Simple Devotions

Tag: journaling

  • sweeter than honey

    Daily writing prompt
    What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
    View all responses

    5 years ago, I was all over the map and here’s more of my journaling from that time. This is what helps me to experience a better life.

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    I will trust in the Salvation of the Lord! Psalms 13

    Again I turn the pages of the Bible and there’s another gift of scripture written out on a piece of paper from an earlier time at worship service.

    Mark 13:33 ” Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is ..”

    I’m lead to read 1 Thess 5:5-6 “you are all sons of light and sons fo the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. ”

    My heart cries out what do I say, what do I pray Lord?! I want to say the right thing?! But the Spirit of the Lord says:

    “Be still, and know that I am God.”

    Be still meaning- get in the Word – to get knowledge/ wisdom from God.

    Psalms 51:10 “create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.. “

    Words from book of Daniel and Psalms ~ Your domain is everlasting from generation to generation. All nations before Him are as nothing. You do according to His will in the army of Heaven – whatever You please You do.

    Both in heaven and Earth. (Eph 2)

    And you, He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins. (Col 2) He made me alive together with Him ~ Christ Jesus forgiving me all my trespassing (Col 2:14)Having wiped out the handwriting against my sin!

    Nailed to the cross. No longer held to the standards of this worlds power – not a statistic!

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    I am sure that this is what the scripture means when it says :

    How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth. Psalm 119:103

    I have always had a sweet tooth but I asked that the Lord make it so I crave His Word instead. To get understanding..

    I have another testimony that this journal entry has reminded me to share. I’ll be posting it next “eternal forgiveness” if you are interested in reading a supernatural experience make sure to subscribe.

    To God be the Glory, always!

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • all over the map

    This devotional post today is about a journal entry I wrote five years ago.

    I was prompted to share by a gift of envelopes with the words “Open When you want a devotional prompt..” so when I opened it up and it read:

    “How my spiritual life was 5 years ago compared to now and what changed ? “

    What a great question and as you will soon learn timely also.

    I hoped to be able to look back at my journaling to find something recorded. I went in search of my old journals and found one dated January of 2021. Truthfully I got excited because I wasn’t to sure I was actually writing during this time.

    It gets more interesting, I had only done 14 days of entries that month and the the next entry was in March 21, 2021. So now I’m very curious what was going on then.

    And here’s what I learned, it was the day I started writing and didn’t put it back down again for any stretch of time.

    It was actually the year I picked up the sword “the infallible Word of God.” and started working with it to cut away fears and doubts of my faith. He became my shield because I purposely through prayer and study started to trust Him.

    The Lord walked with me through many paths of uncertainty and here’s what I wrote about that started it all.

    ______________________________________________

    All over the map..

    You wake me with the words “Pray..pray.. “

    I heed Your voice looking to say that which is pleasing and You provided the Word, reminding me that:

    Ish 54:17

    “No weapon formed against you will prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the hertiage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me. says the Lord.” … And their righteousness is from Me.”

    Todays verse of the day happens to be 1 Thess 5:17

    “pray without ceasing”

    I watch my kids drive all over the map(on Life 360)

    I pray for their safety every day. For the Lord God their Father to protect and guard them from harms way. Your Word gives me comfort to know You will and have!

    I pray for protection against the evil and harm the enemy seeks to do – and know that this is only possible if it is Your will Lord – but also there comes a time according to Your Word where Your arms are shorten because we choose to turn away, Numbers 11:23 :( – I seek to change this !!!

    Even now You provide my own hearts cry?!

    I find a note from my daughter stuck inside my bible just for this moment. THANK YOU!

    Psalms 13:5 ” But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.”

    The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Please be near Hunter..

    ________________________________________

    I just shared with you the very intimate moment when I realized I didn’t want to shorten the Fathers arms towards me any longer. Because we have “free will” this happens as a result, not because He doesn’t’ hold out His arms, No, it’s because we limit Him with our free will.

    We struggle and try to do everything ourselves and even at our best this is a pride and sin problem.

    This is why Jesus said dying on the cross “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” because we continually live in sin and don’t even know it.

    He has always provided for my needs, He knows my hearts desires. He will never leave nor forsake me, I may be all over the map but He is not.

    He is the only right direction giver, He is the true North.

    Pray continuously for the Lords leading – give Him first place every day, while you walk, when you sit or lie down – take hold of His hand and let Him lead you all the way.

    You can trust Jesus, He is the Son of God and all power and dominion was given to Him, He is The Alpha and Omega, The Word and The Final Authority over all things. This is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No other like HIM.

    While you learn to abide in Him – your life will never be the same.

    He will reveal to you all truth – you will learn to trust Him.

    He will never leave you nor forsake you – He is able to do more then you could ever ask or imagine.

    He is the only way – to eternal life. No other way but Jesus Christ.

    Friends take action today, give Him your life completely. This is where I was five years ago today, uncertain and scared. Today I have this hope that burns within my heart, hope in the coming of the Lord I am loved by Him and I am assured of His promises. Friends one day soon He will come again and He wants to know you and receive you into His Kingdom. But the choice is yours.

    In Christ love, Amen

    ( The words in the picture) 5 years ago ..I started to journal about God’s Word. I have written many days of pages getting to know who He is and what I needed to do to be in one accord with Him.. today He reveals the reality of this walk with Him and His great LOVE.

  • Joy comes in the morning..

    The question is : How did you receive your name and what does it mean.

    On the day I was born, my father went to call his mom on the hospitals payphone, ” mom it’s a girl!” the conversation was “a girl?! well what are you going to call her, you were going to name a boy after you son..?” he realized immediately that I was going to be called Dawn – because I was born at sunrise. He later told me it was fitting because it was a turning point in his life.

    The name dawn represents the certainty of God’s mercy and faithfulness, often highlighting God’s rescue or the arrival of His light.

    Psalms 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

    The term is frequently associated with the resurrection of Jesus and the dawn of a new, redemptive era. 

    This was how my dad viewed this time in his life. Previous to my birth he was caught up in Vietnam right out of high school after serving in the Navy he came home to numb his mind and live his life how he wanted, he bought a motorcycle, grew out his hair and frequented bars where he eventually would meet my mom. A little while later there’s a picture of my mom wearing a lavender dress holding the hand of my older sister and about 9 months along with me.

    Here’s the thing all of us have a backstory and even if our parents didn’t plan it, God did. 

    Why do I say this?  Because the Word of God says so. He is the life giver. This is why we should never feel like we are not wanted.

    The Lord doesn’t make mistakes. He gives life and He knows each life intimately.  In Psalms 139 it says God knows everything about us even before we were formed. In other parts of the Bible records that those He chose and set apart He ordained for those jobs.

    So looking back at the time it would seem I was an unplanned accident and those in their circle would agree this was the case,  but not God. 

    Regardless of my beginnings my Heavenly Father had plans for me and gave my life purpose. I know my name is a calling.

    Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you”.

    Lamentations 3:22-23: Mentions new mercies every morning even in trying times.

    But here’s another reason I believe this, one morning I was awaken to the words:

    “You are called, you are set apart and you are chosen.” 

    I heard it so clearly that I knew it was the Lord letting me know He had a purpose for my life.  Never have I ever felt so sure of anything.  I begin searching the Word to understand what this would look like and here’s what I found:

    It looks like surrendering your life, to walk with Him.

    It looks like renewal, the leaving the past in the past.

    It looks like being a vessel for the Lord to use whenever and wherever. Like a build board on the highway.

    And it means having purpose and looking forward to the Kingdom of God.

    So here a question for you, what do you think your purpose is?

    If you have not accepted the invitation to learn from Christ the Lord, there’s no better way because His favor is forever and His joy truly does come in the morning.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • presumption

    Daily writing prompt
    What advice would you give to your teenage self?
    View all responses

    We can list many examples of expecting something and it not turning out as we thought it would.

    This is just the same with faith in Christ Jesus.

    We know He is a Savior to all, He is. We hear that God is love and He is. But then like a teenager whose parents have always been there for them, we start to take them for granted that no matter how the teen child treats them they will be there.

    However something changes and the parents can’t be there any longer. Have you seen this happen? It’s a shock to their system, they were not prepared for this turn of events. Their parents may have warned them and they didn’t hear them or just chose not to believe it.

    Friends the Lord of heaven and earth the Creator God has also given us those same warnings.

    In 1 John 2:3-6 we are warned if one does not walk with the Lord but exercises their own standards of living, they are without light.

    John 15:1-8 says we are to be constantly connected to Him, abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life surrendered to Him in service.

    Remember nothing good comes from us, but Christ – so just because we act good and giving does not mean we earn rights to the Kingdom – that’s presumption.

    The channel of communication must be open continually between you and God. Just like that true vine that John writes about, so we are to cling to and draw “sap” from Jesus and in doing so we receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character. Colossians 1:23

    This is how we are reconciled in Christ. This is what pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell and by Him be reconciled.

    So we need to ask ourselves ” do I just assume knowing about Him and believing in Him is enough”?

    Living in faith is good. Being grounded meaning living connected and steadfast is better, as we will not be moved from the hope of the gospel which we have heard. And it is fruitful.

    Friends sit down put away all the distractions of this world, pray and listen to the Word of the Lord.

    He is very much interested in meeting you daily to solve the problems and issues of your heart and yes this is what every teen needs to hear, please encourage them as well.

    To be still, and know the one true God.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • law of love

    Daily writing prompt
    If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
    View all responses

    So in the Word of God, there are these principle rules deeply rooted throughout the Old and New Testament.

    In essence these laws reveal the importance of love, love to God and love to others, which is written as the fulfillment of God’s laws.

    These are known as the commandments found in Exodus 20. And these laws were not nailed to the cross as some have said of Christ fulfilment. The ceremonial laws; sacrificial laws is what ended at the cross of Christ. Those are the ones He fulfilled.

    For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matt 5:18

    Christ{JESUS } the son of God came to fulfill the law and He did. Matt 5:17 He became the ultimate sacrifice for all sins, because He{JESUS } is the perfect lamb of God. John 1:29 But this does not mean we only live by faith now and not have to keep them, no, quite the opposite. Rom 3:31

    Here’s another way to experience these laws, the first four are “how to love God” and the last six are ” how to love your neighbor”.

    And according to the word in Gal 5:13-16 all the law is fulfilled in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Remember the golden rule growing up?

    Treat others the way you want to be treated.

    Can we all agree this is grossly missing today?

    What civil laws can we apply or change to help humanity see the need of this?

    None.

    It’s very clear by all standards, there’s your way, my way and the right way.

    The right way is{JESUS }the truth that gives light.

    This world is filled with a growing darkness, hearts of humanity are becoming stone cold, civil laws have no power over a heartless creation.

    The only thing that is more powerful then this, is the one power that can melt a stone heart and this is God’s laws of love.

    I realize not everyone agrees, however this is the answer to the question about the law(s) I would improve upon and my why.

    If you struggle to accept them, at least take them into account of how humanity could benefit from them.

    But really, it’s all useless, unless we believe in who this love is that comes from God which is the perfect fulfillment of the law, Jesus.

    Follow me as I paraphrase these scriptures to reveal a deeper truth as I have come to understand in studying His Word.

    I Corinthians 13:2 (NKJV)

    And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not {JESUS }, I am nothing.

    I Corinthians 13:3 (NKJV)

    And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not{JESUS }, it profits me nothing.

    I Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)

    And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is {JESUS }.

    I John 4:8 (NKJV)

    He who does not love{JESUS } does not know God, for God is love.

    I John 4:16 (NKJV)

    And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in{JESUS } abides in God, and God in him.

    Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, (His son)Christ{JESUS } died for us.

    Ephesians 3:17 (NKJV)

    that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in{JESUS },

    I Peter 4:8 (NKJV)

    And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “{JESUS }will cover a multitude of sins.”

    Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV)

    Hatred stirs up strife, But {JESUS } covers all sins.

    Friends, God shows no favoritism to any nation, tribe or peoples. He has given creation the choice to serve Him and obey His laws And accept Jesus as the Savior of this dark filled World or not, but lets not ever forget God’s laws are the laws of LOVE= JESUS.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Romans 13

    Do you know what true righteousness is?

    Here’s the simple answer: it is love.

    Romans 13 has a lot to say about the allegiance to God and the Country, loving your neighbor, and putting on Christ.

    If you don’t know what I ‘m referring to go read the scriptures it’s linked. Be prayerful, ask that the Lord show you what you need to see and know at this moment.

    The way a believer of Christ comes to the understanding of what is true and right is by looking at His plans ( the Bible) considering the message of salvation ( the Gospels) accepting His son Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to you (a sinner) repenting of your sins (asking forgiveness) putting to death your old sin filled life to be born again living in the way Jesus calls us (baptism) and then surrender your life daily to serve the Lord Jesus and keep His commandments. (righteousness)

    Not really hard to understand, but more hard to apply when you are holding tightly to the world and it’s ways of folly.

    But here’s the hard facts.

    Considering the times we’re living in, it’s high time to wake up, because our lives might end sooner than we think.

    Because it was important enough for God to send His son Jesus because He wanted a relationship with us, then we need to understand it’s still important today. If you have lost that first love go back to that time when you first believed.

    And if you have never experience it. Do it today.

    Today it is more important then ever before.

    Time is not what it used to be.

    The night of sin is coming to an end.

    The dawn of God’s eternal morning will follow.

    Jesus is coming.

    So throw away everything belonging to the darkness of this world and take up the armor of light. Conduct yourself honestly, as people do in the daytime. Don’t get involved in those things that people like to do in the dark, such as carousing, drunkenness, sensuality of off kinds, sexual immorality, fighting , jealousy.

    Put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and don’t do as others whose constant effort in life is to satisfy the cravings of their sinful human nature.

    If you have any doubt, cast those to the side.

    If you believe and know God is making a call to your life right now accept the invitation, friend you have nothing to lose and eternity to gain.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • make a joyful noise

    Daily writing prompt
    Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
    View all responses

    When I was young I used to want to learn to sing and play the piano.

    But the here’s the catch, I am 50% deaf so the challenging part is staying in “tune” however this guy named Beethoven was also hearing challenged and he did pretty good.

    I remember being teased by my family growing up and then in middle school the choir teacher told me I couldn’t stay in her class because of my deafness, that was painful actually. Can you imagine telling a young person “sorry you can’t hear so therefor you can’t sing with us.”

    There were a few though who encouraged me to sing at church, I remember a member who happened to be Russian once told me “Wow you are deaf and you can sing a soprano?!” She was very encouraging although I wondered if it was just because she needed extra warm bodies either way I did it for a while.

    Besides it’s good to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and I could make noise.

    After becoming a mother I decided to encourage my kids in their special interest, one sang really well but was to shy to do it publicly and another plays the guitar and can hold a tune nicely.

    Over the years I used to sit out on our front porch by myself and sing. I’ll never forget when one of my boys came out and said to me “momma will you sing that one song again, I really like it.” He sat there and listened and it was a sweet moment for my heart.

    I still enjoy singing around a table acapella at bible study, but I haven’t pursued it as much. However I came across this scripture recently.

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

    Colossians 3:16-17

    So I’ve started again, because God says it’s good to sing.

    And if you type in the word “sing” on any bible app. you will see this is true. Sometimes we just need a little nudge.

    Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. {I Corinthians 10:31} And If anyone speaks, let him speak as the words of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. {I Peter 4:11}

    There you go..if there’s something that you can do to share the glory of Jesus.

    Just do it.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • hold fast

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you need a break? From what?
    View all responses

    Unless you live on a remote island or deep in the desert of this world, you know we all need a break from the chaos of life.

    I remember years ago I used social media platforms for fun.

    Now, not so much it’s all bad news, so much confusion, division, one tragedy after another, and sadness. But I admit I still get glued scrolling from one post to another and eventually will start to feel anxious. Telling myself “you need to get off this”.

    Finally I will stop because something else needs my attention.

    Nothing new, it starts out as curiosity which turns to feeling overwhelmed at the end.

    I know my time would be better spent reading the Word of God. Immersing myself instead into the great controversy between good verses evil, I’d would benefit far better to be so engrossed with the battle that wages war on the people of God, to “scroll” His pages instead to see how it all works out.

    Now that I look at it from this perspective, I can see how some may feel overwhelmed by the Bible like I do with social media.

    Funny how when we need “a break” it requires tuning out.

    It might look like reading a book, gaming, shopping or using recreational drugs or alcohol, just to name a few. This is how many live today and at the end of the day they all end up with more anxiety.

    What a gerbil wheel. Going nowhere fast.

    Here’s what I have learned.

    When I purposely step away to a peaceful space in my home where no distractions are welcomed, even my phone is not invited.

    I am removed from every care of what’s going on around me, I am on an Island. I’m in a desert oasis. .

    When I sit to worship the Creator, my Savior, the Holy Spirit sits with me there. I journal prayers, study the Word, and it’s here I have an opportunity to just be. Writing, pondering on all things life.

    I get to talk privately to the Heavenly Father in my heart and wait.

    Because every day has it’s challenges, heartaches, disappointments, grief and confusion, I’m am thankful for this space were I sit with Him often to take a break.

    Its stillness quiets the soul and gives me courage to do the hard things.

    A great way to clear my mind, so that while I see the reality of the World on fire, I am reminded whose watching over me. It’s here I see it all in Gods hands. His words of hope bring true joy and the ability to hold fast another day.

    The work of Christ in you, is never about what we can do but what He does through us. We hope better and believe stronger.

    It’s the true place of Joy. Which helps us to help others better.

    To care for our neighbors is a command, but it can only happen if we are going to the Father, He gives the seeds, and the water from the fountain freely, then we can plant and water – but it is God who gives the increase.

    Knowing this makes it easier to hold fast to the truth of His Words and take many breaks with Him.

    The Lord is inviting you to take His rest.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • present truth

    Daily writing prompt
    How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
    View all responses

    No matter the influence, what you experience and accept as truth in your life will be what your perspective is.

    Have you heard “if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.” This is the result of seeing with your own eyes -hearing with your own ears.

    So why is my word press page painted in scriptures and how do I know the Bible is a present truth, a word from God on the truths of this life?

    Because I experience it. (quack.. quack..)

    From a child I heard the stories of the Bible and as I recall those sharing with me didn’t stand to gain anything personally by sharing those lessons. They just did.

    Likewise when we have a perspective to share we are just passing on the knowledge we have experienced in it.

    And so by my own experience God’s Word can be trusted.

    None of what’s written in it has been fabricated when it comes to the power and soon coming of Jesus Christ the Lord.

    All who are walking currently through life events trusting in the Word of God will agree that His Word is true.

    Living in todays time we are seeing things happen which was prophesied in the old testaments. Those pages we should really invest to learn from, as they point the present truth.

    Those books did not come from the will or impulse of man, but from devoted men whom the Holy Spirit moved to write of coming times.

    God’s truth.

    I am a believer of the Word of God and who He is because of what I have heard and seen. My life is blessed by the truth of His Word because it gives the ability to know goodness. Knowledge and wisdom are given in seeking but it truly is about the goodness of God.

    However there’s a world filled with false teachers that are like predators whose aim is it to kill and destroy the hope found in the truth of God’s Word. They are a type who deny Christ dying on the cross for their sins. They are those who are greedy for what others have even the hope in their hearts. They are on the road to destruction. These false prophets peach fear.

    Then there are pleasure seekers – these are people who live more by instinct then anything else, they also act like wild animals attacking anyone who doesn’t agree with them. They look to their own interest, their own emotional and physical needs. They left the truth and influence others to do the same. They are under God’s judgment because of their self-centeredness. God tries to save even these.

    Look at the story of Balaam. Numbers 22:22 look at how insanely intent he is on benefitting himself.

    Then there’s false teachers they are those who would bring knowledge to others (which does not align with the word of God) but then make it so those hearing would look to them, the truth is not in them and it would have been better for them to have never heard about salvations plan.

    Ultimately, I know what I do because of what Christ has done for me. I don’t look to men to help me better understand this life, instead I go to the living water whose promise is that I will never thirst again if I drink it. The only way I thirst is to not freely drink.

    I look to the Heavenly Father in prayer and ask that His Word be written on my heart and mind, so that I will know His Son, our Lord and Savior.

    Today we can have faith that our past is not what makes us who we are forever – because the present truth is this: Christ is the offering to all, a life full of eternal blessings.

    Take the invitation friend.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • John 17:17

    In this passage Jesus is speaking to the Heavenly Father in prayer,

    “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

    Sanctify means to set them apart, He speaks of the mission that He was sent to do, to give the Word. He requested that God the Father would protect those who receive the word and that they would not be overcome by the evil in the world.

    And then He went on to complete the mission, fulfilling the Word completely.

    This is the testimony of Jesus, the gospel message gone out to all the world, every nation; tongue and tribe.

    To those who believe in His word, they are able to attain His salvation in truth.

    Salvation in Jesus the son of God as our Savior, means we know we need to be cleansed from our own sinfulness.

    Psalms 119:9 ask the question how can one be cleansed?

    The answer: take heed according to the Word of God.

    Righteousness is everlasting because God’s law is truth and because Jesus was the fulfillment of it. He is truth.

    The Word is Holy forever.

    Yes, Lord’s beauty is in the grace He abounds toward us however it’s because of His Word that there is grace.

    Remember in John 17, when Jesus was asking the Father to protect those who heed the word. That’s grace, knowing we would need something and we didn’t ask for it.

    In Psalms 119: v. 142 – v. 151 – v. 152 His truth is the law that doesn’t condemn us to death, but saves us from sin.

    The truth of His Word sets us free. The testimony of His way, is not something new, it has always been, even before the foundations of the World.

    So the Word of God is forever, eternally.

    Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Luke 21:33

    Isaiah 40:8 The Word is a Rock – This Rock is Jesus, the living Word of God who stands forever.

    Closing thought:

    From the beginning to end we need to consider the whole matter which was written for our benefit. In the Word is life, and more abundantly, those who truly accept the righteousness of Christ Jesus will give serious consideration to the Word of God, because it works to cleanse us, to give us light to walk and to show us the way to a life everlasting, this is what it means to be set apart from this world that lives and dies in darkness.

    In Christ Love, Amen