LIMITLESS AND FOREVER!

Posted on December 30, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

We had a dear friend who would come home from work, take off his business attire, and put on a particular flannel shirt that was worn smooth. We were at his home with his family and witnessed this daily event. His wife said, “you have other clothes, why are you putting that on…again, we have company.” He immediately replied, “Because this shirt is home. When I put this shirt on, I am home.” His wife rolled her eyes, but Randy and I totally understood.

After a hard day, a day where bosses tell you what to do and where to go, it is good to come home…to be “home”. Home is where you are loved, accepted, comfortable, safe and assured. At least that’s how believers’ homes should be…full of unconditional, unchanging love for each other.

God is “home” for us. He is reliable, up to date with exactly what we need at just the right time. He loves without conditions, delights in the details of our lives, guides, protects and overwhelms us with the blessings of peace and assurance of life forever with Him. His truth never changes and “what He says goes”…”and stays” says the Psalmist.

Yes, I love this next passage of peace…read and be blessed with God’s limitless love and care for us. He is “home” to me. I pray He is “home” to you and your family.

Psalm 119:89-96, The Message

What you say goes, God,
and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
Your truth never goes out of fashion;
it’s as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.

If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,
I would have given up when the hard times came.
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;
you saved my life with those wise words.
Save me! I’m all yours.

I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.
I see the limits to everything human,
but the horizons can’t contain your commands!

psalm-119-89-90

 

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are “home” to me now and forever. To You be the glory for Your limitless love, mercy and grace as well as Your thoughts and actions. Continue to transform me until I am really home.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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HOMESICK?

Posted on December 29, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

Through the holiday season some of us get nostalgic and a little homesick for places and people who were bigger than life to us when we were much younger. We grow homesick for the intimate relationships with people who would sit with us for hours in conversation about anything and everything. We learned from each other. We felt safe with each other.

Our individual journeys, however, move us all into different locations and situations. New challenges teach us how important it is to stay close to God and to follow His every Word. Yes, we get knocked around by those who do not believe. The arrogant who go their own way are distracting to us at best. So, we wait on God to relieve us but instead He comforts, teaches and renews our minds by changing our thoughts, transforming us through these challenges. Our attention is then redirected back to Him, His will and purpose for us. Ultimately, we get “homesick” for Him. Because of His great love for us, He restores the joy of our salvation.

The Psalmist is homesick…for God’s salvation. This homesick longing in our hearts comes from a desire to know, feel, and be assured of God’s salvation in us in spite of what others say or do. Be assured. The Psalmist figured it out…”Everything you command is a sure thing.” Salvation of our souls is a sure thing to all who believe and live it out loud.

So, when harassed by unbelievers, know that God is still on the throne. He is ALWAYS with us. He isn’t going anywhere without us. He loves us now and forever. His love drives out fear. Jesus said, pray for those who hurt you. Let God take care of our tormentors. Pray that He will transform their lives as He is doing for us. Let us keep our grip on God’s counsel. That’s all we have time for anyway. Still homesick? Mm, I don’t think so.

Psalm 119:81-88, The Message

I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.

How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.

Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word.

psalm-119-homesick

 

And I’m singing…
Be very sure
Be very sure
My anchor holds
And grips the Solid Rock!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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HOLD ME TIGHT!

Posted on December 28, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

Ever wonder why we hug? Tight hugs by someone you love and you know they love you are exhilarating! You feel the beat of their heart against yours. You find comfort in their familiar smell and feel their warm breath on your neck. You look into their eyes and see honesty and pure love.

Tight hugs, according to psychologists, are physically and emotionally healthy. Some believe that hugging is a way for mothers to bond with their offspring. It’s not only good for you emotionally, but hugging can contribute to your physiological well-being, too. There are a number of benefits to embracing someone you love or even like.

1. TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS — When we hug or touch in any way such as kissing or handholding, it releases a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone from the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in intimacy and sexual reproduction. It also contributes to trust, bonding, and connecting with other people. Hugging has also been proven to fight loneliness.

2. TO FEEL SAFE — Touch and hugs also have the ability to help people who suffer from low self-esteem. The warm embrace of someone can change a person’s mood substantially.

3. TO STAY HEALTHY — Oxytocin also helps to decrease the risk of heart disease. It also helps to reduce the amount of the stress hormone cortisol that is in our bodies. Having this friendly touch, just somebody simply touching our arm and holding it, buffers the physiological consequences of this stressful response.

SO…why all this hugging information? I am struck by the Psalmist asking God, “Oh, love me–and right now!–hold me tight! just the way you promised.” So, this morning I looked up why we hug to confirm my own suspicions that hugging tightly was created by God. That longing in our hearts to be hugged by God who love us most and loves us best, unconditionally, can be fulfilled by focusing on Him, looking into His eyes, feeling the breath of His Holy Spirit breathe over us and even feeling the beat of His heart for the world who is lost. Embrace God and all that He intimately wants to share with us and He will hug us tightly in return. He promised!

Psalm 119:73-80, The Message

With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what’s true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
just the way you promised.

Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to.
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
Let those who fear you turn to me
for evidence of your wise guidance.
And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
so I can always walk with my head held high.

psalm-119-embrace-of-god

 

Dear Heavenly Father, Hold us closely and hug us tightly. Thank you for promising never to let us go from Your Holy Presence.
In Jesus Name, Amen

Now, go hug someone! Your hug just might change their life by changing their mood today!

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DANCE!

Posted on December 27, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

I love to watch others dance who are really good. The way dancers capture the beat and move their whole bodies to the rhythm of the music, fast or slow, is fascinating. I know a lot of practice, sweat, blood and tears goes with learning to dance creatively so that their performance is flawless.

I’m learning to dance, too. Yes, you are never too old to learn to dance to the rhythm of God’s grace, practicing every move until it is close to what God had in mind for us. He loves to watch us freely dance to the tune of His salvation to the beat of His heart! We get the tune our instruction from His Revelation of direction and our focused promptings from His Holy Spirit who guides our every dance step. He even tells us which dance floor is best for us so we will be at His best.

The Psalmist likes to dance with God, too. Read and listen, be blessed, then get up and dance!

Psalm 119:65-72, The Message

Be good to your servant, God;
be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I’m in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They’re bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine.

dance

Dear Lord, I’m committed to dance to the tune of your revelation. Truth from your mouth means everything to me, too. Every. Thing.
Help me to stay focused on your instruction as I learn to dance for Your glory! Continue to train me…to dance to the beat of your heart and in the rhythm of your grace.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Posted on December 26, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

I am confident that I am not the only one who wakes in the middle of the night to think about pressing problems with seemingly no solutions. I go over every detail. I think about ways to “fix it” or lie there in bed remorseful over what I wish could be versus what is. It is human to indulge in this futile exercise but we do it anyway.

After wrestling with our pillows, he idea to pray about it “dawns” on us. We confess, repent and ask for God’s help. We finally give in. God has us where He wants us. We are ready to listen to God.

Then, like the rising dawn of a new day, a new idea or approach to our problem enters our minds. As believers, we know that it is the Holy Spirit who steps boldly into our mixed up thoughts and offers a better way to think. When this wonderful miracle happens, which is one of the perks of our God abiding with us, do we stop and thank Him? Right in the middle of the night, without knowing the outcome, do we praise Him? Right in the middle of our current “storm” of trouble do we look up and give glory to God, our Father, Who knows all and is IN all?

The Psalmist did. “I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true–I can’t wait till morning!” I love that phrase and will remember it all day long…and in the middle of the night.

Psalm 119: 57-64, The Message

Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise
to do everything you say.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
be gracious to me just as you promised.
When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,
was quick to follow your orders.
The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—
but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!
I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,
of those committed to living by your rules.
Your love, God, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel.

psalm-119-57-64

 

Yes, Lord, train me to live by your counsel and abide with us, still.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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REMEMBER…

Posted on December 25, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

Right now, at this moment, I am remembering many past Christmases with our family. I remember gatherings with extended family, all gathered around my grandparents, trees. As we get older, the memories get better because we forget the quarrels and fusses among the cousins and sometimes the adult disagreements and remember only why we gathered…because we loved each other deeply.

Because of that love, I am recalling words Grandpa Lacquement used to say before we opened presents. I recall mom explaining why she bought what she bought or sometimes made for us. I recall Grandma Kellerby’s smiles of joy just because we were there. You might think children miss a lot because of the excitement of Christmas with gifts before them, but as an adult I don’t remember the presents, I remember the precious words of love and hugs of joy. And I celebrate those words this morning. And if I am still, I can almost feel the hugs of those who are in heaven this Christmas.

The Psalmist writes, “Remember what you said to me, your servant-I hang on to these words for dear life! These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me.” God’s Word, spoken by my parents and grandparents and lived out in front of me help me “hang on for dear life” and stand on the promises of God. I hear them singing still in my mind of memories. Thank you, God for Your Word! I live by Your Word and counsel. Thank you for remembering us, redeeming us and welcoming us into your heart because of our repentance.

Psalm 119:49-56, The Message

Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.

The insolent ridicule me without mercy,
but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I’m beside myself with anger.

I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel.

psalm-119-bible

Thank you for the hope expressed in Your Word, dear Lord. Help us to remember Your Word and live it well, in the most excellent way because of Your love in us. In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing…
On Christ the solid rock I stand!…

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UNFAILING LOVE OF GOD

Posted on December 24, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

“Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace…” we sing with tears in our eyes for we know God’s love never fails, never gives up on us, no matter what. God did not give up on the world that turned their backs on Him. He had a plan from the beginning of creation to save us…from our sinful, full of pride and wanting our own way selves. Throughout His Word, Who even became flesh, He taught us to love, not as humans love, but with a love that assumes the best, not the worst in others, a love that deeply forgives all the insults hurled, a love that gives life. Love’s actions then bring peace and washes away all hurt and anxiousness. Yes, His Love trumps all other emotions and circumstance.

The first words of our next passage of wisdom from Psalm 119 is this…”Let your love, God, shape my life.” We can almost stop right there and just pray and meditate on those precious words all day long on this Christmas Eve. Let your love, a love that never gives up, never fails, your life giving love, take over my being. Let our first thoughts and last thoughts today be love followed by peace. These are the most precious gifts given to us by God, our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 119:41-48, The Message

Let your love, God, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I’ll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
relishing every fragment of your counsel.

Yes, Lord, let Your Love shape my life today and always…
In Jesus Name, Amen

psalm-119-love-came-down

And I’m singing…
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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DIVERT MY EYES FROM TOYS

Posted on December 23, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

It’s almost Christmas! Trees are up, sugary treats that we don’t eat anytime but this time are being made and consumed. Sugar highs and lows are being experienced by the younger ones. Excitement fills the air like static electricity for what new toy might be hiding in crisp red and green paper. We are not just talking about the kids, either! I have heard that some grownups are hoping for new wireless headphones, a new 3D Oculus, the latest IPhone (which will be obsolete after January 1!) and many other toys and trinkets.

I am smiling at God’s timing. Our next passage in our journey through Psalm 119 says, “divert my eyes from toys and trinkets”. Give me wisdom, insight, counsel, affirm your promises to me, he prays. It stirred my thoughts. What if wisdom could be wrapped up by God and placed under the tree for us to open and have forever? But wisdom is not that kind of a gift. Wisdom is continuous learned skills for living learned by consistently walking with God. Skills are perfected by failing and learning from failing. Ah, new perspective, then for us to consider.

We cry out for wisdom as often as the Psalmists did and other prophets throughout God’s Word, but how is wisdom acquired? Maybe wisdom comes from asking God to help us as we step out in faith to make better decisions with the realization that we might fail. We might be misunderstood and even criticized. We might miss the mark. But we have God’s assurance that He will walk with us and help us learn from the missteps, the wrong turns, and being distracted by “toys and trinkets” along life’s journey.

So ask for wisdom, but know that learning will come with the gift of insight and understanding that is acquired through failing. If we are not failing, we are not trying. We aren’t living abundantly. We are playing it safe but not learning much. The evil one wants us to play it safe. He will also remind us often of our failures so we will miss the lessons we learn from them. So, failing, my friends is a good thing, as long as lessons are learned and we don’t keep making the same mistakes over and over. Stay hungry for God’s counsel! He provides all we need.

Psalm 119: 33-40, The Message

God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!

psalm-119-wisdom

Wisdom, skills for living, are acquired as we ask God to help us live life well. So, with this perspective…it IS well with my soul!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Encouragement, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, hospitality, Leadership, Listen, Macedonian Call, marriage, ministry, Praise, Prayer, Psalms, Salvation, Teaching, Thanksgiving, Training, Transformation, trust in God, Truth, Uncategorized, Unconditional love, waiting on God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

THE ROAD TO SOMEWHERE

Posted on December 22, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

Admit it. We all have them. We may hide the fact that we have them, but we have them. We may act out by hurting someone else because of them, and that doesn’t help. What are they? Bad days. Days when our thinking is off, out of sinc somehow with the rest of the world…maybe with God just happen. In the next section of Psalm 119, the writer is having a bad day or series of days. He is in despair, heart broken, spirit crushed, asking God to “barricade the road that goes Nowhere”.

Psalm 119: 25-32, The Message

I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
if you’ll just show me how.

Show me what YOU see and teach me! dear Lord, he cries out. Have you ever thought to ask God for more accurate eyesight? On these bad days which lead to nowhere, do we ask to see more clearly what God sees? Do we stop in the middle of our wallowing to ask God what He wants us to learn from it all? If we rely only on what the world presents to us on a surface level, we will never see the road to Somewhere.

1002132_10153754714990557_433492044_n

The Psalmist final prayer in this section is a good prayer for all of us to stop and pray right now:

“I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how.”

God will answer an honest, heart felt prayer such as this as we come humbling to our knees with open minds. Oh Lord, help us to really see by looking into your eyes. Give us wisdom to learn our life lessons well on the road to Somewhere.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Holy Spirit, Hope, insight, Jesus, joy, Leadership, Listen, Macedonian Call, marriage, ministry, Praise, Prayer, Psalms, Salvation, Teaching, Thanksgiving, Training, Transformation, trust in God, Truth, Uncategorized, Unconditional love, waiting on God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

DELECTABLE DELIGHTS!

Posted on December 21, 2016 by randscallawayffm

Psalms of Honesty and Truth

I love making fudge and other mouthwatering delectable delights for the holidays. Randy seems to enjoy the results and even points out new recipes I should try. My coworkers seem to enjoy the outcome as well. My daughters can out dessert me. I am not in their league, but I love to try. As I scroll the facebook wall, many of you also like to make beautiful treats in much bigger ways. In fact, you amaze me with the quantity, quality and variety of your work!

Yes, we are a generous people with our delectable delights and take pride in giving them away just to see the happy look on the faces of the recipients. Diets are put aside for awhile to enjoy the sugary goodness of the season.

There is an even greater delectable delight given generously by God, our Heavenly Father that we have the privilege of enjoying every day…His Word. “My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!…for Your nourishing commands”, says the Psalmist in our next “bite” of Psalm 119. “OPEN my eyes so I can see…”, he writes. While others mock me, I’ll do what you say. Your sayings on life are what give me delight.

I wonder…what God’s face looks like when we dive into the dessert, the delectable morsels of His wisdom and then show delight in tasting, chewing and understanding each bite…and then LIVING it? Mm. Something to think about as I make another batch of candy for the family…

Psalm 119:17-24, The Message

Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors!

psalm-119-girl-and-her-bible

 

Consider…(With the help of Warren Wiersbe, Commentator)
–To be sure, nobody is saved or sanctified by striving to obey the law. But for the dedicated Christian believer, there is a deeper meaning to the law, a writing of the Word upon our hearts (Deut. 4:9, because of the new covenant in Jesus Christ!

— To unsaved sinners, the law is an enemy because it announces their condemnation and cannot save them. To legalistic believers, the law is a master that robs them of their freedom. But to spiritually minded believers, the law is a servant that helps them see the character of God and the work of Christ.

–The Word of God performs many wonderful ministries in the life of the devoted believer. It keeps us clean (v. 9), gives us joy (vv. 14, 111, 162), guides us (vv. 24, 33-35, 105), and establishes our values (vv. 11, 37, 72, 103, 127, 148, 162). The Word helps us to pray effectively (v. 58) and gives us hope (v. 49) and peace (v. 165) and freedom (vv. 45, 133).

–Loving the Word will bring the best friends into our life (vv. 63, 74, 79), help us find and fulfill God’s purposes (v. 73), and strengthen us to witness (vv. 41-43).

–When we think we are “down and out,” the Word will revive us and get us back on our feet (vv. 25, 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159).

–If we delight in His Word, learn it, treasure it within, and obey what it says, the Lord will work in us and through us to accomplish great things for His glory!

As we read and study Psalm 119, we will see the writer in a variety of experiences, but his devotion to the Lord and His Word will not change. Circumstances may change, but God and His Word remain the same.

Thank you, Father, for Your Word.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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