Change Requires Two Things

Good Morning, My Friend!!  Most prescriptions for change involve doing two things. If we want to lose weight, we must eat less and exercise more. Financial freedom involves cutting what we spend while increasing the amount we save. Good relationships develop when we listen to others, instead of simply talking about ourselves. One essential of change is negative while the other is positive. It takes both to transform us from who we are into the people we hope to be.

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"—Mark 1:15 (NIV)

In the Gospels, it’s interesting how often the call of Jesus required people to do two things.To repent means to turn away from our self-serving lives in which we, not God, are in charge. But if all we do is repent, then we’ve lost something without gaining anything in exchange. We need to do the second thing,...believe the good news. Negative and positive. Stop and start. Decrease and increase. That’s how we change as we abandon the self-life and embrace the Christ-life. That’s the beauty of following Jesus and learning how much we can change when we’re willing to do the two things.

Through repentance we turn away from sin, and by faith we embrace God's forgiveness,...acknowledging Jesus as Master of my life. 

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To ask, "should I repent, or should I believe the good news?" is like asking, "Which is more important on an airplane, the left wing or right wing?" When we all know it takes both to fly.—Dave McCasland

 

"Following Christ does not mean we think less of ourselves,...it simply means we're think of ourselves, less."

  

Eat Right, To Live Right

Good Morning! What we put into our body could make the difference between living healthy and possibly not living at all. I believe our thoughts are our souls food. The things we think about are the things we feed upon. Are our thoughts self centered, self promoting, self gratifying, self righteous, self-indulgent and self-absorbed? If so, we will live a very shallow and obviously self centered life.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.—Psalm 34:8(KJV)

God calls us to feed our souls with thoughts of Him. How? By taking the words in the Bible and reading them not only silently, but out loud. We can internalize them much more efficiently when we use both methods of reading. His call to love others and His marvelous promises are in the Word for us to eat and internalize into the depths of our beings, so let's come to the table, and feast on His Special Diet prepared and waiting just for us.

After having eaten any way we wanted, for most of our life, conforming to healthy eating can be a difficult transition,...but it's not impossible, and it's well worth it,...for ourselves, and so many others. 

You are what you eat,...are you getting enough Word?

We need at least three servings, daily!

"Following Christ does not mean we think less of ourselves,...it simply means we're think of ourselves, less."

Even If You Caused Them, The Problems Are Not Yours

Good Morning, It's A Fantastic Friday,...Enjoy!! Surely people must know by now that there is no such thing as earthly perfection, and each and every human being will face adversity at some time in their life. However, we also should know God is greater than any problem. Whether it is sickness, disease, relationship struggles or some other hardship, our life journey will never be perfect because perfection is only found in the Divine. Along with the beauty of laughs and smiles will be the sting of painful tears, disappointments and shattered dreams. Relationships may fail, and jobs may fall through,...but will we allow these bumps along the path, to alter our ability to possess peace,...even joy? The answer, my dear friend, is no!

I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink or wear. Isn't life more than food and clothing?—Matthew 6:25 (AAJE)

How we perceive a crisis when it occurs, can either make or break our peace of mind,...as well as affect the outcome of the situation. As the quote below conveys, nothing is really a problem because there will always be solutions. As we move to resolve problems, we should never go it alone, but to lay the issues in the hands of the Lord; knowing that where our earthly abilities may be limited,...He alone is able to do all things! While man may tell us a situation is hopeless,...with God there is always hope! The greatest lesson one can learn is this simple phrase; " Let go,...and Let God." The most successful solution to any problem we may face, no matter how large or small, is to trust in God.

"There are no problems,...only solutions."
(author unknown)

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All the worry in the world will not help resolve the matter you face,

...and in fact, will only add to your own emotional distress.

"Being true to God, starts with being true to self."

Down Does Not Mean Out

Good Morning!! So many people suffer from depression. For some individuals, this blanket of darkness comes as a feeling of sadness or lowness while others explain it as a sense of looming disaster or doom,...and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. A person who feels suicidal does so because they feel there's no escape from their problems. Such a person feels that their burden, whether real or imagined, will not subside, but will continue to worsen, and eventually swallow them up with even greater emotional pain and anguish.

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.—Psalm 42:5 (The Message)

The truth of the matter is, nothing is greater than God, and no problem is too large that our heavenly Father cannot turn it around. Darkness always gives way to light, but in order to see this we must have hope. If, while you are reading this, you are suffering with depressing emotions, know that tears do not go on forever, for in time they eventually dry up just as every storm gives way to the sunlight. The compassionate hand of the Lord is reaching out toward you; God is ready to soothe your fears and ease your pain.

The cure for depression is hope.

Hope is the ability to believe in change. Where God is concerned, hope is ever-present because our Creator is able to do all things.

The Lord offers His perfect abilities to those individuals who dare to take a leap of faith towards Him. 

"Being true to God, starts with being true to self."

 

Persistence

Good Morning, Even If For Some Reason Your Week isn't Going So Well,...You Could Still Turn It Around!! Persistence is the single most important ingredient, of success a life. It's more important than intellect, athletic ability, good looks, or even charm. If you're willing to stumble, fall, get back up and still keep on going, you will succeed. When confronted with failure or a disappointment, you have two choices: give up or persist.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.—Romans 8:38, 39 (NKJV)

If I could pass on one character trait to my kids and grand-kids,...that one single quality, that would help them achieve success in life, it would be persistence. It's a God-given compensation for what we lack in other areas of our life. Never underestimate its power. It is the same with sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ,...we must witness, witness, witness. Not all will respond, or even seem to listen,...but we persist, because we believe.

"Success comes to the man who does today

what you were thinking of doing tomorrow."

(anonymous)

" Nothing is quite as embarrassing as watching someone do the thing,

...you assured them couldn't be done."

(anonymous)

 "Being true to God, starts with being true to self."

 

The Bible Has The Ansewers

Good Morning!! Often non-Christians, think of us as mindless sheep moving through life without question. Nothing could be further from the truth,...we question lots of things,...some serious and some down right funny. Most of our answers are found in the bible. Others are found through meditation, prayer, personal relationship with the Lord and revelation through the Holy Spirit. Still there are others we may never have and answer to.

The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.—John 14:26 (WEB)

Jesus' own disciples were full of questions. When He told Peter what would happen to him in his old age, Peter,...being Peter,...just had to ask "what will happen to John?" (John 21:18-21). The Lord’s answer must have frustrated him. "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?...You must follow Me" (v.22). So many people are tempted to fill in the spaces that God has left blank. They don’t like dealing with the unknown, or the unclear. Neither do they enjoy doing the hard work of Bible study. But faith and hard work, are vital components of a vibrant Jesus-centered life (James 2:17).

The Bible is remarkable. It gives us just the information we need,...and no more.

God is the divine Author of life, and His ways are often mysterious,...and recognizing that, maybe our greatest discovery of all. 

 

"Being true to God, starts with being true to self."

Unreal Expectations Equals Frustrations

Good Morning!! We may feel frustrated with God because He doesn't live up to the expectations we have of Him. Sometimes we feel frustrated with the church because it doesn't match up with our ideal church. We're often frustrated with others because they fall short of expectations that we have of them. But, perhaps we should consider whether the problem in all these cases is that we are basing our expectations on a distorted view,...of God or of the church and of others.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.—Romans 5:1 (NKJV)

We may feel frustrated with ourselves too, because we don't believe we live up to what others want from us or even what we think God wants from us. More often than not, though, our problem is trying to make ourselves into someone else's image or change ourselves to fit someone else's standards for us. God created us each to be different. We all have our own place and image, and the only way we can ever be successful in life, is to be ourselves, allowing God to use us just the way we are. 

This is the great purpose for which we have been saved; to the glory of God and of His Son Jesus Christ.
Are you living to fulfill your purpose?

 

Sweet Spirit of God, help us to fine peace with ourselves, so that we may have peace with others,...which frees us to be, all that the Father created us to be.

 

"Being true to God, starts with being true to self."

Your Word

Good Morning, It's A Fantastic Friday!! Are You Truly Committed? The dictionary defines commitment as an agreement or pledge. In days gone by, it was not uncommon for a deal or agreement to be solidified solely by a handshake. When a man said his word was as good as gold, he meant it. To break his word showed lack of character and no man desired to have his integrity questioned.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.—Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

Today, it seems an individual's word no longer holds the great importance it once did. Pledges, agreements, deals, and vows are broken routinely, be it in the business or financial realm, or in the sanctity of the marital union. And what of our spiritual commitments? Do we tell God we believe in Him and love Him, yet continually break the very laws we proclaim to hold dear? Or worse yet, have we failed to even MAKE a commitment to our Heavenly Father? Committing one's life to Christ is not a burden; it is as simple as confessing in our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of our life. It also means we are not ashamed or embarrassed of our faith, but we proudly stand for righteousness sake. 

Just as in days of old, a true commitment does not need a pen or legal document,

 ...but a sincere desire to make good on one's word.

" Our character is a priceless possession that ought to be protected at all costs. It should never be for sale."

(The Man God Uses, Henry & Tom Blackaby, p. 10)

"True faith and courage are like a kite,...an opposing wind, only raises it higher."

Love Is Security

Good Morning, My Friend!! Jude, a brother of the apostle James and half brother of Jesus, writes to those having the love of God poured out in their hearts, by the Holy Spirit. He writes to those having a reservation in heaven and kept by the power of God. These people know the mercy of God's forgiveness. Because of this mercy and forgiveness, they have peace with God,...they have peace of conscience,...they have peace of heart,...but most of all,they know the love of God.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Everybody looks for love. We seek the security of knowing mom and dad are there, and care. Even as adults, husbands and wives, we can miss and mourn that loss of security and love. The security of love is important to our personal well-being. And this is the ultimate security,...The Promises of God.

"Security comes from relationships, not achievements. 

A secure person is a person who is comfortable with himself and others."

(Neil Anderson's Daily in Christ, November 8, 2004)

 

"Peace with God is something you already have (Romans 5:1). 

It's not something you strive for; it's something you received when you were born again."     

 (Neil Anderson's Daily in Christ, October 18, 2004)

 

"True faith and courage are like a kite,...an opposing wind, only raises it higher."

 

 

Don't Get In Your Own Way

Good Morning, You Are In Line For A Blessing,...Don't Do Anything To Delay It!! When I picked up the bible and opened it to 2 Corinthians. The first words I saw were these: "Now is the time of God's favor."  Many times I have read Paul's counsel to the Corinthian Christians; but this morning, his words took on new meaning. They lifted my spirits and changed my attitude.

Now is the time of God's favor.—2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

Sometimes when we feel as though God is not moving fast enough, we start our grumblings. It was this grumbling that cause the Israelites such added hardships. I know that what God has for us, is for us,...and we can't lose it. But our attitudes can and will, cause a delay in our deliverance. When life is in proper focus, we know that every day is the time of God's favor. Instead of complaining, we should proclaim with Paul the good news of God's constant love,...and constant presence.

If you're feeling depressed by your circumstances,...remember today is the day of God's favor. 

Father God, lift our spirits and refocus our lives, so that we may see that now is the time of our favor,...through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 "True faith and courage are like a kite,...an opposing wind, only raises it higher."

Live To Eat Or Eat To Live

Good Morning, Have A Terrific Tuesday!! People often ask;" Why Spiritual Food? " It's so simple,...Man is not just flesh, but also spirit. We need food to nourish us spiritually, as well as physically. In John 6:48, Jesus told us He is the Bread of Life. He is the human representation of the Word of God. He reminds us, in this verse, of what truly sustains. The Bread of Life (the Word of God) endures and satisfies us spiritually.

But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.—Matthew 4:4 (KJV)

No matter how incredible the food, it never sustains. We are one of the richest, well-fed nations in the world, yet we seem to always be hungry. The more we eat, the more we want.

Many of us are physically "obese" and spiritually "malnourished." We need to hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5:6).

Did you know that; "Adam and Eve were the first people to eat themselves out of house and home." ?(Heavenly Humor, p. 5)

 "True faith and courage are like a kite,...an opposing wind, only raises it higher."

  



 

Don't Just Change, Improve

Good Morning!! When we start trying to make significant changes in our lives, we find out just how stubborn old habits can be. They are very difficult to break. We need help,...but real help, in breaking bad habits, comes from God. They are not only distasteful to you; they are abhorrent to God. First, we need to turn to God and ask forgiveness,...and help, by way of the Holy Spirit, to see those old habits, as sinful.

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.—Romans 6:19(NIV)

Next, we need to ask God, for Holy Ghost power, to turn away from those old habits, and sinful ways. We then must work on forming new, better habits,...to replace the old ones. In all of this, we must realize that Christ gave His life "that we should no longer be slaves to sin." (Romans 6:6) Christ breaks the rule and reign, of sinful bad habits. Christ gives Christian people inner strength. With this new inner strength, bad habits can be conquered and new good habits formed.

If you are really serious about forming new habits,...Seek  Jesus, He breaks the power of old bad habits, and He can and will, lead us into new and better ones.

 If at first you don't succeed,...try reading the instructions. (your Bible)

"True faith and courage are like a kite,...an opposing wind, only raises it higher."

We Have Hope,...Because We Have Faith

Good Morning!! "Every day is a new day,...and another chance to get thing right." In case you're wondering where I got it from,...my father was always an optimist. He would say, "Everything will turn out for the best,...God's in charge." And he meant it! Not all of us are so optimistic, all the time,...are we? Real optimism comes from hope in the true and living God, and too many people are without that hope.

At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises that God had made to them. You were living in a world without hope and without God. And you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God.—Ephesians 2: 12, 13 (AAJE)

But, to have real hope, you must hear the promises of God,...especially those concerning Jesus Christ. You must turn away from sinful attitudes and behavior. You must trust in Christ as the only adequate payment, for the penalty due, for your sin. Then you will not be without God,...and you will not be without hope.

Even Abram, who's faith was so great that it was counted as righteousness(Gen 15: 6) doubted, from time to time...but after hearing from God, his faith was renewed and grew.

Father in Heaven, your children get weak sometimes. We have your promises and we have your Word,...but sometimes we just need to hear from You. When we don't see how your promise will be kept, we doubt. Lord just hearing from you, will reassure us that we are indeed yours and that you are with us in all we do. Father we love You,..and we Thank You ! In Jesus' name. Amen.

 "It's not until we forget ourselves, that we usually start doing something others will want to remember." 

How Do You Feel, About The Things You Do And Say?

Good Morning!!  Conscience is a spiritual mechanism. When we do something right, we feel good. When we do something wrong, we feel bad. It's not rocket science. Consistent sinful behavior causes our conscience to becomes dulled and defectives,...It simply does not operate properly. To have a good conscience we must be cleansed through faith in the sacrifice of Christ in payment for personal sins and personal sinfulness.

" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " —1 John 1:9 ( NASB )

Hebrews 9:14 asks, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Once your conscience is clear through faith in Jesus, you still need to "keep a good conscience" (1 Peter 3:16). How do you do this? You must live appropriately. This means learning God's ways. We must read the Bible and follow Christ. When we fail, and we will, we must run to Jesus, while we can still feel bad.

" The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith " (1 Timothy 1:5).

MEANINGFUL ACROSTICS: GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense

"It's not until we forget ourselves, that we usually start doing something others will want to remember."

Getting In

Good Morning!! When asked how to get to heaven, most will list attributes like leading a good life, live and let live, don't kill, don't steal and just generally be nice to people. The prevailing attitude is that "more good than bad" is all that's needed. But what the most influential Person in history reveals is quite different. And the most important Book of all time, proves that NO ONE is capable of achieving Heaven alone.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.—Romans 10:9 (KJV)

Since we all fall short, how will anyone make it? The answer lies in a substitute-someone, to pay the debt we all owe,...but cannot pay. And not just for a single bad thought or deed. If you can admit you've done worse than that, you've taken the first step. If you recognize your need for a substitute, you've taken the second. If you realize the aforementioned influential Person paid your debt for you and place your trust in Him,...you too will be promptly admitted.

We do not do good works, so that we can be saved,

...we do good works, because we are saved.

 

Jesus is the Christ, and only by His strips are we healed. Amen.

 

"It's not until we forget ourselves, that we usually start doing something others will want to remember."

Seek The Lord, First

Good Morning, My Friend!!! I first open the box and lay all the parts out in separate piles or stacks,...then I get the instructions, compare parts against the parts list and read the instructions while looking at the parts,...this is now my routine, before I ever touch a screwdriver or wrench. I once was one of those guys that refused to work from instructions, after all I'm A Man,...I should be able to figure it out. And most times I did, after wasting a lot of time,...and occasionally hurting myself.

" These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction."—Isaiah 30:9 (NASV)

Life comes with instructions too,....written my it's manufacturer, engineer, architect, and creator,....It's called The Bible. And as soon as we admit our need for instruction, especially God's, we'll begin to save ourselves a lot of problems and pain.

" In the midst of a crisis there is a moment of decision..... a 'crisis of belief'. 

We must determine what to do, and whose advice to follow.

Will we go with our instincts,...or will we seek the Lord?"

 

(The Man God Uses, Henry & Tom Blackaby, p. 88)

 

Lord, give us softer heads and more open hearts for Your instructions. Amen.

 

"It's not until we forget ourselves, that we usually start doing something others will want to remember."

Let Go Of Self, For Better Service

Good Morning, It's A Marvelous Monday!! There are those who enter the fellowship of believers with a desire to serve. These people constantly seek ways to use their God-given talents to glorify the Lord and edify His people. For these individuals the fulfillment and spiritual growth they receive is immeasurable. The more they give, the more they are blessed.

...for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.—Isaiah 3:10b (KJV) 

Then there are those who join a church, entering the fellowship of believers wanting to have their needs fulfilled. But, are unwilling to make a personal investment, they find themselves facing more and more disappointment. For these people the whole experience is empty,....a waste of time.

 To get the most out of any relationship, you must desire to serve and give.

Jesus did not come to get,...but to give.
" I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Thank You Jesus! 

"It's not until we forget ourselves, that we usually start doing something others will want to remember." 

One God, One People

Good Morning, Don't Let Your Differences Divide You!!  People that think church people are perfect, or that you must get yourself right to go there, have not read the bible. They've most likely gotten their info from someone else, who has not really read the bible either. Paul in Ephesians, all but tells us that Christians can be a troublesome bunch,...and that getting along in the church means putting up with a lot of stuff and people that annoys us.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.—Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

Despite our splintering, there is one body (v. 4a). Despite our disagreements about speaking in tongues, there is one Spirit (v. 4b). Despite our hassles about postmillennialism, amillennialism, and premillennialism, there is one hope (v. 4c). Despite our disagreements about law and grace, there is but one Lord (v. 5a). Despite our denominations, there is one faith (v. 5b). Despite our modes of pouring and submerging, there is one baptism (v. 5c). Despite our disagreements about gender-inclusive language, there is one God and Father of us all (v. 6).—Ephesians 4:4-6

Looking at it like this,...there is far more that unites us, than separates us. Living peaceably with the saints may not be a picnic,...but there is a reason for doing it. Because God said so,...and anything else only takes the focus off of Him.

We are either Christian, or we are not.

 

Help us, Lord God, to look beyond our differences and to celebrate the unity which we have in and through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

" The proof of our love for God,...is our obedience to the commands of God." 

 

No Getting Away

Good Morning, My Friend!! The scene of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden, provides a nutshell perspective of many vital truths that are further explored and expanded upon throughout the remainder of Scripture,...we see the devil's desire to undermine our faith in God,...our tendency to view God's protections as kill-joy restrictions,...a spouse's potential to build up or tear down,...and the dangerous allure of the mysterious or unknown.

...but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."—Genesis 2:17 (NIV)

Perhaps the most poignant reminder, though, as we look at the sickening sight of perfection being seduced into rebellion, is the fact that even the seemingly smallest sins have enormous and eternal and horrific consequences. There is no such thing as "getting away" with sin. Every sin has its own set of built-in, unavoidable, calamity and consequences.

The greatest tragedy of every sin is that it leads to separation from God. 

Holy Spirit, let us not fear temptation, but rather help us to see and understand them as new opportunities to stand firm and nurture our fellowship with the Lord. Help us to not waiver, or wreck our relationship with Christ. Amen.

" The proof of our love for God,...is our obedience to the commands of God."    

So Many Options,...But Just One Truth

Good Morning!! We all live our lives by faith, whether or not we place our trust in a set of religious beliefs. Every day, we eat meals with the faith that our food hasn't been poisoned. We drive from place to place, with the faith that we can make it to our destinations, safely. We type personal information into your computer, or give it to strangers over the phone, with the faith that it won’t be misused, or wind up in the hands of people who will use it steal from us.

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.—John 3:21 (NIV)

So, no matter what our religion,...or lack of it, we already have a faith. But is it a wise faith,...one that truly works and is supported by facts? Did we intentionally choose the faith we have, or did we just slide into it at some point along the way? The faith we base your life on is vitally important, so it makes sense to think it through well. Many different religious claims contradict each other. All the various religions could all be wrong,...but they couldn’t all be right. You should choose your faith wisely, base on TRUTH. 

Truth is a matter of the way things really are,...whether you like it or not, whether you can prove it or not, whether you have a different perception of it from someone else, and whether you think about it or believe it,...Truth is Truth.

Father God , lead us, and keep us in the Truth of Psalm 25. Amen.

" The proof of our love for God,...is our obedience to the commands of God." 

   

Love, Wear It Like You Mean It

Good Morning!! Here's something to think about as we pick-up our company ID's after a couple of days off. We wear the little plastic badges to show that we are representatives of the company,...it also shows we belong there. As Christians we also should be wearing a badge, that shows who we are and whose we are,...It's called LOVE, and we should never take it off or be seen without it.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."—John 13:34-35, (NIV)

To express love for others was taught already in the Old Testament, but Jesus gave it a new emphasis when He said that we are to love others, as much as He loved us. You don't have to tell people you're a Christian, if you are wearing your ID.

Love is to be a badge which we wear to identify ourselves as followers of our Christ.

Father in Heaven, help us to wear the badge of love, so that others may know that we are Your children and we do belong. In Jesus' name. Amen.

" The proof of our love for God,...is our obedience to the commands of God."