Life is a Garden Party

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Contest


Life Is a Garden Party contest:

Life Is a Garden Party Vol II e-card,
14 packages of seeds from my yard,
hand towel and butterfly decoration.

To enter, submit your name under
Judy Janowski's private msg facebook account.

Winner will be announced January 15.

The winner of the 2017 Life Is a Garden Party contest is:
Susan Ostrander
Please contact me, Susan, re your address.
Thank you for entering. 

Friday, December 30, 2016

Blessing

 Blessing

If you're at all familiar with the Bible
you know it's filled with promises wonderful.
Promises that come true in your life and mine
as the Bible applies to all at all times.

You've noticed that blessings are given
freely to one's and others' children.
Many blessings were presented at the temple
by God's designated dedicated people.

Zechariah was a priest, upright in God's sight,
who obeyed God's commandments, always doing right.
Zechariah blessed his son John (the Baptist)
with God's words of wisdom.

Luke records that Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit.
How, like Moses, Zachariah’s face must have been lit!
John was to prepare the way for Jesus' coming
as a prophet preaching about forgiveness from sins.

This blessing or benediction was ordained by God
even before John the Baptist was born, we're told.
What an amazing blessing
to the world was coming.

When Jesus was a baby, He was consecrated to the Lord,
in accordance with what is written in the Law of the Lord.
Consecrated or dedicated to the Lord.
Because of Christmas, we know this birth would change the world.

Simeon, righteous and devout, blessed Jesus in the temple.
A blessing that extends even today to all peoples.
This eternal blessing is found in believing
the One who came so our sins would be forgiven.

Anna, a prophetess,
also blessed Jesus,
stating He would redeem Jerusalem.
Anna's words were filled with God's wisdom.

Blessings.
Earth changing.
Bringing about a change for the good.
Christmas, Jesus' birth, changed the world - it would.

* * * * *

Are your spoken words blessings
or do they come out as cursing?
If your words are full of doubt,
than a cursing has been let out.

Unfortunately we tend to talk more about what's wrong
than we do about our many blessings, which is wrong.
Words have power. What we say affects us emotionally,
we often find, as well as physically and spiritually.

Our words have power to tear down or to enrich
not only ourselves but others within our reach.
Our words make a lasting imprint on others.
May our words always bless one another.

God has spoken blessings over you too.
In His faithfulness He cares for you.
Here's a blessing from God's Word to you.
May you realize God's love for you.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

This is the blessing Zechariah spoke regarding his son, John:
"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79

When the time of their purification
according to the Law of Moses had been completed,
Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord,
"Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord").
Luke 2:22-23

This is the blessing Simeon spoke regarding Jesus:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,
who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die
before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.
When the parents brought in the child Jesus
to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:
"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Luke 2:29-35

Anna also blessed Jesus:
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was very old;
she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
and then was a widow until she was 84.
She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,
fasting and praying.
Coming up to them at that very moment,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were looking forward
to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38

(Jesus) took the children in his arms,
put his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:16

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things out not so to be.
James 3:10 (KJV)

As surely as I live, declares the Lord,
I will do to you the very things I heard you say.
Numbers 14:28




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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

A New Way

 A New Way

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them
with miles and miles to go still ahead of them
the wise men had come a long way from afar
being led along the way by a star, His star.

No map to guide them along the way.
Just a star in heaven led the way.
Their goal was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.
Not something they questioned. A fact they just knew.

So by looking up they plodded along
through many days and starry nights long.
Stopping for direction in Jerusalem along the way
they learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,
so off they went on this new way.

This special star led them
to a house in Bethlehem
where they bowed down and worshiped this child-King
who came to earth with a new way of life to bring.

Worshiped by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.
Worshiped by praising and glorifying in word
just as the shepherds had earlier done
when announcing a new way had come.

This new way of life for mankind brought needed salvation
and as Simeon spoke of, "a light for revelation."
This new way of life now ensures us
that Immanuel or God is with us.

After weeks of searching for then finding the Christ-child,
the wise men were ready to return to report to King Herod
except they were warned in a dream not to,
to return home by a new way hereto.

A new way, the opposite direction, both figuratively and literally.
This new way is also available to each one of us personally.
So off these truly wise men, and humbled shepherds, went
though never again the same
for a new way of life was available to them, and to us also,
as God's Word claims.

* * * * *

Do you need to make a U-turn?
It's never too late to return
to seek God's way, His best plan and purpose for us
by living a life of believing faith and trust.

As the Bible is written for our example
the Old Testament records many examples
of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble
after finding going their own way got them into trouble.

Where did they turn to when they repeatedly got themselves into trouble?
It was always the Lord they depended on to get them out of trouble.
God is always ready, willing, and available to help us in our times of trouble.
Do you need to return by going the opposite direction? God is still available.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas
you'll find your way will be different
as His presence will go with you
as you travel a way that's new.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,
they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:12

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.
Luke 2:28, 30-32

Come, let us return to the Lord.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea 6:1, 3

Even now, declares the Lord,
return to me with all your heart...
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and have pity
and leave behind a blessing.
Joel 2:12-14

Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty,
and I will return to you.
Zechariah 1:3

Here's some verses to contemplate as you go your new way.

Teach me your ways so I may know you.
Exodus 33:13

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to
fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him,
to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees
that I am giving you today for your own good.
Deuteronomy 10:12

Show me your way, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4

Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
Psalm 77:13-14

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
This is the way, walk in it.
Isaiah 30:21

I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 48:17

I am the way and the truth and the life.
John 14:6

I worship the God of our fathers
as a follower of the Way.
Acts 24:14

And we pray this in order that
you may live a life worthy of the Lord
and may please him in every way
bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power
according to his glorious might
so that you may have great endurance and patience,
and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints
in the kingdom of light.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:10-14


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Monday, December 26, 2016

Wise Men

 Wise Men

In the Bible story of old
a story of Wise Men is told.
We read about them in Matthew 2.
They appear to have been well to do.

These Wise Men were said to be scientific astrologers
who for a living studied the night sky for special stars.
Perhaps the first horoscopes
came from these mysterious folks.

They recorded statistics
and were somewhat mystic,
foretelling of future unknown events -
perhaps calamity they would circumvent.

Traveling by camel caravan
eastward over strange and distant lands
they were following a unique star.
One which led them night after night afar.

They knew the star belonged to the king of the Jews
for the prophets said a king would be born to rule.
The star led them to the house where the Lord Jesus,
Christ, the Savior, with his mother, Mary, was.

These wise men bowed down and worshiped the Christ-child
then presented him with gifts they had compiled.
Do you know what made these men wise?
Was it the stars in the sky?

Was it statistics and supposition?
Was it financial gain and man's wisdom?
These men were wise because they followed the light
that led them to the one who could give them sight.

Sight to see their need of a personal Savior
where heaven's destination wasn't through labor.
Sight when they met the Light of the World
who was born that first Christmas Day we're told.

* * * * *

These ancient wise men of old went searching.
Today men and women are still searching.
Searching through world thrills that bring a degree of pleasure
but in the end leaves and emptiness beyond measure.

Stop searching,
start reaching
toward the everlasting light
that brings hope and delight.

You will become wise too
if you end your search anew
and discover the Light of the World.
It's the greatest story ever told.

Wise men
still seek Him.
Become wise
in God's eyes.

...Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him...
they went on their way,
and the star they had seen in the east
went ahead of them until it stopped
over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house,
they saw the child with his mother Mary,
and they bowed down and worshiped him.
They they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts
of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11



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Sunday, December 25, 2016

Gifts of Faith

Gifts of Faith

Christmas, a time of giving to others,
to show our love for one another.
Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,
is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,
recapturing childhood memories,
yet the reason for the season is oft forgot
though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort
this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.
What would you give to Christ this Christmas?
What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.
These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.
As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense ,and myrrh.
Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,
as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.
When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life
we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands
written in God's Word for His children.
We know that obedience shows God we love Him
so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,
being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.
To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this wicked world.
To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought and deed;
living a life of love instead of greed.
Having the Holy Spirit who enables us
to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering
used at that time in burial preparations.
We imitate this by "dying to self," daily to aspire.
Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,
one in which God will enable.
To say "no" to ungodliness,
as we acknowledge God's way is best.

Three gifts to give to Christ every day of the year:
l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,
2 being pure or set apart from the world,
3 daily dying to self by saying "no."

* * * * *

These three gifts of abiding faith
we give to Christ who by His grace
was the very first Christmas present.
Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you
in all I say, think, or do
so that my life is a testimony
giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him
with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"
Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
Hosea 6:3

And this is love:
that we walk in obedience to his commands.
2 John 6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
I John 1:9

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,
and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
while we wait for the blessed hope -
the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness
and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,
eager to do what is good.
Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.
Revelation 4:11




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Saturday, December 24, 2016

Go and Tell

Go and Tell

Why were the shepherds chosen, do you suppose,
to be visited that night out in the cold
by a surprising angel of the Lord?
Why were the shepherds chosen, do you suppose?

We do know that the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem
to witness this wonder of which the angel had spoken -
bringing good tidings of great joy to all peoples
born that day in the city of David's humble stable.

That night the shepherds saw with their own eyes
a newborn baby in the manger lie
cooed too by the cattle's din
for there was no room in the inn.

Mary and Joseph hovered nearby
as the showed off their new little guy
to these shepherds who came from distant plain -
a Savior, Christ the Lord, who would one day reign.

After bearing witness to this sight
the shepherds overwhelmed with much delight
returned to the hillside to guard their flocks
after telling others what they had sought.

They had made known abroad
all they had seen and heard -
witnesses to the Savior's birth
when God's own Son was born on earth.

Is that why, do you suppose,
the shepherds were the ones chose?
For they went and told
all they had seen and heard.

* * * * *

Christ the Savior is born
celebrated Christmas morn
for the shepherds went and told
and today we too have heard.

"Go and tell" is our mission
to spread the news of salvation
to every person
in every nation.

"Go and tell" good tidings of great joy
to all men and women, girls and boys
for Christmas is more than toys.
It's a season for joy.

Joy that's given when we believe
that God sent His Son and we receive
this gift of salvation,
redemption and pardon.

Joy in God's perfect gift to us, a Savior,
who loves us with unconditional favor.
"Go and tell" so everyone everywhere will know
the good tidings of great joy to all peoples.

"Go and tell"
one's heart swells
with God's love to everyone everywhere.
Today let someone you know God does care.

When they had seen him,
they spread the word concerning what had been told them
about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:17-18




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Thursday, December 22, 2016

It's Jesus Birthday

It's Jesus Birthday

Baby Jesus born today
in the manger on the hay.
Angels celebrate His birth
bringing peace and joy to earth.

Chorus:
It's Jesus birthday,
it's Jesus birthday,
it's Jesus birthday
the Bible tells me so.

Shepherds came to worship Him
in the town of Bethlehem.
Filled with wonder, they did praise
and bring God glory all their days.

Chorus

Far away wise men heard about
what the shepherds spoke about.
They followed a shining star
which guided them from afar.

Chorus

Once a year we celebrate
Jesus birthday on this date
for the Christ-child we do praise,
love, and honor all our days.

Chorus

(Can be sung to the tune of Jesus Loves Me)

Birthday Cake for Jesus

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Angels from the Realms of Glory
with news through generations.
Came to earth to tell the story
peace on earth, good will toward men.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, God with us, Emmanuel.

God with us through difficulties,
trials, troubles, uncertainties.
Yes, God with us He has promised
giving peace to all of us.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, God with us, Emmanuel.

Peace comes down from God the Father -
helps us cope whate'er the matter.
Peace despite anxieties and
peace in us through uncertainties.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, God with us, Emmanuel.

Peace comes down from God our Counselor.
He's known as the Prince of Peace.
Peace from the Everlasting Father.
Our Mighty God gives us peace.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, God with us, Emmanuel.



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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Provisions

Provision

Caesar Augustus did proclaim one day
that a census should be taken right way.
Everyone was to return
to the town where they had been born.

So Joseph and his expectant wife
traveled by donkey for days and nights
from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea
traveling through the mountains of Samaria.

The town of Bethlehem was filled with travelers,
crowded and noisy with boisterous revelers.
There were many reunions with loved ones.
Bethlehem was filled with gaiety and fun.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem
was there no one at all there to welcome them?
They soon learned there were no more rooms in the inns.
Did these two feel alone and unwelcome?

Did they wonder how God would provide?
Would God provide a place to reside?
Neither did they have a midwife.
Did they start their life with strife?

Seemingly alone as no one welcomed them
despite the large gathering in Bethlehem.
Did no one at all pay attention
to Mary's delicate condition?

Did the long journey start the contractions?
Did Mary know that night there would be action?
Did Joseph worry that they would spend the night outside?
Did Mary tell Joseph, “Just wait and see, God will provide”?

And God did provide
just as Mary confides
for shelter was suggested
though not usually subjected.

For there was an innkeeper
who was kind enough to offer
them shelter in his stable
where he kept his animals.

Did the innkeeper realize Mary was expecting?
Or was it payment for a night's lodging he was expecting?
Did the expectant parents think, 'no thank you',
or were they too weary and tired to argue?

Was Mary in pain
and did the added strain
of no place to stay
on their hearts lay?

There would be no one to attend
when the baby decided to come
though it was the traditional custom
for female relatives to attend.

Was Mary's travail easy?
How did Joseph keep busy?
Would God somehow in time provide?
Did Mary in Joseph confide?

Did they pray and ask God for help
when there wasn't any to help?
Were they left alone to fend for themselves in the world
though assured they would nurture the Savior of the world?

Were they alone or did God provide
after they prayed and in God did confide?
Wasn't there anyone to encourage them
there in the little town of Bethlehem?

But wait – encouragers arrived
when some strangers hurried
to Mary and Joseph's side
when the shepherds did abide.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided
encouragers when He sent the shepherds
to the stable that night?
Were they a welcome sight?

The shepherds saw this newborn named Christ the Lord, Jesus
the promised Messiah – Emmanuel, God with us,
who encourages every man in every nation
down through the ages through hundred of generations.

* * * * *

Today God still provides encouragers among us -
friends, who are often ministering angels among us.
God does provide every need along the way.
Often when we take the time to pray.

What has God provided for you today?
Was it something for which you have prayed?
Maybe it was a friend who saw a need
and provided encouragement in deed.

Yes, God will provide
when we confide.
Often with a surprise
so open your heart wide.

And wait to see how God abundantly provides.
Be sure to celebrate the real Christmas this yuletide!
The birth of the Savior, Jesus, who once came to earth
so that we would believe and receive eternal birth.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree
that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
(This was the first census that took place
while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth
in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,
because he belonged to the house and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary,
who was pledged to be married to him
and was expecting a child.
While they were there,
the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7



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Monday, December 19, 2016

Perfect Love

 Perfect Love

Let's consider the miracle of Christmas.
Because of God's mercy and amazing grace,
in His perfect love His promise was fulfilled
one night in Bethlehem as God's glory spilled
across the night sky when an angel announced to the shepherds
news of a Savior born - the most incredible news ever heard.

The promise of salvation for all.
Forgiveness from sins now possible.
The miracle of forgiveness alone was bliss
but now eternal life was also promised.
Forgiveness of sins and eternal life offered for free.
This miracle of God's mercy and amazing grace for you and me.

Not through anything we have done
but because of God's love which had come
one night long, long ago
in a stable where cattle lowed
as God provided shelter
in a town helter-skelter.

God's provision – a miracle at the 11th hour -
proving that He is our rock, our strong tower.
And God still performs these 11th hour miracles today.
Miracles that build our faith and trust as we journey on our way
through God's mercy and amazing grace
faithfully sustaining the human race.

God's promise fulfilled by the birth of a baby
which was God's perfect love personified, truly.
Perfect love that offers forgiveness and eternal life also.
Perfect love that from the heart of God to ours continuously flows.
Christmas signifies the gift of God's perfect love
when the Savior came down from heaven above.

May you realize the incredible love God has for you
not only at Christmastime but the whole year through
as you recall God's promise of a Savior who came to earth -
announced by angels, witnessed by shepherds - with a birth
nothing less than a miracle:
God's gift of love to all peoples.

* * * * *

God's love is perfect because it is unconditional
based on God's continuous mercy and amazing grace to all.
Unfathomable from the human mind,
this perfect love that God has for mankind.

God's mercy and grace though undeserved
always lovingly bestowed
for God desires everyone come to repentance -
to receive his free gift of salvation through forgiveness.

I pray that you have received this free gift.
A gift that will bring peace and joy to your spirit.
Receive God's gift of love to us -
the gift of Jesus – this Christmas.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10

You have been my refuge,
a strong tower.
Psalm 61:3

There is no fear in love.
Perfect love drives out fear,
because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
I John 4:18

Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Be imitators of God, therefore,
as dearly loved children
and live a life of love,
just as Christ loved us.
Ephesians 5:1-2

Dear friends, Let us love one another,
for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
I John 4:7

God's kindness leads you toward repentance.
Romans 2:4

If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
I John 1:9


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