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Showing posts from October, 2019

Be Thankful

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Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. — Hebrews 12:28 (NLT) The Passion Translation says, … we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. When we are firmly planted in the Kingdom of God, we are not moved by worldly circumstances. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NLT) Seek first the Kingdom of God and He will take care of the things that concern you. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. — Matthew 6:33 (VOICE)

From Above

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My dearly loved brothers and sisters, don’t be misled. Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows . — James 1:16-17 (VOICE) As Believers, our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us so many gifts:  to eat and drink and see the good in all of our hard work is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13 VOICE) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8 NLT) He has given us grace, peace, joy, and so many precious promises in His Word. He continually lavishes us with His unfailing love. However, the most prized and precious gift of all is the gift of His Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, Acts 10:45) dwelling within us. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Helper and guide. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, resides in us. The Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the will of God on

Stick with God

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God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.  They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. — Lamentations 3:22-24 (MSG) God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. (Lamentations 3:25-27 MSG) Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. — Psalm 34:8 (MSG)

New Life

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So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (MSG) Do not be discouraged or lose heart. Despite momentary afflictions, our inner man is being renewed day by day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT)

Hope in the Living God

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For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. — 1 Timothy 4:10 (CSB) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3 CSB). At one time we lived in this world without God and without hope, but we have been born again. Now we can live with confidence and great expectation. God is not dead and He does not slumber. Don’t believe the lies of the enemy. Our heavenly Father has not forgotten about you. Keep your hope in Him alive and active. His Presence is with you. Always live in hopeful anticipation that God will fulfill every promise He has made. As a child of God you have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

Stay Focused

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Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor. — Hebrews 12:2 (VOICE) The Amplified Bible adds: [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus … When we focus on current circumstances, which are always up and down, we can get distracted and drift away from God and His perfect will for us. Instead, stay focused on Jesus. He is always the same, and His years will never come to an end. When Jesus is our focal point, we maintain internal peace and calm, in the midst of external chaos. Believe in God, believe also in Jesus. (John 14:1) Trust God to provide what you need (strength, direction, wisdom, favor, healing, etc.) at just the right time.

True Joy & Contentment

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…You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. — Psalm 16:11 (VOICE) We find true joy and contentment when we continually walk with the LORD, each day of our lives. May we fix our gaze upon Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, the eternal King of kings. In Philippians 4:11-13 (VOICE), the Apostle Paul says, “… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. ” Amen.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight

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Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. — 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT) The battle belongs to the Lord, but we have to get up and put the uniform on, every day (truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and prayer). Our enemy does not take a break and go on vacation. He continually prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. So put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. (Ephesians 6:11 VOICE)  Then, like the Apostle Paul, you will be able to say, “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ” (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)

Long for the LORD

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As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? — Psalm 42:1-2 (NASB) For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; my fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. (Psalm 62:5-6 AMP)  God’s glory is all around me! His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. Join me, everyone! Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him. Believe me when I tell you—he will help you! Pause in his presence (Psalm 62:7-8 TPT) So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for living before his face is my saving grace! — Psalm 42:5 (TPT)

Be Spirit-Led

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So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.  — Galatians 5:16 (NLT) For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, (Romans 8:5-6 NASB) When we are habitually led by the Holy Spirit, we live a more abundant life and we have peace that surpasses understanding. Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. He is our Helper and our Guide. Always be responsive to His guidance. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14 NLT)

Take Refuge

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How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. — Psalm 36:7-9 (NASB) Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 63:7 NLT) You’ve always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, a lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. (Psalm 61:3-4 MSG) We have an open invitation to abide in the shadow of His wings, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! — Psalm 34:8  (NASB)

Sure & Fearless

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He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. — Psalm 91:1 (AMP) God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. So why run and hide? No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails. When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless. When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless. Even in heavy winds and huge waves, or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless. (Psalm 46:1-3 VOICE) “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

Done Deal

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Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. — John 19:30 (NASB) When Jesus said, “ It is finished! ” He really meant it. Don’t let the enemy continually beat you up and steal your joy. Jesus has overcome the world. In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I n this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ” He has already given us the ultimate victory. We win because Jesus has already triumphed over every trouble, trial, and temptation that comes our way. In Jesus, we are more than conquerors! No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. — Romans 8:37 (NLT)

The Name Above All Names

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For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, — Philippians 2:9-10 (AMP) JESUS. It truly is a beautiful name! God’s goodness, grace, and glory is contained in the name of Jesus. When we know Jesus, we know joy and peace. We have forgiveness and freedom. Jesus saves and He rescues. He heals and makes whole. When we call on the name of Jesus, we have strength and hope. His name contains power to overcome challenges. In the name of Jesus, the love of God unfolds. Praise the name of the Lord, it’s the only name worth praising. For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. (Psalm 148:13) O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

His Unfailing Love

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Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. — Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) The LORD chose you to be in Him, before the foundation of the world. His love is everlasting and never failing. It knows no limits and has no conditions. He draws us close to Him in love, and His faithfulness continues throughout the generations. His loving Presence is with us always. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6 NLT) So lift your hands and thank God for his marvelous kindness and for all his miracles of mercy for those he loves. (Psalm 107:8 TPT)

Heal & Help

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  Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. — Proverbs 15:4 (MSG) Choose very carefully the words that come from your mouth. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) Words contain power to build relationships and bring healing to a hurting heart. Encouraging words strengthen and give life, but negative, critical words hurt and wound the spirit. Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits. (Proverbs 16:24 TPT) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. — Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Live a Spacious Life

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An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious. — Proverbs 15:32 (MSG) It’s a school of hard knocks for those who leave God’s path, a dead-end street for those who hate God’s rules. (Proverbs 15:10 MSG) Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. (Romans 8:6-7 MSG) Living in awareness of God’s Presence and following the guidance of His Holy Spirit within us leads us to a spacious life, that overflows with love for God and for others. A life where we experience everlasting peace and fullness of joy. I can’t tell you how much I long for you to abide in this wide-open, spacious life.

Great is His Faithfulness!

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It is because of the LORD’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP) In difficult times, remember the faithfulness of our great God. Recall the troubles He has brought you through in the past. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, the Apostle Paul said: “ At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me …” God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34 NLT). When others abandon you, He stands with you and strengthens you. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! (2 Timothy 4:18 NLT) “ Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke co

Trust in the LORD

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I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed  me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. — Psalm 31:6-8 (NLT) How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. (Psalm 31:19 NLT) Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:23-24 NKJV)

Be Deeply Rooted

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And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) May we be deeply rooted and securely grounded in Jesus and the love of God. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (Ephesians 3:17 NLT) Your roots nourish the rest of your body. If your roots are in an environment that is not conducive to growth, it will cause you to be weak and die spiritually. Being deeply rooted in Jesus gives us the nourishment to grow strong, thrive and bear much fruit. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin], having been deeply rooted [in Him] an

Victory IN Christ

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Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. — Philippians 4:13 (MSG) No matter what you go through today, remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. The Passion Translation says: “ And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. ” (Philippians 4:13 TPT) Keep Christ at the center of all that you do. As we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit, His power and strength works through us. And IN CHRIST, we have the victory. Amen! So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. — Hebrews 3:1 (MSG)

Look Up

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So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. — Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG) I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3 NKJV) So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. — Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)

Giving Thanks

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Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 5:18-20 (NLT) Today, I’m thankful God woke me up to see another beautiful day of life on this earth. I’m thankful for a sound mind and a healthy body. I thank God for the roof over my head and the food in the cupboard. I thank God for my family and our friends. I’m thankful for the job, I get to go to today. I thank God for bringing you into my life. ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’ — Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

Hold onto Hope

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Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. — Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Always hold onto hope. The woman who had been suffering with an issue of blood for twelve years, could have given up, but instead she pressed through the crowd, touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak and received her healing. (Matthew 9:20-22) The man who had an infirmity thirty-eight years, continued to lay by the pool of Bethesda waiting for the moving of the water, day after day. (John 5:2-3) He held onto hope and was in the right place at the right time. One encounter with Jesus and immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. (John 5:5-9) So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for living before his face is my saving grace! (Psalm 42:5 TPT)  Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope i

Magnify the LORD

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I will bless the LORD at all times;  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul will make its boast in the LORD;  The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. — Psalm 34:1-3 (NASB) As for God, His way is blameless.The word of the LORD is tested [it is perfect, it is faultless]; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30 AMP) I bow down before your divine presence and bring you my deepest worship as I experience your tender love and your living truth. For the promises of your word and the fame of your name have been magnified above all else! (Psalm 138:2 TPT) I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. — Psalm 138:2-3 (MSG)

No Lack

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Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. — Psalm 34:10 (NLT) Keep your trust in the LORD and you shall not want for any good or beneficial thing. Our faithful and loving Father sees your needs and provides for them. Open your heart and be filled with His love, peace, and joy. He heals us physically and emotionally. He takes our brokenness and makes us whole. The LORD turns our bitterness to sweet. Praise His holy name! Be encouraged and keep your hope in Him alive. For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness… (2 Peter 1:3a AMP).

Brought Near

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But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. — Ephesians 2:13 (NASB) The nearness of God is our good... (Psalm 73:8). Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. (Ephesians 2:18 NLT) We have been given 24-hour access to the throne room of God. That's better than backstage passes for your favorite artist/performer. This is more exciting than club or box seats at the football game of your choice. What an honor and privilege, that we can approach the throne of God with confidence. So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. (Hebrews 4:16 TPT) Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. — Isaiah 55:6 (NASB)

Guard Your Heart

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Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. — Proverbs 4:23-27 (MSG) Watch over your heart. Be careful what you allow to enter your heart. If you let junk in, your life will be messy and cluttered with useless things. When you open the door of your heart to Jesus, the Living Word of God, you will experience freedom and a more abundant life. And those around you will be blessed as well. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. — Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

Trust God

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The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. — Nahum 1:7 (NLT) Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! (Proverbs 3:5-8 MSG) Do not rely on your own understanding, nor the opinions of our current culture. Totally Trust in the Lord. He is our Helper, our Healer, our Provider our Protector, etc.

Special Attention

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...God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones. — Proverbs 2:6-8 (MSG) When we are loyally committed to the Lord, we pay special attention to Him, and we put Him first in everything we do and say. Faithful followers give careful attention to His Word, they treasure it in their hearts and do what it says. Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you. (Proverbs 2:6 TPT) He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right. (Proverbs 2:8 TPT) So—join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths. It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with

Glorious Living

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It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. — Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG) Everything that happens in this life will not be good, but we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT) We experience a glorious and more abundant life as we love God and submit to His will, His way (instead of the world's way) and His Word. We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. (Romans 8:28 VOICE) How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. — E