The primary goal of these exercises is to teach healthy spiritual habits that will last you a lifetime. There are four basic components:
MEMORIZE:Verses to recall throughout the day reminding you of God's promises.
DEVOTIONAL:Watch or listen to a devotion to help you digest God's truths in new ways.
STUDY METHOD:Meditate on a passage until the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply it.
READING:Read scripture to know God better and to hear him speak to you through his word.
To get started, simply select the session and day that coincides with your workbook by using the numbers below.
– MEMORY VERSE –
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Colossians 3:16a (NIV)
– TODAY’S VIDEO DEVOTION –
Today you will be watching Pastor Derwin Gray from Transformation Church in Indian Land, SC. Pastor Derwin will be teaching on Proverbs 30:5.
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MP3 DOWNLOAD
Download today's devotion and burn to a CD or listen on your MP3 player.
– PRONOUNCE IT! –
Refer to Session 1, page 4 in your workbook for instructions on this method of Bible meditation.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
– SCRIPTURE READING –
Philippians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Christians of Philippi. This is a letter filled with joy and love, even though Paul wrote this from a prison cell while being persecuted by the Romans. Paul’s joy does not come from money or circumstances; his joy comes from loving Christ.Read Philippians 1-4 (NIV).
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deaconst:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER
3 I thank my God every time I remember you.4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
PAUL’S CHAINS ADVANCE THE GOSPEL
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,t that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardtand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.t20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
LIFE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,t striving together as one for the faith of the gospel28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
IMITATING CHRIST’S HUMILITY
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very naturet God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very naturet of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT GRUMBLING
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”t Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH
1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith intChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
FOLLOWING PAUL’S EXAMPLE
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
CLOSING APPEAL FOR STEADFASTNESS AND UNITY
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
FINAL EXHORTATIONS
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
THANKS FOR THEIR GIFTS
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
FINAL GREETINGS
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.t
1 Comment
Comments
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Posted by TravisA
1/26/2012 8:58:00 PM
I am eternal because I trust the inerrant word of God which is eternal. Great job Pastor. You were very transparent.
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Posted by Haley V
1/27/2012 9:02:00 AM
I love that God impacts us by transforming our hearts. Learning this more and more each day!
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Posted by Tabz
1/27/2012 9:43:00 AM
I would love for someone to write a book that doctors could give out that would give them practical information like pastor was talking about “the first night you don’t sleep,” “it’s okay to cry.. a lot.”
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Posted by Lira Benito
1/27/2012 5:53:00 PM
Wow . Nice to know the story of pastor Derwin. Knowing god word is our shield . We can claimed his promises because its true and perfect. God will not waste our tears . He will use it to comfort others. Thank you pastor Derwin . Your story proves that God ‘s word is perfect .
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Posted by Shar
1/27/2012 11:25:00 PM
I’m LOVING these devotionals!!! Thanks, Pastor Rick for pulling together believers/teachers from across the nation (
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Posted by Val
1/28/2012 1:24:00 PM
Great testimony. I am enjoying this!
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Posted by Charlie
1/29/2012 8:16:00 AM
UpwardInwardOutwardAmen!
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Posted by Rick
1/29/2012 1:27:00 PM
Thank you Rick for all of these devotions. It really gives me a lot to think about going through my day. It also reminds me that I have God with me and loves me in whatever the day has in store for me
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Posted by Melinda
1/30/2012 10:10:00 AM
The true reflection of the cross. Upward: from heaven to earth. Inward: the heart beat of God. Outward: extends from one to another. Amazing this symbol that shows FREEDOM from sin, sicknesses, illnesses, diseases, addictions and any other vice meant to distract us from our Savior Jesus Christ!
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Posted by Diane
1/30/2012 2:40:00 PM
TY Pastor Derwin Gray Upward-Inward-OutwardI leard something very important! Blessings!
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Posted by Matthew
1/31/2012 10:33:00 PM
This is, in my opinion, the best so far. I like what he said with Psalm 119:160, that His laws are eternal, and how Jesus’ life was the blueprint for how we are to live ours. I have a question: Jesus followed the law right? Because the law is eternal right? So, doesn’t that mean that, if He is the blueprint for us, we too should be obeying the law? Doesn’t Paul say to imitate him, just as he imitated Christ?
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Posted by Dana
2/3/2012 5:32:00 AM
I too know what PAstor Derwin went through, My wife and I heard those same words back in 1996 that she had cancer. Those words alone… :You Have Cancer”…are what brought us to the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. My wife graduated into His loving arms in 1998 and His word did and has proved flawless in her life and mine. We both never felt as close to God and his literal spiritual presence until we got into the word and it was then we learned to live a life that was pleasing to Him. I cant even begin to tell you just how much He has blessed my life with His Mercy and His Grace since that day Thanksgiving 1996. My cup over flows. Thank you Jesus for removing the scales from my eyes and my heart.
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Posted by Shirley
2/4/2012 3:37:00 AM
What a blessing these devotionals are. Thank you
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Posted by L’Tarra
2/4/2012 6:58:00 AM
AMEN!!!! God keeps His word to us! Isaiah 55:9-11 is one of my favorite Bible verses. It lets us know that God’s Word and way is higher than ours and the word that God sends has a purpose. His word will not return to Him until it has completed its purpose. PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!
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Posted by Tana
2/9/2012 9:23:00 AM
WOW!! It amazes me how God ALWAYS knows right where I am in life and exactly what I need to hear. These devotions are such an incredible blessing.
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Posted by marinel kumagai
2/9/2012 6:16:00 PM
Thank you Pastor Rick for these great devotionals…..They are amazing I’ll be sharing these to our Bible group study since we are a Japanese base believers in a japanese base church these devotinals are very helpful in our growth as a believer of the Word. God bless you more and these amazing Pastors!
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Posted by Peter
2/10/2012 5:04:00 PM
Today’s devotional was very timely, as my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks ago. God’s comfort and promises stand firm.
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Posted by Sonia
2/13/2012 5:19:00 PM
I am afraid that I do not have a soul to give to my maker.
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Posted by Subi
2/14/2012 8:04:00 AM
I am so blessed by the devotionals in the 40 days programs, I can feel the spiritual growth in me, God bless you pastor Rick and all the other Pastors.
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Posted by Nathan
2/16/2012 11:32:00 AM
Awesome devo today! Amazing story of healing and grace! Also, is that the Evangelical Linebacker?
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Posted by Gigi
2/26/2012 7:02:00 AM
This is the 2nd or 3rd time that I have looked at Pastor Gray but the 1st time that I focused on his words “Papa God” in his closing prayer and I thought what a difference one word makes. “Papa” brings a sense of closeness, protection, warmth and love to our relationship with the Father. It makes you want to speak to “Papa”, to run to “Papa”, to listen “Papa” and to do all that “Papa” tells you to do – a doer of His Word and you cannot wait to tell others about your “Papa”. Pastor Gray, I thank for that one word that has completely transformed by relationship with our Lord and Father.
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Posted by Tae
3/10/2012 10:30:00 PM
Wow, God is my refuge His Word is my refuge.
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Posted by grace
3/30/2012 4:41:00 AM
to be honet with you an and God. I am a worrier and everytime there is a problem, i wanna solve it right away. These daily devotions have taught me to first trust God because His word is true and next to be still and be silent so that i may fill my mind with whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, adorable if anything is excellent and worthy of praise that i will flood my mind with all these so that i will not worry and take a step ahead of God. thanks for these devotionals. i just wish that there will still be something like this even after this 40 days in the word.
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Posted by Debra Carter
3/30/2012 8:15:00 PM
Life is an open door for the power of God to pass sweet breezes through or the enemy to send the stench of hell through. It is so wonderful our Father has given us free choice because His sweet ,sweet breezes from heaven can make even a diagnosis of cancer disapear.
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Posted by Maria
4/5/2012 8:14:00 PM
@Sonia, God has brought you to this place for a reason. He has a plan and a purpose for YOUR life. I fear that you have been hurt deeply in some way. God can restore you and heal that hurt. Keep listening to these devotions, dwelling on God’s Word, and pouring your heart out to God. He will heal you. The Bible says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. God bless you and you will be in my prayers tonight.
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Posted by mildred
4/10/2012 11:54:00 PM
Praise God!thank you for that inspiring words. truely that His words are full of hopes and powerful..God bless
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Posted by Bruce Piatek
4/19/2012 7:07:00 PM
Amen! My brother, The Almighties words are true forever, Amen! We are not promised disease free lives, lives without adversity and sorrow; on the contrary, as Christians we will be plagued by attacks from the evil one to challenge our faith and see if we truly are doers of the Word. Amen! We will all pass from this life to the next, but remember to keep your faith in the “Righteous One” regardless of what happens in this life. Amen! Also, my mother died of ovarian cancer and praised the Almighty until death! Amen! I’ll see you in the life to come, keep the faith my friend.God bless,Bruce
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Posted by Brian
4/27/2012 8:58:00 PM
Wow! Pastor Darwin testimony about his wife was great. I can’t imagine how i would react if my wife was had cancer. How he manage to continue to communicate and trust in the Lord, is amazing.
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Posted by Diane
5/4/2012 5:59:00 PM
Thanks to all of you (Pastor’s)May God bless you all, as I am being blessed,continue to let God have his way, and so will I.
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Posted by Kim
5/15/2012 7:08:00 AM
Bless the Lord! He certainly is faithful and true. I have experienced the comfort and strength of His word in very dark times of my life. He has sustained me. I praise Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen, Pastor Derwin!
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Posted by Danna Williams
5/22/2012 11:20:00 AM
I have to say this study has been a true joy for me,and it has add value to my life and to my understanding of God’s word, Thank you Pastor Rick
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Posted by Wendy
6/7/2012 6:58:00 AM
Pastor Derwin Gray, these verses reach out to me , Just this morning before doing this devotional I prayed this prayer,Praying for healing for a few friends with Cancer, few others with school including myself, to give strength to this who lost a love one this week are last year etc. and for the lost to be found, I personally don’t know what I do without Jesus in my life, he is always here for me and you,All we have to is reach for him, LET the WORD of {{CHRIST}} ((DWELL)) in YOU RICHLY .Col.3:16 thenPhilippians 4:6 (NLT) reads6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has doneThank you Jesus for every situation I have to go thru , I know my journey will never be easy, but it will be worth it, see you and Mom at the Big place whenever you call I will be there. with Arms wide open as you did for me..I love you Lord.I thank you for your DEVOTION this morning , I say the same Papa Jesus sounds so much more real. thank you and may you and you wife have many many more wonderful years together, and in sayin that thank you again PaPa you are the my feet that I walk with . Psalms 119. wow
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Posted by Linda
6/14/2012 4:37:00 AM
I really appreciate the video message and all of the resources that are available on a daily basis
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Posted by debbie
9/11/2012 5:20:00 AM
This one made me cry! OHHH HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!! HALLELUIA!!! Thank you for this word oh heavenly Papa!
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Posted by Leke Adegbite
8/11/2013 7:27:00 AM
Surely, I believe His word are eternal. He is ever faithful and ever sure!
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Posted by Holly
9/28/2013 12:32:00 PM
Pastor Gray thank you for these words. Inspiring! Thank you Rick Waren for gather such inspiring speakers for us to hear each day. Praise God for this ministry.
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Posted by Kim
10/21/2013 9:31:00 PM
I’m thankful for these daily devotions, I’ve been blessed with an awakening inside myself with each one I’ve watched. In Christ, Kim
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Posted by Veni White
11/8/2013 2:15:00 AM
I really appreciate this one, that God’s love and plan is true despite what we are going through. Rough time for me now, very. So this plan is a lifeline. Thanks.
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Posted by Rhonda
1/16/2014 10:22:00 PM
This spoke directly to my soul. Thank you Lord
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Posted by Chibamba
4/13/2015 3:24:00 PM
Started the daily devotions last week. They have reinvigorated my desire for prayer and Bible study. The giant in me reawakened to my former self; waking up at 0500 to seek God.
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Posted by Anna
1/15/2016 8:15:00 PM
Thank you so much for sharing the word so eloquently with us. God has been so good to me, my husband and I heard these words, you have cancer. It hit us the same way, but we grew from the experience in trusting God no matter the outcome. My dear husband is home now with the Lord. I’m at peace with the Lord, as I stay close to him, an continue in the way he has shown me by his Holy Word.
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Add a Comment
Wow! I really enjoyed listening to Pastor Derwin Grey this morning. What an amazing testimony, it brought tears to my eyes. These devotionals are really awesome!!