Anonymous. God is a life changer! He turns us completely around. He is our Way Maker and we can stake our lives on the truthfulness of His Words. Thanking God that you are both on a sweet road now that leads to glory, and joy and peace in believing. When I had postpartum depression, I was so sick for so long that I also wanted to give it all up but God saved me and put me in the hands of the right doctor after so many wrong ones. He picks us up out of the miry pits and places us so high that we can clearly see our blessings, and we can shout Thank You Father!
      Amen! I can't Thank Him or Praise Him enough too!

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  52. Heaviness is not of My kingdom'
    Put on the Garment of Praise for the spirit of heaviness:
    https://youtu.be/ILPzWwuDRZs

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    1. Joining into His Praise song. Thanks for the link!

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    2. Thanks Peter! Never heard that one before.

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  53. Praise brings the sense of God's presence, it may take a while to sense His Presence, but the truth is we are IN His Presence all the time. We are robbed of sensing Him by negative feelings, depression, adverse events and circumstances. Start by deliberately praising Him, thanking Him for His steadfast love and goodness, especially if you don't feel like praising Him. Pretty soon, you will be enrobed in the Garment of Praise. It's His gift to us bringing us out of the pit of despair into His marvelous Light. Praise God!

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    1. Amen to that dear Peter! Praise Him even while we're walking through the storms because He's right beside us. Hallelujah!

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  54. So true dear brother Peter, so true. We become the robbers of our own peace & light without realizing it, leaving the door open for the enemy to sneak in & finish the work of darkness. Everyday we can ask for the power to slam that door shut to darkness & open it only for His marvelous light to come in. Hallelujah! Have a blessed day dear family as you take time to worship & rest in His peace. 💞🙏🌈

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    1. Much Love to all! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    2. Amen! I really needed this blog this morning, I read and pray and appreciate it everyday and am so very grateful for all of you and how you help remind me of the constant power of my Heavenly Father!❤️🙏

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  55. I saw this confession and I am using it to DECREE and DECLARE: The year 2023 is a year to be FREE! 2023 a year of GREAT VICTORY! 2023 a year for me. I call it in. Everything that I've been believing for, everything I've been standing for, ALL the things that have been discouraging me, ALL the things that look impossible---I say NO, this year 2023, a year for me. I thank You, Father God, that everything I've been standing for, believing for, I TAKE IT IN THE YEAR 2023. I am calling it in by FAITH, the things that God wants me to have. 2023, this is my year of FREEDOM! I take every impossible situations in my life, and THANK YOU, Father God, You are turning it around today! This is a year that I WILL SEE MORE GLORY! God wants me free! I take my FREEDOM NOW! In Jesus' Mighty Name, AMEN and AMEN. HALLELUJAH!!!
    Great Love and Blessings to this Awesome JCFAMILY. JJ

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    1. Amen JJ!! I stand with you and the amazing JC family in prayer for 2023!! Thank you ❤️🙏

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  56. A scripture that my Father God has been pouring into my spirit:

    Psalm 57:2 AMPC "I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]!" JJ

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  57. Today’s devotion spoke directly to my weary heart. Yesterday was a difficult day for me. I’m trying so hard to take good care of my mom and do all I must to keep her clean and fed and comfortable. She keeps the tv and music so loud and smokes her cigarettes and she is demanding and I pray throughout the day. It’s hard to be cheerful when you feel so drained and lonely. God has been telling me to put myself in her 95 yr old shoes. And give her more joy. She only eats a tiny bit of the nice dinners I make but then she eats 3 cookies after telling me she’s just not hungry. I have 5 plates of her barely eaten dinners in the fridge. When I talk to Jesus which is very often I say: Thank you for being with me. You’re the only one who understands how I feel.
    What would we do without our Lord’s presence and loving care?? He smooths over the most difficult situation and comforts us like none other. My mom loves Jesus and she loves me. She is a good person and I love her dearly. I pray I will be able to give her smiles today and get her to laugh and be happy. She always says. “Why won’t Jesus take me? Aren’t I good enough for Him?” I remind her that every day is a gift and God wants her to live her life and be thankful for the time He is giving her. I pray every day He will give her a zest for life again.
    Our dear MadFox posted this back in 2019 and it blessed me so much because the Hope of the LORD is such a precious gift especially in our valley times.

    MadFoxJanuary 7, 2019 at 9:53 PM
    "Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity." The great challenge in times of trouble is not spiraling into self-pity and depression because you feel hopeless.

    Jesus tells us He was and is the Hope of the world, more simply - our Savior... thru His death, we have been promised the hope of heaven! Embrace that message and shed your dark fears.

    Thanks dear MadFox and Thank You Jesus!

    Romans 15:13
    Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Jeremiah 17:7-8
    Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    And whose hope is the Lord.
    For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
    Which spreads out its roots by the river,
    And will not fear when heat comes;
    But its leaf will be green,
    And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
    Nor will cease from yielding fruit.


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    1. Praying for you Jeanne and your mom. May the Lord lift you up in His loving arms and you feel His precious touch upon you. May He renew your strength and fill you with His perfect love, peace, and joy. May your mom's heart be renewed with the joy of the Lord and her spirit be lifted up. Jesus is working in and through you every moment of the day. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Peace be with you!

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    2. Jeanne, lifting you and your mom up. Jesus is shining brightly through you. Praying for your mom’s spirit to improve and praying for patience for you. Your mom is lucky to have you to take care of her. You are lucky to still have your mom. Praying for peace and joy as you care for your mom. Our hope is in the Lord.
      SC Anonymous

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    3. Prayers and blessings for your mom and you Jeanne . Thank you for sharing this with us all. ❤️🙏

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    4. Joining in prayer here dear Jeanne for what you are going through. Jeremiah 17 fits like a glove for you & your mom. I really feel that this is not just about your mom. Could it be that she's still here because God is using her to further & strengthen your faith walk? To instill in you stronger perseverance for what awaits ahead for you, for any of us. View her as your coach. She's not done mothering you. Her job as a mom was to teach her children how to withstand any challenges coming their way. She is that challenge that is teaching you how to maneuver through for the glory of God & Kingdom. God will provide the necessary tools to get you through. Hang in there dear sister. The warriors are on it! 💖🙏🌈

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    5. Joining the prayer warriors in your time of need, Jeanne. It's so difficult watching our parents age. As frustrating as it can be at times, God has given you a great gift of being able to help her. One day, you'll look back and wish you could have just one more day with her. And the answer to her question is simple.... He hasn't brought her home yet because her job here isn't finished. You may not know what that job is but He sure does. Praying for peace, comfort and guidance as you continue your journey with your good mom.

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  58. There are two typos in this online version of Jesus Calling different than the hard copy of Jesus Calling. In the second paragraph the sentence that reads, “The more you cling to this cord, the more I hear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are enlightened”, should read “The more you cling to this cord, the more I BEAR the weight of your burdens; thus, you are LIGHTENED”. These two changes makes the whole devo make sense. I hope this is helpful to someone. It sure is to me.

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  59. Just beautiful Anonymous. In reading your post, I sensed your struggle. I too feel that aging has brought about some new challenges that arrived at my door before I knew it, not asking for permission to enter, not explaining itself when it did. My weapon of choice in case I decide to join the pity party is gratitude. Thanking Jesus for each day that I have the strength to walk by that mirror & still behold His handiwork. Thanking Jesus that although my flesh may be aging, I am young at heart! Hallelujah! 💖🙏🌈

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  60. My wife Karen (pronounced Karren- the Norwegian or Scottish way) is often woken up by the Lord to read a specific scripture passage and/or pray for a specific person. Today after her time with the Lord she checked her social media and sent this link to me "Stand By Me": https://www.facebook.com/61551841144699/posts/122134849736061371/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
    It reminds me of how the Lord Jesus stands by us, He will NEVER leave us, not forsake us.
    Some folks I know are apprehensive about getting through 2024. God's promises stand firm and are never revoked.
    Psalm 135:14 God stands up for his people, God holds the hands of his people.
    Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
    Romans 8:31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
    Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
    Hebrews 13:5 Amplified “He [God] Himself has said, I won't in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!
    Matthew 28:20b I Will Be with You Always Even Unto The End of The World.
    Take heart, with your life in Him and His Life in you, you will never walk alone.

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