Category Archives: Jesus Is Truth

Wonderful Counselor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #304

18 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, Cleansed from all sin, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus--our all in all, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Joy Is Contagious!, Judgment Is Coming, Just Jesus!, Justified by Jesus, Wonderful Counselor!, Worship Him!, You can't get yesterday back!

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Wonderful Counselor???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #304

 

Well, it’s nice to have my typing finger back on duty (well at least better duty—I can type a bit better with it!!), so we’ll continue our look at Isaiah 9:6-7.

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah declared that the “son is given”, and we know that Jesus is that son; the one who came through the “zeal of the LORD of hosts”, and Jesus cleansed the temple the first time in this very zeal.

“And said unto them that sold doves,

Take these things hence;

make not my Father’s house

an house of merchandise.

17 And his disciples remembered that it was written,

The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him,

What sign shewest thou unto us,

seeing that thou doest these things?

19 Jesus answered and said unto them,

Destroy this temple,

and in three days

I will raise it up.”  John 2:16-19

Note that Jesus acts not only in the “zeal of the LORD” (See Psalm 69:99) as He cleanses the temple of the sellers and merchandisers, He also made reference to His resurrection, as He declared His ability to raise up the temple in three days, if they destroyed it; but the obtuse leaders thought this a most ridiculous claim, not understanding that He meant His body that would be offered as the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!   Even as the angel told Joseph, “He shall save His people from their sin…” in Matthew 1:21.  This Jesus, laid in a manger at His birth, would lay down His life to be nailed to a cross to pay for the sin of the world.  This one whom Isaiah told us would be the “Wonderful Counselor”!  And oh, what a counselor He is!

Jesus was, is and ever shall be our wonderful counselor, for He is God; not only God, but God who laid down His life for my sin and yours!  And while He counseled the disciples and followers in all God’s ways and the fact that He was and is the fulfillment of the promises of God, including Isaiah 9:6.  Not only that but He gave us a gift that would meet our needs as His children when He left and ascended to heaven until His return; He gave us His own Holy Spirit.  And don’t miss what Jesus called him as he prepared His disciples for His death, resurrection and His departure to heaven till His return.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Don’t let the “money changers” around us cause you distress, the Wonderful Counselor has given us of Himself by giving His Holy Spirit to walk with us, with all who come to Him in repentance and faith/trust/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin and yours!  It’s why He came!  It’s why He can counsel us, all mankind, who will come to Him, not just at Christmas time but any day!  Every day He is calling men, women, boys and girls to come to Himself, the Wonderful Counselor for salvation, eternal life, abundant life.  Won’t you consider Jesus during these days of celebrating His birth?  If you don’t know Him, you can call upon Him today!  If you do know Him, you can draw closer to Him today!  I’ll simply close with His invitation to you!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

 is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

 that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

The Wonderful Counselor will never steer you wrong, I’ve walked with Him for nigh unto 50 years, and He’s never failed me; even when I fail Him miserably, He is ever near to counsel me back into the right way!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  Life or condemnation—it is your choice!!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Forthnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #299

13 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Responding to God's call to share the Good news., Responding to the call!

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #299

Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #120 A Christmas Fortnight-Response?

We’ve talked about angelic messengers and their message; let’s take time today to think about our response.  What should our attitude be toward God’s gift to us—to all?  Of course our first answer should be ‘gratitude’, but let’s take a cue from the angels who brought the message to the shepherds.

While these great messengers can’t comprehend the love and grace that Jesus came to bring to us, they willingly delivered the messages they were assigned. Let’s look at the message given to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-14,

“And there were in the same country shepherds

abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

 and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.”

Let’s take it apart—backwards if you will:

Jesus came because of His ‘good will toward men’

“… God so loved… HE gave His…Son” (Jn. 3:16)

Jesus brought real peace because He is

              “The Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6)

His arrival was and IS worthy of our praise:

              “Glory to God in the Highest”

                      “Praising God…”

                             For “a Savior” …

                                    For “all people” ….

So???  Spread the “good news”

The “tidings of great joy” …

We have glorious reason to rejoice and celebrate.  And what’s the best way to celebrate?  By spreading this glorious, good news of the “Savior which is CHRIST THE LORD”.  Are you celebrating Jesus?  Don’t let the tinsel of the world distract from our LORD Jesus—He is the Savior—He came for you and me!!! And HE’s coming again!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #298

12 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Christ IN YOU, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, He IS Alive!, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth

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A Christmas Fortnight???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #298                                 Continuing the reposts for Christmas due to my injured finger.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #119 A Christmas Fortnight-When???

As we celebrate the incarnation of the Messiah Jesus Christ, I’d like to remind each of us that Jesus didn’t begin in Mary’s womb.  He has always been, still is and always will be.  As Hebrews 13:8 says,

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”

Our Lord Jesus — always God!!!  When?

Gen 1:1,  “In the beginning

God created the heaven and the earth.”                                                   Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit.

John 1:1-4,

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.”

 Jesus is creator God.  Why?  He declared it Himself!

John 10:30, “I and my Father are one.”

Jesus is one with the Father!!!

He claimed to be God—HE is!!!

Mark 1:1,

“And there came a voice from heaven, saying,

Thou art my beloved Son,

in whom I am well pleased.”

God the Father declared it so!!!

Colossians 1:14-17,

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones, or dominions,

or principalities, or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”

He created all things and holds them together.  How? Let’s see what Hebrews 1:1-3 has to say,

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners

spake in time past unto the fathers

by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,

whom he hath appointed heir of all things,

by whom also he made the worlds;  

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things by the word of his power,

when he had by himself purged our sins,

sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:”

He upholds “all things” by HIS power–Jesus is creator with His Father and the Holy Spirit.  HE purged sin– for all who will come to him in repentance and faith.It’s why He came.  Born to die for YOU and ME!

When?  Before the foundation of the world, God set Jesus Christ to be our redeemer.

1 Peter 1:18-21,

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was

foreordained before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope might be in God.”

Jesus did it all so we could have life!

So, as you celebrate during this season, and every day—remember who it is that gave HIS life for you and me!!!  God took on flesh—came as a babe—

that HE might redeem us  

back from the penalty of sin

at Calvary,

and give us eternal life—

 Christ Jesus. 

Do you know HIM personally?  If not, He’s waiting for you.

Revelation 3:20,

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Jesus wants fellowship with you—He died for the privilege.

How can you come?  Come believing in the “gospel”, which is:

1 Corinthians 15:1-5,

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 

Accept His death, burial and resurrection for your sin.  He came for YOU and me!!!  Won’t you seek Him while He may be found?  Is He knocking at your heart’s door?  Simply open the door to HIM!

Amen and Amen!!!

Below is the QR code to purchase my new book, The Fern In The Urinal.

The Hope Of The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #293

02 Monday Dec 2024

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Salvation, The Word

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The Hope Of The World???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #293

As we go into the month of December, it is a month where the weather changes for many of us, a time when we think of gifts, and food and gathering of families.  But sometimes we get so caught up in the glitter of celebrations and sharing, we forget who or what we are celebrating.  I just want to start this time off clearly saying that I celebrate Jesus; His coming as a baby born of a virgin, a child who would grow to become the Redeemer of the world—for all who will respond to Him in repentance of our sin and faith/trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary!  The manger always points to the cross; so let’s spend a few minutes together looking at some of the promises that Jesus fulfilled.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive,

and bear a son,

and shall call his name

Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14 

A promise and a prophecy that Jesus fulfilled.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is, God with us.”   Matthew 1:21-23

Most who were around when these events took place had no clue, but there were those who, just like today, were listening to God!  And knew who this child was.  Are you one?  Do you know the babe born in a barn (he was placed in a manger not born in one!!  Just saying!), who went to Calvary as a man to die for you and me?  HE. Is. Christmas.!

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon;

and the same man was just and devout,

waiting for the consolation of Israel:

and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,

to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart

in peace,

according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled

at those things

which were spoken of him.”  Luke 2:25-33

But that isn’t all, there was a woman named Anna, who also recognized the work of God in this baby boy!  A temple full of people who knew about God but missed the message!

“And there was one Anna,

a prophetess,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser:

 she was of a great age,

and had lived with an husband

seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow

of about fourscore and four years,

 which departed not from the temple,

but served God with fastings and prayers

night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant

gave thanks likewise unto the Lord,

and spake of him

to all them that looked for redemption

in Jerusalem.”  Luke 2:36-38

Two who were looking, saw and shared what they had seen!  What have you seen?  Have you seen the Savior-King?  Do you know Jesus?  Have you seen the Redeemer, “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world” on that cross meant for me and you?  Or have you kept the babe in the manger?

Will you believe the promises and come to The One who came to save us from our sin; who came to give us life?  I pray that you see the real Jesus during this month of celebrating His arrival as a man!  Paul describes the import of it, may you “let this mind be in you”!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

 thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:5-11

In closing let me just add, that the question is not, “will you bow?” for the scripture clearly says that “every knee should bow”!  The question is “when will you bow”!  Will you bow before Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary, or reject Him now, and bow before Him when He returns as judge?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

He was born to die for you and me; I pray that you will come to the Savior/Redeemer/King and let Him transform your life.  He has mine; and I thank Him for it.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you didn’t stay in that manger, but you walked up Calvary’s hill to die for me!

Amen and Amen!!!

God’s Plan Not Man’s??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #289

18 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Amazing Grace, IN Jesus!, In The Beginning, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus In Genesis!, Jesus IN You!, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus lives today!, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, One Day Too Late?, One Foundation, Only Jesus, Only One Way

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God’s Plan Not Man’s???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #289

With the popularity of social media of all kinds it seems that everyone feels called to share their opinion about everything.  While it can be good to have a platform, everything that you read, hear and see on the internet may or may not be true.  I want to talk about one of those subjects, the Bible and God’s plan for the salvation of mankind.  The opinions we hear and see on the internet run the gambit, but I want us to take a look at scripture for our standard, not the opinions of people.  And yes, I’m a ‘people’, but if you’ve followed this blog for very long, you know that I am committed to help people go to God’s Word and read and study it remembering to take all scripture in its context, and in the larger context of the whole counsel of God (meaning all scripture—from Genesis to Revelation!)!  The first passage that I want us to consider is from Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost—50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.

The followers of Jesus had watched Him ascend into the heavens after He had instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come to them before they began to “go ye therefore” (see Matthew 28:19-20) and spread the good news of The Gospel.  So after about 10 days the assembly of some 120 believers received the Holy Spirit and went forth in great power and purpose to share the truth about Jesus saving sacrifice and His grace to save.

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven,

lifted up his voice, and said unto them,

Ye men of Judaea,

and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem,

be this known unto you,

and hearken to my words:

15 For these are not drunken,

 as ye suppose,

seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

16 But this is that which was spoken

by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days,

saith God,

I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:

and your sons and your daughters

shall prophesy,

and your young men

shall see visions,

and your old men

shall dream dreams…

…. 21 And it shall come to pass,

that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles and wonders and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands have crucified

and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Portions of Acts 2:14-24

Jesus wasn’t crucified by the plan of man, rather He laid down His life willingly for your sin and mine.

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received

of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

Jesus had this power because He was, is and ever shall be God!  And yes, He said so Himself!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

 29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

Are you His sheep?  It’s a question that only you can answer.  Have you come to Jesus in repentance of your sin and faith/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you—and all of your sin!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test, and it may be soon.  So, back to Jesus’ claims.

Jesus went on to proclaim that HE is the only way—one way, one Savior, one who was crucified, buried and risen again in the power of God to pay for our sin; but that cost was His life’s blood on Calvary.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

“Then saith Pilate unto him,

Speakest thou not unto me?

knowest thou not that I have power

to crucify thee,

and have power

to release thee?

11 Jesus answered,

Thou couldest have no power at all against me,

except it were given thee from above:

therefore he that delivered me unto thee

hath the greater sin.

12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him:

but the Jews cried out, saying,

If thou let this man go,

thou art not Caesar’s friend:

whosoever maketh himself a king

speaketh against Caesar.”  John 18:10-12

Jesus was the plan from the beginning—before “the beginning”!  God created us knowing that we would sin, yet He loves us so much that He created us anyway.  I’ll share just a few passages that reveal this to us, when we will listen and receive God’s truth, starting in Genesis.

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed;

it shall bruise thy head,

and thou shalt bruise his heel.”  Genesis 3:15

“Father, I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”  John 17:24

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,

whose names are not written

 in the book of life of the Lamb

slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8 (the ‘him’ mentioned here is the antichrist)

“Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

 that your faith and hope

might be in God.”  1 Peter 1:18-21

And just as the followers watched Jesus ascend into the heavens, He is coming again—and I believe, very soon.  The question then is, are you ready?  Have you bowed before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven

as he went up,

behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11 Which also said,

 Ye men of Galilee,

why stand ye gazing up into heaven?

this same Jesus,

 which is taken up from you into heaven,

shall so come in like manner

as ye have seen him go into heaven.”   Acts 1:10-11

Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly, but grant grace unto those who need to come to YOU!

Amen and Amen!!!