Blog Archives - Faith is the Evidence

Faith is the Evidence

Psalm 16 FTE Psalm Of The Week - Confidence In The Lord

7/31/2017

Psalm 16 is a song of trust and expression of joy. Joy that comes from faithfulness and loyalty;

Joy in service, not for deliverance but for the continuation of the happiness the psalmist has found
Joy in faith knowing that God will always be with him
Joy in hope.

Verses 9 and 10 are Messianic prophecy and refer to Christ’s resurrection.

Acts 2:25 King David said this about him: ‘I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me,

Acts 13:34-36 For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’ Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’ This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed.

In the last verse if this psalm we today can, with the psalmist, David, rejoice in the happiness that we have in the presence of the Lord.

The Joy Of Loyalty

Psalm 16:1-11 (HCSB)
1 Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You.
2 I said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides You.”3 As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.4 The sorrows of those who take another ⌊god⌋ for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
5 LORD, You are my portion and my cup ⌊of blessing⌋; You hold my future.6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD who counsels me— even at night my conscience instructs me.8 I keep the LORD in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.9 Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely.
10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see decay.11 You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.

Who Is God? El Shaddai - God Almighty, The All-Sufficient One

7/28/2017

This is the tenth post in the series “Who Is God”.

My proper name is Donald, but I’m also called dad, father, grandpa, son, uncle, brother, nephew, and pastor along with others. Each of these is a name for me which describes certain attributes. God’s proper name is Jehovah, but as with you and me His is known by other names that describe Him.

El Shaddai

Genesis 17:1 (NLT) When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning "breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning "mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer. - Blue Letter Bible

Whenever we hear God speaking of Himself in the Bible as ‘God Almighty’ we are hearing the Hebrew name El Shaddai. It is among the most frequently appearing names for God in the Bible.

After identifying Himself as El Shaddai to Abram, God Almighty made a covenant with him.

Genesis 17:2-9 (NLT)2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him,4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations!5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!7 “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.8 And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”9 Then God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility.

The covenant relies completely on God. He tells Abram (whose name He changes to Abraham later), eight times, the things that He will do for him. All Abram has to do to keep the covenant is to obey and if he does he and all his descendants will be greatly blessed.

God doesn’t even ask Abram if he can obey. He starts the conversation by proclaiming that He is Abram’s El Shaddai, the one Who is able to provide everything that he needs in order for him to obey. By depending on El Shaddai he will be able to keep the covenant.

El Shaddai Is Omnipotent

The name El Shaddai implies that God has all the power He needs to do anything,

He Cannot Be Stopped from Accomplishing His Purposes

Daniel 4:35 (NLT) All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’

He Does Whatever He Wants to Do

Psalm 115:3 (NLT) Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.

He is our Refuge

Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

That shadow includes the shadow of the cross where El Shaddai, as Jesus, entered into a new covenant with the true (spiritual) descendants of Abraham.

Hebrews 8:6-13 (NLT)6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.8 But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.9 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the LORD.10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the LORD.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already.12 And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”13 When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.

Galatians 3:29 (NLT)29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

As with the covenant with Abram all we have to do to keep it is to obey El Shaddai. He promises to be sufficient for anything that He allows in our lives.

Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

El Shaddai Lyrics - written by Michael Card and John Thompson, recorded by Amy Grant

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El shaddai.

Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by your might,
You set your children free.

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El shaddai.

Through the years you've made it clear,
That the time of christ was near,
Though the people couldn't see
What messiah ought to be.
Though your word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of your son.

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
I will praise you 'till I die,
El shaddai.

El shaddai, el shaddai,
El-elyon na adonai,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El shaddai, el shaddai,
Erkamka na adonai,
I will praise you 'till I die.
El shaddai.

To Be Jealous Means That You Are Not Content With What God Has Given You

7/27/2017

Our church's Prayer Line is in the middle of a study of jealousy One of the things we’ve learned is that feeling, or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages is one of definitions of jealousy.

To envy is to want something which belongs to another person.

Exodus 20:17 (NLT)17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

For those of you that say we are no longer under the law try this one on for size;

Mark 12:30-31 (NLT)30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

If we love God and our neighbor then we won’t covet what belongs to them.

Jealousy is the fear that something which we possess will be taken away by another person. Jealousy can apply to our jobs, our possessions, or our reputations. This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not characteristic of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires, and not God's will for our lives..

1 Corinthians 3:3 (ASV)3 for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?

Galatians 5:26 (NLT)26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
The Bible tells us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God.

Matthew 13:15 (NLT)15 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’

But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Be Content

Being jealous indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never leave or forsake us.

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We can get to know Him through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with mature believers. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change.

Romans 12:2 (NLT)2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

For us as believers, contentment should be governed by inner attitude and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances.

Philippians 4:11-14 (NLT)11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

What’s amazing by this scripture is that it’s part to the letter that Paul wrote to the church in Philippi while in a Roman prison. He understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have Christ living in him. He had made the decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of God with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.

John 15:1-9 (NLT)1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Thankfulness Leads to Contentment

Adam and Eve weren’t content with what God had given them so they disobeyed and ate of the one tree, out of all the trees in the Garden of Eden, that God told them not to eat. They were convinced, by Satan, that God had something that they didn’t have, which was knowledge of good and evil, and they coveted that that knowledge. They weren’t content with what God had given them.

Do we genuinely desire and long for God, or for other things? If we are not content and grateful for what we have and who we are, then we are not loving God as we should. As Francis Schaeffer put it, we are “coveting against God”.

When we are thankful we realize that the “grass is not greener” next door. Our gratitude waters our own grass and makes it greener.

Our thankfulness and gratitude results in surrendering our will to God’s will for our lives because we trust Him.

Matthew 6:9-10 (NLT)9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

If you want to see how much you really trust God take a look at your thankfulness and gratitude when things don’t go your way or you don’t have and can’t get the things that you want.

Psalm 95:1-7 (NLT)1 Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.4 He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.5 The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,7 for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

When something threatens to steal your contentment, look to God and stop trying to get contentment from any other source. When you find yourself becoming flustered, anxious, or angry, stop and say, "Lord, You are my source, and I draw from You.

Psalm 59:17 (NKJV)17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.

Total Praise - Written
by Richard Lee Smallwood

Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from You
Your peace, You give me in time of the storm
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you

Amen, Amen (Amen)
Amen, Amen (Amen)
Amen, Amen (Amen)
Amen, Amen (Amen)

You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you

Amen, Amen (Amen)
Amen, Amen (Amen)
Amen, Amen (Amen)
Amen, Amen (Amen)

Watch and see how God will quiet your spirit and bring contentment.

Yes Jesus Saves, But From What?

7/26/2017

We Christians are always going around asking the people that we meet if they are saved. At sometime shortly after we’ve met a person, for the first time we ask the question “Are you saved”? We may not use those exact words but what we want to know is if that person has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and become a child of God and part of His Kingdom. But let’s think for a minute, while you and I may know what it is to be saved my guess is that the person that we’re talking to has no idea. What if they, in turn, asked you “saved from what”? Could you answer them?

Here’s something that I read on the Internet in an issue of Frontersman, an Alaska newspaper. The article was written by Ethan Hansen, Pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship, Big Lake, Alaska. It gives you answers to the question “saved from what”?

I’m sharing the full article, Jesus saves - from what? in this blog post.

Jesus saves - from what?

Recently my family crossed from Canada back into Alaska. We cleared customs and drove a mile into Alaska and there on a hillside in bold, white rocks was the statement, “Jesus Saves.” What does it mean that Jesus saves? The word saved simply means “to rescue.” Yes, Jesus saves. There is only one way to be saved and that is through Jesus. There is no doubt that Jesus saves but the real question is, “From what does Jesus save us?” Thankfully, the Bible answers this question!

Jesus saves from guilt to righteousness. Every person has sinned against God. God is a just and holy God. God always punishes sin. Romans 3:19 says, “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.” If a judge does not punish sin, he is not a righteous judge. The entire world is guilty before God. But when a person understands that Jesus came to rescue sinners- He died in our place- the righteousness of Jesus is credited to your life. You move from guilt before God to righteousness before God!
Jesus saves from the wrath of God to the love of God. Romans 5:9 says, “We shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” We used to live with God’s anger. God expects us to obey Him and we fail to do so. God’s standard is perfect obedience every moment of every day. But through Jesus Romans 5:9 is transformed into Romans 8:39 where nothing “can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus saves us from alienation to fellowship. Romans 5:10 says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Jesus died a substitutionary death. Through faith and repentance, you go from being God’s enemy to being God’s child.

Jesus saves from slavery to sin to freedom. Romans 6:17 says, “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed.” We often think of ourselves as free. People say, “I am free. I do what I want.” The Bible says that we are slaves of sin. Jesus saves us from being slaves of sin to being able to live like He made us to live.

Jesus saves us from eternal death to eternal life. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus said, “He who believes in Me will never die” (John 11:26). Christians die physically but they don’t die spiritually. Even the fear of death is taken away. Death is simply passing from this life into the next life for the believer.

Jesus saves from a fallen, decaying body to a perfect, new body. The Bible promises that every Christian will one day receive a new body. Our present bodies experience groaning and pain (Romans 8:22). My parents went to their fiftieth high school reunion. They returned and said, “We are the only ones who hadn’t changed!”

We are all getting older but Romans 8:23 reveals a great truth. “….even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” In 1 Corinthians 15 the apostle Paul talks about the perfect, new, eternal bodies which will be given to every person saved by Jesus.

The gospel is the best news possible. The cross is amazing. God the Father treated Jesus as if He lived my life. Then God the Father treats me as if I lived the life of Jesus. Jesus gets all of my bills and pays them in full. I get all of His deposits. The gospel is an amazing exchange. Jesus gets the blame for my sin. I get the credit for His perfect obedience!
Won’t you be saved today? Understand your great need. We are sinners who need a Savior. Understand our great Hero, the Lord Jesus Christ, who defeated sin, Satan and death. Repent of your sins and put your faith and trust for spiritual rescue in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

© Copyright 2017 Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, 5751 E. Mayflower Ct. Wasilla, AK

I asked the question on Quora and LinkedIn. I’ll post the answers that I get on my Facebook Page. To see them like my Page by clicking on the Facebook icon above.

Psalm 139 FTE Psalm Of The Week - The All Knowing Ever Present God

7/24/2017

Psalm 139 is the prayer and reflections of someone who had an intimate knowledge of and experience with God. Not like some other Psalms this one doesn’t include abstract philosophy or speculative meditation only his experiential knowledge of the Lord.

He talks about God’s Omniscience (all knowing), His Omnipresence (present everywhere), and His Foreknowledge. He is in awe of God's thoughts which are man can never fully comprehend

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

He closes the prayer talking about evil and how God, who has such intimate minute knowledge of man, can’t overlook flagrant sin.

The Personal Concern of God

Psalm 139:1-24 (NLT)1 O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers!20 They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name.21 O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Jesus Intercedes For Us So That We Can Intercede for Others

7/20/2017

Prayer is the theme of the year at my church, The Church of Divine Guidance in Los Angeles. Our Bible studies and most of our sermons are about prayer. I led a study from the book Prayer: Does It Make A Difference? by Philip Yancey, and we talked a lot about intersession even going so far as to say we are to intercede for our enemies.

Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Our current study is from the book, Prayer Warrior: The Power Of Praying Your Way To Victory, by Stormie Omartian. In our first session we learned that being a prayer warrior means praying for, or interceding for others.

We have a Prayer Line each Thursday night and we intercede for each other, our congregation, the Church, youth, marriages, the nation and people with specific prayer requests.

I read something several days ago that was a real eye opener for me, with regard to intercession. In it the writer, Robert Morris, said that intercession builds bridges between God and the people for whom we pray. He reminds us that Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us so that we can intercede for others.

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Here is some of what he writes in “Intercessory Prayer: How to Build a Bridge and Intercede for Others” in his book Why Keep Praying When You Don’t See Results

Prayer is the theme of the year at my church, The Church of Divine Guidance in Los Angeles. Our Bible studies and most of our sermons are about prayer.    I led a study from the book Prayer: Does It Make A Difference? by Philip Yancey, and we talked a lot about intersession even going so far as to say we are to intercede for our enemies.

Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Our current study is from the book, Prayer Warrior: The Power Of Praying Your Way To Victory, by Stormie Omartian. In our first session we learned that being a prayer warrior means praying for, or interceding for others.

We have a Prayer Line each Thursday night and we intercede for each other, our congregation, the Church, youth, marriages, the nation and people with specific prayer requests.

I read something several days ago that was a real eye opener for me, with regard to intercession. In it the writer, Robert Morris, said that intercession builds bridges between God and the people for whom we pray. He reminds us that Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us so that we can intercede for others.

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Here is some of what he writes in “Intercessory Prayer: How to Build a Bridge and Intercede for Others” in his book Why Keep Praying When You Don’t See Results

Scripture tells us that when we say prayers of intercession, we are building bridges between God and the people for whom we pray.

Remember, this isn’t just a prayer, it’s a deliberate action. It isn’t just saying words, it’s a construction project. In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, Paul
writes:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Because Jesus has done the work of intercession and still intercedes for us with the Father, and because the Holy Spirit intercedes for us as well, helping us unburden ourselves, we can now intercede for others. The Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit have built bridges to God that we may cross over, so that we, too, can be in that bridge-building business. We have the incredible privilege of building a span from heaven to earth, from God to the person for whom we are praying.

First, you take hold of God.

When the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him how to pray, He told them, essentially,

The first thing you do is to honor God. You say, Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6:9)

You take hold of God by acknowledging who He is and by thanking Him and praising Him for all He has done.

Jesus Himself said it: “Pray always, and don’t give up.”

The reason any of us can do this — is because Jesus has first made a bridge for us and an intersection for us.

You and I can’t begin to imagine what that cost Him.

Not long ago I read a story in a history book. After World War I, the United States government allocated funds to help care for the orphans in Europe. At one of the orphanages, an emaciated man brought in a very thin little girl. He said, “I would like for you to take care of my little girl, please.”

They asked him if the girl was his daughter, and he said yes. “We’re so sorry,” they told him, “but our rules and policies are such that we can’t take in any children who have a living parent.”

“But I was in prison camps during the war,” he protested. “And now I’m too sick to work. Her mother’s gone. She will die if you don’t take care of her!”

The officials felt compassion for the distressed man but told him their hands were tied. There was nothing they could do.

Finally the man said, “Do you mean to tell me that if I were dead, you would take care of my little girl, and she could have food and clothes and a home?”

“Yes,” they replied.

With that, the man picked up the little girl, hugged her and kissed her, and then put her hand in the hand of the man at the desk. “I will arrange it,” he said. He walked out of the orphanage and sacrificed his own life.

Somewhere in eternity, the day came when Jesus said to the Father, “Do You mean that if I die, those people on earth can live and have a home with You forever?”

And the Father said, “Yes.”

With that, Jesus put our hands in the Father’s hand, walked out of Heaven, was born on earth, and died on the cross and paid for our sins. In so doing, He made a bridge for us so that we could have a relationship with a holy God.

If you have never done so, you need to walk across the bridge that Jesus provided for you at the cost of His own blood, His own life.

Then, remembering that Jesus built that bridge for you (and with the Spirit’s help), you can begin to intercede for others, so that their paths will intersect with the path of God and they will walk with Him forever.

Excerpted with permission from Why Keep Praying When You Don’t See Results by Robert Morris, copyright Robert Morris.

Intercede Because We Are Not Independent

In our culture today independence is important as we tout our freedom, but unless we have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior we're not really free, and the Bible says that, if we have accepted Jesus then we are not truly independent (This July 4th Celebrate Your Independence In Christ).

Read this devotional from InTouch Ministries Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanley

The Need for Friendship

2 Timothy 4:9-22 (NLT) 9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can.10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done.15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.
18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.

Independence is a prized attribute in our culture, but biblically, it isn't a worthy aspiration. Nowhere in Scripture will you find the erroneous quote, "God helps those who help themselves." The very fact that the Lord formed the church--a community of believers--should tell us that He did not create people for self-sufficiency or isolation.
When we place faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us so we can have a fulfilling relationship with the Lord and satisfying friendships with one another. In God's design, a close, committed biblical friendship between two believers serves to build both toward Christlikeness. Look at any of the saints in Scripture, and you will find evidence of reliance upon a close friend or confidante for support. Paul, in particular, spoke freely and often of his dependence upon dear companions and encouraged others to form intimate partnerships as well (2 Tim. 2:22).
It's interesting to me that our modern culture seems to be headed in the opposite direction. The farther our nation drifts from God, the more pervasive our self-sufficient attitude becomes. Neighbors treat each other with suspicion instead of congeniality, and that mindset has invaded the church as well. We're hesitant to give to others, which in turn makes us reluctant to receive.

Scripture tells us to love one another, bear our brothers' burdens, and confess our sins to fellow believers (John 13:34 ; Gal. 6:2; James 5:16). In other words, we're to give ourselves away to others and receive from them in return. That's how church members can stimulate one another to Christlikeness.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Like It Or Not The Bible Says We Must Pray For Our Leaders

7/18/2017

God doesn’t give us an option in praying for our leaders. He doesn’t say only pray for the leaders you agree with and like. He says pray for all leaders. The Bible commands us to pray for leaders, because all authority has been established by God to accomplish His purpose which is to establish His kingdom which will endure forever..

Romans 13:1-5 (NLT)1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

The Bible contains many commands to pray for our leaders—national and local, secular and religious. The Bible makes special mention of praying for those in positions of authority. Those people include government officials (international, national, and local), and church leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT)1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.3 This is good and pleases God our Savior,4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

1 Peter 2:17 (NLT)17 Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.

Titus 3:1-2 (NLT)1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Praying For Our Leaders Makes Practical Sense

Yes we are commanded to pray for our leaders, but it also makes practical sense to pray for them. They can affect the conditions we live under, and have an impact on our families, our churches, our workplaces, our cities, and our countries. When our leaders obey the will of God, it is easier to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”. When evil leaders are in authority, our prayers for them are just as needed.

Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

You may be the only person praying for them. We need to show the love of God to them too because if we don’t nobody will. Through prayer for we plead to God on their behalf because they can’t do it themselves. Let’s face it as much as we don’t want to accept it Jesus died for them too.

Leadership Can Be A Grueling Task

James 3:1 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Leaders carry a degree of responsibility to all those under their authority whether they agree with them or not. Leaders the targets of criticism especially by those of us who disagree with them. The “buck stops with them”, and that’s an awesome responsibility. We should pray for them simply because we recognize the greatness of their task and although we disagree with them at least they were willing to lead. We should pray for our leaders and ask Him to have His way in their hearts, to support those around them, and to use their leadership to benefit those they lead whether they agree or disagree with them..

That’s All Well And Good For Good Leaders But What About Bad, Corrupt, Ungodly, Leaders

Most of my friends know how I personally feel about the current leadership of this country not only in the White House but the US House of Representatives and Senate.. I disagree with nearly all of their plans, policies, and proposals (This is not a political statement. I wasn’t crazy about the President’s opponent in the last election election either. Read on and you will get my point). However they are our current governmental leaders in the United States, and the Bible commands that I pray for them, even though I don’t agree with them. How do I do that?

To be perfectly honest I have struggled with praying for him, and I know that most of my friends have the same problem. That’s why I started writing this blog post so that I could maybe get some answers. I found an article from Charisma News which was published in November 2014. The writer, Rob Schwarzwalder, was obviously struggling with the same question in trying to pray for the then President, a man on the opposite end of the political spectrum from the man I’m struggling to pray for, so my guess is that he and I would disagree on a great deal when it comes to public policy. The article didn’t cause me to change my opinion of our current leadership or their plans, policies, or proposals, and this post will probably not change yours either, but that’s not the object of the post. The point is that we are still commanded to pray for them, and here are some good ways to do that.

Rob’s article does give five very good ways to pray for government leaders you don’t agree with, no matter where you are on the political spectrum, Republican, Democrat, Independent, liberal, moderate, conservative, or anywhere in between.

We should pray for their health and safety. As recorded in

Ezra 6:9-10 (NLT)9 “Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and male lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven. And without fail, provide them with as much wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil as they need each day.10 Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the welfare of the king and his sons. (Bold mine)

We should pray that they would execute justice. Honoring and protecting those who live decently and productively and punishing those who do wrong are the fundamental duties of the state We should ask the Lord that those in authority would fulfill them well.

1 Peter 2:13-14 (NLT)13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state,14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. (Bold mine)

We should pray that they would follow the Lord's ways and repent if they don't.

2 Chronicles 33:1-3, 11-13 (NLT)1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years.2 He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.3 He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had broken down. He constructed altars for the images of Baal and set up Asherah poles. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them11 So the LORD sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.13 And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God!

When evil leaders are in authority, our prayers for them are just as needed. Manasseh’s reign over Judah which resulted in his capture and exile to Babylon was reversed when he repented. This shows that when evil leaders sincerely repent they can be used by God to restore what they have ruined.

Pray that they would govern, with wisdom, for the of those they lead, not for personal gain or for the advantage of a favored few. Their concern must be for everyone's well-being.

Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT) And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

Pray that God would accomplish His purposes through them regardless of their willingness to be used by Him. We can petition the Most High to work through even those who are resisting Him to fulfill His purposes.

Proverbs 21:1 (NLT) The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.

If we don’t agree with the policies of our leaders we shouldn’t ask God to replace them because He allowed them to be there anyway. Eventually every leader must step down, so it’s important that while they are in authority, we be willing to submit to God’s will for their lives—and ours— by asking God to guide them and praying for their salvation, their protection and their ability to guide us and make wise decisions.
Yes, we are commanded to pray for our leaders no matter how much we disagree with them, their policies,or their proposals. We are commanded to pray for them no matter how much we dislike their moral character. Let God take care of that we can’t. We pray because we want to be able to continue to worship in peace and to pray for restoration of the nation despite the leadership.

Here’s God’s Guarantee

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

Psalm 12 FTE Psalm Of The Week - HELP!!

7/17/2017

When David wrote this Psalm he asked God to deliver the righteous from the oppression of the wicked. He was “speaking for the faithful, godly men who have been abused by the loudmouthed ones who speak idle flattery and indulge in double talk. Like Elijah, the psalmist speaks of himself as the only one left who has not joined these braggarts.” -The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

1 Kings 19:10 (NLT)10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (Bold mine).

In verse five God answers and says that He has heard and will take care of it.

David then responds knowing that if God promised to take care if it He will because He always keeps his promises.

The Wicked’s Oppression Of The Righteous Will Not Stand

Psalms 12:1‭-‬8( NLT) Help, O Lord , for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?” The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” The Lord ’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Therefore, Lord , we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.

Take Time To Recharge

7/15/2017

Often with success comes non-stop work, and if it goes on unchecked it can lead to burnout, depression, and a crash. This happens a lot in ministry because we set an unrealistic pace for ourselves.. Always rushing from one thing to another, one deadline after another. We justify it by saying that we’re doing the Lord’s work.

We say “The devil never takes a day off so why should I” I heard a great response to that from a very wise person who said, “I don't really think that the devil should be our example”.

The Bible calls those who will not work lazy;

Proverbs 13:4 (NLT)4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

But it calls those who will not rest disobedient

Of the Ten Commandments the one that God spent the most time explaining was the one on rest.

Exodus 20:8-11 (NLT)8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work,10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

Create A God-Space And Recharge

In a recent study based on the book, Prayer: Does It Make A Difference by Philip Yancey, I learned of how to create a God-space. A God-space is a place where you shut out all the noise, and it’s just you and God. It’s a space filled with God’s presence and nothing else. Your God-space can be anywhere and at anytime. It can be your bedroom, your bathroom, or your prayer closet. It can even be when you are walking down the street or surrounded by a group of people. You can shut them all out and still be aware of everything that’s going on around you.   It take practice to learn to create your personal God-space but when there it’s just you and God.   I’m not talking about some New Age or Eastern religious mystic thing. I’m talking about being filled by the Holy Spirit. He does the recharging.

Ephesians 5:18-20 (NLT)18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In your God-space you can even “stop time”. I don’t mean that time actually stops. Here’s something else I learned in that study. The author Philip Yancey has a chapter section Stopping Time”. In it Philip talks about a surgeon, Anthony Bloom, who after his conversion to Christianity, and many years as a surgeon, became a priest. He describes in his book “Beginning to Pray” , about a technique that he used for creating his God-space. He calls “stopping time”.   The practice of stopping time gradually transformed Bloom’s life with God. He concentrated on living in the present, recognizing that the past is irremediably gone and the future is irrelevant, because who knows whether it will happen or not.

He started by just stopping everything that he was doing for short periods of time during the day. One minute, two minutes, five minutes, ten minutes. He just shut out everything. Just a short time of quietness.   It could be in prayer or just being quiet. The first thing that he noticed, and we should take note of this ourselves, the world didn’t stop. His medical practice didn’t fall apart. For us whatever it is that is waiting to be done will wait. After these quiet times he was more efficient when he went back to the tasks at hand.

Anthony Bloom’s example is a good one but the best is the example of Jesus who often removed Himself from the hustle and bustle of ministry and took time to recharge.

Matthew 14:21-23 (NLT)21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Luke 5:15-16 (NLT)15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Luke 6:12 (NLT)12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.

In an excerpt from her book Pressing Pause Ruth Schwenk writes about how using Jesus as our example we can recharge.

Finding Solitude

You should take comfort in knowing that even Jesus, God in the flesh, needed solitude. He, too, knew the busyness of a life in demand. People were always pulling and tugging at Him. The needs were endless. And so He routinely withdrew to “lonely places” (Luke 5:16). He got away. Slowed down. In all of the giving, He got away to be fed by His Father.
Jesus knew and practiced the discipline of solitude. He, too, knew the busyness of a life in demand. People were always pulling and tugging at Him. The needs were endless. And so He routinely withdrew to “lonely places” (Luke 5:16). He got away. Slowed down. In all of the giving, He got away to be fed by His Father.
Jesus knew and practiced the discipline of solitude.

Before He started His public ministry, He spent forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Before making important decisions, like choosing the twelve disciples, He spent time alone (Luke 6:12; Mark 1:35). After some of His miracles, He found solitude (Matthew 14:23; Luke 5:16). And, of course, just before Jesus would go to the cross for our sins, He spent some time alone with His Heavenly Father (Matthew 26:36-46).

Are you feeling worn-out right now? There’s no guilt in getting away. Solitude is a gift God gives us so we can recharge and refill. If we don’t spend time away and time alone, the self-neglect can be dangerous.

One of the greatest things you can do for your own soul is find solitude.

Father, give me time today to be alone with You. Give me the wisdom to carve out space and time to stop. Help me to push pause and be quiet. Refresh me today. Renew my strength. Pour into me so that I can pour out to my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you ever feel guilty for wanting some alone time? Why?

Where in your schedule will you carve out solitude this week? Even ten minutes count.

Jesus was purposeful about His solitude. What can you do during your times of solitude to truly recharge?

Excerpted with permission fromPressing Pause by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk, copyright Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk. Published by Thomas Nelson

Grace Doesn't Excuse Sin It Empowers Righteousness

7/14/2017

My blog post today is Romans 3:10-22. Read and meditate on it. You’ll catch a glimpse of the depth of God’s grace.

All Are Sinners Yet God Gives His Grace

Romans 3:10-22 (NLT) As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” “They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow them. “They have no fear of God at all.” Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

Yes grace is unmerited favor. The extent we understand this determines the extent to which we will extend grace and mercy, both to ourselves and others. Grace doesn’t excuse sin. Grace is God’s presence to do what only He can do, through Christ’s finished work on the cross. Grace empowers righteousness.

Romans 5:20 (NLT) God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.

Why do some people think that God's grace is a license to sin?

I would love to hear your answer in the comment section of this post.

Click Here for additional bible studies

click here for additional sermons and more

See About Us See Privacy Policy

Affiliate Disclosure - I am an Affiliate of many products promoted on this website and may earn a commission if you purchase something. i am also a participant in the amazon services llc associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon .com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

© Faith The Evidence 2018

yknrablijpvz1k6bc72xngbtdeh7m9.html google-site-verification: googlefa6dc31a330d2e38.html