On paper, it sure looked like Cornelius had it together. Acts 10:1–2 lists his credentials: a Roman centurion; a God-fearer, meaning he believed in the God of Israel even though he was a Gentile; and he led his family in that same belief. He was charitable, so much so that he gained a reputation of generosity among the Jewish people. And he prayed, often and consistently.
In Greek and Roman society, those who achieved success were awarded a crown made of laurel leaves to signify what they’d accomplished. That practice has led to a common warning today: Don’t rest on your laurels, meaning, don’t let your past achievements stop you from continuing to grow.
It’s easy for us to try to rest on our laurels spiritually. To bring our achieving, doing mindset to our faith. It often sounds something like, “I am such a good Christian. I have given this much, and I always attend church, and God sure is lucky He picked me to follow His orders. I’m mature, so I don’t have anything left to learn.”
And it can cause us to miss Christ.
Cornelius is a great example of the humility necessary to embrace the Word of God. Even with all he had done, when an angel appeared and instructed Cornelius to send for Peter, he obeyed immediately. He gathered his family and friends to hear from Peter. Cornelius was eager to hear what God had to say to him through this man he’d never met.
And when Cornelius, his family, and his friends heard the Word of God—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—they repented and believed while Peter was still speaking, as evidenced by their receiving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44).
The story of Cornelius marks a major shift in the flow of Acts. Jesus promised in Acts 1:8 that the apostles would be witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Peter sharing the gospel with Cornelius and his family—Gentiles—means the message moved into that third phase of going to the ends of the earth.
Why? Because the good news is for everyone, no matter how good or bad we might think we are (spoiler alert: Romans 3:23 reminds us that none of us is actually good). When we see the grace and glory of Jesus, our only response is to repent and believe in His finished work, not ours.
That’s the kind of faith Cornelius responded with. He didn’t rest on his laurels. He gave them to Jesus. May we be a people who approach the Word of God that way. With an eagerness to hear, a desire to be transformed, and a willingness to obey.
Written by Cameron Magby
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59 thoughts on "Cornelius"
Amen
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“And it can cause us to miss Christ.” Wow. That hit hard in the best way possible.
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Rhonda I love the idea of sharing testimonies. We all can be lifted up and encouraged. I have been blessed to hear first accounts of truly supernatural testimonies and always think “if God did it for them he could do it for me”. Testimonies like Peter and Cornelius leave no doubt that it could only be God!
Girls are doing ok. He passed away a month ago today! Crazy! We just took them away for a mountain getaway which was great! Lots of hiking and swimming.
Now I don’t know where MY message is, CEE GEE… Got it! And thanks!
I love the moment where it was shown that the Gentiles received the gifts as well. Cornelius was rewarded for his humility. I hope I can be known for my good works someday in the same way
@Tami- I LOVE that testimony! It is so good to build us sisters up with our “miracles” and testimonies!! I was hoping our FB page would be more of that, but I can’t seem to get people to share!! (You could copy and paste that with a picture of you and your hubby!?) And of course to share that with non-believers!
I just read a Max Lucado book called “Before Amen” about prayer which we used for my small group, and he talks about praying to our Daddy. I have never liked the term, thinking it’s a lack of reference, but now I understand better, that we are just a daughter calling out to their daddy.
How are BJ’s daughters doing? It must be so hard to loose their daddy.
@Mercy and CeeGee– good wisdom!
Hi ladies. I am finally catching up on our reading today. Wow when I stop to think about this divine appointment – it is truly amazing. How it must have been for both Peter and Cornelius to receive these visions! I wish more churches taught about the supernatural gifts. I do not have any but I think it is partly because I have not had much exposure.
My husband gets visions and all have come when we were in the middle of significant storms. He had cancer 10 years ago. We were new Christians, in the church about a year. After one of his treatments, he had a vision that God was holding him in the palm of his hand, and that my husband was calling out “ABBA ABBA”. The Lord then told him that he would live a long life with me and not to worry. I remember neither one of us knew what ABBA meant. A week later, I went to a Christian concert with 2 friends, also new Christians. I told them of my husband’s vision and they dismissed it as just chemo brain. The concert started and Max Lucado was standing there in front of a black video screen that continuously looped the name ABBA. Max then proceeds to tell the story of a time he was in Jerusalem, and a young girl got separated from her parents and was screaming “ABBA ABBA”. He watched as her daddy came in and scooped her up. His message was that there are times we need a FATHER, and other times we need a DADDY. I stood there with tears streaming down my face, dumbfounded. My friends too! During the dark times of his cancer journey, we held onto that vision! Thank you Jesus it has been 10 years and he remains cancer free!
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I am so fascinated by the directive dream that God gave to Peter. Dreams are important (I had a dream journal- which reminds me the need to keep up with it. I used to write dreams on my phone Note app). The Lord showed Peter the food- clean and unclean, and when Peter spoke later, he seemed to understand the parable of the dream, “God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean”. I wish I could understand my dream that quickly :) @KAREN SWANSON, I looked up the “descending sheet, four corners of the earth” you mentioned, the imagery is also used in many other places interestingly. Isaiah 11:12 — God will gather His people from the “four corners of the earth”, Revelation 7:1 — Four angels stand at the “four corners of the earth,” holding back the winds, Ezekiel 7:2 — Judgment is coming upon “the four corners of the land” -represents universality, covering north, south, east, and west. God is very powerful, “What God has cleansed, do not call common”. He has the authority to declare food clean, He also has the authority to declare people clean, that breaks down the social barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Lifting up our sisters in prayers:
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@MARI V: so sorry to hear about the police call, praying for peace and protection over you, and no more future harassment.
@INDIANA ELAINE: strong recovery and lots of joy in recovering.
@LINDAK: sciatic pain relief.
@JANE K: for your mother’s assessment in assisted living, grace and mercy for this situation.
@WENDY B: pending surgery for kidney stone, mental peace and strength for your whole family, no more hospital PTSD.
@SUSAN BURLEY: safe driving with calm weather condition, asking angels to hold back the storm.
@CEE GEE: thank you for the background info you shared yesterday. Touched me!
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Praying you all have a wonderful weekend. Be blessed dear sisters.
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Prayers lifted, sweet sisters, as I read.
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I’ve read the sheet/eat/Peter account many times, but never made the connection with Cornelius (and that he was a gentile). Duh! Thanks, SRT and also Cameron Magby, for pointing me in that direction.
JANE K. Praying for your mom’s assessment now. Walking with you in the uncertainty of next steps.♥️
I loved that Peter had to ponder the meaning of his thrice repeated vision before understanding its meaning. Makes me feel a bit better about the times when I don’t quite see a clear path forward. Sometimes there’s a gap between hearing/ seeing and understanding. Seems like the gap moments are what makes understanding connect and “stick”.
Interesting thought KAREN SWANSON. The 4 corners of the earth. Loved it!SEARCHING. Amen to Whoop worthy! I got teary over your and ASHLEY M’s posts.
ADRIENNE- You posted your question to me on Saturday (Grace Day) and I answered Sunday, but did not see my reply anywhere!
Check that other platform later. I will leave something there if I can. I don’t go there very often so not sure what the issue is.
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“May we be a people who approach the Word of God that way. With an eagerness to hear, a desire to be transformed, and a willingness to obey.”- Thank you, CAMERON MAGBY!
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You sisters have added so much good stuff with your comments! This is another passage we discussed at length in SS not long ago. So much to glean!
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I am reminded- TRUST (comes first) then OBEY. Both men- Jew and Gentile- were being prepared by the Spirit for this unique DIVINE APPOINTMENT.
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Peter opened his home to Cornelius, a Gentile – against Jewish tradition.
Peter entered Cornelius’ home with the reminder that he wasn’t adhering to Jewish law by entering the home of a Gentile. He then revealed God’s message and saw the genuine response from those gathered and he ‘got it’!
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From John MacArthur-
Unlawful- “breaking a taboo.” Peter followed the Jewish standards and traditions his whole life. His comments reveal his acceptance of a new standard in which Jews no longer were to consider Gentiles profane.
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Apologies again as I know today’s lesson is on Cornelius! The devo reminds us not to rest on our laurels. Sadly, I have encountered many who do just that. May I never be in that group.
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SEARCHING- Beautiful prayer and post today! Amen and amen! Praying that setback is short-lived and turns around soon and continued prayers for the teens as they head back to school! ❤❤❤.
INDIANA ELAINE- Praying you pass the test with ‘TTT’ and that you have endurance for the pain ahead! ❤
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WENDY B – Praying in agreement for your surgery today success and no complications, and a quick and uneventful recovery.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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May I never think of myself as “I’m such a good Christian because I’m not. I fail and I fail daily. I don’t want to miss out on what my Jesus has for me. Last night I met most of our in-coming TK students (in our class, as there is now three TK classes) As a public school we get all walks of life, ALL! My prayer is that they will “see” Jesus in me and “not” me. I am SO excited to start school (even though I’m SO exhausted from this weeks meetings and trainings and very little sleep). Prayer request. Without getting into details, I had to call the police last night to report yet another violation from my EX, but there are details that NEED to get resolved and I wanting them resolved without having to text or have to talk to the EX. Happy Friday sweet She’s!
Mari V, I’m praying for you and the situation with your ex.
Praying
Susan Burley for the storms to hold off so that you make it safely back home.
Wendy B for resolution of the kidney stones so that you can travel.
Indiana Elaine so glad your surgery is over and went well. Praying for healing and restoration.
I am asking for prayer today. My sciatic pain has flared up and I am headed to my family reunion today(4hour drive). Pray for the pain to decrease so that I can enjoy the trip and family. Much love♥️
LindaK, I’m praying that your pain precedes and you’re able to enjoy your trip and reunion.
Wow, I love this chapter in Acts. First as Cornelius continually prayed, his prayers ascended as a memorial before God. How awesome is that? Our prayers are a memorial before God. As I was reading these verses, I was thinking I wish God would speak to me through angels and visions too. But, we have God’s Word and everything I need to know about Him and His will for my life is in the Bible. Yes, He speaks to me while I pray, read His Word, and through other people. He is a good God! Prayer request please, in just a few minutes, they will be assessing my mom again for an assisted living. Please pray for my mom to have a clear mind and not to become anxious. Thank you. I’m trusting God that He will direct my mom’s next steps and where and when it happens.
Jane, I pray God leads you and your mom to the place He has chosen for her to live. May His will become clear to the facility workers as well as you and your mom.
As we enter into the weekend…
Wherever you are,
whatever the circumstance or condition,
whenever you can.
Pray. Pray. Pray.
The wants, needs, desires expressed within the SRT community are being heard & lifted up.
Who ever you are, because of Whose You Are.
(THIS is my all encompassing, consistent REPLY button. Always working!)
(I am certain the SRT tech team is on task. Patience is its own REPLY!)
” The subject of this chapter is not so much the conversion of Cornelious as the conversion of Peter. Are there any similar prejudices which you can find in yourself? God dovetailed his working in Cornelius and Peter perfectly.” The Bible speaks Today.
It is sometimes hard for us as modern Christians to get the extreme prejudices between Jews and Gentiles in the ancient world.
I love this quote too!
Hello Shes
For the first time, in my reading & not rushing, through the story of Peter’s dream, I believe I “got it”. The Gentiles were the “unclean things”, prohibited by law, outside the family of Israel. Cornelius, the centurion, & Peter, the apostle were brought together through the divine power of the Holy Spirit, messengers from God. Responding immediately, trusting wholeheartedly.
I was also struck by the brethren disciples who accompanied Peter & the relatives & close friends of Cornelius who gathered to welcome them into the home. And no one, including the circumcised believers from Joppa, were there to withhold water for baptism.
The Good News then, the Good News now. We are joined in the Great Commission. Peter told Cornelius, “Stand up. I myself am also a man.” We, ourselves also just women, in the Word of God everyday, are equally imprinted.
To be humble.
To be obedient.
To declare the greatness of God.
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It is my hearts desire to live a life with humble authenticity, a genuine heart, an abiding faith and walking in obedience as what describes Peter and Cornelius. To be one that lives out and communicates that Jesus sacrifice, grace, mercy and forgiveness is for everyone. Lord lead me in your ways so my heart is walking in obedience with you and declaring your hope to others.
Indiana Elaine, praise the Lord all went well with surgery and praying you are strengthed with energy and encouragement as you recover.
Thank you for your prayers. Its not what we were hoping, but I am awaiting a call this morning to go in for surgery either this afternoon or tomorrow to remove the kidney stone. Please pray all goes well and that this is straightforward and routine with no complications. The last 24 hours has rattled managing my medical trauma PTSD, created some heightened anxiety for myself and my family as memories of my previous hospitalizations, illness have been brought back to the forefront. It seems like it won’t be the case, but we are still praying the stone passes on its own prior to surgery. God is able. Thank you, SRT sisters❤️
Wendy, I am praying for you, that this will pass and you will be able to travel to see your daughter and grand baby. And praying for peace in your heart.
I love this! As several have mentioned, he obeyed immediately! I know that I tend to overthink when God sends messages my way. May I continue to grow in my faith so that I am able to walk with as much confidence and obedience as Cornelius!
I took off work yesterday and today to come visit my Grandpa on the family farm. Driving 6.5 hours back to Nebraska this afternoon. Please pray the storms hold off or that I’m able to drive through them safely!
He obeyed immediately! He was ready to be taught and humbled himself!
We all need to have a teachable spirit no matter how long we have served God or what positions we hold.
I have learned so many beautiful lessons of love from my 2-3’s and my girl’s and grandchildren and people younger than me! I pray the Lord will help me be a Cornelius- generous, praying, seeking God, and humble no matter what!
Praying for all!
Something that came to me that might just be a coincidence. But it might actually be something. Is the four corners of the sheet that came down from heaven represent the places they are being sent?. They are sent to four places. Jerusalem. Judea. Samara. And the ends of the earth. Could that symbolize the four corners of the sheet?
God honors a sincere heart that seeks Him. You don’t have to have the perfect background, title, or qualifications—just a heart that’s open to God’s leading. Like Cornelius, we may not fully understand what God is doing, but if we remain faithful in prayer and obedience, He will make the next steps clear.
God also uses us to break down walls, just like He used Peter. We are called to love, serve, and include others who may not look, think, or believe like we do—trusting that God is working in every heart.
I love this. ❤️
Oh Father let me have faith and respond like Cornelius. Please let me hear your voice and obey. In Jesus name, Amen
Praying for you INDIANA ELAINE!
“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35
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God is so good. He is so fair and just. And to know that He never shows favoritism, makes Him all the more good and fair and just. Praise God that He doesn’t have favorites, because if He did – where would I fall on that list? He accepts anyone who believes, fears Him and does right.
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I am forever grateful that even though I am a sinner – I am saved by grace through faith and my sins have been washed in the precious blood of the lamb.
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Oh that the lost of this world would turn to Him and receive forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus.The name that is above every other name, the only name whereby one can be saved.
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My prayer today is for the lost to receive Jesus, to turn from darkness to light.
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Happy Friday sweet She’s!…still not able to reply :-(
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So, I was once again able to reply to ONE, but then, no one else.
I am on a chrome notebook.
This is such an important message that it is recorded again in chapter 11. Peter goes back and tells the Jews the “why” of meeting with the Unclean gentiles! That God is redeeming EVERYONE! What God has cleansed, don’t call unclean!! We are all clean, by the work of Jesus when we come to him in repentance and acceptance! Therefore we can ALL come boldly, to the throne of God, though Jesus Christ!
It’s unconditional and unmerited love for us! But not applies just for me…but the unlovable, foolish, unsaved people all around me. God loves them as well. Before the Jews would never go to a Gentile’s home. They look upon them basically as fuel for the fire of hell! (whoa). As the chapter goes on, the Christians must continue to go and tell the other nations of the Savoir Christ. It was not easy work for their pride, just as us today. But we must go to all. The problem today is that we are not going to tell them about Jesus, we are co-mingling with them. Doing as they do. We are not set apart, looking different and fervently telling them what we have in Jesus. That is sad. We are on the fence trying to enjoy both. But, as the saying goes the fence is owned by Satan.
Last night as I woke up and sat up to pet the dog at the end of the bed, I had a strange head spinning as I laid back. Now, just as I got more coffee- the house spinning around me! Vertigo! Such a strange feeling. I pray this is a one or two time thing! I don’t need that to my list, lol.
Last night we had a praise and worship night at church! About 50% were young adults, and the fire they have for the Lord is wonderful to see!! God move in this generation!! Let them spread the good news through their schools and cities!!
Rhonda, I pray you do not have vertigo.
Good morning SRT prayer warriors. Thank you so much for your prayers. I am always amazed at the timing of Cornelius and Peter. They both responded immediately to the angels. It was not their agenda first. Those of you who are teachers and moms know there are teachable moments and this was both Cornelius and Peter’s moment. Jesus’ timing is always perfect. The surgery went well. The doctor had a smile on his face about the spacer he put in. The vertebrae will not be touching anytime soon. He also prayed with me before surgery and I prayed for him. It was indeed a special moment. Today the nerve blocks wear off and the “fun” begins. Shortly the terrific torture team (PT) will be in to determine if I can go home today. I have passed all the tests so far. Movement will be a challenge.
What! The reply worked again! It’s so random for me!!!
That’s AMAZING Elaine!!! I LOVE that you prayed for the Doctor and him for you!! wow!! I am praising the Lord it went well, and that you may be able to go home….and start the torture!! lol. My job came in AFTER the torturous peeps were done! I trained clients when rehab ended. I always thanked the Lord that through my back issues I was able to know what worked and what didn’t with exercises!
We will keep praying for your rehab! Is your daughter still able to help you?
Indiana Elaine, I’m so glad the surgery went well, and I pray your recovery goes well, too. I’m praying for complete recovery and relief from pain.
I pray that I am always being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who is at work in the Word of God and in the hearts of believers.
As a Christian, I am called to pray, to fear/revere God, to be generous, to love and especially to be obedient. The clarity of God’s instructions through His angel and the swiftness of Cornelius’s obedience got my attention. And then Peter, as he puzzled and pondered God’s message and vision to him, he is given not only confirmation that God sent the men knocking at his door but also told his next steps – go with them.
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Lord, I am a very thankful Gentile daughter of Yours. Especially thankful Your salvation plan was meant for the ‘common’ as I was washed clean and became royalty as a child of the King of Glory, hallelujah! Whoop worthy, KELLY! ❤️
Praying, Lord, for the understanding of my next steps and those of my sisters to be as clear as what Peter was told. For those of us seeking healing and medical wisdom, for relationship mending, for seeing the job opportunities You have in mind for them, for finding their person You specially created for them, for guidance in raising and teaching their children’s hearts and minds. For everything and every step, Lord, we need You. May those we reach out to in Your name open their hearts to You.
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MEGAN – praying wisdom in your relationship and especially for your boyfriend as he seeks Jesus.
TRACI GENDRON ❤️
NINA SANTUCCI Welcome! ❤️
MARIE S – praying for Gene and Michele ❤️
CINDY HANNA ❤️ thank you for the tidbit on Peter
INDIANNA ELAINE – praying for a smooth recovery
JANE K – praying for your granddaughter
WENDY B – praying for kidney stones and travel
TINA ❤️
MERCY ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
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Praying for family member (setback yesterday) and especially the teens with school starting soon
Aha! Worked!
Great comment Searching, I agree, so thankful to be a gentile daughter of the King! Thank you Jesus! May I be obedient, loving and trusting and go to all without being prideful, or judging.
I also love that the HOLY SPIRIT came up on them and they spoke in tongues. The baptism of the Spirit is still upon us today!
Searching, I’m praying for your family member’s health, and for the teens as they return to school. I love your comment about God’s salvation plan extending to me, a common Gentile, who became God’s child.
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Cornelius had already turned his heart to the God of Israel and God wanted him to have the full revelation of His salvation plan. Peter on the other hand still needed to grasp the big picture of God’s plan for all nations, tribes, and tongues.
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The entire story shows how God moves to bring people closer to Him.
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MARIE S – praying God goes before you and moves in your brother’s mind for clarity of thought and purpose not only of his need for Jesus but also for the doctor appointments and sugery (and for your SIL).
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Praying for your other requests too
Thank you for this reminder Jesus. I want to be like Cornelius also. I want to grow and learn more about you every day I have breath. I want to share what I have learned with other people so that they can also grow closer to you.
Yes, Amen!!
Cornelius responds with such humility and is eager for his family and friends to share in whatever God has to say to him.
Father, help us to have a humble and teachable spirit – eager to hear from You! And eager to share the message.
Friday blessings to you, Ladies.
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Lord, may these words one day, if not today, be said of me!
That’s the kind of faith Cornelius responded with. He didn’t rest on his laurels. He gave them to Jesus. May we be a people who approach the Word of God that way. With an eagerness to hear, a desire to be transformed, and a willingness to obey.
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May i never rest on my laurels..
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Earlier this year I had my 2 laurel trees chopped by half.. today as I sit writing I look out into the garden to see the laurels are already halfway to where they were..
Keep growing sisters, with an eagerness to hear, a desire to be transformed and a willingness to obey, because for sure, one day we will be mighty oaks.:) strong in the Word, resilient to the world and it’s offerings, and we will endure because our roots are in Jesus..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Happy Friday! Oh happy day my peeps, covered in much love, hugs and prayers to cover requests and the technical team…❤️
The reply button still not budging!( praying hands)x
May we never do anything for the approval of men not to get laurels but just to be God‘s loving hands and feet.