In the wintry month of December, during the Christmas season each year, a nearby church creatively causes the town of Bethlehem to appear.
Not as Bethlehem is seen today, but, instead, how it might have been–with people of different trades at work; and there’s even the sold-out inn.
Watching a person making pottery or someone doing basket weaving, or kneading dough for some bread makes you feel you are there and not make-believing.
An actual camel with a rider and some shepherds watching over their sheep…add to the atmosphere of old Bethlehem as the night turns dark and deep.
“Angels” in white, with golden sashes, and “wise men” in rich-looking attire, also walk among the visitors, who can warm up at a carefully-tended fire.
Hot cider or chocolate are provided, and Christmas carolers are heard…here and there on the “Bethlehem” grounds, reflecting the joy of God’s Word.
The highlight is the blessed manger scene—or the nativity, as it’s called—featuring Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus, with whom we’re most enthralled.
Little children, as well as adults, walk away with hearts that are fully amazed…at having taken a walk down Bethlehem’s streets—to ponder the Lord’s birth—God, our Father, be praised!
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13-14
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (from the message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-12)
Of course, we pray for those in today’s Bethlehem, Israel, and the people of all nations…to recognize Jesus, their Savior, who really was born there…
Over the weekend, my husband granted my seven-month-long wish to have a cat. Even though he doesn’t like cats, there’s something about me that just needs to love something furry and cute.
It seems like such a small thing, but I prayed for this kitten for months. I prayed that she would be happy and healthy, and that we could give her a good home she felt safe in. I was devoted to my pet before I even knew her.
I wanted a calico, and when I arrived at the pet store, there she was. She slept in her litter box and didn’t approach the cage door when I called. She stared at me, and something in my heart tugged. I loved her, so I brought her home and set her up with her own little space in the laundry room.
My cat wasn’t the happy cat I expected right off the bat. She’s happy, and thankfully doesn’t sleep in her litter box, but she seeks refuge behind the washing machine where we can’t reach her easily. I’ve resorted to climbing on top of the appliances to feed her, dropping one piece of food after another into her hungry jaws. I pet her head and she purrs, and stares at me when I pull my hand away, waiting for more. She’s an absolute sucker for affection, but she won’t come out to get it yet.
After a day and a half of trying to coax her out, I turned to my husband and said, “If only she knew it was okay to come out, she would see it’s warmer out here and she can have all the love she wants.”
God nudged me then. How many times had I resisted him while he patiently waited for me to step into his arms? How long had I left him calling to me while I stayed where I was comfortable and refused to step out into something better for me?
Revelation 3:20 says: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (NLT)
I understand the Father’s love a little better now. Of all the times I’ve hidden with my pain and past hurt, staying where I knew I would be safe, he’s been there with more love in his heart than I realized. And he gently coaxed me out, and still does to this day, to show me that with him there is nothing but warmth, love, and a happy and healthy life. He is always here as a friend and a loving father. He’s already come to me—I just need to step out and greet him.
As I try to get my kitten to understand that there is nothing to fear because I love her, God impresses the same truth on my heart. There is no fear in His love. He says, “For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘don’t be afraid. I am here to help you” (Isaiah 41:13 NLT).
We shouldn’t be comfortable in our fear. God has so many good things for us, and we need only to step out and be vulnerable to a God who loves us more than we can imagine.
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Sarah Limardo’s career includes Multi-media Associate Producer for The 700 Club, a co-host on CBN’s Prayer Warriors Podcast, and a writer. She graduated from Regent University in 2015 with a BA in English and Creative Writing, and completed her MA in Strategic Communication in 2020. Sarah is passionate about storytelling in whatever form it may take. Whether it be devotionals, blog posts, short stories, or the novels growing dusty on her hard drive, she aims to share positive and inspirational messages through her writing.
The Hebrew people had prayed for a deliverer to be their long-promised King. While living under Roman rule, they looked for the answer that God would bring.
Then it came to pass that two little babies were born in the same time span. The lives of each one of them would be major in God’s great redemptive plan.
One would be a prophet named John, the baptizer, and was the son of Zacharias, the priest. The other was Jesus, who would be the focus and celebration of God’s greatest Passover Feast.
John’s mother, Elizabeth, had longed for a child and rejoiced at the birth of her son. And Jesus’ mother, Mary, told the angel who came that God’s will for her should be done.
The angel, Gabriel, had first appeared to Zacharias and told him what to name his son…John, “The Lord is gracious,” a preparer of the way for the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.
When betrothed, Mary’s Joseph had gained assurance from God, by having been visited in a dream too. Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, for a time, before her own baby would become due.
These four parents realized, through faith, the significance of those entrusted to their care. A messenger of God, and Immanuel, “God With Us,” were birthed in answer to prayer.
P. A. Oltrogge
(from Luke 1 and Matthew 1:18-25)
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
God’s words in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him, to the serpent (Satan) about a Redeemer: “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall (fatally) bruise your head, And you shall (only) bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 AMP (the promise/prediction of Jesus’ birth, His redemption for us through the shedding of His blood on the cross, and His victory over Satan)
“…for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” from 1 John 3:8 AMP
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV
Written of Jesus:
“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father, David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:30-38 KJV
Written of John:
“And his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying… ‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’” Luke 1:67 and 76-79 NASB
“Sanctify them through thy truth:thy word is truth.”John 17:17
Truth be told… God’s Word is “gold.”
To it, strongly, we must hold…to see the answers to our prayers unfold.
When doubt tries to make us conform to its mold, the promises in God’s Word are what we should behold.
In it, His account of creation is told; and throughout the Holy Bible, His Son, Jesus, is extolled.
We’re to share His love with others–their hearts to enfold. He wants all to find His love, so our love must be bold.
May we, too, as believers, declare and rest assured…that there’s nothing more trustworthy than God’s Holy Word….
for truth be told… God’s Word is “gold”…
yet it’s greater than and more to be desired than gold!
P. A. Oltrogge
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” Psalm 18:30
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them, there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9-11 NKJV
“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.” Psalm 33:4
“My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:7-8 NLT
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Psalm 107:20
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23 NKJV
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:23-25 NKJV
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:16-19 NKJV
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NKJV
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:12-15
“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” Hebrews 10:23
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:45-36
“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” 1 John 3:23-24
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:14-21 NKJV
…the world needs the truth–the Holy Bible holds the principles of right living and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord…
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Since Jesus said His yoke is easy and that His burden is light, I shouldn’t let things that seem worrisome keep me up in the night.
I need to cast on Jesus all of my worries and cares instead, for He lovingly said that He has numbered the very hairs of my head.
If I’m worrying, I’m saying that God isn’t really big enough, to handle or resolve problems that, to my mind, seem so tough.
Can’t He who created your own brain know better what to do? Consider that and believe that it’s His ability that will see you through.
Why not fully release to God the things that you’ve prayed about? Put all your confidence in Him and leave no room at all for doubt.
When he who tempts with fear is urging you to be distraught, just say, “I’ve cast my cares on Jesus,” by the faith that He has taught.
Then go ahead and rest in His love–know it is done and give Him praise. Remember He leads in green pastures where His sheep may safely graze.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-8
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures….” Psalm 23:1-2
Keep your eyes upon the victory, though the miracle shore seems far. That’s what you need to do when you’re at “where you are.”
Don’t let your eye of faith become for you, instead, an eye of fear. Nearby winds and waves distract–especially when victory is near.
A double-minded person is, himself, like a wave of the sea–driven and tossed by the wind, giving attention to adversity.
So focus on the victory “lighthouse” that’s beaming out for you. Give it greatly your attention, and the Lord will see you through.
That lighthouse, you recognize, is God’s unfailing Word. It’s the light unto your pathway, and on which you’ve believed after having heard.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8 NKJV
“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly, You are the Son of God,’” Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:14-17
Lord, help me to always have a thankful heart, even if things seem to have gone wrong–for it’s only by trusting in Your love, that the faith in my heart will remain strong.
Help me to see what’s been good, and how You have touched my days. Then, in thinking upon such things, my words will be given to praise.
Help me to thank You, in faith, for any specific blessing I might desire. Let thankfulness be my “prayer” always, for it’s that which will lift me higher.
And I should thank You in front of problems. There’s benefit and healing in laughter—believing in Your solutions before they’re seen, not waiting to have joy ’til after.
Keep me from forgetting to count blessings, or of thinking only of my own concerns; for it’s in considering the various needs of others, that any discontent turns.
Remind me to look to Your finished work and Your victory for us through the cross. As the Israelites looked at the serpent on a pole, only then were they kept from loss.
Thank You for giving me the example, of earnestly seeking Your Father’s will, so that I may do the same with my own life, seeking His plan to follow and fulfill.
Yes, even if I’ve gone through something hard or have come to a difficult place, I want to thank You for being there for me, with Your presence, Your love, and Your grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NASB
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 …and “A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB
“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits. The God of our salvation! Selah.” Psalm 68:19
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent (of bronze) and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.’” Numbers 21:8 AMP
“‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.’ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” Mark 16:17-19 KJV
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” Luke 10:18-20
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.
In these times, when we may need supernatural help, we are so thankful to be able to look to the cross and Jesus’ finished work there on our behalf, for our forgiveness, well-being, and eternal life–such wonderful gifts of God. Thank You, Lord!
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:15-16 (and all of Psalm 91)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Many of you are aware that the Bible speaks of believers in Jesus as being “one body–Christ’s body.” Here is a segment on the topic:
“But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; or again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary, and those members of the body, which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unseemly members come to have more abundant seemliness, whereas our seemly members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:20-27
If One is Suffering, We All Suffer…. a prayer
There are some in the body of Christ right now who are suffering very much. We ask, Lord, that You visit them with Your divine and healing touch.
We agree with Your Word that says You give Your mighty angels charge…over any situation–what seems small, and what we know is large.
Since we realize we are all one body in the Lord’s church across the world, we pray for those who are suffering from evil darts that the devil’s hurled.
…this could be from various things, such as the recent flooding in Texas–not sent from God…it could also be from persecution for one’s faith in Christ…
We pray for those who are persecuting them for their faith in Jesus, the Lord–that You will open their eyes to find You’re the God of love and not the sword.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-10
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Comfort in suffering…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:2-4
…thank You, Lord, that many were rescued from that flooding in Texas… We pray Your help and comfort to those families who suffered loss…
The Porch of the Lord 