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Prayer for a New Home

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A Prayer for a New Home In the Name of Jesus, we magnify you for being the One who sees and provides. We glorify you that you are a God of more than enough, and your blessings shall overtake me because I hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord my God. I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field, and in my household, we shall worship the Lord our God all the days of our lives.

Father, you take immense pleasure in the prosperity of your children. We come to your throne of mercy and grace to ask and receive of a new home filled with all good things. Through wisdom is a house built, and we ask for wisdom for the acquiring of the land, hiring of the builders and the price of the land is favorable for our household. According to your Word, your plans are to prosper me and my family and give us a future filled with hope. As we seek your kingdom and your righteousness, we thank you that our home has come to us quickly without any toil and we are clothed in your favor.

We thank you that you have given us peaceful habitations and plenty enough space to accommodate my family in a way that represents the Kingdom of God and your wealth. We are not anxious, worried or in fear because your perfect love has eliminated fear out of our lives. Therefore, we stand in full faith that He who promised us a new home is faithful to bring it to pass. This is our confidence in your Word. We declare angels to go forth and open doors to acquire our new home debt free, prime real estate that appreciates continually which fulfills the covenant that was made with Abraham by bringing him into a land to inherit it. We forbid any demonic interference or delay upon the purchase of our new home. Every negative Word we silence, and every plant that the heavenly Father has not planted, we rebuke and bind. We now lose the power of God, the wisdom of God and the Blood of Jesus to be our defence and our exceedingly great reward. We magnify our God for hearing and answering our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen!

(Bill Winston Ministries.)

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The Four Faces Of Fear

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God is the original entrepreneur and Eden is the first market place where gold is the first currency. Adam was the first man God created and the first thing God gave Adam was “work”. Work was God’s way for Adam to create wealth, making God’s Word the blueprint for the entrepreneur to create, maintain and grow a profitable business.

In today’s blog, I wish to deal with a subject that has destroyed more businesses than failure, and this is

FEAR!

Fear is the single-biggest obstacle a person will face when trying to accomplish a goal.  Fear is the emotion that dominates and drives many people to do what they do.  And most of this is irrational.

How Fear Paralyses a Business

When you decide on growing your business, doubling your sales or “adding a zero” to the end of your income, most people smash hard against forces of:

Insecurity, self-doubt and limiting beliefs.

Fear has not only caused countless people to run the other way, but has also caused a standstill in our plans and has left many feeling cowardly about themselves.

In early 2000, when major search engines such as – Yahoo, AOL and Microsoft were still charging companies to optimize their searches in order to give them higher ranking in their search results, Google, then headed up by Sheryl Sandberg – president of global sales (currently second in command at Facebook) had already begun to coin it on their pioneering AdWords, advertising campaign.

The other major search engines ignored Google in the early years. They were conformable within their own outdated anachronistic business models.  They were afraid to lose the revenue that came from charging businesses for the sake of giving them high ranking search results. Regardless of them knowing using Google would have given them more superior search results, they rejected Google’s early offer to power their search engines with its software.

So Google went headfirst, noteworthy I may tell you; not without facing their own Red Sea and overcoming their own fear.

By the time 75% of web browsers were using Google to execute their searches, it was much too late for Yahoo, AOL and Microsoft to partner with their start-up. Google had already won the race.

My prolonged point is that if titans like Yahoo, AOL and Microsoft can be paralysed by fear; that they did not act even when it is in their own interest to do so,

IMGAINE,

how many other businessmen in smaller, or more well-known other imperial industries are gripped in the pervasive thoughts of fear?

When these companies gain hindsight, and reflect on their mistakes, the core of the problem can often be traced back to fear.

Many successful business leaders will tell you they were able to achieve success after conquering their inner fears. From that point on, the road to success was a relatively straight shot.

Many belief systems and philosophies all concur fear is an obstacle that urges devotees to resist it.

The Bible takes it a step further.

Based on the well-known story of Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, is veiled deep within the blueprint, a lesson for overcoming negative fear-based reactions (Exodus 14:12.)

The legendary story of a recently emancipated nation, Israel, as they stood gripped in fear before the sea of Reeds (mistakenly translated in English versions as the Red Sea) tells of how they were caught between their former pursuing oppressor, Pharaoh and a dead end of deep waters.

As you can imagine, they were very afraid.  Fear drove them towards advocating four modes of action that would have been perfectly disastrous.

The Jewish Midrash (Jewish Oral Law) goes on to discuss these four faces of fear in more detail, namely:

Self-Sabotage, Fight, Retreat and Learned Helplessness. 

 

Moses’ response in the Bible shows timeless wisdom for business leaders to overcome these four impulses.

He does not advocate a reckless “just believe God and all is going to be alright” defence mechanism approach.

Instead, he accepts the sources of their fear and tells them how to overcome it.

In doing so, he creates a timeless template that you can use in any situation where fear is present.

But first, imagine what it was like?

 

Gathered at the waters’ edge, with the hoof-beats of Pharaoh’s army booming in the near distance, blocked by an endless flow of the Sea of Reeds, knowing their homeland is just a few hours journey beyond their impossible situation. The Israelites’ praises of freedom

The Israelites’ praises of freedom are gone. The dust of their approaching doom is so nearby; it begins to cloud their hope. You can see the fear gripped in their eyes, right down to the bones of the women and children.

Often, many great leaders find themselves facing such predicaments. (Honestly, I’m in such a pickle momentarily, and like you, I am trusting God for the wisdom to part my Red Sea. May these principles inspire hope in you as it did me).

The Jewish historians added some pertinent details.

At this profoundly terrifying moment, scholars tell us the leaders of the people split into four camps, arguing furiously with each other.

 

Wisdom Moments:

During trying times, a wise leader steps back and listens, observes, and is fully aware, that difficult moments reveal who the loyal and true leaders are.

One leader calls the people to commit mass suicide… “it is better to die by one’s own hand than to be murdered by our former masters….”

A second man shouts him down… “The moment of freedom is gone,”  he utters hopelessly.

“Let us prostrate ourselves before Pharaoh again and return to Egypt as slaves. That is all we ever were and that is what we should remain.”

A leader from another group becomes agitated and raises his voice in fury, “free men must fight for their freedom” he cries,

“now is the time to rise up and fight, and do battle against the Egyptians. No matter how poorly armed we are and how inevitable the outcome of such a battle might be, let us fight back.”

A final voice disrupts his speech, “we did not free us from slavery. We’ve never been in control. Our only path is to remain motionless, close our eyes and pray to God.”

Pharaoh’s horse was now clearly visible as the sun glittered off their armour and raised swords.

The people paralysed with fear, fell silent and looked to Moses.

He had guided them so far.

 

In desperate times, people will listen to anyone who inspires hope. Listen to these timeless words of Theodore Roosevelt:

 

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” 

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing.  The worst thing you can do is nothing.” 

 

Moses looked out upon his people and uttered perhaps the most important words he would ever speak as a leader (Exodus 14:13-14);

“Do not fear. Stand firm and see the salvation, which God will bring today. Though you see the Egyptians now, you will never see them again. God will fight for you and you shall remain silent.”

 

Speechless, puzzled, the people stood as they heard Moses’ words.

This awkward paralysis is what leaders often find themselves facing in their business and work.

The motivation for their fear corresponds to the four faces of fear the Israelites vocalized that day.

I wish to discuss each face in greater detail in the following section.

 

Insight for Business:

  • Competition is not your real enemy – fear is,
  • Choosing to follow the path of safety will cost you opportunities which will often be far greater than the potential losses you might incur by a riskier path,
  • The payoff for avoiding mistakes is often smaller than what you may gain from taking risks.
  • Allow yourself to take risks.
  • Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.
  • It’s better to be an imperfect achiever than to avoid the journey altogether.
  • It’s better to have tried, and failed, than failing to try.

 

Fear Face #1:  Self-Sabotage

 

The first camp opted for mass suicide.  While this may have allowed them to feel a measure of some respect; choosing this option was clearly a path to nowhere. The goal of emancipation was not to prove some emotional point.

It was to return home as free men.

Killing themselves offered no hope of accomplishing that goal.  People often choose to quit because they fear they might fail, or decide to opt out of things because they are afraid of being forced to do so by others.

Fear of rejection or failure has been the culprit of countless business suicides.

This happens as much in business as it does in other parts of our lives, such as relationships.

But notice how Moses admonished the people, DO NOT FEAR!

This was not just a command, it was profound advice.

Moses was telling the people their fear was driving them towards suicide.

Before you can fight the urge to self-destruct you must acknowledge the source of the defeatist attitude, and that is fear!

Once you admit that fear is what is really driving you, you will recognize all the arguments to sustain the conclusion of defeat, are flawed. This is the moment your eyes open up and you identify all the avenues available and suicide vanishes as an option.

 

Insight for Business:

  • There are days when a surrender is an option and the right thing to do is right there, but this is very rare.
  • If surrender seems like the compelling choice, first get feedback from other reliable, trusted sources.

Failure can sometimes seem as a welcomed relief due to the pain of staying in the game. Always fight the urge to fail or quit.

Fear Face #2: Fight

 

Moses says to the second group of Israelites – those crying out for battle: “Stand firm and see the salvation that God will bring about today.” When we are particularly fearful of our adversary, fighting back is often the satisfying option. Sometimes fighting back is a sign ofWhen we are particularly fearful of our adversary, fighting back is often the satisfying option.

Sometimes fighting back is a sign of weakness, not strength.

The Egyptians are an understandable threat to the Israelites. But it takes an enormous reserve of energy to fight. Resources are stretched and often wasted. Additionally, to fight the Egyptians the Israelites would have had to turn and aim their attention backwards, the goal was to get home, not to retrace their steps. To fight meant detracting them from their destiny; the Egyptians had already been defeated.

In many cases fighting would be rational, but Moses tells the Israelites not to fight: “Stand firm.” Moses realised the desire to get involved in a war with the Egyptians was irrational and driven by fear.

 

Insight for Business:

  • Fear will often drive a business leader to move in the wrong direction.
  • Going to war is not always a symbol of strength but weakness, rooted in fear.
  • Going to war can sometimes mean moving backwards and not forward.
  • Fighting battles takes energy that is often better invested in being productive.
  • Fighting is a backwards movement not forward.
  • Choose very carefully which battles you will fight.

Fear Face #3: Retreat

 

Given the situation, the notion of returning to Egypt as slaves seemed reasonable.  They knew they could have remained alive, miserable –but alive. Have you ever been in a situation where you have achieved more than anyone in your family or taken your company beyond what anyone has ever accomplished?

Suddenly,

…the concept of backtracking or giving up everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve over the years, becomes uninspiring?

Moses clearly understood this and did not try to shame them.  He did not try to artfully appeal to the noble, fearless side – there wasn’t time to sway them that way!  Instead, he acknowledged the situation as it was and painted a brighter picture of hope to give them a reason to choose a different path, “though you see the Egyptians now, you will never see them again,” he said.

 

Insight for Business:

  • The presence of the Egyptians is not an illusion in business, but the desire to return to Egypt is (not a justified response).
  • Always put the threat into perspective.
  • When the Egyptians are present, it’s a sign that God is about to do something great in your business.
  • Fear causes us to return to what is familiar rather than face the challenges.
  • The threat of the unknown always appears much larger than it really is.
  • The future has much better potential and the past will fade into obscurity, so move forward with confidence.
  • It requires strength to leave the past and faith to move forward into the future.
  • The thoughts of returning to Egypt will always be the majorities’ choice. The majority is not always right. Only dead fish go with the flow.
  • Sticking with strategies of the past can hurt your business.
  • The world is always changing; change-manage for today and tomorrow, instead of yesterday.
  • God’s Faith did not deny the Red Sea, it defied it.
  • Always face the future, not the past.
  • Don’t fear the enemy you have already defeated.

 

Fear Face #4:  Learnt Helplessness

 

The final group argued before Moses, those who pleaded to pray for God’s deliverance. This was with good reason; after all they have seen countless miracles.

But Moses admonished this group too, “you shall remain silent,” he told them.

It’s not every day that a prophet tells people not to pray.

But there was a good reason. The instruction was already given; the Israelites had to move forward into the water.

God was not going to move their legs towards the shore.

Moses could not lift each of their legs.

 

Insight for business:

  • Prayer is not a justification for inaction.
  • Prayer is vital but on its own useless.
  • Praying that our action will succeed is perfect, but prayer with no intention to act is deception.
  • When a leader makes hard-hitting decisions, physical and verbal abuse is inevitable.
  • People who have suffered abuse, (injustice at work, social settings, in relationships) have the tendency to react to a crisis by curling up and shutting off their hearts to avoid enduring any further hurt.
  • Shutting down one’s heart may seem easier than living through the pain, but it’s just another form of surrendering to fear.
  • If you don’t act on the last command God or His prophet has given you, don’t expect God to act.
  • The first step out of any fearful situation is up to you.
  • A good business leader never surrenders his business to fate.
  • The moment you blame unseen forces (the markets, currency, politics….) is the moment you lost control.
  • Never forget you are responsible to act. Others can give guidance, but neither they nor God should act for you when you’re capable of doing it yourself.
  • No matter how strong your belief is in God and others, they will not help you if you will not help yourself.

 

As frightening as those first steps are, overcome fear paralysis, raise your feet and place it on the water. Eliminate fear-based decisions.

 

Miracles only happen when you face your fear and move forward.

So journey forth!

 

(Share this post and leave a comment, and let me know how it has helped you.)    

 

 

 

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7 Sacred Minutes with God

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Business leaders and pastors alike all share one thing in common, days that are “loaded,” with activities.

 

Without exception no matter how dedicated you are to God, you will soon discover a flaw in your spiritual armour -a small crack which if not soon occluded, would bring disaster.

 

The morning prayer watch can seal the crack. Spending the first minutes of a new day alone with God, praying and reading the Bible, hallows a truth so often forgotten by the pressure of our endless business that it needs daily rediscovery:

To know God is to Spend Time with God.

 

The intimacy of communion with Christ must be recaptured in the morning quiet time. “My first Seven Sacred Minutes with God” -these holy minutes, at the start of each day, explain the inner secret and power of the Christian life. It’s the golden thread that ties every great man of God together-from Abraham to Malachi, the businessmen, politician, educator, entertainer, sportsman, celebrity and military personnel. Every man who ever became somebody for God has this at the core of his priorities: Time alone with God!

 

Psalm 57:7 says, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.” A fixed and established heart produces stability in life. Few Christians in; ministry or business have this heart and life. One of the missing links has been a workable plan on how to begin and maintain a morning prayer watch.

I’d like to suggest to get you along the way, start with seven minutes. Five minutes may be too short, and 10 minutes may be too long initially. Pray to God and ask Him to help you: “Lord, I want to meet You, the first thing I wish to do each morning for at least seven minutes. Tomorrow when the alarm clock goes off at 6:00 a.m., I have a meeting with You.”

Your prayer might be,  “Morning by morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; morning by morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3).

 

THE ANATOMY OF THE FIRST SACRED SEVEN MINUTES WITH GOD

 

How do you invest these seven minutes with God?

After getting out of bed, first, take care of your personal needs. Then find a quiet place your “chapel,” and therewith your Bible enjoy the solitude of seven minutes with God.

 

THE FIRST THIRTY SECONDS

Invest the first 30 seconds sincerely adoring your Father God for who He is. Meditate on His nature, attributes and begin to praise God accordingly.

“Dear heavenly Father, the fruit of my lips this morning is give you praise and honour. You are full of compassion and a gracious God, who is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Then you can prepare your heart for the reading of His Word by saying,

“Lord, cleanse my heart so You can speak to me through the Scriptures. Open my heart. Fill my heart. Make my mind alert, my soul active, and my heart responsive. Lord, surround me with Your presence during this time. Amen.”

 

THE NEXT FOUR MINUTES

Read your Bible, for the next four minutes. Your greatest need is to “hear” some Word from God. His Word is “alive” and anointed. Allow the Word to strike fire in your heart.  Meet the Author! Do not become devoted to the habit, but to the Savior.

The Gospels is a good place to begin reading. Start with the Book of John.
Read consecutively-verse after verse, chapter after chapter. Don’t race, avoid stopping, to do a Bible study on some word, thought, or theological concern which presents itself. Read for the pure joy of reading and allowing God to speak-perhaps just 20 verses, or maybe a complete chapter.

When you have finished John, start the book of Acts. Soon you’ll want to go ahead and read the entire New Testament.

 

THE LAST TWO AND HALF MINUTES

After God has spoken through His Word, then speak to Him in prayer. You now have two and a half minutes left for sweet meaning fellowship with Him in four areas of prayer that you can remember by the word: ACTS.

A-Adoration.

This is the purest kind of prayer because it’s all for God -there’s nothing in it for you.

You don’t barge into the presence of royalty.

You begin with the proper salutation.

So worship Him.

Tell the Lord that you love Him.

Reflect on His greatness, His power, His majesty, and sovereignty!

C-Confession follows.

Having seen Him you now want to be sure every sin is cleansed.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18.)

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14.)

Confession also means “to agree together with.”

Agree with God concerning His promises for your life. Declare and speak favour and blessings over your day.

 

T-Thanksgiving.

Express your gratitude to God. Think of several specific things to thank Him for: your family, your business, your church and ministry responsibilities “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18).

Think of several specific things to thank Him for: your family, your business, your church and ministry responsibilities “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18).

Think of several specific things to thank Him for: your family, your business, your church and ministry responsibilities.

Even during the difficult times, give God thanks not for it but in it.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18).

 

S-Supplication.

This means to “ask for, earnestly and humbly.” This is the part or your prayer life where you make your petitions known to Him.

This is the part or your prayer life where you make your petitions known to Him.

Ask for others, (your family, your Pastor’s and his family, your friends,)  than for yourself.
Pray for other people around the world, such as missionaries, friends in distant places, and above all the people all over the world who have yet to hear about Jesus Christ.

 

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

 

30 Sec: Prayer for Adoration (Psalm 143:8)

4 Min: Reading the Bible (Psalm 119:18)

2.5 Min: Prayer

Adoration (1 Chronicles 29:11),
Confession (1 John 1:9),
Thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20),
Supplication (Matthew 7:7)

 

This is simply a guide to meaning devotional life.  You will discover very soon that it is impossible to spend only seven minutes with the LORD.

 

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Stay Connected

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Two of the greatest inventions of my time have been the laptop computer and wifi. The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be productive in my business life. Wifi has allowed me to stay connected to people all around the world with the touch of a button.

My greatest frustration is when either of these do not work. Sometimes wifi cannot be used because I am out of a wifi connectivity zone. Sometimes I cannot use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then the charge runs out while I am on an airplane – the epitome of unproductiveness!

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. – Psalm 143:8

Both of these situations mean I am unable to tap into the resources that allow me to fulfil my calling in my work to the fullest.

The morning time with God is much like these situations.

God pours His Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has an important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to hear the small voice that directs my steps. If I am not “connected,” I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God’s purposes, not mine.

The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her.

The only way to discern the voice of another is to hear that person’s voice.

David the author of this Psalm, was a warrior, king and businessman. He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning.

His morning allowed him to connect with God’s love, renew his trust in Him and hear His directions for his life.

Shouldn’t you and I do the same?

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A Prayer Against Every False Accusation

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God’s Word is clear concerning Satan’s final destruction. His defeat is inescapably certain, but until then, he has not ceased from his work as the accuser of the brethren.

 

 

Look at what Revelation 12:10 says,

“I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, ‘Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.’”

An accusation means,

“The act charging with a crime or offence.”

Heaven has a Court Room. God is our Supreme Judge. Jesus is our Righteous Advocate, the Holy Spirit our Eternal witness.

God, defends us and secures justice for us (Deut 10:18, Psalm 140:12.)

Jesus is our Intercessory advocate. He speaks in our defence; He defends us being accused or charged by the devil ( 1 John 2:1.)

The Holy Spirit, speak on our behalf. He is the evidence bearer, the comforter, encourager or exhorter, one who gives aid, who comes forward on behalf of and as the representative of another (John 14:16.)

 

If we are going to get our “prayers” answered, we must realise we have to “win” in the courts of Heaven first.

The initial conflict is not on a battlefield, (the place of work, business or wherever the enemy seems to conflict with you,) the conflict is in a (Heavenly) Courtroom.

This is a very important to understand. The protocol and behaviour of a battlefield are completely different from the protocol of a courtroom.

The battle is a legal battle formerly, where we silence the accuser who has built a case to hold territory.

As a lawyer who pleads his case before a judge, you can “Plead Blood of Jesus,” before God, to remove every legal right the devil has to resist us. This is a legal process in the spirit realm.

Once this is done we can then march to the battlefield and win every time. Revelation 19:11 gives us the order that Jesus Himself uses to accomplish His will.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war.” Revelations 19:11

Jesus “judges,” which is judicial activity, and then Jesus “makes war” which is on the battlefield.

Aren’t you excited you have Jesus who Judges and Fights every battle for you right now? Glory Hallelujah!

Once we have silenced the accuser and the adversary and gotten the verdict from our righteous Judge, then we march to the battlefield and win and advance the kingdom.

 

Let’s Pray;

 

Heavenly Father, my righteous Judge, my vindicator and compensator,

I plead the Precious Blood of Jesus sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat, over every sin of mine, known or unknown in your Presence today.

I thank you for acquitting my name from all guilt,
for imputing my name with your righteousness and showing me mercy.

Lord Jesus, my faithful intercessor and heavenly advocate,
I thank you for;

Pleading my case before the Throne of Grace.

For silencing the accuser, right now on my behalf.

For rebuking satan the devourer, the thief and murderer, from my life, and house hold right now!

My legal precedent is through God’s Word; (2 Cor 10:5,)

I decree and claim in the Name of Jesus; (John 14:13,)

Bodily Healing through the stripes of Jesus, I am healed, and I will live long and be strong! ( 1 Peter 2:24, Psalm 91:16.)

I decree and claim in the Name of Jesus;

Favour for a financial increase over my life, and over my children’s children through the Blessing of Abraham! (Galatians 3:14, Deut 8:18.)

I decree and claim in the Name of Jesus;

Vengeance of the LORD, against every tongue that has raised up against me, that it is being refuted right now! ( Isaiah 54:17.)

Father God I know You love justice and mercy, I thank you I will get my answers quickly.

I Praise You, for your Faithfulness,

In the Name of Jesus, Amen!

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The Armour Of God

The armour of God is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of  Jesus Christ Himself. Which brings victory in our lives.

My Prayer is that God that will help you hit the “Upgrade” button on your walk with Jesus in 2017. So if you are ready to have an incredible year? Let’s get started!

I’ll be uploading a new devotional over the following six days.  Please feel free to download and don’t forget share this free E-Devotional with a friend.

 

  

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