In Times Like These… DAILY DEVOTIONALS

By Bishop Alton A. Smith

The devotionals for this book were written by the author during the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020 – 2023. During a time when churches and businesses were closed, the author began to search for ideas and methods to stay in touch with the members of the church that he pastored.
Many were confused, worried and contemplating where to turn and what to do. He came up with the idea of devotionals, which were delivered to his parishioners by phone contact two days of each week from 2020 and even continue presently.
Members of the congregation welcomed this form of communication when they could not gather in fellowship. Even now, some do not feel safe to gather in crowds and rely on these devotionals as a means of being spiritually fed.
These devotionals reflect ways of coping with the times in which we live. We pray that they will bless and encourage each reader to know that God cares and He is an ever-present help in our lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823013116

Bishop Alton A. Smith

Bishop Alton A. Smith is the Senior Pastor of the St. Mark Church of Christ in Goldsboro, North Carolina and the General Bishop (President) of the over three hundred congregations of the Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, International. These congregations are located in the United States, Jamaica, Panama and West Africa. He has been recognized by the United American Free Will Baptist Denomination as a Fellowship Bishop in the Free Will Baptist Church and an honorary member of the Original Free Will Baptist Church, both of North Carolina. He is a servant of God and a strong believer in the family. His family consists of his wife, Doris Benton Smith (retired educator). They have one daughter. The Smiths reside in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

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January 2    THE BLESSING OF A NATION

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Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

The first part of this proverb tells us what can make a nation great.

It requires a Godly people. Today we look at how a nation is blessed or disgraced.

Our nation faces serious problems when it comes to this proverb.

We must know that this righteous doesn’t come from us.

God calls His people to live righteous and holy lives. Righteousness is the standard by which God says we are doing right.

He has a measuring rod in which he compares our lives to what he expects. This is not based on any human measurement.

The Word of God gives us direction and it gives us assurance that if we follow His Word and live righteously, He will bless our lives and where we live.

It we want to be exalted and blessed; we must choose consistently what is right. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

II Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

January 3    THE GOD OF PEACE

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1 Thessalonians 5:23 – And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When peace, like a river attended my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well it is well with my soul!

This remarkable hymn was penned by Horatio Spafford following the loss of his children to a terrible storm at sea. While on a voyage to comfort his wife, he passed over the very waters where the tragedy occurred.

Through his faith in God, it was during this time that he was inspired to write. The words to this hymn were a testament to the salvation he found in Jesus through the good and bad times in life.

How blessed it is that even in times of hardship and sorrow we can look to Christ and say, "It is well with my soul."

The Bible teaches that man consists of body, soul, and spirit.

Our material bodies are evident, but our soul and spirit are less distinguishable (not visibly identifiable).

The soul and the spirit belong to God - so at all times, preserve and protect your soul. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

January 4    FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST

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1 Corinthians 11:1 –Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

How many of us grew up following others. . . Perhaps siblings, friends, loved ones, classmates, even parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Sometimes they hit bumps and ran off the path of life,

As we began to grow, we recognized our own path of life. We began to make our own choices and even some mistakes.

Soon we discovered that yes, someone was even following us.

With growth and time comes maturity. We recognized even then that some were not the best courses to take. I am so happy that I recognized the best course of life was to follow Jesus as Lord.

Paul reminded us in his teaching of 1 Corinthians to follow him as he followed Christ. He admonished us in

1 Corinthians 11:1, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am a follower of Christ.

In John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Remember: The best leader to follow is Christ. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

John 12:26 – Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

January 5    LOOK TO THE HILLS

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Psalms 121:1-2 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

During biblical times, verses referring to ‘the hill’ are often used in reference to Jerusalem, the Jewish center of worship. The city of Jerusalem is perched high upon a hill in which worshippers had to travel for their various festivals.

Looking to the hills often refers to the stance of prayer. When we look to the hills, we are referring to the place where our God dwells. Directing our eyes toward the hills denotes our complete trust in God.

In the Gospel, the martyr Stephen fastened his eyes toward heaven as he was persecuted.

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked,

Even Jesus, lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.

In times like these, we only need to ‘look to the hills’ . . .

because ALL of our help comes from the Lord! Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

John 17:20–21 – Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me."

January 6    NO FEAR IN LOVE

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1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

The word Greek word for fear is pho-bos. The English translation is phobia. Perfect love drives out fear. When perfect love shows up fear must depart.

Fear is related to punishment. God is love. God’s love casts out fear and torment. Jesus came to rescue us from our fears. He frees us from the judgement that is to come.

The only way to overcome fear is to have total and complete trust in God. To be made perfect in love means to experience completeness and maturity with God, our provider and protector.

When we experience God’s love in our lives and share it with others, we do not need to fear.

So don’t worry we have nothing to fear. He has taken care of all of our fears. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

January 7    REJOICE IN THE LORD

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Habakkuk 3:18 – Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The book of Habakkuk opened with the prophet complaining because he thought God Jehovah was not doing anything to curb the violent actions of a nation seeking to destroy Judah, but Habakkuk never turned away from his God. Yet he still expressed praised his God, even though the land had stopped producing food.

Verses 16-18 is the closing of the book saying, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

How faithful are you in your life when things are not as you desire?

Through troubles, problems, things we have no control over, can we still rejoice in our Lord, the God of our salvation?

The answer is, Yes! We can trust Him because He has promised that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He promised to be with us always.

The question is, Can He count on you?

Trust in his Love and wisdom to carry you through! Blessings!!!+

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Deuteronomy 3:16 – Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

January 8    AN ON-TIME GOD

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1 Peter 5:7 – "Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."

How many times have we witnessed our Lord showing up just in time? We tried every way, everything, everybody, but it just didn’t seem to work.

God doesn’t always spare us as believers from challenges we face.

He is the kind of God that would have met our needs even if it does not work out the way we desired or thought.

I believe He is telling us, TRUST ME, don’t be anxious. I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!

God’s timing is not our timing. He knows when and what is best for us and He cares about us.

We need to ask him to help us to trust him and know that he will always take care of us. He is our Father and He always has our best interests in mind. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it

January 9    ABIDE IN CHRIST

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Psalms 91:1 – "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most

High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

When I was a little boy, I followed my grandmother into the chicken yard one day. She asked me to remain outside and wait until she returned.

When she went inside the hen house, I remember, I followed her.

One of the hens flew out and landed right on top of my head.

I screamed and hollered. She came out got him off my head grabbed me, hugged me, and calmed me down. Then she scolded me for being hard-headed.

This is the same way our Lord does each of us. He covers us, comforts us, holds us, then calmly disciplines us. He keeps us under His shadow.

He observes closely and secretly. The light may be blocked, but still He keeps us covered.

Listen, obey and trust Him. He has you covered! Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

John 15:4 - Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

January 10    KEEP GOING

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Hebrews 12:12- 13 – Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel and just call it quits even in your faith?

You have served faithfully, and your break-through just has not come. Obstacles keep showing up. Disappointments, one after another seem to get in the way…

Hebrews, chapter 12 encourages us to endure and follow JESUS.

In our, weakness, when we seem to be stuck, run down, you are limping in pain from existing injuries, disappointments and affliction. Stay the course and Keep Running! Keep Pressing!!!

JESUS IS BY YOUR SIDE. Your injures will heal. Your pain will go away. Your faith will be renewed. Just keep running with your eyes on Jesus, and follow Him.

Ask him to strengthen you for the run ahead. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Jeremiah 29:11-13 – "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

January 11    ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

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Hebrews 12:12- 13 – Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

I have never run in a marathon. I am told of the short or long of it is that it takes training - strength training, muscle training, cardio training, running training, diet, and rest for the body.

I am told that one of the greatest assets is to have those that cheer you on.

God created us for relationships and we need each other to continue to run in this Christian race.

We need the help of each other, but most of all, we need the aid of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We must ask our Lord to help us to keep running,

With endurance, the help of God and with those to encourage us to stay on our Christian journey, we are able to be productive, enduring and successful on this journey.

We must encourage one another. Who is God calling you to encourage in this journey of life today? Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Romans 15:5 - May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.

REMEMBER: We are better together!!!

January 12    FOLLOW CHRIST

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1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

How many of you today remember following your parents, older sibling. friends, someone you trusted.

You followed because you trusted them. You didn’t give thought to danger, trouble, or anything, because you trusted the person you were following.

But now, who can you really trust today?

Yes, there are those we can truly trust. But the only true one to follow without any fear, disappointment, or wonder is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Follow me, as I follow Christ. If a person is not following Christ, you should not follow them.

A good pattern to follow is Paul writing, in Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Follow Christ and you won’t go wrong. Blessings!!!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

John 13:15 – For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

January 13    THE BOOK OF LIFE

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Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

During this day and time, how many childhood lessons have returned to the forefront: Wash your hands. Stand up straight. Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough. We were reminded that if you have a cold, stay home so you don’t spread it. Where’s your hat, put your colt on…

Another was academic grades. We were reminded to make good grades in school. Mind your conduct. We were told as we got older how important it is to maintain good character.

Low grades, they might tolerate, but bad conduct was a no-no.

Our spiritual conduct refers to what we hold in our heart, rather than what we say or do.

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

Our final report card will be found in Revelation 20:15 – And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Our spiritual conduct will determine our final destiny. May our Lord always help us to keep our proper focus. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Revelation 12:20 – And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

January 14    GOD IS LIGHT

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1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Even light when it is covered, gives off a shadow. When we stand in front of a light, we too, cast a shadow. This reminds us that just as there are shadows present, there are shadows that we will face in life.

Sickness, addictions, divorce, troubles… You can name your own.

When you find yourself in a shadow, just remember that in order for there to be a shadow, there MUST be light. Without light, there can be no shadow.

God is the Light!

When you are in a valley it is easy to concentrate on our difficulties, our problems, life situations. Remember that adversities have the potential to make us stronger.

Romans 5:3-4 – "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.

We are not alone in life’s shadows and in our valley’s. Place your life and your trust in the Lord to guide you through. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Psalms 23:4 - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

January 15    TRUE WISDOM

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James 1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Wisdom, according to the Bible – is a gift from God. It is seeing life from God’s perspective and responding accordingly. A quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement.

Many today think of greatness in many different ways. The are many who want to be great, for many different reasons. I have learned that great people surround themselves with other great people.

Every great leader keeps himself surrounded by other great leaders and counselors, but divine greatness is measured by the fact that our God doesn’t have any counselors, advising him.

My Lord is the greatest to hang around. I have learned to hang around the greatest - my Lord and Savior.

It is so fortunate that you and I can tap into this wisdom.

If you want to be great, get wisdom and be wise! Blessings!!!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Psalms 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

January 16    CLEAN UP

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Philippians 4:7 – "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

All Christians recognize that there comes a time when we need to clean up. Clean up not only the physical spaces, like your room, your house, your car, your office, your closet….

Sometimes the cleaning up decision can be a little painful, for things we would like to keep, but really know they are not doing us any good, and we’d be better off to not hold on to them.

Our hearts are the same way. We need to rid ourselves of some things. When we free ourselves, oh how much better off we are!

Make your cleaning meaningful, purposeful. Keep the doorway of your heart clean. Fill it with good and Godly thoughts and substance.

Fill your mind and your heart with the Words of God. Spend time in the Word and in meditation. Clear your thoughts and keep your heart pure.

Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Psalms 51:10-11: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

January 17    A GOOD DAY

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Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

I noticed some time ago while shopping someone greeted me with Happy Friday and I responded, Thank you and the same to you.

However, it is good to know that whatever day of the week it may be, Sunday through Sunday, it is a happy day.

There was a new birth on this day, another birthday day celebration on this day, an anniversary on this day, a retirement on this day, a new goal met on this day. We were able to move, see and breathe on this day. So, each day is a good day.

Each day brings its own blessings and challenges, and I have learned to choose to be thankful and happy on each day. For as the daily scripture reminds us, the Lord made each new day and His mercies are new every day. His opportunities are new. His grace is renewed every morning.

He made each day for us. Let us be thankful, rejoice and be glad in it!

Choose to have a Happy Day!!! Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

January 18        SECURITY FOR OUR SOUL

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Deuteronomy 31:5 – Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

In these chaotic and uncertain days and times in which we live, no one knows what lies ahead. In the midst of fear in the community, uncertainties in our schools and public places, suicides, bank and stock market crashes and other calamities, the world is facing troubling times.

Many are facing the future with fear and apprehension, but there is one certain we can be sure of, God loves and takes care of His own and being in right standing with God gives us satisfied assurance.

We can be certain as God has promised, when we have met the conditions in the Word of God, with the forgiveness of sins, we can have inner peace and the assurance of rest for our souls.

Our Lord has promised in his Word that he will never leave us or forsake his own, but will keep us by his power. His loving kindness will sustain us and keep us.

Our relationship with Him is solid when we put ourselves in His care and abide in His Word. He loves us and His promises are true.

Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

January 19    WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?

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Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

We can have restful confidence knowing He is in total control.

Christ is soon and certain to return. Are you ready to meet him?

We must be prepared, not unprepared.

Each and every day we must be prepared for His return. Do not let anyone or anything separate you from the love of God. Do not be persuaded by the ways of this world.

Be recognizant of the Word of the Lord – Romans 8:38, -39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The people and the things of the world are enticing and convincing, but not a minute of lapse in judgement is worth losing your soul.

Remember: Everyone is guaranteed ‘eternal life’. However, you have a choice… Will you choose eternal life in hell’s (forever) fire or will you choose eternal life (forever in heaven) with Jesus?

It is your choice… Let nothing separate you from the Love of God.

So be prepared he will soon return. Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

John 14:1-3 – "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

January 20    SPIRITUAL GIFTS

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1 Timothy 4:14 – Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Neglect may not seem very bad…

It’s just a matter of doing what we should do. Have you neglected the gift God has placed in you?

Gifts are given by our Lord. Talents, abilities and skill sets are good, but spiritual gifts are abilities or skills that are divinely provided in the individual.

The Holy Spirit allows one to serve and to use those gifts as stated in Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Gifts are given to prepare God’s people for service and for building up the body of Christ. Each of us has been given a gift or gifts.

Are you using the gift he has given you? Use your gift.

Blessings!

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PROMISES OF GOD . . .

I Corinthians 12:6-8