Category: Hope

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He’s Not Mad

As the year comes to a close many become introspective; examining their lives over the past year. They also become determined to make changes; to improve themselves in the coming year. Part of the self-examination is letting go of bitterness and also making amends with those who have been hurt.

Religion, man’s idea of how God is, tries to tell us that we have failed God and that He is angry with us. Maybe you’ve grown up with that concept of God, maybe you think there is nothing you can do to please Him so why try.

The angels message on the night when Jesus was born is this, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Jesus came to show us how greatly God loves us. His whole life was spent doing good and displaying the compassion and unconditional love of the Father.

Jesus ended the war between God and man. God judged our sin by placing it on Jesus and He paid the price. He was convicted, found guilty and punished with death for crimes (Sin) He didn’t do. Our spiritual indebtedness was Paid in Full.

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” John 16:7-11 NLT

The Holy Spirit corrects people who don’t believe that Jesus was and is God’s Son and He is the sacrifice for our sins. He shows us that we are made righteous (in right standing) through relationship with Christ and that God’s judgment belongs to satan and those that follow him.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:17-18 CEV

New Year’s Eve is one of the prime times that people are plagued with depression and loneliness. It is our job to tell them that God has made a way of “peace” for them through Christ. The good news that was proclaimed in the angels’ message is still true. Peace on earth, good will to me.

I am doing my job of bringing this good news to you. I hope you will share it too.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

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Do You Ponder?

Interesting word, ponder. I wonder if I should ponder over it’s meaning.

In the last few days my heart has filled with memories of Christmases past when the kids were little. There were some very lean times but even in that they were good because our focus was on it being Jesus birthday, being with the ones we loved and not on the gifts under the tree.

I remember one year I insisted that we all write letters to each other on what we loved and appreciated about one another. I still have those letters today – they are tucked safely away in the cedar chest. I guess you could say, I pondered them in my heart.

We need to take a lesson from Mary for that’s what she did that very first Christmas morning.

“and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” Luke 2:18-20 ERV

As the shepherds arrived telling all the angels had said, she pondered – treasured, meditated – those things in her heart. I’m sure it wasn’t just the words of the angels that she pondered. She probably relived her visit with Gabriel and then her cousin Elizabeth. Her conversations with Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem and the miracle of being alone in a stable and giving birth must have filled her heart as well. Each detail indelibly etched in her memory.

God’s miracle – God’s provision – God’s love – wrapped in a tiny bundle, cradled in her arms, nursing at her breast! Yes, these would be the things she pondered; these would be the memories she would hold for the rest of her life. As the angel told her: “For nothing will be impossible with God”.

We need take time to ponder – to treasure and meditate – on what God has done in our lives and for those we love. Maybe you don’t feel God has really done anything spectacular for you, well then, go back to that first Christmas, He sent His Son to save us from our sins. That’s a pretty good place to start.

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A Father’s Heart

A couple of days ago I asked you to imagine what it might have been like for Jesus when they discussed the plan of restoring relationship with those of us on earth. He had to lay aside everything glorious and heavenly and become common. Now consider this.

Those of us parents who have had children join the military or enter other dangerous occupations know the heart ache, the apprehension and even the fear of having our children go off into the unknown, into hostile and harmful circumstances.

What if we were Father God? Our Son has been with us every moment from eternity past. We have created universes together, have intervened in the lives of our creation in a powerful way. Never a cross word spoken, never a rebellious thought or action – our Son is our dearest friend, He’s a part of all we do and have ever done.

He’s leaving now – headed to earth. “unto us a Son is given” Isaiah 9:6

He will be loved by some, treated with ambivalence by most and hated by others and they will plot to kill Him. Although we know all this, we still choose to let Him go and even more than that, we choose to let Him die so that He can provide restoration for all those who are incapable of providing it for themselves.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17

And all of this was not because of our great value or importance but because of His great love.

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person.But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger.” Romans 5:6-9

“Unto to us a Son is given”! Would you be willing to give your son? Aren’t you glad He did!!

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The Air I Breathe

Have you ever been desperate? Thinking all hope was gone and there was no where to turn – what do you do? That’s a time when many turn to God – they have exhausted their own resources; their wisdom, their finances, their influence and even their health and then they say “God help!”

I’ve been there and so have many of you! I would never criticize any who finds yourselves in that place. I only want to encourage you with this truth – God does care and He will help – He will provide a way out! When I think of that helpless, hopeless feeling now it brings me to a place of comfort and peace because God did meet me there – He did provide all that I needed and more!

There’s a song by Michael W. Smith that says “I’m desperate for you” – that’s the place I want to be each and every day. Desperate for the Lord – I want to be so dependent on Him that I can’t imagine a day or an hour of living without a sense of His presence in my life. Again from the song there’s a line that says, He’s the very air I breathe. Do you know what’s it like to be that desperate for the Lord? I hope so!!

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. 5 They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:1-9 ERV

Verse 9 in the King James version says “ For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” To be longing – that’s desperate. It’s more than desire; it’s a need, a deep need – a “I can’t go on any further without you” need.

When Jesus was teaching the Sermon on the Mount he said this:

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV Now read it in the Easy to Read Version
“Great blessings belong to those who want to do right more than anything else. God will fully satisfy them.” Matthew 5:6 ERV

Are you satisfied – fully satisfied? They will be satisfied! That’s a promise from God. Do you long for Him today? I hope you do!

I hope you are as grateful for God’s presence as you are for the air you breathe and the food that sustains you.

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What To Do With Bad News

We’ve all been the recipients of bad news. The question is what do we do with it when it comes. It could be a doctor’s report, the loss of a job, a disappointing end to a relationship, an expectation that is dashed. How we handle these situations can set the course of our day, our week or maybe the rest of our lives. I truly love the words of Psalm 112. They keep me focused; they guard my heart.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. 2 Their children will be successful everywhere;  an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. 5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. 8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. 10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.” Psalm 112 NLT

We give praise to God because He has already given us so much. Nothing is greater than the new life we have in Christ. We have been blessed to be loved by Almighty God and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. There’s one verse in the middle of this psalm that says we will not fear bad news. I have claimed that verse for years. When bad news comes I know it didn’t catch God by surprise and that He has already worked out the answer. I can trust Him!

In every adverse situation Jesus told his disciples to Fear Not. There wasn’t one time that He said “hey boys, I’m not really sure how to handle this – it’s a big problem and I don’t know if the Father can help us out of this one”.

No, Jesus answer was always the same – fear not, trust God. The apostle Paul filled his letters with encouraging words.

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep)”. 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 NLT

Bad news and adversity will come but when they do we can be like young David, a shepherd, who went out to face Goliath. He said God has helped me kill the lion and the bear; He will help me with this ungodly Philistine giant.

That’s why I asked you to keep a daily gratitude list. We all need things we can look back on and see how God has been faithful in the past. The blessings of the past strengthen our hope for the future.

Join me as I take time to praise the Father this morning for who He is and what He has done in my life.

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Changing Shadows

Yesterday afternoon Dave and I were sitting on the back patio and he made comment about the way the sun had changed position since earlier in the summer. In the summer, the sun is beating down on the patio by midafternoon and we have to drop the shade to diffuse the light and dispel the heat. Now, on the last day of September the sun was going down further south and casting a longer shadow. It’s amazing – who tells the sun to do that?

Other places in the country and the world for that matter, folks are noticing the leaves turning and even early snowfall. We, here, in the southwest don’t have those indicators but we do notice shorter days, longer shadows and cooling temperatures.

There is one thing that remains the same, winter, spring, summer, fall. There is no change to the faithfulness of our God. The old hymn states

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

No shadow of turning – our Father is consistent. His character of love and goodness has never changed. His mercy and His grace endure forever and they are fresh and new every morning. His compassion never fails. We can never say that God must be in a bad mood or is effected by light deprivation. No, He is the same yesterday, today and forever – He is always good.

“Don’t be fooled, my dear friends. 17 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. 18 He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.” James 1:16-18 CEV

There are shadows mentioned in the Bible; shadow of death, shadow of other nations, man’s life is referred to as a shadow, and the Law of Moses was a shadow of what God was doing in the earth. However, the only shadow the Lord casts over us is the shadow of His protection.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-3 NKJV

“Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,9 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.” Psalm 17:7-9 NKJV

“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7 NKJV

“Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.” Psalm 63:7 NKJV

So, as the days get shorter and we see the shadows fall it should be a reminder that wherever we are we can trust the Father’s faithfulness to cover us with the shadow of His wings and be our protector.

He never changes!


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Cure for Discouragement

Do you have times that you get discouraged and struggle when things aren’t going right?

For years I have been putting God’s word into my heart and mind. It brings hope, courage, peace, healing and joy. Many years back I shared some of my favorite Bible verses with you and as I was reading through them I knew it was time to share them again.

I look at Scripture verses like multivitamins. We don’t just take them one time and have them strengthen our physical system for years on end. No, they are called daily vitamins for a reason. Bible verses are better than vitamins. Once they are truly absorbed in our system they can strengthen and encourage for years on end.

“You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you.
20 By the power of his own word, he healed you  and saved you from destruction. 21 You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.” Psalm 107:19-21 CEV

God’s word brings the cure for any ailment.

I want to share a few of my favorite verses with you from the Amplified version of the Bible. 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. There are many modern translations and I like using the Amplified version because it gives a greater understanding to some phrases.

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! GOD WON’T LET GO!
“Let your character 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 TAKES MY WORRIES & MY CARES
“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

GOD CAN’T LIE! “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19 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

God’s word is filled with the power to change our lives. It never fails!

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer  and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

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Looking Up Makes Me Smile

I saw a sign that I really like

“No matter how tall I get I will always look up to my Dad”

That’s how I feel about the Father – I will always look up to Him. We have so many things that cause us to look down. Working on my laptop this morning I am looking down; most of society is engrossed in looking down at the screen of their phone or tablet. And some of the more critical around us look down their noses at others, they look down on the little people or they are like Eeyore and look down because their hearts are aching and they feel lonely or depressed.

LOOK UP!

When Daniel was in the lions’ den he wasn’t counting lions, he was looking up to the One who delivers.

When David was facing Goliath he wasn’t looking around at all the soldiers who weren’t joining the battle but he was looking up to the Rock of his salvation.

When Peter was on the sea he was looking at Jesus who was walking on the water of his storm but when he looked down at the waves he began to sink.

Where’s your focus today? Are you looking down at your circumstances or are you looking up to your Savior and your God?

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble. 4 The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy. 5 The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. 6 You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. 7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

I look up to my Father. He created the heavens and earth – there is nothing that happens in my world that He can’t control or have a solution for. I look up and see His strength and His love. I look up and see His kindness and mercy. I look up and find His grace to help in time of need.

“ Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 NLT

After the great flood, the Lord put a rainbow in the sky and told Noah that every time he looked up and saw it, the rainbow would be a reminder that God would never destroy the earth again with a flood. We can’t see the rainbow if we don’t look up. We won’t see the stars, the sunrise, the sunset, the clouds in their beauty if we don’t look up.

Looking up reminds us of the Father’s greatness.

“When I look up and think about Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in their place, 4 what is man, that You think of him, the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor. 6 You made him to rule over the works of Your hands. You put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and cattle, all the wild animals, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and all that pass through the sea. 9 O Lord, our Lord, how great is Your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:3-9 NLV

Look up and see the Father’s loving face!

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Loud & Noisy

When will I learn? Once again it happened; that annoying three beep blast from the smoke detector at 3:30 a.m.! It’s now 4:30 and my heart rate is just now coming back to normal…I can guarantee you that I have now written on my calendar “Change Batteries” on both September 1 and March 1.

A noisy gong and a clanging cymbal! Life has many obtrusive interruptions. The Apostle Paul writes about such things.

“ If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” I Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT

These are the first verses in what is called the love chapter. Paul is telling us that we may have all sorts of talents, abilities and motivations but if they aren’t done with a loving attitude then our good deeds are worthless, annoying and for self-gratification.

Like a clanging cymbal!

However, when done from a heart of love, a servant’s heart, people’s lives are impacted and they are pointed to Jesus.

“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.” I Peter 2:9 ERV

A clanging cymbal can be either an annoyance or a sound of joy and comfort. The little toy monkey pictured with this morning’s blog is one of the most annoying toys ever. Clang- Clang- Clang! It can certainly be compared to the blast of the smoke alarm.

But then there is the blast of the horn of a fire truck on it’s way to rescue someone or the siren of an ambulance. Those sounds might annoy drivers in traffic or someone in their home trying to nap but they most definitely bring comfort to the one who made the 9-1-1 call.

The clanging cymbal – it can be like the little toy monkey or it can be like the finale of the 1812 Overture. It can be dreaded or excitedly embraced! The same is true of our actions. We can be annoying because the things we do are void of love or we can be a comfort and source of joy.

“Praise him with a clash of cymbals;  praise him with loud clanging cymbals. 6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:5-6 NLT

Today I choose to be a loud clanging cymbal used to praise God and tell of His greatness!

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The Heart of the Matter

This morning, like most mornings, I am just so grateful to be able to praise the Lord and trust in His goodness. He has always been and always will be. His desire is to shower us with His love.

“Hope never makes us ashamed because the love of God has come into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who was given to us.

6 We were weak and could not help ourselves. Then Christ came at the right time and gave His life for all sinners. 7 No one is willing to die for another person, but for a good man someone might be willing to die. 8 But God showed His love to us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:5-8 NLV

Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time listening to good old gospel music and hymns of faith. These were songs I grew up singing in church. It had been years since I sang some of them but the words came flooding back through my mind. It’s amazing what is stored in there and when the heart does its own “search” the screen of our memory bank populates faster than the most powerful computer.

God has programmed our hearts to recognize truth, the truth of His love, and it takes precedence over all else. We spend a lot of our time searching for things to satisfy us in life but there’s really only One that can, his name is Jesus!

This is one of the songs that touched me the most. It was written in 1895 by William Newell, At Calvary. I hope you will take time to click on the link and listen to the words as they are sung.

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.

Refrain:
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.

By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.

Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary!

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!

Without Calvary my life would be hopeless and without meaning. Because of Calvary I have joy, peace and forgiveness. Look for the wonder of the Lord in your life today, start by looking At Calvary! It’s the Heart of the Matter.

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