Last year, I took my daughter on a surprise trip to Disney World. I had been preparing for it for all of her nine years—to wake her up like a normal school day and go to Disney World instead. It was every bit as magical and wonderful as I had hoped, a really perfect trip. Then a week or so after our trip, I took her to a well-child visit, and much to my surprise, she failed her vision test. Not just a little either, the girl could not see far away…at all. And then it hit me, “what did she see at Disney World?!”
In the first century, to see something—anything—was inherently to be in its presence. So for Jesus to say that the blessing of being pure in heart is to see God meant so much more than getting a text with a picture or FaceTiming from out of town. It was the reward of being welcomed into the presence of a holy God. This calls to mind Eden, where God and the first people dwelled together gloriously. But when Adam and Eve sinned, humanity lost this access to God’s presence, with cherubim guarding the entrance to the garden with fire, allowing no re-entry. The rest of the story, in part, tracks how God would bring humanity back into His presence, which required a purity that no one could fully attain on their own.
Psalm 24 maps out for us who is welcome to be in God’s presence on His mountain and in His temple: those with clean hands, a pure heart, and a whole-life sense of integrity (Psalm 24:3–4). This feels overwhelmingly aspirational; I know that I’m flawed and prone to mask weakness, sin, and the vulnerable places in my heart and life to make myself seem better than I am on the inside. How could I ever make myself pure enough to see God? I think this must be part of the point of the Beatitudes. They have an easy-enough, face-value understanding, but they draw you in deeper and deeper, to mine the wisdom and meditate on the message.
By the Spirit, those who follow Jesus have been given a new heart, one renewed and released from the power of sin. On our own, there is no amount of trying to be pure that can gain us entry into the presence of God. However, living by the Spirit invites us into the partnership of saying no to sin and yes to humility, surrender, and self-sacrifice—like a dance of His holy work and our willing participation.
My grandma is someone who exemplified this beautifully. I even read this beatitude at her funeral a few years ago. She had lost most of her vision over time, and I couldn’t get over the truth that the reward of her salvation is God’s presence and that when all is made new, she will see Him fully. The hope realized for her is the same hope that beckons us nearer to Him. Purity of heart, integrity of life, forever seeing Him.
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109 thoughts on "Blessed Are the Pure in Heart"
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I prayed before this reading to open my heart and soul to your message. Do we ever feel deserving of such mercy, grace, and presence.
Oh yes, forever seeing my Lord! ❣️
Praying for you Rebecca W. I have friend whose sister is in a similar situation so please know you’re not alone. Somethin g I’ve learned from my mother is that you’re only as happy as your saddest child. Whether that’s watching them struggle physically or mentally. Everything is in gods will. Praying he is safe and gets the help he needs. You’re not alone.
Amen!
I just found out I’m pregnant. Please pray for a healthy baby. I have type 1 diabetes, so I’m trying to balance everything. Pray for a healthy baby and peace in my mind.
Congratulations
Praying for you dear sister! What a blessing. Read psalm 139 for comfort and reassurance during this time! God knows your baby inside and out.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
What wonderful news! Congratulations!❤️
Praying for perfect health for you and your sweet baby, Caroline!
Congratulations, Caroline..! Praying for good health throughout your pregnancy..❤️
Congratulations! I am praying for your heal, as well as your baby’s.
Please pray for my husband. He has an interview at 2pm for a job. Praying God provides a job real soon.
Praying for your family tonight. I hope the interview went so well today!
Prayerful Marina, though probably late, (time difference) but, maybe a decision has to be made, in which case, I’m on time .. Praying also for your husbands heart and mind, may he know peace and not stress in his search for a new job.,.❤️
“Jesus declares here that a pure heart produces external purity, not vice versa.The pure in heart are those that have an undivided loyalty to God and his ways. Those who have set their heart on God and not simply religious ritualistic are invited to enter into a fellowship with Him in which they will experience the unthinkable- they will see God in Jesus.”
NIV Application Commentary on The Bible
So good! Thank you for sharing.
Amen!❤️
The message at church this week was feeling His divine presence. Adding to that… SEEing it. Guess I better go put in my contacts!
Praying for your mom, and for you family as you navigate through this.
Thank you everyone for all of your input! Really gave clarity over this verse.
I keep thinking about Stephen. He had vision to see things as they truly were. Sometimes our eyesight gets blurred by this world but when we look at things through God’s eyes (prayer, praise, reading His word), we see clearly!
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
This verse comes to mind when I read today’s scripture:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10
This should be the prayer of our hearts. Sometimes I don’t want a pure heart. I want to hold a grudge or be bitter towards someone. That’s why I need to pause and pray and ask the Lord to forgive me and create that pure heart in me.
Blessings to each of you today. I’m praying as I read your requests.
Yes that verse came to mind for me as well. It must be a daily prayer for me:)
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Oh Lord create a pure heart in me.
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This is so convicting. From what we watch on tv to how we speak to others, etc.
I want to exemplify God. I’m so far from that. I’m impatient, judgmental, unforgiving. The list is much longer than this, but you get my point. It reminds me of the verse in James about why do I do what I don’t want to do. James 7:15.
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Thank you all for your prayers. Joan’s passing was so peaceful and I think that impacted everyone.
Traci, I think you meant Romans 7:15. This is one of my favorite passages from Paul because it describes me so well.
Romans 7:15-20
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
Yes, that’s the verse I referred to as well!
Beautifully said!
Dear sisters I come today asking for prayer for my adult son Brett. He struggles with alcoholism and told me yesterday that he lost his job. His is a long sad story but as his mom my heart is shattered and my mind can spiral thinking of what might happen. I cling to all the truths I learn here to help me survive. I know in my heart I can trust my Jesus, but my flesh wants to crumble instead of being strong in my faith. So please pray that Brett surrenders his life to Christ first and foremost, then gets the help he needs to overcome this horrible disease that wants to ruin his life. Thank you all so much. My prayers are never ceasing for my sisters here. ❤️❤️❤️
Praying for you son, Brett.
Praying for Brett that the Lord would work in his life. Brett has the best mama. A praying mama!
Praying for Brett
Praying for Brett’s healing from this terrible disease of alcoholism and that he would surrender his life to Jesus. Praying for peace for your mom heart.
Praying for Brett. My dad was an alcoholic. It is a rough road. I pray that Brett finds salvation and then healing through Him. ❤️
I’m praying for Brett to turn to Jesus, and believe in Him as his Savior, and to get the help he needs for his alcoholism.
I’m praying for Brett. M Thracian’s has been sober for 20 years and it was in his darkest days of alcoholism that he met Jesus! He is now a new creation! I’m praying the same from for Brett. Hopefully he can get to an AA meeting – not overtly Christian but its roots are:)
Praying in agreement with our sisters that every wicked bondage over Brett be broken in the Name of Jesus and that Brett be set free, we speak healing, transformation, new life over him and that he won’t be given over to the schemes and destruction of satan. May God’s will be done in Brett’s life for God’s glory. More strength for your heart.
Yes, amen.
Joining the sisters here praying for you Rebecca and your son, Brett. My Dad was an alcoholic and I have a brother and a son currently battling this addiction. May they find Jesus in their lives and want a sober life with Him
Joining all here in praying for Brett, that this would be a turning point in his life.
Joining our sisters here in holding Brett up in prayer to our Father God, that Brett will find his way to God and in finding his way will seek the help he needs to give up drinking..
I am also lifting you up in prayer Rebecca, your mama heart and mind to ‘ be still’ and know that God is near, to you, and is with you through this journey you walk with Brett. Trust Him.. Amen..❤️
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I’m so sorry your son is struggling. Have prayed that he will be open to the whispers of the Lord calling him to His side and seek the help and support needed. May the Lord’s peace and strength encourage your heart❤️
From the ESV Study Bible: The pure in heart are those whose pursuit of purity and uprightness affects every area of life. It is not enough to maintain physical purity alone; one must also guard against engaging mentally in an act of unfaithfulness. And from Alex Flores on HRT: The kind of purity that continually prepares our hearts to see God demands the presence of Jesus Himself along with a steady diet of His living Word.
Heavenly Father, my longing and desire is to be fully pure before you, in thought, word and action, but oh, how I fall so short in this. My weak, feable and half hearted ways all too often rise above what I wish to be true of myself. Change my heart, Lord, make it undivided before you. Cleanse me, forgive me and keep pursuing authentic, true pureness of heart the desire of my heart. I want and need your presence to lead me, shape me, guide me, casting aside all that is not pleasing to you and help my life to be one that honor and glorifies you in all ways. Amen.
Amen, Wendy. ❤️
BECCA OWENS, I was just like your daughter! The summer after 3rd grade, my mom noticed I wasn’t able to read something at a distance. She knew that I knew the words so she had my eyes examined! How many times do we see the call to ‘examine’ in the Bible?!
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John MacArthur NKJV Bible Study note on Matthew 5:8-
“see God.
Not only with the perception of faith, but in the glory of heaven. Cf. Heb. 12:14; Rev. 22:3, 4.”
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Hebrews 12:14
New Living Translation
A Call to Listen to God
14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
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“Pursue . . . holiness.
In this epistle, it is explained as
1) a drawing near to God with full faith and a cleansed conscience (10:14, 22), and
2) a genuine acceptance of Christ as the Savior and sacrifice for sin, bringing the sinner into fellowship with God.
Unbelievers will not be drawn to accept Christ if believers’ lives do not demonstrate the qualities God desires, including peace and holiness (cf. John 13:35;
1 Tim. 4:3; 1 Pet. 1:16).”
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Revelation 22:3-4
New Living Translation
3 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.
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1 Peter 1:16
New Living Translation
16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
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Thank you all for your prayers and comments! Gotta run but hope to check back later.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤❤
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I wanna be a vessel full of silver and gold, not of wood and clay. Purify my heart, Lord! Cleanse my hands, Father.
“In my flesh dwells no good thing” Paul says. Struggling back and forth between flesh and trying to be Holy. This is the struggle of many Christians. Because we try to be pure of heart on our own. We go back in forth of trying to be a “good Christian. Even Pharisee status we seek, to realize we will never be Pure on our own. Learning our Bible in head knowledge, trying to do as we know we should, can lead to frustration. Not that we shouldn’t discipline ourselves to be in the word, and prayer, that leads to growing in our relationship with the Lord. But mainly, our flesh has to be crucified. And the Lord did it for us! We therefore, can drive ourselves crazy like Paul sounds like, in the “I what I don’t wanna do..” self-monologue. Becca puts it so well here-
“By the Spirit, those who follow Jesus have been given a new heart, one renewed and released from the power of sin. On our own, there is no amount of trying to be pure that can gain us entry into the presence of God. However, living by the Spirit invites us into the partnership of saying no to sin and yes to humility, surrender, and self-sacrifice—like a dance of His holy work and our willing participation.” Walking by the Spirit. How do we do that..if it isn’t by choice? How does transformation happen? Choices are ours to make- hundreds every day. As HRT author puts when we fill our days with things that slowly corrupt our minds, well, it makes a difference. So it is US participating in what can and does corrupt us. Boy do I know that “slow current” that you look up and think…how did that happen and how did I end up way over here! It matters what we do and participate in. When we put first God in our life, reading the word and choosing things of him, and then turning off, walking away from, and saying no to the things we know take us from him. But again, we can’t depend on ourselves to make us pure. Because we will fail.
We are to “work out our faith.” Then one day, you do indeed wake up and say wow..look how far I have come! God is perfecting me to be with him. To make me more and more like Jesus as I walk with him and mirror him in my life. I do a perfect dance with the Spirit..because of saying Yes, and holding on and letting him lead. Yes, I make some fumbles and missteps, but he holds me up and I still look pretty good! I have danced with someone like that ONE time, and I remember how amazing it was! I was like, I don’t know how to do that dance (we were at a country bar where they actually go in a circle, the two step I believe, to a really fast song!) There was no way to fake it..BUT..he said do it, take me hands. I was astonished how I was able to go round and round, not ever trying before! I literally was glowing and smiling, and having the best 4 minutes ever!
When we really embrace Jesus arms, let them wrap us, and say…okay…I can’t do this, but I’m trusting that you will lead me…oh the joy and smiles overflow and it is indeed exhilarating!! Oh in this weary, tiring world, to FEEL EXHILARATED. The more often I say yes to the dance the more fun this life will be.
God wants to motivate us out of his LOVE not out of condemnation and force. Just holding his hand out and saying trust me, You can do it with me. To be pure of his love and following, not trying to lead. It doesn’t ever work like that. May I remember this.
Thank you for that visual of dancing. I too experienced two stepping with a partner that was soooo good and just told me to stick with him. Let us let Jesus hold us that way. ❤️
Ah, lovely, Rhonda. Thank you.❤️
Ooof, my family and I have been through a lot of strange, unexpected medical issues lately, with now the latest being my mom having a stroke. It happened a couple of days ago, and she had minimal side effects, so she didn’t let me know until yesterday. She lives by herself and is my son’s nanny basically when I’m work. Please pray for us as we navigate this new journey. I’m hopeful for a full recovery, but the doctors have not been very forthcoming with answers, prognosis, etc so far, so I’m feeling a bit frustrated because I can’t figure out my job or childcare for my kiddo until I know what’s happening. Praying for patience and discernment and mental strength so I can be there for my mom. Praying that I can let myself lean on God.
Praying for you and your mom Kim. Strokes are tricky. I believe the doctors need to rule out several things before giving you the prognosis.
Praying for your mom and you juggling all of this
Praying your mom will make a full recovery from the stroke. Kim. And praying the doctors will be able to tell you what has happened and what to expect from here. I pray for guidance as you make decisions regarding her health, your job and childcare. I pray for your peace.
Joining you Teresa in your prayer for Kim..Lord in your mercy, Amen!❤️
Praying for wisdom and timely answers. Also health and healing for your mom and peace for you as you navigate this.
amen to all these prayers!
Praying for healing for your mom and clarity for all next steps. Also praying that the Lord would grant you his peace and rest tonight.
Amen!
“Blessed are the pure in heart.”
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I was wondering what exactly that means, so I went to Got Questions, it was very well explained there. This is just a small portion of the explanation…
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“The Greek word for “pure” in Matthew 5:8 is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt.” Interestingly, the word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. John the Baptist told people that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). Malachi speaks of the Messiah as being like a “refiner’s fire” (Malachi 3:2). Jesus refers to believers as being the branches and to Himself as being the vine (John 15:1-17). For a vine to produce fruit, it must be pruned. Those who are truly “pure,” then, are those who have been declared innocent because of the work of Jesus and who are being sanctified by His refining fire and His pruning.”
And…
“Being pure in heart involves having a singleness of heart toward God. A pure heart has no hypocrisy, no guile, no hidden motives. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul.”
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Father God may my heart be pure before you – in all I do, see, think and say. Help me to glorify You in every area of my life today.
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I’ve been singing the children’s song, O Be Careful Little Eyes, to my 2 year old granddaughter. But I’m finding that every time I sing it, God is reminding me that I too need to be careful of what my eyes see, what my ears hear, what my mouth says, what my hands do and where my feet go…this little praise song is so convicting!
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@Kimberly Z – praying wisdom, peace and strength for your friend as she finds herself in an unplanned pregnancy. And wisdom for you to know how to counsel her.
@Katarina Friedman – praying that God will give you the grace to forgive your husband in the areas he has hurt you and your family.
@DW – praying that you will be able to forgive your long standing hurt from your friend.
@Lynne From Alabama – I am so sorry to hear of the situation with your step daughter. How sad and hurtful that must be for you. I will be praying for reconciliation and that she will at least let you know what the offense is if there is one. My heart goes out to you. ❤️
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Sweet She’s – have a blessed Tuesday!
❤️ Thank you.
Two of those definitions speak volumes: “internal purity of soul” and “singleness of heart toward God.”
Thanks for sharing those notes.
Sharon thank you for sharing. I was too wondering what Pure in Heart looks like. I too need your prayer to glorify God in all I do.
Thank you for your prayers for my family.
The song Refiner’s Fire came to mind with what you shared.
Purify my heart, let me be as gold
And precious silver
Purify my heart, let me be as gold
Pure gold
Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for you Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart, cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart, cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
Ready to worship
Ready to follow
Ready to do Your will
Borrowing your prayer, no, I’ll join you in it .. dear friend..as i felt convicted that the greek word for pure and its meaning slapped me across the face, Ineed to be refined, total overhaul needed..❤️
Amen
i read the story of saul today in Iris children Bible before coming here. I don’t think I ever noticed this juxtaposition between Stephen and saul before. stephen sees Jesus at the right hand of God and saul goes blind.
I had never seen that, either!
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It goes with what was said on the podcast this week… Just keep showing up, and you’ll see different things every time. (Those are my words!) ❤️
Great observation!
Lord,
make my heart pure before You,
not merely in what I do,
but in who I am when only You can see.
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Cleanse the hidden places,
the motives I try to justify,
the divided loyalties I try to ignore.
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Give me a heart that is sincere,
undivided, and wholly Yours.
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Let this purity run deeper than behavior,
forming in me a quiet devotion
that longs to know You,
to recognize Your voice,
to live aware of Your presence.
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And from that inner work,
shape the way I live.
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Let my actions flow from a heart made clean,
my words reflect what You are forming within,
my life become an honest expression
of what You are doing inside me.
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Teach me that to be pure in heart
is to truly see You,
not just one day,
but here and now
as I walk with You.
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Amen.
Love this ❤️
Amen. ❤️
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Amen. I copied this and emailed it to myself. I want to be able to pray this often. Thank you
Amen. ❤️
I love this, Kimberly. The first paragraph especially spoke to me:
Lord,
make my heart pure before You,
not merely in what I do,
but in who I am when only You can see.
To be pure in heart when only God can see …
Thank you for sharing.
This is so very good, Kimberly. Thank you.. If i may, I’ll copy it to read as and when i feel I’m slipping..(every day)
Thank you.❤️
Amen! My prayer today is that God would be at work in each of our hearts and that we would exemplify the fruits of the spirit. When people think of us as Christ followers, may we model love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. May we experience the glory of gazing upon God’s face one day!
Amen.
Amen.
Amen❤️
Amen
Amen
From HRT, Alex Florez
Re: watching and listening to ungodly tv/movies, music
“What began as passive consumption led to the active contamination of my inner self.”
“Purity of heart requires active participation in the program for kingdom living Jesus offers in the Beatitudes.”
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SRT, Becca Owens
“On our own, there is no amount of trying to be pure that can gain us entry into the presence of God. However, living by the Spirit invites us into the partnership of saying no to sin and yes to humility, surrender, and self-sacrifice”
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I was right there with Alex, paying no mind to what I was watching or listening to, and that began to sear my conscience. Before I realized it, the dividing line between right and wrong was gone, obliterated, my life so far from clean and good that I couldn’t recognize myself. It was years of working to free myself and I still remind myself when tempted – once heard and/or seen, it’s in your mind – whether godly or ungodly, it’s there.
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KIMBERLY Z – good to see you! Praying for your friend as she finds out for sure, and that she can access godly counseling for moving forward. If she isn’t ready, there are so many families waiting that are. Many years ago, a friend of mind agreed to adopt a baby already scheduled for abortion – all grown up now and a wonderful young lady. Praying for God’s comfort and guidance for your friend in this.
TAMI praying you continue to have patience in the waiting for your friend to be willing
MERCY thank you for sharing!
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA ❤️ sister, what heart pain from this situation! Praying her heart is softened and she desires to reconnect- whatever the reason for pulling back. Maybe a handwritten letter sharing that you miss her and would love to talk when she’s ready.
TAYLOR HITE ❤️
KELLY (NEO) ❤️
CEE GEE❤️
❤️ Thank you sister for the reminder to be careful what we (and even our children) watch and listen to.
Amen Searching, and thamk you for the reminder to watch what we watch, say and do daily..❤️
“…To mine the wisdom and meditate…”
Amen❤️
“Living by the Spirit invites us into the partnership of saying no to sin and yes to humility, surrender, and self-sacrifice—like a dance of His holy work and our willing participation.”
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May I be a good partner in this dance by following His lead!
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LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – I’m saddened that your relationship with Jack’s daughter has become another source of grief for you. Praying the Lord brings you the strength to turn it completely over to Him as you pray for her.
Praying for Lynne
Joining you in praying for Lynne ❤️
May I be a good partner in this dance by following His lead.. Amen, Kelly. May I be a good partner in this dance by following His lead❤️
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what a beautiful Bible challenge.