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After 6 months of living without a house of our own, we are just about to move into a new home here in Indiana, and I am praising God for His great graciousness and provision for our family. There have been wonderful moments of joy, as well as times of difficulty, intense sadness and pain. Along this journey, I personally have been reminded how temporary our present comforts really are... and have great hope that the Lord will continue to make the changes necessary in me as well as others to do His work, and ready us for our Heavenly Home.
John 16:33 3 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The past couple of weeks, Isaac has been playing on a Little League team here in our new town. It has been a desire of his to play, so before we even moved into town we signed him up. One of the coaches is also a police officer for the area, and saw us playing in the park as he was on patroll the very same afternoon I contacted him to get Isaac signed up. There are no coincidences in our lives, only the sovereign plan of God at work. It is a great comfort and joy to me to understand the reality of God’s will, presence, and design in each and every day of our lives. It is this knowledge that comes alongside my faith, a gift from God in and of itself, which brings me through the tough times with an unreasonable sense of peace and contentment.
Rom 12:3-4 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
That same week Isaac’s Grandparents were able to join us for his first game, which brought and unexpected added joy to their visit. It is good that our family has been introduced to the people in this community through the games and practices before we have even moved in. I don’t know why God chose this place for us, but I trust that He has a plan for it all.
Acts 17:26-28 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
It is a great relief to me to know that I don’t have to know what tomorrow will bring, or have a plan of my own to have peace in this lifetime, but my peace comes by knowing and surendering my will to the One who does, alone.
1 John 5:4-5 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Isaac loves his new jersey, which sports the name “Radloff” on the back. This is not his name, but the name of another child who was moved to another team. Because Isaac came into the league a few games late, he acquired this jersey to accommodate his immediate need. We enjoy calling him by that name... to which he just smiles and says, “Radloff, son of Mandolff” from the “Lord of the Bean” episode of the Veggie Tales movie (a theme originating from “Lord of The Rings” by C.S. Lewis) Lord, we thank you for the present circumstances you are working out in our lives as we enjoy cheering on our son, whom you have also so graciously given. Go “Radloff!”
*Picture of "Radloff" can be seen in our photo gallery.
Scripture references from the NKJV
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Ps 51:17 17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise.
NKJV
In Sunday School this morning, we were asked to name a good thing that happened to us last week. I told the class that I was given the opportunity to share my testimony as to how Jesus Christ transformed my life with a group on Senior High girls from our church last Thursday night. I was so honored to be there, and it was a joy to be able to verbalize to these gals what a miraculous thing God has done in me personally. On the way there, I was praising Him in the car for bringing me from “there” to “here” in terms of passing from “death” to “life.” I was filled with the Spirit as I spoke to these young women just embarking on a new life of young womanhood in this world: New schools, relationships, and life changing endeavors just around the corner. There were three things that were central to the message I shared that night. One of which was about the kind of self-righteousness we have to overcome if we are to be in a right-relationship with God. I told the girls there are two kinds of self-righteousness we can have: The first is the idea that we don’t need God (or believe He doesn’t exist) and are “basically good” people who don’t need a Savior. There is no broken heart over our fallen nature, because the truth that we are separated from God by our sin simply is not recognized, believed, or ignored by the mind. The second kind of self-righteous thinking comes in the form of a Christian life that grows up in the church. This world-view holds that we are “good with God” because we go to church and avoid overtly sinful behaviors. This is a dangerous form of self-righteousness that has poisoned the minds of many young people who have grown up in the church today... As a result, they are falling away from the faith. 1 John 1:8-10 8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
NKJV When I read my testimony, I was brought back emotionally to the time when I turned my life over to God. I was moved to tears as I repeated the prayer I spoke to God in 1997, confessing my wretched position of hopelessness before the One who created me. I was in need of a Redeemer who could show me how to live. Surely, because of my sin, I had a broken heart that only Jesus could heal. At some point in our lives, I believe we must be utterly broken over our sin in order for God to change our heart. I have observed that it is difficult for some people to come to that point because they have grown up thinking that because they have “never done anything really bad” they are in good standing with the LORD. The truth is that both ways of thinking are A BIG PROBLEM in the sight of the LORD. Friends, we must acknowledge our common need as depraved sinners before our Holy and Perfect Creator for us to have fellowship with Him. Further, we must continue to recognize our iniquity before Him in our prayer life; confessing our sin as the Holy Spirit brings it to our awareness. Our “broken spirit” and “contrite heart” are of great worth before the eyes of the Lord. Psalms 51:16-17 51:16-17. David promised that if God forgave his sins he would sacrifice to God. He knew that God did not desire simply an animal sacrifice from him (cf. 40:6). He needed to find forgiveness before he could sacrifice a peace offering to God. The sacrifice he had to bring was a broken and contrite (crushed) heart - a humbled spirit fully penitent for sin. That is what God desires and will receive. In the Old Testament, anyone who sinned as David did had to receive a word from a priest or prophet indicating he was forgiven. Only then could the penitent person again take part in worship and make a peace offering. I n the New Testament the word of forgiveness is forever written in God's Word - the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7). Yet even in the New Testament a believer must have a spirit broken of all self-assertion; he must acknowledge his need before God to find spiritual renewal and cleansing (1 John 1:9). (from Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries; Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Eph 2:1-10
By Grace Through Faith 2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
NKJV
Self-righteousness is a stumbling block in the life of a believer, and a great chasm that lies between the assurance of eternal life and the certainty of eternal death and separation from God for the unbeliever. May we receive the gift of salvation by faith through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and live in genuine humility by offering up the sacrifice of a “broken spirit” and a “contrite heart.” Truly (amen).... “Only God is good.” ~ Matthew 19:17 NKJV Surely, only Jesus can heal a broken heart.
Ps 51:1-17 51 Have mercy upon me, O God,According to Your lovingkindness;According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions,And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,And done this evil in Your sight — That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness,That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins,And blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,And sinners shall be converted to You.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,The God of my salvation,And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips,And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,A broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise.
NKJV
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Matt 12:18-21Behold, My Servant18 "Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
And He will declare justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not quarrel nor cry out,
Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench,
Till He sends forth justice to victory;
21 And in His name Gentiles will trust."
NKJV~Given through the prophet Isaiah regarding our LORD Jesus Christ
This Easter, I was reminded of the manner in which Jesus lived, died, and rose again... In particular, how He did not cry out... or defend Himself as He suffered for righteousness sake. It is one thing to say we are a follower of Jesus Christ, it is entirely another to walk as one.
May we continue to draw our strength from the LORD to do what we cannot do for ourselves: Be like Jesus.
If you have not seen the film "Pasion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson in recent days, it will remind you, as it did me.... how severely Jesus suffered
for our sins: Our trials as His people are so dim in comparison.
The scriptures below were part of the portion I was given to read at the 80 hour Bible reading in our church last week: We read the entire Bible as a church family; each participant given 30 min. segments. Begining to end, it was an memorable event, with an amazing prayer room and song service Friday night by candlelight called "Tenebrae" (the darkening) in rememberance of what Jesus did for us as He suffered, was crucified, and layed in the tomb.
Sunday; yesterday.... was the glorious celebration of the risen LORD. May He continue to fill you with all joy as you "commit your souls to Him in doing good, as to a (our) faithful Creator." 1 Peter 4:19
1 Peter 4:12-5:11Suffering for God's Glory
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now
"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
NKJV
These statements below serve as a good reminder for me... and I hope for you of what it "looks like" to belong to the LORD, in heart, mind, and soul.
Brothers and Sisters, may God bless you as you walk. ~Tonya
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"Yielding Rights" | “It is the refusal to die to self that makes me miserable” - THE RIGHT TO BE APPRECIATED. Luke 17:11-19
- THE RIGHT TO BE RIGHT. I Corinthians 6:7&8, I Peter 2:19 & 20, I Peter 3:14 & 17
- THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD. I Peter 2:23, I Peter 3:10-12, James 3:1-10, book of Job
- THE RIGHT TO NURSE MY HURTS. I Peter 5:7, Matthew 18:21 & 22, Psalms 130:3
- THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY. Luke 9:12
- THE RIGHT TO LEISURE. Mark 6:30-33
- THE RIGHT TO DEFEND MYSELF. Luke 23:9
- THE RIGHT TO BE NEEDED. II Timothy 4:16 & 17, Psalms 8:3 & 4
- THE RIGHT TO GOOD HEALTH. II Timothy 4:20, Job 2: 10, I Peter 4:12 & 13
- THE RIGHT TO FINANCIAL SECURITY. Acts 3:6, I Corinthians 9:16-18
- THE RIGHT TO MY SCHEDULE. I Thessalonians 2:18, Galatians 4:4, Acts 1:7
- THE RIGHT TO FRIENDS. Psalms 38:11 & 41:9, Proverbs 18:24
- THE RIGHT TO SUCCESS IN THE MINISTRY. II Corinthians 4: 7-11, John 1:10
- THE RIGHT TO BE FORGIVEN. Matthew 6:12 15. THE RIGHT TO BE UNDERSTOOD. Mark 8 14-21
- THE RIGHT TO BE ACCEPTED. John 1:11, I Peter 4:19 17. THE RIGHT TO PLEASURE. Philippians 2:3 & 4
- THE RIGHT TO INDEPENDENCE. I Corinthians 6:19 & 20
- THE RIGHT TO BE RESPECTED. I Corinthians 4:13
- THE RIGHT TO MY FUTURE PLANS. II Timothy 4: 6, James 4:13-15
- THE RIGHT TO THINGS. Luke 12:20 & 21, James 5:2-5
- THE RIGHT TO MY EXPECTATIONS. Psalms 62:5
- THE RIGHT TO CONTROL. Ephesians 5:18
- THE RIGHT TO MY REPUTATION. Philippians 2:7
- THE RIGHT TO EAT CARELESSLY. I Corinthians 9:23-27, Proverbs 23:2
- THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN. Philippians 2:14, Exodus 16: 7-12
- THE RIGHT TO REVENGE. Romans 12:19
- THE RIGHT TO COMFORT. II Corinthians 4:16-18, & 6:5
- THE RIGHT TO QUIT. Proverbs 24:16, 11 Timothy 4:7, Luke 9:62
- THE RIGHT TO BE ANGRY. Genesis 4"5-7, Jonah 4:9
- THE RIGHT TO RELATIONSHIPS / FELLOWSHIP Philippians 2:1-4
- THE RIGHT TO UNDERSTAND. Proverbs 3:5 & 6, Isaiah 55:8 & 9
Yielding Rights is most often a “doing” thing. - Proverbs 3:27
- James 1:22-25
- Matthew 5:16
- Luke 6:46-49
- James 4:17
The desperate need for mercy and grace. - Hebrews 4:16
- Philippians 4:13
~ "Yielding Rights" borrowed from "the preaching ministires of Tom Harmon" |
http://tdharmon.com/resources/ |
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Last Wednesday night God gave me a very special gift by way of a bookstore we have located at our church. It is a wonderful benefit to be able to stop in and pick up a card, book, DVD, or a CD that will encourage someone... or even to minister to myself. The Holy Spirit has used this bookstore in our lives in the past to bring us good things to enjoy at home to glorify God... as I am sure it has for many others. For the first time, I decided to drive around to the other side of the large campus at Liberty Bible Church that night so I could use the entrance closest to the music room where I would soon be joining the choir for practice. It has been such a joy to me to be with this wonderfully talented group of men and women. The LORD is doing great things through this awesome church. We will even be recording a CD of our own this summer!
As I was approaching the door, I remembered that all the entrances and exits were locked except for the main entrance, so I used the door to the bookstore to access the church. As I entered, I apologized to the woman who was working there. I said that I forgot about that entrance being locked, and she replied, "Oh, that’s okay! This way you walk right by the merchandise... And you never know, there just might be something here you like." I smiled at her gracious reply. That’s when I thought to look for Betsy Walker’s CD which I neglected to buy a couple of weeks back when Isabella and I were there for our first mother-daughter date! She gave an excellent concert and then we enjoyed time with 275 other women while feasting on chocolate fondu fountains, lemon desserts, and various other fresh fruit and sweets. It was a great time! The lady helped me look for any remaining CD’s from Betsy, but none could be found... but while I was looking, I noticed a Keith Green special edition CD with a bonus DVD which featured his story from the perspective of friends and family, including his testimony and tv appearances. I had been looking for my favorite song by Keith called "Your Love Broke Through" whenever I visited a Christian bookstore and thought of him, but until that night, I could never find it. I was thrilled to have been given such a wonderful ministering tool for my soul in a time when I needed something special to pull me through. Here are the words of a man who was an exemplary Christian... somone who taught me this title means "little christ" all over again,and by his extraordianry gift of evangelism used his resources and musical talent to the best of his ability for God's glory. Here is his quote... Keith's mission statement that I noticed just on the inside of the CD cover: "I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy (Romans 11:11) or to sell out more completely to Jesus!" ~Keith Green
My heart melted at this heart-mind-soul filled message from a man who passionately loved God.
Keith is no longer with us as he died in a tragic plane crash along with two of his and Melody’s children in the early eighties, but God is still using his legacy to minister to others all over the world... John 12:24-26 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. NKJV
I cannot tell you how powerfully... to the point of tears God has ministered to me this week through the life of one man who lived a life of complete abandonment by a sold-out love for God and sacrificial service to others. Here is Keith’s bio: http://www.lastdaysministries.org/Groups/1000008700/Last_Days_Ministries/Keith_Green/Bio/Bio.aspx I highly recommend this CD/DVD combo to anyone who loves the LORD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?p=1006648&item_no=CD67321 Here is a message from Keith called, "So Ya Wanna Be A Rockstar": http://www.lastdaysministries.org/Group/Group.aspx?id=1000008644 As I walked out of the bookstore that night, I told the woman who was with me and helped me so graciously... "So I guess I did come in through the right door!" Thank you dear Jesus for always giving me what I need just when I need it. Your comfort and powerful presence is and always will be enough. I am deeply inspired Keith for the kind of example you left behind and thankful that you chose this "crazy love" of a Christian life. Keith said that no ones love was crazier than Jesus’, because He loved the world so much that He came to suffer and die on the cross for those that mocked hated Him.
Someday I hope to say to Keith, my brother, well done...just as the LORD has surely said upon his arrival home. Keith, may your work for God's Kingdom always shine for His glory alone, always and forever... Just like you wanted it to be. Amen |
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I just had a conversation recently with a friend over the subject of the importance for us as Christians to continue to speak the truth in love to others, even if at that time, they may not understand, agree, or even appreciate it. I believe it plays a big part in living a life of integrity... and most definitely is obeying God to do so... what a beautiful way to walk in the very footsteps of Christ. In Jesus ministry before His crucifixion, He was known for saying many things that people did not understand. Yet, in time... the truth came to light and His words were understood by His people. It is not for us to know when a man will can or will be changed by the Holy Spirit, but we are all called to bear witness to the truth so that the world may come to know the One who is the author of it. God is reality... and by having a saving relationship with Him... we can be in touch with it. I have heard it said that living apart from Him is insanity. By a saving relationship through Him alone, ultimate truth can be known. It is interesting that the Bible is the written word of God, and Jesus is called "the Word" within it. Check this out: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.... 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1, 6-9, & 14 NKJV Listen to the words of Jesus, "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:37 NKJV 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish — the very works that I do — bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me." John 5:31-37 NKJV If you are suffering any form of persecution for your faith, it is likely that it is because you are speaking words of truth. There is a cosmic battle between the truth and lies and each person's life is captive to one side or the other. Yes, there are only two sides, and no in between... no "neutral" ground. 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." John 8: 42-47 NKJV Yes, the father of lies... the devil and his followers "speak from their own resources" just as we do today when we are out of touch with reality. Reality is found in the very nature and character of God. He always speaks the truth, because HE IS "the truth, the way, and the life." We all suffer from a little "common insanity" now and again... in areas of our lives where the devil has taken us captive. The good new is that there is nothing that Jesus cannot set us free from, if we seek Him in His word. 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14: 6 NKJV And do not be dismayed when you bear witness to the truth claims of God. Listen to the words of the apostle Peter, 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4: 12-16 NKJV The way to know God is to openly confess your sin before God and read the Bible daily. Pray, and ask for God to work in your life, and the lives of others so that what you do is directed by the power of the Holy Spirit... and though you may suffer for speaking the truth and living in accordance to it, do not grow weary in doing so. God will use your faithfulness when the time is right. One day someone may remember what you said, and then give glory to God for your obedience to really love God and your fellow man. The apostle Paul writes, "let your words always be seasoned with salt, speaking with grace." Too, walk in mercy in accordance with the great measure of each with which has been poured out on you through our Lord Jesus Christ. Christian Graces 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Col 4:2-6 NKJV |
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