Thursday, April 16, 2015

Jesus Calling: April 17

     I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, not matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire for you.
     Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace. 

Psalm 112:7 
English Standard Version
He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Isaiah 41:10
New King James Version
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

My Prayer
Lord, this reminds me once again of the importance of talking to you about all the events of my life. Your disciples and followers did this while you walked the earth. When they didn't understand something, they asked you. I need to do this instead of running off and figuring it out on my own or seeking after other people for answers.  As the Psalm says, you are not afraid of bad news or anything I bring to you. You will strengthen me and help me and uphold me by Your righteous right hand. 


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.

148 comments:

  1. What is this supposed to mean? What is the meaning? I have the book and I keep flipping it open randomly and it choses this calling. Why is this happening? What is the meaning of this calling?

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    1. I think we need to be careful how the cares of the world have the potential to get us off track of God’s work. It may be bad news or difficult situations or temptations that come our way - all can brings us down or off track. We need to take everything before him - our work, our free time, our interests and make sure all of life is to His Glory.

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    2. My advise is read it again and put into practice, litteraly.
      Understanding comes through the process.

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    3. As soon as I read today's devotion, I thought this is all about our present situation with the lion of the Pandemic roaring outside, feeding people's fear. So many reasons to be fearful or worried about the future, but the Lord has not left our side through any of this, and never will. Because we strive to stay in His Presence, we shall not be afraid, because He helps us to cope with this situation, and any other problem in our lives. He is mighty to save. The readings supported this in a beautiful way. These verses give me so much comfort. He is helping us cope as we trust in His promises. Fear not, because He is upholding us right now with His righteous right hand. Amen. We must take everything before him. He knows our very hearts and that we are doing our best down here. Let the fruit of our day, and our thoughts and meditations, be to His Glory.

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    4. Let the fruit of our day, and our thoughts and meditations, be to His Glory (your quote) This grabbed me for I have been concerned about bringing the small daily concerns and decisions to Christ. With all we each are dealing with I wondered if some of my stumbling blocks were too trivial. I truly know that's not true but your words was reassurance that Jesus is pleased for us to talk to Him about everything, Thank you for this amazing reminder.

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    5. Upholding me with HIS righteous right hand brings much peace and comfort!

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    6. Donna, We can give the most trivial concerns to our Lord. He will help us in all things. He says Acknowledge me in ALL things. He wants to hear from us as much as possible. Yesterday a container of cocoa dropped all over the rug and floor. What a big mess! I called out to God and said: God, I need a little help right now. And He strengthened me and comforted me and everything got cleaned up. When I had more problems I wanted the evil one to know he was no match for my Jesus and and I exclaimed. Jesus is so much greater!!! When we put Jesus in the forefront of our mind, everything goes better. He loves to hear our voice, even when we just say His beautiful Holy Name.

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    7. For me, this is one of the most important messages of the year. Steadiness. Turning to God to answer situations. Listening for His guidance. Power thru the interruptions and distractions back to His Presence. In Jesus's name I pray.

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    8. Lord, please help myself and my family and friends cope with the death of my son. I know that he is no longer suffering and is in a better place. You chose the time and the time was now. Lord, I am thankful for the time that You allowed with him to be with us here on Earth. Please help us all find peace within ourselves and May my son be in peace with you. Amen

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    9. Dear FATHER, I come to YOU through YOUR son JESUS CHRIST, I lift my beloved E up to YOU, as he seeks YOU & YOUR peace, comfort and mercy for him and his family as they transition through this rough time. I praise YOU LORD for the reprieve YOU provide E and his family, I praise YOU LORD for this day, our lives, provisions , YOUR love and protection in this world going up in flames. LORD lead me to do YOUR Will and not my own, I too pray for my daughter and lift her up to YOU, as she struggles to make ends meet and land a job that’s actually worth going to (vs one that provides at least part time hrs with reasonable wages), help my dear daughter see YOUR plan for her LORD, for I know the last job opportunity she was so hopeful for wasn’t meant to be because YOU have bigger plans for my daughter. I thank YOU LORD for my precious children, my family, brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, and everyone else on this planet, Christian or not I will love them and do, some are harder to love than others but YOU have shown me how- thank you LORD,
      In Jesus Christ name I pray
      Amen
      A🙏❤️

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    10. To Anonymous whose son went to be with the Lord. I pray you will all be comforted. Now I selfishly ask you to pray for my son. I burst into tears when I read your post because after years of having hope for my son when no one else has, last week for the first time I’ve started feeling like he is going to die. He is 26?and The Lord impressed upon me 2 months before I conceived him that he would have a special call on his life to share the good news. He is now addicted to fentanyl and has been revived by paramedics many times over the last few years. I’m consumed with thinking of him. Please pray. Thank you, Lisa

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    11. Our loving and mighty to save Lord and father, I lift up E and family, A~ A’s daughter and family, Lisa~her son & family to you and ask for you to wrap them in your loving arms, bless them with your miraculous healing, peace, strength and your pure and perfect Love.
      I lift up my sisters in Christ Jeanne and Audra & thank you for their loving hearts and prayers. May you bless each of the JC family with your Love, protection, peace, Joy and your provisions. Lord, I also pray for our country and each one of your children in this world. We need more of You and less of us!
      Sweet sister Jeanne, thank you for sharing and reminding each of us to never cease in praying and that nothing is too trivial to talk with our father about!
      I used to pray for others about even the smallest of things but felt selfish to pray for these things for myself. As I read the Living Word, The Bible, watch The Chosen ( my favorite tv series), church & listen to the Christian music
      God has reveled to me that He wants a deep friendship and relationship with me and with each and everyone of us.
      This fills and lifts my spirit and changes my perspective.
      I am thankful for this day and for each of you.
      love, prayers and blessings
      Brandy
      🙏🌸🩵🙌🏼

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    12. Dear Heavenly Fsther God,
      Please hold up E, A🙏 ❤️, Lisa, each of their dear ones, and all of our JC family. Let them know Someone really loves them and prays for them and theirs everyday in everyway. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!

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  2. Good morning JC family!😊 My take away from JC this a.m. is "distraction". Nothing challenges me more than health issues, it causes me to crawl "inward", curl up & worry. I hate it. I'm rendered useless & basking in self absorption! Reading these post has helped me to crawl back out as I'm made aware of some of the health issues we are praying for. Mine is put back in proper perspective & becomes minimal. My focus moves back to where it truly belongs, praying for others! Thank you Lord, thank you JC family for sharing, bless your day🥰.

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  3. Let's remember this day the agony that our Lord Jesus Christ is about to face for us "His Passion"!

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  4. Amen! Severe weather has been predicted for my area on Good Friday.

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  5. This is Holy week, and as we have been Blessed to enter this Holy Wednesday, let's be reminded that over 2000 years ago this day (based on the Holy Week Treasure Map and TRUE event)The Son of God was betrayed by Judas, Mary perfumed Jesus in prep for what was to come (not understanding what she was doing).God awaits for the response to the Invitation! Have you received it? Worship the King of Kings and exalt His HOLY name! All Glory and Majesty to One who is to COME AGAIN! Thank You Lord!

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  6. Amen JC Family. For my family, all distractions hit the hardest (health issues, job losses, children/grandchildren challenges, elderly parent needs, and sleepless nights) during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Coincidence? I think not. I rebuke the devil by the power of Jesus' mighty name! Sometimes we have to verbally rebuke that loser. I do that now! Thank you dear Lord for going thru the worst on earth for us. I cannot get to the true depth of my gratitude for what you did and do for me, but I'm trying. I'm trying to not lose sight of You today and everyday. Thank you King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

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    1. Great post Anonymous! I am with you on rebuking the devil. There are times I don't know how to pray about a difficult situation. I find that rebuking the devil an saying " I speak the name of Jesus over this situation", is a game changer for me.

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    2. Sorry, Unknown. Put the wrong name in. Anonymous post was excellent, also. The part about
      This holy Wednesday really stirred me. Also Unknown, the part where you said "I cannot get to the true depth of my gratitude..." spoke volumes to me!

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    3. I can't get to the true depth of my gratitude on what you did and are still doing for me my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..thank you Unknown..thank you Jesus!

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    4. Amen dear LCA! Praise Him and Thank Him always! Thank you Unknown for your words of wisdom. Thank You Jesus! Hallelujah!
      Jesus has given us new life and a future that leads to eternal joy with Him. He gave Himself and everything so we could be free from the bounds of sin. He gave us the Hope of Salvation and a love that never ends, and peace beyond our human understanding! How great our God is and how blessed we are that we belong to Him!

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    5. Searching for the depth of gratitude that can reflect my gratitue.

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  7. Isaiah 41:9-10, are my battle scriptures for whatever the circumstance/situation may be! Proverbs 3:5-6 are the medicine scriptures for my wounds from the battles. I cannot thank God enough for what he has done for us all this Holy week! When I read/think about what Jesus did for me...no matter what I may be going through or may have to face I cannot/will not complain! Thank you Jesus for what you did for us! Thank you God for your Grace and Mercy when your son said "It is finished!"
    Char

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  8. Thank you Jesus for giving your life so that I may be saved. Amen!

    P.S. Lord, today would have been my Moms 84th Birthday, could ya tell her Happy Birthday for me,
    Love Pamela K.❣

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    1. Sooo sweet Pamela, my Mom's birthday is just a few days away. Please Lord hug these two Mom's for us.

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  9. Psalm 112:7 “We are not afraid of bad news; our hearts are firm, trusting in the Lord”
    “We walk by Faith, not by sight”
    “Christ is in us, the Hope of Glory”
    As Christians, we believe the Word of God and in His Promises- that’s our inheritance
    “Seek Him first, and all these things shall be added unto you.” If we feel weak, we Study and meditate on His Word... we “meditate day and night” Psalm 1
    What we feed grows, so remind us Holy Spirit to feed our spirit, where you reside within us
    With You and In you, we can have peace no matter what we see, think or feel and no matter what is going on around us.
    We can feel fear but that’s when the Word of God needs to be studied and fed into our spirit. Thank you Lord for all your Promises and for the hope of Glory within us

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    1. Amen lmac! "feed our spirit, Holy Spirit" - love this. KS

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    2. It's note-worthy that, "What we feed, grows." Lord, feed us with your goodness and your word and help us resist being fed by the hyper-fear presented by the media.

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    3. And so the fear based media continues, so I trust and repeat this prayer:
      Lord, feed us with your goodness and your word and help us resist being fed by the hyper-fear presented by the media.

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    4. Praying that good prayer with you dear Audra. Praying for you and yours too my sweet sister!

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    5. Amen !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So needed this today. I'm so stressed and just overwhelmed with my life at the moment. Thank you lord for always being my comfort and my shield.

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  10. Imac - Psalm 112:7 “We are not afraid of bad news; our hearts are firm, trusting in the Lord”
    “We walk by Faith, not by sight”“Christ is in us, the Hope of Glory” AMEN!! AND AMEN!!!!

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    1. Amen Sassy Mom! When we receive bad news, we trust in our Savior to carry us through. We sure do believe what we can't see and the secret made manifest, the Christ in us, the Hope of Glory is everything to me. We are well taken care of. My heart can rest easy because His promises are true.

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  11. May we understand that You did NOT cause the global pandemic. Man did, in his foolishness of experimenting with disease or in the inappropriate way of using animals for consumption. But You can use our folly for good as shown today in JC!

    "Don't let unexpected events throw you off course...I help you cope with whatever is before you...This is the way of Peace."

    Psalm 112:7: He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

    Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you;

    Father, in today's world and situation, these words are as appropriate as any for the current global pandemic. THE ending in today's culture, if something spoken on a stage, is jaw dropping, would be a "Mic drop", where one literally finishes saying something profound and drops the microphone to the floor.

    I can add nothing, save, thank you and Amen!

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    1. Imac, Sassy Mom and MadFox, Thank you for echoing the words of my heart. You all have fed my spirit today. His words are truth and light and life. He promises that He will be with us till the end of time. And we believe His promises. We walk by Faith, not by sight. We abide in Him as He abides in us. His Spirit is working mightily inside us, so we will not be consumed. Rest in Him who loves us. Let our hearts be firm, trusting in the Lord. Amen and Amen. God bless you my dear JC Family.

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    2. We trust, he provides the path. I'm still convinced a year later, that a great awakening is "in process"... just as I don't see how a person makes a cancer journey without faith, I certainly don't see how mankind would've ever potentially "stopped" to see how those of faith live with all the "ease of the modern world" but for this pandemic. Could we have envisioned ANYTHING LIKE WHAT HAS OCCURRED?

      Of course and yes, the media still mocks but the alternative media is celebrating faith and more are "seeking". May we be instruments of His mighty Hand in the midst of our own struggles and be the "light" as is shown in todays scripture of Psalm 112:7 and Isaiah 41:10. AMEN!

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    3. Yes MadFox! We know that God has faithfully led us through one of the hardest years we have ever experienced. You know more than most people what I'm talking about. We have grown closer to Him in our isolation and our desperate need. Our trust muscles have been exercised to the max, and we are faithfully standing firmly on the Cornerstone that doesn't crumble.
      Thanks dear MadFox: May we be instruments of His mighty Hand in the midst of our own struggles and be the "light".
      I know you have been the bright light to so many throughout your treatment and transplant, and God's restoration in you. Your wonderful test results and victories are for His glory.
      Psalm 112:7 May we be instruments of His mighty Hand in the midst of our own struggles and be the "light"
      Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you;
      Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
      I will strengthen you,
      Yes, I will help you,
      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

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    4. Yes! I feel the revival rising IN HIS NAME!

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  12. Heavenly Father, Thank You for another day to be in Your presence. Open my eyes, ears and mind to be tuned in to You and You alone. I ask the Holy Spirit to take away all distractions and keep me under Your shadow. Thank You for being my refuge and strength, in Jesus name.

    As Christian believers, it is vital that we discipline ourselves in becoming aware of God’s presence. Yes, the world we live is loaded with busyness and makes it increasingly difficult to sense God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, but if we can’t sense His presence, we won’t hear His voice. If we can’t hear His voice, we will not know His will. We have to be become aware of God’s presence, voice, and His will. He has graciously made Himself known to us, but it’s not so easy to become aware of His presence. Sometimes we go through our days and realize that we didn’t even stop to sense His presence, we can even attend church service, read our bibles and still not sense His presence. However, we can strive to turn off the noise of the world and focus on paying attention to His voice through simple prayers, meditation, quiet time and just imagine that Jesus is with us. God speaks through those quiet moments, through other people, and through ordinary life’s circumstances. Most times, God will use our circumstances to speak to us. We should not allow circumstances to keep us from hearing or obeying God.
    Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV) “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” Paul knew the circumstances were not indicative of God’s will for his life. Whatever tries to keep us from being aware of God’s presence, we should ask Him to show us His perspective and be willing to tune out the world to hear from Him.

    Dear Father, We thank You for reminding us that no matter what circumstances we face, we should always be aware of Your presence and turn to You. Thank You for being so near and living in and working through us, in Jesus name.

    May you sense the presence of God today and allow Him to order your steps through it.

    Maplewood, NJ

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    1. Amen Maplewood! We must do our best to stay in His presence. More easily said than done. It is a constant mission. So many times during the day I have to stop and say "Jesus", just to put Him back into the forefront of my mind. I often say: You know exactly how I feel. Then all is well again. How comforting to hear His voice telling me I am not alone. I loved your prayer at the end, and it brought me much comfort and peace. Thank you.

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    2. How lucky are we to have the CONSTANT presence of God in our lives EACH AND EVERY MOMENT at our beck and call? THANK YOU JESUS! ♥️

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    3. Thanks Maplewood! I prayed your prayers and I'm giving Him my thanks and praise. I had a blessed day in His presence. Our circumstances do not rule our lives, God rules our lives but we must tune in to Him and read His Word. He is our greatest Help. A constant and reliable friend at all times.
      Thanks for this little prayer: "Thank You for being so near and living inandn working through us." Amen and Amen!

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    4. Amen Maplewood. In His Presence, that's where we belong.

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  13. EASTER FRIDAY

    (John 21:1-14) It has been a couple weeks since Jesus last appeared to us. Because He had told us to go to Galilee, that is where we are, by the Sea of Tiberias. We have no direction for the moment so we are going about normal business. It is evening and lacking for a better thing to do, Peter says, "I am going fishing." We look at each other and say, "Why not?" So we get into the boats of the family business and set out to do what we do best, fish. As it turns out, the fish are not moving and our nets remain empty all night. As the dawn is breaking, we can see a person on the shore and he is shouting something at us. "What's he saying?" Peter hears him saying, "Cast your nets over the other side of the boat." We look at each other, "What do we have to lose? Maybe he sees something we are not seeing from the boat." So, we cast our nets over the other side and within minutes, they start to fill with fish. We have had this experience before back in Gennasaret (Luke 5) and we need not be reminded of it for we will never forget it. John proclaims, "It is the Lord!" We all know it. While the rest of us labor to pull in the large catch, Peter jumps overboard and starts swimming to shore, he is so excited to see Jesus again. We haul the large catch ashore and see Jesus cooking breakfast for us. He had bread for us and so we bring some fish to cook. None of us needed to question who He is, we all are so glad to see Jesus once more.

    As He promised us, "Lo I am with you always to the end of time." (Matthew 28:20) and He is by the presence of the Holy Spirit within each of us, always there. But there are times when He shows up big time in a situation or a circumstance, when we proclaim in our heart as John did, "It is the Lord!" I have had that experience several times in my life. I cannot arrange to have those experiences for they are all under His authority and He chooses when they will happen. In the meantime, I do as we have been constantly admonished in the JC readings, I spend time with Him on a regular basis and I go about my daily business, living in His love and showing His love to all I meet. In the process, there have come overwhelming experiences of His presence. Needless to say, it is a moment of 'great' blessing. As those moments pass, I am left with a very powerful feeling within of His love. I give thanks and go back to what I am given to do in the moment. As I practice His presence as suggested in today's reading, those moments will come again at a time of His choosing. In the meantime, I keep it in love mode and I know He is with me as promised.

    I am going 'fishing' brothers and sisters. Care to join me? With love, Bob

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    1. Great message, Bob. I am going "fishing" also. KS

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    2. Thank you, Bob for your taking us into the Word. Yes, I love joining you in the fishing expedition knowing Maybe he sees something we are not seeing from the boat!"

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    3. bless you and your family be safe in this crazy time and stay away from people u dont know to stay safe thank you

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    4. Yes! Thank you Bob! I am going fishing too!
      Praise God
      Amen

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    5. Amen Bob, Only God knows what our nets will bring up. He wants us to be blessed and prosper to His Glory. He most certainly will provide for our needs and then some. Thank you.

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    6. I'm certain that "He sees something we are not seeing from the boat!"
      Gone fishing!

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    7. I love the way this reads Bob! It spoke to my heart. I will continue to throw a line out as well..Only God knows what will be at the other end. However I do always feel His presence when I decide to get my fishing gear ready! Blessings all!

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    8. Thanks Bob! Going fishing with you and my Jesus. Praying and hoping I can lead more lost souls to Him.

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  14. Help me Lord to listen. You speak to me in so many ways..in quietness or through others. Thank you Lord for your presence always especially for all dying alone..I know they are not alone..I know you are holding them ever so close and that they are at peace. Pour your peace and comfort over their families. Jesus I trust in you.

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    1. Amen dear Loveconquersall! May Jesus hold the hands of all those dying and assure them that they have a place in paradise with Him. So many are wounded by their sorrow of losing a loved one. May He comfort their broken hearts and fill the new holes in them with His love and peace.

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  15. "I AM training you in steadiness" spoke volumes to me with the pandemic as the backdrop. Much gratitude to all my JC family for reinforcing their choosing to stay close to Jesus and steadily persisting in their faith in Him, throughout life, including this pandemic. This choice seems to provide an oasis of calm, that the world cannot give and only Jesus can. I love you JC family. Because of you, I looked up the back story for the words behind the song, "I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS" WOW! WOW! WOW!
    If you don't mind JC family, would you share your back story with this little pilgrim, you know, the one that pivoted you into a follower of Jesus forevermore?

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    1. Sure, Brilamar. I would have to say it was sort of like the Jeremiah story, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you..." (Jeremiah 1:5) There was always this longing for God in my life. The faith journey had a lot of ups and downs as I was growing up as I went through the normal process any adolescent goes through and for some of the same reasons. A defining point occurred in college when in an unaccustomed fashion for a Presbyterian church, the minister had an alter call following his sermon. I was faced with making a decision that needed to be made. I asked my, then, steady girlfriend to come forward with me (she had already committed her life to Jesus) which she did. From there, God steered me in the direction He wanted me to go with my life; my girlfriend became my wife five months later, and we took the ride of our life from that point on. We went to CA for seminary and first church, returned to the area in which she was raised in MI and served a church for 27 years, then spent 10 years in interim ministry, 8 in TX and 2 in NJ. Now retired my wife and I are enjoying our relationship without interruption. As John says at the end of his gospel, if everything the Lord did for us was included here, it would bust the blog. Glad to share.

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    2. What a blessing dear Bob, how God led your through your faith journey with your girlfriend, and sister in Christ, and now wife. He knows our futures and He writes the best chapters for us. He brings us closer, and gives us wisdom and understanding to bring others closer to Him. His faithfulness in your life is a beautiful thing to behold!

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  16. Please Lord help me to turn to you in all situations,seeking you earnestly. I tend to let things going on in the world, overwhelm me,veering away from you. That's not what I want,I want to be able to be drawn to you and talk to you constantly, bringing all glory to you,I want to seek you in every thing I do,no matter what distractions are around,please Lord help me with that. Thank you for blessing me with another day of life,in Jesus name ,amen!

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  17. hi im a kid i love god

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    1. Welcome to a family that also loves God, because He first loved us, no matter what!

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    2. Welcome..we love our father in heaven also. You have come to a good place.

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    3. Thank you for your post, Unknown and welcome to place that you are among friends who will love you and be welcome the love you share through your posts which you have just done. God be with you.

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  18. God is so good! Thank you father for blessing us so incredibly with this JC family
    Praying for each and every one of you
    Jesus, I trust you. We love you
    and seek your presence
    With love
    Brandy
    🙏💝🙏

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    1. Amen dear Brandy. Every day, stay in His presence. He is the one thing that is never changing. His love for us is constant and does not rely on any condition. He just loves us more than we can imagine. Let us all walk worthy of that amazing love.

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    2. Love you sweet Brandy! Hope you're feeling better. Amen He is just soooo good and we love Him above all. He is our Everything!

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  19. Praying for your SIL, Norah. Peace be with you and yours. OH what joy shall fill our hearts.

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  20. Thank You Jesus. I will bless, praise, and rejoice in You continually and always in all circumstances 🙏.

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  21. Father, show me where I can be of use, and fill me with an energy that doesn't fade -- even when met with aching muscles, competing desires, or ungrateful recipients. I know You are there, in the midst of it all, and I don't want to miss an opportunity to meet with You. Help me to persevere in all You have called me to.

    In a race all the runners run. But only one gets the prize. You know that, don't you? So run in a way that will get you the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

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    1. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

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    2. God Bless you our sister Janet! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Kathy

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    3. Joining in Kathy's prayer for you dear Janet. God has some amazing plans for you. He brought you out of an unhealthy environment. He is establishing your steps now sister. Beautifully written Janet! And we know the greatest prize is Jesus and to be with Him in the Glory Land.

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  22. I had a long, hard, sad day of casework yesterday and it wore me down by last night. My day started so brilliantly: I was fully rested, energetic and 9 hours later, I was whipped. I was in tears in bed last night and woke up early, still sad. Went back to bed and work up to my DH bringing me a cup of coffee in bed!
    Our friends were over last night and the wife is a Caregiver. She experiences the same type of day sometimes. She said, "We have to do everything we can and then give it to God, fully trusting that He will do the rest." AMEN!
    Psalm 112:7
    English Standard Version
    He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
    I need to memorize this verse and keep in my heart. It is so egotistical of me to think I can do something that the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth can't do. It can become a vicious cycle and I am breaking it right now in the name of Jesus Christ.
    Praying for this wonderful JC Family and so very thankful for this blog and each of you. A dear friend, since I was the age of 12 just texted me statement that she hung on her fridge 10 years ago, making sure she read it every day. Her husband of 34 years had decided he didn't want to be married and she was starting her life over in her late 50's:
    "I will trust in the Lord for coverage and protection because He knew and will handle it." May we all have the trust of a dear child.
    Have a blessed day in His Glory!

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    1. May the Lord cover you in His perfect peace and bring refreshing to your soul Norah. God bless.

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    2. God bless you Norah as u continue to find strength in The Lord

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    3. My prayer for you, Norah, that Jesus graces you with his joy, love, and peace. Thank you Jesus for Norah's friends and DH.

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    4. Thank You Father for giving Norah a beautiful deep sleep that restores her body, mind and spirit. Give her complete rest and renewed strength to do all her good work so she can continue to be an instrument of Your love to so many people. Thank You in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

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  23. Father, thank You. I feel like a little girl who is just learning to walk and as I take a couple of steps forward then I stumble. As I get upset and start to cry for making a mistake and messing up (failing), You are there with Your hand in mine to lift me up and help me to keep going. As I look to You, my tears are dry and I feel Your love, comfort, peace, and joy of the smile that You put on my face. Thank You daddy. Thank You for always helping me and for replacing my pain/hurt with Your love, comfort, peace, and joy. You are so wonderful, merciful, and gracious Lord. No one compares to You. Thank You Jesus. I bless and praise You forever more.

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    1. " My peace I give to you..."
      Thank you Lord for this peace! Continued peace to you our Jeanne.

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    2. Praying for you dear Janet; we all are. We love you; Jesus loves you more upholding you with his righteous right hand! Amen! Amen!

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    3. Praying with my dear ones here for you sweet Janet.
      We love you and hold you in our hearts, minds and prayers.
      Amen! May your loving Father take away your pain and hurt and replace it with His love, comfort, peace and joy!

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  24. Dear Heavenly Father God,
    ❤️️ Thank You for our uniqueness!
    ❤️️ Thank You for  creating us all different, yet all equal in Your Eyes!

    🙇Would You help us each to be who You created each of us to be?

    🙇‍♀️Would You help us look to You rather than others?

    🙇Would You help us become more brave and steadfast in following You, rather than in following the crowd?

    😊 I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    1. Amen Brie 🙏

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    2. Based on Genesis 1: God created man in His Own Image, in the image and likeness of God, He created him; male and female He created them. Amen.

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  25. Had a wonderful time celebrating my daughter in love's 35th Birthday! She is so precious to my heart. Closest thing to a daughter to me. I pray she and my son will go back to Church someday maybe after their second baby is born in September. They are such good and loving people and yet, lately when I say Grace before eating, I don't hear any "Amen". She used to say "Amen" but no more. God will ignite their hearts and rekindle their faith, and the faith of my other son and his wife who just had their second son. All I can do is just keep praying for their faith, and my husband's faith. I pray for all those who are unsaved to seek Him and find Him for themselves. Thank You Jesus! God bless you all my dear ones!

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  26. I am experiencing a gap into meals without grace while sitting in my visit with the kids. It is disturbing and feels so empty to start eating without praying. So I just intercede with prayer when everyone gets to the table and they already started eating. 🙏

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    1. Audra, say Grace anyway. We do. It's like sowing seeds of thanks to God. He will bring forth the spiritual fruit. Just Trust Him.

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    2. Yes, Peter. I do now. No matter where I sit down to eat it who I am with - or alone 😉

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  27. Just want to wish a very Happy Resurrection Day to all of my dear brothers and sisters, seen and unseen. Have a sweet day remembering that we are the beloved children of the Most High, and Jesus Christ is our Risen Lord and His promises are reliable and His Word is truth and light and life. For those of you who are spending Easter alone, know the Lord is right by your side, so rejoice and be glad in this day. May He provide your needs, guide your paths lift your hearts, and renew your spirits. God bless you all. Much love

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    1. Jeanne - I receive your blessing. You are loved. Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Love and blessings to my JC Family. HE IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH.

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    2. Easter blessings to one and all. Starting the day with Keith Green's Easter Song ♥️🎶 link ✝️
      https://youtu.be/mG8Tko3BzHk

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    3. Thanks for your blessings dear Sassy Mom! Amen. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
      Easter blessings sweet Audra.

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  28. Imagine yourself walking on a shaky bridge over a vicious stream, waves crashing over sharp rocks. If you have the will to walk on the bridge and see yourself on the other side, you have the strength to do so. You have faith.
    I cannot emphasize enough how this is one of my favorite verses about strength! In this passage, God reminds us in comforting words that He will always be with us. He encourages us not to be fearful, as He will uphold us with His righteous right hand, allowing us to stand firm. He tells us to put our faith in Him, and that can be a daunting task, as you never know what may be on the other side of the bridge. But God wants you to have faith in Him. He wants you to encourage yourself and gather strength to allow Him to walk with you. Besides, doesn’t it feel amazing to know that you aren’t in your struggles alone? To know that someone is willing to walk along the bridge with you?

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    1. Dear Min, Jesus gave me a dream as a baby christian about a bridge. May I share it with you.
      I questioned God about faith right off the running gate. In my dream, I was walking a dirt road, there ahead was a man. He extended his hand to follow him. We came upon a bridge, while walking I noticed the bridge was ending, I questioned him, he prompted me to keep going, afraid, very afraid, I obeyed, as I came to the edge, so sure it was the end of it, there, was a plank, I walked it, then it met rushing water, no bridge, no nothing! This time I looked up & he was on the other side, again urging me to come ahead, for some unknown reason I went ahead & fearfully stepped into that water, lo & behold, I stepped into a stone, & another, and another until I was across & he received me. There was Jesus as if to say, "let me introduce you to faith"! Hallelujah!

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    2. Thanks Jan...that story sent shivers down my spine ! God is calling us to trust in every situation especially those that dont make sense !

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    3. What a wonderful dream you shared with dear Min Ahadi, sweet Jan! That is a very reassuring and encouraging dream to share. Thank you! Amen the Faith that lets you walk on water.
      So true Min, Especially the ones that don't make sense. To walk out on a limb because God says it will be okay really exercises your trust muscles and strengthens your faith.

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  29. Praying all will enjoy a truly Wonderful Resurrection Son-day.
    Up early today, couldn't sleep on this precious Easter Son-day, full of the glorious Light of the Son-Shine.

    I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth:
    https://youtu.be/TVf4phVy8oc

    https://youtu.be/mRi3l_pIKOA :
    I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today
    I know that He is living, whatever men may say
    I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
    And just the time I need Him He's always near .

    He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
    He walks with me and talks with me
    Along life's narrow way
    He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
    You ask me how I know He lives?
    He lives within my heart

    In all the world around me I see His loving care
    And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
    I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast
    The day of His appearing will come at last.

    He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
    He walks with me and talks with me
    Along life's narrow way
    He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
    You ask me how I know He lives?
    He lives within my heart

    Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing
    Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
    The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
    None other is so loving, so good and kind.

    He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
    He walks with me and talks with me
    Along life's narrow way
    He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
    You ask me how I know He lives?
    He lives within my heart.
    Be Blessed in Jesus Mighty Name this day, Amen.

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    1. Thank Peter! Hope you had a blessed Easter. Amen! Blessed I am.
      He lives within my heart.

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  30. Morning Glory and Blessings to my JC family! On this RESURRECTION morning, may the power that rose Christ Jesus from the grave, rest upon you ALL, give you Hope, Peace and Rest!
    He paid it all for us two thousand years ago and because He lives, we can and will face all our tomorrows.
    Sending greetings, love and peace to ALL of you! I am on a mission for Africa, in spreading love and blessing the less fortunate! God is sooooo good and we must share LOVE. I pray and think of you all, trusting God for His very best for you.

    HAPPY EASTER, RESURRECTION SUNDAY! We ALREADY HAVE the VICTORY in and through JESUS!!! Remain Blessed Family!

    Blessings and Peace.
    Maplewood

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    1. Thank you Maplewood, Amen! We serve a Risen Savior.

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    2. Dear dear Maplewood, what a blessing to hear from you! We miss you very much dear sister 💞! AFRICA😮!How awesome is that! We would love to hear more about that for sure. Prayers will certainly be with you from your fellow warriors 🙏🙏🙏. We know you will be a blessing wherever God lands you. Happy Easter to you dear one 💐💞

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    3. Maplewood. Great to jear from you. Glad you are well. He has risen indeed!

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    4. Great to hear from you Maplewood. Happy Resurrection Day!

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    5. So blessed to hear from you, Maplewood, and of your mission. Your light is so bright I now know where to spot it on the map of the world.
      Happy Easter indeed!

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    6. So very happy to hear from you, dear Maplewood! I'm not surprised you are in Africa doing the Lord's work. You have always been in tune to His mighty Spirit and you're following His lead to glorify Him and help others to come to Him. Hope you and your loved ones are well. Always in my prayers. Happy Easter dear sister. Much love!

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  31. Happy Easter to my JC family. Let's worship our risen Savior for, He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today
    He talks with me, and walks with me
    Along life's narrow way
    He lives! He lives!
    Salvation to impart
    You ask me how I know He lives,
    He lives within my heart!

    Hallelujah!

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    1. Amen! He sure does! Reigning in my heart.

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  32. Happy Resurrection Day JC Family! God has risen. He has risen indeed. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. The greatest gift of all. Enjoy your day everyone.

    TJ

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  33. Happy and blessed Easter, dear TJ! He, Who had no sin, paid for our sins. What an amazing love and sacrifice! Hallelujah

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  34. My dear friend Jessie is having surgery today to remove a cyst from her ovary. We are thanking God for guiding the doctor’s hands perfectly and that the cyst will be benign. May His faithfulness shine in her health and in her life. Trusting in His Words and promises.
    Thank You Father for this and for bringing her back to complete health and comfort in the powerful Name of Christ Jesus our Risen Lord. Amen.

    Proverbs 3:5–6
    Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

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  35. Joining in prayers with you Jeanne 🙏. Father, please comfort and heal Jessie, Ben, and all our loved ones in need. Place Your loving arms around them and lift them up to the rock that is higher than their circumstances. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏.

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  36. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15). For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36). And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2).

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    1. Amen! We are in this world but not of this world. Our Home is in Heaven. This is just a flash in the pan compared the eternal line that runs forever with the Lord.

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  37. In Your Presence
    That's where I am strong
    In Your Presence
    O Lord my God
    https://youtu.be/aW6E8g-4Gx8

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    1. Absolutely love that song! You had posted it before and it blesses my heart! Thanks

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  38. Perfectly stated and awesome prayer, Janet. Thank you! Will pray this throughout my day. Praying for all who need healing...whether of the physical, mind, financial struggles, etc. Jehovah Rapha and Jirah are with us and for us! In Jesus' name, amen!

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    1. Thanks for your prayers. Amen! He can do all things. We continue to pray for each other because we know He can heal every weakness. We have already seen His faithfulness so we continue stand on the Rock together and wait on the Lord. Thank You Jesus!

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  39. Thank you for your prayers sweet Janet. Amen and Amen.

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  40. Gathering into that wonderful prayer! Amen

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  41. I’m praying that He shines a light over each and every one of your heads today. Too many times we find ourselves focusing on one thing in particular or problems itself, (just hand it off to Him) when there’s the whole World to be grateful for. Know that you are never alone with your problems and He is provides understanding of them. Bless all of you.

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  42. Joining in prayers with you Jeanne for all. May our heavenly Father move mightily in each situation and may Mayra have a blessed birthday! God bless 🙏.

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  43. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. (Daniel 3:16-20).

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    1. We just recently saw a production of Daniel & it was so cool to see the reenactment of the fiery furnace & the 3 faithfuls! So awesome.

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  44. Thank you dear Jeanne & Janet for sharing the word. I join in prayer for all concerns & for Mayra to have a beautiful celebration of her birthday. ❤️🙏🌈

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  45. "I am training you in steadiness."
    "Don't let unexpected events throw you off course."
    This reminds me of 'Steady as she goes':
    The phrase "steady as she goes" is a nautical expression that instructs the helmsman to maintain the current course and speed of the ship, despite changes in weather, waves or other conditions at sea.
    Applied to our lives, I think of it as 'Keep on keeping on'.
    Philippians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
    Hebrews 10:36 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
    Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

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    1. Thanks dear Peter! Great verses and encouragement! I always say: Keep on keeping on. We know we also mean: Go forward in the Presence of the Lord. I have always loved Hebrews 12:1. As a former Marathon runner, that last part: "and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." has special meaning. God always held me in the Palm of His Hand through the race and especially at the end of the five Marathons I finished. That last 5 miles was always so hard. We can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens Us.

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  46. Fear not for I am with you….why is that so hard for me? Especially with health problems, my own or those of my family. My husband has had a fast heart rate the past 2 weeks, which is new for him. Don’t know if this is an after effect of his open heart surgery 7 months ago. Fortunately he already had an appt with his cardiologist PA on Thursday. Please pray for healing for his heart….thank you so much! And for peace for me.

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    1. Praying for His peace to be with you, Ellen. Praying for healing for your husband.

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  47. From Today's God Calling (John H.)

    April 17 – The Two Joys
    My children, I come. Hearts eager to do My Will, send out a call that ever I find irresistible. I know no barrier then.

    Resignation to My Will keeps Me barred out from more Hearts than does unbelief. Can anything be such a crime against Love as being resigned? My Will should be welcomed with a glad wonder if I am to do My Work in the heart and life.

    The only resignation that could possibly be acceptable to Me is when Self, ousted by My claims, accepts the inevitable and resigns the throne for Me, leaving My Disciple free to carry out My Will, to welcome My Will gladly, rapturously.

    In all true discipleship, and in the true spiritual development of each disciple, there is first the wonder and the joy of first acquaintance, then comes the long plain stretch of lesson-learning and discipline, when Joy seems so much a thing of the past as never to be recaptured again.

    But the constant experience of Me, the constant persistent recognition of My Work in daily happenings — the ever accumulating weight of evidence in support of My Guidance — the numberless instances in which seeming chance or wonderful coincidence can be, must be, traced back to My loving forethought — all these gradually engender a feeling of wonder, certainty, gratitude, followed in time by Joy.

    Joy is of two kinds. The Joy born of Love and Wonder, and the Joy born of Love and Knowledge, and between the experience of the two Joys lie discipline, disappointment, almost disillusion.

    But combat these in My Strength, or rather cling blindly, helplessly to Me and let Me combat them, persevere in obeying My Will, accept My discipline, and the second Joy will follow .

    And of this second Joy it was that I said, “Your joy no man taketh from you.”

    Do not regret the first, the second is the greater gift.

    “If ye continue in my word, then are ye
    my disciples indeed; And ye
    shall know the truth, and the truth
    shall make your free.” John 8:31, 32

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  48. Praying for all requests & thanking God for this day. My DH, youngest son & I are on our way to KY for his next infusion. He is doing well & I am thankful for all of your prayers & encouragement. We will "keep on keeping on," Dear Peter!
    Sandy is on my heart, Jeanne as well as your list. You pray for so many - what a heart of Gold! Love & Blessings to each of you. Norah

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    1. Praying with Love, Brie

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    2. Thanks dear Norah for your kind words and prayers. We all pray for so many and God hears every one. Love and blessings to you!

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  49. Father God, in the name of Jesus, Interceding for each JCFAMILY/WARRIOR for each need and request -- financial, sickness, loss, grief, hardship...
    I loose the Hosts of Heaven over each one of the JCFAMILY/WARRIORS, the USA and Israel to stop any Attacks, Foreign or Domestic---dismantle them, and expose their sources. I pray The Blood of Jesus over each JCFAMILY/WARRIOR, and USA and Israel. JESUS, Roar over the 4 Corners
    of the USA and Israel as the Lion of the Tribe of Juda! Hear Him Roar, hear Him Roar! AMEN and AMEN. HALLELUJAH!!!

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  50. Thanks dear Janet and Jan! We know God can do all things so we trust that all will be well. Mayra did have a wonderful Birthday celebration! We all had fun and ate yummy food and cake and cupcakes. It was a sweet family gathering! God is good.

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  51. Amen and thank you, dear JJ! Jesus is so much greater than anything going on now. May He cover our fallen world and all of us with His perfect Peace. No weapon formed against us can prosper. God's Word and promises are true and reliable. Amen! Hear Him Roar!

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