Category: I John

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Paid In Full

I don’t know if you have ever experienced the worry of having a large and looming debt but I have. The thought of that still brings a churning in the pit of my stomach.

Some dear, wonderful, loving friends learned of our situation and they paid what we owed! Oh my! The thankfulness we felt and still feel is beyond words.

This morning I am thankful to say that there is only one debt, make that two, that I owe.

“ Do not owe anyone anything, but love each other. Whoever loves his neighbor has done what the Law says to do.” Romans 13:8 NLV

“We love because God first loved us.” I John 4:19 ERV

The debt I owe now is a debt to love! Love God and love others – that is my indebtness.

There’s a song that means so much to me, a song of thanksgiving for who Jesus is and what He has done for me.

“Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that you’re my God, You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me. I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. Here I am to worship…” By Chris Tomlin

“I’ll never know how much it cost”, stop and think about that!

How much did it cost Jesus to bear our sin? It cost Him relationship with His Father. It cost Him his home in heaven, His reputation. He was hated by men and hated by the realm of Satan and his demons. They spent all their time trying to destroy Him.

He was misunderstood by His friends and family. It cost Him His physical life, which He laid down willing, but only for three days and then He rose again. And when He did, our debt was paid.

“You were spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were not free from the power of your sinful self. But God gave you new life together with Christ. He forgave all our sins. 14 Because we broke God’s laws, we owed a debt—a debt that listed all the rules we failed to follow. But God forgave us of that debt. He took it away and nailed it to the cross. 15 He defeated the rulers and powers of the spiritual world. With the cross he won the victory over them and led them away, as defeated and powerless prisoners for the whole world to see.” Colossians 2:13-15 ERV

Debt forgiven. Jesus’ final words on the cross were “It is finished”. He could have said “paid in full” because His death removed our debt and brought us into a new relationship with the Father.

I love the Father because of His great love for me and I will love others because of His great love for them. “Here I am to worship” and to say thank you for paying my debt.

Thank you Jesus for giving up all you had to remove my debt! Thank you for marking it paid in full!

“He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:2 NLV

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Mistaken Identity

Yesterday Dave and I went for drive to some small ranching towns near where we are camped. I was talking about a friend who lives there and how it’s been over thirty years since we’ve seen her. I wished we had thought to contact her and tried to arrange a meet up.

We stopped at a bar-b-que place for lunch and were seated near the window. Dave looked out and said “I think that’s her”. I did a double take and sure enough, it looked like her. I headed out of the restaurant and down the street. I called her name but no response. When I got closer I realized it was a case of mistaken identity and I apologized to the woman.

It was a disappointment to say the least.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for someone else? I know I’ve had it happen to me a few times. It’s pretty easy to do. It’s also something that happens every day when it comes to character.

A person who is clean and sober runs into someone they knew when they were an addict and they get treated as if they hadn’t changed. A person who was selfish and self-indulgent turns over a new leaf but they’re held at arms length by those they have slighted.

David, the shepherd boy, had a case of mistaken identity. Golaith, the seasoned warrior, mistook David for an unskilled, scrawny youth. What Golaith didn’t see was the bold, God-fearing, young man who had killed a lion and a bear. Goliath’s case of mistaken identity brought him to his death.

“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.” I John 5:4 CEV

We are as guilty as Golaith in some of our misjudgements.

We look in the mirror and see ourselves as weak or inadequate. Moses told God that he couldn’t deliver the Israelites because he stuttered. But God saw the man Moses was on the inside and used him anyway. I’ve heard it said that God doesn’t choose the qualified, instead He equips the willing.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” II Corinthians 5:17 NLT

What are some of the things you, or others, have been saying you can’t do? You’re not qualfied, you’re not equipped to handle. We have a new identity – we are empowered by God for the task at hand.

“I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLV

Don’t look back at who you once were. Look forward at who God has called you to be!

I am so thankful for my new identity in Christ!

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Thankful for Innocence

Yesterday we had the priviledge of being at our youngest granddaughter’s first birthday. Sweet!

At one point she was very content to be with the adults – the center of attention – and rightfully so. However, in the other room her brother, sister and cousin were playing with toys they had retrieved from the toy box. Three children, between the age of three and five, playing with a limited amount of items was definitely an opportunity to practice sharing.

I enjoyed watching the dynamic.

The little pots, pans and fake food were definitely the favorites and they were also the ones of most limited supply. Sharing was a huge factor! But eventually, with a little guidance, they figured it out and were even trading items with no fussing or contention.

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 NLT

Oh, the innocence of a child. They can play together, fuss with one another and then all sit down at a table and have cupcakes together within a few minutes. No harbored grudges, no unforgiveness, no animosity or division.

Christ used little children as examples of how we should be in our relationship with Him. They are trusting and innocent, untainted by the world. Jesus lived a life of forgiveness; a life untouched by resentment. Truly living a life of loving the Father and loving his fellow man.

The Apostle Paul wrote that “love is patient, love is kind – love thinks the best of others, it isn’t selfish or self seeking, love never gives up or holds a grudge, love never fails”. That, I believe, is the innocence that Jesus saw in children and its what He wanted us as adults to emulate.

“Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. 15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.” Colossains 3:14-15 CEV

Thank you Lord for the example of innocence and peace. Let us learn from our children!

“My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do.” I John 3:18 ERV

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Enjoy the Feast

Yesterday morning I showed you how God’s word is referred to as milk and when we are new babies in Christ the Word of God provides us with the nourishment we need. But the Bible also has many references to our being fed by God’s word. It is our life-giving sustance. So this morning I would like to share a few of my favorite verses with you – enjoy the feast!

I praise God for those who have been called to the work of translating the Bible, not just in foreign languages, but into versions that make it easier for us to use and understand.These verses have really helped me and I hope that there are one or two that provide what you need!

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR LET ME DOWN! “Let yourcharacter or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

WHEN CHRIST RULES, PEACE REIGNS “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMP

HE CARES FOR ME “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I HAVE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

MOSES AND I HAVE THE SAME GOD, THE GREAT I AM! “And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” John 16:23-24 AMP

MY FATHER’S WORD GIVES ME CONFIDENCE “And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” I John 5:14-15 AMP

Feasting on God’s Word is one of the best meals ever!

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Always Faithful – Always True

Today I stand and declare – Let God be true and every man a liar!

If God’s word says it, it’s truth and truth triumphs over facts! No, I don’t live with my head in the sand and I’m not delusional. I AM convinced,beyond any shadow of doubt, that God’s word is true whether I see it working or not.

Abraham believed God rather than looking at his own body or the barrenness of his wife and they had a child in their old age. Mary believed God and she conceived a son when she was a virgin. The disciples believed God and they cast our demons, healed the sick and raised the dead. The lame man believed God and took up his bed and walked.

I believe the Word when it says ‘with God, all things are possible”. I believe the word when it says “by his stripes we are healed”. And I believe the word of God when it says “nothing is impossible to him who believes”.

We can be confident when we pray the Word of God over a situation. As we pray the word of God, we are praying God’s will; His word is His will.

I know some may feel like giving up. There are situations that have been overwhelming and strength seems to be gone but don’t quit! Don’t give up! Stand on God’s word. Make it the final authority. God has not and will not abandon us! We are His children and He cares for His own!

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I John 5:14-15 KJV

“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.” Psalm 103:1-3 CEV

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

Let God be true and every man a liar –

“It is true that some Jews were not faithful to God. But will that stop God from doing what he promised? 4 No, even if everyone else is a liar, God will always do what he says. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win when people accuse you.” Romans 3:3-4 ERV

“The Lord’s word is true, and he is faithful in everything he does.” Psalm 33:4 ERV

“Let us hold on to the hope we say we have and not be changed. We can trust God that He will do what He promised.” Hebrews 10:23 NLV

Faithful and True. AMEN!

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Facts Lead To Wisdom

Life is a progression of accumulated information. Hopefully, this brings us to a place of wisdom.

Take, for example, the fact that the stove is hot. We were taught by our parents not touch the hot stove. For most of us just the statement of fact was not enough. We had to test the fact by experience. At one point we did touch it and felt the warmth, sometimes getting a small blister as a result of the experience.

From that experience we gained knowledge. Knowledge is the process of putting the facts into practice. Knowledge becomes wisdom when we take the fact of the stove being hot, the experience of touching it and use that knowledge to cook something without burning it and then teach others to cook on that stove as well.

We can apply these steps to everything in life; walking, riding a bike, driving a car, using the internet and dealing with people. We go through the process – facts, experience, knowledge and wisdom.

The same applies to our walk with Christ. When we first become a follower of Christ it is generally based on one fact. God loves me and wants to have a relationship with me. Just the facts.

As we learn more about our heavenly Father and His love we begin to experience the faithfulness, mercy, forgiveness and grace that are an outward expression of His love. Our experiences with God’s love give us the knowledge that He will never leave us or abandon us and that His love will never fail.

“And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:18-19 ERV

The final step in this process is wisdom regarding God’s love. Wisdom is knowing although we can do anything and God will still love us that we want to do only those things that please Him because He does love us unconditionally. Wisdom also has us sharing our experience with others so they can have a greater knowledge and understanding of God’s love.

“There is no fear in love. Perfect love puts fear out of our hearts. People have fear when they are afraid of being punished. The man who is afraid does not have perfect love. 19 We love Him because He loved us first.” I John 4:18-19 NLV

Our knowledge of God’s love takes the fear of being rejected and punished for our wrong doings out of our thinking. We experience forgiveness and restoration because of God’s great and amazing love. We love Him because He loves us first – that’s wisdom.

The lyrics of an old song go something like this: “Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry, Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from sky to sky.” (The Love of God by Fredrick Lehman, 1917)

There will never be enough time, words or talent to pen the greatness of the unconditional love of God.

Each one of us may be at a different place. Some are gathering facts, others are beginning to have daily experience with God’s love and still others have gained years of knowledge and are some are wisely sharing the knowledge they have gained. Whichever one you are, it all starts with one fact.

GOD LOVES YOU!

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GPS to the Rescue

On one of our trips to Iowa one summer Dave asked me to direct him through Des Moines. We had been there the summer before and knew if we took one road it would take us right down through town. We had been told that there was a way to circumvent that and it was my job to make sure we were on that road.

I hate pressure like that – we have always teased that Dave should have been a professional navigator. He loves maps, looks at them for fun. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I can read maps if I have too but I need plenty of time, no spur of the moment decisions for me. And then there’s the additional pressure of getting it wrong and having to backtrack while hearing “I thought you said this was the right way”. Yep, I hate that.

Well, we got around Des Moines successfully and didn’t end up downtown. He did question me a couple of times but I was looking at the computer screen and following the direction that I was given. Thank God for GPS.

Have you ever been lost and not sure how to find your way? Did you use GPS?

For those of us who have been lost in life I have good news. There is a GPS system that you can rely on completely. It doesn’t need to be updated for the newly developed roads and it won’t drain the battery on your phone or lose connection. It’s always right on and the voice that dictates the proper directions is soothing and never intrusive.

GPS – GOD’S PLAN of SALVATION

We all start out lost; not having any direction in our lives – badly in need of the only perfect solution. GPS (God’s Plan of Salvation).

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6

Anyone can have this GPS. It won’t cost you a thing because Jesus already paid the price for you.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” Acts 2:21

The only installation instruction required is that you ask and you will receive.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

It is so wonderful to know that many of those reading this have received this GPS. It’s being used around the world by millions. But there are some who still haven’t applied it to daily use. Maybe they think it’s too expensive, it will cost too much. However, it’s been purchased for them, the price has been paid and now everyone can have it free of charge. God the Father is waiting with open arms to give it to all.

“Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2

“They said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.” Acts 16:30-31

With this GPS, God’s Plan of Salvation we’ll always be the right road!

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We’re Champions

We all want to feel special. We want to know there is something about us that “entitles” us to the little extras. A bigger piece of pie, an extra scoop of ice cream, more money per hour at work, the bigger bouquet, the nicer car, the corner office and the list goes on.

However, I’ve never been one to win the trophy buckle, to graduate valedictorian, be promoted to executive team or even win the state championship. But there is one thing I’ve done that puts me in the top group every time!

This trophy buckle pictured here is my husband Dave’s. When we were preaching on working ranches and at youth rodeos he wore it all the time. We wanted all who came to realize that when we have Christ as our Savior we are all champions. The first step is to kneel at the cross.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 ERV

Yes, I’m a member of the world – I’m an everyone! That makes me a recipient of the Father’s love and a participant in life eternal.

“Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. 9 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle. 11 Command and teach these things.” I Timothy 4:8-11 CEV

Father God provides salvation for ALL but He’s given us a part to play. We must BELIEVE that Jesus provided our salvation as a free gift.

If I came to your house with a big box wrapped in beautiful paper and tied up with a gorgeous ribbon and I had put your name on the box, would that present be yours? Well of course it would!

If you took that present and set it on the dining room table and looked at it, each day, admiring how pretty it was and how nice it was of me to bring it, would it benefit you? No, not really. It’s not until you open the gift, fully accept it, that it truly becomes yours and is a benefit to you.

Many people have seen the gift the Father brought them; the gift of forgiveness and restoration but for what ever reason have failed to open it and appropriate it for themselves.

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 CEV

“no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

So you see if you are a whosoever, an everyone, an “all people”, the gift is yours! Accept it and take advantage of what is being given – it definitely makes you a winner!

Christ has made us champions – we are victorious!

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Good Friday – Great Day

I’ve been thinking about the significance of this day and my walk with the Lord. Evaluating where I’ve come from and how much farther I still have to go. A Bible teacher I know puts it this way, “I haven’t arrived yet but I’ve left”. He means that he has started on this journey called the Christian life but he hasn’t arrived at full maturity – that’s how I feel.

In fact I was talking about that very thing with my Mom just last night. I told her that I pray that we all change. She gave me a puzzled look and asked, “you think I need to change?”. I think we all need to change, to grow, to continue to mature in our walk with the Lord. None of us is perfect or will be until we get to heaven. That’s the beauty of our walk with Christ; we are all being changed as we allow the Lord to work in us.

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was a little girl. I grew up loving the Lord but had little or no victory in my life. Seems the favorite saying of the people in our church was “when we get to heaven all of life’s trials and struggles with be worth it”. That is true but…I was tired of getting my teeth kicked in by those trials. There had to be more to my Christian life than I was experiencing! There had to be.

Let’s take a look at the life of Peter. His life was a wonderful example of how mine had been. He was tempestuous, quick to react (right or wrong), wanting to do big things and failing. He walked on the water and sank; he would minister to the sick and then be stopped by a boy’s seizure; he was ready to take on the whole Roman guard to protect Jesus and then denied knowing Him to a servant girl!

Good Friday was not a great day for Peter. He denied knowing his dearest friend, the man he called Lord.

He was up and down, up and down and no real victory UNTIL the day of Pentecost when he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. After that day, Peter became faith-filled and fearless. He never looked back and he faced every day with the resolve that he would be a witness of the power of God and nothing would stop him from proclaiming the mighty name of Jesus. Beaten over and over, imprisoned, and persecuted he continued moving forward from one victory to the next.

When I saw this miraculous change in Peter, I said “Lord, this is what I want in my life. I want to live in your power and not my own; I want to be a victorious Christian and not one who is plagued with defeat. I want my life to reflect You and not be overcome by the circumstances.” Thank you Jesus – he heard and answered that prayer. I, like millions of other Christians, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and became filled with God’s power. That was over thirty-five years ago!

Do I still have struggles – you bet. Do I always handle things right – not always. Do I face discouragement – some days it’s a constant battle. Am I victorious – ABSOLUTELY! Jesus said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – He’s my strength, He’s the one who carries me when I feel weak and He’s the reason I will live and declare the works of the Lord.

I don’t read God’s Word and serve Him because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t live my life trying to please Him and get His love; I serve Him and follow His word because He loves me so much that it’s almost unfathomable. My faith is in God and Him alone. In His Word I find victory to overcome the world. Following God’s word isn’t so hard when we realize that He is the One with all the answers. We place our faith in Him and He always brings victory!

“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 ERV

Good Friday – Peter came to the end of himself when he denied the Lord but just a few days later he met the Savior and received complete forgiveness. Jesus has made the same offer to us – come to the end of yourself, accept My forgiveness and walk in My victory!

The actions of Good Friday open the door to a Great New Day!

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VICTORY!

As I was waking up this morning I was thinking about a letter I am going to write, you know, composing it in my head. Over the years my closing signature has most always been preceded by something like this, “Victorious in Him” or “Victorious in Jesus”. I’ve been signing my letters like that for over thirty-five years.

Those of you who have read my blog for any length of time know that in the early part of my Christian life I went from one defeat to another. Disappointments and struggles were the norm but about thirty-seven years ago I began to hear teaching on the truth and power of God’s word. I learned from reading the Bible that God had designed a life of victory and blessings for us.

“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 CEV

Victory? Yes, victory.

Things began to change. The Lord put such a hunger in my heart to read His word and put it into practice. The Word became my final authority on every subject. God is infinitely greater than the wisest of men and He has promised to bring us through any situation in victory.

“But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! 58 My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 CEV

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

The Bible is filled with stories of God intervening in the lives of every day people. But they aren’t just stories, they are examples of what God can and will do in the lives of those who put their trust in Him. I have seen true miracles and everyday blessings too numerous to count.

I have had my share of failures as I have learned to trust God’s word. The outcome hasn’t always been victorious but it’s not because God didn’t want it to be. Like Peter, who started to sink while walking on the water, I would get my eyes off the Lord and on my circumstances and fear would take over. But also like Peter, when he cried out the Lord lifted him above the waves and got him to safety, the Lord has been there to rescue me and bring me to safety. Victory has been flourishing and defeats have been diminished.

The Lord desires to do this for all of us. Did you notice in the verses from I John that it says “Every child of God can defeat the world”? Everyone! God has put all His blessings and power at our disposal when we put our trust in Him. Faith is believing that God will do what He says; trust is believing that He will do it for us.

I don’t know when or how this coronavirus will be contained but I do know that we can trust God to bring us through it victoriously!

These are the words of Jesus: “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. ” John 10:10 CEV

Join me, will you? Let’s put our signature at the bottom of today’s letter –

Victorious in Him, Kristi

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