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Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go and do as you have said; but make me a little cake from it first, and bring it out to me, and afterward make some for you and for your son. For Yahweh, the God of Israel says, 'The jar of meal will not run out, and the jar of oil will not fail, until the day ... -
Yahweh's angel came and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. Yahweh's angel appeared to him, and said to him, "Yahweh is with you, you mighty man of valor!" Judges 6:11-12 ...
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But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 WEB.When I showed up at a church workday event, the job that got assigned to me was scrubbing all the bathrooms: upstairs, downstairs, and down...
The Final Countdown
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Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; Isaiah 46:9 WEB
During a sci-fi night at our house, we watched some heroes frantically trying to disarm a bomb that was quickly counting down to zero. 10, 9, 8, 7, it looked like certain death for our friends, but suddenly the timer stopped at one. Then I thought, Ah, it always stops at one! All of the drama, fear and panic was a waste of energy, though it was exciting.
We often wrestle with things like this in our mind, silently. Even while others are talking to us, we will be mulling over the pending disaster that we just know is coming and is right around the corner. God is the only one that sees your end from the beginning. He knows what is coming and how to prepare you for it.
So many times in my life, I have worried about what was coming. I could see the timer counting down to the deadline and the closer that it got, the more nervous that I became. Every time, God came through, and it never got to zero. If it did, it turned out to be nothing. Once after being out of work for several months, as we were packing to move out of our home, He spoke to me. By the end of the week I had the best job that I ever had and all of our bills were paid for the month. Once again, it never got to zero.
That fear that we carry in the back of our mind, the one that will destroy everything that we know, it is not gonna happen. Though it looks terrifying and there appears no way to avoid it, the timer will stop at one. It will never happen. It will not take place. God will defuse the entire situation. Dont give up yet because He has not given up on you.
Prayer: Father I pray that you bring a peace over my mind today. Touch me with Your presence and let me know that I am not alone. I look to You for protection and provision. Remember me Lord, in Jesus name I pray.
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Valerie King
Amen!
June 17, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Thank you for a Great Message
June 17, 2015
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Vicki Stone
Amen!! :)
June 17, 2015
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Loriann Riley
Thank you for this message today pastor Todd. I hope God continue to use you to encourage people who are having a hard time. Thank you God for bringing peace over my mind today. God bless.
June 17, 2015
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Martin Snyder
Sometimes the timer reaches "0" and everything is destroyed. But that doesn't mean "game over", sometimes it just marks the beginning of the second half.
June 17, 2015
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Julie Schneider
I am having some very scary health issues.....this is perfect timing for me. Thank you!
June 17, 2015
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Christine Thompson
Amen! Thank you Pastor Todd. I am going through this right now. I owe June rent and two months car payment. I am praying and believing God will not let me lose my car or get evicted. I try not to have fear and doubt but I do. It is hard.
June 17, 2015
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Kay Rushin
It sure is a retraining of our thoughts, He does come through everytime, we spend so much time worrying over nothing, sometimes it doesn't work the way you might want....but best in the long run when you take the right perspective. Amen......
June 17, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Thank you dear Pastor for the message!
June 17, 2015
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Angela Williams
Lord that you for that word today and letting me know that you are still and on time God you never lost a patient or a case .Lord order my step. My mine my heart and my conversation. Jesus Name Amen.
June 17, 2015
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Angela Williams
Yes he do.
June 17, 2015
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Angela Williams
I decree and declared that God going to move in a super. Natual way for you and your family He's and on Time God watch him do it Trust him.
June 17, 2015
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Carol Policastro
Thank you for this one today!! You always deliver the right message at the right time.
June 17, 2015
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Mike OBryan
Hum jes wrote too a very hurt Brother what Why I feel good today! I am a pecker on My key board! Because of My life style hard work working out and drums My fingers do not stretch out easily!! I have things to help this although.. His Glory and all comes through Me from when I first open My eyes! I'm a Happy camper and share it all giving the credit due where it belongs All him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 17, 2015
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Tina G
You nailed it, Rev. Dion! I loved this. Thanks for your commitment and being faithful to God and to Refreshing Hope. I don't post every day but I do read your posts 7 days a week. Thank you! #nofear!
June 17, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
Amen...God bless you Pastor.
June 17, 2015
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Reinhard Blefgen
Amen
June 17, 2015
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Lesa M. Merrill
VERY timely message for me today, pastor Todd! Thank you! I feel my timer has all but reached '0'. I wasn't able to sleep at all the first part of the night last night - struggling with fear and anger. So I spent time in prayer....because I know those feelings give satan a foothold. I will live in faith today, knowing God is in control and His plans are not to hurt me. I do need more strength than I feel I have to make it through what I feel I may face today. Please God, help me to live in faith always.
June 17, 2015
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Lisa Archambault
Good morning Pastor today's words really hit home for me I struggle daily with fear and anxiety it is so hard to focus sometimes thank you for sharing these words truly inspired me
June 17, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Oh how I NEEDED these words today, Pastor Rick! Up until now, it's been rather easy (save for that stint back in March, when my dad tried to convince my doctor that I'm nuts) to ready and hear these words and declare, "Sure! I love God, God loves me...Life is good.") BUT---Yesterday morning I found charges on my bank statement that I did NOT make! I now have EIGHT DOLLARS to my name, until my next SS check! But even worse, my parents are suing me! Yes--my own parents are demanding the money back they paid when my house was in foreclosure.And they are demanding ONE LUMP SUM--my mother refused to accept my payment plan! PLEASE PRAY!
June 17, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Amen
June 17, 2015
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Carol Pady
How true Pastor Dion. It never hits zero and sometimes it is reset. At the end of our trial we understand why it unfolded the way that it did was because of God's perfect timing! God always answers our prayers!
June 17, 2015
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Sheri Buckner
AMEN!!! GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!
June 17, 2015
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Christina Ocasio
Thank you for that prayer and devotional, I needed that this morning...Amen!!
June 17, 2015
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Robert Fraser
Thank you Pastor.It hasn't been long ago that I had little to none hope in my life.Today I have more hope than I ever had.Hope is different for everyone. It is really hard to understand at least for me.Can you and the great people on here help and explain in there own words.What it means to them. Thank you all.May peace be with you all.
June 17, 2015
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Lesa M. Merrill
I love your positive, uplifting posts Carol!
June 17, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Hope for me is believing in the most inner part of my soul, God's got this and everything is alright, no matter what it may look like in any given moment!
June 17, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Prayer has been sent. I don't understand how a parent can sue their own children or even how a child can sue their own parent. I have heard of both happening. My children will repay me in my old age if they ever have to care for me and I pray they never have to.
June 17, 2015
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Dion Todd
Hi Robert, Hope definition: noun 1 . a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
In my own words: Hope is knowing that as long as I submit to the Lord's counsel, pray and try my best to follow Him, that no matter what happens, it is going to be OK. God has a plan for us and He wants us to succeed. We have to cooperate with Him, be humble, teachable and correctable. We don't know everything, He does. There are many times when we don't understand, we have to trust Him and keep going on the last word that He gave us until we get a new one.
June 17, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Robert, I agree with Kay's thoughts on hope. Hope is that anchor that we can hold onto, the knowledge that we are part of God's plan, that we are each precious and important in His eyes, not just a number that He will overlook.
June 17, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
It's really amazing what and who the enemy will use to try to attack and shake us. I pray that the Lord strengthens you, provides for you and removes the shackles from your parents that are causing to be used in this way, in the name of Jesus!
June 17, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Lesa, I join with you in prayer for strength and clarity, in the name of Jesus!
June 17, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
We are always glad to hear from you, Tina, be blessed :)!
June 17, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Mike!
June 17, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Hope to me is knowing in my heart that God will always provide for me and my family. When I look back on my life he always has, even though sometimes I did not see it, now I do.
June 17, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Prayer has been sent. I am going to be 70 in August and have gone thru struggles in my lifetime. I have seen that as long as I never give up and never lose faith in God he always comes thru, maybe not in my time but his time and his time is always the perfect time.
June 17, 2015
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Michele Smart
Pastor Dion how do you have this perfect timing? LOL. I have spent the last two days stressing about whether to buy a house that I've been waiting for over 3 months now to get and I almost talked myself out of it over all the things that "might" happen. I've prayed about it and your words must be straight from God's lips. I have to put my trust in Him that even if something could happen I can get through it and do what's best for my family. Thank you!
June 17, 2015
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Christopher Shannon
I needed this reminder today, Pastor Dion. Thank you so much. I know I am in this situation for the purpose of learning and trusting in God's timing and provision. Have a blessed day, you and Sylvia!!! Chris
June 17, 2015
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Liesel aka Lisa Wardle
Oh, how I needed to hear this today!!! We are living in a society now where good is looked at as bad and against the norm, and evil becomes a way of life ... It is obvious that we aren't part of this world, but it is wearing me down too often ... May prayer for today is asking my heavenly Father, the Lord God Almighty, to help me let go of all my worries and fears, to increase my trust in His provision and protection not just for myself, but all my loved ones far and near,! I ask all of this in and to give me that peace that passes all understanding! Asking all of this in JESUS' holy name, Amen!
June 17, 2015
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Liesel aka Lisa Wardle
Robert, when I got saved many many years ago, my hoping that things would turn around, became a living hope knowing for certain that a better day was coming, when I'd see my Lord and Savior face to face and all tears would be wiped away. Yes, we will have our daily struggles and up's & down's, but ultimately our hope will be fulfilled! I thank the Lord for my brothers & sisters in Christ to help me along the way!
June 17, 2015
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Cheryl Wilson
I have Muscular Dystrophy and is wheelchair bound. Hope is what I cling to every single day to face each day with a smile knowing that my condition is only temporary and God is my anchor and source of strength.
June 17, 2015
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Lilla Ozorakova
Thank you for this beautiful message! I needed these words and encouragement today! God please help my family!
June 17, 2015
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Deng Tembreza
I was born with a poor family. Nut inspite of that we were able to finish college because my parents are hardworking ones. We never miss a beat
June 17, 2015
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Deng Tembreza
We never miss a meal cuz GOD'S provisions are sufficient for us
So I live my life one day at a time for GOD will take care of tomorrow. HIS GRACES AND BLESSINGS
AND PROVISIONS for me has never com down to "0". Thank you LORD GOD IN JESUS CHRIST name. Amen
June 17, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Soo true...ditto...ditto....ditto
June 17, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Blessings Cheryl. Can't imagine your day to day needs. I am grateful you know the Lord
June 17, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
I know for me, remembering what God has done in the past helps me to trust Him more. You can't have fear and peace at the same time. 1 Peter 5{6-7, Be humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God. That He may exalt you at His proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him for He cares for you.
June 17, 2015
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Patricia Walker
I pray this prayer, for I need the job that is mentioned here. I have had so many interviews, and so far that right ONE has not come.... but I know that GOD has this!! His plan for me is far greater than the worry that I try so hard not to do. He came through for me with my refrigerator problem - even though I had to charge the new one (I didn't want to) but that was my only option. The new one (smaller, but that's o.k.) was delivered today!!! So tomorrow, another interview - And I know that if God wants me to get this job, I will... the clock won't run out on me ~ and neither has My God!!! And Thank You all who have prayed for me ~ it means so much to me ~ you have no idea how grateful I am. God Bless you all.
June 17, 2015
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Patricia Walker
May God Bless you to be able to come out of that chair & stand before the Lord with praise. Be Strong Cheryl ~ I will continue to pray for you. Amen.
June 17, 2015
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Deleted Member
Thank you for this message, this has been something I have faced lately, the what ifs, whats gonna happen, what dreadful thing is coming my way, all these things have went through my mind, but not one has touched me, it never got down to zero. Thank you again for this heart touching word.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Praise God for what He is going to do for you, to help you find that perfect job and bless you beyond measure, God bless you:):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, I have to keep reminding myself of these scriptures, because not one time has Jesus ever let me down. He was always right on time.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Isn't wonderful to know that Jesus never lets it get down to zero. Praise God:)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, God is good.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, send blessings and whatever needs that Lilla and her family have need of. We thank You, Jesus in advance for Your provisions.:)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Lisa, I come in agreement with you about all your worries and fears and anxieties all the things this world tries to bring us down with, that Jesus will give us strength, peace, calmness, joy and we will no longer live in fear, because fear is from satan and in Jesus Name I claim deliverance and peace for you and your family, that are near and far. Amen and Amen. Jesus loves you:):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, may we all realize that we just need to put our total trust and faith in Jesus and He will provide and guide us in His perfect plan. Thank You Jesus for loving us so:)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, always remember where God guides you to, He will provide. He loves you so much and cares about the things you want or need, God bless you:):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
To me hope is kind of like the wind you can't see it, but you can feel it and you see the leaves on the trees blowing, but you never can see the actual wind, so hope is like knowing and believing that what you pray and dream will come to you as you trust and put your faith in Jesus, we can't see Him, but we know He's there and He is our Hope. Hope is faith unseen and sometimes not felt, just believe:)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, He always takes care of His children. He loves us so.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Beautifully said. God bless you:)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Isn't is awesome that Jesus always knows what we need:):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, He has us in the Palm of His Hands.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Thank you for sharing these beautiful words. You are a blessing Carol.:):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, me too.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Thank You Jesus for loving us so:)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
In The Name of Jesus, I pray for deliverance over these storms that Kathy is facing, I pray for deliverance and that You will provide her financial needs and that You will just let her family forgive the debt and she want have to worry about such things anymore. Jesus I claim deliverance for Kathy over all things in Jesus Name. Amen.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, we should all have this loving and caring spirit. Thats what would really make Jesus pleased.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Always remember when these fears and anxieties come upon you, that it comes from satan, Jesus never gives us a spirit of fear, but of peace and a sound mind. I pray in Jesus Name that all fear and anxiety will be gone, never to return, I claim this in Jesus Name. Amen. Jesus loves you and He is always with you.;):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Lesa, I pray right now over you that Jesus will take away the fear and anger and give you peace and joy. I pray you can rest at night and peace throughout the day, knowing that whatever storms we might have Jesus will never, ever fail us. Jesus loves you so much:):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, He is surely always on time.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, I come in agreement with Sylvia in Jesus Name..
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, God is so good.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen and Praise The Lord this was truly a blessed message.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Jesus takes our fears away, all we have to do is trust and have faith and know He will always be on time.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Praise God is so good. Many blessings to you
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, I feel the same way, the messages are always right on time for me everyday.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Precious words, thank you for sharing. He surely orders our footsteps by us putting our faith and trust in Him.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, a beautiful and heart touching message.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, He works it out just for us in the perfect way and perfect timing.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Jesus, please take all fear away from Christine and supply her needs in such a miraculous way that she will know that it only could have come from You Jesus. We thank you in advance and Praise You for what You are going to do for Christine.:):):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I pray healing over your body and peace over your soul and mind. May Jesus give you a calmness and let you know that He is right there with you. He doesn't want you to fear, even when it seems really hard, but put all the trust you can in Jesus and watch what He will do for you. I pray comfort and healing and joy and peace in Jesus Name. Amen.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
In Jesus Name I pray healing for your body from the inside out and from your head to your toes, in Jesus Name. Amen
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
What an awesome way to look at it, when we feel we have hit the end, it really is just the beginning of something new and better. Thank you for sharing.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, there is no greater peace than the peace that comes from Jesus.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, God is so good and He loves us so much, He is always on timel
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen:):)
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen and Praise The Lord. He is there always right in His perfect timing for our lives. Thank you Jesus for loving us.
June 17, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Yvette Cantrell
Today and Everyday... You said that You would Keep me in Perfect Peace, because my mind Is stayed on YOU!!! HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH
I CAN REST ASSURED THAT YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME... GLORY. YOU ALONE ARE MY ROCK AND MY REFUGE JOY JOY SWEET JOY
June 17, 2015
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J D Williams
WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD ONE WHO PROTECTS AND PROVIDES FOR EACH OF US NOW YOU TELL ME WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE.....
June 18, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thank you! I really needed this. I felt tension leave my body that I hadn't even realized was there. The Holy Spirit Knew though.
June 18, 2015
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Julie Schneider
You are an angel, Tamara Lowrimore! Thank you for the wonderful prayer!
June 18, 2015
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Theresa Smith
Hallelujah.Thank God for being an on time God. Makes no difference what the problem i can go to God in Prayer. When I need Him, I can call Him, our father up in heaven, I can go to God in Prayer.
June 18, 2015
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Dwight Robinson
Seems like I'm counting something down every day lately. I know better. Thanks for the refresh of my faith.
June 18, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
We all have times when we are down, Dwight, it's ok :). That why God puts others in our lives to help!
June 18, 2015
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Conchita Bowman
Thank you want an awesome message! May God continue blessing you all with your ministry.
June 18, 2015
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Patricia Walker
Thank You Tamara ~ And may God's grace be with you!!
June 19, 2015
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Cheryl Wilson
Thanks for your encouraging words and prayers Patricia, God bless you!!
June 19, 2015
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Robert Fraser
Thank you Tamara .Sorry for taking so long for getting back to thanking you
July 21, 2015