Tag Archives: Inspiration

‘The Rescue’ — A Christmas Story (Re-blogged)

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An amazing story from Sandra Conner’s “In Love With Words” Take the time to read the heartwarming fiction story based on a true situation.

THE RESCUE

BOY FOR RESCUE - SHORTER YELLOWThe old woman knelt shivering before the tombstone as her husband pulled away a pile of decayed leaves that seemed to cling defiantly to its base in spite of the wind that whipped at them repeatedly. It wasn’t bitterly cold — at least not like it had been many other Decembers in this city. But the wind was always stronger up here at the cemetery, and today, with no sun smiling down its warmth, the chill just seemed to beat its way into their elderly bones. Of course, sorrow had its own chill, and sometimes it was hard to tell if the icy feeling came more from the weather or from the pain within.

The old man finished his work and then joined her, slowing sinking to his own knees and removing his warm felt hat. Tears glistened in his eyes, but he wouldn’t let them fall. He had to be strong for her right now. He glanced sideways at her, seeing the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. She kept pressing her handkerchief to her face, to try to stem the bitter stream, but it did no good.

It had been a year and a half now since they had lost their second son. He had followed his brother into military service and then into war … and, finally, into the grave.

The old man shuddered out a deep sigh. He had brought his new bride to this country just one year before their first son had been born, and it had been a time of promise and happy expectation. The Lord had blessed them with two handsome, healthy sons, and they had been the sweetest blessing life had to give. He sighed now as he thought back over the years of raising two strong-willed, but tender-hearted boys. They had all been so happy … until ….

For the Rest of this story.

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Dot’s Christmas Tree

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Leaning Tree, but not Dot's ©Internet

Leaning Tree, but not Dot’s
©Internet

Dot’s Christmas Tree ~ by Dorothy (Dot) Malcolm

The schedule says on Friday, December 6th, I’m to get my Christmas tree. In spite of the fact I’m nearly “sick as a dog” (whatever that means), I tell myself it must be done!

There were only a few trees left but I selected one that was supposed to be 6 feet tall. What made it 6 feet, was a single 12 inch needle sticking up at the top. Oh well, onward with the task at hand.

Earlier in the day I had gotten the stand out of the shed and cleaned it up. There were 3 of those things that you turn to help hold the tree in place. Family helped me by putting the tree in the stand and securing the 3 things and putting water in it. I could hardly wait to get back on the couch with a heating pad and fuzzy old blankets.

I spent two days looking at the tree and finally decided I could muster of enough “oomph” to put a couple of strand of lights on it. I had finished 2 strands when I felt the tree going over and I didn’t have the strength to stop it!

Oh yes – water and needles were on the floor! Two big water-soaked bath towels and a little sweeping up with the broom took care of the mess.

I told the tree I didn’t like it because it wasn’t big and full as trees in previous years. From my place on the couch I kept letting it know I didn’t like it!

Pondering about what to do about the imbalance problem, I came up with a great idea! Get some stones and put them around the top of the stand! I did this the next day and “Wow!,” it worked. I was real proud for thinking it up!

In between resting on the couch, and pulling boxes of decorations out of the closet, I managed to place a few decorations. It was days later before the 50-year-old paper houses were put under the tree.

As I slowly recovered, I had fewer negative feelings for the tree. It seems the tree and I have made a truce. I am accepting it for what it is. After all it got stuck with me!

by Dot Malcolm (2014)

Man looking at leaning Christmas tree

Leaning Tree, but not Dot’s
©Internet

Lee’s Addition:

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18 NKJV)

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Romans 14:19 NKJV)

When Dottie told me about her not liking her tree on Sunday, I suggested that she write it up so I could share it. She gave it to me this evening at our fantastic Christmas Candlelight Service. I trust you enjoy this as much as I do. Dottie is Emma Foster’s grandmother. You can see where Emma may have picked up her creative writing. Dottie has been a Sunday School teacher for many years. Thank you, Dottie (Dot).

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Other writings by Dot:

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Guest Writers

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(Photos added by Lee)

Sunday Inspiration – Humbleness of The Creator

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Birth of Christ (from an e-mail-source unknown)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:5-11 KJV)

The Creator, of all the birds we like to feature here, humbled Himself to come in sinless flesh, to die for us. resurrect Himself, and provide Salvation for us. Don’t let that important point be lost in all the activities of Christmas.

We here, at the blog, trust you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy seeing some of His Created birds as you listen to the music.

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“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him”. (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” (Psalms 111:10 KJV)

“Wise Men Still Seek Him” – Pastor Jerry, Jessie, Caleb and Choir – FBC

(From our Christmas Program last Sunday night)

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Sunday Inspiration – Christmas Birds

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Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow

Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)

Today I am doing something a little different. Instead of a song, there is a short Christmas message from my pastor. This was given during the Camel Lot Christmas Musical that we had in 2012. It applies for today, as well. Listen to Pastor Nathan Osborne III as you watch some of the Lord Jesus Christ’s creation among the birds.

The birth of the Jesus, His death on the cross and His resurrection are all a part of Christmas.

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Our Pastor at the Christmas Camel Lot Musical – 2012

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(Started adding Christmas colored birds, but then added newer photos from this year.)

Sunday Inspirations

Some Previous Christmas Articles

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Sunday Inspiration – Resting

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Caribbean Dove (Leptotila jamaicensis) ©WikiC

Caribbean Dove (Leptotila jamaicensis) ©WikiC

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. (Genesis 8:9 KJV)

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; (Isaiah 32:17-18 KJV)

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. (Psalms 16:9 KJV)

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by J Fenton

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by J Fenton

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. (Psalms 55:6 KJV)

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. (Psalms 116:7 KJV)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)

Are we resting like we should, knowing that God Is In Control?

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“God’s Still In Control” ~ ©Hyssongs

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More Sunday Inspirations

Hope for Hard Times

Is There a God?

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Angels…….. as explained by Children

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Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus) by Ian

Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus) by Ian

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. (Psalms 148:2 KJV)

Angels…….. as explained by Children.

I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold. – Gregory, age 5

Everybody’s got it all wrong. Angels don’t wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it – Olive, age 9

It’s not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there’s still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -Matthew, age 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God Has to go do something else. – Mitchell, age 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he’s not much good for science. – Henry, age 8

Angels don’t eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!! – Jack, age 6

Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis) ©WikiC

Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis) ©WikiC

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10 KJV)

Angels talk all the way while they’re flying you up To heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. – Daniel, age 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath again, somewhere there’s a tornado. – Reagan, age 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter. – Sara, age 6

Orange-throated Sunangel ©WikiCl

Orange-throated Sunangel ©WikiCl

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. (Psalms 103:20 KJV)

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his Son, who’s a very good carpenter. – Jared, age 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear Dresses and boys didn’t go for it. – Antonio, age 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got A big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. – Ashley ~ age 9

Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus) by Ian

Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus) by Ian

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalms 91:11 KJV)

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal Sick animals and pets. And if They don’t make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. – Vicki , age 8

What I don’t get about angels is why, when someone Is in love, they shoot arrows at them. – Sarah , age 7

How Could I Not Send This To All Of You ….. So Awesome!!!
…. And As they Say ……… No One Says it Better Than A Child

(From an e-mail)

Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus_amethysticollis) ©WikiC

Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus_amethysticollis) ©WikiC

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10 KJV)

Haliangelus Subfamily of Sunangels 

Wordless Birds

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I’m on the Right Way

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Great article by Myra. Enjoy!

myrajohnson's avatarPicture My Thoughts by Myra Johnson

bookmark3-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1_zps08a42f53

I am grateful to God for placing my feet on the right path many years ago.

Just having turned 19 years of age, I was weary and worn from making my own decisions.

Coming to the place where I realized that I needed to invite Jesus to be the Lord of my life, I repented of my sin and asked for  forgiveness.

Since that time, my feet have been on the right path.

I’ve fallen a few times.

Actually, more than a few.

But I fell while on the right path that God placed me on, and I stood up each time to continue on with His help, continuing on that right path.

In a way that I cannot explain, this path “glows.”

I am drawn to remain there.

It is the only choice, as God holds my hand through the events of each day.

How about you?

Are you…

View original post 54 more words

Sunday Inspiration – Hide Thou Me

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Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) by Daves BirdingPix

Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) by Daves BirdingPix

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. (Psalms 27:5 ESV)

Considering yesterday’s blog, the song, “Hide Thou Me” came to mind. This song was used before, but it is so appropriate. Today’s Inspiration features the birds in the Frogmouth and Potoo families. You will see how the Lord has provided for them to HIDE through their behavior and coloration He has given them.

Saw this on one of our follower’s blog, Third Eye View:

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. ~Albert Einstein

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And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31 KJV)

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (Psalms 78:4 KJV)

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But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge. (Psalms 94:22 NKJV)

“Hide Thou Me” – ©Rejoice! by the Hyssongs

Hide thou me
Ohh rock of ages
Hide thou me
Ohh rock of ages

Hide thou me
No other refuge
Can save but thee
Through this old world

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Sunday Inspirations

Here I Am

Podargidae – Frogmouths Family

Nyctibiidae – Potoos Family

Gospel Message

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Thanksgiving Day – 2014

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The Grace That Make Thanksgiving Possible ©Godinterest

The Grace That Make Thanksgiving Possible ©Godinterest

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:19-20 KJV)

Another year has gone by and how thankful have we been for the events and things that have happened? Trust you spend some time thanking and praising the Lord for His blessings and watch care for you.

Things are not always pleasant as we go through them, but we can still have a good attitude. This year has had some challenges, but many, many blessings. Learn to look on the positive side of things. Look around! Realize God is in control, He knows our needs, and He gives us so many blessings that way out-number our challenges.

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:20 KJV)

Psalm 95:1-2 From Dr J's Apothecary Shoppe

While you are looking up to praise the Lord you just might see a bird flying by. When we considered His beauty all around us, especially in the variety of the birds and their fantastic color and care provided for them, how can we not know that He cares for us?

During this last year on the blog, we have been blessed with articles by Ian Montgomery, Golden Eagle, James Johnson, Emma Foster, Dottie Malcolm and writers from the past. Hopefully even my articles have been a blessing. All of us want to please Him.

A great blessing was a few weeks ago when Dan and I got to go birding with Dr. Jim (James) and Golden Eagle (Baron). They both have added greatly to the blog, for which I am very thankful. Fantastic Week-end

The Birders at Circle B Bar Reserve c)

The Birders at Circle B Bar Reserve c)

During this last year, the Sunday Inspiration was introduced. It’s hard to believe over 40 have them have been produced. Many of you have left comments of being blessed and thankful for them. Thank you for the encouragement to keep doing it.

I am also thankful for another year (51st) with my husband, Dan, who is my second love. Sorry, Dan, but the Lord is first. He knows that because I am in number two place also. I am thankful for Dan who has the Lord also as number One.

My church, Faith Baptist Church, is something we are very thankful. We have a great pastor and pastoral staff, plus great people who attend and serve there.

It’s your turn. What are you thankful for?

Lord Bless You and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgivings From The Past

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Tree Swallows Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge by jeremyjonkman on Flickr From Pinterest

Tree Swallows Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge by jeremyjonkman on Flickr From Pinterest

“Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11 KJV)

While thinking about a post for this Thanksgiving, I looked back to see what had been written in the past. Wow! Had forgotten so many have been posted. From way back in 2008, the first year of the blog until last year when I got wound up and posted several. So, today, the day before Thanksgiving, it’s time to bring those back out to review. Part of Thanksgiving is remembering all our blessings from the past.

Happy Thanksgiving was written in 2008. (I actually still had some color in my hair.)  :))

Thanksgiving Turkey was in 2009. This is about turkeys.

Birds of the Bible – Thanksgiving written in 2010. It is about things I am thankful for.

Thankful For The Lord’s Birds  from an article on the Fountain in 2011.

Happy Thanksgiving Turkey was posted in 2012. It is actually a re-post of the 2009 article.

Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis) by Dario Sanches

Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis) by Dario Sanches

Then last year, I got carried away and produced one-a-day for six days.

Old Testament Thanksgiving – 2013  – Thanksgiving verses from the Old Testament with photos.

New Testament Thanksgiving – 2013 – Thanksgiving verses from the Old Testament with photos.

Birds in Hymns – Honor and Glory, Thanksgiving and Praise – A Thanksgiving Hymn

Thanksgiving For Young People – Thanksgiving from a younger person’s perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving Day – 2013 – Blessings from 2013.

Thankful For The Birds – Title says it all. With photos and a slideshow.

And now this year, so far we have:

Reginald, Turkey Commander by Emma Foster

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I can see I am going to be challenged to come up with something for tomorrow. But the following verse assures me, there are still many blessings to recount. Your visits to the blog are a great blessings.

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV)

Until Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, Lord bless!

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Who Paints The Leaves?

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Sunday Inspiration – Worthy of Thanksgiving

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Dr Jim, Golden Eagle and Dan at Lake Morton

Dr Jim, Golden Eagle and Dan at Lake Morton

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. (1 Chronicles 16:8-9 KJV)

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV)

As we enter into the Thanksgiving Holiday week, with visits with family and friends, meals to prepare and eat, parades and games to watch, don’t forget to be thankful for our Creator of all this. He is Worthy of our Thanksgiving and Worship.

I am thankful for all the fantastic friends we have met through this blog (you, the readers). I am also thankful for those that contribute to the blog, like James J. S. Johnson (Dr. Jim) and Golden Eagle (Baron Brown) with which we recently went on a birdwatching adventure. Thankful for our other contributors as well.

Finally cleaned up the photos from that adventure and many are in the slideshow. Definitely thankful for all the birds the Lord gave us. He is “Worthy of Worship”

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“Worthy of Worship” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

WORTHY OF WORSHIP
(York/Blankenship)

Worthy of Worship, worthy of praise,
Worthy of honor and glory,
Worthy of all the glad songs we can sing,
Worthy of all of the offerings we bring.

You are worthy, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.

Worthy of reverence, worthy of fear,
Worthy of love and devotion;
Worthy of bowing and bending of knees,
Worthy of all this, and added to these…

You are worthy, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.

Almighty Father, Master, and Lord,
King of all kings and Redeemer,
Wonderful Counselor, Comforter, Friend,
Savior and Source of our life without end.

You are worthy, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.

Trust you have a great Thanksgiving week.

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Sunday Inspirations

Family: Building a Home God’s Way

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Sunday Inspiration – Variety

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The photos this week are from the Pin It (Pinterest) website. Thought sharing some of their great variety of bird photos would be enjoyable to watch. The ones selected do not even begin to show the photos they have in the various topics.

As mentioned in the latest article by Emma Foster, the Lord gives varying gifts, just as the Lord created the birds with such variety. May we use our varied talents to serve our Fantastic Lord and Creator.

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:3-8 NASB)

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“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV)

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“The Love Of God” – ©The Hyssongs

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Sunday Inspirations

Assurance: The Certainty of Salvation

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