When You Need Humble Strength to Trust God

Mary was asked to accept the greatest act of obedience and she trusted God with humble strength to give her everything she needed to serve and obey Him. #BibleStudy #Faith #TrustGod #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Luke was a doctor, a Greek, and a Gentile believer in Christ. He was a SEEKer who wanted to know as much as he could about the person in whom he placed his faith.

He wrote:

Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
Luke 1:3–4

The name Theophilus means “one who loves God.” Although Luke’s intended audience was most likely a Roman acquaintance who was also SEEKing. His words share the accurate account of eye-witnesses to the truth about Jesus.

I love this quote from the Life Application Bible Notes:

Christianity doesn’t say, “Close your eyes and believe,” but rather “Check it out for yourself.”

Be a lifelong SEEKer of TRUTH! God’s Truth!

It would have been amazing to sit down with Mary and hear her talk about her son, Jesus. Listening to her share her own experience as the mother of God’s Son.

Can you imagine sitting with her as she remembered the day the angel, Gabriel, visited her? To hear her admit that she was confused and disturbed by his appearance…

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
Luke 1:29–31

I don’t know about Luke, but I’m most moved by her response to all she had been told…

“I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Luke 1:38

She had no idea what all this would mean for her future but I think she had an idea that it wasn’t going to be easy. But God asked her to serve Him and in faith she humbly obeyed . . . trusting Him to give her the strength she would need.

Mary humbles me. I spent too much of my life afraid. I doubted God’s ability to face life’s problems and pain.

God’s favor didn’t keep her from either but He did bless her humble obedience by giving her the strength she needed throughout the journey.

A Prayer for Humble Strength to Trust God

Father, thank you for Mary’s beautiful example of humble strength. You asked her for one of the most significant acts of obedience and faith that You ever asked of anyone. She was poor and young without any special ability that we know of . . . yet You chose her. And she trusted You!

Please forgive me for the times I’ve been unwilling to obediently serve You when You have asked. Forgive me for doubting that You would give me the strength I need to fulfill Your will.

Please give me the willingness to humbly obey whatever you ask of me. And help me trust You faithfully to give me the strength I need one moment at a time. By Your grace, I pray that I might, like Mary, live my life to glorify You. Amen.

Humble strength does not come naturally to our human nature. We tend to think of humility as weakness and pride too often goes along with our human way of thinking about strength.

But God turns things upside down. And by His grace, humble strength comes of a spirit filled by His Spirit. A strong core of faith that trusts God to supply whatever is needed for whatever He asks.

On today’s note write:

God will give me humble strength to trust His will.

God bless you and give you all you need today to trust and obey His will.

Click here to read the rest of Luke 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Be Fearless with Love and Gratitude

3 / 4 / 213 / 4 / 21

Grief feels an awful lot like fear. When we don't know what the future will be moving forward with love and gratitude is the best way to become fearless. #Fearless #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Grief is the powerful emotional response to overwhelming loss.

Grief feels a lot like fear and the question that always comes with it is…

“What does this mean for my life?”

I remember a period of grief when all I could do was curl up on my bed and say through tears, “I don’t know what to do!”

That’s why I find this part of the resurrection account in Mark 16 so touching.

Women who had stood at the foot of the cross, who were filled with grief, who had been with Jesus through much of His ministry, who had no idea what life was going to look like in the future . . . bought spices and went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They didn’t know how they were going to move the stone and they had no clue how they would deal with the Roman soldiers but they went.

Love and gratitude made them fearless.

The truth and the best part is that God had already gone before them.

The soldiers were gone. The stone was rolled away. And…

Jesus was alive!

“Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.Now go and tell…
Mark 16:6–7a

The proclamation to them and to us it to…

Go and tell! Tell what God has done and trust Him to prepare the way.

Trust that He will take care of the obstacles before us. He will roll the stone away and remove the soldiers. He is ALIVE!

And that truth makes us fearless. Whether we are grieving, anxious, or just overwhelmed by life . . . by the power of His Spirit, God is able to make us fearless one day at a time when we proceed with love and gratitude.

A Prayer to Be Fearless
with Love and Gratitude

Father, Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. All of Your promises have been fulfilled in and through Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20) And by Your mercy and grace, I believe I can trust Your promises for the future. Promises that tell me . . . I will never be alone. (Matthew 28:20), Jesus will return for me. (John 14:3), I will spend forever with You in heaven. (John 3:15)

Thank You! I love You! Please help me by the power of Your Spirit, to fearlessly “go and tell” all that You have done for me. Help me live each day fearlessly . . . filled with love and gratitude, trusting that You go before me removing obstacles and preparing the way.

I give myself to You, help me live each day for Your glory lifting up the name of Jesus. He is risen! I have everything I need. Amen.

Whatever you are going through today. Whether or not you are grieving or just afraid of the unknown future . . . give it all to God today. Remind yourself that the stone has been rolled away and the soldiers are gone. Jesus is alive and God is able to give you everything you need to go and tell your story when you live with love and gratitude.

On today’s note write:

God is before me preparing the way for me to live with love and gratitude.

God bless you today as you celebrate God’s love today!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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When You Can’t Imagine the Truth of the Cross

3 / 3 / 212 / 13 / 21

It's hard to Imagine what Jesus suffered to save mankind. The truth of the cross is that He suffered being abandoned by God so you and I will never have to. #GoodFriday #Easter #thecross #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

It’s hard for me to think about Jesus suffering and death.

In fact, it’s impossible for me to find a word to adequately describe my feelings when I truly pause to think about Jesus willingly allowing Himself to be tortured in every way for my sins.

I can’t imagine the physical pain He endured. And I can’t even begin to comprehend the mental, emotional, and spiritual pain of being “abandoned” by His Father, God.

I wonder what it sounded like when…

At three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:34

I wonder if that was the thing He dreaded most when He prayed the night before…

“Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Mark 14:36

The truth of the cross is that Jesus’ separation from God was and is the punishment you and I deserve.

Because God’s love is so great, Jesus willingly endured our punishment so we won’t ever be abandoned by God if we place our trust in Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

And by God’s grace, nothing can ever change that…

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39

We have so many reasons to thank and praise God but maybe none greater than the truth of the cross.

A Prayer Thanking Jesus
for the Truth of the Cross

Jesus, giving You a simple “thank you” seems so insufficient. You suffered the unimaginable not only enduring horrific pain but willingly suffering the weight of all sin for all people for all time. Sin that caused You to be fully separated from the Father to languish alone. I can’t begin to comprehend what You experienced because of Your great love for us . . . for me.

Lord, I am humbled and overwhelmed. I am sorry for the pain my sin caused You. I repent of my sins. I am so sorry and ask You to forgive me and help me. I want to give You my heart, my mind, my all. I want to be completely surrendered to Your will. I want to trust and obey Your commands. I pray that You will make loving, trusting, and obeying You my #1 heart’s desire. I love You and thank You. Help me live every day for the glory of Your name. Amen.

I think we all have times when God feels far away. Times when we wonder if He has heard our prayers . . . if He’s with us. Times when we feel separated or maybe even abandoned.

But if you remember nothing else today, please remember…

God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5

And Jesus said:

Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20

On today’s note write:

The truth of the cross is that Jesus was abandoned so I will never be.

Pause today and thank God for the truth of His loving presence . . . even if you can’t feel it.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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You Need to Know and Trust the Truth about I AM

3 / 2 / 213 / 2 / 21

At Jesus' trial, He was asked if He was the Messiah. His answer. "I AM." He declared that He came to save God's people and He will come again in glory. #Jesus #Hope #IAM #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

I hardly know where to begin . . . where to focus our attention.

Mark 14 is packed with moments and lessons from the hours that preceded Jesus’ crucifixion.

Religious Leaders plotted to kill Jesus but not during Passover.
Mary anointed Jesus’ head with precious oil.
Judas agreed to betray Jesus to the Religious Leaders.
The disciples prepare for Passover and Jesus joined them to celebrate it.
Jesus initiated the Eucharist.
Jesus cried out to the Father from Gethsemane.
Jesus was betrayed and arrested.
Jesus stood trial before Caiaphas and proclaimed Himself, “I AM.”
Peter denied knowing Jesus.

A lot can happen in a day and a half and I invite you to go over and read these accounts for yourself.

But before you go, let’s take a closer look at Jesus’ trial before the High Priest, Caiaphas.

In the middle of the night, Jewish leaders gathered for a trial that had already been decided. Jesus deserved to die. So, they brought forward “many false witnesses . . . but they contradicted each other.” (Mark 14:56) And the defendant refused to defend Himself.

In frustration, Caiaphas stood up and asked:

“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
Mark 14:61

And Jesus said:

“I AM”
Mark 14:62

Jesus declared that He was and is the Messiah, the Son of God.

And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.
Mark 14:62

And we can believe Him.

John who was with Him through His ministry, death, and after His resurrection wrote:

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.
John 20:30–31

And because of the disciple’s testimony, you and I can trust all of Jesus “I AM” promises…

I am the Bread of Life. (John 6:35)
I am the Light of the World. (John 8:12)
I am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11, 14)
I am the Alpha and Omega. (Revelation 1:8)
I am the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)
I am the Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:25)
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
I AM the Messiah. (John 4:26)

The I AM invites you and me to KNOW Him, Love Him, and allow Him to free us from the world’s lies.

We can trust His promise…

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
John 14:3

So, let’s pray and surrender today to I AM, the Messiah, the Son of God.

A Prayer to Know and Trust
the Truth about I AM

Father, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show us Your grace, mercy, and love . . . for saving us from the consequences of our sin. I believe my favorite name You call Yourself is “I AM.” It is all-inclusive. It defines you as “the absolute I, the self-existent One. It says, “I am who I am, I will be who I will be, I cause to be what is.”

I believe! I trust You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Please forgive me and help me obey Your will as You reveal it to me. When I doubt, increase my faith (Mark 9:24). When temptation strikes, give me strength and show me a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). And when I am discouraged, please encourage me (2 Corinthians 7:16).

I offer myself to You. Teach me. Fill me. Lead me. In the name of Jesus, the I AM. Amen.

God told Moses that His name is “I AM” (Exodus 3:14)

John identified Jesus as The Word made flesh.

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

The Word became humanand made
His home among us.
John 1:1,14

And Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” (John 10:30)

On today’s note write:

I believe Jesus is who He says He is.

God bless you as you focus on Jesus, the Messiah . . . the One who is, who was, who always will be.

Unger, M. F., Harrison, R. K., Vos, H. F., Barber, C. J., & Unger, M. F. (1988). In The new Unger’s Bible dictionary (Rev. and updated ed.). Chicago: Moody Press.

Church, C. (2003). I AM. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 802). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Important Reasons You Need to Know the Truth

3 / 1 / 212 / 9 / 21

When Jesus told His followers about His return at the end of the world, He told them to "Know the Truth" and "Be Prepared." Here's why... #BibleStudy #EndTimes #Faith #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Have you ever noticed all the euphemisms we use instead of actually calling something a lie?

We…

stretch the truth.
manipulate the truth.
mislead.
are inaccurate.
misrepresent the facts.
tell half-truths.

My family will tell you there is nothing that upsets me more than lying it doesn’t matter what you call it.

And that may be the reason I love the absolute truth of God’s Word.

Jesus said…

“I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
John 18:37

And

“I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.”
John 15:26

I believe Jesus is and has always been TRUTH. He even described Himself as:

“the way, the truth, and the life.”
John 14:6

So, when He prophesied about the future . . . we can believe Him.

In Mark 13, Jesus told His disciples about near future and far future events. And you and I live in the time between the near and the far. In fact, it is because Jesus’ near future prophesies have happened that we know we can count on ones yet to come.

He warned of trials and tribulations, betrayals and wars and earthquakes and lies.

And that’s why, He impressed upon them the importance of knowing the truth.

When we know and trust the TRUTH…

We won’t be:

Misled

Don’t let anyone mislead you for many will come in my name, claiming “I am the Messiah.”
Mark 13:5–6

Worried

When you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say.
Mark 13:11a

We will be:

Alert

Since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
Mark 13:33

Obedient

The coming of the Son of Man is as a man who went from his house to a far country. He gave each one of his servants some work to do.
Mark 13:34a (NLV)

Faithful

The one who endures to the end will be saved.
Mark 13:13b

Jesus told His followers the importance of being ready and prepared.

I tell you this, and I say this to everyone: ‘Be ready!’”
Mark 13:37

In a world where the father of lies constantly taunts and tempts us, you and I need to know the truth about Jesus so we are ready and prepared for the day we will meet Him face to face.

A Prayer to Know the TRUTH

Father, please forgive me for not consistently and faithfully turning to Your Word that I might know the truth about Jesus. Forgive me for selfishly focusing on my wants and worries. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, make me a SEEKer and give me everything I need to love You with all I am and to love others as You wish.

I believe Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Please give me the courage, strength, wisdom, and discernment I need as I wait and watch for Jesus. In whose name, I pray. Amen.

You and I are so very blessed. We have the living and active Word of God because God loves us so much . . . He wants us to know the truth.

Jesus said in His High Priestly Prayer:

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
John 17:17

And that is my prayer for all of us today. That we will KNOW the TRUTH who frees us from the enemy’s lies.

On today’s note write:

In a world of lies, Jesus is the TRUTH!

God bless you today as you turn to Him to know the truth so you are able to reject anything that’s not.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Give All You Have and Have All You Need

2 / 26 / 212 / 8 / 21

It's hard to understand how when we give our all to God, He responds by giving us all we need but it is His promise and He is always faithful to His promises. #Faith #Hope #TrustGod #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

I’m guilty!

I didn’t want to be guilty. I wanted to be all-in fully surrendered to God. I wanted to give Him my all but…

I was afraid.

Verses like: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” (John 16:33) and “Take up your cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) terrified me!

My faith has too often been too weak to trust God’s power to give me everything I needed if x, y, or z happened.

That’s why I’m humbled when I read about the widow in today’s reading.

A poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called His disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Mark 12:42–44

I’m not sure this account in Mark 12 has as much to do with her giving as it has to do with her faith. She trusted God enough to give Him everything she had. She had no one to provide for her . . . no inheritance, pension, or social security. And yet, she gave God all she had “today” trusting Him to care for her “tomorrow.”

Jesus wanted the disciples to notice her commitment and faith!

He wants His followers (like you and me) to trust the “everything you need” part of Luke 12:31:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.

That’s why I write here at Counting My Blessings . . . by God’s grace, I believe this promise. God has proven to me, more times than I can count, that He does give us everything we need when we SEEK Him first, TRUST Him and take Him at His Word, and GIVE Him all our love . . . heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Because when you and I trust that He is who He says He is and that He has done and will continue to do what He says . . . fear is replaced with peace, joy, hope, and absolutely everything else we need.

Today, I believe you and I can give all we have to God trusting Him to give us all we need.

A Prayer to Give God All We Have
and Trust His Promises

Father, I believe You. Please forgive me for the times I’ve allowed doubt and fear to keep me from trusting You completely. Forgive me for ever holding onto anything too tightly because I was afraid that You were unable to give me what I needed each day.

Thank you for proving me wrong. Thank you for allowing me to go through problems and pain to learn that You are faithful to Your promises. Thank you for giving me exactly what I needed moment by moment and proving to me that Your grace is always sufficient for my needs right now.

Father, I give You my all. I surrender my hopes and dreams, my wants and needs, my loved ones and those who have hurt me. I give You my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength. Please give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word. Guide me. Fill me. Teach me. Strengthen me. And use me for Your glory. I trust You, Lord, to give me everything I need today. I thank you and praise You. Amen.

On today’s note write:

Lord, I give You all I have and trust You to give me all I need!

And then say it out loud again and again and again and again.

God bless you as you give yourself to God today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Know If This Is The Time to Be Angry

2 / 25 / 212 / 25 / 21

The Bible talks about being angry without sinning. How can we know if this is the time to be angry or if this is the battle to fight? Knowing what to do... #angermanagement #BibleStudy #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

It’s easy to imagine Jesus talking and teaching but in Mark 11, He taught His disciples by acting out a parable . . . and I’m guessing it’s one they remembered.

It was the Monday morning of Holy Week and Jesus was walking toward Jerusalem. He was hungry…

He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so He went over to see if he could find any figs.

Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!”
Mark 11:13a, 14

And then, He went on to the Temple.

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.
Mark 11:15–16

It makes us uncomfortable to read about Jesus getting angry, doesn’t it? I prefer to think of Him as tender and loving and gentle and kind. And He was and is all of those things.

But He is also the sinless Son of God whose anger is always righteous which is defined as morally right and justified.

I’d like to think my anger is righteous and that I only get angry at the right time for the right reasons but that is definitely not the case.

You see – righteous anger is always and only directed at sin. And it’s always the right time to be angry at sin.

How can you and I know if it’s the right time to be angry?

We can ask ourselves the following questions:

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF MY ANGER?
WHY DOES THIS MAKE ME ANGRY?
WHAT IS THE UNDERLYING EMOTION CAUSING MY ANGER?
DOES THE BIBLE SAY THIS MAKES GOD ANGRY?
HOW SHOULD I DEAL WITH MY ANGER TO REMAIN HONEST WITH MYSELF AND HUMBLE WITH OTHERS?

A Prayer for the Times When I am Angry

Father, I know anger is an emotion that in itself is neither good or bad. Your Word says there are times to be angry. It tells us that sin makes You angry. Honestly, the whole idea of anger makes me uncomfortable. I don’t like thinking about You getting angry. I don’t like it when the people around me are angry. And I don’t like getting angry myself.

Please give me the courage to be angry over sin. My own and the sin I see in the world around me. Please give me wisdom and discernment to know when it’s time for me to be angry. May I have the courage I need to humbly speak the truth about sin and by Your grace, give me the strength I need not to sin when I am angry. (Ephesians 4:26) Help me Lord, for the glory of Your name. Amen.

And back to the parable…

Jesus did not curse the fig tree because He was angry at the tree. He did it to explicitly show the disciples the importance of having faith and a spiritual life that produces fruit.

He cleared the Temple because people were taking advantage of God’s children and abusing God’s house for their own selfish purposes. He knew the hearts and minds behind the acts. Their actions were keeping people from knowing the truth about God’s love.

On today’s note write:

Be angry but don’t sin.

God bless you today as you surrender your emotions to God asking Him to give you wisdom and discernment.

You can read more about Mark 11 and Jesus’ righteous anger here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Leave your prayer requests…

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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You Need to Listen to Jesus’ Truth If You Want Freedom

2 / 24 / 212 / 24 / 21

God whispers and the world is loud. If you and I want to enjoy the freedom of God's love we need to know, trust, and obey Jesus' truth. #BibleStudy #Faith #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #Blessings #WWGGG

Who decides what is right and what is wrong?

Is it the law? Does making something “legal” make it right?

The Pharisees came to Jesus to trap Him with a question .

“Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”
Mark 10:2

And Jesus uses the question to talk about a bigger and deeper issue . . . one that is necessary for every one of us to address.

You see, the Pharisees were looking at this from a “legal” perspective when they should have been looking at it from a “spiritual” one . . . from God’s perspective.

Jesus answered their question this way…

This commandment [was written] only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife,and the two are united into one.’
Mark 10:5–8a

God made men and women to compliment each other, to love and respect, to help, to be united.

We, sinful people, are the ones who have messed up God’s plan. And now that we have, we believe that making things “legal” makes them acceptable.

So, here’s the real question…

How should you and I decide what is right and what is wrong?

Should we listen to the legal voices that say it’s okay to kill babies and deny God’s genetic creation or the spiritual truth of God’s Word? Truth that invites us to trust Him and experience life in all its fullness (John 10:10), freedom (John 8:32), peace (John 14:27), hope (Matthew 12:21), and love (John 1:17).

God wants so much for us that He invites us to stop listening to the loud shouts of those who demand a “legal” view of the world and enjoy the blessings of LISTENing to and TRUSTing Jesus’ truth.

A Prayer to Listen to Jesus’ Truth

Father, I confess that I have occasionally listened to the wrong voices. So often, You whisper as the world around me is so very loud and demanding. Please forgive me.

I want to KNOW JESUS’ TRUTH. I want to obey Your will. I want to read and study Your Word until I carry its truth deep within my heart and mind. I want to experience life in all its fullness, peace, hope, joy, and love.

I love You, Lord. Because of Your grace, I am forgiven and given the promise of life forever with You. Thank you for Jesus, the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE! By the power of Your Spirit, help me courageously apply Jesus’ truth to every area of my life and love You and others the way You want. And may I live this day and every day for Your glory. Amen.

Friend, I believe God offers His grace to everyone. I believe He wants us to love one another . . . even those with whom we don’t agree. I believe we are ALL sinners in need of His grace and mercy. These are words spoken by Jesus as truth.

I also believe that we don’t have to agree with everything that is determined “legal” to love others.

We are called to love, to pray, to reflect God’s love and invite people to know Jesus’ truth that they might also experience life in all its fullness.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will KNOW, TRUST, and FOLLOW Jesus’ TRUTH.

God bless you as you SEEK to KNOW and LIVE the blessings of Jesus’ TRUTH.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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What to Do When You Want Stronger Faith

2 / 23 / 212 / 5 / 21

When life is hard doubt creeps in and you want stronger faith, there is one thing you and I can do to help us have the anything is possible faith we want. #BibleStudy #StrongFaith #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

It’s easy to doubt the outcome when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, isn’t it?

Have you ever cried through tears, “will I ever…”

Will I ever get well, get married, have a child, get a job, have peace, be happy?

The list can be endless.

I imagine we all have felt our faith falter a little through a “will I ever” time of anxious waiting and wondering.

So, meet the father in Mark 9…

“Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So, I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”
Mark 9:17b–18

Think about a time you’ve asked, you’ve cried, you’ve pleaded, you’ve prayed and you’ve waited while your suffering or a loved one’s suffering persists.

It’s easy to understand this father’s saying:

“Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
Mark 9:22b

Jesus responded:

“If I can?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Mark 9:23

And the father instantly cried out:

“I do believe but help me overcome my unbelief.”
Mark 9:24

That is our prayer today. In our waiting . . . when life is hard and it doesn’t make sense . . . when we need and want stronger faith . . . pray:

Lord, I believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!

Because even when we believe He can, we can doubt His heart. Growing in faith and trusting God’s love is an ongoing process that requires daily prayer, surrender, and reliance on God’s promises.

Pray When You Want Stronger Faith

Pray with me.

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming and living here with us. Thank you for loving us and willingly dying to save us. And thank you for giving me the gift of faith.

I believe You are my Lord and Savior. I believe You are God alone and I believe that anything is possible for You. But I confess that when life is hard and my heart hurts . . . when my wait is long, I want and need stronger faith.

Lord, I believe! Please help me overcome doubt and fear. I believe that nothing is too difficult for You and I ask You to please give me everything I need today to simply trust that You are who You say You are that I might obey Your will. I give myself to You. And I believe Your grace is sufficient for whatever You allow. Amen.

When the disciples questioned why they were unable to help this man and his son, Jesus said:

“This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”
Mark 9:29

Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our life. Effective prayer needs both the attitude of complete dependence and the action of asking. Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite Him to fill us with faith and power.
Life Application Bible Notes

When life feels overwhelming and the enemy taunts us with the doubt of “what if” questions . . . prayer is the answer.

Stronger faith begins with a humble prayer of surrender to the promise that with God who loves perfectly and unfailingly…

Anything is possible!

On today’s note write:

I believe anything is possible!

And even if His answer to our prayer is “no” or “not yet,” He is able to give us everything we need to live with faith, hope, and love one moment at a time.

God bless you as you give yourself to the One for whom anything is possible.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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When You Need to Be Relieved of Doubt

2 / 22 / 212 / 3 / 21

When you worry that you can't handle the road ahead and you need to be relieved of doubt, remember all that God has done for you and just believe. #Faith #BibleStudy #Doubt #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Are you ever surprised how often “I can’t” is your first thought about something?

I know that too often my first thought is “I can’t do this,” whenever I’m facing a challenge.

Oh, I want to consistently enjoy God’s strength and peace but I’m ashamed to say that I can let doubt dictate my thinking.

Knowing that the disciples walked with Jesus and experienced the same struggle helps.

Jesus said to them…

“I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat.”
Mark 8:2

And the disciples replied…

“How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”
Mark 8:4

But remember, Jesus had already fed 5,000+ people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish.

And that word is the way to be relieved of doubt.

Remember!

Remember what God has done!

When we remember all that He has done in the past we are less likely to doubt Him in the present.

Remember how He:

Forgives
Provides
Knows
Heals
Protects
Saves
Loves

And remember, if He has done it in the past He is able to do it today.

Faith is knowing that God is who He says He is and He is able! He is true to His Word! He is able to relieve our doubt when we place our trust in Him.

Pray When You Need to Be Relieved of Doubt

Father, I want to be strong and I want to KNOW and completely trust that You are able to help me through this time but I feel overwhelmed by this journey ahead of me. Please forgive me and help me.

Paul wrote that “faith comes from hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Please help me to faithfully read, study, and prayerfully ponder Your Word. When doubt tries to crowd out Your TRUTH, please remind me of all the ways You have cared for me in the past.

Help me remember that You love me. I am Your child. You know everything about me . . . even the number of hairs on my head. Nothing happens in my life that is beyond Your care. I give myself to You. Remove my doubt. Give me strength and fill me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The other day I watched Joni Eareckson Tada talk about her illness and as she needed to be relieved of doubt, she cried out to Jesus and heard Him ask…

“Do you trust me?”

Remembering what God has done in the past helps us to be able to say…

“I believe!”

On today’s note write…

I BELIEVE! God is for me!

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Romans 8:31

Then, start a “remembering list.” List the ways God has been there for you in the past. Times He healed or provided. Times He gave you strength and peace. Times He helped you do the impossible. Times He has forgiven you. And anything else you can thing of.

Remember . . . God is with you and He wants you to trust Him. He wants you to be relieved of all doubt.

Read the rest of Mark 8 here.

God bless you and give you everything you need today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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The Truth You Need to Know About Hypocrisy

2 / 19 / 212 / 2 / 21

It's important to know what causes hypocrisy if we want to avoid it. Take this closer look at the temptation that prompts it and the only way to avoid it. #Hypocrisy #Pride #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Do you ever worry about being a hypocrite?

I think it’s healthy to question our own hypocrisy.

Recently my morning devotion challenged me to remember that temptation often comes after spiritual victory. You see the enemy of our souls knows that its easy for a spiritual victory to turn into pride; and well, to quote Solomon:

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18

And Jesus paused in today’s reading to challenge the Pharisees with their prideful hypocrisy. They were constantly worried about how they were perceived because they were focused on power, position, and popularity.

Their pride caused them to worry more about their reputations than their character. And Jesus called them out by quoting Isaiah…

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Mark 7:6b

And then He cautioned His followers by telling them:

“For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts…”
Mark 7:21a

And evil thoughts become evil actions and attitudes.

Which is why Jesus told His followers to:

Seek the Kingdom of God.
Luke 12:31

I love how the Message says it:

Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

If you and I want to avoid prideful hypocrisy we must…

Remain humbly and consistently aware that victory over temptation requires strength that comes from God alone.

A Prayer to Live Free Prideful Hypocrisy

Will you pray with me?

Father, I need you! The enemy knows my weaknesses and seems to constantly tempt me to give in to them. The world seems to more and more call what You call good / evil and what you call evil / good. And I confess that I can be tempted to judge the attitudes of the world more than I deal with the attitudes in me. Please forgive me of any prideful hypocrisy within me.

Please keep my heart and mind focused humbly on You. Help me to seek, know, and follow Your perfect will. Please help me to faithfully want You more than I want power, position, or popularity. Bless me with the strength and power of Your Spirit and grant me wisdom to discern what I see and hear that my attitudes might be pleasing to You.

I love you, Lord! Give me victory over temptation that I might give You glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, I think it’s human nature for people to pridefully call out the hypocrisy in others. Just watch the headlines after a Christian is caught in a sin or some form of public scandal.

And we’re all guilty at times. We love feeling victorious and pointing our fingers at those who aren’t.

But today we want to remember . . . if you and I want to avoid hypocrisy we absolutely must remain humble and focused on Jesus. We must fully trust that we can “do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13) But without a doubt, “pride goes . . . before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

On today’s note write:

Humbly focus on Jesus to avoid hypocrisy!

I recommend you read all of Mark 7 to learn more about what Jesus taught about inner purity and His power to heal and deliver.

God bless you today as you focus on Jesus and rely on Him for strength and victory!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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How to Trust Jesus When You Need to be Filled

2 / 18 / 212 / 18 / 21

Life can deplete you and keep you from accomplishing all you want. When you need to be filled turn to Jesus, give Him what you have, and trust Him to provide. #BibleStudy #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

I’m sitting here staring at an idle keyboard and blank screen. I want to pour out encouragement and inspiration but I’m carrying around this heaviness and it’s hard to pour from a cup that needs to be filled.

Life can be like that sometimes, can’t it?

In Mark 6, Jesus and His disciples had just learned that Herod had executed John the Baptist. They were tired having been on a mission trip where they preached God’s Word and told everyone they met to:

“Repent of their sins and turn to God.”
Mark 6:12

Jesus knew they needed rest to be filled…

“Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
Mark 6:31

But you and I know, it’s not always possible to get the rest we want when we need it. Sometimes taking care of the people who need us makes it hard to rest and replenish.

Like us, the disciples’ rest was postponed by 5,000+ needy and hungry people. But rather than sending them away, Jesus told His disciples to bring Him whatever food they had so they could feed the crowd.

They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.”
Mark 6:38b

All that Jesus needed to satisfy their hungry bellies with an additional 12 baskets of leftovers!

So, what important truths do I want to take away from Mark 6 today?

Sometimes you and I are going to be tired and discouraged. That’s okay!
It’s also okay to take a break and enjoy quiet and rest.
But when that’s not possible and we’re depleted . . . we can give Jesus what we have and trust Him to multiply it and make it more than enough. We can trust Him to use whatever we have to offer in ways that will give Him glory.

A Prayer to Trust Jesus
When You Need to be Filled

Will you pray with me?

Lord, I’m tired. My heart is heavy and I’m discouraged. Your world is full of hurting people . . . people who need to be filled and I’m depleted. I need to be filled. I want to pour out but today I need You to pour in. I need You to provide the supply.

I give you what I have. “I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) I give You my heart and ask You to give me peace. I give You my hopes and dreams and ask You to give me wisdom and direction. I give You my all and ask You to use me for Your glory!

I love You, Lord, with all my heart. Please give me all I need to love the people around me. I need to be filled. Please multiply my offering and use it to bless others. Amen.

Maybe like me, you need to be filled. Maybe you’re tired and discouraged but life’s demands aren’t allowing you to get away for quiet and rest.

Whatever you are dealing with today . . . give it to Jesus. Give Him the good through your thanks and praise. Give Him the not so good through confession and repentance. Give Him all You have to offer and trust Him to replenish you.

When you need to be filled . . . run to Jesus!

On today’s note write:

Jesus can multiply and use whatever I give Him.

God be with you and bless you today, giving you everything you need to trust Him and serve Him in ways that give Him glory.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

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When You are Hopeless You Can Trust Jesus

2 / 17 / 211 / 30 / 21

A look at three accounts in the Bible where hopeless people were able to reach out and trust Jesus receiving compassion and hope for the future. #Hope #Faith #ReadtheBible #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Do you feel hopeless?

Maybe you’re disappointed and discouraged by the state of the world. Maybe your hopelessness is much more personal.

I want you to know you can trust Jesus when you feel hopeless. He is able to heal you.

No, I can’t promise that He will heal you physically although I know He can. What I do know is that He is able to heal your heart! He is able to replace your hopelessness with joy, peace, and contentment. He is able to give you hope.

In Mark 5, we read three accounts of hopeless individuals who encountered Jesus.

A man possessed by a “legion” of evil spirits..

Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.
Mark 5:4

A woman who suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding…

She had suffered a great deal.

She thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
Mark 5:26a, 28

And a father whose daughter was dying…

When [Jairus] saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with Him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”
Mark 5:22b–23

Three suffering people . . . one asked for help, another reached out to simply touch, and the third wasn’t able to do either. But after they encountered Jesus, their hopelessness was replaced with faith because they had been the recipients of His compassionate love.

That’s what His compassionate love does . . . it changes lives and gives us hope.

And that’s why He tells every hopeless soul…

“Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”
Mark 5:36

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Trust Jesus
When You are Hopeless

Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the tremendous compassionate love of God. I think about praying “Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever,” and I believe. You keep your promises and I trust You.

Thank you for knowing my needs and showing me Your love. You alone are able to take my feelings of hopelessness and replace them with truth that gives me hope. You are my healer, my strength, my comforter, and my Savior. You are the One who gives me life and a future filled with hope. Because of You, I no longer have to be afraid.

I yield myself to You. Please give me all I need to trust and follow wherever You lead me today. And please help me remember that I can reach out to You whenever life is hard and trust You to faithfully respond with compassion and love. You, Lord, not only give me hope . . . You are my HOPE! Amen.

Friend, when you feel discouraged and hopeless you can trust Jesus.

Reach out and touch Him. Cry out to Him in prayer. Trust His promises…

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

On today’s note write…

Jesus is my HOPE!

God bless you and give you everything you need to trust Jesus’ compassion and love when you are hopeless!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

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Important Things You Need to Do to Listen to Jesus

2 / 16 / 211 / 29 / 21

Jesus told stories that taught lessons and encouraged listeners to SEEK to know His truth. To grow in faith and enjoy God's peace we need to listen to Jesus. #ReadtheBible #TrustJesus #SEEK #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Listening is defined as the way the brain actively processes what the ear hears.

But I’ll admit, that when I was teaching a class of kindergartners or talking to my children, anytime I said, “would you please LISTEN to me!” I was looking for more than simply filtering sounds into words.

I wanted them to do what I said! I wanted them to act on what they had heard!

Jesus taught through parables. He used simple stories to share spiritual truths that caused people to think.

And because He wanted people to take those thoughts and apply them, He often added the words…

He [Jesus] said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Mark 4:9

Don’t just hear an entertaining story . . . believe and apply these lessons to your lives. Use them to influence your actions and your attitudes.

He [Jesus] added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.”
Mark 4:24

So, what can you and I do to receive greater understanding of the truths of Jesus from God’s Word?

SEEK – Spend time reading and studying the Bible.
PRAY – Ask Him to help you understand and trust His TRUTH.
SURRENDER – Trust His will and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to LISTEN!
OBEY – Accept that true listening includes following God’s will with your actions and your attitudes.
REPEAT – Commit to applying steps #1-#4 with God’s help every day.

A Prayer to Listen to Jesus

Years ago, my teachers had our class memorize the following prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. Will you pray it with me?

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, I also pray that You will make me a SEEKer of Your truth and give me everything I need to surrender my life to You each day. Please strengthen me to trust and obey Your will as You reveal it to me. Give me a wise and understanding heart, a love for Your Word, and the desire to spend time with You in prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

I want to listen to Jesus! I want more and more understanding of His will, His truth, and His promises.

Why? Because when I know, understand, and obey His will and truth . . . I have the joy, peace, hope, and strength that He promises.

The account of Jesus calming the storm is written at the end of Mark 4.

We get storms, don’t we? Both literally and figuratively . . . life is stormy. But Jesus has power over the wind and waves and over any storm that overwhelms you and me.

So, listen to Jesus today. Hear Him calm the storm around you. Feel Him calm you. Seek. Pray. Surrender. And Obey. Trust His promises. Remember . . . even the wind and waves obey Him.

On today’s note write:

Listen to Jesus! SEEK. Pray. Surrender. Obey. Repeat.

God bless you and give you everything you need today to LISTEN.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

The Most Important Thing to Know About Being a Good Disciple

2 / 15 / 211 / 28 / 21

What does it mean to be a good disciple? Some think it's being a good student, others think it's obeying the Commandments. But maybe it's something else... #Faith #BibleStudy #ReadtheBible #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

What do you think it means to be a good disciple?

I was taught that to be a good disciple you needed to be a good student.

Although, learning what Jesus taught and studying God’s Word are an important part of discipleship, I believe there’s another simple definition that better explains what it means to be a good disciple…

Being a good disciple is simply a matter of following Jesus with a willing heart.
Life Application Bible Notes Mark 3:14ff

In Mark 3, Jesus chose and called His disciples.

Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones He wanted to go with Him. And they came to Him.
Mark 3:13

We talk about pastors and teachers being called but did you know that all disciples are “called?”

They are:

called to faith in Jesus.
called to serve Jesus.
called to trust and obey Jesus.

And responding to His call is not complicated.

It is recognizing the blessing that Jesus wants you and answering His call by saying…

“Yes, Lord, I love You. I want to follow You! Please help me by the power of Your Spirit and give me all I need to trust You and obey Your will.”

The good news is . . . this is a prayer God loves to answer. He doesn’t first require a special gift or ability. He doesn’t need us to clean up our act first.

He simply wants us to repent and turn to Him.

To…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31

And trust His promise…

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

Will you pray with me as I ask God to help us SEEK Him with all our hearts and trust Him to give us everything we need to be good disciples?

A Prayer Asking God to
Make You a Good Disciple

Lord, I am a sinner in need of Your forgiveness, mercy, and healing grace. I am so sorry that I fail to love the way You want.

Thank you for calling me to be Your own. Thank you for wanting me to be Your disciple. I want to follow You. I want to be a good disciple.

I want to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to love others the way I love myself. I want to obey Your commandments. Please help me. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me the longing to SEEK You with all my heart every day of my life. I want to love Your Word and sitting with You in prayer.

I want to trust and obey You with all that I am. And I believe, that by Your grace, this is a prayer You want to answer. I believe You will give me everything I need today. I surrender myself to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, the enemy wants you to doubt the Lord and he wants you to believe that being a good disciple is up to you. The truth is . . . discipleship is about surrendering to the One who makes all things possible.

Those who Jesus’ called were not perfect nor did they have any special talents or abilities. They simply wanted to follow Him with willing hearts.

May that be our prayer today and every day.

On today’s note write:

Today, I will follow Jesus with a willing heart!

God bless you today as you SEEK Him and trust Him to give you everything you need to be a good disciple.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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