Showing posts with label intimacy with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intimacy with God. Show all posts

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Chasing the God Who’s Chasing You - your Heavenly Father wants to run to you and affectionately embrace you - the Lord is the lover of your soul - He has never stopped pursuing you. When you seek the Lord, you’ll find whatever you need in His presence. The Bible says our pursuit of intimacy with God begins with a revelation that “He first loved us.” Before you or I ever took a step in His direction, Jesus came and pursued a relationship with us. Without waiting for us to clean up our act first, He demonstrated His love on the cross “while we were still sinners”

When we read David’s psalms, we see that his life was devoted to a pursuit of God’s presence. 

Psalm 132:3-5 quotes him as saying:

"Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

Because of David’s radical pursuit of God’s presence, he was able to experience God’s power and a lifetime of fulfilling God’s purpose.

The Lord gives this beautiful description of David’s example and legacy:

"I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will"  (Acts 13:22 ESV).

As a result of his dedication, David “served the purpose of God in his own generation” - (Acts 13:36 ESV).

I want my life to reflect this same commitment to God’s presence, power, and purpose, don’t you? 

But the Bible says our pursuit of intimacy with God begins with a revelation that “He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Before you or I ever took a step in His direction, Jesus came and pursued a relationship with us.

Without waiting for us to clean up our act first, He demonstrated His love on the cross “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).

God’s pursuit of us is illustrated in the Prodigal Son story. While the wayward son “was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NASB).

Friend, no matter where you’re at in life today, your Heavenly Father wants to run to you and affectionately embrace you!

Second Chronicles 16:9 (NASB) says it this way: “The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

Isn’t it good to know that the Lord is scanning the whole world, looking for people to strengthen and bless?

Benefits of Pursuing God

In Psalm 23, David wrote about blessings of following the Lord as his Good Shepherd. But his life included examples of many other benefits of pursuing the Lord’s presence:

  • By worshiping God on his harp, David was able to chase away evil spirits from King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
  • Because of the boldness gained from his intimacy with God, David could slay giants (1 Samuel 17:45-51).
  • Since he knew how to go to the Lord for encouragement and direction during difficult times, David was able to take back everything the enemy had stolen from him (1 Samuel 30:1-19).
  • Recognizing God’s goodness in his life, David concluded that those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10).

If you have a need in your life today, the solution is clear:

When you seek the Lord, you’ll find whatever you need in His presence!

Feeling weak today? You can receive POWER in God’s presence.

Feeling directionless and hopeless? In His presence, you’ll rediscover your purpose in life.

Friend, the Lord is the lover of your soul. 

No matter what barriers you may have erected in His way, He has never stopped pursuing you. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve felt the Father’s loving embrace, His arms are open wide for you today!

By Ben Cerullo

inspiration.org

Related Links:

Coming to Ourselves - this journey back to ourselves is often marked by overcoming denial, facing hard truths, and embracing the redemptive love of God

It Happened to the Best of Them - we all stumble in many ways, but God does not define us by our failures. It's our love for Him and our honesty before Him that reveals a true walk of faith. So if you fell, you messed up, your sin got the best of you, then come clean

The Interludes of Life - it is during the interludes of life that we have time to seize a dream or an ideal objective

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

You Are His Masterpiece - remember that you belong to Creator God. He made you for a purpose and placed you on the earth for such a time as this. Breathe in God's promises and breathe out His Word. Rehearse His goodness. And remember your worth. Walk with joyful, humble, bold confidence today. As you walk intimately with Jesus, may faith feel as natural to you as breathing in and out. Be more careful with the thoughts that seek to take up residence in your brain. Understand the wisdom of guarding your heart and renewing your mind. "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago"

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."  Ephesians 2:10 NLT

.

As you walk intimately with Jesus, may faith feel as natural to you as breathing in and out.

Pause throughout the weekend to look at the sky, notice a child, or help someone in need.

Remember that you belong to Creator God.

He made you for a purpose and placed you on the earth for such a time as this.

Be selective about what you allow into your soul.

Be more careful with the thoughts that seek to take up residence in your brain.

Understand the wisdom of guarding your heart and renewing your mind. It'll change your life.

Breathe in God's promises and breathe out His Word.

Rehearse His goodness.

And remember your worth.

You are His masterpiece.

Walk with joyful, humble, bold confidence today.

Susie Larson

lyrics

Walking with Jesus, walking everyday, walking all the way Walking with Jesus, walking with Jesus along Walking in the sunlight, walking in the shadow Walking everyday, walking all the way Walking in the sunlight, walking in the shadow Walking with Jesus along Walking with Jesus, walking everyday, walking all the way Walking with Jesus, walking with Jesus along Walking with Jesus, walking everyday, walking all the way Walking with Jesus, walking with Jesus along Walking in the sunlight, walking in the shadow Walking everyday, walking all the way Walking in the sunlight, walking in the shadow Walking with Jesus along


Writers: William Jay Bergman, Traditional, Roger Edward Burn 

Related Posts:


The Poetry of God - both the mighty universe and the soul made new in Christ are special creations of God, and both manifest His greatness and His love


Treasure in Jars of Clay - we are God's creation. He has the right to determine our course and to set us to the purpose for which we've been planned


You Are Royalty - We are part of a Heavenly Kingdom. Heirs of God. Joint heirs with Christ. May you remember this day who you are and whose you are. He will one day make all things new


Monday, June 9, 2025

Enter in, the veil is torn - when Jesus died, the veil in the Temple that once separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom - heaven's own declaration that the way into God's intimate Presence had been opened. The blood of Yeshua didn't merely forgive us; it opened a door. Not just to salvation, but to intimacy. We are not invited to stand in the outer courts, content with distance and ritual. We are summoned into the very heart of the throne room. Into the Holiest. Into the place where God dwells in glory. Into a communion deeper than words, where His love fills every crevice of our being and His whisper becomes our life. Intimacy with God is the birthright of every soul redeemed by the blood of Jesus

"Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus,

"by a new and living way which He has consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; 

"and having a High Priest over the house of God, 

"let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been washed with pure water."Hebrews 10:19-22

God has always longed for intimacy with us. 

He formed us for Himself - to walk with Him, to know Him, to delight in His Presence. 

This is the very heartbeat of creation: relationship, not religion. 

Yet sin drove a wedge between us. 

A veil was drawn, shutting out the light of His face and placing distance where there was once communion.

But now, the veil has been torn.

When Yeshua (Jesus) died, the veil in the Temple that once separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom - heaven's own declaration that the way into God's intimate Presence had been opened.

The blood of Yeshua didn't merely forgive us; it opened a door. 

Not just to salvation, but to intimacy.

We are not invited to stand in the outer courts, content with distance and ritual. 

We are summoned into the very heart of the throne room. 

Into the Holiest. 

Into the place where God dwells in glory. 

Into a communion deeper than words, where His love fills every crevice of our being and His whisper becomes our life.

This is not a metaphor. 

It is a reality. 

The torn veil is not just a symbol - it is a passage. 

A blood-stained trail that leads into the very arms of the Father. 

And it calls for boldness. 

Not arrogance, but a confidence grounded in Yeshua's finished work. 

His blood has made the way. 

There is nothing left to earn. 

Nothing left to prove.

Only one thing is required: come.

Yet many remain outside - not because God holds us back, but because we have not yet surrendered our inner veils. 

Pride, fear, shame, self - these are type of veils that must be torn. 

But the Spirit is ready to do the tearing. 

He waits for our surrender.

For the heart that says, "Whatever it takes, I want to know Him." 

And when that veil is removed, the soul enters a realm not of theory but of encounter.

Intimacy with God is not a privilege for the spiritual elite - it is the birthright of every soul redeemed by the blood of Yeshua. 

To draw near is not striving for favor but surrendering to love. 

The veil is no more. 

The way is open. 

And the Father waits - not with judgment, but with joy - to welcome you into the fullness of His embrace.

Worthy Ministries is a Christian organization based in the United States and Israel with a global outreach to more than 120 countries on a daily basis.

Though we are an internet ministry, we are also significantly involved in the land of Israel.

Each week, Worthy Ministries delivers thousands of daily devotionals and news briefs across the globe. This past year alone, we have sent out more than 5.2 million news briefs and inspirational devotionals. We have received thousands of encouraging responses from appreciative subscribers. And many millions have utilized our sites and services, including Worthy News, Worthy Chat, Worthy Devotions, and Worthy Christian Forums.

worthydevotions.com

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Sunday, May 18, 2025

Seek God and God Alone - God wants us to value our fellowship with Him more than we value even the work we do for Him. That’s why He will sometimes interrupt us right in the middle of a great prayer project. We’ll be consumed with doing the work of the Lord in prayer when suddenly He will put the brakes on. We must start seeking Him not just so that we can be successful in life or even so that we can be successful in prayer. We must seek Him for His own sake, because we love Him. If we’ll seek Him and Him alone, He will let us fly with Him to the heights of heaven in prayer. He will take us further into the realms of the spirit than we ever dreamed possible if we delight in Him

"You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek ... "(Psalm 27:8 Amplified)

I am deeply impressed these days that we must reverence God now more than we ever have. 

We must start seeking Him not just so that we can be successful in life or even so that we can be successful in prayer

We must seek Him for His own sake, because we love Him.

So many people just want words and action in prayer.

They want information and methods that will help them pray more effectively. 

But they aren’t hungry for God Himself. They don’t yearn for fellowship with Him.

Oh, precious pray-er, let’s repent for the times we’ve been that way. 

Let’s set our hearts to be like David was and pray as he did in Psalm 27:4: "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple." (Amplified)

God wants us to value our fellowship with Him more than we value even the work we do for Him

That’s why He will sometimes interrupt us right in the middle of a great prayer project. 

We’ll be consumed with doing the work of the Lord in prayer when suddenly He will put the brakes on and say, “Stop. Hush. Be quiet and worship Me. Give Me honor and glory. Just draw near to Me.”

In the King James Version of the Bible, Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.” 

Another translation puts it this way, “Seek ye first God and God alone and all these things will be added to you.”

That is so very true. 

All things — even spiritual things — will be added to us if we seek God Himself first

If we’ll seek Him and Him alone, He will let us fly with Him to the heights of heaven in prayer

He will take us further into the realms of the spirit than we ever dreamed possible if we delight in Him.

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Wrestling with God - often difficulties, crises and even terrible circumstances are used by the Lord to bring us closer and to develop intimacy with Him. It is sometimes the Lord's will to draw us to Himself through extreme and even terrible circumstances or threats. The inner transformation that takes place when we pass through these intense prayer battles cannot be accomplished in any other way. Consider how being that close to God Himself may change you forever. When you are gutting out that anguishing trial don't let go until you receive the blessing, the change, the victory. You have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed

Are you wrestling with God?

"Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.

"Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 

"And He said, 'Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But he said, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me!' 

"So He said to him, 'What is your name?' He said, 'Jacob.' 

"And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' 

"Then Jacob asked, saying, 'Tell me Your name, I pray.' 

"And He said, 'Why is it that you ask about My name?' 

"And He blessed him there. 

"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: 'For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.'" Genesis 32:24-30

In the most extreme moment of his life, when his entire household was threatened with annihilation, the Patriarch Jacob wrestled with a Man through an entire sleepless night. 

Somehow, after this astounding encounter, Jacob came to the realization that he had been wrestling with God, and face to face! 

Once again, the Lord God of heaven showed Himself as a human being to a man He loved; this time, for the purpose of rescuing, blessing, and preserving the man's destiny.

Jacob was relentless during this struggle and his perseverance changed him profoundly, forever, in several ways: he was wounded and walked with a limp for the rest of his life, a sign of human weakness and dependence on the Lord. 

He was given a new name ("Israel") and with it, a new identity, as a prince with God, and one whose struggle with the Almighty saved his life, his family, and his God-given inheritance and posterity.

And finally, Jacob received the long-awaited relief and closure with the brother whom he had deceived and enraged so many years before.

So this wrestling match with God was a massive turning point in Jacob's life, and though it must have taken every ounce of human effort he could muster.

The victory he won affected every human being in history, since, of course, the Man that Jacob wrestled with was almost certainly the same Man who became his most important descendant, the Savior of the world, Yeshua, the Messiah; (Jesus the Christ).

How often difficulties and crises are used by the Lord to bring us closer and to develop intimacy with Him. 

It is sometimes the Lord's will to draw us to Himself through extreme and even terrible circumstances or threats. 

The inner transformation that can take place when we pass through these intense prayer battles, cannot perhaps, be accomplished any other way. 

But consider the fruit and the blessing which can result from these mighty wrestlings. 

And consider how being that close to God Himself may change you forever. 

So, you who are gutting out that anguishing trial -- don't let go until you receive the blessing, the change, the victory. 

I believe the Lord also wants to say to you - that you have struggled with God and with men - and have prevailed!

Worthy Ministries is a Christian organization based in the United States and Israel with a global outreach to more than 120 countries on a daily basis.

Though we are an internet ministry, we are also significantly involved in the land of Israel.

Each week, Worthy Ministries delivers thousands of daily devotionals and news briefs across the globe. This past year alone, we have sent out more than 5.2 million news briefs and inspirational devotionals. We have received thousands of encouraging responses from appreciative subscribers. And many millions have utilized our sites and services, including Worthy News, Worthy Chat, Worthy Devotions, and Worthy Christian Forums.

worthydevotions.com

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me - even in the presence of his enemies, David was sure of God’s goodness and faithful love. We can trust that the Lord’s overflowing blessings will remain with us no matter what circumstances we face. As our Shepherd, the Lord provides personal care, guidance, companionship, protection, and security. God welcomes us to feast at His rich table of abundant and overflowing blessings. We will abide in His house forever. His presence, protection, and unfailing love will surround us for all eternity

Our Daily Trials - God allows trials - for us to grow, develop character, and produce intimacy in relationships. A trial is not a temptation. We often say God is tempting us. He never does. Temptation happens when we are dragged away by our own desires. The difference between a temptation and a trial is that a tempter is cheering for you to lose and someone putting you through a trial or test wants desperately for you to win. Trials become an opportunity to form the character of Christ within us and release our true identity

Jacob’s Trouble in End-Time Prophecy - this prophecy of unprecedented difficulty for Jacob’s descendants will be fulfilled just before the second coming of Jesus Christ. The reason for God’s punishment is found in His instructions to their ancestors millennia ago. World conditions will be worse than any time in history, and humanity will be on the brink of self-destruction. The time of Jacob’s trouble corresponds to the same time period called the Great Tribulation, which leads up to the Day of the Lord

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Knowing and Trusting Jesus - we’ve gone to church for years, listened to sermons, and never once did we ever question God’s ways or His goodness. The Bible says it and we believe it. Then something happens. A diagnosis from the doctor, an accident on the highway, a spouse who abandons the marriage. Suddenly, we find ourselves wondering what we did wrong and why God turned His back on us. Maybe we stop trusting or even question His existence altogether. We will never fully understand God’s ways or why He allows us to go through certain storms, but we can be confidently assured that He is a good Father who will always walk through those storms with us, surrounding us with His compassion and love

We’ve all been there before.

We’ve gone to the same church for years, listened to the sermons, sang in the choir and never once did we ever question God’s ways or His goodness. 

The Bible says it and we believe it.

Then something happens. 

A diagnosis from the doctor, an accident on the highway, a spouse who abandons the marriage.

Suddenly, we find ourselves wondering what we did wrong and why God turned His back on us. 

Maybe we stop trusting or even question His existence altogether.

The early disciples certainly experienced doubt. 

In the context of today’s passage, they had already been walking with Jesus for at least a year or two.

They had heard many profound teachings and witnessed many miracles, including the feeding of 5,000 men with a small lunch (John 6:10-13) and walking on the water (verse 19) just the day before.

Now it seemed Jesus had gone too far. 

He talked of eating His flesh and drinking His blood in order to have a life with God. 

The other followers hadn’t signed up for that, only seeking Him because they wanted breakfast (John 6:26), and they left Him behind.

But when Jesus asked His twelve disciples if they were leaving as well, Peter spoke up.

"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? 

"You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'”[John 6:68-69 ESV] 

Peter said that they had believed and come to know that He was the Holy One. 

The word for “believe” in the Greek is pisteuo, which carries the idea of laying your entire weight upon something, being completely assured and confident it will hold you. 

This is the kind of subconscious belief we have in a chair or a bed. 

We trust it to meet our needs for rest.

Peter also knew Jesus was the Holy One. 

This Greek word is ginosko, meaning an intimate relational knowledge of someone. 

It is one thing to say I know who the president is, but it is quite another to say I know my wife. 

I have spent no time with the president, and I can only speculate as to his character when someone tells me what he’s done or hasn’t done.

However, I know my wife. 

I have spent 16 years with her and am intimately aware of her quirks and imperfections as well as her dedication, her faithfulness and her compassion. 

If someone tells me she has done something out of character for her, I’m immediately skeptic.

Peter knew Jesus. 

He had walked with Him daily. 

He was fully confident that his Teacher was the Messiah sent from God, and he was willing to put all of his chips on that number. 

Notice, though, that he didn’t say he understood the “body and blood” teaching. 

He couldn’t form a theological treatise about the significance of the Levitical code and how it related to God’s covenant to mankind.

Peter knew Jesus was who He said He was, because he had devoted himself to spending time with Him.

We will never fully understand God’s ways or why He allows us to go through certain storms, but we can be confidently assured that He is a good Father who will always walk through those storms with us,
surrounding us with His compassion and love.

Question to consider

How intimately would you like to know Jesus, and how can you pursue that?

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, You know me better than I know myself, and You have invited me to know You.

Help me today as I open Your Word and spend time with You to learn more than facts about You, but to understand the depths of Your love, mercy and grace toward me. 

Let me know Your character and let me feel Your heart for me. 

Amen.

Written By: Aaron Bartholome

Devotable is a collection of writers who create daily devotion content that uplifts believers and spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Many Christians struggle or fail to find uplifting and inspiring content on a daily basis. The Christian faith is a daily walk that takes constant nurturing.

This lack of daily inspiration can lead to a feeling of disconnect from your faith and a lack of motivation to spread the Gospel. You need daily Christian inspiration.

Empower your faith daily with Devotable’s books, blogs, and Christian living resources written by faithful writers and authors.

devotable.faith

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Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Learn how to come in, and how to go out - the faithful leaders of Israel understood the critical importance of entering God’s presence and drawing on His strength and power before stepping out to battle. They faced formidable adversities — enemies, even giants and armies — yet they were victorious. Cultivate that type of intimacy in your daily walk with the Lord. Begin each day by entering into His presence through worship and prayer before you step out into the world. By doing this, when you go out, you go out with the confidence that the Lord " will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways"

"At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, 

"'Ask! What shall I give you?' 

"And Solomon said: 'You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 

"Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 

"And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 

"Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. 

"For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?'" 1 Kings 3:5-9  

"Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 

"The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways."Deuteronomy 28:6-7  

In the Book of Kings, when King Solomon began his reign, God asked him, "What shall I give you?" 

He replied, "I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in" - (1 Kings 3:7). 

Such a phrase seems curious, yet it holds deep significance. 

It is echoed throughout Scripture, revealing a principle that intimacy with God leads to victory!

When Moses pleaded for a leader to replace him, he asked the Lord for a leader who could lead the Israelites "to go out and come in" so they wouldn't be like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:17).

Joshua was chosen. 

He was one of the two spies, Caleb being the other, who said, "Adonai is with us"- do not fear the giants of the land! (Numbers 14:7-9)

After Joshua was appointed leader, he spoke to Caleb, who, at eighty-five, boldly claimed his strength for battle was as strong as ever, "both for going out and for coming in." - (Joshua 14:11)

Again, this expression surfaces regarding David in 1 Samuel 18. 

Here, amidst the praises of the people who acclaimed, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), we see that Israel loved David because "he went out and came in before them." (1 Samuel 18:13)

What can we learn from these faithful servants?

They all shared a profound intimacy with God. 

- Moses spoke to God face-to-face as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11), 

- Joshua was one with whom the Spirit rested (Numbers 27:18), 

- Caleb followed God wholly with all his heart (Joshua 14:9), and 

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22; 1 Samuel 13:14)

Each of these faithful leaders understood the critical importance of entering God’s presence and drawing on His strength and power before stepping out to battle.

They faced formidable adversities — enemies, even giants and armies — yet they were victorious.

So, cultivate that type of intimacy in your daily walk with the Lord. 

Begin each day by entering into His presence through worship and prayer before you step out into the world.

By doing this, when you go out, you go out with the confidence that the Lord "will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." - (Deuteronomy 28:6-7)

Worthy Ministries is a Christian organization based in the United States and Israel with a global outreach to more than 120 countries on a daily basis.

Though we are an internet ministry, we are also significantly involved in the land of Israel.

Each week, Worthy Ministries delivers thousands of daily devotionals and news briefs across the globe. This past year alone, we have sent out more than 5.2 million news briefs and inspirational devotionals. We have received thousands of encouraging responses from appreciative subscribers. And many millions have utilized our sites and services, including Worthy News, Worthy Chat, Worthy Devotions, and Worthy Christian Forums.

worthydevotions.com

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