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Question:
What did John mean when he said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day”? Which day is the “Lord’s Day,” and why is it specifically mentioned in Revelation 1:10?

Revelation 1:10 (ESV):
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.”

The Apostle John wrote this while exiled on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9), a place of isolation due to his testimony for Jesus Christ. The phrase “in the Spirit” indicates a state of deep spiritual communion or being led by the Holy Spirit, often associated with prophetic revelation (cf. Ezekiel 37:1; Acts 10:19-20).

When John says he was on the “Lord’s Day,” he is referring to a particular day of the week that early Christians recognized as sacred because of Jesus’ resurrection. Historically, the Jewish Sabbath is Saturday (the seventh day), but the early church shifted its primary day of worship to Sunday, the first day of the week, to commemorate Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). This day became known as the “Lord’s Day” (Greek: Kyriake hemera)  a term that appears only here in the New Testament.

The Lord’s Day as Sunday:

Mark 16:9 (NIV):
“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene…”

• This passage identifies the first day of the week as the day of Jesus’ resurrection, foundational for Sunday worship.

John 20:19 (NIV):
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them…”

• Here, Jesus’ post resurrection appearances also take place on Sunday, emphasizing its significance.

Acts 20:7 (ESV):
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day…”

• This shows the early church gathering for worship and communion on Sunday.

1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV):
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collections when I come.”

• This illustrates Sunday as the designated day for Christian fellowship and giving.

The shift from Saturday (Sabbath) to Sunday (Lord’s Day) in early Christianity was not a rejection of rest and worship but a fulfillment in Christ. Sunday worship celebrates the new creation inaugurated by Christ’s resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17), symbolizing the new covenant and eternal rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10). The Lord’s Day thus becomes a weekly celebration of the paschal mystery Christ’s death and resurrection, which redeemed humanity.

John’s being “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day underscores the spiritual readiness and sanctity of the day for receiving divine revelation. This suggests that the Lord’s Day is more than a routine day of worship; it is a special time appointed by God for divine encounter and prophetic insight.

Practical Application:

The early church’s recognition of the Lord’s Day as Sunday set a pattern of dedicated worship, teaching, fellowship, and rest that continues today. It is not that the day itself is inherently holy, but that God honors the commitment of His people when they consecrate time to Him. This dedicated time fosters spiritual renewal and openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

If your day of worship is Saturday or any other day, the principle remains: honor it as sacred by preparing your heart and spirit, as John did. Avoid worldly distractions that hinder your spiritual experience. Seek solitude, prayer, and scripture study so God can reveal Himself to you.

Warning Against Neglect:

Today, many treat weekly worship as a mere obligation, often distracted by worldly concerns or entertainment. Yet, the Lord’s Day is a divine appointment an opportunity for intimate fellowship with God. Neglecting it risks missing the powerful encounters and transformation God desires to bring about.

Blessing:

Value your day of worship, whether it’s Sunday or another day, and God will surely reveal Himself to you as He did to John on Patmos.

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In any family, children often have different levels of closeness and trust with their parents. Some may be especially trusted, others more loved or relied upon but they are all still part of the family. The same dynamic is true in the family of God.

As believers, we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26). Yet Scripture and history show that not all believers walk in the same level of intimacy, favor, or trust with God. The Bible shows us that it is indeed possible to be especially loved by God not in terms of salvation, which is by grace alone, but in terms of fellowship, obedience, and divine trust.

This is not about earning God’s love, but about cultivating a relationship with Him that draws His delight and favor. Let us look at three key traits seen in people throughout the Bible who were deeply loved by God: love, steadfast devotion, and wisdom.

1. LOVE  The Mark of True Intimacy with God

The apostle John is often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This unique expression doesn’t imply that Jesus didn’t love the others, but rather highlights a unique intimacy between Jesus and John. John was not only close to Jesus physically leaning on His chest at the Last Supper (John 13:23) but he also reflected Christ’s heart more deeply than any other disciple.

John 21:20 (ESV):

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”

John understood and practiced agape love selfless, sacrificial love the kind that reflects God’s own character. In fact, his gospel and letters are filled with teachings about love, because God is love (1 John 4:8).

The Apostle Paul further describes the nature of love in 1 Corinthians 13. These traits are not just virtues they are divine attributes God desires in His children.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (ESV):

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Walking in this kind of love reflects the very heart of God. When we love others deeply, we enter into deeper fellowship with Him (John 14:21). God delights in those who carry His love and character to others.

2. STEADFAST DEVOTION  A Heart Fully Committed to God

The prophet Daniel was described repeatedly as someone “greatly loved” or “highly esteemed” by God. This wasn’t due to his position or intelligence, but his unwavering commitment to holiness and prayer even in the face of death.

Daniel 10:11 (ESV):

And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.”

Daniel’s decision in chapter 1 to refuse the king’s defiled food (Daniel 1:8), and his persistence in prayer even when threatened with the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10), show a man who feared God more than man. His heart was fully set on pleasing God above all.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV):

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

Today, believers face different challenges: compromise in the workplace, peer pressure, or even moral temptation. But like Daniel, those who stand firm in their convictions especially when it costs them something show that their hearts are loyal to God. Such people receive not only God’s love but His favor and trust.

3. WISDOM  Seeking to Serve God’s People with Understanding

Solomon is another man the Bible says was “loved by his God.”

Nehemiah 13:26 (ESV):

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.

Solomon’s love for God was especially evident in the beginning of his reign when he asked, not for riches or long life, but for wisdom to lead God’s people well.

1 Kings 3:9–10 (ESV):

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil…” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

Because of this unselfish desire, God gave Solomon both wisdom and blessings beyond what he asked for (1 Kings 3:13). Wisdom is closely linked with God’s love because it reflects a heart that wants to align with God’s will and bless others.

Today, we access divine wisdom through God’s Word.

Proverbs 2:10 (ESV):

For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

When you diligently study Scripture not just reading casually, but meditating and applying it you begin to carry God’s mind and heart. And when God sees that you desire His truth to serve and uplift others, He draws near to you in love.

Becoming a Person God Delights In

If we desire to walk in deeper intimacy and favor with God, we must pursue these three traits:

• Love: Embracing God’s selfless, patient, forgiving love.
• Steadfastness: Remaining loyal to God in the face of pressure and cost.
• Wisdom: Seeking understanding to serve and bless others.

These are not ways to earn God’s love because He already loves us unconditionally through Christ but they are ways to grow in closeness and divine favor, just as Jesus did:

Luke 2:52 (ESV):

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

As we walk in these qualities, God will entrust us with more revelation, influence, and provision. Daniel and John were granted visions of the future. Solomon received unmatched wealth and peace. Their lives show what God can do through someone who walks in love, loyalty, and wisdom.

May you be counted among those whom God loves deeply not just as His child, but as His friend and vessel of honor (2 Timothy 2:21).

May the Lord bless you and draw you ever deeper into His love and favor.

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Acts 2:23–24 (NIV)

“This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

Understanding the Agony (or Pains) of Death

The phrase “agony of death” (or “pains of death” in other translations such as the KJV) refers to the torment and finality of death particularly a death without hope of resurrection or eternal life. In the biblical worldview, death is not merely physical cessation but spiritual separation from God. The Greek word used here, ōdinas (ὠδῖνας), can also be translated as “birth pains” or intense anguish, suggesting deep suffering associated with death (see Romans 8:22).

Before the resurrection of Jesus Christ, death was a terrifying reality for humanity. As Paul says in Romans 5:12 (NIV):

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”

Humanity was under the curse of death, both physically and spiritually. All who died before Christ were subject to corruption (decay) and separation from the presence of God. This included the righteous, who waited in the realm of the dead sometimes referred to as Sheol (Hebrew) or Hades (Greek) a holding place awaiting redemption (Luke 16:22–23).

Christ’s Victory Over Death

But Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, broke the power of death. Though He truly died, He did not remain in the grave or see corruption.

Acts 2:31 (ESV)

“He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.”

Unlike all others before Him, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). His resurrection marked the defeat of death’s finality.

Revelation 1:18 (NIV)

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

It was impossible for death to hold Jesus, because He is the Author of Life (Acts 3:15). His divine nature and perfect obedience rendered death powerless against Him.

What Does This Mean for Believers?

Christ’s resurrection is not just historical it’s personal. For all who place their faith in Him, the agony of death no longer holds power.

2 Timothy 1:10 (NIV)

“…but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

When believers die, their spirits do not descend into torment or unconsciousness. Instead, they are taken immediately into the presence of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV)

“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

This is why Matthew 27:51–53 speaks of saints rising at Christ’s resurrectiona foretaste of what all believers will experience.

Furthermore, the resurrection of believers is guaranteed by Christ’s own resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:20–22 (NIV)

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

We await the redemption of our bodies at the Second Coming (Romans 8:23), when we will receive glorified bodies fit for eternity (Philippians 3:20–21).

A Solemn Warning for Those Outside of Christ

However, for those who die in sin outside of Christ the agony of death is just the beginning. Upon death, the soul enters a state of conscious torment, awaiting final judgment.

Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) offers a vivid picture of this reality: the rich man dies and finds himself in torment, separated from God, unable to cross the chasm between himself and paradise.

Eventually, both body and soul will be reunited at the final resurrection, but for judgment.

Revelation 20:14–15 (NIV)

“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

This is the full weight of what it means to be held by the agony of death eternal separation from God, under divine judgment.

A Call to Reflection

Are you still living in sin? Are you spiritually lukewarm? Scripture warns us that we do not know the day or hour of our departure from this life.

James 4:14 (NIV)

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

If today were your last day, whose presence would you find yourself in Christ’s or that of eternal separation?

The answer lies not just in your heart but in the truth of the Gospel. Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).

Shalom. Peace be upon you as you consider these eternal truths.

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What does the prophecy of the dry bones mean for us today, both spiritually and practically?

The prophet Ezekiel, who lived during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), was shown a vision by God that profoundly illustrated Israel’s spiritual condition and God’s promise of national and spiritual restoration (Ezekiel 37:1-14). The dry bones represent the people of Israel, who had been “dead” in captivity, feeling hopeless and cut off from their homeland and from God’s presence.

This vision is not only a literal promise of physical restoration God bringing Israel back from exile but also a powerful metaphor for spiritual revival. The bones “very dry” (Ezekiel 37:2, NIV) symbolize utter hopelessness and death, both physical and spiritual. The question God poses, “Can these bones live?” (v. 3, NIV), invites Ezekiel and through him, all believers to trust in God’s power to restore life.

(Ezekiel 37:1-14)

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV)

“The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.”

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, symbolizing the Spirit’s power to bring life to what is dead (v. 4-6). When Ezekiel obeys, the bones come together, sinews and flesh appear, and breath (the Hebrew ruach, meaning breath, wind, or spirit) enters them, bringing them to life (v. 7-10). This reveals a profound truth: life is impossible without the Spirit of God (cf. John 6:63; Ezekiel 37:14).

God explicitly identifies the bones as “the whole house of Israel,” who feel hopeless, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is gone; we are cut off” (v. 11, NIV). But He promises restoration, resurrection, and a renewed relationship: “I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live… Then you will know that I am the Lord” (v. 14).

This passage beautifully connects with several biblical themes:

• Resurrection and Spiritual Renewal: The dry bones vision prefigures both the national restoration of Israel and the spiritual resurrection of God’s people. The New Testament echoes this life giving Spirit in Jesus Christ (John 11:25-26; Romans 8:11).
• God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness: Despite Israel’s apparent hopelessness, God’s power to restore is absolute. This assurance strengthens faith and encourages believers who feel spiritually or physically “dead.”
• The Role of Prophecy and the Spirit: Ezekiel’s obedience to prophesy illustrates that God’s Word and Spirit are essential instruments of life and renewal (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 20:22).

Connection to Abraham’s Faith

The message of hope through faith is echoed in Hebrews 11, where Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates trust in God’s power to give life (Hebrews 11:17-19, NIV):

“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son… Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”

This links perfectly with the dry bones vision, emphasizing faith in God’s life giving power.

Application Today

Many people may feel like dry bones today hopeless, broken in health, faith, or circumstance. Whether facing chronic illness, depression, loss, or spiritual dryness, God’s promise remains: He can restore, revive, and breathe new life.

If you feel this way, the call is to trust God’s Spirit and His Word. God’s power transcends death and despair.

Suggested Prayer of Renewal and Faith

Kneel or sit quietly, raise your hand, and pray sincerely:

Prayer:

Father God,
I acknowledge that You alone are the Almighty God, full of power and mercy. I believe that through Jesus Christ, You can bring life to what seems dead in my life whether body, mind, or spirit.
Please forgive my sins, both known and unknown. Cleanse me through the blood of Jesus Christ, and renew me with Your Holy Spirit.
(Here, name your specific need or struggle.)
Revive me, strengthen me, and help me walk in Your will all the days of my life.
Thank You for Your forgiveness, Your help, and Your freedom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Repeat this prayer until you feel peace in your heart and trust that God is at work in your life.

May God bless you richly as you trust in His power to restore and renew!

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In every generation, God places certain people in His Church in ways that seem unusual or even out of place. Their background, language, position, or circumstances might set them apart. Yet, their placement is not by accident it is divinely intentional.

Often, such individuals may feel disconnected or assume they have little to offer in ministry. They may keep a low profile or stay spiritually inactive, assuming that God’s work is for others more qualified. But the truth is this: God expects fruit from every life He plants.

Let’s consider a parable Jesus told:

Luke 13:6–9 (NIV)
“Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.
So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.
If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

The vineyard in Scripture often symbolizes Israel or the Church (see Isaiah 5:1–7, Matthew 21:33–41). The fig tree, though distinct from the vines, is planted intentionally within the vineyard. This fig tree represents individuals whom God has placed among His people those who may stand out for their uniqueness but are still expected to be fruitful.

The vineyard owner (God) visits the fig tree repeatedly, looking for fruit. Despite its uniqueness, the expectation is the same as for the vines: growth and productivity. Jesus’ message here is a call to spiritual accountability. No one is exempt from the call to bear fruit.

John 15:2 (NIV)
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Matthew 3:10 (NIV)
“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Jesus isn’t just speaking to church leaders or evangelists. The call to fruitfulness applies to every believer whether visible in ministry or seemingly hidden. Whether you’re a new believer, a professional in a secular job, a stay at home parent, or someone with language or cultural barriers your life is still part of God’s vineyard.

Why Only One Fig Tree?

The parable shows only one fig tree among many vines. This reflects how some believers are called in unique ways, for specific purposes. The owner doesn’t expect the fig tree to produce grapes but he does expect it to produce figs. In the same way, God doesn’t expect you to serve exactly like others but He does expect you to fulfill the purpose for which He planted you.

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (NIV)
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

The fig tree wasn’t neglected it was cultivated, fertilized, and given extra care. God is patient with us, giving us opportunities, teaching, encouragement, and time. But His patience is not indefinite.

The Warning and the Hope:

The parable ends with urgency. If the fig tree still remains fruitless, it will be cut down. This echoes the reality of final judgment:

Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

God will reward His people according to their faithfulness, not their visibility. Those who spent years simply listening to sermons without action will need to answer: What did I do for the Lord?

James 2:17 (NIV)
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

You are not in the vineyard by mistake. God planted you where you are, not just to be present, but to bear fruit whether that’s through service, generosity, encouragement, prayer, teaching, or even quiet faithfulness that impacts others.

These are the final days. The time for fruitfulness is now. Don’t assume your role is small or unimportant.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Let each of us examine our hearts: Am I bearing fruit in the place God has planted me? If not, now is the time to respond to be cultivated, to grow, and to bring forth fruit that glorifies God.

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Shalom, and welcome! Let’s take a moment to learn and remind ourselves of our responsibilities as believers on this journey of faith here on earth.

There are times when we fail to act for God, telling ourselves, “God understands.” Yet, Scripture shows that these are excuses before Him, hindering our spiritual walk.

Common Understanding vs. Biblical Meaning of “Excuse”

Typically, an excuse is thought of as a false or deceptive reason to avoid responsibility. For example, if someone asks you to help with a task, and you respond with a made up story to avoid it, that’s a classic excuse.

But the Bible’s teaching is deeper. In Luke 14:16–24, Jesus tells a parable where invited guests provide genuine, reasonable reasons for not attending a banquet. These reasons seem valid, yet the host regards them as excuses (Greek: λόγος προσχήματος, “pretext” or “justification” that masks true refusal).

Let’s look at the passage from the NIV and ESV:

Luke 14:16-24 (NIV):

“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

• God’s Invitation Is Holy and Urgent: The banquet symbolizes the Kingdom of God and the call to salvation and fellowship with Him (cf. Matthew 22:2-14).

• Excuses Reflect Worldly Priorities: The invited guests prioritize earthly affairs property, possessions, and personal pleasures over God’s invitation. These reflect misplaced values (Colossians 3:2).

• God’s Judgment on Rejection: The host’s anger and the invitation extended to the marginalized (poor, crippled, blind, lame) emphasize that God’s kingdom is open to all who respond, but those who reject Him face exclusion (Matthew 8:11-12).

• No Partiality: The banquet’s fullness symbolizes God’s desire for a full and willing heart (Romans 2:11).

Modern Application

Today, many avoid church or fellowship for seemingly valid reasons: demanding jobs, family commitments, or other responsibilities. They say, “God understands.” But Scripture warns that such reasoning may be a dangerous excuse, a subtle way of putting worldly priorities above God.

• Daniel’s Example: Despite threats from King Darius, Daniel refused to stop praying to God (Daniel 6). His faithfulness, even under persecution, is a model of unwavering devotion.

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: They refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, rejecting any excuse for disobedience (Daniel 3). God’s miraculous deliverance affirmed their faith.

Don’t Deceive Yourself

• If you serve your company six days a week but neglect God’s day, you risk stealing from God (Malachi 3:8-10).

• Don’t let work, family, or material concerns consume your worship time. Prioritize God above all (Matthew 6:33).

• Excuses today may exclude you from the wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

“Not one of those who were invited will taste my banquet.” (Luke 14:24, NIV)

Those who place personal interests above God risk missing the eternal joy of His kingdom.

Question to Reflect On:
Are you offering God sincere worship, or just excuses? The answer lies with you.

Maranatha!

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