“Young at Heart !!” 1/13/2020 Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend

Posted on January 13, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

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 Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend  @  https://www.facebook.com/louis.mize

“Young at Heart !!”

 

But though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2nd Corinthians 4:16b

The human body is a remarkable creation of God. We were created by God in His image as the highest order of all His earthly creation. Recently, I saw an old friend who I hadn’t seen in a very long time. We both remarked about how we had changed in our appearance. Our dark hair had become gray, and our faces showed the lines which identified the road marks of a hard career in the Houston Fire Department. As we remembered some of our emergency responses, we both acknowledged the hand of God in bringing us through each one of them.

But even though by comparison of the difference in how we used to look, and how we look now, we were the same on the inside. For even as the outward body begins to show the stress and strain of aging, the inward man is renewed day by day.

Often, we get caught up on things which we can see, and don’t really consider the things which we cannot see. The bible tells us that the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

This morning, I thanked God for the things which are NOT seen, and asked Him to help me and others not to focus on all the STUFF of life. All this stuff down here is temporal my friends. But the INWARD MAN, he is renewed day by day by a righteous and loving God.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&q=image+young+at+heart+Bible&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuosallP7mAhWiTt8KHasTBOEQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1227&bih=799#imgrc=mEVIIlhnWSjQKM:

 

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“This Sunday at Church: Be an Example of Christ” 1/12/2020 Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth”

Posted on January 12, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

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Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com

Original post @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/01/12/this-sunday-at-church-be-an-example-of-christ/#more-24245

This Sunday at Church: Be an Example of Christ

 

January 12, 2020 by SLIMJIM

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following:  Be an Example of Christ.

A few months ago I wrote “This Sunday at Church: Imitate someone as they imitate Christ” and I exhorted we go to church and look for others to imitate being like Christ when we saw 1 Corinthians 11:1… “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”  But I also realize some people in the back of their mind say “But I don’t have anyone to see as an example to follow at church!”

First off I say be careful of assuming you cannot learn from anyone’s example in church.  Make sure it’s not your pride that is driving you to say that.  I’ve learned the examples of even grandmothers in the church fruits of the Holy Spirit like long-suffering in the faith.  As I grow more in Christ I find more examples around me.  Secondly we are also called to be an example towards others in the Church!  So it’s not just the responsibilities of others to be an example for others’ to imitate; we are called to do so as well.  In fact the more you focus on this the more gracious you be with others and also notice others’ godly examples for your encouragement (and not jealousy, cynically, etc).

Leaders are called to be an example to the church: “nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).  But this is not just a command only for believers; hear 1 Timothy 4:12… “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”  Notice it says “show yourself an example of those who believe.”  This is applicable even for those who are young since Paul wrote “Let no one look down on your youthfulness.”

Pray about it.  Pray to God to grow you to be a genuine example on Sundays, if not even this Sunday.  Ask God to help you in this area that you not be doing this hypocritically for show.

Secondly this obviously involves things outside of Sunday.  Your walk with God in your daily life matters.  What you do in private matters.  Being an example isn’t an on and off switch.

Thirdly, you can’t be an example to others in an encouraging way if you aren’t involved with people’s life in a loving way.  If you are a godly example but then you don’t love others, you can appear distant and elite; and some might even wrongly think you are arrogant.  If you are a godly example but don’t love, that also don’t go as far in ministering to others.  So go to church to love others and not just be a trophy case.

Fourthly, review the list found in 1 Timothy 4:12 of what areas of our life we are to be an example in.  Is there any area you can grow in?  Strive to grow and be godly in those areas.  Read the Word concerning those areas and also books and sermons by others who are teaching based upon the Bible.  Too often people think of being an example in static terms; sometimes we can be an example not by reaching perfection but by our growth, our changes and development of Christian character.

Finally you need to know this: You won’t be an example by thinking you need to be an example; you need to turn to the example of Christ.  But not just an example of Christ; you need to turn to Him as your Lord and Savior who saved you from sins, and He did that because He loves you.  Let that love be something you bask in, till you love Him back, and that love lead you to loving obedience, even in the hard things.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&q=image+1+cor+11:1&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwig2J6whv7mAhXOmOAKHc2CAeQQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1227&bih=848#imgrc=YVl0wIP50olF6M:

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“Changing our Attitude About Work” 1/11/2020 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on January 11, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

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Written by Elihu Anderson for  “Elihu’s Corner”  @   http://elihuscorner.com/

Original post @  https://elihuscorner.com/2020/01/10/changing-our-attitude-about-work/

Changing our Attitude About Work

Elihu

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In our daily scripture writing plan for January, we recently finished copying the text of  Colossians 3. The entire chapter centers around mindset and how our life, our work, and our relationships can be impacted positively by a mind set on Christ. Setting our minds on the Lord is much easier to say than it is to apply.

When it comes to work, there are two verses in particular that jump out of this text:

“whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3.17, ESV)

and…

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3.23-24, ESV)

Whatever I do?

Does that simply refer to prayer, study, worship, hospitality, teaching, etc?

or…

Does that mean the minute I clock in on Monday, I’m serving God?

Does that include…

…cooking?

…washing dishes?

…school work?

…helping my spouse?

…folding laundry?

…taking care of my kids?

…assisting my neighbor?

…any job???

Yes.

“Whatever” is an all-inclusive word. 

Unfortunately, we often say we’ll do “everything” for the Lord, but we compartmentalize our work into “what we do for the Lord” and “what we do for the world.” The Spirit through the words of Paul tells us that there are no compartments; it’s all supposed to serve the Lord! That changes everything!

When Jesus was preaching, he said that the greatest commandment in the law of Moses was to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mark 12.28-34). The Scribes and Pharisees knew this to be true. And yet, even though they meticulously followed all the shall’s and shall not’s which they deemed important, they did not do it for the Lord—they did it for themselves, longing for worldly praise and position.

We can do “all the things” and “check all the boxes,” but if we are not doing it out of love for God, it’s on par with the work of the Scribes and Pharisees, whom Jesus called “hypocrites,” and “blind guides.”

Just imagine how much differently we will approach jobs we consider drudgeries if we do them “as for the Lord!”

Instead of sighing through another mindless round of dishwashing, we will do it joyfully, thanking God for providing food to fill our bodies.

When we work for a boss who is dishonest, unpleasant, or unfair, we will continue to give that job our very best because we are serving the Lord. As we work, we can deal with the injustices by repeatedly giving thanks for a job that provides enough income to put a roof over our head and food on our table.

As we try to raise difficult children, we won’t throw our hands up in despair, but will continue praying diligently over them, working daily to show them Christ in us.

If I am working for the Lord, I will approach every day—including my Mondays—with a smile, knowing He has given me another opportunity to glorify Him.

God has always wanted the allegiance of our hearts. 

If we truly long to love God wholeheartedly, we ought to begin with our attitude towards work.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Colossians 3.1-2, ESV

Published by Elihu

Elihu Anderson is a California refugee currently thriving on the West Texas plains. She is the founder of elihuscorner.com and is a contributor to Kirk Cameron’s website TheCourage.com. When she isn’t writing, reading, or teaching, she is sipping on some iced homemade chai and enjoying time with a good friend. Come by and say hi at elihuscorner.com or visit me on Facebook.com/elihuscorner 

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=ACYBGNTPeEL-01wFeoF4Re1hkmeXpj3Swg:1577810575818&q=images+col+3:2&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-y5O3quDmAhUvnuAKHbLfAiYQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1158&bih=758#imgrc=z8l7rpmX0xz_7M

 

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“I Shall See God” 1/10/2020 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on January 10, 2020 by

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

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Posted by Alister Begg   for   www.truthforlife.org

Original site  @  https://info.truthforlife.org/devo-jan10-2020?ecid=ACsprvvMNzTSyW9–KcsEpk0OnD9HmIxxhi6CLmEIjlcpPuHuwOHE5VlPbq3S9Taw1zCfOBv9Nbf&utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotion%20Emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=81688858&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Pzkt8fN-btkrzqkCTw6PEAE2vMTFXtKtZZ_vuSPHkisiV0YZx_aIPl9FYb_YRKF4_1Eg0KhKAFytAqqTaidTuxjIY_a8qEWrCtM8ozAqG0sBB7JI&_hsmi=81688858

I Shall See God

In my flesh I shall see God.

 Job 19:26

Consider the subject of Job’s devout anticipation: “I shall see God.” He does not say, “I shall see the saints”—though doubtless that will be untold happiness—but “I shall see God.” It is not “I shall see the pearly gates, I shall behold the walls of jasper, I shall gaze upon the crowns of gold,” but “I shall see God.”

This is the sum and substance of heaven; this is the joyful hope of all believers. It is their delight to see Him now in the ordinances by faith. They love to behold Him in communion and in prayer; but there in heaven they shall have an open and unclouded vision, and thus seeing “him as he is,”1 shall be made completely like Him.

Likeness to God—what more can we wish for? And a sight of God—what can we desire better? Some read the passage, “Yet I shall see God in my flesh” and find here an allusion to Christ as the Word made flesh, and that glorious beholding of Him that shall be the splendor of the latter days.

Whether so or not, it is certain that Christ shall be the object of our eternal vision; nor shall we ever want any joy beyond that of seeing Him. Do not think that this will be a narrow sphere for the mind to dwell in. It is but one source of delight, but that source is infinite. All His attributes shall be subjects for contemplation, and as He is infinite under each aspect, there is no fear of exhaustion. His works, His gifts, His love to us, and His glory in all His purposes and in all His actions, these shall make a theme that will be ever new.

The patriarch looked forward to this sight of God as a personal enjoyment. “Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.”2 Take realizing views of heaven’s bliss; think what it will be to you. “Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty.”3 All earthly brightness fades and darkens as we gaze upon it, but here is a brightness that can never dim, a glory that can never fade—”I shall see God.”

1) 1 John 3:2
2) Job 19:27
3) Isaiah 33:17
Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=ACYBGNQYkNz74SMV_EozRpP9iwIL_NK_Gg:1578659559257&q=image+i+shall+see+God&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjquYCShfnmAhWyl-AKHVgMBi8QsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1227&bih=724#imgrc=IdZHOE0MjvukGM:

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“Hope Even In Death” 1/09/2020 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on January 9, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

my eyes are on YOU LORD

Written by  Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”  @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com

Original post @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2020/01/08/the-preciousness-of-death/

 

Hope Even In Death

 ~ DAWN

Psalm 116:15 NIV, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”

It’s never easy to lose a loved one. Our hearts hurt when we no longer physically have the presence of someone we care about. Some years ago, I volunteered as a group facilitator at a grief support group for children and teenagers. These young people had lost parents, grandparents, or even siblings. As facilitators, they taught us about the stages of grief, but also stressed that everyone goes through these stages at a different pace. There are no set of rules etched in stone about how fast a person has to heal after they lose someone they love. You don’t just “get over it and move on”, healing takes time. Some days will be better than others. However, the good news is that God will provide comfort to our grieving hearts through His Holy Spirit as we experience losses here on Earth.

2 Corinthians 1:3 NLT, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.”

Photo by: Daian Gan (from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)

Psalm 116:15 shares with us God’s heart for the death of His children. He considers it precious to welcome us home. Even in death, He gives us hope. The short time we have here on Earth, is a forerunner to the grander things God has waiting for us in eternity. We must make the most of our time here, and leave a legacy that will point others toward Jesus Christ. When our work here is done, God will lovingly call us home. We can find joy in knowing we have an eternal purpose at home in heaven. I can’t even begin to imagine the ecstasy of His presence, and the magnificence of the place He is preparing for us. How special it is that He has an appointed time to welcome each of us home.

John 14:3 NLT, “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Photo by: Brett Sayles (from Boise, Idaho)

When faced with death, it can sometimes seem unfair, shocking, pointless and hard to understand. The pain and sadness it brings can seem unbearable. This year marks the tenth anniversary of my cousin Peggy’s death. She died in a car accident and yesterday would have been her birthday. Her death was a shock. However in God’s eyes there is always a purpose. He is sovereign over both life and death. It’s a precious moment when we close our eyes here, and open them to eternity in His presence.

The thought of taking my last breath and dying used to seem scary to me. But I’ve found that the closer I get to the Lord, the more I look forward to spending eternity with Him. What once was scary, now brings me joy. May God continue to bless you as you fulfill your purpose on Earth and work to build a legacy that points others toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/499125571198070688/

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“Of Black-Eyed-Peas and Forgiveness” 1/08/2020 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on January 8, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2020/01/01/of-black-eyed-peas-and-forgiveness/

 

Of Black-Eyed-Peas and Forgiveness

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I got up early this morning and put the black-eyed peas on to soak. I remember when Mama gave me the important task of sorting and washing the peas for their overnight soak. “You have to pick out the bad peas (the ones with rusted spots or bug holes) and rinse off the good ones, then I’ll put them on to soak.” An hour later she found me still at the sink with only half the package done. I was taking out each individual pea, inspecting it all over and washing it off – one by one. “You don’t have to do them one-at-time,” she said. “But Mama,” I replied, “what if I miss one?” I thought letting even one bad pea through would be awful.

As a child I was taught 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So when I wanted to ask Jesus to be my Savior, I started thinking and confessing. And confessing. And confessing. Six weeks later the pastor asked if I was ready to be baptized. I said I was still confessing my sins. Knowing that a child couldn’t have much to confess, he asked what was taking me so long. I said I was trying to remember everything I ever did. “What if I miss one?” I asked. I thought I had to remember and confess every single sin or it would not be forgiven and Jesus would not be my Savior.

Paul said that when we receive Jesus as Lord, God “forgives us all our sins” (Colossians 2:13). Hebrews says that Jesus, our great high priest “offered for all time one sacrifice for sins” (2:12). That means all our sins – the ones we remember to confess and the ones we don’t. That means all the sins of our past, present, and future are under the blood of Jesus. Confession is indeed “good for the soul,” and vital to our relationship with God, but Jesus doesn’t have a tally sheet of your sins to mark off only the ones you confess. He has written “FORGIVEN” in big red letters across your entire life. Confess as the Spirit brings things to mind, and trust in God’s faithfulness.His mercy is a wide, wide ocean Beloved, and all your sins are buried there.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“It Is Finished” 1/07/2020 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on January 7, 2020 by

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

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Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”  @  https://seizetheday-blog.com

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2019/12/30/it-is-finished-3/

It Is Finished

it is finished

It is finished! John 19:30 (NIV)

“It is finished!” John 19:30. These were the last words uttered by Jesus on the cross of Calvary before He died.

What will your last words be before you die?

At the end of the film Braveheart, William Wallace’s last word was “Freedom!” Woodrow Wilson, the US President who died in 1924 said, “I am ready.” Thomas Hobbes, the writer who died in 1679 said, “I’m about to take my last voyage, a great leap in the dark.” Joan Crawford, the actress who died in 1977 said to her housekeeper who had begun to pray aloud, “Damn it . . . Don’t you dare ask God to help me!” And James Rodges, a murderer about to face the firing squad; when asked if he had a last request, said, “Why yes – a bulletproof vest.”

What will your last words be before you die?

I’ve stood by the bed of a dying man as he cried out in anguish, “No, no, no!” I’ve watched a friend say excitedly, as he peered into a realm I couldn’t see, “Look, the angels are coming for me!” And I’ve held the hand of an old man as he simply said, “Goodbye Lawson.”

What will your last words be before you die? Will they be bitter or beautiful, haunted or hopeful, negative or positive, counting for nothing or counting for something? William Shatner at a TV Critics Association Meeting in Los Angeles said, “I’m not ready to die. It petrifies me. I go alone. I go to a place I don’t know . . .” In contrast, the Apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21.

What will your last words be before you die? Will there be regrets? Will you be afraid?

Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (NIV). Lose your life for Christ, i.e. give it unreservedly to Christ, and you’ll have no fear of death. Jim Elliot, a missionary who was slaughtered in 1956 by the Auca Indians of Ecuador would agree. Shortly before he died he said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=ACYBGNQsFMdlaebVtdGJXtDB2diMrEs6Qg:1578401116932&q=image+today+is+the+day+of+salvation&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiu3YyvwvHmAhXsmOAKHZCuCmIQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1158&bih=724#imgrc=IZlh9So743yIKM

 

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