Category: <span>Thoughts by Women</span>

devotional

To you O Lord, I lift up my soul, in you I trust, O my God…Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love…according to your love remember me.”
Psalm 25:1,6-7

What a wonderful plea!  David knew God so well he could come before Him, trusting that God would keep His promise and provide mercy because He loved David so very much. Guess what? So can we.

The soul is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit when we commit our lives to Christ. David lifts his soul up to God, offering God his most inner thoughts, his hands and feet, and his devotion. Why? Because he entrusts himself to God. He knows that if he puts God in control, God will protect him, teach him and guide him. He says so later in the Psalm. “May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope is in you” (25:21).

If we have confessed our wrongdoings and asked for forgiveness before we  retire each night, then each morning our souls start off as an empty glass. What will fill it? Will we let God’s loving mercy and grace overflow it or will we fill it with the things of this world? Will we pour in anger, mistrust, hurt? What if, like a thirsty child, we rose up on tiptoes and handed God our glass to fill throughout the day? He’d pour out the frustrations and pain and refill it with His love and peace. God never forgets us. We need to remember, like David, to lift our souls and trust in our Lord who loves us dearly. After all, didn’t He lift Himself up out onto the cross out of love for us?

Dearest Lord, I pray that I may surrender a little more each day to Your use, and trust more and more in Your mercy and love — that I can lift up my glass for You to fill with Your presence. And, I pray that I can lift myself up as well to You every morning: forgiven, cleansed, and ready to be used. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove


Do you know the goodness of God? Have you surrendered your will and soul to his life altering power? Today you can start that relationship and journey with HIm. It starts with a simple prayer that expresses to HIm that you believe that Jesus is who He said he is – the Son of God.

This is a sample prayer:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Thoughts by All thoughts by Julie Cosgrove Thoughts by Women


Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)


Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Do you remember this old adage? It would often be heard on a schoolhouse playground as children were teasing each other, pretending not to be bothered by the insults that came their way.

But our pretending doesn’t end with childhood; as adults, we try to convince ourselves that the sting of sharp words does not affect us. The truth is, we are deeply wounded by the verbal abuse we encounter on a daily basis. And we’re not immune to being abusers ourselves. As we interact with others, we must choose daily whether we will use our words to bring hurt or healing.

James summed it up best (James 1:19) by saying that we need to be slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to get angry. As born again believers, the nature of God should help govern our hearts and minds. It is up to us to choose words that are not offensive to God and our neighbors.

My challenge to you today is to begin to focus on what is going on in your heart. The Scriptures tell us (Luke 6:45) that out of the abundance of the heart, our mouth speaks. Have you paid much attention to this connection?  If you are housing bitterness, anger, or resentment, you are sure to spew out poison towards others that cross your path. Our words can either heal or destroy relationships. It is up to us to determine the outcome we desire.

Father, forgive us for not always paying attention to the words we speak. May we allow You to create within us a clean heart and renew within us a right spirit. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Mary Pinckney
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women

daily devotional

Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5&6

In the fall of 2013 I found myself in a very deep pit. I was over-committed, exhausted, stressed out, and severely depressed. Circumstances and habits of worry had started me on a downward spiral that ended in extended time off from work, counseling, and medication. I knew I had to make some permanent changes in my life.

Thankfully, I got the help I needed and I began to dig my way out of the pit. Little by little I began to find my footing and learned how to put margins in my life and live healthier. In the beginning, I remember how much it meant to me when someone told me, “You’re going to get through this. You will get better.

Not only did I get better, I gained more than I ever imagined through the experience. I found my strength and I found my voice.

Read more of Debbie’s story of burnout. https://issuesiface.com/burnout

Looking back on the whole, horrible experience, I see what a precious gift it was. My life and health was entirely in God’s hands — and only then could I experience His strength to get me through. It is a gift I share with other people now. Some people live with the shame of mental health issues like depression, but I found that being open about my experience has forged strong relationships with other people who struggle with similar issues. My story has helped others get out of their own pit and have hope that life can get better.

God, help me be truly thankful for the hard things and send my way others whom can benefit from my story. Amen.

By Debbie West

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Debbie West Thoughts by Women

This journey of life was meant to be traveled with Jesus. He wants to direct our footsteps. He desires to share our journey and travel through each season with us. As life crowds in, and the worries of the world bombard us, we often forget that Jesus is right there beside us. Walking with Jesus will cause us to grow in our character.

A wise woman grows in her walk with God…

This woman has a loving adoration for her God. She desires God’s truth to be revealed in her life. She searches to understand God’s ways and to walk in them. She faces reality and looks truth square in the face, knowing Jesus walks with her. She lives her life with an attitude that says “Yes, Lord”.

A woman who desires to grow in her walk with God will make time to schedule appointment times to spend with Him. She looks to His Word and listens for His still, small voice to speak to her. She enjoys time talking and listening to God in prayer. Her life will become her worship as she responds to the greatness of God!

Humility and the fear of the LORD brings wealth, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

To grow in the fear (awe) of the Lord ask Him to increase your love for Him and your desire for His Word. The deep desires of your soul will be met as you grow in walking with the Savior.

Father God, I do desire to know You better. Yet my schedule is so full I hardly have time to read Your Word. I pray on the run. Thank you that You still hear and answer. I know that the deep refreshment I long for is available in Your presence. Increase my desire to spend some quiet time before You. Grow in me the desire to be truthful in my inner being about the ways I need Your help and wisdom. Help me to grow in my attitude of allowing You to shape my character and my life. Show me Your awesomeness once again. Renew my love for You. I want to draw near. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodger


If you don’t know Jesus in a personal way you can begin a relationship with him today. The first step is a prayer telling him you believe He is who He says He is and a second step is surrendering control of your will and life to him.  These can be communicated in a simple prayer (prayer is talking to God):

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, then you can pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html


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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

coffee shop young woman

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)Ephesians 2:4-5

Rebecca liked keeping God in church on Sunday morning.  The rest of the week was hers.

But her life was a mess! Rebecca struggled with eating disorders, depression, and perfectionism.  Could she ever become the person she thought she should be?  Then Rebecca came to the end of herself.  But God was waiting.  Rebecca prayed to invite Christ to come into her heart.  To heal her and take control of her life.

God began changing her perfectionist attitude.  Over time, her eating disorders and depression healed as well.  She says, “You believe you are valueless, but God calls you His treasure… beloved.”  Rebecca Barlow knows God changed her life forever.

Friend, God loves you too.  Let Him heal your heart today

by Vonette Bright

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devotional

“Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:10b-11

Have you ever pondered Jesus’ invitation to Peter to follow Him?  Peter had fished all night and caught nothing.  Jesus challenged him to go out into deep water and let down his nets.  Still, Peter followed Jesus’ instructions and Jesus performed a miracle — filling Peter’s nets with fish to full capacity.

Peter did not realize how drastically his life would change by saying “Yes” to Jesus’ invitation to leave everything and follow Him.

My life was similarly interrupted.  I hit my rock bottom.  I had suitcases full of mistakes and I was heading in the wrong direction.  A friend challenged me to take a risk and try following Jesus wholeheartedly for three weeks and see what would happen. I went home that night and gave my heart to Jesus and pledged to follow Him wholeheartedly.  That three-week challenge has lasted thirty-three years, and I am still following!

Peter objected, believing himself unworthy, but Jesus persisted with His invitation and encouraged Peter not to be afraid, but to just follow. Peter left everything and followed Jesus. He embraced his new calling.  Jesus used Peter’s fishing profession to explain that life would be different — that he would use some of the same skills, but from now on, would be fishing for people.

You also have been invited to a new purpose and set of priorities as a follower of Christ. How would you describe your experience of responding to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him? Have you left your life to follow Him, or have you inviting Jesus to join your life? One is discipleship; the other is living with divided loyalties.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the invitation to follow you wholeheartedly.  If there are aspects of my life that are keeping me from following you wholeheartedly, please show me. Please give me the grace to forsake my own life and to embrace what it means to follow you, making loving you and reaching out to others, my priority and purpose. Amen.

By Donna Mitchell


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.



Used by permission
www.thelife.com/dailydevotions


If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Donna Mitchell Thoughts by Women

Prayer: Drought in our life

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit”.  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Following after Jesus does not mean that Christians will never experience drought, desert times when the soul longs for green oases and overflowing wells. Weary from the pursuit of Saul, Shepherd King David cried out to God, “I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

But just as towels best absorb water when they are totally dry, so can our thirsty souls best absorb the water of life as we empty ourselves of sin and distractions, faithfully continue sitting in the presence of God, meditating on his words, awaiting the refreshing rain that will eventually come.

It’s easy to become preoccupied with the lack of spiritual moisture, to become “bothered by the heat and worried by long months of drought.” But we find comfort in the promise that even during these seemingly interminable times, God continues to produce fruit in and through us. A clue to living successfully through these times is given by David, “I will praise you as long as I live…with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63) This is praise even in the desert, what one writer called the sacrifice of praise. A sacrifice accepted and honored by our Heavenly Father who knows best when to send rain.

Father, the drought seems long and the dryness deep. Help me endure by trusting in you, by claiming you as my hope and confidence.  Thank you, too, for producing fruit in and through me even when I don’t recognize the crop.

By Marilyn Ehle

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Praying Hands

The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalms 28:7

Not too long ago, I had a professor make me aware of something she saw that I was struggling with. What she said touched me so deeply my eyes immediately started welling up with tears. I needed healing in an area of my life I was choosing to ignore and hoped would just go away.

Trusting God with our hearts so He can heal us takes courage.

When Jesus confronted the Samaritan woman at the well and her sin was exposed, she had a choice as to how she would respond. It took courage when she ran back to her town and shared with everyone how Jesus knew everything about her. “Then they left the town and made their way to Him” (John 4:30).

Being vulnerable with God and trusting Him with areas of our life that are difficult to face is exactly what He desires. God is the only one who can forgive us, heal us, love us through the situation, and give us the guidance we need.

The Samaritan woman received healing in her own heart; her testimony helped to heal the many that came to God that day.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and always being here for me in my times of need. I give you ______________ [state the areas you need God to heal], and ask that You would heal me. I desire to be close to you and to know You more. Amen.

By Brigitte Straub


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.



If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Brigitte Straub Thoughts by Women

put down your nets and follow me
Come follow me“, Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19, 20

Simon and Andrew had certainly heard about Jesus. They may very well have been followers of John the Baptist. Whatever their prior relationship to John and Jesus, there came a point in time when they could no longer hesitate. “At once they left their nets and followed him.

I wonder how many times during the next three years they thought longingly about those nets? Nets represented family and friendships, security, a place in society where their livelihood was accepted and necessary. Now they traveled with an itinerant rabbi who was frequently the object of scorn and skepticism, supported by a group of women, never knowing where they would find rest for the coming night. Was it worth it?

We know that the nets provided a welcome haven for Peter after the hope-shattering death of Jesus. Even though Jesus had appeared to the disciples, we sense that Peter was questioning his earlier decision to follow. We read that Peter, along with six other disciples, decided to go back to their nets, at least temporarily. They climb into the boat (had Peter kept it in dry dock just in case??) and cast out onto the familiar Sea of Galilee.

Jesus, out of love and with a faith in Peter that he did not have in himself, reveals himself in a very special way back on the beach. Peter and Jesus have a long and very serious conversation at the end of which Peter somehow senses that it is time to leave the nets forever.

Madeleine LâEngle writes words that could easily have come from the lips of Peter. Or from my lips.

Sometimes in the groping dark of my not knowing
I am exhausted with the struggle to believe in you, O God.
Your ways are not our ways. Your ways are extraordinary.

Father, thank you for giving us the privilege of leaving our nets, even when we question like Peter. You have a graciously promised to never leave us even when we grope in the dark of not knowing.

By Marilyn Ehle


If you don’t know Jesus in a personal way you can begin a relationship with him today. The first step is a prayer telling him you believe He is who He says He is and a second step is surrendering control of your will and life to him.  These can be communicated in a simple prayer (prayer is talking to God):

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, then you can pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Assurance prayer

This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

The Book of Joshua opens by announcing that Moses is dead. The LORD speaks to Joshua and gives him an assignment — to lead the people into the promised land. Considering Moses was one of the greatest leaders ever, it was likely terrifying to take over from him.

Joshua needed encouragement and specific instruction not to be afraid and reassurance from the LORD that He would not fail or abandon him. The instruction to “be strong and courageous” is repeated as “be strong and very courageous” and then in verse 9 the LORD outlines that this is not a suggestion — it is a command. Strong words for a man who was obviously afraid and needed much reassurance.

We assume a courageous person has no fears, but the opposite is true. Even the dictionary explains that courage is the ability to do something that frightens you or strength in the face of pain or grief.

In this opening chapter, the LORD explains what will help Joshua to be strong and courageous.  The LORD gives Joshua a promise that is for us as well – “I will be with you as I was with Moses.  I will not fail or abandon you.” Obey my instructions. Study God’s word. Again the LORD closes with, “do not be afraid or discouraged,” which can be our natural tendency when hard things come. The LORD gives the reason Joshua can trust, “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

You can be courageous today for that same reason. The LORD is with you.

LORD, thank you that you have promised us that you will be with us and will not fail or abandon us. Thank you that we can follow you, taking the courage and strength that you give in the face of fear or pain or grief. Help us study your word and take it to heart. Remind us of your faithfulness. Thank you that you are trustworthy. Give us the courage to obey you in the face of any obstacle. Thank you that we too have a reason to trust you — the promise that you will be with us wherever we go. Amen.

By Donna Mitchell

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Donna Mitchell Thoughts by Women

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.Deuteronomy 31:6

It took a lot of courage for my family to relocate from Sweden to Canada. We wanted to go to Calgary because we had friends there, but we knew that God was leading us to Vancouver. We didn’t know anyone, so that was a courageous step for us to take. We had fears and doubts but we chose to overcome them by obedience to the word of the Lord. And since we came, God has been good to us; He has proven Himself faithful and confirmed to us in different ways that we are meant to be here now.

Today’s scripture is an admonishment to you. God wants you to be strong and courageous and to choose trust despite the fears in your heart. How can you do this? By constantly reminding yourself that God is with you. He has promised to go with you as you move forward with that step of obedience He is calling you to. He never fails. Don’t allow fear of the unknown to draw you back. God is all-powerful and wise, and He says to you today, “I will go with you and not fail you.”

Heavenly Father, help us to be strong and be of good courage in whatever decision you would have us take. Help us to know that you are with us all the time and that you will not leave or forsake us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Folasade Oladapo Thoughts by Women

His Magnificent Presence

His is a very near presence that we will know,
When we draw close to Him.

In a conversation with a friend who just recently finished several months of chemo sessions, she talked about the deep and intimate closeness to the Lord that she experienced while going through cancer treatment.

It reminded me of the very similar way I felt when my husband and I grieved in 1992 for our baby who only lived on this earth for two days. I told her that I literally felt like God’s arms were around me, holding me.

Both of our experiences were the evidence of every Bible verse on God’s comfort and every verse and teaching that He is always with us and we are never alone and that His grace is sufficient.

My friend and I agreed that we want that special closeness to continue even though we are not in those dark valleys anymore.

But we also admitted that even when life is “normal” we can still have a close and intimate relationship with the Lord as a result of intentionally pursuing Him and drawing near. We can experience His magnificent presence any day of the week when we genuinely seek Him.

It might not be the same as the uniquely powerful and comforting grace He provides in a valley or trial. Yet, every normal and ordinary day we still have the humbling honor to draw near and know His magnificent presence ever near to us.

James 4:8
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

By Kathy Cheek

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Kathy Cheek Thoughts by Women

daily devotional online

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God.” 1 John 4:1-3 (NLT)

Angie turned the television off, sat back and thought about what she heard.

She had been listening to one of her favorite talk show hosts.

The entertainer denied Jesus is the only path to reconciliation and fellowship with God.

So Angie picked up a Bible and wondered, “Were there other ways to Heaven?”

She discovered Acts chapter four, which speaks about Jesus Christ.

It says, “There is salvation in no one else!  God has given no other Name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

[To besavedmeans to be rescued or delivered from our wrongdoings, our sin.]

Angie now knew the truth.  Jesus is THE way!  The ONLY way.

Dear friend, test the claims of others who say they know God.

You can trust the Bible to always speak the definitive truth.

by Vonette Bright

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

feature scene devotional

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

We often give up on ourselves when we are faced with insurmountable odds. We lose the fight it takes to keep ourselves in the race to our destination. Yet, God has given us the grace and the strength we need to persevere even in hard times.

If you find yourself at the point of giving up today, encourage yourself to get back up again. You are worth the effort it takes to get to your expected end. You are worth the fight that it takes to move from a place of mediocrity and begin living the life you were destined to live. There is hope for you.

Father, I thank you for encouraging the hearts of your people today. Many find themselves at a place of giving up on life. They see no hope for them. They struggle with loneliness, heartache, and pain. I pray that you will begin to heal their wounded hearts. Speak peace to the turmoil they feel at this moment. Help them to see the good things you are doing in their lives. I pray that their eyes will be open to the truth of who they are. I pray that they will begin to see the endless possibilities you have placed around them. Thank you for binding up their broken hearts and leading them to a place of peace and hope as only you can. In Jesus name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney

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devotional

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.” James 4:8

It takes a special kind of courage to draw near to God. Yet the reward is amazing as His presence comes near to you. God’s presence is actually the very thing our hearts seek. It fills us and fulfills us all at the same time. It can completely change the mundane into the opportunity to see beauty and feel awe. Can you even remember the last time you felt awe at what God was doing in your ordinary life?

But what does that look like on a Monday morning as you rush off to another week chasing your job?

1.    Be Intentional: If you truly want to feel God’s presence and know His wisdom and peace then it takes setting aside even a few minutes to draw near to Him.

2.    How do you do that? Open your hands – actually do it – and ask God to take the things that interrupt His flow in your life. Ask Him to point them out. Listen. Actually do the motion of washing your hands while asking God to help you make changes.

3.    Offer your heart. Lift your clean hands now toward Heaven and offer God your heart, asking Him to fill it with His wisdom, peace, joy and presence.

4.    Be single minded in following Jesus. When we are double minded (one day seeking Him, the next day ignoring Him) we will find instability rocking our minds and emotions.

As you reach out to Him, He will reach back to you. It’s a promise. His presence will make all the difference in the stability and fulfillment of your life.

Father God, So many things distract me and You often seem far away in my day to day reality. Help me to use the exercise daily of opening my hands and having You show me what I need to wash out of my life. Then extending my arms to heaven to receive from You as You reach back to me with the fruit of Your Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, humility and self control Galatians 5:22).  Please help me to be intentional today in drawing near to You. In the strong name of Jesus, I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers


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If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women