I will praise you in the storm and I will lift my hands; for You are who You are, no matter where I am.
We are literally watching prophecy unfold before our eyes as the recent events with Palestine and the U.N. are setting the stage for the coming apocalyptic storm. Changes are taking place all over this world and the darkness of evil as the hearts of most have grown cold. Is there hope for those who have put their trust in Christ or will we be destroyed along with the rest of the unbelieving world?
The blessed truth is that there is a perfect plan unfolding for those who refuse to be moved from their position in Christ. You may feel like you are too overwhelmed to continue in the battles you face, but the power of God is always the conquering force within you in all of your struggles. There is not a moment that your future is ever compromised by  problems in your life.   You have been given the guarantee of victory in all things. God is working his divine, eternal destiny through every single one of them.
We read in Isaiah 40:31, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”  Those who can trust that God is still sovereign in their darkest struggle and pain shall not go unrewarded. He will give you the power and hope you need to stay in the race and not give up.  It was by his grace that you were taken this far and he will not let you be destroyed now.  Surrender your fears and frustrations to God and let him give you his peace to endure.
As the news brings stories of wars, famines, earthquakes, and fierce storms of every kind, we rest in the knowledge that God is using it all to fulfill his plan of salvation to the very end of time. It is a troubling time for everyone but your prayers for help are being heard by Christ who knew your name long before you were ever born. In Daniel 9:18, Daniel lifts his voice to God saying, ” For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness but because of your great mercy.”    It is the love of God that we call upon in times of trouble. He sees beyond our weakness and failure and is willing to help us in spite of it all.
Do not be surprised at the evil going on for we are told in God’s word that there will be a spirit of deception that will fill this earth in the ending days. Those who belong to Christ have nothing to be anxious over for your future is secure as God has ordained every one of your days. Jesus told us that we would still be able to have joy despite our many problems because he has overcome the impact of every single one of them. By his authority, all things that come against you must work into the plan that he has for your life. You cannot lose when you belong to Christ. This world may be perishing but believers have a royal heritage that transcends the boundaries of this life. We are being tried and tested as the refining fires are molding us into the image of Christ.
It may seem like your prayer has not been answered or that your struggle is getting worse but the God who calls out each star by name without losing one is certainly not going to lose you in any battle that you face. You are a winner and your destiny is sealed. Don’t let your pain weaken your faith. There is always the hope you need to carry on for your steps are guided by the hand of God. Lift up your eyes to the hills from whence comes your help. Hold on, dear believer! Your God sees where you are and he will rescue you.
We are nearing the end of the race. Christ is coming soon to bring us to our home with him. The increase of evil is a sign that the devil is growing anxious knowing that his time is short. God’s power and authority are unchanging. He is still in control of everything. All things will work out according to his purpose.
My heart and prayers are with all who are going through serious problems and struggles. You may feel like you are alone but you never will be!Â
 I am humbly asking all  who visit here to remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in restricted nations who are being persecuted for their faith. We must stand with them for they are one with us in Christ.
51 comments
Comments feed for this article
December 20, 2012 at 4:28 am
the warrioress
I absolutely loved this. It made me feel much better.
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December 20, 2012 at 5:38 am
Anonymous
Oh Amen and Amen! How incredibly awesome is our God! Trusting Jesus with you –all the way! ” O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again ? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” –Romans 11:33-36
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December 20, 2012 at 8:24 am
Nancy
Thanks Mariane your message is giving me high spirits again to go on the race. I love you.
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December 20, 2012 at 11:19 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Nancy, I am glad that this message lifted your spirits. It is the truth, my sister. Jesus has the plan for all who belong to him. As bad as it is getting, he is not going to let us be destroyed. Be blessed, Nancy.
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December 20, 2012 at 11:20 am
Marianne Lordi
Anonymous, I loved your quotes from Scripture. We can all take joy knowing that the love of God will never fail us. Thanks for stopping by.
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December 20, 2012 at 11:22 am
Marianne Lordi
Warrioress, I appreciate you visiting and taking the time to comment. The truth of God’s word makes us all feel better. That is why we always have reason to hope despite the storms we face, God bless you, my sister.
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December 20, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Larry Who
“…God’s power and authority are unchanging…”
And if His power and authority are unchanging, He can still back up His promises to us. Praise God for that!
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December 20, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Anonymous
Thank you, your message has really been so encouraging, God bless you richly.
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December 20, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Michael
Well said dear sister! Brothers and sisters I know it can be hard sometimes when the storms of this life hit us. But God has not changed. He has promised to protect and provide for those that are His. Refuse not to trust Him in everything. I know from experience how bad the pain can be. Cry out to Him, praise Him even when you don’t feel like it.
The enemy wants you to let go of God’s promises. Cling to Him even tighter.
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December 20, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Paula Miller
Thanks so much for these encouraging words. Yes, the world is becoming full of evil and Satan is definitely hard at work, but we have a BIG God and he is in full control. Stay strong, my friends, and we all need to hold on to the Truth we know. God Bless.
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December 21, 2012 at 2:28 am
shamala sekhar
Amen…Amen…..your message has made me feel much better…. your message has given me the answer for the problem im going through now…..i feel like God himself talking to me……. thank you so much…..God bless you….
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December 21, 2012 at 2:36 am
Marianne Lordi
Shamala, God bless you, dear friend. I am so glad that God spoke to you through the message and brought you his comfort. He is always the answer for our troubles and pain. He does talk to you, Shamala. Just keep seeking him out in his word.
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December 21, 2012 at 2:38 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Paula, thanks for stopping by and commenting. God always gives us the strength we need in our trials. And you are right to say that he has full control over all that we face. We just need to surrender it all to him and let him work it out.
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December 21, 2012 at 2:39 am
Marianne Lordi
Michael, it is so nice to hear from you again. You are such a good friend to me. I am clinging to my God right now, my brother. He knows the pain that I am in and he still has a plan for my life. Thanks for always being there to give me a word of encouragement.
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December 21, 2012 at 2:41 am
Marianne Lordi
anonymous, I am glad you were encouraged by the message that God gave me to write. I pray you will stay in his peace and know that he can always work things out for our good. God bless you, friend.
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December 21, 2012 at 2:43 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Larry, I haven’t heard from you for a while so it is always nice when you stop by. I have hope for all my struggles because I do know that God can back up his promises to us. He never fails us ever! That is so comforting to me.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Larry!
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December 21, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Anonymous
Marianne, you are more than welcome. This site has been and continues to bless me and many others. You are constantly in my prayers because I know all too well the battle you are in. You will be victorious in Christ Jesus!
I remind you, myself, and all who visit this site. When you live for God expect an attack from the enemy. He will do everything he can to dissuade you from reading God’s word, praying, or do what ever it takes to make you doubt God and His word. Don’t fall for it. For some of you the struggle has been long and hard. Day after day you see no help coming. Do no trust your senses. Trust the Lord our God. He promises that He will protect, and provide for His own. Continue to praise Him no matter what.
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December 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Katonya Mincey
I ask that anyone reading this pray for me. I am enduring a strong test of faith now. My name has been scandalized all about town, and I am treated like the plague even though I tried to do the opposite of what they claim. It seems as though a net has been laid for me from the hands of mine enemies, and it seems no way out. Even though I am not perfect, I wouldn’t intentionally hurt anyone. Please pray for my peace and to love those that hate me, even though I was trying to help them by merely getting out of the way. A case of doing the right thing and the wrong thing happens. It is such a mess, and I’m really not mad at the mockers, because they believe they were doing a good deed to help some onelse’s life. But I had no intention of evil, just misunderstood, and tired of my everyday struggles in life with noone to help me with them.g. Please pray for me that I don’t take the easy way out, and end my life myself. I am simply tired of pain. No joy, it seems no matter how I try, it seems to never be reciprocated, especially when my intentions are good, and that is the most hurtful thing. Keep me in your prayers, My name is Katonya Mincey.
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December 22, 2012 at 12:01 am
Ken
Hi Marianne,
I do believe we are rapidly approaching the end. People these days call what is evil, good. And what is good, they call evil. Then the enemy is going all out to kill, steal and destroy all that he can. We got wars, earthquakes, etc… But praise God, we have victory in Jesus.
I pray you have a Merry Christmas and God bless,
Ken
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December 24, 2012 at 12:47 am
Marianne Lordi
Merry Christmas, Ken! Glad to hear from you. The enemy is going all out to defeat us but those who belong to Christ can never be destroyed. I take peace knowing that Christ will always have the plan for me no matter what happens.
It was so nice to hear from you again. I pray you are doing well.
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December 24, 2012 at 12:53 am
Marianne Lordi
My dear Katonya, I am so sorry that you are going through such a struggle but remember that God always has a way out for those who love him. You must never give up for by doing so, you are listening to the lies of the enemy! PLease read your bible each day, my friend. Let the truth of God’s word fill you and give you hope and his strength to endure. You are not alone in your pain, Katonya. He sees those who are mistreating you and he will deal with them. For now, take one step at a time and just pray for his peace. He hears your prayers and he knows how to help you. Never let the actions of others make you lose your joy. My friend, your hope is in Christ and not in what others think. I will be praying for you and I want you to know that you can email me anytime you want to talk. We all are going through struggles in life but Christ is using each one of them to bring us to a great glory. Don’t give up. Be strong. And keep the truth of God’s love in your heart. Never forget that he will not leave you nor forsake you. Just because you don’t see him working does not mean that he is doing nothing. You will see his power.
I am praying for you, Katonya! I care.
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December 24, 2012 at 8:21 am
missionaryman
Once again,Marianne, you have provided words showing God’s plan and strength. Thank you! It is very encouraging to know that despite our failures, there is one beside us who does not fail, and He will lift us up when we fail. I have been praying for you, and believe God is going to be very near in your life. He will not desert you. He loves you, me and all His children. May He bless you!
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December 24, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Charles, thanks for stopping by. You are one of my dearest friends and a great teacher of the word. I appreciate your encouragment and your prayers. I lift you up also. Anyone who is effective at all for the kingdom of God will be attacked in these ending days. Our God is bigger. He is able to take us through every one of them. God bless you, my brother. I hope to talk to you soon.
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December 24, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Charlie Yap
Please pray for my mom as well. She has stage 4 liver cancer and has metastasized. God promised me that she will still live for the next 3 years, that He will “shame” (or humble) the doctors who trusts so much on their medical “knowledge” and that she will not pass away with her liver disease..Please pray that all of these will come to pass.
In Christ,
Charlie P. Yap
Cebu City, Philippines
________________________________
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December 24, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Charlie,
I am so sorry for what your mother is going through. I will join you in prayer. It is so hard to watch our loved ones suffer but you can take hope in knowing that Christ is with you and that he will help you. You are not alone.
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December 28, 2012 at 3:03 pm
godsfingers
Great message Marianne. God is good and faithful, though at times it may seem unclear, to stand by us, in His will to see His purpose through. These are interesting times as we head into the new year. I wish I could say He is coming on New years, but I can’t. But then who am I to say He won’t 😉
God bless you my friend,
Dan
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December 28, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Dan, glad you stopped. We both know that God is in control of all that is happening and that as dark as the world is, Christ will be returning soon. It may or may not be New Years but I am sure that it will be soon.
We always have reason to hope, Dan, because Christ know those who are his! Be blessed, my brother.
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December 30, 2012 at 2:03 pm
brother malachi
God is God and we are His children. He will never leave us or forsake us!
Heard a wonderful sermon at worship this morning.
Deut.2:7
The Lord thy God hath blessed us- the blessing of this last year have been at the hand of the Lord.
He knoweth our walking through this great wilderness- there is no road we that we have walked this past year that He is not fully aware of…. He is God.
These 40 years- how patient is out God. There is not a one of us that have not been the recipient of His rich grace and mercy.
The Lord our God has been with us- no matter what has happened in our life HE HAS BEEN WITH US. Sad but true, it is in the storms of life that we hear this truth the loudest. That is why His people praise Him in the storm!
Thou hast lacked nothing- when we look back on this past year, whatever He has allowed in our life, we can honestly say “He has never left us or forsaken us” and “He has met all of our needs according to His riches in glory”!
To God be the glory and God’s rich blessing upon your ministry in the year 2013.
brother malachi
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December 30, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you, Brother Malachi, you have no idea how much that sermon blessed me today! Sometimes when we are faltering in our steps, God has a marvelous way of bringing us his word of truth. You have been that messenger for me and I appreciate you. I hope all who read it will be as blessed by it as I was.
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December 30, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Cry and Howl
I had to stop by and say that I think you are one awesome woman.. Know this little lady, you are true blessing to me and I cherish our friendship.
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December 30, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you so very much, Steve. I am also blessed by our friendship!
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January 1, 2013 at 4:08 am
David frm Kenya.
Happy New Year Marianne. Its another Great Year GOD has given us full of great opportunities,gud health, welfare n bigger expectations to holy communions. i join hands 2getha thank his holyness n 2 dhank u 2 for your support in prayers n dha fruitful word of confort God use u 2 share 2 his children. Sincerely i take this opportunity 2 tell u dhat uve rilly bin a blessing 2 us. Many ave bin transformed through your messages n many ave confessed on God’s promises( i personally involved) Since i joined your website, i must say God has bin gud 2 me through your words of advice n prayers, n God is doing greater things into ma lyfe. I pray dhat beggining frm this year many many opportunities shall follow us wereva we go n wateva we do. May dha good Lord alweiz move u 2 high levels of wisdom as u continue sharing gud word 2 us each n every dei. May he also see u through your family n friends in Jesus Mighty name.Amen. dhanxs so much Marianne n pliz kip on praying 4 me. Amen
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January 1, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi David! Glad to have you back. Thank you for your encouragement and kind words. Keep standing in your faith, my brother. God will provide for your needs as he takes you higher in your walk with him. The times we live in are difficult, but our God is so much bigger and his power has no end. We must remain faithful, David, and keep our eyes on Christ.
My brother, you have been a blessing to me and always a friend. I pray for Got to watch over you and to guide your step. May he bless and prosper you and your family. I will keep praying for you!
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January 16, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Charity
I am really trying, but this storm feels like it’s going to “kill” me. I know that God can deliver me, but it’s becoming a daily struggle. My family is experiencing a terrible financial hardship at this time. I’m standing on his promises, praying, and believing that it will get better. Please keep us in your prayers.
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January 16, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Charity, I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through. We are all in tough times and it is going to get worse as the enemy knows his time is very short. My sister, keep your eyes on Christ for he will take you through your troubles. Read your bible every day and let the truth fill you and help guard your heart against the devil’s schemes. I will be praying for you. Please let me know how you are doing when you can. I am here for you, Charity. As hard as it seems, God has a purpose far greater than your trial. He knows those who are his. He won’t fail you. Keep in mind the truth that you are never alone. God’s eyes are upon you. He will rescue you.
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January 16, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Charity
Hi Marianne,
I will continue to keep praying, believing, and reading his word. I will keep you posted on my situation. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers.
God bless,
Charity
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January 17, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Marianne Lordi
Charity, the storm may still surround you in this matter burt remember that Christ is in the center of that storm and he is working all things out for your good. Be strong, my sister. I will be praying for you!
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February 19, 2013 at 9:01 am
Jackson
Amen my friend,
For strong encourage my to faith.
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February 22, 2013 at 3:17 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you, Jackson.
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April 10, 2013 at 9:50 pm
Reilly Irvine
This is an excellent post; I needed this right about now. We definitely have an advantage by knowing that God wins in the end, and we need not fear. Forgive me for asking (I’m a pretty new believer), I have heard that all pain and suffering must work for our good, but can our struggles with sin also work for our good? I know calamities do, but I always feel that my sin works against God’s plan in every way. And I sin a lot!
God bless. My blog: http://smallstudentbiggod.wordpress.com/
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April 10, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Reilly, I am so glad you stopped and I will try to answer your question as I understand it. My friend, we are all born sinners and an enemy of God. When we put our trust in Christ, we live in him and he lives in us. We are declared righteous because of the price Christ paid for our sins. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit begins to work in us to do the good work that God planned for us long before we were born. He took out our heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh that is willing to obey God. Our spirit and soul is saved at that point but we will still battle against the flesh. We may sin but when you are saved, you should not sin as you did before. You are changed and made a new creation. You not only have a new relationship with Christ, you have a new relationship with sin. You learn to hate the sin that keeps you from the fullness of Christ. For believers, Christ work all things out for our good. No matte what may come against you, he has the power to turn it and use it for a purpose that is good. When you are surrendered to Christ, you live the crucified life. Each day you learn to put to death the sins that you still hold onto. You are a work in progress and you will be until Christ calls you home.
Reilly, you will still sin but as I said before, you should not sin as you did before. When you fall, you get back up, repent and move on. You don’t linger in sin any longer. Christ told us that no temptation shall overcome us that he will not provide a way out of. When you are saved, you now have power over the chains and bondages of sin. You are no longer a slave to sin. You are a conqueror through the power of Christ who lives in you. You have been set free. If you have a particular weakness, surrender it daily to Christ and he will help you with it. Read your bible daily and let the truth of God’s word be your guide and your strength. God speaks through his word and he will give you the hope that you need to make it through each day.
I will be praying for you, Reilly. I visited your blog and it is very good. Keep it up and let the Lord guide you to reach others as you learn to overcome in your life. I am proud of you for wanting to share the truth. God has plans for you, my friend. Remember that I am here if you want to talk. You can email me anytime. I always have time for a friend. And I will be back to visit your blog. God bless you!
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April 11, 2013 at 12:21 am
Reilly Irvine
Thank you very much. =) Psalm 60:11-12: “Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”
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April 11, 2013 at 6:26 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Reilly, Bless you, dear friend. Today I will be facing some painful challenges but this verse is exactly what I needed to read to remember that God is more than enough to help me deal with it all. It was a word from God for me this morning!
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April 5, 2014 at 11:28 am
anonymous
Thank you for this encouraging blog!
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April 5, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Marianne Bernard
You are welcome, dear friend. I am glad that the messages encouraged you. I will keep you in prayer.
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June 4, 2016 at 10:11 am
Elizabeth
I,m very blessed with the words written in this blog. May God bless you !!
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June 4, 2016 at 6:18 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Elizabeth, I am so grateful that you took the time to comment and encourage me. God bless you, dear sister. I will be praying for you.
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April 26, 2018 at 4:59 pm
Anonymous
God Bless you and thank you for sharing!
Alice
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April 27, 2018 at 9:59 am
Marianne Bernard
You’re very welcome, Alice. Remember the storms in your life will never be bigger than the God you serve. He is with you through it all. Be in peace.
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April 27, 2018 at 12:51 pm
SL
Your blog is such an anointed ministry! I am thankful to get a big dose of truth and the Word every time I read it. Blessings!!!
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April 27, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Marianne Bernard
SL, Thank you for taking the time to write and encourage me. I am getting ready to write another article and hopefully get God’s message of hope out to all. You blessed my day, my friend. God bless you.
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