After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Amos 5:15 reads, “Hate evil and love good.” One of the profound characteristics of a maturing follower of Christ is a desire to live in the tension of hating evil while loving the people who act with evil intent or malice. These proverbs show us how to discern good from evil and how to know when we ourselves are walking on the path of the wicked versus the ways of the righteous.
Reflection Questions:
Where does the internal struggle between good and evil come up most for you?
Who are some faithful people in your life, and how do their actions remind you of Proverbs 4:18?
While thinking about Proverbs 14:22, what would planning good look like for you today?
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124 thoughts on "Good and Evil, Faithfulness and Truthfulness"
I feel the battle of good and evil in my husbands work. Those who aren’t doing right or morally correct tend to be the ones who make the most money but what is that getting them? A nice car here on earth, sure but what’s the purpose of having money? Those who tend to try to do well get cut off by someone not.
Once a Pastor I know said ‘everyone is a brother or sister in Christ’. This has stuck with me so even when someone is super irritating and I want to wash my hands of them I remember I must love them still as they are a brother or sister in christ (they just don’t know who christ is yet, but God’s working on it!)
Amen— I love this, Jessica. Thank you for sharing this.
Amen ❤️
I think the way we can love evil people is remembering that, without Christ, we are the same as them.
I read your comments and admire you all for being so open and honest. I pray for all of you as I do for me that God surround us with people who will speak the truth of God in to our life, people that will inspire us to live our purpose to do the good works God has created us for.
I pray that the LORD gives us eyes to see people through His eyes. They may do wicked and evil things because they don’t know what they do; and may we all shine the LORD’s light on them to know how high, how wide, how deep His love for them is. Go on the rest of the week knowing you are already blessed. The creator God, the Alpha, the Omega the beginning and the end has chosen you, you are a Holy priesthood, you are His Saint, not because of who you are but because of who He says you are.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Where does the internal struggle between good and evil come up most for me?
I feel it is when I stress over our finances and how we are able to pay our bills when money is sparse. This is when I need to read in my Bible and find the moments where God is so faithful and provides for his people when things weren’t going good for them.
Amen o
Where does the internal struggle between good and evil come up most for you? Sometimes you can see the signs of when something bad is coming your way so you can prepare to make the right choice, but it’s when you can’t see it coming and your make the wrong choice…that’s when I feel the struggle of “did I bring this on myself? What did I do to have this even come up to where I’m in a situation of this caliber?” That’s when I have to reflect.
Who are some faithful people in your life, and how do their actions remind you of Proverbs 4:18? Friends and family who are always bringing light to my life. They are security, hope, goodness all wrapped up in love. They have my back and keep pushing me to do good things.
While thinking about Proverbs 14:22, what would planning good look like for you today? Spreading love to anyone and everyone. Doing good deeds fair family, friends, and neighbors.
It is so hard to love others that are evil, especially if they don’t think they are. This is so prevalent in our society today!
I’ve been “missing” for two weeks, and just now getting caught up. My husband and I have had Covid for the past two weeks. I’m still not well, but better than I have been, so I have hope I’m going to recover. There were a couple of nights I honestly wondered if this was going to be what took me to heaven. The respiratory symptoms, plus the cough that just won’t stop, we’re terrible. I could go on….
Thank you to all who have been praying for us. My husband returned to work full time today.
All the comments today have been great. I think that when my mind is mostly on me and my issues is when its most likely for evil to come into my mind and life. To avoid evil, and do God’s will, I need to keep my thoughts on Him, and on doing good for other people. I really need to get the attention off me.
Praying for a complete recovery,Teresa
Hoping you walk in a speedy recovery from Covid. I too have missed some days due to not feeling well and life issues. My 4 year old now has what I am experiencing. Hope you have a speedy recovery! I agree that keeping our focus on Jesus helps to keep our hearts and mind aligned with His will in our life. It helps us see life from His perspective. We are not so overwhelm with what we are going through and how we feel. Our focus is on His will and sovereignty in the circumstances of our life.
1. Thoughts when the phone rings and I hesitate to answer as I don’t want to meet a need. So frustrating when I react that way. Usually it’s because I am leaning on my understanding and not looking to God to teach me or direct me.
I so appreciate how both of my pastors will pause before they answer. Teaching me how to first listen and then speak.
Planning good, love that thought, planning meetings with friends and planning time to pray regularly for people, I can see how this thought of planning good is beneficial not just for you but also for others
The internal struggle between good and evil comes up most in my thought life. Will I choose to worry and seek to control my circumstances or worship God and trust that he has got it under control.
I think the good that God is calling me to today is to be fully present with my girls when I pick them up today and help out some neighbors who are going through a hard time with their house.
The internal struggle comes up most often when I am exhausted from lack of sleep or from when the already full plate of task just keeps getting added too. In these moments, I find it harder to settle into the daily Bible studies because of inability to focus, or the lack of time in the crunch of it all. Without this daily time, my thoughts aren’t focused, the parental strings are sprung ready to snap a lot faster, anxiety and doubt are higher. It’s in these moments I find myself apologizing more rather than taking the time-out to refocus my thoughts.
Faithful people in my life … I could name so many men and women in my circle who provide the light in a darkened world. Their light sheds wisdom on not only my faith walk but also parenting, relationships, and so much more. They great with a smile even when they are going through their own storms. They listen and offer counsel that is grounded in good. They lead by example even when they are just going about their daily ways.
Planning good would look like starting each morning in Scripture and prayer, in order to establish the tone for the day. Establishing a plan for when moments sneak in that includes even a simple breath prayer or recall of a key scripture
1. For me it’s when I want to make a comment on social media, I need to guess if I will either get praised or roasted and turn into a troll. Sometimes I think one thing and get the opposite.
2. I don’t have anyone in my life who this verse connects with.
3. I only plan for realistic things that don’t involve breaking the law.
Praying that God brings people into your life that demonstrate this verse, Caroline! ❤️
I have gotten off socials. My life has been so much better since doing so. I hope that changes for you and you become surrounded by godly sisters and mentors. Thank you for sharing.
I am reminded today as I read that the path that leads to true faithful living/a Godly live is so narrow and the opportunities to step off it are so many that staying on track can be challenging at times
The selection today from Proverbs 4 reminds me of Psalm 1:1 that reads “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” – for me this verse reminds me of the importance of being in the word to help me to choose the faithful/God honoring choice even when the easier thing would be go to with the flow.
I agree with others who have commented that continuing on the right path is hardest when I’m tired/not feeling well, etc. Though I am prone to push aside self care (for my job or my family’s needs or other to do list items) when I pause to remember that, it reminds me that sometimes the best choice I can make is self care which will better position me go remember God and resist evil (with God’s help of course).
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I work in a clothing boutique in my city’s downtown area. We have several stores near us that offer tarot readings or are new age. Today I asked to be fruitful for the Kingdom, not only with our customers, but with my neighbors. I pray for chains to be broken and lies to revealed daily over these shops, their owners and employees
In Provers 4:18 what does “until midday” mean? It just stuck with me.
Good eye, Michelle! Thanks for bringing that up! Here are2 thoughts:
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MACARTHUR NOTES:
path of the . . . shining sun.
The path of the believer is one of increasing light, just as a sunrise begins with the faint glow of dawn and proceeds to the splendor of noonday.
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WIERSBE NOTES:
This is the key verse for this chapter. It pictures the sunrise (“the shining sun”) and the increasing of the light on the pilgrim path as the day advances. If we walk in the way of God’s wisdom, the path gets brighter and brighter and no sunset comes! When the path ends, we step into a land where the light never dims, for “there shall be no night there” (Rev. 22:5).
This is so great! Thank you so much! I’m so happy for this forum. Blessings!
Like around noon local time. (11am-1pm)
Happy Monday shes. My answers for today:)
1. My internal struggle are like many of you, but most prominent when I am the weakest (overwhelmed, exhausted, hurt, sick), that’s where evil voices start coming in to accuse in my head or through real people. Satan uses people, just like God uses people. The tension is to know we are not fighting against flesh and blood but evil spirits operating through vessels. To then pray, stand firm, praise and surrender while waiting for a turn around.
2. There are some real humble and gentle people in my life that I usually would envision how they would react. Usually not reacting at all to be honest. It is a small matter. They practice great restraint.
3. Devise good: what is my action plan for doing good? To do good, first it must start with good thoughts, and then intentionality to spare some efforts and time, resources in case the opportunity knocks. Be ready in season or out of season. More random acts of kindness, surprise good deeds, in anonymous manner.
I love the question about planning to do what is right. Planning righteousness. Planning goodness. When I asked the Lord what that meant for me today, I heard simply planning to be in His arms. That’s what my God is like.
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My internal struggle flares up when I’m exhausted and want to rest, I want to be selfish and take a long walk by the sea but I know they are short staffed at work so end up giving up my day off. Short term I can do it, but long term I have depression waiting at the door for when I’m at my lowest to pounce. Knowing when to put myself first is tough and something I pray on regularly!
I loved everyone’s comments and I will agree that the root of evil in my life is usually selfishness and pride! I’m working on it with the Lord’s help!
Same, Cheryl!
I guess the internal struggle is when someone I know who is a believer but they are getting upset over something like pews or chairs at their church. Even so upset they are going to change churches. I’ve had to pray hard about this and just remember we are all in different places in our walk. I did encourage them to pray about it be go ore acting. They even acknowledged that they understood it was to make room for more people and for the lost but even said why should it be at my expense of being miserable. So I’m still praying and not judging because I know I’ve gotten all worked up over something that doesn’t matter eternally!
I think planning good would surrendering the day to the Lord and asking Him to give me opportunities to share Him with others or show love and kindness.
Someone faithful in my life. There are a lot retired people who volunteer to help with set up at our church and meet Thursday morning. A group of young people show up early every Sunday and Wednesday for prayer, and just so many people who faithfully serve wherever needed every Sunday! And their faces shine!
I know God blesses them for it! I pray that God’s live will shine through all of us today!
Praying for all today!
What does the internal struggle between good and evil come up for me? I sort of mentioned this last week. I struggle with thoughts of “why” aren’t people working hard, or offer to help clean up, etc… Just this morning, I thought of an incident and even reached out to my friend G and asked for prayer from my friend S as I feel I need to ask for forgiveness for my stinky attitude (though my frustration was legit), I could of taken a deep breath and said how I felt. Happy Monday sweet she’s out of time again.. LOVE YOU ALL!
You too? I have problems with laziness/ slothfulness /idleness, frustrates me.
Just wait until tomorrow, my Sisters ♥️:) …that’s the topic!!
Good Morning!
I am happy to be here with ya’ll before we pack up 2 weeks of living in an RV, I am ready to leave, lol! If ya’ll could pray for safe (and quite, (you know what I mean if you know what I mean!lol) travels! Luckily it’s only about 6 or so hours today. But my back is hurting lots already!
If ya’ll could also pray for a dear Butterfly named Tiffany. A letter from her was short yesterday asking for prayers for depression and not wanting to go on. Let’s lift her up to the Lord to have new strength today, and for someone to come beside her to encourage her.
When I think of evil, my mind doesn’t go to myself but to evil acts in the world. People that commit murder, child abuse, and other horrendous crimes. It’s really hard to feel any kind of God’s love for them. It is tricky to go to jail each week and not look up why they are there, although I often do. I don’t want it to tarnish my love for them. But when I see some horrific crimes sometimes it is hard. We go to the specific pod that is the more serious crimes, where most likely they WILL serve prison time. But God loves them, and once they repent and come to him, I too, feel like I can forgive them and help them on their journey! I just took a call from another butterfly and she is taking so many classes to better herself, and it is a blessing to have been a part of her journey, and when she says she talks about us all the time, well…I am pleased that God has made this path for me!!! The song plays right now “I Thank God” by Housefires. Hell lost another one is right!
Who are faithful people in my life, and may I add steadfast! So, so many people and that’s why I surround myself with groups, because it’s people that WANT to stay faithful and steadfast!! That is how you can keep your path I feel!
Good planning is BEING in the WORD daily! Plan it before other useless stuff like social media! PLAN to join a group and DO IT!! Plan. Be diligent. Write it on your heart and tie it to your neck!! Hold your faith tightly. Pray without ceasing!! God is faithful and true, but you have to do your part!! Fasting should be a part of our prayer life as well. From food like the true biblical meaning refers. For he is our nutrients to grow and make us strong and secure!
I would recommend meditating on Psalm 57 to go with today! I like to sing it with a guy on YouTube, his name is Jason Silver. It has helped me to memorize it, singing it in my mind as I go to sleep at night. Have a great Monday She’s!
Yep, I am pretty sure I know exactly what that prayer request refers to! Lol I also pray for relief from the back pain and restful sleep on the road back – NOT while driving though! Lol ❤
Understood :)), prayers for you/hubby and dear Tiffany.
Praying for Tiffany right now.
Praying for a safe, comfortable trip, relief from back pain, and for God’s light to shine on Tiffany and show her she has reasons to go on.
Praying your requests Sweetie
Living out Proverbs 14:22 (Planning good) looks like praising God in the unknown! I received an email saying I was denied the job I was really confident was the right fit for me. This transitional season has been really challenging my faith as I try to decipher if the challenges are testing my faith in Him as He prepares my blessing or signs that I should move back home. I will continue to praise Him in the waiting!!
Amen Susan! Praise in the unknown, praise in the hard, and praise in the good!! Adding prayers for the right job for you and to follow where the Lord leads you!
Prayers for discernment for these big decisions! ❤
Praying for you!
Praying sister. Rejection is redirection.
Praying for you during the difficult time of finding the job God has planned for you. Waiting is hard!
I’m sorry, Susan. That email was a tough read, I’m sure.
Once again we see the command to ‘bind them around your neck…'(v.3)!
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Where does the internal struggle between good and evil come up most for you?
Turning the other cheek without grumbling under my breath!
Who are some faithful people in your life, and how do their actions remind you of Proverbs 4:18.
I won’t mention names, but I will ponder this with certain people in mind to encourage myself to walk closer to the light.
While thinking about Proverbs 14:20, what would planning good look like for you today?
“…if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.” NLT
Seeking to do good will open up a path of love and faithfulness for me and produce a light for others to draw them to our Savior.
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These are the verses that came to mind as I read Proverbs this morning:
John 12:35
New Living Translation
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.
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Revelation 19:11
New Living Translation
The Rider on the White Horse
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.
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This verse just came up in my research and it fits. May we DESIRE to walk in the Light of His presence.
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Song: Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.
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Psalm 89:15
New Living Translation
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I also meant to note that the last verse (22) in our reading circles right back to the first one (verse 3)
“steadfast love and faithfulness”!
Oh my, the verses you share are incredible. Oh the White Horse.
❤ You are so sweet, Mercy; thank you! I remembered that mention of faithful and true from the Revelation study I did a while back. Beautiful imagery! ❤
Turning the other cheek WITHOUT grumbling. Ooof!
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I loved reading through these and what everyone shared. You all are in my prayers this morning, and remembering He is strong in our weaknesses. The times we are impatient or angry, or tempted to act impulsively, or the times we don’t get good sleep, etc. that’s right where he meets us and He will help us in our weaknesses!
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Thank you
The internal struggle between good and evil is always about choosing to serve others or myself. My sinful nature wants to protect, guard, rest, escape, while God calls me to deny myself and follow Him. I feel God working on this sin in my life. Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Good word, Jane! ❤
wow spot on Jane.
We are commanded to hide God’s word in our hearts,to be discerning from good and evil.
The most reoccurring struggles between good and evil for me are 1)fully and genuinely forgiving those who have wronged or hurt me, to the point that when I hear their name mentioned I won’t immediately think of the hurt they caused. 2) jealousy – I want it gone, once and for all – forever! Although I am doing much better with it but there are tiny little “fragments” that hold on.
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What would planning good look like for me? To be able to take the next step of proclaiming the gospel to some of the employees of the grocery store I shop at every week. I’ve tried to build up a “friendship” with 6 people that I see week after week after week. I say good morning every week, ask how they are, bake them cookies on every holiday and if I know their birthdays. But, I don’t want them to simply think I’m kind and sweet and thoughtful (which are some of their comments) but I want them to know the reason for my kindness is because of Jesus.
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I had a trip to the ER this weekend as I was experiencing extreme dizziness and nausea – it turned out that it was from an ear infection I had a few weeks ago that left fluid in the ear.
It made me very thankful for good, reliable hospitals, the wisdom God gives to doctors and nurses and that I live in a country where I have easy access to medical help when its needed. Thank you God!
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I am also thankful that even though we were up much, much later than normal on a Saturday night (spent in the ER) that God so generously extended His grace to my husband when he had to preach the next morning. It was one of his best sermons!
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Happy Monday my dear She’s – praying for you all!❤️❤️❤️
Thankful for ER spotting the problem, and for the Lord’s grace for Jeff. Those ER nights are exhausting and stressful.
God is good
Thankful it was not a more serious issue! Agree with Searching and Sandi! .❤
So glad everything worked out!
Oh, God is so good. Im glad it wasn’t a more serious problem and you were able to get the care you needed. And God worked through Jeff, too.
Glad you are ok, SJG.
Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a steadfast spirit. Psalm 51:10
Amen!
Prayers for me this morning- I have a huge presentation on a proposal this morning to the leadership team. Actually going to do something like planning good for someone that has been mean to me. This will be a great opp for them.
Praying for you this morning Daniella, May it go better than you ever expected!
Amen!
I am praying
Praying for you this morning and asking for God’s favor as you make this presentation.
Agreeing in prayer! ❤
Praying Daniella that your presentation goes well this morning.
Praying for your presentation!!
Praying
To the extent humanly possible, take full advantage of the availability of God’s word to KNOW HIM.
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Proverbs 4:14-16
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
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Do not enter, do not walk, do not travel … turn away from it and pass on.
These verses don’t say think & then decide whether to enter the path. They don’t say compromise and walk in the way of evil just with certain people. They don’t say travel with evil for a while and then stop. They say Do Not, not at all.
Why? Because given a foothold or finding a door open just a tiny bit, evil will not rest until it takes you down.
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And evil is always looking for that foothold or the door not quite closed.
Genesis 4:7 ” …But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
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We all face daily challenges and temptations. I have loved ones I pray for that are in situations or hounded by thought patterns that seem hopeless for the Lord to penetrate or redeem. I added one to my list yesterday, and prayed throughout the night for protection from the evil one.
Drawing comfort knowing that God,His love, His mercy and His grace won’t forsake me or them.
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Songs –
I Know A Name (Elevation)
I Know A Man Who Can (recorded by many artists over the years)
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TRACI GENDRON – great share yesterday! “Offer yourselves to sin, and it is your last free act.
CEE GEE – what do we do with wisdom we acquire? ❤️
I have been to church, sister, with your comment! Outstanding and beautifully expressed!
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Songs: Annemarie – I Know A Name (Elevation Worship) is my favorite. She really gets into it!
*Only Name that saves… Worthy of all praise…*
Amen
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Checking out the other song now. ❤
I was thinking of that same Genesis passage about sin crouching at the door, before you even mentioned it. No joke.
For me the struggle is getting upset at others who I think know what is right and kind and for their own reasons don’t do it, while I do, so Kelly (NEO) said pride.
The faithful people exude the light of God and draw people to Him.
Looking for ways to love others.
Yep! ❤
Father, let the Holy Spirit lead me today and always
As we have already covered in this study, pride is the internal struggle between good and evil come up most for me.
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The faithful people in my life shine God’slight into the darkness of this world, chasing it away as they serve Jesus by loving others.
Planning good looks like joyfully doing my work today while setting a gaurd over my mouth that does not let sarcastic or unloving words come out. ( :-/ )
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TAMI – happy belated birthday❣️
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SEARCHING – continuing to pray for recovery for your friend and the donor.
The biggest struggle between good and evil for me is my patience/temper. Sometimes it may be internal and not an outward display of anger, but I hate how quickly I can find those evil thoughts.
Sammi E you are not alone in this struggle. I also struggle with my patience daily. When I read your post I thought I was reading what I had written for my response this morning.
Please pray for my husband today. We’re just getting off vacation,and last night somebody shone headlights into our room across the street for an hour, which interrupted our sleep,and he had a hard time falling back to sleep. Please pray he’ll be able to have a productive day at work. Thankyou.
Stinky! Praying you both are strengthened by the Lord today.
Thankyou,Kelly. Much appreciated.
Praying, Sandi, for energy and a clear mind today.
Praying that God will give your husband grace today to be able to be productive at his job…God extended his grace to my husband yesterday – Saturday night we spent 3 hours in the emergency room ( I was experiencing horrible vertigo) we didn’t get home until after 11:00 and the next morning my husband had to preach. I asked God to extend His grace to Jeff, in spite of his lack of sleep. God so graciously answered and my husband gave one of his best sermons! God is so good!! Praying your hubby has one of his greatest productive days!!
Glad you were able to get your vertigo treated and that Jeff was able to preach. God is good
Praying for focus and alertness throughout the day and a good night sleep tonight.
Praying Sandi that your husband will have a good day at work and a good nights sleep tonight / catch up on rest!
Praying for your husband to remain alert, productive, and safe on the job and gets a good night of sleep tonight.
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TIP: We put up blackout curtains in our bedrooms since the street is so close. They help immensely! ❤
Praying for him today!
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We are prayer mobbing a friend of mine with ALS today. His name is Scott. Will you join the mob? Thank you shes!
Just prayed, dear sister! ❤️
Heavenly Father, I join with many voices, bringing Scott before you today. May he know Your peace and unfailing love as his body battles ALS. May he reflect Your glory to all he comes in contact with. Bring healing and restoration to him.
Echoing Kelly’s prayer for Scott in this tremendous battle.
Father God we ask that with your almighty power to heal, that you would fully and completely heal Scott of this disease that ravages his body, we know You can – if that is Your will. If not, please give Scott the strength, the grace and the courage to face the journey ahead and to You be the glory. In Jesus Name, Ame.
adding my Amen.
I had a close friend with ALS, and she brought every one that came near her Jesus!
Amen, Amen, Amen!
Praying ❤️
Praying for Scott!
We thank YOU Father for healing Scott of his ALS. In Jesus mighty name so ray this be so. Amen and amen.
Joining in prayer for Scott’s healing.
Lifting up Scott in prayer!!
I have joined your prayer mob. May your friend find healing and peace through his difficult battle.
Joining with a hearty amen in Jesus’ Name and for His glory! ❤
Praying ❤️
Yes and amen! ❤️
Praying
Praying for the healing which will bring glory to God!
Praying now for Scott.
❤️❤️❤️