Blogging for Light
Monday, February 28, 2005
 
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Today's Scripture

Giving to others is not always an easy thing to do. In our American society, and probably elsewhere as well, we are bombarded by phone calls, letters, e-mails and faxes with appeals for money. There are many needs and many causes worthy of supporting. Yet many Americans find themselves strapped, not because they lack anything, but because they are heavily in debt, due to overcharging for the things they want and may not need.

But even for those who may not overspend, it is difficult to discern where to give. Paul writes to ask the Corinthians to be generous to their fellow believers who are in need. In verse seven, he urges them, "see that you also excel in this grace of giving" (NIV) as he also commends them for their faith , speech, knowledge and love.

We need discernment as we give, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. But a good place to start would be with our local church, who in turn gives to needs that the body has determined are legitimate. Let us be generous and in turn receive a blessing--not necessarily of money in return, but of the joy that meeting the needs of others brings.

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  • Saturday, February 26, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 7
    Today's Scripture

    It seems like it takes a crisis in our lives to really find out who our friends are and to connect with them. Last week, a friend from our old church had a heart attack, and phone calls were made, prayers went heavenward. Fortunately, it looks like he'll be fine--although he'll definitely have to make some lifestyle adjustments. It was good to connect with others, having a common cause in prayer, and even to catch up a bit as we shared our common concern for our friend Steve.

    Paul stayed connected with his friends by visiting them, or when that was impossible, writing them or sending others to see them in his place, and then returning to Paul with a report. He loved and longed to see these friends as if they were his own children. He taught them, chastised them when necessary, and shared his love for them.

    How do we maintain our friendships today? I like to think of blogging as a new way to keep in touch--to share thoughts and affections with those I care about. The old song is really true, make new friends, but keep the old--one is silver and the other gold.

    When trouble comes, we realize how precious our friends really are to us.

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  • Friday, February 25, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 6:14-17
    Today's Scripture

    "Be in the world but not of it." This is the tightrope that Christians walk every day--reaching out to those who don't know Christ, but yet maintaining purity by living a life pleasing to God.

    Many Christians find themselves in marriages with unbelievers. Sometimes they made a mistake as a young person, marrying someone outside of their faith, but often one person becomes a believer before a spouse. Paul is very clear in his letters to the Corinthians that the Christian spouse should remain in the marriage if the unbeliever is willing to stay.

    To be set apart--to be holy--not an easy thing in our culture. But with the Holy Spirit living within us, and through his power and the reading of his Word, God can transform us day by day. And one day we will be glorified and like him in heaven. We might as well practice for that time now!


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  • Thursday, February 24, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 6:1-13
    Today's Scripture

    I wonder, how willing am I to suffer so that others may see God at work in my life or hear the good news of salvation through his Son? Paul suffered beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleeplessness, hunger and more in his zeal to share the love of Christ.

    I have trouble enduring aggravation from teenage children. Yet God is patient with me, longing to work through my life if only I will be a willing vessel for him.

    I want to be like Paul--eagerly expressing my affection for others, even with it is not returned. I want to open my heart wide to those who need to hear and see the message of God. And I should start with my own family.

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  • Wednesday, February 23, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 5:11-21
    Today's Scripture

    When we become Christians, we become a new creation of God. The old is past, the new is put on. We have the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.

    This newness and power also gives us the spirit of reconciliation. Because we gave the love of Christ within us, we do not need to hold on to envy, greed or bitterness. Christ has made us new! When others see the joy we radiate because of his indwelling Spirit, they will be drawn to the truth and with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, they too will abandon their old ways.

    In a word full of corruption and deceit, it is good news to hear of freshness and newness in Christ, and harmony and reconciliation.

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  • Tuesday, February 22, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 5:1-10
    Today's Scripture

    Last night I had car trouble on my way home from work. I was able to make it to a service station (thanks to my cell phone and my husband's guidance), but had to wait several hours while they diagnosed the problem, I talked to my husband again, and no part could be found, so my husband picked one up at a Toyota dealer on the north end of town (I was on the south end).

    While I was waiting for my husband to get the part, I went to Perkins next door to the station for supper. I saw they had a counter, but it was only open for seating during the day. They seated me at a booth, a very nice, big booth, but I was all alone.

    Now, I enjoy being alone--at home, even at work, when there is plenty to occupy my time. But eating out for me has always been a social thing, and lately, one I've enjoyed most often with just my husband and myself. I noticed other families and friends eating together. I also noticed to older men, who sat at separate tables by themselves. I wondered if they had recently lost their wives--or what were the circumstances that caused them to be alone. I found myself longing for my soul-mate, by other (better?) half--as I picked at my turkey club sandwich, with no one there to share what I couldn't eat.

    If we long for human companionship this much, how much more do we long for heaven? I think handicapped Christians have a better glimpse of heaven than we able bodied people--waiting and hoping for that day when they can escape their wheelchairs and run to greet Jesus. Right now, it is as though we are naked, or at least poorly clothed, but there will come a day when we will receive a heavenly garment.

    Our bodies will be new, restored, glorious, and we will be royally adorned. Loneliness will be gone, as we look forward to eternity with our Father and all his children.

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  • Monday, February 21, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 4:13-18
    Today's Scripture

    Outwardly we waste away. Our bodies age, we get sick, things here on earth just don't last. We can fix our eyes on what is unseen--a seemingly impossible thing to do, but if we have eyes that long for eternity, we can long for heaven.

    Just as God raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, we will also be raised. We can look forward to that time when our old selves will be permanently put away and we can rejoice with our new bodies, in glory in heaven.

    These thoughts help us endure the hardships that come upon us in this life. One day, there will be no more tears, weaknesses, or suffering. The eternal glory we receive will far outway any temporary trials. As we long for that day, let us seek to make our lives count now for eternity--living each day for Jesus.

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  • Saturday, February 19, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 4:7-12
    Today's Scripture

    Today I feel like my body is a jar of clay. When I woke up, I had no voice, and I have a stiff neck, a stuffy head and a runny nose.

    I am thankful that this body is only temporary, and that the Holy Spirit, who lives in me, is the one who gives me strength. I certainly haven't endured what Paul endured--having been pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, although at times I may feel like that. Through this adversity, Paul said he was never crushed, despairing, abandoned, or destroyed. He said that we carry in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus can be revealed in our body.

    As we die daily to sin, we live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the sin of this world and our daily problems and temptations may threaten to destroy us, but through Christ, we can be victorious over these daily trials. One day we will not have to suffer any longer, and have new resurrected bodies. In the meantime, we have God's power and strength within us to endure hardships, and in so doing, bring glory to Him.

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  • Friday, February 18, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 4:1-6
    Today's Scripture

    It is sometimes discouraging to see others in our lives who do not follow the gospel of Christ, despite our efforts to live godly lives before them. But this passage says that the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of Christ. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit will remove the veil that is before their eyes. We should continue to speak the truth plainly so the message of God can be clearly understood.
    As we look to the light, others may seek the source that shines in the darkness. They, too, may find his light shining in their hearts, bringing the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

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  • Thursday, February 17, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 3:7-18
    Today's Scripture

    I love weddings. I love the tradition, music, and joining of two people--seeing their radiance and especially the joy they share if they are both Christians. Scriptures read and song sung take on special significance.When the bride comes down the aisle with a veil covering her face, she waits for her husband to be. As she greets him and moves from the care of her parents to the care of her beloved, the groom lifts the veil to view the beauty of his bride as they are pronounced husband and wife. The radiance on her face enhances her beauty, as she looks into the eyes of the one she loves and who loves her.

    Such is the beauty we radiate with unveiled faces that Paul describes in this chapter. Before Christ came,God's people followed God as if wearing a veil. They could not come before God directly. Even Moses, who approached God in an intimate way, discovered that the glory of the Lord's presence faded from his face as he was apart from intimate communion with him.And just think how wonderful it will be to see him face to face in the next life. We are so blessed now, we will receive multiplied blessings when we enter his eternal kingdom.

    Let us come to God through Christ. The curtain that separated us from the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle is now torn. We can know God intimately--call him Father, be his children.

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  • Wednesday, February 16, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 3:1-6
    Today's Scripture

    Once I told a college professor of mine that I was not really sure who I was. It seemed I was not an individual with my own character, but my mind was just bits of information gathered from other people. I was a compilation of others, and did not have my own identity. My professor wisely replied, Ah, but that is exactly what makes you unique--what makes you you! That combination--the impressions left by others--filtered through my thoughts---made me the unique person that I was and am.

    Paul was like that for the Corinthians. He wanted to pour his heart and soul into the believers, and they were a reflection of him and his love for Christ. Paul calls them his letters--written on his heart, known and read by everyone. As they exchanged love and ideas and followed Christ together, they became more conformed to the image of Christ, and worked together as his body.

    Paul goes on to say that the confidence and competence he has in his teaching is not his own, but comes from Christ. The same Spirit filled him that filled the Corinthian Christians. And this same Spirit fills us today, if we call Christ our own. Like the Corinthians, we can learn from Paul's teaching today--among ourselves, from our leaders, all through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we seek the teachings of the Spirit daily as we go about our activities and share his blessings with others.

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  • Tuesday, February 15, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 2:12-17
    Today's Scripture

    In these verses we get a glimpse of the devotion Paul and his fellow workers had for each other. Paul, who loved to preach the gospel of Christ above anything else, did not stay long in Troas to preach because he did not find his brother Titus there, who would bring him word about the Corinthian church. So he moved on to Macedonia. Here, even though he had been anxious about Titus, he gives thanks for God's leading in his life and ministry. He describes the fragrance of the gospel to those who receive it, and to those who reject it, Christians and their message are like the smell of death.

    Do we have a sense of devotion and love for those around us as we share the gospel by our words or actions? Do others see us as a fragrant offering, or as a stench?

    Some may reject the gospel because there hearts are hardened. But as we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, others may receive the gospel because they see the Spirit of God within us, and are attracted to the message of Christ. Let us seek to have the enthusiasm of Paul and ask the Holy Spirit to help us be living messengers of Him.

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  • Sunday, February 13, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 2:1-11

    Today's Scripture

    Between the writing of 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Paul had written another letter to the church of Corinth. He was reprimanding them for not dealing for a person who had been been sinning, but now, they had reprimanded him too severely. Here he was instructing them to be forgiving and reaffirming of their love for him.

    There are times when discipline is necessary--any good parent knows that. Young children learn when they are disciplined for wrong behavior. The punishment is not pleasant, but if meted out fairly and lovingly, goes a long way to teaching a young person to follow the right path.

    After discipline, there is also time to loving restoration into fellowship. If a person is truly repentant, we should welcome them back if they have been put out for awhile.

    Love and discipline go hand in hand. It is often hard to find that balance between the two. With the help of Scripture like this, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can find that balance--as parents, teachers, or church leaders.

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  • Saturday, February 12, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians 1:12-24
    Today's Scripture


    Paul here tells the Corinthians that he had a change of plans in visiting them--not because he easily changed his mind, but because he wanted to spare them of a "severe rebuke" (New Living Translation) or "pain." (The Message) He had their interest at heart--and didn't consider himself better than them, but partners together, working in the joy of the Lord.

    He went on to say that the Lord does not change his mind, floundering between "yes" and "no." Jesus is the "Amen"--and we can believe in him and count on his promises.

    When there are so many changes in life, and so many things or people who disappoint us, it is wonderful to know that God does not change. His love for us does not alter. He is always our rock, our refuge and our strength. When life shifts about us, he is steady, our compass for life. For a person who doesn't like a lot of change in her life, I'm grateful for God's faithfulness and consistency.


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  • Friday, February 11, 2005
     
    2 Corinthians:1-11
    Today's Scripture

    Trouble will come into our lives--being a Christian does not mean we will live a trouble-free existence. Instead, we can expect to suffer, sharing in the sufferings of Christ, and allowing him to comfort us as we go through trials.

    Fellow believers can share the load of others. As we pray in intercession for our brothers and sisters, we find and give comfort.

    Our hearts may be heavy at times, and we may even despair. But we can always turn to others who know our suffering, and ultimately to the Lord we serve and worship together. In each other and more importantly, in him we find peace amid storms.

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  • Thursday, February 10, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 16:5-24

    Today's Scripture

    Paul's love for the Corinthians is evident in these final verses of personal greetings. He longs to visit them, and plans to send others on his behalf since he can't travel there immediately. He encourages them to be generous, to be strong in their faith, to be on their guard, and to do everything in love. He makes sure they know he is signing the letter with his own hand, so they may be sure of its authenticity, and sends them the grace and love of the Lord Jesus.

    When we greet others or say good-bye to them, do we let them know of our affection in this way? Are dear ones far from us in our hearts and prayers and their names come to us throughout the day? Paul is an example to us of care and shepherding for his flock.

    How many come under our instruction or influence each day? Perhaps our children, co-workers, and other family and friends. May we have Paul's spirit of love, as he has the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, in our comings and goings with those we encounter.


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  • Wednesday, February 09, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 16:1-4
    Today's Scripture


    The incessant plea for money from some TV evangelists turns many people off, and rightly so. The promise of prosperity in return for donations is deceitful. True, God does take care of us and our needs when we trust him to do so. But our motives should be pure-God loves a cheerful giver, not a coerced one, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 9:7: Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)

    Having said that, we should not go to the other extreme and horde our money thinking that poverty is good for the church, or that if we are not cheerful all the time, we should not give. Paul was collecting money, not for himself, but for the poor in Jerusalem. He wanted to teach the new believers on his missionary travels about helping the larger church.

    It has been inspiring to see the generosity of people after the devastation of the tsunami in south central Asia. But other non-profit organizations have seen donations slow down at this time. While we are to be generous in times of disaster, it is important to remember to give to our local congregations, to the church. Then in turn, there will be funds available to help others when needs arise.



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  • Tuesday, February 08, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 15:35-58
    Today's Scripture

    Sometimes being a diabetic is really a pain. Today I had to have blood drawn for my seasonal A1c test to see how my blood sugar's been doing for the past three months. Needle poke in the arm. The tearing of the bandage when it comes off my arm where the needle found the vein. The daily discomfort of poking my finger to check my blood, not to mention the shots--four a day--and the weird feelings and tinglings that go with high or low blood sugar.

    This is really nothing, I know, compared to what some people deal with. Yesterday I was helping an elderly aunt of my husband's. Her husband, Tim's uncle (Uncle Danny), was helping her walk, too, but she really needed support on eachside. Danny was at the office where I'm working during tax season--the business Danny's now retired from but still dabbles in. Anyway, Aunt Jeannie needed help getting down the long hallway to the ladies room. At every step she gasped or moaned a bit. Just last week she was in the hospital to have a kidney stone blasted. Ouch.

    So, when I read 1 Corinthians 15 and hear about the new bodies we will have in heaven, I can't help but be hopeful. We will have new, spiritual bodies in heaven. We will be like Jesus! We will be changed, and death will be swallowed up in victory!

    How wonderful this message is to all of us who believe, and how comforting as we say good-bye to believers who may have lived their last days in pain. In heaven, they are victorious--and we will be too. Paul speaks of how our pain here on earth will be nothing compared to the wonder and joy in heaven. In Romans 8:18-25 he writes:

    18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

    22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV)

    Because he lives, we shall live, too. May our daily aches and pains be reminders that one day God will bring us into his glory, where tears and suffering will cease.



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  • Monday, February 07, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 15:12-34
    Have you ever wondered how the disciples must have felt immediately after Jesus' death? They didn't remember the promise that Jesus had given them, that he would rise on the third day--that he would come again--that their hearts shouldn't be troubled.
    They must have despaired over the thought that the one they had put their hopes and dreams in--the one they had counted on to be Messiah--was now dead--crucified, and in a tomb. And if he had stayed dead, their hopes would have remained buried with him.
    But he did rise! He reminded them of his words, and later, when they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2)--they were able to understand everything he had taught them. Jesus died for our sins, for the forgiveness of our sins. But our hope comes not only from that, but from his resurrection. And someday we will have glorified bodies like him.
    If that isn't cause for rejoicing and clicking up our heels, I don't know what is. I'm in no hurry to die, but I'm not afraid of death, either--because Jesus lives and I will one day live again with him after my life here on earth is through. Hallelujah!

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  • Saturday, February 05, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 15:1-11
    Today's Scripture

    If I were to present the Gospel message, this passage would be an excellent place to start. Paul summarizes the message in verses three to five. Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, he was buried, and on the third day he rose from the dead, also according to Scriptures. Then he appeared to Peter, the Twelve, and after that to more than 500 people. Paul lists James and the other apostles, and includes himself last in the list.

    Paul knew the great love of Jesus--and that love and grace is what compelled him to share Christ with so many people. Knowing his past persecution of the church, Paul is so grateful for the love that transformed him and propels him to bring others to Christ. He works hard, yet it is Christ who works within him.

    What compels us today? Do we have the passion that Paul did for the message of Christ? Do we know that he died for our sins, rose again, and physically appeared to hundreds after his resurrection? May the miracle of Christ's life, death and resurrection be evident in our lives and cause us to share his love with others.

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  • Friday, February 04, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 14:6-39
    Today's Scripture

    Paul continues his discussion on tongues in the rest of this chapter. As I read, I think about how I feel when I’m with a group of people who speak a different language. We’ve had five exchange students living in our home over the years, and whenever I’m in a gathering where students from the same country gather, they seem to speak their native language. If it’s Spanish, I can pick up on it a little bit, but anything else (besides English, of course) leaves me out in left field. We hosted one student from Bolivia, and she was always chiding her two Thai friends who lapsed into Thai when they were together. “Speak English!” she’d command them—because Thai is difficult for anyone to understand.

    And if believers can’t understand uninterpreted tongues, imagine how an unbeliever would feel if he walked into a worship service where tongues were being spoken. It would be like me trying to understand Thai! But when English is spoken, the message is plain and unbelievers (who are native English speakers) can hear and understand the Word of God.

    Tongues have their place in a believer’s life—Paul said that he spoke in tongues himself. But he emphasized gifts that bring others together and communicate clearly. Let’s seek to communicate the Word of God clearly to our fellow believers and unbelievers—through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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  • Thursday, February 03, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 14:1-5
    Today's Scripture

    Here Paul encourages the believer to seek gifts that benefit people other than the individual. The gift of tongues is a wonderful expression of praise to God, but unless there is an interpreter, no one else can understand. But one who prophesies can strengthen, encourage and comfort other believers, for the edification of the body.

    I know that Christians disagree on "the gift of tongues"--some believe it is necessary for every believer to have this gift, and some dismiss it and say it is not for our time today. I believe that the gift of tongues is still available today, but as Paul stresses, it is good to seek ways to encourage others rather than simply look for ways to enhance one's own prayer life.

    As we are in a community of love together, we can share our gifts and build up the body of Christ. Others outside the faith will see this and be drawn to the spirit of love evident within each of us. This is a good way to seek gifts, I believe--by wanting to serve the body and thereby serve Jesus.



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  • Wednesday, February 02, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 13:8-13
    Today's Scripture

    As I study the Scriptures, I encounter some passages that are difficult to understand or interpret. 1 Corinthians 11 was one of those. Some are easy to understand, but difficult to live, such as when Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and our enemies as well. But if we do have this love within us, we have the greatest gift. All others pale in comparison--prophesies, tongues, knowledge.

    We seek to love as our Father has loved us. We may not understand all of what he has for us in this life, but someday we will. We shall see him face to face, and encounter Love in a tangible way.

    So as we go about seeking knowledge and hungering for his Word, let us pursue the greatest gift--the one that will always remain with faith and hope. The greatest gift is love.

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  • Tuesday, February 01, 2005
     
    1 Corinthians 13:4-7
    Today's Scripture

    When I read these verses, I get a picture of God. God is love. Everything he does comes from love--which culminated in his sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. These verses describe that kind of love, the one we should emulate.

    Love is patient, even with teenage children who may make harmful mistakes or be disrespectful. Love is kind, even when others treat it unkindly. Love does not envy--it doesn't desire the house, the money, or the situation of its neighbor. Love does not boast--even if it has money and a nice house. Love is not proud, even if it has a good job.

    Love is not rude, even when others are arrogant or insensitive. Love is not selfseeking--even when others think only of their own needs--or think "it's all about me." Love does not get angry easily--even when others may be shouting or insulting. Love does not keep records of wrongs--even though it may be mistreated by friends and foes alike, over and over again. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth--when bad things happen to its enemies, love does not rejoice. Instead, love seeks the truth and rejoices when others meet the Truth and live the truth.

    Love is a protector and caregiver. Love continues to trust, even when trust may be broken. Love hopes and perseveres--looking forward to a time when peace will reign and all will bow at the feet of Jesus.



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