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| BE the church...today? |
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Here on MyChurch we often talk about our experiences at church, or the different ways to do church. Well, here’s an opportunity for us to be the church. The following two cases appear to call for immediate action, giving us an opportunity to do something small for a brother or sister in Christ. Not much is needed from individuals, IF the church will BE the church. For starters I ask only for a little prayer and consideration. Then if the Holy Spirit confirms that God is presenting this opportunity for you, I ask that you message me at once.
Case #1
A brother whom many of us know is dying of a rare degenerative disease known as MELAS. His condition, which is pretty advanced at this point, has him trapped in his home, either in bed or in his “power chair”. He depends on the internet and phone to communicate with the outside world, as it seems his friends, and worse, his church, have forgotten him. He told me that he’s had no personal visitors in the last year (until just recently).
Case #2
A young lady whom some of us know, is unmarried yet living with a man (who, it turns out, is rather abusive). No news there, she’s blogged about it before. Folks have gently counseled her to move out, that it isn’t the Lord’s will for her to be living in this situation. Problem is, she doesn’t have anywhere to go—rent free, that is. At present she doesn’t have the means to pay rent. Oh, and she is without car too. Seems she, like our friend in case #1, is trapped.
I pray the Spirit prompts the Church to go just a wee bit beyond thoughts and words...and I look forward to hearing from you.
3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.
ps… If I receive your message while I'm at work, I'll respond as soon as I can.
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I know the feeling there Mike for there are sometimes when we need to be the body of Christ and help those out there who feel like they don't have anyone else that they can turn to. I know that you do even though you live so far away. Thank you my dear friend with all my love and more. Megan |
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| Powerful verse!!! My prayers will be lifted for both. I'm not sure who they are but would love to stay in close contact with them. Thank you for posting.. |
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Robin |
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July 08, 2008 at 6:54am |
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Mike,
I am not fmiliar with the person in case #2....could you send me message with her info so I cn rech out to her!!!!!
Thanks.
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Mike:
Let me know how to reach each one of them... |
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| I know the pastor that you are talking about Mike and I think I know the lady...I will pray immediately for both of these children...God bless you too Mike n Laura, love Stu! |
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Cheryl |
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July 08, 2008 at 7:51am |
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Mike, brother, thank you for being the voice to these that have need of hands and feet ministry in their lives....may God open the doors that will reveal His way to them. I have been in case #2 myself and know there are really no options without some HUGE help ....also while going through the cancer thing...my church deserted me too...people treat you like you have leoparsy......I couldn't go out any more, I needed some real help, I was also emotionally needing some one to gab with every once in a while....God is faithful, but He has us as the body of Christ!
Please move in these situations and contact Mike right away if you can help. Also, see my testimony if you need some info about case #2, I was in an abusive situation too and no I didn't get help like this I had to walk away from all my life for 15 years with just my daughter and our lives...so if we can help...please do.... |
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Mike I don't believe that I know either of these two people, but I most definately am lifting them up in my prayers to the Lord, and thankful to God for people like *you* with a heart of compassion. I will message you to see what more I personally can do. |
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YES... who are we BEING as the church as a way of life fulltime... is very important!!! Are we BEING LOVE?
Mike... I do believe, I am familiar with case number 2 and have been reaching out with others ... having walked in similar shoes in the past.Want to extend the same offer to others here. Having been in abusive/oppressive relationships/experiences and having been set free, I share testimonies of how HE helped/changed me and am aware of how to find resources, which most communities have, to help those in need. I am the resource/network person for "Feed My Sheep" and am training others HE sends.
CLICK: "Feed My Sheep" The Spirit of the Lord Reaching Out through the Family of God
What you speak of above... is prevelant in local communities, outside of the traditional church environment, we are finding... so I commend you in your effort to make others aware.... and your challenge for us to BE THE CHURCH as a way of life!
I am open to fellowship with anyone who desires it... Lord willing will be empowered to connect with and seek to encourage number 1 as a friend however He desires, am sure Father will send others who HE has ordained for such who live close to his area, as well as on line, as He is gracious to do so through the efforts of ones such as yourself, who make us aware. Am a companion to shut ins/lonely and understand their plight, (one of the reasons I am not on line alot).
I join my prayers with yours and those here at mychurch. Thank you for reaching out in their behalf bro.... your kindness blesses many. Do send the info on number 1 as you are led. bren |
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| Let me know how to contact either of these ppl, I will be more than happy to call #1 from time to time to check up on him.....#2 we can try asking for donations to help her in regards to her situation, the only problem I foresee would be whether or not she is truly ready to move away from her current situation.......I can pledge up to $100.00 to help her if she wants to move out on her own! |
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Mike, I so love your heart...your compassion and love for others is so strong and shines so brightly. I am aware of who the Pastor is that you refer to on #1...however I am unsure on our #2 gal, but would love to make contact. I will message you.
Thank you again for letting the body know of the need!
25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, `even' these least, ye did it unto me.
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| There are many more than just case 1 and 2. What would you have us do? |
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Angela |
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July 08, 2008 at 8:54am |
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| I agree Mike as the church we are called to hold our brother and sisters up in prayer,if we won't then who will?furthermore if we don't minister to those who are in need they will get discouraged and look to the world for help..The question is will we be the one who responds to God's call to strengthen and encourage them or will we wait for someone else to do it..we need to remember God reveals that need to us for a reason,because we are the one He wants to use to fulfill that need weather it be to pray,or to personally come beside our brother or sister in Christ and hold them up!!! Thanks for this Mike |
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Cheryl |
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July 08, 2008 at 8:54am |
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| Amen brother Todd! |
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| "I pray the Spirit prompts the Church to go just a wee bit beyond thoughts and words" Amen & Amen! Thank you Father God for our brother in Christ "Mike" Got me crying again! Gezzzzzzzz |
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Bakuri |
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July 08, 2008 at 9:24am |
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oh man... i feel bad for those two. are they on MyChurch? If they are, i'd like to know who so i can maybe at least talk to them. It's all i can do, or i'd do a bit more. (Hey, i'm still practically a kid, and i don't know these people; whaddaya expect? XD)
But you have a point. Nobody really does much anymore except "talk to you about it", and that usually doesn't even help much. We should reach out our hands, not just our words! |
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| I will be praying for both case 1 and 2...in addition how do we contact either cases to just encourage from time to time or to send donation towards their needs... |
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| I will keep both in my prayers and that everything works out for them God Bless |
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Mike I was writing and thinking of this same subject today, I have posted two blogs (one for a ministry need which nobody responded to) and the other about putting things in action) I say all this to say I will put my action in on my knees that the church become the church. God bless you for writing this.http://www.mychurch.org/blog/217233/dont-ask--dont-tell
http://www.mychurch.org/blog/216525/how-can-one-dollar-reach-millions-for-christ |
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Mike, what you are talking about is the "Acts 2 Church" as preached by many. 2:42 And they kept their attention fixed on the Apostles' teaching and were united together in the taking of broken bread and in prayer. 2:43 But fear came on every soul: and all sorts of wonders and signs were done by the Apostles. 2:44 And all those who were of the faith kept together, and had all things in common; 2:45 And exchanging their goods and property for money, they made division of it among them all, as they had need. 2:46 And day by day, going in agreement together regularly to the Temple and, taking broken bread together in their houses, they took their food with joy and with true hearts, 2:47 Giving praise to God, and having the approval of all the people; and every day the number of those who had salvation was increased by the Lord. Lord God, forgive us for falling away from what You intended. Forgive us for our busy-ness; Being Under Satan's Yoke (BUSY). Bless those that hear Your Call and respond. Be with those that are alone and in need. Show us all where You would want us to be and what You would want us to do. Yes, we are brothers and sisters awaiting That Day so often referred to in Scripture. Keep us safe and meet our needs until we are all raised up to the New Jerusalem. Until then, may your churches work together and canvass those in need around their domain. With You, all things are possible. Therefore, to live as you would have us to live is not unachievable. And if there are any questions, may we turn to Your Word to find the answer. You are an awesome God. We serve an awesome Go. We love You, Lord God.Thankyou in Jesus Christ's precious Name, and all of God's people said... AMEN ! ! ! |
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Thanks for making this point. I'll send you a message.
Blessings,
David |
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God Bless You, Mike n Laura!
Everything we have, while in this present world, belongs to God. Even the things we hold so dear. What are they, in the light of eternity?
If the Lord impresses us to act about a certain situation, then we need to act. If He does not, it is probably just someone else's turn.
Faith in action is exciting!!!!!!!!
Love you guys,
Cathy |
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Cheryl |
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July 08, 2008 at 1:51pm |
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I have been praying for this...this site can potentially be a safe place for people to come to and reach out...if one is in an abusive situation the situation can be life threatening, beyond emotionally draining and fearful, and it may be a secret that they are on this site...if one's abuser knows they are talking to others the victim's life may be in danger. God can use this site as a way for us to remain safe and to reach those who He brings to us by us uniting in the Acts 2 church and being the hands and feet.
I would love and it would be an answer to prayer if we could unite and donate even monthly to MyChurch Team or Mike or whoever...and have a secret place for the abused to some to. I have a huge and amazing resource list for many states and have the ability to get info still needed from states for the immediate safety of each person...with the bureaucracy today, it is the church who must pick up those being dripped through the cracks. My daughter and myself have been there...I know the lack of funds, the two year waiting list for a house...the no food for 3 nights in a row...so she could eat....
Please come together...we have 165,000 people on this site...if only 1/3 of us are even active and donate even just a dollar to Mike or a fund....what could God do with that?..... |
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Who is this person in #2 I feel led to talk to her.
I am a Family Advocate I know how to get resources. Or all I need to know is what town she is in and I can make phone calls and set stuff up. Let me know. |
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Thank You for letting us know what's going on I sent you
a message inregards to Case #1 |
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Thanks Mike for bringing these to our attention. I look forward to personally adressing need #1 next Tuesday. Blessings bro!
PT |
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| I am new to MY CHURCH and do not know these people. Please let me know how to cntact them. I will offwr help.Patti |
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| Wow. I am in tears simply writing ... I am overwhelmed by the love and compassion you all are willing to extend. Financially, I cannot contribute anything, because I am without a job, but please know my prayers and my spirit are in agreement with you all. I pray that Jesus releases provision right now to supply every need. Case 2 needs much prayer and wisdom. The sister's real need seems to be a need for spiritual liberty. Money will only help her temporarily. How will she pay for the apartment monthly? We want to be careful that we do not enable her, so I pray that we also use Godly wisdom and discernment as we minister. |
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Cheryl |
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July 08, 2008 at 5:09pm |
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| Amy, I will message you.... |
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Cheryl |
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July 08, 2008 at 5:10pm |
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Amen Melanie! xoxo
Thank you everyone.... |
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Cathy |
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July 08, 2008 at 5:40pm |
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I visited !!!! I know you know that Mike, I'm just giving you a hard time. Case #3. There are thousands of people who live near or around our church. What are we doing to reach them? |
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| thank you so much for posting this. I can only imagine how sad these people are. I believe that I know both,but I am fully willing to do whatever I can to help anyone for that matter. May God continue to bless you in all that you do. |
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| Thanks Mike and Laura, sometimes my troubles seem so trivial, to the ways of the world, and I am ashamed to ask in favor! I will included these people in my prayers and if there may be anything I can do beyond that, that He may guide me! |
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| # 1&2 We are all Gods children God listens to our prayers . God loves each and everyone of us . All we need to do is repent all our sins to God and I tell you you will feal a change in your life perhaps you repented before just try again . I proved this to my self I was woundering why prayers were not being answered reason being I had to repent my sins again and again then finely the Lord herd me . I was taken from the gutter of the streets to becoming a child of God please get in contact with me I am in prayer for the both of you . Both of you have my love and God's love |
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A great post Mike. A golden opportunity to love our neighbours. If we all can help, reach out to our neighbours, I am sure there is no stopping in the extension of the Kingdom of God. I will pray for #1 and #2. I dont need to know the names. I am sure all our prayers and action will be of immense help to both of them. Maybe there will be a time when they would write a blog about their deliverence here on mychurch. |
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Deb |
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July 08, 2008 at 8:05pm |
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| I can pray for both of these situations...I know there are people within my own church and community that need to feel the love of God and know that they are not forgotten. It is so easy for people who attend our church, and then suddenly leave, to be forgotten. Out of sight out of mind. I tend to notice those that leave though, and wonder why...I need to do more than that though. Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention. Maybe we can try a little harder to BE the church. |
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With less than 10% of Christians tithing, here's the crucial solution to being the Church:
4:32 And all those who were of the faith were one in heart and soul: and not one of them said that any of the things which he had was his property only; but they had all things in common. 4:33 And with great power the Apostles gave witness of the coming back of the Lord Jesus from the dead; and grace was on them all. 4:34 And no one among them was in need; for everyone who had land or houses, exchanging them for money, took the price of them, It's been said many times but it's worth repeating that if just the American church would start tithing, no one would need to go hungry; no one would need to be homelessness; no one would lack access to clean drinking water...
I could go on but you get the idea.
The good news is that God has provided us with all the money we need to make these things happen. The bad news is that we're sitting on it. |
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Oops! Meant to go through to v. 35:
4:34 And no one among them was in need; for everyone who had land or houses, exchanging them for money, took the price of them, 4:35 And put it at the feet of the Apostles for distribution to everyone as he had need.
Also, this just came across from the folks at www.ChristianityToday.com: "There's over 2,500 verses in the Bible that deal with the issue of helping the poor, the sick, the hungry. God set it up that we are to address this issue and that he works through us. His Plan B? Well, I don't know what Plan B is. Plan A is the way he set it up."Tony Hall, former U.S. ambassador for humanitarian issues, on the global food crisis. (Source: Religion and Ethics Newsweekly) |
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Cheryl |
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July 09, 2008 at 1:30pm |
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| this is awesome! |
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| God Bless and keep you as you let you lights shine... |
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| There are so many hurting people and at times we tend to sit cozy in our little corner complaining about what "we" don't have! My prayers go up for those you mentioned in your blog. Wish I could do more. |
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I do not have anything financial. What I can do - is offer my prayers. And, many want something in return for their deeds - as we will all be rewarded with our Father in Heaven.
I'll tell you what I can do - I am promoting pictures of peace and acceptance - for each one that sells with "For Mike", I will make a donation towards any cause you have. After Sunday - the price is $10 for the 8x10 picture - let's say we throw in a $3 donation for each one sold? We currently have a promotion going on that will not allow this -We can do this together. I wish I had more - but this is the best I can do.....and my prayers are with all....
God Bless |
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My prayers are with both of these people.The church often lets people fall through the cracks & even worse through partiality,the church selectively lets people slip through teh cracks.Sad but true often the church picks and chooses who it will or will not help,even in the confines of its members.
Everyone of us know people churched and unchurched who are in hurting or in needThe need may not be a financial.Like case #1,it may be someone who is lonely.They need,someone to take time to visit,and show them,you are not forgotten.We love yah,and we care.
In cases like #2 it's possible that we are supposed to show hospitality to someone..Jm2:14-16 What does it proffit ,my bretheren,if someone says he has faith but does ot have works?Can faith save him?If a brother or sister is naked &destitute of daily food,& 1 says to them "Depart,in peace,be warmed and be filled,but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body,what does it proffit?
What can we do to help the people in cases #1 &2?We need a plan of action.What can we do to reach out practically to those in our own sphere of influnce also.We know who they are. |
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anna |
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July 11, 2008 at 5:13pm |
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Lord Jesus, I pray for Mike and the other person,that was hurt and abusive.
to be healed in Jesus name, Lord, in your word says,
1 Peter 2:24 by his wounds you have been healed. And also He
says in Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom,
and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
And I believed that you boths are healed. in Jesus name. please keep me
in contact with them. |
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Judy |
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July 16, 2008 at 8:41am |
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OH, dear Jesus. I was trapped just like this poor lady for 12 years until my husband died. I was beaten almost to death and sexually abused and humiliated in ways too horrible to mention. I was the tail and not the head. The tail gets moved around and slapped around. She needs to break all generational curses off her life, particularly poverty and lack. Does somebody know more than I do? (Probably!) Can we stand in the gap for her and break any family curses of abuse? Mind DIDN'T STOP after my husband died. THEN the fun really started and familiar/ancestral/tormenting spirits got in those around me.
ALSO, right now I break all curses in Deuteronomy 28 off this woman and release the blessings of Deut. 28 upon her, in Jesus' All-Powerful Name. She is the HEAD and not the tail. She is not cursed, but blessed. I claim that by Psalm 91:1, she is in the shadow of the Almighty. Right now, I ask for a hedge of protection and a bloodline around her, with angels to surround her.
I claim and confess all these things over her in Jesus' Name!!!!!!!!!!
I BIND EVERY EVIL SPIRIT IN HER HUSBAND, right now in Jesus' Name. |
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| Thank you for your concern Judy. In talking w/her, she has mentioned to me a cycle of abuse within the family. Your prayers are most appreciated! |
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Judy |
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July 16, 2008 at 9:05am |
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| I shall continue to claim victory for her. One of the saddest things I've learned in my study of deliverance is that wounding spirits often take hold through abuse and hang in there with you, feeding on the hurt they create. We may also get a skewed, unworthy self-image from the demons and/or the abuse and subconsciously feel we deserve no better. My mother was a nervous wreck and beat me almost every day as a child. All the other kids were mean to me in school. Then I married the batterer. I thought God hated me until I got saved at 31. I had been raised Catholic to believe that suffering was of God and a blessing. John 10:10 tells us THE THIEF comes to steal kill and destroy but (Jesus said) I have come to give you life and life more abundantly. |
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