Blogging through the Gospels: John 21!

Good Morning!

Did you know that we are here--at the very end of the Gospels--already? The time goes fast! So what can we learn from John chapter 21? The very last chapter in the last book of the Gospel set? Come and see!

Scripture:

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Observation:

The disciples who were moved by the Holy Spirit to write down their testimony of Jesus did their best. They faithfully recorded their experiences. Yet even they realized that they could not record everything. There was too much to tell!

Application:

Since I cannot see and walk and talk with Jesus on a face to face basis like the disciples did, I get to know Him through their inspired writings--the Bible. This is what God has done for me--given me this Book so I may learn about His Son. So what should I do with this gift? Set it on the shelf? Or read it?

Thank you for joining me on my little journey blogging through the Gospels. Please prayerfully consider joining us as we read through God's Word in the next 90 days. More information is available at www.momstoolbox.com . It will not be easy. Your enemy will work against you, as he would rather have you leave God's Word collecting dust on the shelf. But I promise you--it will be worth it!

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for Your wonderful gift of the Bible. Help us to not leave it on the shelf--but to open it and learn of You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 20!

Good Morning!

Today the disciple's grief and sorrow has turned to joy--as they realize that Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead! Come and read the good report with me, in John chapter 20.

Scripture:

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20":29

Observation:

Jesus had died and been buried in the tomb. Some of the women and a few of the disciples reported that the body was gone. Jesus Himself had appeared and talked with Mary Magdalene, and later had come to a room where the disciples were meeting--appearing among them in spite of the locked door. But Thomas had not been there with the rest when Jesus came. How disappointed he must have been! But then, he had to make a choice. To either believe the testimony of the others--that Jesus was indeed raised from the dead, or to doubt. Thomas chose to doubt, and said that unless he saw the nail marks himself, and put his hand on Jesus' pierced side, he would not believe that Jesus was alive. One week later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, this time specifically addressing Thomas and telling him to "stop doubting and believe!"

Application:

I cannot put my hand on Jesus' pierced side or see with my own eyes the nail scares in His hands. But I can read the testimony written down by those who did. I am not left to wonder if it happened. I can choose to stop doubting and to believe. And I will be blessed.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for the evidence You have given us of Jesus' resurrection. Help me to accept what You have given me. To trust You. And to stop doubting and believe!

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 19!

Good Morning!

A hard chapter to read today. I hate reading how Jesus was treated--but I know He did it for me. I love Him for that! We are in John, chapter 19 today. So grab your Bibles, and catch a glimpse of how much Jesus loves you too. . .

Scripture:

.. . Jesus said, "It is finished". . . John 19:30

Observation:

Jesus was flogged, struck, spat on, dressed in a purple robe and crowned with a crown of thorns. Finally, He was hung on a cross, but even then he was not left to die in peace but rather insulted and jeered at. Even at that point, He was living for others--as He asked His disciple John to take His mother and care for her as if she was his own. Finally, Jesus bowed His head and died--peace at last.

Application:

It is finished. Jesus has paid the price for my sins. The wages of sin is death, and the price has been paid--Jesus died for me. The ultimate sacrifice has been made as He laid down His life for me. He died for me--so I wouldn't have to. But the choice is still mine. My sins have been paid for. I can chose to live with Him in heaven. But He won't make me come. I can choose to die a forever death if I want to. But why would I want to?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you ofr saving me from the wages of my sin, even though I did not deserve to be saved.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 18!

Good Morning!

We are almost finished with our reading of the book of John--can you believe it? It seems like we just started. . .

Today we are in chapter 18. Jesus is arrested. The crisis is here. Jesus could have still backed out. He could have called for angel warriors to fight for Him. He could have saved Himself. But instead--He chose to save me.

Scripture:

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37

Observation:

Jesus is being interviewed by Pilate. Just before this Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. Now He says the whole reason He came to our world was to testify to the truth. How important is truth? Important enough for Jesus to die for it.

Application:

Truth--Jesus IS truth. Satan is called "the father of lies." But beautiful Jesus is called "the Way, the Truth, the Light." Jesus loved me too much to leave me deceived by Satan. He loved me enough to die to show me the truth. But it is up to me to choose to follow Him.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for showing us plainly what the truth is. Help me to follow truth always.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 17!

Good Morning!

Today we are reading John, chapter 17. The whole chapter is a prayer of Jesus. How wonderful to get a glimpse of how He prayed!

Scripture:

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. . . John 17:20

Observation:

Jesus knows He is soon to be arrested and crucified. In this great time of need--in this emergency situation--He prays. His greatest help for this time of crisis could only come from one possible direction--from His father. In His prayer, Jesus prayed for Himself, He prayed for His disciples, and He prayed for me.

Application:

Yes, Jesus prayed for me. And for you. He said "My prayer is not for them alone (referring to his disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." John 17:20 That's ME! That's YOU! And not only did Jesus pray for me, He asked for me to live with Him. Continuing to read in the same chapter, verse 24 says "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am. . . " Beautiful Savior. And He asked for me!

Prayer:

Dear Father--I have done nothing to deserve Your love--but thank you for loving me anyway. May I remember each day, Jesus asked for me!

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 15!

Good Morning!

I thought I would share a picture of my little blueberry bush this morning--isn't it lovely? It is true that it is quite tiny, only around a foot and a half high. But it is bearing fruit already, and I am thrilled! O.K., I realize this is a BUSH and not a VINE, but I still thought it was a good picture to put with today's chapter. . .

Today we are reading John, chapter 15. There is a lot of gardening going on in this chapter, so grab your sun hat and come along with me. :)

Scripture:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Observation:

Jesus knows His time here is almost over. Soon He will face the cross for us. What can He say to His disciples in these last few hours? What will stick in their mind, something they will think of often? How can He tell them how much He loves them--how He can do wonderful things through them if they will only let Him? How without Him, they will surely fail?

Application:

Without Him, I can do nothing. So the opposite is also true--with Him, I can do everything. Whatever things God wants to do through me, is possible. Not because of any power I have, but because of His power. When I don't feel like making more meals or washing the family's laundry or answering that math problem one more time--I can. Because of Him.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for choosing to work through us, that we may cooperate with You and reap a great harvest of others. Remind me each day to not go running ahead--to wait for You, to abide in You, to only do things with You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 13!

Good Morning!

Today we are reading in John chapter 13. I can hardly believe how fast we are going through the Gospels! We are almost done! If you are wondering what you will do when you finish reading through the Gospels, consider joining us as we read the Bible through in 90 days. We start July 11--more information can be found here: http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/bible-in-90-days-reading-schedule/

Scripture:

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15

Observation:

The disciples gathered around a table. Preparations had been made. All was in readiness, and Jesus knew that He was about to return to His Father in heaven. He gets up, wraps a towel around His waist, and proceeds to wash His disciple's feet. It is His example to them of serving. It is a washing of their hearts, if they will accept it.

Application:

Jesus said this was our example, and that I should do as He has done for me. What did He do? He healed the sick. Fed the hungry. Visited the lonely. Told stories to the children. Treated the unworthy with love and compassion. "I have set you an example." This means me.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Show me this day, what You want me to do.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 12!

Good Morning!

Today our Scripture reading is John chapter 12. Come join me, as we spend a few minutes in our Bibles before rushing into the day. . .

Scripture:

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46

Observation:

Jesus predicted His own death, but people would not hear what He said. It did not fit into their idea of what the Savior would do. Yet Jesus said that it was for this very reason that he came (verse 27). And through His death, He would draw all men to Himself (verse 32).

Application:

I love this whole chapter, which starts with the beautiful story of Mary pouring perfume on Jesus' feet and wiping them with her hair. But I especially love these words of Jesus--"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness," John 12:46. I do not have to wander around in fear or without help. Jesus has come, and He has given me courage and assurance. He has told me "Do not be afraid" and "I will provide." He has forgiven my sins, and has overcome death. He has told me of His plans for a new earth without sin (Revelation 21) and there will be no more crying there. Beautiful Savior.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for giving up Your Son to die for us here. Help me to follow Your light always, so I never have to be in darkness.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 11!

Good Morning!

Today our reading is John, chapter 11. Very powerful lessons for us in this story. Just imagine if you were Mary or Martha, and this had happened to you . . .

Scripture:

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25,26

Observation:

A brother dead. Two sisters left weeping. Finally Jesus arrives, but it is too late. Death has already struck and won--or has it? What does Jesus mean by these strange words? The dead living? The living never dying? And then Martha is asked whether she believes these confusing words.

Application:

Faith. What if Martha had replied "No, Lord, I don't believe that. Just look at my brother if you want proof--there's death, and he used to live and believe in You!" What would have happened? Would her brother Lazarus have remained in the grave? We will never know for sure what Jesus would have said or done. But we do know what did happen. Jesus chose to raise Lazarus from the dead right then, instead of waiting for the second coming. What things in my life are dead--beyond all normal hope? Am I trusting Jesus to work them out--in His own time, in His own way?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for this story being recorded for us. Help me to have faith like Martha did, in trusting You even when she did not understand. Help me to obey and roll the stone away from the grave of dead hopes and dreams, and hand them all to You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 10!

Good Morning!

Today our Scripture reading is John, chapter 10. Some very interesting dynamics going on here between Jesus and the Pharisees. Some leaders say Jesus is possessed by a demon, others argue that a demon cannot open the eyes of the blind. I think, quite frankly, they do not know WHAT to do with Jesus. . .

Scripture:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

Observation:

Jesus is talking with the Pharisees, who are unhappy over Jesus healing the blind man. Jesus says of Himself that He is the Good Shepherd--that He lays down His life for the sheep. The Pharisees did not know what to do with Jesus. They did not want to follow Him, because they wanted all the glory and honor for themselves. But then they see Him preform these miracles of healing--how does one handle something like that?

Application:

I think the key is in this verse I chose for today--John 10:27. It says "My sheep listen to my voice." Did the Pharisees listen to Jesus' voice? No! They were not concerned about learning or changing--only about bringing glory and honor and riches to themselves. And if you don't do the first part--listen to Him--you can't have the second part--Jesus knowing us and us in turn following Him. I want to follow Him--so I need to listen to His voice in the Bible and prayer.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Tune my ears to Your voice only. Help me to discern between strangers and the Good Shepherd, and to follow You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 9!

Good Morning!

Today our Scripture reading is John, chapter 9. A story of a miracle--can miracles still happen today?

Scripture:

One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see! John 9:25

Observation:

Total darkness. But one day all that changes--you can see! In your wildest dreams you never thought seeing could be as wonderful as it really is. The leaders call you in and grill you on how you can possibly see now when you were born blind. You answer--and again they call you in. Same answer again. How do they expect you to explain a miracle? There is only one explanation--He is the Savior!

Application:

How so many things will happen. Children that need to be healed. Fathers being ill and the threat of their family losing them. Expenses that need to be paid, and there is no money. Young families torn apart, the threat of divorce. Hearts that need to be opened towards each other. All these I see, and I do not know how they can possibly be healed. But one thing I do know--God is able!

Prayer:

Dear Father--You know the pain and suffering and troubles that I see. You know so much more that I do not see. Be with these children of Yours. I do not see how these situations can change--but I know You are able.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 8!

Good Morning!

Today our reading is John, chapter 8. This chapter records a story that I think shows Jesus' compassion perhaps the very best. Even though He is perfect, He still offers forgiveness to us . . .

Scripture:

Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:10,11

Observation:

A woman caught in adultery. Dragged before Jesus. The law said she was to be stoned. She was guilty as charged. Jesus answered "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (verse 7) She cringed and waited, but no stones came. The only pure one who could have rightfully carried out the sentence, instead offered forgiveness.

Application:

I am not without sin, so should I be "throwing stones" at others? Instead of beating us down, Jesus reaches a hand out to us and lifts us up. But the cost of sin must still be paid. Jesus took our place on the cross, that we could be with Him in heaven. Beautiful Savior. Though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.

Prayer:

Dear Father--How unworthy I am to be saved. Thank you for reaching out to me, instead of condemning me. I accept Your give of Jesus as my Savior.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 6!

Good Morning!

Today we are reading in John chapter 6. I love this chapter, because it assures me that with Jesus I do not need to fear.

Scripture:

But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." John 6:20

Observation:

The disciples were crossing the lake. It was dark, and Jesus had not joined them. The wind began to grow strong, and the waters rough. Suddenly, they saw Jesus walking on the water towards them, and they were terrified.

Application:

What were they afraid of? That Jesus could do something so impossible for us to do? When I really think about it, would I want a Savior who was only able to do the same as I could do myself? Wouldn't be much of a Savior then--I could simply save myself. Or more likely, perish myself. Truly I do understand the disciples fear. But as Jesus told them not to be afraid, He tells me the same. And it is truthfully only when Jesus is with me that I have no reason to fear.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for this assurance that I do not have to be afraid when You are with me. Help me to trust more in You.

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Blogging though the Gospels: John 5!

Good Morning Everyone!

Today we are in John, chapter 5. Grab your Bible, and start your day reading along with me . . .

Scripture:

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" John 5:6

Observation:

Paralyzed for thirty-eight years. No electric wheel chair or automatically opening doors. Just lying near a pool of water, and when the waters stir, you will your weak muscles to drag your body over so you can fall into the pool. But you are too weak, and someone else always gets in the pool first. But one day Jesus is there. He looks at you and asks "Do you want to get well?" This is no race that you must beat someone else. It is a simple question--"Do you want to?" But the gift of healing is right around the corner. You only have to want and accept it.

Application:

"Do I want to?" How many things in my own life do I mutter and grumble about, but Jesus is there asking me "Do I want to?" Do I want to be a better spouse? He can help me. Do I want to be a better parent? He can help me. Do I want to improve my health or read the Bible each day, or . . . ? Am I asking Him to help me?

Prayer:

Dear Father--I want my desires to match with Yours. My thoughts to be pure like Your thoughts. My actions to be loving and kind like Your actions. Do I want? Yes, I do!

Blogging through the Gospels: John 4!

Good Morning!

Hope you are all with electricity this morning--we have had our on, off, on, off, on, off and finally ON! I think most of it caused by some lightening strikes that we had with a thunder storm last evening. But for now it's back on, so before the next line of thunder storms roll through today I will try and get this posted!

Today our Bible reading is John, chapter 4.

Scripture:

But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14

Observation:

A Samaritan woman going to the well to draw water by herself. Not part of the group of women who would have visited the well at a different hour. Instead of only finding water, she finds a Savior. Or rather, He finds her.

Application:

While it is true that I need physical food and water, more than this is my need for spiritual food. Made by God, I cannot live without Him.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Grant me communion with You today. Grow and spring up inside of me, until I cannot be separated from You at all. And we are One.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 3!

Good Morning!

Today's reading is John, chapter 3. A familiar passage, yet always something new to discover...

Scripture:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16,17

Observation:

Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish ruling council. Curious--starting to believe yet surrounded by unbelief--he sought Jesus out at night. Under the cover of darkness, away from other prying eyes, he could ask his questions. As Jesus and he talked together, Jesus told him the above verses. That God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus so we would not die a forever death. That Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save.

Application:

What beautiful words--but the best part is that they are true. I do not have to "earn" God's love. He already loves me. Even when I make mistakes or let Him down, He still loves me. He does not condemn me, but instead lifts me up. And I am set free.

Prayer:

Dear Father--I am so thankful that Nicodemus went to Jesus that night. Thank you for having that conversation recorded in the Bible so I can read it all these years later. But most of all, thank you for loving me like this.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 2!

Good Morning!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day! I am sorry I did not get a Blogging through the Gospels post done yesterday, but I spent my time in the morning making homemade waffles for my sweet husband--yum! Maybe sometime I will have to make them again and take pictures, then post the recipe on here.... When I get a chance, I will. Anyway, so my morning hours were a bit busier than usual and the on-line posting was the thing that didn't get done. But I hope everyone spent some time with their Heavenly Father yesterday. No matter what your earthly father was/is like, God is a wonderful, caring, loving heavenly father to each one of us. He never fails, He never forgets.

We are into John in our Bible reading already--can you believe it? Yesterday our reading was John chapter 1, so today we are on to John chapter 2. Grab your Bibles and read along with me....each of the Gospels records things a little bit different than the other Gospel records. Let's see what we find in the book of John . . .

Scripture:

His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." John 2:5

Observation:

A wedding celebration has had a crisis--the refreshments have run out. But Jesus' mother had faith. Faith in two things--first, that Jesus "could" help them, and second, that He "would." She instructs the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. No matter if it makes sense to them, obey Him anyway. They did. And they saw a miracle as the water they poured into the jugs was turned to wine.

Application:

Do whatever He tells you. As a Christian, this is the same instruction I am to follow. Do whatever Jesus tells me. Whether it makes sense or not. To serve others, to help bring others up goes against the "me first" attitude that the world tells me to have. But when I obey, I see miracles happen.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to do whatever You tell me to do. Open my eyes, that I may see the miracle when I do.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Luke 24!

Good Morning! And Happy Sabbath!

Here we are--the last chapter of Luke. I can hardly believe we have gone through three of the four Gospels already. But blessings still await us in the book of John. Meanwhile, grab your Bible and read the last chapter of Luke with me--chapter 24.

Scripture:

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

Observation:

Jesus had been crucified. He had risen from the dead and appeared to His disciples. He pointed out how all of these things were written in the Scriptures, and that everything must be fulfilled that was written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. And He opened their minds so they would understand.

Application:

This is what I need--Jesus to open my mind, so that I will understand the Scriptures. But if I don't study them, how can I understand them?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Open my mind that I may understand what You have recorded for me. Help me to study Your Word more and more, until I desire it in a greater way than physical food.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Luke 23!

Good Morning!

Today we are in Luke, chapter 23. Jesus being crucified--what if you were there? What if you were watching the whole thing take place? What if suddenly you were grabbed and made to carry His cross?

Scripture:

As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26

Observation"

Jesus was being led away to be crucified. The beatings, lack of sleep, lack of food, and being separated from His Heavenly Father was too much for Jesus. He collapsed, physically unable to carry His cross to the hill where the crucifixion would take place. Simon just happened to be passing by at that exact time. He was grabbed, and forced to carry the cross that Jesus was unable to carry.

Application:

Simon did not volunteer to carry the cross--he was forced into it. But he did it. Did his heart open to Jesus as he saw what was going on? Reading this story this morning, I couldn't help but wonder, are there things "forced" upon me by circumstances--burdens that I did not ask to carry? But--while I am carrying them, may my heart open and change. From being resentful perhaps, may I become happy to lift the load from someone else.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Open my eyes that I may see the burdens of people all around me, and how I can help.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Luke 22!

Good Morning!

Today we are reading in Luke chapter 22.

Scripture:

. . . the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:26

Observation:

They were celebrating the Passover. Jesus and His disciples were eating in the upper room, and the disciples start to argue among themselves. "I'm going to have a high position in the coming kingdom," I can hear one say. "No, I'm going to be of more importance than you," another one counters. Jesus hears them, in spite of their trying to hide their conversation from Him. "The greatest is the one who serves others" he tells them. Suddenly, they begin to realize that they just may have been missing what He has been trying to teach them all this time.

Application:

Serving others. Humbling yourself. Doing a job no one else wants to do. This is not in my nature to want to do. But Jesus says to "Follow Me." And Jesus served. I have seen at the school where my husband works an example to me of humbling oneself. Every year, for one day, the college president forsakes his suit and office and works somewhere else on campus. Sometimes it is in landscape, pulling weeds, planting flowers, mowing grass in the hot southern sun. It may be in services, washing windows, vacuuming classrooms, scrubbing toilets. It is just for one day--the next he will be back in his suit coat and air conditioned office. But it gives him an idea of what others are working at every single day. And it makes him a better leader. So in my own little world, may I remember what it is like to be a child, a teen, or a full-time worker. And may I serve my family today--like Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Open my eyes to those around me. Show me how to serve them and better their lives, lighten their loads, draw them closer to You.

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