Scripture Reading: Isaiah 17:1-14, Isaiah 18:1-7, Leviticus 26:1-2, Leviticus 26:14-17, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
The night of my going away party will forever be one that stands out in my mind because it was one of the first times I sensed God’s judgment clearly. I was preparing to start my first full-time job across the country, and my friends were taking me out. However, it took a turn halfway through the night. After we’d left the club, I stood on the corner arguing with my friend. That corner was in front of a church, and the pastor just so happened to be circling the property (in what I’m now convinced was prayer) at two a.m. On his second lap around, he gave me a stern but compassionate look, a look that only the Holy Spirit could have planted there. It was a look that seemed to travel to the depths of my soul and say, “You’re not supposed to be here.” Some might have called it judgmental, but I saw it as a kindness because it helped me recall who I am in Christ.
We do not experience God’s judgment apart from His compassion, love, and mercy. In fact, it is because of His compassion, love, and mercy that God calls our attention to His judgment. Although it’s easy to read Isaiah and judge the Israelites for their idolatrous behavior, I’m not all that different from them. Whenever I inch closer to what I want in my sin instead of what God’s Word says is good, I have to be honest and realize, as Paul said, that it is my idolatry making me become a participant with demons (1Corinthians 10:20). Harsh as it sounds, it’s true.
When the Israelites turned away from God’s guidance in Isaiah 17 and 18, they turned to His judgment. And it should have come as no surprise. We see in Leviticus that they had been warned of the consequences, and they were not naive nor ignorant. Furthermore, Isaiah reminded them of that. He prophesied that God would judge Israel for forgetting the God of their salvation and abandoning Him. Nonetheless, that prophecy of judgment also included compassion and mercy. Isaiah declared that God would ultimately bring those near and far back to Himself.
Through Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10, I learn that culture continued to yield to idolatry and enticed believers to do the same. And while we may not erect altars and shrines to pagan gods, we still fall prey to the cultural idols of our day. Regardless of if it’s attention that we crave or astrology that we check, social media followings or psychic readings, wealth or witchcraft, we turn away from trusting in God’s Word too. Thankfully, in God’s goodness He chooses to expose our wayward action instead of allowing us to escape further into it without His good and compassionate warning.
We have a higher calling that invites us to participate in the blood and body of Christ. It requires us to deny our sin and our idols, and it also details that when we do we get to participate in the Lord’s table. When there, we never have to fear the consequences of idolatry again.
Written by Liv Dooley
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113 thoughts on "Judgment Against Israel"
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I think it’s really unbiblical to call many of our vices “idols” or participating with demons. Worshipping other gods is idolatry. Trusting other gods to save you is idolatry. Spending too much time on social media is certainly a vice, as is vanity, and other several other things. But to me, this sounds very much like cheapening the issue, making the gospel more about morality rather than a God who saves, far beyond your own personal vices. I think it sounds harsh, because it is too harsh. God also is speaking to a whole nation most of the times when discussing idolatry. God is extremely harsh with idolatry because the people of Israel were literally worshipping other gods. Perhaps a better equivalent would be that the nation of the USA worships money, we have made money our god. Honestly I believe that equivocating soo
This reminds me of the excellent book by Tim Keller, I believe it is called false gods. What I took away from it is not that our vices are idols, though they are sin, but that certain patterns of behavior can show us what we are really putting our trust in. It’s worth a read!
Interesting! I’ll have to look it up
Yes! It’s called Counterfeit Gods. I read it last year, and it is very good.
Amen!
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This devotional hits home for me. I know that my idols aren’t made of wood and stone, but they are just as real and destructive. The idols I struggle with are: wealth, approval and looks. I want to choose to worship Jesus above all else and the idols will fall away.
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At the end of the day, only God is steady and secure.
This doesn’t really have anything to do with today’s study but wanted to share a bit of sweetness.
I’ve begun doing my Bible study while my toddler is still awake instead of nap time. Part of this is for her to gain a little independence to entertain herself and part of it is I want her to see what is important to me.
Today I sat down, explained what I was doing and her options to entertain herself. She choose to “read” a book. She started off by saying “Once upon a time Mama did her Bible study!!”
Little eyes are always watching and learning. Praying I can set some good examples for my most precious and challenging gift
Oh, Sam, that brought a smile to my face and I imagine our Father’s heart! Thank you for sharing some sweetness! ❤ Tell her that Mama’s Bible study friend says hi and that we enjoy studying with you.
That is so sweet Sam! Made my day!
Oh my word. Thank you Sam for sharing this special moment. Melts my heart.
You nailed it with “to see what’s important to us!” Many times I use my laptop in my morning bible study here with ya’ll, but when my grandkids are staying the night, I do it at the table with my bible so it is seen! I actually started reading my bible after my mom passed in 2014 because she read every morning and she was full of wisdom!! Yes, our example matters!! Keep up the good work momma!
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This is precious and so, so important for your daughter to see you prioritizing spending time with the Lord.
Oh, Sam, how very wonderful and so very sweet. Thank you for sharing! ❤️ (Needed that especially after today’s hard read…)
Excellent ❤️
Ok, I’m trying this today with my toddler! Great job mama!
That’s really beautiful Sam D! I’m going to use this
“But if you will not listen to me and will not do all these commandments, if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set my face against you, and you shall be struck down before your enemies. Those who hate you shall rule over you, and you shall flee when none pursues you” (Leviticus 26:14-17 ESV). Aren’t these clear boundaries or not? Sir Yes Sir! God is to be feared. Praise God for He is just, righteous, with crystal clear boundaries and warnings. “Enter ye in at the narrow gate…because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way…” (Matthew 7:13-14). As disciples of Jesus, it is worthy to note that all noble things are very difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult. Though He works in us to will and to do His good pleasure, but we have to work out that salvation in practical living. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to live the noble life in actual things. It is always necessary to make an effort to be noble. When crisis comes, it will reveal whether or not we have been practicing. Be sure to practice God’s commandments everyday. And when crisis comes, we shall find that God’s grace is with us, as well as our human nature, versus God’s nature in us. Enter by the narrow gate.. because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way that leads to life! Be blessed dear sisters.
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(clapping hands) I love the line “The Christian life is Gloriously Difficult”! Amen, and why should it be easy. Anything noble is worth the fight and sacrifice! So good Mercy!
Mercy I just read the Leviticus verse today as I’m working on reading the Bible this year with the Bible Recap. As I was reading I was thinking that this warning came years before Isaiah showed up on the scene- but via Moses. They (like we) were warned time and time again and yet they still broke their covenant with the Lord. It reminds me of Paul, I do not do what I want to do and do what I don’t want to do. (Paraphrased). I may not be sacrificing my children to Molek but I am daily living in disobedience and continually sinning. Thank God for Jesus!
Ugh, yes!! ❤️
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Amen
Prayers for Gayle Craik’s family, upcoming appointments, relationships, caretakers, salvation of loved ones❤️❤️❤️
Amen! It’s so easy to fall victim to idolatry of today’s society of social media & wealth, but remembering that God is the only one we should serve gives us the realignment we need
The “whirring wings”(ESV), “buzzing wings” (CSB), “fluttering sails” (NLT) reminds of of Satan’s hovering around sending a jab or an enticement here and there just waiting for us to cross the line. May we stay vigilant and alert!
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I am still hearing that song in my head! “We crown You King of glory”
(Annemarie – No One Like The Lord (Acoustic Cover)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
“We do not experience God’s judgment apart from His compassion, love, and mercy. In fact, it is because of His compassion, love, and mercy that God calls our attention to His judgment.”
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Praising God this morning that we do not experience God’s judgment apart from His compassion. He is our wonderful, merciful Savior.
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@Tami – thank you for your words of encouragement yesterday. I too had a mom that prayed fervently for me, I often say – if it weren’t for the prayers of my mom, I wouldn’t have turned from my sinful life and be in ministry today.
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Blessings to all of my sweet sisters. ❤️
Yes, so thankful I too had a praying mom. She didn’t straight out tell me but definitely tried to sway me from my bad decisions!
Kinda makes me laugh because I realize my dad was the judgement preacher and my mom the Jesus, grace preacher. Kinda like our father and son combo.
I loved this quote from the devotional also. So many people accuse God of being harsh, judgmental, and unloving without realizing that discipline comes from a place of love. Those parents who don’t love their children enough to discipline them turn out the playground bullies who grow up to destroy families, communities, and even nations, as we can easily see by looking around us today.
We don’t want to hear of God’s judgment but only of His love. But it is out of His great love
I remember being called out by a friend in a church I was going to back 30 years ago. Later on she put flowers on my porch with a card saying she was so sorry. That she made what I was going through harder by her harsh words. I wonder if she was softer more loving would I have turned towards God? I’m truly not sure. I know our words, tone, and intention matter. What she wanted for me was only good. I just had a hardened heart and it became harder. I had been so badly hurt by someone I loved so much. I gave him too much power. I wish I would have listened to the friend instead.
Yes, that’s what I was referring to. It is good when people want to correct us from love. But often we are defensive right away. We can grow though if we choose. I was a stubborn, stubborn proud girl. Hopefully I have grown!
Oh Traci I get it! When I was in my 20s I married someone I shouldn’t have married. It only lasted 2 years, no kids, no house, but lots of heartache. My mom shared that she knew it was not going to last and when I asked her why she didn’t try to change my mind, she told me that I was too stubborn and that I wouldn’t have listened. Ouch! Hard lesson to learn. I am not as bad as I was in my 20s but still take constructive criticism defensively (especially if given my my husband lol) I have to keep praying for God to prune me of this
yes same Tami. I too will pray for God to prune me of my defensiveness, I have gotten better with my hubby for sure…I try, but then after a few times, I lose my cool! But when I keep in my mind, the Spirit is in me, help me Lord He works. Funny thing is, I now take breath and think…and even then it comes out wrong or the pause is taken wrong. I think that is trying to convict him. Maybe?!
lol yes they need their own convicting!
There are a couple things that come to as I was reading these passages and then the devotional, and these verses came to mind.
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Josh 24:14-15
And Prov 27:6 ‘Wounds from a friend can be trusted…’
Joshua was calling the people to task, to lay down their preferences, empty and wishy washy ways and to choose to follow the Lord. We are often defensive when called out for behavior, actions, choices etc and mistakenly – otherwise known as stubborn, pride, confuse conviction for judgement. I do think that often times, delivery can be a bit rough but regardless the true intention of our friend is to point us in the right direction and save us from further troubles, bad choices and heartache.
We choose. We choose to give into sin, temptations, misalign our priorities, don’t rightfully put Jesus as Lord of our lives, run to other places for comfort, respite, direction or hope. When we choose a different path there are consequences, and yes, judgment because He loves us. But, every single time, every single moment, choosing Jesus first, putting Him first is always right. He is the steadfast, true, sure hope and wants our whole hearted devotion. He is the One to guide us, lead us and wants our whole undivided heart, to honor Him, to live for Him. Thank you, Lord that your Way is the only Way.
Excellent post, Wendy, and Scripture shared; thank you! ❤
So good.
Yes Amen! Put so much better than my scrambled words of trying to say this!
Awesome Wendy! I took notes:)
‘Wounds from a friend can be trusted…’ wow! Deep revelations here Wendy !❤️❤️
So good Wendy! Thank you!
Lord help me to keep my eyes focused on you!
Amen
GM!
I think of the times that I have been “called out” by loving friends. In my proudness, I immediately got defensive, and then madder and madder. Making excuses, and pointed my finger back at them, and then even trying to include others that “surely” have sin too! It’s kinda embarrassing looking back on those situation, and I am so grateful that God definitely were leading the people correctly to sharpen me, although I didn’t want to see it that way. It is a good thing to be accountable to each other. We have gotten so caught up in the phrase ‘don’t judge others” but it is not really written that way. We don’t judge others how we don’t want to be judge. We don’t judge the outside without knowing their heart and motives. We don’t point fingers. But we are called to be disciples and obedience, and when we see another one not in obedience or doing something that is hurting their relationship with the Lord, we are called to be able to give them “a stern look!” Think of it as a blessing, as I do looking back. I didn’t like it at the time but it actually made me think about what I was doing, I ended a relationship I was in but didn’t even want to be in, and changed my trajectory. I am thankful I was told that I should canalize if it is what God would want for me. God will try to gently correct us. By people, by consequences, by the Holy Spirit conviction. I think we need to be more accountable and protected, like a parent tries to put the boundaries for protection. Good friends are not afraid to speak truth. We have gotten where we are afraid to speak truth so as not to hurt feelings. But it is how is presented that matters. (although Isaiah doesn’t exactly speak gently!) I grew up in the 80’s where my church and many spoke of God’s judgement on most Sundays, then in the 00’s most churches spoke on grace only. We need both!
Thank you Jesus for the study of Isaiah here with my friends and sisters in Christ. May we learn how to speak your truth, learn to trust and obey, with reverence and fear, knowing that sin is not to be taken lightly. We want to honor you with our life, Lord, to love you with all our hearts, souls, and mind. Bless us, we bless you and glorify you. Amen.
Good morning, So much of what you wrote resonated so deeply ❤️
Yes, most of us can remember where correction felt like a knife, yet it helped to prune us if we reflect. (which we are usually always defensive,) That’s why I try to remember to not attack, but I forget in my enthusiasm, lol. Praying for you tomorrow, and the decision you are working through too! Are you on our Fb page?
In large part because of the work I do (both as a therapist and a foster mom), I’m basically not on social media at all. But I’m admittedly a bit jealous when I read things from my sweet sisters here who are on it :D!
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Oh I sooo get this! Thank you for sharing!
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stern look = bombastic side eye.. as my little ones would call it lol. In Paddington bear (the kids cartoon), i love this show, Paddington also said to give the pigeon a stern stare if she is out of line lol.
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bombastic side eye…lol
That must of been a divine appointment for Liv (the writer of today’s devo) Yep, even if it was at 2:00 am and though it may have been a judgement call, she saw it as kindness. I bet must of us have had those encounters! God is good! Sometimes its in a form of “angels” I won’t get much into it, as I’ve mentioned it in the past of that afternoon at a grocery store when out of no where someone came to my aide as I must of been so distraught. A divine appointment where I know that I know MY JESUS was there for me in form of a couple (angles) when I most needed it! That experience may not have been a judgement call, but it was MY JESUS showing me HE was there for me in form of this unknown couple. SWEET She’s THANK YOU for praying for me regarding my situation with my son. We had a heart-to-heart conversation yesterday. Tears and all and he asked for forgiveness. I know that I am one blessed MOM! I reminded my son I don’t regret getting married to his dad as am able to share with other young ladies heading in that direction to make a 180 degree turn in the other direction and I reminded him, I got the BEST part of that marriage and its Caleb and Alyssa.
Beautiful ❤️
Sweet and powerful, Mari! ❤
I love that your son apologized to you! My son is just like his momma, doesn’t really like to say the “I’m sorry” phrase, we just like to hug it out! I need to practice the words out loud….! Good for you momma for teaching him whether directly or indirectly. You definitely have done good! (heart)
Praise the Lord! What a blessing to see God working in your son’s heart. Such an answer to prayer.❤️
❤️ how sweet Mari.
Amen on that, Mari V. The only reason I don’t regret marrying my first husband is my daughter. I’d go through it all again for the wonderful gift of her. I’m glad you had a good talk with your son.
Amen
Thank You for being in control of everything. Help me to trust You and not rely on things that won’t last. Show me where I’ve put my hope in the wrong things, and help me focus on You. Remind me that even when life is hard, You have a bigger plan, and there’s always hope. Teach me to serve others and reflect Your love and mercy.
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Amen❤️
Reading about God’s judgment and guidance is sobering, as has been mentioned as we’ve worked our way through these chapters. I think of the times I’ve said (sometimes quite loudly) to the Israelites while reading about their wrong choices – stop, don’t do that!! So many warnings given to them by the Lord that went unheeded, so many.
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So…. How many warnings have I ignored?? How many times have I been determined to find a way around an obstacle to continue doing a wrong thing? Lord, thank you for Your forgiveness of my bullheadedness, of too many times having to learn the hard way.
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If you have time, read all of 1 Corinthians 10. I’ve read it 3 times already this morning to try to pound it into my mind, reminding myself to pray for guidance and wisdom daily.
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LEANNA THOMPSON – praying for this morning’s appointment for your son, for wisdom and guidance for both of you as options are weighed and for the surgeon and his team. Also praying for safe travels as you return home.
FOSTER MAMA – praying for today’s meeting, and for your in-laws
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
DANIELLE B ❤️
TINA ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
Thanks for the charge to read 1 Corinthians 10
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Agree with your suggestion on 1 Corinthians. Our church does communion every week (instead of monthly / quarterly like some churches) and it is very sobering because before you partake our pastor reminds you to heart check- what is separating me from God- repentance? Who do I need to forgive? So and so on!! Really love this!
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Lord please reveal any idols in my life- allow my eyes to see – I trust in You alone!
We talked about idols and idolatry a little yesterday in my Bible study: idols can be anything that pulls our focus off of God. I pray that there is nothing in my life that pulls me or my focus from Jesus! That I would love Him 1st, best, & most! So thankful for this reminder!
“Whenever I inch closer to what I want in my sin instead of what God’s Word says is good, I have to be honest and realize, as Paul said, that it is my idolatry making me become a participant with demons.”
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Sobering reminder.
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Isaiah gives warnings of judgment to other nations that were “stronger” than Israel. Maybe because Israel was putting her hope in them to be allies against her enemies. All nations and peoples, even if used by God to punish Israel, will ultimately bow to Him or be destroyed.
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ADRIENNE – praying for relief from your sinus infection.
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LEANNA THOMPSON – safe travels for you and your son today.
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MIA FAITH ❤️
Yes, Kelly, we need to take a good, long look at what we’re doing and why, and where it is leading us – closer to the Lord or farther from Him.
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And Martha Hix accidentally gave me credit for your diligence in prayer request follow up ❤️ You are awesome!
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Thank you, Kelly. I am glad I have a netipot but am kinda tired of it. And I’m tired of being a mouth breather! And, I’m just tired. Period. He sees me. He knows. Thank you for lifting me up to Him. Surprisingly, I won’t need Grace Day to catch up!
We do not experience God’s judgment apart from His compassion, love, and mercy. In fact, it is because of His compassion, love, and mercy that God calls our attention to His judgment…
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This, like the words spoken by Rene Zellwigger in Jerry Maguire.. “You had me at Hello!” sure had me sitting up !
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I have long believed in God’s tender mercies, love and compassion, but i have never put them together with His judgement!❤
I often, think of how He kept me away from events or things, but again, not in the sense of judgement!
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I was listening to my grandson tell his 16 month old, deliciously wonderful son off because he had thrown Nanas glasses on the floor. The little lad picked them up and put them back where he found them and smiled..
My grandson, I believe, would do anything for the little fella, so when he says things like.. “..I’ll throw you favourite toy away if you do that again..” I know that, 1) if he spent money on it, that really won’t happen.
2)his love for the little guy, though, not on a par with our Father Gods, is phenomenal, and absolutely from his heart..
My grandsons earthly love for his son, might be judgmental, but it is the blueprint, watered down, earthly copy of The Fathers love for us, covered in compassion, love and mercy..
He will no more give his son a snake when he asks for bread, than he would give him up because…
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BUT GOD..
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This, times a zillion zillion and then some, plus the Cross, is the Fathers love for us… I get it now!
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I get it now!
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I am spared often through His judgement by His compassion, love and mercy..
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What a revelation!
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A beautiful revelation!
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Thank you Father God.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you from this undeserving, sinful soul, you call your own.
Thank you Father God..
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Amen.
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Well it snows here, so cosy love wrapped in warming hugs and prayers as requested..
Much, much love, dear hearts..❤
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❤️ I just love your stories! Bless your dear heart Tina.
What a great reminder that I need to focus more on strengthening my relationship with the Lord. I forget that an idol can be anything and anyone that I spend more time with than the Lord.
YES!! I agree and feel the same way.
His judgment IS His love. Because He loves us, he HAS to correct and give us consequences. But what I really love is that once we are corrected, once we are judged, and we repent. He restores us as if it never happened. Every time!
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Yes!
Amen!!
And I am so thankful for that! ❤️
God really points out areas of my life where he isn’t the focus and I really need to get better at minimizing those distractions and shifting my focus back on God