• “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.” — 2 Peter 3:9–10 (CSB)

    God’s apparent delay is not forgetfulness or weakness—it is an expression of His patience and mercy, giving people opportunity to repent and turn to Him. Yet His patience should never be mistaken for the absence of coming judgment; Peter warns that the day of the Lord will arrive unexpectedly. These verses hold grace and judgment together: God patiently offers salvation today, but we are not promised tomorrow. They remind us to live ready, share the gospel faithfully, and never take God’s mercy for granted.
    “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.” — 2 Peter 3:9–10 (CSB) God’s apparent delay is not forgetfulness or weakness—it is an expression of His patience and mercy, giving people opportunity to repent and turn to Him. Yet His patience should never be mistaken for the absence of coming judgment; Peter warns that the day of the Lord will arrive unexpectedly. These verses hold grace and judgment together: God patiently offers salvation today, but we are not promised tomorrow. They remind us to live ready, share the gospel faithfully, and never take God’s mercy for granted.
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  • What Does It Mean To Be Saved?

    To be saved means to be rescued by God from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, and brought into a right relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ alone.

    The Problem: Why You Need to Be Saved

    All humans are born under the curse of Adam's sin. Because God is holy and just, sin separates you from Him and places you under His righteous judgment (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). You cannot save yourself by being good enough, religious enough, or sincere enough. Your best works are like filthy rags before a perfectly holy God (Isaiah 64:6).

    What Salvation Is

    Salvation is God's act of rescuing sinners through the finished work of Jesus Christ. It involves several realities that happen together:

    Regeneration (New Birth): The Holy Spirit gives you new spiritual life. You are born again. Apart from this, you are dead in your trespasses and unable to seek God on your own (Ephesians 2:1-5, John 3:3-8).

    Faith and Repentance: You respond to the gospel by turning from sin (repentance) and trusting in Christ alone (faith). These are two sides of the same movement—turning from sin and to the Savior (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10).

    Justification: God declares you righteous, not because of anything in you, but because Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to your account and His punishment for your sin is credited to Christ. You stand before God as if you had never sinned, clothed in Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:24-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

    Adoption: You are brought into God's family as a beloved child. You are no longer an enemy but an heir (Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:15-17).

    Sanctification: The Holy Spirit begins the lifelong work of making you actually holy in your daily life, conforming you to the image of Christ (Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:29).

    Glorification: At Christ's return, you will receive a resurrected body, free from all sin, suffering, and death. This is the final completion of salvation (Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54).

    How You Are Saved

    By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone. There is no other name under heaven by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation is entirely God's work from start to finish. You contribute nothing to your rescue except the sin that made it necessary.

    What Salvation Looks Like in a Person's Life

    A truly saved person will bear fruit. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean a changed life—a growing hatred of sin, a growing love for God and His people, and a persistent faith that endures to the end (James 2:17, 1 John 2:3-6, Matthew 7:16-20). If there is no change at all, there is reason to question whether salvation has actually taken place.

    The Bottom Line

    To be saved is to be brought from death to life, from condemnation to justification, from slavery to sin to adoption as a child of God, and from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. It is entirely a work of God's grace, received by faith, and it results in a life that increasingly reflects the supremacy of Christ.

    If you are asking this for yourself: repent of your sin, trust in Christ's death and resurrection alone, and you will be saved.
    What Does It Mean To Be Saved? To be saved means to be rescued by God from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, and brought into a right relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ alone. The Problem: Why You Need to Be Saved All humans are born under the curse of Adam's sin. Because God is holy and just, sin separates you from Him and places you under His righteous judgment (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). You cannot save yourself by being good enough, religious enough, or sincere enough. Your best works are like filthy rags before a perfectly holy God (Isaiah 64:6). What Salvation Is Salvation is God's act of rescuing sinners through the finished work of Jesus Christ. It involves several realities that happen together: Regeneration (New Birth): The Holy Spirit gives you new spiritual life. You are born again. Apart from this, you are dead in your trespasses and unable to seek God on your own (Ephesians 2:1-5, John 3:3-8). Faith and Repentance: You respond to the gospel by turning from sin (repentance) and trusting in Christ alone (faith). These are two sides of the same movement—turning from sin and to the Savior (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10). Justification: God declares you righteous, not because of anything in you, but because Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to your account and His punishment for your sin is credited to Christ. You stand before God as if you had never sinned, clothed in Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:24-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Adoption: You are brought into God's family as a beloved child. You are no longer an enemy but an heir (Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:15-17). Sanctification: The Holy Spirit begins the lifelong work of making you actually holy in your daily life, conforming you to the image of Christ (Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:29). Glorification: At Christ's return, you will receive a resurrected body, free from all sin, suffering, and death. This is the final completion of salvation (Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54). How You Are Saved By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone. There is no other name under heaven by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation is entirely God's work from start to finish. You contribute nothing to your rescue except the sin that made it necessary. What Salvation Looks Like in a Person's Life A truly saved person will bear fruit. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean a changed life—a growing hatred of sin, a growing love for God and His people, and a persistent faith that endures to the end (James 2:17, 1 John 2:3-6, Matthew 7:16-20). If there is no change at all, there is reason to question whether salvation has actually taken place. The Bottom Line To be saved is to be brought from death to life, from condemnation to justification, from slavery to sin to adoption as a child of God, and from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. It is entirely a work of God's grace, received by faith, and it results in a life that increasingly reflects the supremacy of Christ. If you are asking this for yourself: repent of your sin, trust in Christ's death and resurrection alone, and you will be saved.
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  • Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

    As another week draws to a close, it is time to loosen our grip upon the pressures and concerns of this world and turn our hearts toward the worship of the only true and living God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    Throughout this week we have carried responsibilities, faced difficulties, heard troubling news, and perhaps experienced circumstances we did not expect. Some burdens may remain unresolved even today.

    But our sovereign God has not changed.

    He was faithful on Monday.
    He sustained us through Wednesday.
    And He remains faithful today.

    As we approach the Lord’s Day, let us bring every burden before Him. We do not need to carry the weight of the world into worship as though everything depends upon us. Our Heavenly Father already knows every need, every fear, every unanswered prayer, and every struggle.

    “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

    What a privilege awaits us on the Lord’s Day—to gather with the people of God, open His precious Word, hear the Gospel proclaimed, lift our voices in praise, pray together, and worship the One who redeemed us through Jesus Christ.

    Let us prepare our hearts now.

    Let us turn down the noise of the world and turn our attention toward Christ. Let us spend time in prayer and Scripture. Let us examine our hearts, confess our sins, forgive others, and come before our merciful God with humility and thanksgiving.

    And when we gather for worship, let us not merely attend another service out of habit or tradition. Let us come hungry for God’s Word and ready to give Him the worship He alone deserves.

    “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” — Psalm 95:6

    The problems of this world will still be waiting when the weekend is over. But we will face them differently when our hearts have been refreshed in the presence of God and our eyes have been fixed once again upon Jesus Christ.

    So let us finish this week with gratitude and prepare ourselves for the Lord’s Day with joyful expectation.

    Our God lives.
    Our Savior reigns.
    His Word remains true.
    His mercy endureth forever.

    May all glory, honor, and praise be given to Him alone.

    Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

    Soli Deo Gloria.
    Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As another week draws to a close, it is time to loosen our grip upon the pressures and concerns of this world and turn our hearts toward the worship of the only true and living God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Throughout this week we have carried responsibilities, faced difficulties, heard troubling news, and perhaps experienced circumstances we did not expect. Some burdens may remain unresolved even today. But our sovereign God has not changed. He was faithful on Monday. He sustained us through Wednesday. And He remains faithful today. As we approach the Lord’s Day, let us bring every burden before Him. We do not need to carry the weight of the world into worship as though everything depends upon us. Our Heavenly Father already knows every need, every fear, every unanswered prayer, and every struggle. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 What a privilege awaits us on the Lord’s Day—to gather with the people of God, open His precious Word, hear the Gospel proclaimed, lift our voices in praise, pray together, and worship the One who redeemed us through Jesus Christ. Let us prepare our hearts now. Let us turn down the noise of the world and turn our attention toward Christ. Let us spend time in prayer and Scripture. Let us examine our hearts, confess our sins, forgive others, and come before our merciful God with humility and thanksgiving. And when we gather for worship, let us not merely attend another service out of habit or tradition. Let us come hungry for God’s Word and ready to give Him the worship He alone deserves. “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” — Psalm 95:6 The problems of this world will still be waiting when the weekend is over. But we will face them differently when our hearts have been refreshed in the presence of God and our eyes have been fixed once again upon Jesus Christ. So let us finish this week with gratitude and prepare ourselves for the Lord’s Day with joyful expectation. Our God lives. Our Savior reigns. His Word remains true. His mercy endureth forever. May all glory, honor, and praise be given to Him alone. Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone. Soli Deo Gloria.
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  • “He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.”
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    “Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.”
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Summary

    These verses teach us that a life devoted to righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God brings lasting blessings. Proverbs 21:21 reminds us that when we actively pursue what is right and show mercy to others, we discover true life, righteousness, and honor. God values not only what we believe, but how we live and how we treat those around us.

    Psalm 112:3 shows that the blessings of a righteous life can extend into our homes and endure beyond temporary circumstances. While God’s blessings may include material provision, the greater treasure is a lasting spiritual legacy of faith, integrity, and righteousness.

    Together, these verses encourage us to seek God’s ways above worldly success.
    “He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Summary These verses teach us that a life devoted to righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God brings lasting blessings. Proverbs 21:21 reminds us that when we actively pursue what is right and show mercy to others, we discover true life, righteousness, and honor. God values not only what we believe, but how we live and how we treat those around us. Psalm 112:3 shows that the blessings of a righteous life can extend into our homes and endure beyond temporary circumstances. While God’s blessings may include material provision, the greater treasure is a lasting spiritual legacy of faith, integrity, and righteousness. Together, these verses encourage us to seek God’s ways above worldly success.
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  • The famous dinosaur track site at Cal Orck’o in Bolivia is one of the most spectacular locations of its kind in the world. This massive wall stretches for nearly a mile and stands over 328 feet high, with a steep 72-degree incline. The site features more than 5,000 individual footprints and 462 trackways, made by at least eight different species that, according to the conventional dating, roamed the area around 68 million years ago. Among these tracks is one that extends for more than 984 feet. Paleontologists have noticed that the majority of the tracks were made by dinosaurs running. The fossilized tracks, with deeply imprinted toes rather than heels, indicate that the dinosaurs were moving quickly. These fossilized dinosaur footprints were originally discovered in 1985 during local limestone mining, and the tracks were found beneath seven deep layers of rock. Landslides in Bolivia in 2015 exposed another 5,000 dinosaur tracks. Today, these trackways are preserved across a massive rock face, with some extending hundreds of feet across the steeply tilted surface.

    Secularists claim these footprints were made by dinosaurs stepping across soft, moist ground that preserved the impressions, followed by a drought that solidified them. This pattern of wet conditions followed by drought supposedly repeated seven times to explain the seven layers of rock. Then, over millions of years, tectonic movement supposedly caused the land to move, eventually forming the enormous cliff we see today. I would normally just swallow that pill and accept this explanation—EXCEPT there were also marine fossils discovered here. That raises an important question: why are marine fossils found in the same geological setting as these dinosaur tracks? A better explanation is that these tracks were caused by a worldwide Flood. Ninety-six percent of these dinosaur tracks, representing eight different species of dinosaurs, both herbivores and carnivores, are moving in the same direction, and many appear to have been moving very quickly. What were they trying to get away from? If these dinosaurs were simply walking through this area under ordinary conditions, why were so many different species moving in the same general direction at the same time? A better explanation is that they were fleeing from rapidly rising floodwaters.

    For forty days and forty nights, it rained, while the fountains of the great deep burst forth. A destructive and powerful Flood carried enormous amounts of water and sediment over the land until the entire earth was under water. Dinosaurs seeing the rising floodwaters would have immediately begun moving toward higher ground. Different dinosaurs fleeing across this specific area left their tracks in the soft ground. The powerful floodwaters, carrying massive amounts of sediment, would have rapidly covered and buried those tracks, preserving the delicate footprints before erosion or other environmental processes could destroy them. As the Flood continued, more and more sediment was deposited, producing the layers of rock containing the tracks. This was not a gentle flood that slowly covered the earth; it was a powerful, destructive Flood that killed all living creatures outside the Ark.

    After the Floodwaters eventually receded, the enormous volume of rapidly moving water continued to reshape the landscape, forming and carving massive geological features. Science has proven and observed that powerful moving water can erode rock, transport enormous quantities of sediment, carve canyons, and dramatically reshape the landscape. If ordinary floods can produce dramatic geological changes, imagine the destructive power of a worldwide Flood involving vast quantities of water moving across the continents. Science has also demonstrated that huge amounts of water exist deep inside the earth, including water stored within the planet’s interior. This fits with the biblical description of the fountains of the great deep bursting forth. The rapidly moving Flood waters explain the enormous cliff at Cal Orck’o and the surrounding geological formations. And the marine fossils found in these deposits provide another important piece of evidence: marine organisms were buried and fossilized in the sediment alongside the dinosaur tracks. The presence of marine fossils alongside these dinosaur tracks is exactly the kind of evidence we would expect from a catastrophic worldwide Flood carrying enormous amounts of water and sediment across the earth.

    When we put all of these pieces of evidence together—the thousands of dinosaur footprints, the rapid movement and overwhelming directional movement of the tracks, multiple dinosaur species including both herbivores and carnivores, the soft sediment in which the tracks were made, their rapid burial beneath additional layers, the enormous geological formation now standing at a 72-degree incline, the tremendous quantities of water stored within the earth, the proven geological power of rapidly moving water, and the marine fossils found within the same geological setting—we have powerful evidence for the biblical account of Noah’s Flood. The Flood was not a myth or a local event. It was a catastrophic worldwide judgment that covered the earth, destroyed all living creatures outside the Ark, buried enormous numbers of animals in sediment, and dramatically reshaped the world we live in today. The evidence is still there. It is written into the rocks.
    The famous dinosaur track site at Cal Orck’o in Bolivia is one of the most spectacular locations of its kind in the world. This massive wall stretches for nearly a mile and stands over 328 feet high, with a steep 72-degree incline. The site features more than 5,000 individual footprints and 462 trackways, made by at least eight different species that, according to the conventional dating, roamed the area around 68 million years ago. Among these tracks is one that extends for more than 984 feet. Paleontologists have noticed that the majority of the tracks were made by dinosaurs running. The fossilized tracks, with deeply imprinted toes rather than heels, indicate that the dinosaurs were moving quickly. These fossilized dinosaur footprints were originally discovered in 1985 during local limestone mining, and the tracks were found beneath seven deep layers of rock. Landslides in Bolivia in 2015 exposed another 5,000 dinosaur tracks. Today, these trackways are preserved across a massive rock face, with some extending hundreds of feet across the steeply tilted surface. Secularists claim these footprints were made by dinosaurs stepping across soft, moist ground that preserved the impressions, followed by a drought that solidified them. This pattern of wet conditions followed by drought supposedly repeated seven times to explain the seven layers of rock. Then, over millions of years, tectonic movement supposedly caused the land to move, eventually forming the enormous cliff we see today. I would normally just swallow that pill and accept this explanation—EXCEPT there were also marine fossils discovered here. That raises an important question: why are marine fossils found in the same geological setting as these dinosaur tracks? A better explanation is that these tracks were caused by a worldwide Flood. Ninety-six percent of these dinosaur tracks, representing eight different species of dinosaurs, both herbivores and carnivores, are moving in the same direction, and many appear to have been moving very quickly. What were they trying to get away from? If these dinosaurs were simply walking through this area under ordinary conditions, why were so many different species moving in the same general direction at the same time? A better explanation is that they were fleeing from rapidly rising floodwaters. For forty days and forty nights, it rained, while the fountains of the great deep burst forth. A destructive and powerful Flood carried enormous amounts of water and sediment over the land until the entire earth was under water. Dinosaurs seeing the rising floodwaters would have immediately begun moving toward higher ground. Different dinosaurs fleeing across this specific area left their tracks in the soft ground. The powerful floodwaters, carrying massive amounts of sediment, would have rapidly covered and buried those tracks, preserving the delicate footprints before erosion or other environmental processes could destroy them. As the Flood continued, more and more sediment was deposited, producing the layers of rock containing the tracks. This was not a gentle flood that slowly covered the earth; it was a powerful, destructive Flood that killed all living creatures outside the Ark. After the Floodwaters eventually receded, the enormous volume of rapidly moving water continued to reshape the landscape, forming and carving massive geological features. Science has proven and observed that powerful moving water can erode rock, transport enormous quantities of sediment, carve canyons, and dramatically reshape the landscape. If ordinary floods can produce dramatic geological changes, imagine the destructive power of a worldwide Flood involving vast quantities of water moving across the continents. Science has also demonstrated that huge amounts of water exist deep inside the earth, including water stored within the planet’s interior. This fits with the biblical description of the fountains of the great deep bursting forth. The rapidly moving Flood waters explain the enormous cliff at Cal Orck’o and the surrounding geological formations. And the marine fossils found in these deposits provide another important piece of evidence: marine organisms were buried and fossilized in the sediment alongside the dinosaur tracks. The presence of marine fossils alongside these dinosaur tracks is exactly the kind of evidence we would expect from a catastrophic worldwide Flood carrying enormous amounts of water and sediment across the earth. When we put all of these pieces of evidence together—the thousands of dinosaur footprints, the rapid movement and overwhelming directional movement of the tracks, multiple dinosaur species including both herbivores and carnivores, the soft sediment in which the tracks were made, their rapid burial beneath additional layers, the enormous geological formation now standing at a 72-degree incline, the tremendous quantities of water stored within the earth, the proven geological power of rapidly moving water, and the marine fossils found within the same geological setting—we have powerful evidence for the biblical account of Noah’s Flood. The Flood was not a myth or a local event. It was a catastrophic worldwide judgment that covered the earth, destroyed all living creatures outside the Ark, buried enormous numbers of animals in sediment, and dramatically reshaped the world we live in today. The evidence is still there. It is written into the rocks.
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  • A brotherhood that tested every piece of my soul in combat never prepared me for the pain of having my family stuck in limbo.

    My name is Jesse Preston. I spent 14 years on Active Duty in the U.S. Army, Airborne and Air Assault qualified. I served three combat tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2010, and a tour in South Korea in 2007. I bled, sacrificed, and gave over a decade of my life in service to the United States because I believed in honor, loyalty, and standing up for what is right.

    Now, I am fighting the hardest battle of my life—and it isn’t on a battlefield. It’s for my own family.

    Since November 2023, I have been living abroad because I refuse to abandon my wife, Miheret Beksissa, and our baby daughter, Jessica. Imagine if I had listened to the system and waited back home in America alone, staring at an empty nursery, thousands of miles away from my infant child and the woman God gave me to protect. A combat veteran doesn’t leave his family behind.

    We did everything right. We followed every single law. We poured our hard-earned money—over $4,000 just to begin the I-130 and DS-260 with our lawyer, paid every required government fee, and paid another $1,500 for our daughter’s CRBA and U.S. passport. Jessica is a U.S. citizen. Miheret was approved for her immigrant visa through our marriage.

    Our journey started in January 2024, and we were so close to coming home. But because immigrant visas for Ethiopians were paused under the current administration policy, our life is on hold. The process is dragging out indefinitely, leaving us stranded in uncertainty.

    We are devout, faithful Christians who just want to raise our daughter in the country I wore the uniform to defend. Every day, I look at my daughter and my wife, and my heart breaks knowing that the very system I served is keeping us from starting our life together on American soil.

    Please, brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray that the doors are opened, that red tape is cut, and that our family can finally go home to America together. If this touches your heart, please share our story.

    Pray for us!
    A brotherhood that tested every piece of my soul in combat never prepared me for the pain of having my family stuck in limbo. My name is Jesse Preston. I spent 14 years on Active Duty in the U.S. Army, Airborne and Air Assault qualified. I served three combat tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2010, and a tour in South Korea in 2007. I bled, sacrificed, and gave over a decade of my life in service to the United States because I believed in honor, loyalty, and standing up for what is right. Now, I am fighting the hardest battle of my life—and it isn’t on a battlefield. It’s for my own family. Since November 2023, I have been living abroad because I refuse to abandon my wife, Miheret Beksissa, and our baby daughter, Jessica. Imagine if I had listened to the system and waited back home in America alone, staring at an empty nursery, thousands of miles away from my infant child and the woman God gave me to protect. A combat veteran doesn’t leave his family behind. We did everything right. We followed every single law. We poured our hard-earned money—over $4,000 just to begin the I-130 and DS-260 with our lawyer, paid every required government fee, and paid another $1,500 for our daughter’s CRBA and U.S. passport. Jessica is a U.S. citizen. Miheret was approved for her immigrant visa through our marriage. Our journey started in January 2024, and we were so close to coming home. But because immigrant visas for Ethiopians were paused under the current administration policy, our life is on hold. The process is dragging out indefinitely, leaving us stranded in uncertainty. We are devout, faithful Christians who just want to raise our daughter in the country I wore the uniform to defend. Every day, I look at my daughter and my wife, and my heart breaks knowing that the very system I served is keeping us from starting our life together on American soil. Please, brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray that the doors are opened, that red tape is cut, and that our family can finally go home to America together. If this touches your heart, please share our story. Pray for us!
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  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    I told you about our trying out a new translation ap so that my friend and I can communicate without someone to translate for us. She is my husband’s age and then there is my catawampus brain. I told you about how we laughed so hard and loud that I got into trouble … haha. Let me give you another giggle from that wonderful ap.

    Yesterday while I was cooking dinner, my oldest little came and asked for help with her new baby doll that needed batteries. I told her to go see Opa because he had the screwdrivers. She did. Then she came back to ask for batteries. I looked all over my house and found batteries in every size but the one I needed. As I was trying to explain that we would go to the store after dinner, my German disappeared. So I asked, “Kanst du liesen?” which in my version of German is “Can you read?” She said yes. I was like Yes, I can use the app. I typed that we would go to the Dollar Store after dinner and turned the phone for her to read. I asked if she understood. She shook her head. I looked at the phone and the words looked wrong. (All languages have a vibe and this was not right.) The app had reset itself to Spanish. So, no, my German little could not read the Spanish translation. We giggled. I fixed it. She understood.

    Later, my daughter-in-law had a great conversation, in English, about how we each have the same fear. When we attempt the other’s language, we are afraid of saying the wrong word. This brought up some memories of when I tried to ask her in front of her house if s he remembered the keys … however, the word for keys is similar to shoes and castles. So I actually asked if she had her shoes, castles and then keys, trying to make my brain and mouth work together.

    There is a language barrier between us, but it is only a barrier if we allow the enemy to hold it between us. The barrier is only as strong as we allow it to be. Fear is a powerful tool and can keep you from trying new things. Such as … having a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. Last year, when they came, I purchased translating ear buds; they were slow on the translation and sometimes did not translate. This year we are trying the app and if I make sure it is set to German and English, I have even attempted to pronounce what it tells me. The attempt is there. The love is there. The barrier is coming down one word, one attempt, one text at a time. As we endeavor to be able to speak to each other, play goofy nugget games and faces with each other, breaking through the barrier one brick at a time … we take away the enemy’s fortress.

    The enemy would have us all cowering in our little corners, afraid and resistant to step out in faith. But … I was not made to live in fear. I was not made to cower. I was made to step out in the power of Jesus Christ and share his Peace and Love while planting seeds of hope.

    Today I encourage you to seek His face. Lay at His feet the barriers that you are facing, the fear that has you stationary, the battles that seem to be holding you back in your mind. I urge you step out in the faith and power of the Father and watch the fear barriers crumble. I am not completely confident in speaking German, but when it does start coming out … even if it is wrong…I tried. Trying is half the battle.

    Be blessed.

    **For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. I told you about our trying out a new translation ap so that my friend and I can communicate without someone to translate for us. She is my husband’s age and then there is my catawampus brain. I told you about how we laughed so hard and loud that I got into trouble … haha. Let me give you another giggle from that wonderful ap. Yesterday while I was cooking dinner, my oldest little came and asked for help with her new baby doll that needed batteries. I told her to go see Opa because he had the screwdrivers. She did. Then she came back to ask for batteries. I looked all over my house and found batteries in every size but the one I needed. As I was trying to explain that we would go to the store after dinner, my German disappeared. So I asked, “Kanst du liesen?” which in my version of German is “Can you read?” She said yes. I was like Yes, I can use the app. I typed that we would go to the Dollar Store after dinner and turned the phone for her to read. I asked if she understood. She shook her head. I looked at the phone and the words looked wrong. (All languages have a vibe and this was not right.) The app had reset itself to Spanish. So, no, my German little could not read the Spanish translation. We giggled. I fixed it. She understood. Later, my daughter-in-law had a great conversation, in English, about how we each have the same fear. When we attempt the other’s language, we are afraid of saying the wrong word. This brought up some memories of when I tried to ask her in front of her house if s he remembered the keys … however, the word for keys is similar to shoes and castles. So I actually asked if she had her shoes, castles and then keys, trying to make my brain and mouth work together. There is a language barrier between us, but it is only a barrier if we allow the enemy to hold it between us. The barrier is only as strong as we allow it to be. Fear is a powerful tool and can keep you from trying new things. Such as … having a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. Last year, when they came, I purchased translating ear buds; they were slow on the translation and sometimes did not translate. This year we are trying the app and if I make sure it is set to German and English, I have even attempted to pronounce what it tells me. The attempt is there. The love is there. The barrier is coming down one word, one attempt, one text at a time. As we endeavor to be able to speak to each other, play goofy nugget games and faces with each other, breaking through the barrier one brick at a time … we take away the enemy’s fortress. The enemy would have us all cowering in our little corners, afraid and resistant to step out in faith. But … I was not made to live in fear. I was not made to cower. I was made to step out in the power of Jesus Christ and share his Peace and Love while planting seeds of hope. Today I encourage you to seek His face. Lay at His feet the barriers that you are facing, the fear that has you stationary, the battles that seem to be holding you back in your mind. I urge you step out in the faith and power of the Father and watch the fear barriers crumble. I am not completely confident in speaking German, but when it does start coming out … even if it is wrong…I tried. Trying is half the battle. Be blessed. **For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
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  • Let’s connect over faith and fellowship and strengthen bonds, share meals, and grow in God’s love together.

    RSVP now so we can save you a seat and confirm the feast!

    Learn More: bmcministries.net

    #BMCMinistry #FellowshipDinner #Food #TheGospel #Fellowship #Construction #ConnectOverFaith #FaithAndFellowship #GrowInGod #StrongerTogether
    🤝❤️ Let’s connect over faith and fellowship and strengthen bonds, share meals, and grow in God’s love together. 📲 RSVP now so we can save you a seat and confirm the feast! 🌐 Learn More: bmcministries.net #BMCMinistry #FellowshipDinner #Food #TheGospel #Fellowship #Construction #ConnectOverFaith #FaithAndFellowship #GrowInGod #StrongerTogether
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  • Dear Father,

    My big brother taught me something, and today, I came across it in Scripture. When Samson was about to be born, an angel appeared to his mother, saying, “Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.” It gets interesting when, after she narrated this to her husband, Manoah prayed, saying, “O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.” And He came.

    This Scripture speaks to me because I often have dreams at night that later come to pass. However, I have noticed that they are often progressive; they reveal themselves in fragments and scenes, and sometimes, I am only able to make sense of a dream after it has recurred two or three times. I never knew there was more to this, even as it relates to dreams, until I was taught about relationship and interaction with You.

    How aware are we that we can make requests and follow up on something we do not yet fully understand? Perhaps we often run with incomplete information because, when You say, “Go,” You are also interested in telling us “How?” and “When?” And an ongoing conversation with You becomes a pathway to a deeper relationship with You. Is this not also true of our relationships? A break in communication with someone we love may raise cause for concern. Except we do not believe in what we build with You.

    How best can I communicate this? That scenes of dreams are pieced together and in reality they sometimes occur at once. That You reveal secrets to the ones who always come knocking.

    Translations;
    Slide 1: English
    Slide 2: French
    Slide 3: Bengali
    Slide 4: Hindi
    Slide 5: Urdu
    Slide 6: Portuguese

    #LettertoGod
    #relationship
    #interractions
    #dreams
    #vision
    Dear Father, My big brother taught me something, and today, I came across it in Scripture. When Samson was about to be born, an angel appeared to his mother, saying, “Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.” It gets interesting when, after she narrated this to her husband, Manoah prayed, saying, “O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.” And He came. This Scripture speaks to me because I often have dreams at night that later come to pass. However, I have noticed that they are often progressive; they reveal themselves in fragments and scenes, and sometimes, I am only able to make sense of a dream after it has recurred two or three times. I never knew there was more to this, even as it relates to dreams, until I was taught about relationship and interaction with You. How aware are we that we can make requests and follow up on something we do not yet fully understand? Perhaps we often run with incomplete information because, when You say, “Go,” You are also interested in telling us “How?” and “When?” And an ongoing conversation with You becomes a pathway to a deeper relationship with You. Is this not also true of our relationships? A break in communication with someone we love may raise cause for concern. Except we do not believe in what we build with You. How best can I communicate this? That scenes of dreams are pieced together and in reality they sometimes occur at once. That You reveal secrets to the ones who always come knocking. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #relationship #interractions #dreams #vision
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  • DAY 21- Morning

    Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

    Reflection
    Love Is a Daily Choice

    Good morning,
    We have spent this week talking about choosing love.
    Choosing your spouse.
    Choosing trust.
    Choosing appreciation.
    Choosing friendship.
    Choosing romance.
    Choosing forgiveness.
    These are not merely feelings.
    They are decisions.
    There will be days when love feels effortless.
    There will also be days when love requires discipline.
    On those days, remember your covenant.
    Remember God's grace.
    Remember why you began.
    And remember that Christ calls us to love—not only when it is convenient, but as a reflection of His own love for us.

    God's Word
    "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." — Colossians 3:14

    Today's Love Action
    Tell your spouse:
    "I choose you, and I choose to keep growing with you."
    Then pray together for your marriage.

    Let's Talk
    Which choice has made the greatest difference in your marriage this week?

    Prayer
    Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us that love is more than a feeling. Help us choose faithfulness, kindness, friendship, forgiveness and joy every day. May our marriage reflect Your covenant love. Amen.

    From The Counselor's Chair
    The couples who build lasting marriages are not necessarily those who never struggle. They are those who keep returning to the decision to love.

    Marriage Nugget
    "Feelings may begin the journey, but faithful choices help love endure."

    Remember
    In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts
    DAY 21- Morning Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage 🌅 Reflection Love Is a Daily Choice Good morning, We have spent this week talking about choosing love. Choosing your spouse. Choosing trust. Choosing appreciation. Choosing friendship. Choosing romance. Choosing forgiveness. These are not merely feelings. They are decisions. There will be days when love feels effortless. There will also be days when love requires discipline. On those days, remember your covenant. Remember God's grace. Remember why you began. And remember that Christ calls us to love—not only when it is convenient, but as a reflection of His own love for us. 📖 God's Word "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." — Colossians 3:14 ❤️ Today's Love Action Tell your spouse: "I choose you, and I choose to keep growing with you." Then pray together for your marriage. 💬 Let's Talk Which choice has made the greatest difference in your marriage this week? 🙏 Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us that love is more than a feeling. Help us choose faithfulness, kindness, friendship, forgiveness and joy every day. May our marriage reflect Your covenant love. Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair The couples who build lasting marriages are not necessarily those who never struggle. They are those who keep returning to the decision to love. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Feelings may begin the journey, but faithful choices help love endure." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts
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