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« Reply #2175 on: July 09, 2012, 10:49:53 AM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Sanctified affliction
by J.A. James, uplifting
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Steep, craggy, and beset with foes!
(Newman Hall, "Follow Jesus")
There are many variations in the Christian's path. Sometimes it is smooth and flowery, with sunny slopes, and sylvan shades, and prospects which entrance the soul with loveliness. There are seasons when no doubts perplex the spirit, and when our circumstances in life are in harmony with duty, so that the right path is an easy path.
But this is the exception.
Often the road is steep, craggy, and beset with foes! Sometimes it is a "Hill Difficulty" throughout, and Apollyon stretches himself across the way aiming his fiery darts at the pilgrim. Then some bypath attracts us by its pleasantness, while Satan whispers that a thorny and painful road, cannot be the true one.
But Jesus never promised to lead us only in smooth places. It is not necessary that we should always rejoice--but it is necessary that we always follow. Wherever He goes, rough or smooth--there we also must go.
"My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish--ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" John 10:27-28 |
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« Reply #2176 on: July 10, 2012, 07:38:54 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
It is the vile monster!
A prayer by Henry Law
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~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The secret of a beautiful life!
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
The secret of a beautiful life is living in unbroken fellowship with Christ, under the influence of His presence, and the inspiration of His love and grace. |
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« Reply #2177 on: July 11, 2012, 03:43:07 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ __________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
The sure conclusion of a godless life!
by Henry Law, powerful
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The law of Christian life
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
Love never gets its debts paid off. "Do not owe anyone anything, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8
Paul implies that we never can pay off all love's debts, or even if we do get them paid off at the close of some happy day--we shall find them waiting at our door in the morning, as clamorous as ever. Of course, LOVE is the law of Christian life. We cannot be Christlike--unless we love. But oh! is not love tremendously costly sometimes?
There is no other life, like that of love. Nothing brings us so much happiness--as living for others, giving out our lives in sweet helpfulness, whatever the cost may be. The sweetest happiness which we can get in the world, comes from adding a little to the happiness of others.
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples--if you love one another." John 13:35 |
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« Reply #2178 on: July 12, 2012, 06:44:41 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
For the ungodly!
by Henry Law, encouraging
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My whole creed and duty
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
"No longer do I call you servants; but I have called you friends!" John 15:15
For myself, after all my years of teaching and helping others, and all my experiences as a Christian, my whole creed is summed up into one little sentence, "Christ and I are friends!" No friend in all the world is so near to me as He is. I trust Him, I love Him, I take everything to Him, I lay every burden upon Him. I go to Him for wisdom, for help, for the love I need in my own heart. He is everything to me as Friend.
Christ is my personal Friend. He is my dearest, truest, strongest and best Friend!
Then for myself, my whole duty is summed up in being a friend of Christ's. He says, "You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you." This includes all Scripture commands.
In telling you this, I want to help you to understand that the essential thing in the Christian life is knowing Christ, trusting Him, loving Him, following Him, having Christ for your Friend--and being His friend.
"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16 |
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« Reply #2179 on: July 13, 2012, 03:20:00 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
As we pass along the miry paths of life
by Henry Law, uplifting prayer
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fly into the bosom of Christ for refuge and safety!
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
"Whoever humbles himself like this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 18:4
It is very sweet just to nestle down in the bosom of Christ--to be as a little child with Him. Those who come otherwise do not get near to Him--but the child-like always find a close place in His heart. So the more like children we can be in our trust and in the simplicity of our faith, in humbleness of disposition, in willingness to do His will and to learn of Him--the nearer to Him shall we get, and the more shall we enjoy of His love.
Some years ago, as I was passing along one of our streets one afternoon, I heard a fluttering of birds over my head and, looking up, saw a little bird flying wildly about in circles, chased by a hawk! The bird flew down lower and lower, and then darted into my bosom, under my coat. I cannot quite express to you, the feeling which filled my heart at that moment--that a little bird, chased by an enemy, had come to me for refuge, trusting me in time of danger. I laid my hand over the bird, which nestled as quietly and confidently under my coat, as a baby would in a mother's bosom. I carried the little thing along for several blocks until I thought the way was clear of danger, and then let it out. It flew away into the air again, but showed no fear of me. Ever since that experience, I have understood better what it is to fly into the bosom of Christ for refuge and safety in time of danger, or in time of distress.
All this helps me to understand better what it means to Jesus when we, hunted and chased by enemies, or suffering from weakness or pain--fly to Him and hide ourselves in His love.
That is all we need to do--just to creep into the bosom of Christ, and lie down there, with no fear, no anxiety, but with simple trust.
The lines of Wesley's old hymn have meant more ever since:
"Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
Oh, receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed,
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing." |
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« Reply #2180 on: July 14, 2012, 05:01:31 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Calvary's stupendous scene!
by Henry Law
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God does not promise to lift the burden away
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
An old Scripture promise reads, "Cast your burden upon the Lord--and He shall sustain you." Psalm 55:22. Every burden you have, you may cast on the Lord; that is, you may lay it on Him in prayer and by faith. But notice that God does not promise to lift the burden away--all He promises is to sustain you, that is, to give you strength to do the work, to bear the burden, to meet the difficulty, to master the hindrance or the obstacle. |
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« Reply #2181 on: July 15, 2012, 06:01:48 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
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___________________________________________ No--keep it!
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul tells of a wonderful experience which he had. He had some great suffering which he called "a thorn in the flesh." He does not say what it was--but evidently it was some physical pain, some think epilepsy, some think a trouble with the eyes, some think a nervous affliction. No matter what it was--it was very painful and seemed to interfere with the apostle's usefulness.
Three times, therefore, he besought the Lord that this thorn in the flesh might be taken away. But the answer was, "No--keep it! My grace is sufficient for you--for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Then Paul learned this wonderful secret--that the physical suffering which was so hard to bear--if accepted by him, brought him a corresponding measure of the strength of Christ!
As you read on, you find the apostle saying that he now rejoiced in his infirmity, because the power of Christ thus rested upon him. That is, the suffering, as keen and as terrible as it was--brought Christ nearer to him, brought more of Christ's strength into his life, and thus fitted him for larger spiritual usefulness!
You can apply this to yourself. You have asked God to remove your thorn in the flesh--and He has not done it. But let me assure you that the words which the Lord spoke to Paul--He speaks to you also. His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. That is, you will get more of Christ's help in your life, because of the suffering which you are enduring, than if the suffering were to be taken away--you then receiving less of Christ's help, because needing less. |
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« Reply #2182 on: July 16, 2012, 04:53:33 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
A little speck, a breath, a vanishing shadow, a fading flower
by Henry Law, very insightful
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The hand of God is in every trial, trouble, and disappointment
(James Smith)
Your trials, though many, painful, and tedious--are but proofs of your heavenly Father's love! They are sent in mercy--to convince you that this poor world is not your rest.
Your Father's wisdom chose them,
His love sent them, and
His mercy will sanctify them to you!
Tried believer--are you looking to Jesus? He can hush the storm, and still the tempest. He is always near in trouble. Is your eye fixed upon Him? Does your heart repose on His tender love and faithful Word?
Do you recognize your heavenly Father's hand in your trials? His hand is in them, whether you see it or not. He sends, bounds, and removes them--as He wisely desires. And it has often comforted the saint to realize that the hand of God is in every trial, trouble, and disappointment.
Do you sweetly acquiescence in God's will, in faith that whatever He permits in our life, is right and best for you?
"He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes!" 1 Samuel 3:18 |
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« Reply #2183 on: July 17, 2012, 06:12:42 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Cast them into the deep ocean of His all-cleansing blood!
by Henry Law, very encouraging
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jesus does not require anything more
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
Jesus does not require anything more, than a child-like trust in Him as Savior, Master and Friend--and the devotion of the life to Him. |
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« Reply #2184 on: July 18, 2012, 12:13:29 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Hold me up!
by Henry Law, comforting
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
He never takes His eyes off them!
(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")
"I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me. I lay down My life for My sheep!" John 10:14-15
Jesus is the loving Shepherd of His chosen flock. He knows His sheep--and loves them too. He knows . . .
their names,
their persons,
their abodes,
their needs,
their enemies,
and their desires.
Their names are engraved on His heart, and on the palms of His hands. He came into the world that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. He gave His life as a ransom price for them. He says, "I lay down My life for My sheep."
He gathers them by His Gospel and Spirit--and feeds and enfolds them in little flocks below. He gathers the lambs with His arm and carries them in His bosom, and gently leads those that are with young. He feeds them in green pastures, and causes them to lie down beside the still waters. He protects them from the roaring lion, the raging bear, and the devouring wolf! He says, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish--ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!"
Jesus . . .
restores them when they wander;
heals them when they are sick;
cleanses them when they are filthy;
changes their pasture whenever they need it;
watches over them every moment; and
guards them day and night, so that no one may harm them.
He leads them--and they follow Him . . .
knowing His voice,
loving His person, and
obeying His commands.
He is now engaged in preparing pasture for them above--where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary shall forever rest! He will come again and receive them unto Himself, that where He is--His sheep may be also.
He loves them too well to forget them, and is too concerned for them to neglect them. He never takes His eyes off them! This tender Shepherd listens to the bleating of the feeblest of His lambs--and sympathizes with the weakest of His flock. He has promised to feed them, and lead them to fountains of living waters--and to cause sorrow and sighing to flee away forever. His presence shall be with them, when they pass through the dark valley of the Shadow of Death, and His rod and His crook shall comfort them.
His strength shall be made perfect in the weakness of His lambs,
His wisdom shall shine in the way He conducts them, and
His love will be displayed in every part of His conduct towards them!
Lambs of Jesus! Listen to your Shepherd's voice, keep close to your Shepherd's side, and aim to honor your dear Shepherd's name! |
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« Reply #2185 on: July 19, 2012, 07:43:58 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
It would fall short of our vast debt to You
by Henry Law, choice prayer
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The child of Satan!
(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God--are children of God!" Romans 8:14
If we are sons of God--we shall be led by the Spirit of God. And if we are led by the Spirit of God--we shall be led in the paths of righteousness and holiness!
The sons of God do not, cannot--love sin, live in sin, or make light of sin! He who loves and lives in sin--is the child of Satan! "You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires!" John 8:44
The child will resemble its parent, and all God's children resemble Him--in His hatred to sin, and love to holiness. Let us not, therefore, imagine that we are the Lord's--if we live as the world lives . . .
in the lusts of the flesh,
in the lust of the eye,
and in the pride of life! |
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« Reply #2186 on: July 20, 2012, 04:58:50 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Lest the wily serpent should sneak in!
by Henry Law, very helpful
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One truth, brought home to the soul by the Holy Spirit
(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)
We do believe the truths of God's Word--but we need to make them bear more upon our experience and practice. Our religion is too much in the head--and too little in the heart. Truth rather floats in the understanding--than sinks down into the soul. Our memory lets it slip--and nothing but frequent meditation on these things, will cause us to profit by them. The truths of God's Word are calculated and intended to benefit the Lord's people--but unless we exercise our minds upon them--we shall not be benefitted by them.
One truth, brought home to the soul by the Holy Spirit, and digested by meditation--does us more good than volumes which just pass through the mind! We ought, therefore, to pray more over what we read--and look to the Holy Spirit, beseeching Him to unfold and apply the truth to us! |
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« Reply #2187 on: July 21, 2012, 06:29:22 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Let every Agag be hewed to pieces!
by Henry Law, very practical
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, the comfort
(Mary Winslow)
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need!" Hebrews 4:16
Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of the throne of grace! It is the only verdant, refreshing spot, in this earth's wide wilderness.
To have the sensible presence of God, the heart of a loving Father to confide in, who is able to do all and more than we require; to have Him always near, His hand ever stretched out to us--oh, the comfort!
This is my sweetest spot and chief comfort in this polluted world, where I carry all my cares and troubles, and am ever sure to receive a welcome in the face of a reconciled Father.
Oh, the loving heart of Christ! Although He knows our ten thousand infirmities, He does not turn a deaf ear to our poor supplications--but with His own blood, blots out all their imperfections! |
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« Reply #2188 on: July 22, 2012, 05:38:04 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
May we read the meltings of Your heart towards us
by Henry Law, Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Our conception of Christlikeness
(J.R. Miller, "Things That Endure")
"That the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:10
Many 'lives of Christ' have been written--but in every Christian life, there should be a new one published. It is these lives which are needed: written not in handsomely bound volumes, with fine paper and gilt edges, and with attractive illustrations--but in men's daily lives.
It is important that we should understand how we are to manifest the life of Jesus in our own life. It is not enough to talk about Him. There are those who with silver tongue can speak of Jesus eloquently and winsomely--of whom it cannot be said, even in widest charity, that Jesus' life is relived in them.
We more gospels in the lives of Christians--others need to see something of Christ in our own life.
What was this life of Jesus, which is to be repeated in every Christian life? Its great central characteristic was love--love full of compassion--love serving even to the lowliest degree and at greatest cost--love which was patient, forgiving, thoughtful, gentle--love unto the uttermost, which went to a cross to save sinners!
When we think of being like Christ--we are apt to gather out a few gentle qualities, and let these make up our conception of Christlikeness. True, He was a kindly man, a patient, quiet man; He was thoughtful, compassionate, unselfish, loving. But we must not forget that the cross is the truest symbol of the life of Jesus.
An artist was trying to improve on a dead mother's portrait. He wanted to take out the lines in her face. But the woman's son said it would not be a true portrait of his mother, if the lines were effaced. They told the story of the love, serving, and sacrifice--which made her what she was. The lines were themselves, the truest features in the whole portrait.
Just so, no picture of Jesus is true, which leaves out the marks of love's cost--the print of the nails, the memorials of His suffering.
It is not enough that we point others to a historic cross standing on Calvary, far back in the centuries; they must see the cross in our own life. When we speak to our neighbors of the pity of Jesus, His eager desire to save the lost, His giving of His life as a ransom--they must see all this in us. This is the manifesting of Jesus, for which we are sent into the world.
Jesus must enter our hearts, and live out His own blessed life in us.
"Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21 |
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« Reply #2189 on: July 23, 2012, 08:21:47 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
May we see our sins!
by Henry Law, convicting
Play Audio! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chicken--or eagle?
(J.R. Miller, "Things That Endure")
A man had an eagle which had grown up among the barnyard hens. For a time the bird seemed content to be only a chicken. But one day it looked up into the sky, and something within the eagle, sleeping until now, awoke. Flapping its wings, it soared away toward the sun and never returned.
Just so, too many Christians, meant for the eagle-life--content themselves with a barnyard existence. Now and then they feel something stirring within them--but they are too indolent to make the effort necessary to take their place in the upper air and among the mountain crags. So they spend all their days down in the dust, among earthly things, never waking up to their God-given potentials.
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ--set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above--not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2 |
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