The man who has come to know himself with the full awareness of his soul has sown in good ground.

October 26, 2008

When: Sunday, October 26, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, October 27, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
The Blessings
 
Blessed are you who hear the word of God and follow it where it leads. In doing so, you will be like the servant who, when the master comes, is found doing right.
 
Blessed are you, who put your whole trust in God. Yours is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, who are acquainted with sorrow, for you will be appointed great comfort and courage. Blessed are you, who with humility recognize your need of God. The whole earth will be yours. Blessed are you, who hunger and thirst after righteousness. You will be satisfied and filled. Blessed are you, who are merciful. You will receive mercy in return. Blessed are you, who are pure in heart. You will see God.
 
Blessed are you peacemakers, for you will be called the children of God. Blessed are you, who pursue salvation. You will become the citizens of the kingdom of God. Blessed are you when you suffer blame and are spoken of evilly for doing my will. Rejoice! Leap for joy! Great is your reward in heaven. In a similar manner, they persecuted the prophets before your time.
Abba, Father, Lord God, aware of Your presence and that You are my source of source, I am thankful for all Your blessings, seeking to remain humble, hungry and thirsty, merciful,  and pure in heart through my time with You in Jesus with the Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Amen.
The man who has come to know himself with the full awareness of his soul has sown in good ground. However, anyone who has not sown in this way cannot expect humility to flower within him. And anyone who has acquired knowledge of self has come to understand the fear [total respect and awe] of the Lord, and walking with the help of this fear, he has arrived at the doorway of love. For humility is the door to the kingdom, opening up to those who come near.
— St. John Cliamcus
7  But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 11And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love. 
Psalm 122:1-5
Luke 13:1-9
6 And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, `Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, `Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. 9 And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’"
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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According to your faith, so you will receive. If you believe all things to be possible and leave no room for doubt, what you ask or command will be done.

October 26, 2008

When: Sunday, October 26, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, October 27, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
Faith that Moves Mountains
 
According to your faith, so you will receive.
 
If you believe all things to be possible and leave no room for doubt, what you ask or command will be done. This is why I tell you: whatever it is that you desire, when you pray, believe that you will receive it, and you will.
 
As you live your life invigorated by the breath of God, the conflicts of this earth will be overcome by heaven’s power: and whatever you allocate on earth will be that which is in accordance to heaven’s plan.
 
Do not be afraid any longer, but believe. Everything is possible to the one who believes.
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble I come to You. Yet I wonder about all the thoughts that cannot be turned off, all the people I feel that have let me down, all the doubts about this one or that thing and which way. Then I read ‘The Words’ of my Lord Jesus and I feel convicted, brought down to my knees, weak, timid, I hear ‘O hypocrite’; where are my eyes of faith, my mind rooted in Jesus, my heart likened to Christ. Do I truly believe that ‘As I live my life invigorated by the breath of God, the conflicts of this earth will be overcome by heaven’s power: and whatever I allocate on earth will be that which is in accordance to heaven’s plan.‘ Do I truly practice what I want to believe or what I’ve been believing. Do I live my life as I am or as I have been. Only Jesus can separate me from ‘I am and I’ve been’, only Jesus can help me live my life in want. Always wanting Him above all else, always getting up after I fall, always forgiving and forgetting myself first after I stumble, always overcoming the conflicts under the sun on this earth by the power of belief and acceptance in heavens’ plan for me and the use of this time with You will prepare me and help me practice how to allocate each day, each moment to that want. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Amen.
No idle word should be uttered. I understand a word to be idle when it serves no good purpose, either for myself or for another, and was not intended to do so.
— St. Ignatius of Loyola
2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
5 for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit; 
Matthew 22:34-40
34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sad’ducees, they came together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him. 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 
38 This is the great and first commandment.  39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

October 13, 2008

When: Monday, October 13, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, October 14, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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The Words Jesus of Nazareth

Food for the Soul

It is written: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out from the mouth of God."

I am the bread of life: if you come to me, you will never again hunger spiritually; and if you believe in me, you will never again know spiritual thirst. Rise up! Take hold of the living bread, the spiritual bread that has come down from heaven: if you eat of this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I offer you is my life, which I give for the life of the world. I am the bread of life come down from heaven so that you may feast on spiritual food, and because of this receive spiritual life and not die.

Abba, Father, Lord God, I ask and You listen; grateful, eager, yet humble I come to You. Excited with anticipation I listen over and over to the Words of Jesus hoping that they will ignite the fire within, cautious that unless I am conscious and present with You through Him in the Spirit I may fall of the path that I truly seek. Guide me, I know the door is narrow, but I feel I am meant to find, follow and fulfill that which You intended for me. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

In times of desolation, God conceals Himself from us so that we can discover for ourselves what we are without Him.

— St Margaret of Cortona

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gal&ch=4&bv1=22&ev1=24&bv2=26&ev2=27&bv3=31&ev3=31> — 5:1<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gal&ch=5&bv1=1&ev1=1>

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Psalm 113:1-7<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=113&bv1=1&ev1=7>

Luke 11:29-32<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=11&bv1=29&ev1=32>

Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:

The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_TRUE_000250&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."

The Daily Message<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_OASI_000228&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal's renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson's acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.

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Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

October 12, 2008

When: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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The Words – Jesus of Nazareth
"The Words of Jesus remain a soft dream that falls night by night, until the soul is ignited with courage. Our hearts, that did not sing until now, are filled with hope that did not yet dare to dream of freedom from poverty and oppression."
– RICKIE LEE JONES, singer/songwriter www.thewords.com
 
Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.
— St. Teresa of Avila
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble yet feeling constrained, seeking to free myself from the me that binds and holds me back and down, and release the I am that place is with You soaring above the grasp of the world under the sun, walking and living in the heaven on earth. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 

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In order to avoid discord, never contradict anyone except in case of sin or some danger to a neighbor; and when necessary to contradict others, do it with tact and not with temper.

October 12, 2008

When: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, October 09, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."
Luke 11: 1 – 4
 
In order to avoid discord, never contradict anyone except in case of sin or some danger to a neighbor; and when necessary to contradict others, do it with tact and not with temper.
— St. Louis IX
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, ".. hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation." In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?" 
Psalm 117:1-2
Luke 11:1-4
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 

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If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. The gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

October 12, 2008

When: Monday, October 06, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, October 07, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."  And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’  Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?"  He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Luke 10: 25 – 37
 
Read some chapter of a devout book. It is very easy and most necessary, for just as you speak to God when at prayer, God speaks to you when you read.
— St. Vincent de Paul
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, humble, thankful and seeking courage to act and motivation to learn more, I keep opening myself to new interpretations of The Words spoken by Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Cautious to stay true to what I have received from You in Jesus through the Spirit, I ask for a discerning mind and pure heart; always listening, always hearing, always watching, always looking to be one with You in Jesus and to liken myself to His image which I received and know to be true. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel — 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10 Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 111:1-2, 7-10
2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy, 8 they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 
Luke 10:25-37
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 

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I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

October 12, 2008

When: Sunday, October 12, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, October 13, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, `Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, `The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, `Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, `Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen."
Matthew 22: 1 – 14
 
Give me the grace to amend my life, and to have an eye to mine end, without the grudge of death, which to them that die in thee, good Lord, is the gate of a truly wealthy life.
— St Thomas More
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, aware, thankful and humble; in abasement I open my mind and heart as an eagle does his wings to catch the winds of the Spirit to lift me above myself so I can soar in the Spirit and closer to You. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; 2 he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
Matthew 22:1-14
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

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