"Twelve Days of Christmas" glorifies Christ

The wonderful Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, is one that is usually sung during the Christmas season celebrating and commemorating the first Advent of our Lord.

But when you begin to think of the words, one might ask…

How in the world does a bird in a tree, the mention of hens, geese and swans all have to do with Christmas? We didn’t even get to the milking, dancing and leaping about. It sounds like a party with animals and people all joining in unity of the partying theme.

Actually, it was a party, but one that was done in secret. History tells us that in the last 1500’s in Europe, it was criminal to opening celebrate Christ or anything about Him. So during the Christmas holiday it looked very different from what we have now in our culture. Contrary to our grand church celebrations, homes filled with décor, lights, trees, stores that decorate in September, and many more, in the 1500’s the best they were able to celebrate without going to jail is to join in singing this carol.
This cumulative song, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a format where each verse is built on top of the previous verses. There are twelve verses total, each describing a gift given by "my true Love". This song became a popular hymn to be sung as a way to joyfully celebrate Christmas under the current law as well as phonetic tool to help others memorize important Biblical truths and theology themes.

Let’s take a look a little more closely to the meaning and interpretation of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The” gift” is on the left and the Interpretation from the Bible is on the right:

1. The partridge in a pear tree =Jesus Christ.

2. Two turtle doves = Old and New Testaments

3. Three French hens = faith, hope and love.

4. The four calling birds = four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

5. The five golden rings = Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

6. The six geese a-laying = six days of creation.

7. Seven swans a-swimming = the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

8. The eight maids a-milking = the eight beatitudes.

9. Nine ladies dancing = the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

10. The ten lords a-leaping = the Ten Commandments.

11. The eleven pipers piping = for the eleven faithful disciples.

12. The twelve drummers drumming = the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Now that we all know the true meaning behind this Christmas song, we can sing it with a new understanding, in helps to recall the faith of Christianity and as a wonderful reminder of

Christ…our true love and the spectacular gifts He has given to each one who will receive them.

May the Lord enrich your relation with Him to overflow as you wait upon Him for the 2^nd Advent

Merry Christmas!

© Copyright 2011 Simone Lake All Rights Reserved

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History of the Candy Cane

The candy cane is a popular treat that everyone seems to love.  The strong peppermint

flavor mixed with sugar is something both young and old can’t get enough of.  Whether you bite it off and crunch it between your teeth, or lick away the stripes, it always seems to be gone before we would like it to be, however there are more to get to eat especially during this time of year.

Ever wonder how this favorite candy that we all know and love became so popular?

Well, one of the first historical references to the candy cane dates back to 1670, when a choir leader in Germany purposely bent the sugar-sticks into canes to represent a shepherd's staff.  The form and symbolism of the staff, was meant as a reminder of Christ who not only the Savior of the world, but is also our good Shepherd (in Psalm 23 and John 10.).

There are also historical references in regards to symbolism for Christians during various times in history. It was known as a “secret sign” to those living in difficult times of worldly oppression where one could not openly share their faith in Christ.  It was also believed that the shape of the candy cane was not only shaped as a cane, but as the letter “J” for Jesus.  The colors of red and white represents the blood and purity of Jesus Chris and the three red stripes (in the first candy canes) were meant to describe the Holy Trinity. The hardness of the candy represents the Church's foundation on the solid rock of Jesus and the peppermint flavor represents the use of hyssop and other herbs referred to many times in the Bible. Some of these instances in the Bible include when the kings brought gifts to baby Jesus and when the women gathered and herbs to take to the body of Christ when He had risen.

This year when you are eating your candy cane, remember the symbolic references to Christ.  Rejoice and bow the knee to the One who came and the One who is coming!

 © Copyright 2011 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

Tests and Trials

"When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."

 

( Hymn-How Firm a Foundation -3rd stanza)

What test and trial are you enduring? Could it be a difficult marriage? A child who is challenging?

 

A hopeless heart? A lost direction? A cranky boss? Devastating news?

Empty wallet? Lonely heart? Death of loved one!

Whatever trials of your life that you endure on earth, are considered less than a vapor (James 4:14)

when comparing it to the eternal glory that awaits those that call Jesus their Lord.

He is preparing us for that day in which we can see Him face to face.

The servant is not above the master (Matt 10:24), Christ the Lord Himself proved that victory

is an obtainable goal because He endured the daily sufferings of this world.

Certainly as He calls us His friends (John 15:12-14), He has equipped us to endure the same.

Remember Jesus said to be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

And not only the daily endurance of the world, but He overcame the greatest suffering of all-death on the cross.

The greatest sacrifice and gift to all =Salvation

So as the above hymn states...our earthy flames of situations will not hurt us,

they will purge the dross and make us pure as gold ready to receive our Lord.

Our ultimate joy and satisfaction!

© Copyright 2009 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

Ointment for an Open Wound

Imagine having an open sore on your body. This wound, regardless of the size, would affect the whole body. If the wound was on your leg, it would determine your ability to walk or run effectively. If the wound was on your arm, it would dictate how far you could reach, at what degree you could bend your arm and how using your hand that is connected to that arm, might be hindered.

Other parts of the body that are not even near the open sore would naturally react to this injury of the body. The brain would constantly think about it because the nerve system would remind it. Other limbs and organs may increase its work load to compensate for the injured one. The cells, blood, veins, skin and other parts of the body would intensify with signs of stress, yet with signs of unifying together in the goal of bringing healing in one particular area of the body. The human body is amazing!

In addition to this amazing human body having the ability to heal itself, sometimes it also needs the help of humans, plants, medicine and vitamins to help aid in the healing process.

Throughout history, cultures and time frames, a variety of ointments have been created to help in healing open wounds. From extreme and serious wounds caused by the hideous injuries of the casualty of wars to simple cooking burns and children’s playtime mishaps, ointments have been the tried and true staple of healing for centuries.

Some of the numerous ingredients of ointments over time include everything from honey, wax and a variety of oils from vegetables and plants including olive, coconut, sesame, almond and peanut.

Using these items, formed in some type of paste, cream, lotion or gel brings complete healing and works wonders to the open wounds. Of course bandaging and reapply more ointment aids in quick healing and restoration.

Now that I shared about the healing process of wounds of the body, what do we do with the spiritual wounds? The aching in our hearts, grieving in our souls, heartache of a loss, emotions that run rapid at the simple thought of some type of intense pain in our lives. What about our shortcomings, errors, immorality and misdoings. How will some manmade coconut oil mixed with wax and honey salve going to heal those things? How will these open gapping sores ever be completely healed?

Isaiah, a prophet of the Old Testament, speaks of this open wound of the spirit saying “From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is nothing sound in it, only bruises, welts and raw wounds, not pressed out or bandaged, nor softened with oil”. Isaiah, in Chapter 1, talks about the spiritual wounds of the soul, which directly influences the heart and mind which directly results in the behavior of a person.

Isaiah also speaks of the Remedy in Chapter 42. "Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.

The answer is the great and holy Ointment who is Christ. He will heal these wounds with the ointment that He made years ago when He excused our short comings and errors by dying on the cross in our place. One who was free from all shortcomings and errors

Seek and welcome His ointment that will bring healing for your soul for eternity!

Copyright 2011 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

Days of AWE

Recently I observed the annual celebration of Days of Atonement also known as Yom Kippur.  People around the world from sunset on Oct. 7 to after nightfall Oct. 8, 2011, spent times in deep reflective prayers and fastings to God. These days are considered to be a time for introspection and repentance, turning from sin and making restitution with God.

A quick historical lesson:

-Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year also known as the Day of Judgment and Day of Remembrance.  It is the first of the High Holy Days also called the Days of Awe which occur in the fall part of the year.

-Yom Kippur- also known as Day of Atonement follows 10 days after Rosh Hashanah.  Known as the Day of Atonement, it is considered the holiest and most solemn day of the year by the Jews. Its central themes include atonement and repentance.

Combining these two events, there is a period of ten days in between both holidays that is, known also as the Ten Days of Repentance.

Churches and synagogues around the world observe these days annually

Noticed my title above, I purposefully selected the words Days of Awe as well as the word celebration.  One might ask why you would celebrate a time of fasting, repentance and basic sadness.  Or one could wonder how can these times of reflections and meditation of shortcomings cause anyone to celebrate? 

True this historical time is a time of mourning but for many including myself, I rejoice!

I rejoice because my joy comes from Christ and what He did on the cross. 

These Days of Awe have left this servant in awe of a holy, just and merciful God!

Thank you God for sending Jesus!  It is because of Your great love and His obedient great work on the cross that sins have been atoned for, and I am forever grateful to Him, joining with the Psalmist in The Great Hallel

                        “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?

                        I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

O LORD, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.”

Psalm 116: 12-14, 16-17 (NKJV & NLT translations)

 Likewise I rejoice in great praise over the power of God’s voice joining King David

“And in his temple all cry, "Glory!" declaring and praising His name forever.              Psalm 29 (ESV translation)

Will you join with me in The Great Hallel, taking the cup of salvation? Receive the work Jesus accomplished on the cross and all it has to offer by turning from your sins, agreeing with God and aligning yourself with Him.  Then your days will be filled in awe of the great holy and majestic God almighty and the great deeds He has done!

Praise His name!

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Wake Up!

Have you ever experienced the need to stay awake for a particular situation, urgent event, or some needed circumstance but your body will not cooperate? Your eyes become dreary, wanting to close and nod off. Your brain switches from alertness into a gradual floating into imagination land and your concentration becomes an invisible fight to keep yourself awake?

WAKE UP! Dear Friends, now is the hour, now is the time for us to expect and to see Jesus. To be persistent in prayer, steadfast in spiritual matters and focused with all of our being by preparing ourselves to meet the living Son of God, Jesus.

Jesus is coming!

Are you ready to meet the living Son of God, Jesus? He promises us that He will return. That since His resurrection, ascension and current seating on the right hand side of God He will leave His current holy abode. Come down to this earth for the last time and gather His own to Himself. How do we know this? Because He tells us in His word that is exactly what he will do. In the chapter 14, verse 3 of the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself and where I am there you may be also and where I go, you know and they way you know.”

Are you ready?

When a loved one comes to your home after being away for some time, wouldn’t you prepare for their arrival? Of course you would! If your son or daughter comes home from college, you would arrange your schedule with work to visit them; you may go to the store and purchase all kinds of things to prepare their favorite food. If your husband or wife came home after a long trip, you might purchase a homecoming gift; clean the house, plan to be together to catch up on lost time.

Are you ready to see and meet the Savior of the world face to face? In order to be prepared to see the risen Savior of God, your heart must be His to begin with.

This task is very simple yet must be sincere.

If you would like the holy triune God, in the person of His holy Son, to come and gather you upon His return, then all you need to do is ask Him.

1) Acknowledge that God is the Creator of heaven and earth and Creator of you.

2) Acknowledge that you are a sinner, that you have fallen short of the mark of perfection, then repent and turn from your shortcomings.

3) Believe and receive Jesus Christ as the Lord (boss overall) of your life and the only way out of a
dedestructive path of sin brought on by our human Adamic nature.

4) Make a decision to serve Him as your Lord and Savior. This day and forever until He comes back

agagain to receive you.

Wake Up! Jesus is coming! Get Ready!

Scripture readings :

Matthew 22

Matthew 24: 27-51

Matthew 25

Joel 3

© Copyright 2011 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

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FOLLOW

Growing up, one of my favorite games was Follow the Leader. Looking back it was a flash of time that was mysterious yet amusing all at once. Mysterious because it was beyond the "followers" power to know what came next and it was amusing because none of us could think of a better place we would rather be. We loved not knowing where the leader would take us but tried to figure it out anyway. We loved taking a turn at being the leader as much as we did being the follower. And we loved trying our best to succeed at whatever obstacles and challenges we would tackle whether we were the leader or the follower

I remember moments and hours of anticipation at every obstacle with small giggles that turned into full bursts of laughter, completely enjoying every aspect of the game whether it was played inside or outside. The game became more intense when our group of cousins and childhood friends would "triple dog dare" everyone to play in the dark house with all the lights turned off. Groping around trying to guess by sounds and slight, very slight vision what the leader's next step would be. What were we thinking!?! Well, we all survived that game without any injuries thank the good Lord!

The Webster dictionary definition of the word follow includes descriptions such as:

-To carry through (as a process) to completion

-To come after in time

- To go after or on the track of

- To act according to the commands of

Andrew and Peter were quite fond of Follow the Leader also. They were just hanging out,

doing their own thing when the great Leader of all walked by. They heard Him speak and began to follow Him.

"Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciple and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"  The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. John 1:35-37

This began their three year long journey of Follow the Leader. They clung to Jesus, learning the details of following as they listened to Him.

In the Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the definition of follow or following is the word ä-ko-lü-the'-ō, which means:

-To follow one who proceeds, join him as his attendant, accompany him

-To join one as a disciple, become or be his disciple

"Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour." John 1:38-39

The Greek definition for the word come is e'r-kho-mī, which means:

-To come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence

-Be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto

-To go, to follow one

You see, Jesus was quite found of Follow the Leader also. He being Leader and supreme authority of all, desires that all will follow Him.

What will be your choice? Will you Follow the great Leader of all time?

Accept His invitation when He says Come.

And when you do come, you will see and not be disappointed.

© Copyright 2011 Simone Lake.  All Rights Reserved

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Response to Suffering

Suffering comes in all phases, levels and extremities.

Look around the world, your loved ones and the daily news for the evidence.

It reaches beyond and touches every ethnicity, culture, gender and age.

It involves every one of our emotions.

It affects our mind, heart and soul.

It rocks our nerve system, offering shaking and shuttering.

And it will leave lasting scars for a lifetime of continual intense pulses of pain.

No one living on this earth will escape it.

We cannot hide from the violence it brings, carving away at our inward parts.

No matter what area of ministry I am involved with, one of the common denominators

of the people I meet are the various kinds of suffering endured in their life time.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has their battle wounds to show, whether visible or invisible.

There is no need to rank the areas of suffering.

We have all been through some type although each occurrence may be categorized in various measures.

Some people endure unbelievable circumstances that bring wonderment to those on the outskirts watching.

Other people endure the daily simplicities of life, hidden for all to see.  Sacred and secret from outsiders eyes.

Both pain is equally intense.

Each fresh experience brings new elements of detail; however, the pain is still the same. 

The healing of the wound is a lengthy ordeal, recovery time sluggish and full recovery lingers, teasing us along the way.

The question is not if we will suffer.  The question is what is your response when you suffer?

Responses to suffering include:

1)        Anger at God
2)       Absolute hopelessness
3)       Praise God

Consequences of these responses:
1)       Alienating the only One who can truly help
2)       Failing in seeing the true Hope that brings deliverance
3)       Joining with the angels (and all creation) in the glorious task of praise.

Which response and consequence will you select? 

One of my Biblical hero’s includes Apostle Paul.   As he shares his qualifications and evidence as an apostle with the saints at Corinth, he also shares his path of suffering. How is it that a man can endure five separate times of getting his back beaten 40 lashes each time (minus one) and come through those experiences closer to God than ever before?

So for a grand total, his back would have been lashed 195 to 200 times. He was stoned once and left for dead but did not die and shipwrecked three times. This is just a small portion of his resume of suffering for Christ.  Towards the end of his life, he was put in prison.  The thing that stands out the most about Paul, are the specific things he writes in the New Testament letters.  To all the various saints and churches not once does he regurgitate his trials, share details of his wounds, or lamentations of  each experiential woe, but instead, he heaps on encouragement after encouragement towards his audience and leads them to place of constant focus on Christ regardless of the circumstance.

This is amazing! How does one get to that place?  Especially with all the things he endured.

That is my quest and one of my greatest desires, to train my heart, soul, mind and body in the fine art of focus and praise to a holy and majestic God. 

So when I am in a place of suffering:

1)       My focus will hopefully not be on the thoughts of pain that can reinjure over and over again.
But instead, praises will be on my lips refreshing me over and over again on His goodness.

2)       My focus will be on a holy task that drowns out the throbbing pulses and instead be replaced with repeated
gazes and glimpses upon the Triune God.

3)       My focus will not be on me because this body will fade away but instead I want to focus on the glorious inheritance that awaits…not to mention the house I always wanted.

So I invite you to join me in ordering our flesh to do these very same things that we were created to do.  Glorify the Lord in EVERYTHING.

Scripture Text:  II Corinthians 11: 23-33

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Shade, Breeze and Water

Hiking is one of my favorite past times.  I truly enjoy hanging out with my best friend/husband, our black and white Border collie and together roaming the marked trails of the beautiful Mogollon Rim. Actually any trail in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona or the varieties of National Parks in the USA will do just fine by me.  Whether it is a short day hike for an hour or the famous all day rim to rim trek of the Grand Canyon, hiking is just one of the richest blessings and treasures here on earth. 

With spring fast approaching, there are added surprises of bright orange, yellow and hues of purple wild flowers covering the hills and mountains as one looks out for miles seeing various colors, bringing a whole new outlook and beauty in the same trail we have hiked dozens of times.

I just LOVE to be out in God’s glorious creation and joining with all of nature in praise and worship.

With these great aspects to hiking, there are bound to be some not so pleasant times.

Even in the sweetest trails and most awesome scenery, the human body has a tendency not to keep up with what the mind wants to achieve.  Often times in the middle of the heat as sweat increases on my forehead, I look forward to pausing underneath the shade tree miles ahead and anxiously picking up my pace to get there quicker. 

Likewise, when one feels completely undone by the heat, like when you cannot take another step, there is a joy that comes with the refreshing cool breeze encouraging with gentle puffs of wind to assist you in finishing your goal.  Nature’s air conditioning cools down your body giving it the strength and the joy to endure until the end instead of overheating.

And no matter how fresh the air is and how energized my body might feel, my mouth will strongly disagree, longing for a drink of water to quench my parched throat and dry lips.  Taking a sip then gulping down some water replenishes the much needed oxygen and hydrogen to the body.

There is nothing more restorative to relieve the body from the heat, than a cool breeze, a glass of water or the shade from trees.

These are great bible parallels that apply to us spiritually.

King David, who loved the Lord and served Him, wrote in Psalms 121, an encouragement to all who read. In this song of ascents, he encourages others with the words that...  “The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand.” Confirming and solidifying that the Lord is much like the shade, relieving you from heat of this world.  Have confidence in this holy Shade He is faithful!

Much like the refreshing of a gentle breeze, the Apostle Paul when writing his letter to Philemon seeks the pardon and forgiveness from Onesimus who was in debt to Philemon.  Paul pleads for Philemon’s forgiveness.  The Greek word for refresh is anapauō, which means to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest.  This same word as it relates to forgiveness is the same function of a natural breeze. 

Finally we know that Jesus Himself is much like a cool drink of water that refreshes as He shared with the Samaritan woman. “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘…but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’ “Jesus offers Himself

as the living water declaring Himself “I AM”

Almighty God in all of His splendor, glory, majesty, holiness omnipresence and sovereign righteousness, takes great joy in becoming our closest friend, and through Jesus Christ, it is possible. Imagine have a Savior that is truly your BFF (Best Friends Forever). 

One who is faithful in His promises to:

Keep you

Shade you with His right hand

Refresh you

Enable you to forgive others.

Provide living water, Himself, so that you do not need to thirst again

 ©  Copyright 2011 Simone Lake.  All Rights Reserved

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Eternal Fireworks

July 4th, one of Americans most notable holidays has come and gone. The fireworks were spectacular, the tailgate parties and picnics were enjoyable and finally coming to an end are the “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” from mouths of bent back necks vocalizing the mesmerized emotion from the sparkling display of lights and sounds from fireworks in the sky. Even though the distant memories are still sketched in our heads we have moved on to current or future upcoming events of celebration. 

One of the all time most famous and notable set of “fireworks” happened 2000 years ago right after the birth of Jesus the Savior of the world.  Shepherds which culturally included the simple, children, elderly and women, all had the same “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” from their hearts.  Likewise, their bent back necks where also mesmerized, in awe and full of emotion from the sparkling display of lights and sounds of the angel fireworks in the sky.  And what fireworks! Scripture tells us that the glory of the Lord shown around the angel that brought this incredible earth changing news, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord!”

A multitude of angels echoed this praise by declaring “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will toward all men!” 

Great joy indeed!  These spiritual fireworks have not diminished because the day ended after this announcement but instead they are ever present in our everyday lives, as real and abounding as ever before.  These fireworks are not easily forgotten as the Light is still brightly showing from heaven with the same glorious news for He is sitting on the right-hand side of God still manifesting the glorious message

QUESTIONS

Would you take the time to invite this Firework into your live for eternal fireworks in your life?

SCRIPTURAL TEXT:

 Luke 2

FURTHER STUDY:

John 1:

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Treasured Jewels

What is your most treasured jewel? 

Some people may say it is their wedding ring or wedding band because of the double blessing that it represents, the ring itself and then the symbolism of marriage.  There are a variety of rings with various shapes and sizes.  Some are dripping with multiple karats of gold and jewels of various kinds.  Some have just one large jewel that catches the eye, standing out on its own.  Still some are very simple small band or a simple jewel.  Each one regardless of variety is meaningful to each owner.

Others may treasure family heirlooms as their most treasured jewel, considering those precious items that are passed down from generation to generation their most valuable jewels. These items are usually presented at special events and memorable to all.

Others would consider their own family members their jewels.  Spouses will say this about their husband or wife and parents will proclaim this about their children.

When reading scripture, there is clear evidence what things are jewels in God’s eyes. His creation and all those that hear upon His name and receive Him

Sacred Jewels

One of the Minor Prophets, Malachi expresses perfectly God’s idea of a jewel.  He says “And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.  In all the splendor of the world, a magnificent and holy heavenly Father does not brag upon His creation of the galaxies, Ozarks or even the vastness of land or ocean deep wonders.  Instead, He desires with great passion to make you His jewel through His Son Jesus.

Questions

So I want to ask you, what is your most treasured jewel?   Do you know that you are a gazillion times greater a treasured jewel to God?  Why?  Because He created you!  Look to Him to draw closer and reflect the shiny rays of the light of Christ.

Scriptural Text:  Malachi 3:17

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