Scripture Reading: Isaiah 15:1-9, Isaiah 16:1-14, Psalm 13:3-6, Hebrews 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:8-9
People who know me best might characterize me as a “catastrophic thinker.” If someone says, “Looks like we got some weather coming,” I check my phone to see if the tornadoes will obliterate the entire city or just my house specifically. If another person says, “Alex, you look tired,” I wonder if I have some exotic new strain of mono or if it’s just a poor night’s sleep. I often drive to work wondering if this is the day something in our home will spontaneously combust and all our worldly possessions will be lost forever. A cursory reading of today’s passages might lead us to think that Isaiah is a catastrophic thinker’s worst nightmare, a herald of inevitable destruction and doom.
Anyone living in Isaiah’s time—Israelites, Moabites, and all of the other “-ites” we meet in Scripture—lived in a world rife with trouble; they all heard the approaching rumble of the invading armies, saw the withering harvest in times of famine, and watched fugitives in flight from cities in ruin. They heard the echoes of wailing and lamentation from their neighbors. In one sense, Isaiah affirmed what people might have already known: the world’s a mess, and it’s only getting worse.
Maybe you can relate. Even if you have rosier glasses than I do, you have to admit that there is some pretty thick darkness in our world. So are we to panic and flee for the hills? Are we to shrug our shoulders in despair and await the inevitable tsunami of suffering? As followers of Jesus, do we just avert our eyes and pass the days until God calls us home? I don’t think so.
I think one reason Isaiah shines a light on the brokenness and suffering in the world is to contrast all of it with the wholeness and rejoicing the Lord has in store. “When the oppressor has gone, destruction has ended, and marauders have vanished from the land, a throne will be established in love, and one will sit on it faithfully in the tent of David, judging and pursuing what is right, quick to execute justice” (Isaiah 16:4–5). Moab may be in flames, Assyria may be on the way, and even God’s people may be suffering in a world marked by greed, violence, and death. But a day is coming when God will triumph and His faithful love will reign supreme.
As a follower of Jesus, He has freed me from the spiral of cataclysmic “what ifs” because I know where the story is headed—both within the book of Isaiah and in the scope of all of Scripture. Jesus is the one on the throne. Jesus is the one who conquers sin and death. The universe is not to be assessed by the ups and downs of my circumstances. To the contrary, all of creation is bending toward the healing and restoration that was signed for on the cross, guaranteed by the empty tomb, and sealed by the coming of God’s Holy Spirit.
Written by Alex Florez
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118 thoughts on "A Pronouncement Concerning Moab"
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Agree! It stopped me in my tracks that last line. Powerful truth!
the last sentence of the devotional is SO SO POWERFUL & GOOD !!!!!!!
YES!!! I agree 100%! When I read it, I thought I have to write this down. Then I swiped to see the comments and yours was on top.
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Thank You, God, for the sure hope only You provide!
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Catastrophic thinker is unfortunately one of worst tendencies. I often times feel like I use that almost use guard my heart. Keeping my sights straight and on the lord is important and I know that will carry me through. Despite catastrophic thinking God also wants us to not live in fear every day. Praying for you all today.
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Like many of you, comment of the devo stood out to me: “all of creation is bending toward the healing and restoration that was signed for on the cross, guaranteed by the empty tomb, and sealed by the coming of God’s Holy Spirit.” It makes me think about flowers, when they aren’t planted in an area with enough sunlight, they literally lean and reach toward the sun. Just like us, “bending” to Jesus, just wanting to get closer and closer to his light. Oh how we need His light in this dark world, in our circumstances. Just having some warmer temps here in NY and longer days have made my spirit brighter. Imagine when we are standing in front of Jesus!
Amen, Tami! Same here in SC! Rain and 45 F yesterday and upper70’s and sunny today!
Amen.❤
Morning shes, Isaiah- just one of my favorite books in the Bible, just incredible with depth, after Psalms, and perhaps equally intriguing as Job and Ecclesiastes. There are several bold hard truths in Isaiah that stood the test of time. The Lord is unchanging, though circumstances do. We see the events of human lay out back then and now, just like duplicates, the cause and effect from the principles of God. He who governs all things has foreseen, predicted (prophesied), planned, purposed and fulfilled His will through His word time and time again. He is unchanging, despite the “new and improved’ ways of men and their society, their “new and improved” creative ways to label sin in new packages, new terms to justify, and embrace their Babylon. “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). God’s principles stand. Alex reminded me of myself lol, and perhaps many of us can relate. BUT GOD says, “Take no thought for your life, of what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink…” (Matthew 6:25). To God it is wrong to worry, but boy don’t we worry when things are falling apart around us! Worrying means we do not think that God can look after the practical details of our lives. And it is always the details of our lives that we worry and fear for. What would choke the Word of God? The cares of this life…come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). Our very cares for our precious temporary lives on earth- the vapor. The great word of Jesus to His disciples is abandon. By His grace, that should take care of the common-sense carefulness for His disciples. But who can abandon their life to God unless it’s by God’s grace over them? Be ready to leave everything behind dear warriors of God. For what we lose, we shall take it back again (But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it- Matthew 16:25). Lord help us to sell all for the choice pearl. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Joining our sisters in prayers over our SRT families, for more strength, hope and confidence. Praying over Gayle’s family. I just can’t believe that she is not with us anymore. May the joy of the Lord be our strength and that we wont grieve the normal way. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen and Amen! God is in control, then, now and always! Oh why can’t we surrender to His ways rather than our ways. Give up the anxiety and fear, the tight grip on things that will fade away…and the idea that we can “fix” it or them. This is just so good Mercy- Thank you!
What beautiful Holy Spirit filled words ! Amen, amen & amen.
Beautifully written as always Mercy! I so relate to what you wrote about worry. “Worrying means we do not think that God can look after the practical details of our lives. And it is always the details of our lives that we worry and fear for. What would choke the Word of God?” – I can’t count the amount of times I have let worry crowd out all other thoughts. Thankfully God has been doing a work in me and I am sooo much better than I used to be.
Great word, Mercy! Isaiah has long been a favorite of mine, too. ❤
So so beautifully written Mercy..
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Much love, dear sister, and blessings to you and yours❤
Today’s commentary received almost as many highlights as the reading. Thanks Alex for the words of encouragement. ❤️
Sharon, I am sure my mom prayed for me and my brothers just as you do for Jonathan (one of my brothers is Jonathan:) Your prayers will not return void. No one would have ever thought I would be following the Lord, least of all me. And here I am! And I am 100% convinced that if not for the prayers of my mother, I would not be here. I think because I came to the Lord later in life, I don’t worry about my own kids so much, knowing that God will bring them on his timeline. So I will stand with you on prayer for our children! But hurry up God!
Jesus is on the throne, He conquers sin and death. Healing and restoration was signed for on the cross! Amen!
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Isaiah 16:5 – in the midst of judgement and darkness – a light!
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Isaiah 16:13 – “within 3 years” – God announced a time frame to be a warning and an invitation for their humble repentance. (Enduring Word)
God ALWAYS gives opportunity for repentance. And praise God that He does!
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Psalm 13:5 – God’s unfailing love!
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Hebrews 1:3 – (made me well up with tears!) The Son is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s being… after He provided purification for sins, He sat down…What a glorious description!
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Thank you all for your prayers for my son Jonathan. I cry out to God to bring him back to the faith he was raised in, and like David often say – “look on me and answer, Lord my God”…and I wait expectantly for Him to do so.
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Prayers for the Gayles family as they mourn the loss of this dear sweet soul.
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Happy Tuesday sweet She’s.❤️
Sharon I commented to you above – ooops
Continued prayers for your Jonathan. The GOOD NEWS is he is NOT lost to the Lord.
Love and hugs ❤
Many have mentioned that yesterday was a hard read. Maybe it is because I have a sinus infection (please pray for me… my face & teeth hurt, and I did NOT sleep well last night!), but I think today’s read was really hard. The ending readings did not uplift me like they normally do. Thank God for Jesus… that He knows what I am feeling (doom & gloom!) and loves & saves me anyway.
Praying for healing from your sinus infection. Adrienne.
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❤️ I hope you find some cozy warmth to make you feel better.
Ah, Adrienne, praying a swift release from both your doom and gloom, and your sinus infection..
Sending healing love, wrapped in hugs..
Good morning SRT ladies. Coming asking for prayer. My oldest son (25) and I are driving to another state tomorrow afternoon for an early Thursday appointment with an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow morning to find out if someone can operate on his spine. He has kyphosis and doctors in our state will not operate because the curve is greater that 100°. Not gonna lie this momma is scared but I’m doing my best to trust our Lord for I know he works all things out for those that love Him. Thank you.
Sorry for typos. :)
Hi Leanna, I hope they are able to help him. I don’t know where you live, I live in RI and we have several spinal surgeons associated with Brown University Medical School who each treat different spinal deformities. I have an appt. in April to meet with one of them for spinal surgery. Praying they can help him.
Prayers for your apt Donna and relief!
Prayers for guidance, the right guidance. Not a jump to surgery, but to good rehab in my humble opinion, working in that area in my studies and job. (also coming from a fused T1 though L2 spine girl and bad results from 2nd surgery) Kyphosis has become more common because of younger peoples habits. (Not downplaying at all, just facts) But of course all cases are different and some are genetic…but it would have been more obvious in younger years in my experience. I will be anxious to hear what you learn if you want to share (on Fb or message me?) Hugs for your anxious momma’s heart.
Praying for your son and the doctors you will see tomorrow. Praying they’re able to help him, and for a safe trip.
Yes, Lord …for and her son!
…for **@ LEANNA and her son
Praying for you and your son Leanna Thompson
Leanna, praying your trip is covered by His angels and grace… And prayerful, that the meeting with the orthopaedic surgeon is as you hope by and in His grace..
Praying..❤
I too am a catastrophic thinker. I have unfounded fears. I remember being this way as a child. I would hear sirens and fear my family home was on fire. Which is odd because it did burn down when I was an adult losing my dad in the fire. But I digress. If I keep my eyes on God and know where our story is going I find peace. It is just so very hard living in a crazy world as we do to remember that great promise. I’m thankful for SRT and all of you women who help to remind me daily.
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I love that we can look at these judgments the right way. “Headed toward healing and restoration”. Thank you, Lord you don’t just do things. Everything has an end in mind!
Thank you Alex for your commentary and everyone else who has shared.
I need this today. I have struggled
this morning with feeling frustrated at myself however, getting on ice and breaking my wrist. Today was just a good reminder that any of our circumstances do not change the power of Christ and the work he is accomplished. He is on the throne. He is sovereign. He is our source of joy and hope and peace. He gave it all for us and see us and walks with us every day because of this and I hope that we have in heaven that we can rejoice and all circumstances. we can rejoice while we are in circumstances because of our Saviour.
Praying for all. Thanks again to our prayer list writers and to all who shared you help us to have a better understanding.
Have a blessed week, a great day and rejoice because this is the day the Lord has made!
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Good morning, precious sisters! Thank you all for your continued prayers! ❤️
FOSTER MAMA—prayers for clarity in decisions that need to be made.
CARRIE GULLIFORD—prayers for Sean as he recovers from his accident.
VICTORIA E—so glad you are better today. Continued prayers.
TARA B—so sorry for your sudden job loss. Prayers for a new/better job and peace for you and your family.
MARI V—prayers for your kid’s hearts. Divorce/estrangement is hard on kids no matter how old they are.
R—praise God your husband is improving. Prayers for you in the days/weeks ahead as you take on the role of caregiver. It’s a tough job.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL—prayers for Jonathan’s broken heart. May he be led back to the Lord through this experience.
TAMI—prayers for healing for BJ and for you as you care for him.
And prayers for you sweet Lynne, as you navigate thru your new “normal”. Hugs across the miles. ❤️
Lynne what a role model you are to all of us. Deep in mourning and still praying for all of us. Thank you! And I continue to pray for you and your family!
Agreeing with our sisters here! ❤❤❤
Love you!
❤️ thanks Sister
Wrapping you in truckloads of love and hugs, covered in prayers..❤
Amen
And a BIG AMEN!! Yes, thankful that we know the story! When you get to the point that you know…because the word tells us. We don’t have to panic, we don’t have to scatter and flurry about, we don’t have to have gloom and doom. No it is never going to be paradise on this side of life. My life is never going to be roses and rainbow (although in SW Florida, it’s pretty sunshiney. Yet, we have had devastating, wiping out everything hurricanes!) I have to have a Kingdom mindset to keep from going crazy some days, yet most days I know the blessings He gives!!
Prayers for all of you. Especially heavy thoughts for sweet Gayle’s family. God has our days numbered, time is short, even if we live to 100! Live with earnestness and passion for the Lord. Pointing to him and his Glory. Reminds me of the song “Goodness of God.”
I was speed reading today, not used to the time change and woke up an hour late!! :0
Our days are numbered! Chills for me.
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Thank you to each of you for praying for me ❤️ So much love.
Important meeting on Thursday; praying God gives me favour but also, according to His will, release.
Have a blessed day.
Rest in Heavenly peace, Gayle
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Praying for your meeting on Thursday.
Praying FOSTER Mama.. that God gives you favour as you desire.. His will be done..
Much love to you and bless you for all you do to make life better for the innocent ones..❤
This is heavy passages today and clearly reminders that God will hold people accountable. Goodness, we are a lost people hen our lives are not seeking after Jesus. We can not choose to live a life without restraint and then expect no consequence. God’s judgment is there and is real but so is His forgiveness, grace and mercy. Praise the Lord for the healing, hope and restoration and the Cross.❤️
Yes, amen Wendy!
Thank God for Jesus,for the guarantee of life and love and everything in His Spirit! Oh how He loves us!
ECHO Tina’s comment! The last sentence of our guest author (Alex) devo. “To the contrary, all of creation is bending toward the healing and restoration that was signed for on the cross, guaranteed by the empty tomb, and sealed by the coming of God’s Holy Spirit” AMEN! Once we take our last breath, we are guaranteed to be with Jesus! Thank you for praying for me yesterday and Rhonda’s text. I didn’t see my son all day yesterday, but I know your prayers and talking to my daughter, God has this! Even if not completely healed (from painful memories) on this side of heaven, someday we will and I look forward to that day! I’m not angry with God. He is MY HERO!
HE IS MY HERO.
AMEN..❤
I am in agreement with many of you…”The universe is not to be assessed by the ups and downs of my circumstances…”. Oh the truth in that statement! Who am I??? We do not know all that God is doing and why. Or I should say, I do not know. But if all of creation is bending towards the restoration and we know that Christ is King, awaiting to make all things new, THAT is our courage, hope, and strength!
Amen!
So good! ❤️
Amen
“Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.”
I had to smile at this verse this morning. The last few weeks I have had very few nights of truly restful sleep. Last night, praise the Lord, my son and I both slept well, and I woke up actually feeling rested.
Praise God for His mercies, large and small, in our lives. Praise God for Jesus, who turns our weakness into His strength! Praise God for working all things toward harmony and restoration!
Great and Amen!!! ❤
He is Good, all the time, Meagan.. All the time..
Thankful for you good night’s sleep and praying for more of them for you both..❤
‘The universe is not to be assessed by the ups and downs of my circumstances’
What an amazing reminder.
These are hard passages to grasp! Hebrews helps connect the dots for me…. Hebrews affirms that Christ’s kingdom will never end. While Moab’s kingdom is destroyed due to sin (pride), Christ’s eternal reign will bring ultimate restoration for those who follow Him.
Oh, my heart prays and hurts for the lost! For dear friends who have decided they don’t need “that” anytime the Lord is brought up; for family members that have never sought a relationship with Him, have specifically turned their backs on the Lord and the relationship they once had or have strayed and won’t consider that they have; and for the lost in the world around us. I was all of these before I quit running from Christ.
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Hebrews chapter 1 has a heading in NJKV “God’s Supreme Revelation” and verse 3, in reference to Christ, ends with “when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
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That supreme revelation, God’s all encompassing love for us, sin paid in full by the death of His own Son – just wow.
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VICTORIA E – thankful you are feeling better
A WALTON – thankful your daughter is doing well
R – praise the Lord for your husband’s progress! Praying for you both in the transition back home and as you care for and encourage him in his ongoing recovery
Praying for GAYLE CRAIK’s family ❤️
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying as Jonathan heals from this painful breakup, that in the healing he will remember and recognize red flags that were overlooked, and especially that he would turn to the Lord in his pain and turn back to his faith.
FOSTER MAMA – praying for wisdom in decision making
TARA B – so sorry to hear about the job! Praying for financial provision, wisdom and guidance as you begin the job search.
MARTHA HIX – praying for Jesse as he tackles these challenges each day
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
LINDA IN NC, NANCY S ❤️
MIA FAITH ❤️
Thank you!
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I pray for my almost 90 year-old father in-law who, after losing so much in his 60s, became an agnostic and fights against anything that “insults my intelligence” within the faith and bristles against anything his brilliant mind can’t understand (e.g. the Trinity; sitting at the right hand of the Father; literally ANYTHING that we are welcome to question but ultimately need to humble ourselves to understand through eyes of faith)…and just sweetly laughs at those of us silly enough to still believe. My FIL is truly such a kind, loving man, a good dad and husband,…but being nice isn’t enough. I’m praying for an opportunity to sit with him for a real conversation, even if it is to “convince” him to “take a risk and bet on Jesus, live for Him, see what happens”. Please pray also for my MIL who adores her husband, has cried rivers and now… almost seems to be losing hope that change is possible.
Much love to all.
FOSTER MAMA – praying for your FIL & MIL! When humans have only scratched the surface of knowledge after exhaustively studying the complexities of our bodies, minds and nature – I can only think it takes a lot more faith to believe it all just ‘happened’ rather than believing in God, our Creator. When I read about your FIL’s mindset on God, it reminded me of this ‘joke’ (humorous but with a sharp truthful point) – found a version of it here:
more than useless dot com / archives / 6003
Thank you :D, I looked it up and saved the joke!…I want to laugh and cry!
I think he began by believing that God probably does exist but isn’t good (to allow hardship) but now wanting to poke holes in our unquantifiable beliefs. I love my parents in-law to bits…so thankful for them…so sad. I am praying for my MIL that she will see him come to a deeper faith, even if it ends up being in his last breath.
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Pray with me, sweet Sisters, for all our “on the fence”, self-reliant, too intelligent / practical to believe, etc. hearts.
I’m praying for your FIL, Foster Mama. When people have turned away from God due to hard losses, it is so sad to see how Satan can harden their hearts. I pray he will be touched by something someone says, and come back to faith in God. And I pray for your MIL as her breaking heart waits for that day.
Amen ❤️…and any answer to such a hardened heart / mindset re: Why this loss was allowed to happen…will sound “foolish” (and irritating) to him. Thank you Sister
❤️ joining you in prayers. the “I don’t need that” was one of the stumbling blocks of offense for me. It took me a long while to get over those opinions and still share about my testimonies. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimonies. Let not our testimonies be silenced, for we don’t know who are quietly listening and frantically searching for their own deliverance. Go and tell it on the mountain! Yay God! Love you sister ❤️
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Searching ….thank you for your thoughtfulness and following up on prayer requests.
I had a conversation with Jesse about your comment and he requested that I thank you for the prayers and to tell you that he feels them. ❤️
Dear Searching..so true, it’s not where you’ve been or who you’ve been… It’s to whom you belong and where your heart is now..He is forever merciful. Thank you Lord God..Thank you ❤❤
Does anyone have insight into whose voice we read in chapters 15 and 16—who is “I”? It is a stark contrast to to chapters 13 and 14 that are clearly the Lord speaking, so I wonder if it is Isaiah’s? One commentary I read suggests that it is Isaiah who weeps and moans for Moab (16:9, 16:11), but there are certain verses that don’t seem like they could be Isaiah (15:9, 16:10). Thanks in advance for any clarity you can offer!
I usually start with NKJV and it shows quotes around certain sections – I considered the quoted sections (15:5-9, 16:3-5, 14) as Isaiah giving us God’s words of His pronouncements and and the other sections as Isaiah relaying God’s further explanation of the pronouncements in his words.
CEE GEE – can you jump in on this?
SEARCHING, I am honored that you included me here! I have also been researching and can’t find much either. Sadly, I am out of time and will check back when I can! ❤
I checked a couple commentaries and my ESV Study Bible and couldn’t find anything definitive and came to the same conclusion as Searching.
There is a Bible version called “The Voice”.
I occasionally reference it on Bible Gateway. According to it, the speaker in those verses is The Eternal One (God). Hope this helps.
I’m back! I have dug through LOTS of sources and don’t have anything more concrete than what y’all have shared. One commentary alluded to the lamenting coming from the refugees as well as Isaiah. The Voice also states:
“A Refugee (to the Moabites):” at the beginning of Chapter 16. So…..???
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AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS – HELLLLLPPPP!!! ☺❤
Forgot to share this from the NLT –
“13 The LORD has already said these things about Moab in the past. 14 But now the LORD says, “Within three years, counting each day, the glory of Moab will be ended. From its great population, only a feeble few will be left alive.”
Thank you all for your help!
We have hope and joy in Him!
He is the same yesterday, today and forever!!!
“The universe is not to be assessed by the ups and downs of my circumstances.”
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It is so self-absorbed to think this way, but aren’t we all tricked into doing it? Our visuon is so narrow and shallow of what God is doing in the world.
“all of creation is bending toward the healing and restoration that was signed for on the cross, guaranteed by the empty tomb, and sealed by the coming of God’s Holy Spirit.”
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And this is what gives us hope and courage to press on!
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Prayers for Gayle Craik’s family. Thank you LISAA H for sharing the news of her home going.
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R – continuing to pray for your husband’s recovery.
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A WALTON – thanks for the update on your daughter.
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SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – prayers that Jonathan’s heartbreak drives him to Jesus.
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MARI V – joining you in prrayer for your children’s hearts and healing.
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TARA B – sorry about your sudden job loss. Praying the Lord shows you where to go next.
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DANIELLE B – praying for God to shower you with peace and wisdom.
Amen, KELLY ❤️ A good reminder that it’s not all about me …
Kelly that struck me too that we can’t assess this universe by the ups and downs. I have peace knowing none of my circumstances surprised God. He knew all of this and has had me in His arms all along.
❤️. Thank you!
❤️ praying alongside you KELLY. Thank you sister.
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Amen Kelly!
With you in the prayers for our fellow Shes. ❤❤
Ditto with Tina – I love that last line in the devotion! Praising Jesus this morning who paid in full my sin debt on the cross and proved it by the empty tomb – defeating death, sin and the grave; and sealed it with the Holy Spirit!!
Amen and Amen!
These chapters remind us that God’s judgment is real, but so is His mercy. He calls all people to find refuge in Him, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the righteous King.
Amen
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Amen, Mr Alex.
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So beautifully written!
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The last four lines, however, have me thankful shivers..
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To the contrary, all of creation is bending toward the healing and restoration that was signed for on the cross, guaranteed by the empty tomb, and sealed by the coming of God’s Holy Spirit.
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Oh, a Double AMEN to that.
Thank you for your words this morning..
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Happy Tuesday dear hearts..❤
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Amen!
Thank you! As someone who relates a lot to the catastrophic thinking, I appreciate this devotion.
Amen!
Marana tha!