Category: Genesis

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No Limit

As I was reading this morning, I came across these verses in Psalms, Genesis and Revelation.

“Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord, a strong and mighty warrior. 9 Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in. 10 Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord,  the All-Powerful!” Psalms 24:8-10 CEV

“ When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” Genesis 17:1-2 NLT

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8 NLT

After reading those verses I had to ask myself, “do I limit God”? Honestly and truthfully, yes I do on many occasions. By my own understanding and doubt, I do.

Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and he asked the Lord to let him do it too. Jesus said “Come”. He did. Then…

“But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”

32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down.” Matthew 14:30-32 CEV

Fear of anything causes us to doubt. Doubt ourselves and doubt God.

It’s when we keep our eyes fastened on the Lord, seeing Him as God Almighty, who loves us and desires to be in relationship with us, who came to earth as Immanuel (God with us) that we remove doubt and fear. We gain a confidence that only God can give.

It’s hard to put into words.

Our heavenly Father wants us to know Him as the Almighty One, the beginning and the end. The first, the last and everything in between. He is limitless, there is no one greater, He has no equal.

“Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. 10 So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
11 And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!” Philippians 2:9-11 CEV

I encourage you, and myself, to meditate on who God says He is – El Shaddai, God Almighty. There is none greater and He has placed Himself in relationship with us!

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Chosen Personally

This morning three of our grandchildren are asleep in the loft. We love having them come for sleepovers.

Dave & I reminisce of our times spent with grandparents and we want to make lifelong memories for our littles. We want to be instrumental in teaching them values and purpose. We want them to know how special they are to us and to the Lord.

It’s important that we know how precious we are to the Lord, not only when we are children but also in our later years. The Lord has chosen each one of us.

In Arizona we have a number of major league baseball teams that bring their Spring Training camps here. The purpose – to choose the best players for the team.

Do you remember being a kid and playing a game of kick ball, tag, even baseball? You know what I’m talking about; all the kids in the neighborhood line up, select 2 captains and then they choose teams.

I was not athletic and so I was always one of the last ones chosen. Even now I wouldn’t be chosen for my sense of fashion, education, exceptional good looks, financial status or my athletic abilities. Does that hurt my feelings like it used to?

No, not anymore because you see I realize that I have been chosen for the team and it’s not because of my talents or abilities but it’s because of the Captain’s amazing love and acceptance.

If you’re feeling left out today, Unaccepted. Untalented. Lacking. Focus on this.

“But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light. 10 In the past you were not a special people, but now you are God’s people. Once you had not received mercy, but now God has given you his mercy.” I Peter 2:9-10 ERV

“Remember, in Noah’s time I punished the world with the flood. But I made a promise to Noah that I would never again destroy the world with water. In the same way, I promise that I will never again be angry with you and say bad things to you. 10 ‘The mountains may disappear, and the hills may become dust, but my faithful love will never leave you. I will make peace with you, and it will never end.’ The Lord who loves you said this.” Isaiah 54:9-10 ERV

“God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. 7-8 Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, 9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.” Ephesians 1:5-9 CEV

“I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13 CEV

“I am with you, and I will protect you everywhere you go. I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised.” Genesis 28:15 ERV

It’s time to swing for the fences because we have been chosen by God Almighty!

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A New Start

In the beginning…a New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Will this year start any differently that those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless the beginning has a solid foundation.

Going to take you to two verses this morning.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best was to start this new year is to have God in your beginning!

God the Father and His creative power is here to fill your beginning. And God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

Oh and one more verse.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

God the Holy Spirit has come to remind us of what the Word says about our relationship with the Father and this will bring us peace! What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day!

May your New Year be filled to overflowing the love and peace of God!

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Hard Decisions

I’d like to pose a question. What would you do if your fiancé came to you and told you she was pregnant, and you knew it wasn’t your child?

This is the dilemma Joseph faced.

In Jewish society of that day this was a man’s worst nightmare. To continue with the marriage plans was societal death. To separate himself from her was emotional heartache. What to do?

“The birth of Jesus Christ was like this: Mary His mother had been promised in marriage to Joseph. Before they were married, it was learned that she was to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was her promised husband. He was a good man and did not want to make it hard for Mary in front of people. He thought it would be good to break the promised marriage without people knowing it. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is to become a mother by the Holy Spirit. 21 A Son will be born to her. You will give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from the punishment of their sins.”

22 This happened as the Lord said it would happen through the early preacher. 23 He said, “The young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a Son. They will give Him the name Immanuel. This means God with us.” 24 Joseph awoke from his sleep. He did what the angel of the Lord told him to do. He took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have her, as a husband has a wife, until she gave birth to a Son. Joseph gave Him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLV

A good man.

One other translation describes Joseph like this: “kind man,” or “man who always did the right thing.”

This had to be weighing heavily on his mind. I’m sure he had asked himself the question, “What am I going to do?” Did he seek the counsel of his own father or his closest friend? We don’t know. What we do know is that God sent his ministering angel to guide Joseph in this life-altering decision.

Mary was the mother of Jesus, but God didn’t abandon her in her hour of greatest need. No, He prepared the heart of Joseph to join in this advent-ure with her. It was important that they raise Jesus together. Teaching Him to love the Lord His God with all His heart, soul, mind and strength.

” That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.” Genesis 2:24 CEV

Taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his own son would not be an easy course. His business was probably boycotted because of the impropriety of their situation. There would be whispers and lost friendships, the critical stares as they walk the streets of their town.

Hard decisions to make? Let the words of the prophet Isaiah be your guide.

“So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace.” Isaiah 55:12 ERV

Just like Joseph who was wondering what he should do, let God guide you with peace. A life with Christ isn’t always an easy one; it will be challenging. However, nothing will be more rewarding than following His plan.

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The Beginning, Middle & End

Our lives are like a book. Different chapters, different characters, different locations, but God has a definite story to fill each page. Here we are starting a new month and it won’t be long until we welcome a new year.

So, let’s start at the beginning.

“In the beginning God…” Genesis 1:1a

In the beginning of creation – In the beginning of my life – In the beginning of my current situation – In the beginning GOD!

God was there at the very beginning and He’s still here halfway through and He will be there at the end! He has chosen to invest Himself in my life, in my world, in my total existence. As the King David said in the Psalms, “Selah”. Stop and think, meditate, ponder deeply these words.

He hasn’t pulled back yet and He won’t. He will continue to be involved in all He has created for all eternity – He is the eternal, the everlasting God and Father. And He’s here for us because He loves us!

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

Jesus spoke these words. He had referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who leads us, His sheep. He leads us to green pastures; He protects us from our enemies; He gave His life to save ours.

I grew up singing this hymn, He Lives, and the older I get the more I realize the message in the words.

“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.

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 Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks 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!”

Amen! He lives and, in His living, He provides for all that we need.

“Jesus is the one who says that all of this is true. Now he says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all people.” Revelation 22:20-21 ERV

It should give us great joy to know that He is coming soon.

Yes, with all the uncertainty in the world one thing is certain, He is coming soon. And He was and is and will continue to be kind to all. That’s the reason He came, out of love, He became our substitute, the sacrifice for our sins so that we can be reconciled to the Father. Forgiveness is ours; new life is ours; restoration is ours – we simply need to receive it as the free gift that it is.

When we focus on our beginning, we’ll find God and as we look to the end, we will see that He’s coming. And in the middle, He is reaching out to us in kindness, wanting to be involved in our daily lives in a powerful way.

Beginning, middle and end, Lord, we place it all in your hands.

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Divine Interruption

This morning, I woke up with these words on my heart, “but with God”. I’m not certain but I think God may be setting me up for a divine interruption.

Time for a brief English lesson. The word “but” is a conjunction and is defined liked this: “used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned: ‘he stumbled but didn’t fall'”.

But is used to join two contrasting ideas. I had my day planned but God…

I wrote in my journal “We seem to have it all planned, but God, Your plan is better. Thank You for interrupting my life”.

The Bible is filled with but God moments. That’s how it all starts.

“The earth was barren, with no form of life; it was under a roaring ocean covered with darkness. But the Spirit of God was moving over the water.” Genesis 1:2 CEV

And we all know what happened after that. A world with no form of life is a stark contrast to the Spirit of God who is the giver of life. From His interruption life thrived and covered the earth.

God had made a promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son. Years passed with no heir so Sarah decided to take matters into her own hands and sent her maid to Abraham and a son was conceived. Man’s plan followed by God’s interruption.

“But God answered: No! You and Sarah will have a son. His name will be Isaac, and I will make an everlasting promise to him and his descendants.” Genesis 17:19 CEV

Young Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. He was falsely accused of molesting his master’s wife and then sent to prison. It seemed as if that would be the end for Joseph but God interrupted and used Joseph to save the lives of all his family.

“You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing.” Genesis 50:20 CEV

The brothers had a plan to get rid of Joseph but God had an interruption. Joseph went from slave to second in command in Egypt.

A young Jewish girl had a plan of marrying the man of her dreams. She would have a wonderful life as a carpenter’s wife. It was all planned. We don’t have the words “but God” but this was definitely a divine interruption.

“and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus… 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not even married!”… 37  Nothing is impossible for God!” Luke 1:31-37 CEV

When God makes the plan, nothing is impossible.

I have one final “but God” moment that involves each of us personally.

“No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger.” Romans 5:7-9 CEV

Realizing the love that God has for each of us should be our “but God” moment. He reaches out to us. Our sinful lives are contrasted with His amazing love and forgiveness. When we recognize that God isn’t angry with us, that His plans for us are for our good, an abundant life, we can welcome His interruptions and confidently trust that He will work everything out for our good.

Welcome divine interruptions.

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Who Is God?

I’ve enjoyed having the last couple of mornings to sleep in and days to do nothing but relax and soak in the beauty around me. But I’ve missed sharing with each of you.

We all have times when we need to pull aside and let our heavenly Father speak in His reassuring words, reminding us who He is and what He desires to do for us and in us.

I found you a peaceful place to sit and listen to His voice. Join me at the creek side and hear the Lord speak.

To Abraham: Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:1

“I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Genesis 17:1

To Moses: “And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14

To Israel in the wilderness: “for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26

“I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Exodus 20:2

To David: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10

To those who followed Him, Jesus said: “I am that bread of life.” John 6:48

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, ” John 10:9

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

To the church: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

God the Father isn’t the I was; He is the great I AM!

We can spend time looking at the problems in our world, our society, our lives but I encourage you to look at the answer and not the problem. Look to the Father, He is the answer; He knows the way to go!

“Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. 2 Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. 3 So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream—
a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.” Psalm 1:1-3 ERV

Who is God? He’s our loving Father and He is all we need!

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Every Day Life

Should be lived with purpose.

“‘I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.‘” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

All through the Bible we find the plans and purposes of God. This morning, I was caught up in the story of Ruth. A story with a purpose.

Ruth was a young widow who left her home country and traveled with her mother-in-law, who was also widowed, back to Israel. Naomi, the mother-in-law, returned broken in spirit. She had nothing; Ruth told her she would go to the fields and gather the grain that was left behind on the ground after the harvesters had gone through. That was the plan.

The owner of the field, Boaz, came to see how his workers were doing and noticed this young woman. When he asked who she was, he learned her story and respected how she was taking care of Naomi. He told her to continue to come to his fields and gather grain. Then Boaz gave this instruction to his foreman.

“And when she got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And let fall some handfuls for her on purpose and let them lie there for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16 AMPC

The story ends with Boaz and Ruth marrying and having a son named Obed.

“And her neighbor women gave him a name, saying, A son is born to Naomi. They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David [the ancestor of Jesus Christ].” Ruth 4:7 AMPC

God had a purpose for Ruth; a kind and gentle young woman became the mother of the grandfather of David, who then became king and was called a man whose heart was for God.

Life had dealt Ruth a hard hand. Widowed at a young age, an immigrant, the companion to an older woman with no means of support.

“ We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” Romans 8:28 AMPC

Just a couple of final thoughts on all things working together for good. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers that was not good. But God worked it for good when Joseph was elevated to pharaoh’s second in command, and he saved his family from starvation during a famine.

“Then Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened.” Genesis 50:19-20 ERV

Don’t be afraid to follow God. Live life with purpose, His purpose, because His plan for us is good!

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Promise Keeper Miracle Worker

Somebody needs this, this morning. I know I do!

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEB

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet?

Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Young Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3 ERV

Another man with a promise was Abraham. He had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had to wait 25 years to see it come to pass and during that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful. He wasn’t without hope; he was with God.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain, and he needed to build an ark and collect two of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching for his neighbors to repent. He told them that God was going to send rain even though it had never rained before. A promise made; a promise kept.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgives all my iniquities; who heals all my diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t, add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes in Christ; He’s the promise keeper!

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When Words Stand Out

I don’t know how many times I have been asked “how do you study the Bible”. Too many to count.

My answer is always the same; read until it speaks to you.

The Bible is God’s letter to us. He’s writing to let us know how He feels about things, what’s important to Him, who He is and His hopes and dreams for us. This morning it didn’t take long for the words to stand out on the page; words that I have read hundreds of times before but this morning they were fresh and new.

You see the other day I had a couple of friends tell me that their kids and/or grandkids were going through a time where they are mad at God. Circumstances in their life have been horrendous. They have experienced things no one should have to go through, and they are holding God responsible for the bad.

This morning the Lord gave me an understanding of the situation. It comes from Joseph who had been sold into slavery, was wrongfully imprisoned, forgotten there and then exalted to Pharoah’s second in command.

“But Joseph told them, ‘Don’t be afraid! I have no right to change what God has decided. 20 You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing. 21 Don’t be afraid! I will take care of you and your children.’ After Joseph said this, his brothers felt much better.” Genesis 50:19-21 CEV

We should never blame God for the evil in our lives, it’s not from Him. Instead, we should look for the good that God will do in turning the situation around.

“God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him .13  Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others.” James 1:12-13 CEV

Now back to this morning and the words that were jumping off the page.

“With all my heart
    I praise the Lord,
and with all that I am
    I praise his holy name!
2 With all my heart
    I praise the Lord!
I will never forget
    how kind he has been.

3 The Lord forgives our sins,
heals us when we are sick,
4     and protects us from death.
His kindness and love
    are a crown on our heads.
5 Each day that we live,
    he provides for our needs
and gives us the strength
    of a young eagle.

6 For all who are mistreated,
    the Lord brings justice.
7 He taught his Law to Moses
and showed all Israel
    what he could do.

8 The Lord is merciful!
He is kind and patient,
    and his love never fails.
9 The Lord won’t always be angry
    and point out our sins;
10 he doesn’t punish us
    as our sins deserve.

11 How great is God’s love for all
    who worship him?
Greater than the distance
    between heaven and earth!
12 How far has the Lord taken
    our sins from us?
Farther than the distance
    from east to west!

13 Just as parents are kind
    to their children,
the Lord is kind
    to all who worship him,
14 because he knows
    we are made of dust.
15 We humans are like grass
or wild flowers
    that quickly bloom.
16 But a scorching wind blows,
and they quickly wither
    to be forever forgotten.

17 The Lord is always kind
    to those who worship him,
and he keeps his promises
to their descendants
18 who faithfully obey him…
22 All of God’s creation
and all that he rules,
    come and praise your Lord!
With all my heart
    I praise the Lord!” Psalm 103 CEV

God is kind. He is always kind! God cannot lie, these words are true to His character!

I know this was a longer blog but some of you needed to see what I saw this morning – God is KIND!

Let those words stand out in all that you experience today.

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