The Change IS Coming…Part One

by Alissa Lynne Griffith
(Pittsburgh, PA )

Are you feeling like you do not know what you should do, how do you make that change in your life – what is the way to do this very thing? How can we change in Christ? We are starting a new series today…

Each week or better yet, as God gives it to me, we will discuss different aspects of change and how to make the changes that are needed in our lives…change is not easy but one thing can make the change a little easier for you…

Prayer, Fasting and Reading the Word…

How many times have you heard this? About a million times right, well that is because it works. How can you begin to know what direction to go in if you are not reading the word of the Lord on a daily basis, how can you know His voice if you are not praying and fasting to hear only Him?

The word says in Hosea 4:6 (KJV) - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

The knowledge that you are lacking is His word and His voice…when it is time to change it is crucial that you hear God and know His voice. I receive tons of emails (some of you have written me too – you know you have) on how do we know God’s voice and one of the first things I always ask is how much are you in His word and talking to Him. I do not mean reading just a couple of passages but actually reading a chapter or two a day. I am not talking about saying a 5 minute prayer (although that is a start for those that do not pray) but praying as you go through your day and being silent to hear back from Him.

Many of us start doing this very thing but when things start to get better in our lives, we get lazy and stop talking and reading as much, yet here is my question – why are you allowing satan to steal God’s glory by giving up His word and your relationship with Him for the things of this world, when in reality as many times as you have done this, He has shown you leaving Him out of things changes the very relationship that you have not only with Him but those around you too.

We struggle with knowing Him because we will not commit to reading His word and talking to Him. It does not have to be the first thing in the morning although that is an awesome way to start your day and it will get you moving in the right direction in your day. Yet here is another thing, having a hard time reading it, start listening to it while you are reading or even just listen to it. It will help you get accustom to His word and starting to know His voice for His word – the Holy Bible is His voice.

I never thought I would learn anything from the books of Chronicles but man I am learning a lot about not just God but myself too. The entire bible is God’s voice, want to know what He is saying, read His word and know what He has already said and what He is saying to you through His word.

We are so quick to turn on secular music as we ride in our cars, or take some kind of public transportation when we could be listening to the word of the Lord in the car (yes I know that is just too much for some but guess what you most likely need to do it more) or how about turning off the secular music for once and listen to songs that are uplifting to the Lord and sing songs of praise to Jesus. This is called setting the atmosphere to hear from the Lord more, but you have to be willing to turn off that other music off…no I do not approve of secular music when you are trying to hear from God. Yes God will use anything and anyone to reach us, but one thing I do know is that His word is true and the world and God do not mix for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but spirits and principalities. Do your research on the music industry and maybe you might be broken from the bondage that some songs hold you into…which is a whole other topic.

Yet to hear from God, we need to stop trying to hear everything and everyone else so that we can hear Him clearly without clogged ears and hearts. In setting things in this kind of motion, we begin to prepare ourselves to accept and embrace the change that is coming into our lives.

Comments for The Change IS Coming…Part One

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Need study partners NEW
by: Terri

My life has been a BIG roller coaster and it wasn't until my 40's that God finally got through to me. Was excited about my faith, and Gods love and studied every day. Now I am finding as I am getting older, that I have a hard time with focus. ADHD, OCD, and bouncing around all the time. I deal with pain on a daily basis and all this keeps me from being able to attend a church, and where I live there are mostly the mentally handicap in one way or another so there really isn't anyone to study with. I miss getting excited about something I have read many times but am learning something new that I didn't see before. I truly believe that God allows us to understand more as we mature. Any way, thank you for allowing me here.

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Listening to God NEW
by: Tammy

You made mention that I am allowing Satan to steal God’s time when I am doing everything else but reading His word. That struck a chord with me, because it it so very true. I used to be so on fire for God, but I have been worn down by many things and problems in life. The Christians that I knew disappointed me so very much, too. I want to thank you for saying that I am allowing Satan to do this, because it puts into perspective the truth. Shame on me!

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Transition NEW
by: Anonymous

I am on a transitional period on my life. My husband passed away in April. We'd been married 3 months shy of 30 years. He was ill for the last 10 of those years. My days were filled with work, church, hospitals, surgeries, doctor appointments and rehab facilities. Now I feel lost and trying to find a new normal. I pray and ask God for guidance. I am seeking his voice and I know it comes from studying his word more than I have been. My desire is to develop a more intimate relationship with him. Looking forward to becoming a part of this group.

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Need help NEW
by: Joan

I feel very shame of myself because every time God bless me I seem to wonder off. I have had back to back deaths in my family since 2012. And it has left me speechless, and alone with trouble back to back. I don't know what is happening in the church, but something is not right with most of them. So I'm looking for some soul fighting sisters of God to hang onto until I can get my strength back, and life with God. Please pray for me. Sister Joan

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IT HAPPENED OVER NIGHT NEW
by: Keshia

This is beautiful and very true. I am a living testimony of God speaking to me. I once was lost and now I am found. Recently I gave up my addiction to marijuana and cigarettes. I asked God to help me break bad habits and he did. Over the years I've became a bitter spirited person by the way I have been mistreated and wronged. I blamed everyone for the way my life was going even to God. He responded to me by telling me to get myself together. Put the drugs down and hear his word. It's been four days and I AM SO MUCH BETTER NOW. I DONT SMOKE ANYMORE. I WAS A HEAVY SMOKER AND HE TOOK THAT FROM ME. I CHANGED MY MUSIC TO INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. I PRAY. IM NOT ANGRY OR BITTER ANYMORE. IT DID HAPPEN OVER NIGHT! I LOVE THE LORD BECAUSE HE HEARD MY CRY. HE CHANGED ME. IF HE DID IT FOR ME HE WILL DO IT FOR YOU! GOD BLESS

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I need God.. Help Me ? NEW
by: Marcedes

I am 20 years old and a young mother. I been through alot ever simce my gmom died when I was 16. Its like my whole life turned around. My family and I have been through so much. Losing our bond in some way. Im a young mother and I was in a abusive relationship, looking for love when it was in front of me the whole time. God...!!! Been doing so much for me, allowing me to see years and I pray he lets me see many many more. Thank you Jesus for everything. I love you. I just want to get back right with you lord. Help me ?

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Needed to hear this NEW
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for this posting. I have been thinking about my marriage and the lack of communication, love and respect between my husband and I. We need divine intervention, and nothing can break this spinning cycle, but God's word and his weapons. Prayer, fasting, and reading His word continuously.

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Glory to God NEW
by: Mary

The message was really touching, I was in a desperate situation, looking for hope in Christ. Now my mind is like a silence after thunderstrom.
Praise the Lord

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The voice of God NEW
by: Anonymous

I know that we can hear God through his word, through prayer and from certain word from a gospel song I Believe we just have to be sensitive to his voice . Like you say the more we read the bible and pray the more we know the voice of God.

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Game Changer NEW
by: Quin

Praise God !!! It's the Word being written. I thank God for the wisdom. I really need the fellowship. The basic spiritual food group prayer, fasting, reading and studying God's Word, and fellowship or assembly of ourselves together. I have been longing for fellowships I love ray that s is what I need so far it seems to be. Praying for the different ones who left comments believing God will answer your heart prayer and that you will open up and receive His Word.. Because He Loves you and has an awesome plan for you!!! Knowing this and applying these principles in my life has been the Game Changer in my life.

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an eye opener NEW
by: Anonymous

I have always been told that, the more you hear God's word that is through music or preaching is all i needed but what i just read in the book of Hosea has been an eye opener I know as a fact that if i keep reading and continue in this bible study it will help me out a lot in my relationship with God i pray that this will benefit me and i can pass it on to my my children

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Looking for guidance......the change is coming part one NEW
by: Anonymous

I went on the internet to take look up bible study n came across this one....hope I am in the right bible study group I started reading the comments n after reading a few started feeling discouraged but I figured it was Satan trying to get me just to back out n get out if the website but instead I'm here work open ears n mind ...I am in the middle of trying to make a decision so when I started reading I totally knew it was God that led me here !!

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Looking for guidance...... NEW
by: Anonymous

I went on the internet to take look up bible study n came across this one....hope I am in the right bible study group I started reading the comments n after reading a few started feeling discouraged but I figured it was Satan trying to get me just to back out n get out if the website but instead I'm here work open ears n mind ...I am in the middle of trying to make a decision so when I started reading I totally knew it was God that led me here !!

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to Confused- B Walker NEW
by: Anonymous

Finding the right church can be tough. If you have other options keep looking. God will lead you where you need to go if you keep asking and seeking. I came to this site looking for an interactive small group so I also did not find what I was hoping for. I also noticed that your request for help was ignored and that really upsets me. I won't be back to this site but couldn't leave without trying to offer you some encouragement.I have also struggled with going deeper and finding my place. I am still looking, so I don't have a complete answer for you except to assure you that you are not alone. Keep praying, keep seeking, and God will provide. I have been doing this and feel closer to Him each day. I pray that God will bring you clarity today.

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You Shall Know The Truth NEW
by: Diana

This was excellent. Surprise, surprise, it was just what I needed to hear, today. I am in the midst of change and really am pushing into knowing how. I so appreciate that he sees my struggle, my weakness and still adores me. I honor him by studying His Word and Hearing His Voice. This lesson just helped me turn my ear even more towards his voice, and only his voice. Thank you for your obedience and your heart.

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New comer NEW
by: Kay

thank you...lesson one is a breath of fresh air.

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Thank you NEW
by: Robin Schonewolf

Thank you so much for this lesson- and I thank God for bringing me to your website. I've always been in church, different times through out my life= but never really headed to the christian life. Always half in, half out. Lately I've just felt a real "wanting". ( I don't know how else to describe it). I want my Jesus in my life- I want a stronger, better relationship with him, I want to feel his presence more in my life, I want to be the path he designed me for but I don't know what that is. I'm sure it will be revealed to me in his time, but for now I just want to work on getting ready because I KNOW it' coming. I don't know quite how to ready myself. I know that getting into God's word more, asking him for understanding and deligence on my part to stay in his word, interacting with other women of God- these are all good starts. Can you offer any other advise for someone like me who longs for a close and personal relationship with God, but is not quite sure how to bring this about? Thank you

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The Change IS Coming Part One NEW
by: Dee

Thank you so much for this lesson. It has enlighten me on what I need to do to have a more deeper and intimate relationship with God. So I may hear his voice more clearly.

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Confused NEW
by: B walker

I'm confused am I doing something wrong? I came to this page expecting a bible study but I don't see one.. I am a christain woman that has struggled most of my life with how to be a Christian. My family is a train wreck and I feel like I am all alone. I do read a daily devotional but as for in depth bible study I don't know how to get started. I have read the bible cover to cover several times but not sure how to get deeper into it. I struggle daily to hear Gods voice but it never happens and if I hear a scripture in my head I always question wether it is God or me. I'm so tired of struggling to find God. I'm so tired of trusting Him one day and doubting the next this roller coaster I'm on is slowly driving me nuts. I go to two different churches and neither one of them give me whatever it is I'm searching for. I leave them both feeling like I am missing something. My husband,and children are all believers but are not very good at walking the walk. All except my youngest is baptized. I spent a lot of years away from church because of the hypocrisy that I have seen. All I want is alive with God in it but my day to day life is always filled with one problem on top of the other and it's a struggle some days just to read a devotional. Where is God why can't I hear him. I think sometimes he has washed his hands of me and my family......
And I cannot fast because I am a diabetic and my husband would freak out if I didn't eat. I'm just so tired of searching for answers I can't find. I'm just out and out plain ol tired...........

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Amen.. NEW
by: Anonymous

It's so nice reading all the comments from fellow sisters,I am so happy at anytime when I can recognise God speaking to me.I just want to state that a lot of time God is speaking to us and we don't even know He is the one speaking simply because there are so many voices going on in our mind.Imagine if you are in a room full of people and your mum calls you out of the crowd you will surely recognise her voice because you know her,the same way it is with God.We need to get to recognise and get intimate with Him then we can recognise His voice when He speak to us.You can read the bible but if you don't open your heart to receive from God you won't hear a thing,it will be like watching the television without listening to what is been said on it,Many voices go through our heart on daily basis;worries,anxiety,fear,doubt are part of voices but you can chose to listen to God alone.He is subtle,comforting and it brings hope to our heart.Regardless on how you feel God's word is yea and amen.Praise The Lord.

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Change Is Coming Part 1 NEW
by: Anonymous

Praise the Lord!
Thank you for this enlighten lesson. It has really open my I eyes to where I am lacking in
my walk with the Lord.

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Change Is Coming Part 1 NEW
by: Anonymous

Praise the Lord!
Thank you for this enlighten lesson. It has really open my I eyes to where I am lacking in
my walk with the Lord.

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Yes Lord I agree with the change and hearing his voice NEW
by: cheryl

Bless be to God. I would like to say I could not agree with you more. My son who is 12 has a calling on his life. From the pastor to strangers to family have all heard God's voice and confirmed it Thank you Jesus! My son asked me a day or two ago about how do you know when you hear God's voice. I explained to him that his voice comes through strangers reading the bible friends etc. Basically like you mentioned when your in tuned to his word you will hear his voice. I had been telling my son for days to make sure he is continuing to read his bible. Well my son home schools and yesterday during his science lesson it talked about the star and galaxies and how the white starts will orbit the son and how scientist are paying close attention to those type of stars because they feel that those stars will one day tell them how the earth will end and the sun will one day eventually burn away mercury and another planet. However scientist are still not to sure if the sun will take away earth. My son all of a sudden in the middle of the lesson said mom it says that in the bible how the lord will come back the second time for the earth. The information my son was giving was so profound we stooped the lesson imm... and started to read the bible. My son told me he received the confirmation in Revelation. From that moment on my sun was amazed how God can talk to him even through School work. Yes reading everyday and disciplining yourself away from this world God will never let nothing sneak up on you and you will hear his voice. Amen!!

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Making Room for God's Voice NEW
by: Kate

Sister Alyssa, thank you for sharing your time and helping others to improve their walk with The Lord:). I love what you say about turning off secular music in favor of worship music and other biblical material. I have to say, that in the last week or so, The Lord has asked me to give Him more time and to make room. I have turned my radio station to a Christian channel and given up watching certain television programs. It has really helped me to hear God's voice and also as a result of the change, I have sought out new things, such as this Bible study! I am not going to deny that it is difficult to dedicate more of my life to glorify God but, I believe that The Lord is calling me towards Him and that I am learning how to be obedient. My relationship with The Lord has started to deepen as a result of the changes I have made in my music and television choices. It's really amazing how much influence the secular stuff had over me, my walk with God, my relationships with others and, my view of the world. I am hoping I can stick with the changes but, you are right, complacency is also a big issues :-/ Thanks again for giving me something to think about and now to look forward to.

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Change
by: NJ

This is my first time at your Bible study. I am so happy to read the Scriptures that you use to support your lesson. My husband and I both believe, but I am more interested in reading the Bible on a regular basis and knowing what to study. We haven't been to church in over a year, so I feel as if I could use some structured lessons and feedback. I look forward to learning and getting myself into the habit of studying. Thanks!

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Praise God
by: Rachel

Thank you once again Sister Alissa. You are bringing so many of us near to Jesus. I have followed your advice and read the Word of God often. Listen to Gospel songs while travelling to work. Very often i forget some important jobs while in office and suddenly i feel a voice telling me or a phone call comes and the word is spoken and then i remember. Praise God. Thank you Sister for bringing so many of us closer to God.

I do sometimes stray on the wrong path because i find i difficult to follow God's ways. i am praying for strength and grace and help from God to walk along HIS path. Keep praying for all of us.

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change is coming 1
by: Irma

I was looking for a Bible Study when I stumbled upon you,everything you said is true,I have not been spending time in the Word,Prayng,or Fasting.W hich I will start doing now.This will also be helpful to my Daughter who Herself is having trouble hearing God's voice Thank You.

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Thank you sister alissa
by: IamMe

Thank you sister Alissa..

It gives me an encouragement to read your messages, God works in my life right? I just want to shout that God really works in my life and he naver forsakes me.

I will start all over again. Ill start walking in God's path again. I know he will accept me. Please continue praying for me sister.

Thank you.

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Need help on my walk with God
by: Anonymous

Hi just reading comment it touch my heart I am marriage for ten year my husband unsave with 3 son and it's not easy being save. Sometime I ask myself if God hear my pray dealing with my 19 son is not easy at all someone I can't pray or read I really need help on this walk.

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To I Am Me
by: Sister Alissa Lynne

First thing is first - God never abandons us but allows things to happen to us just like things happen to any person...

Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV) - 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

So whatever happens in this life, is what life brings. God gives us the strength to endure...when we begin to get closer to the Lord, the enemy decides to push harder to knock you down, what we must do is continue to have faith and trust in the Lord for all things and to know that He is Lord.

The best way to start over is just that - start over - start praying again, start reading the word again, start attending church again...listening to the Lord for all things in your life and preparing your mind for things to be a little harder because like all things anything worth having is going to take work...

Surround yourself with people who know and LOVE the Lord with all their heart and when trials comes - trust in the Lord and His word...

James 4:6-8 (NKJV)

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

I shall be praying for you and I know that if you keep your focus on the Lord and remember that He never leaves you or allows more than you can bear upon you - stand tall and know that not only is He God but He loves you and there for you too!

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The Change
by: IamMe

I want change...

and to start, I want to change and walk with God's path.

I don't know how to start, though before I am very positive reaching god, attending mass,never failed to pray and doing things that pleases him, but one day, things start to messed in my life, I received serious challenges in my life, non stop problems almost day by day,and I felt I was neglected by god, I felt he had forsaken me and I stopped praying, my faith in him was shaken,and my communication with god thru my prayers suddenly ends up.

Now I don't know how to begin,but I am really willing to know him much better, I want to be closer with god, and I know I need help.I know I need people like you to help me build this little faith with him. I need God to be the center in my life.

Do I sound desperate? I know I am.

Please help.

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Response to Tosha
by: Sister Alissa Lynne

My sister - when we face the unknown a lot of times it is scary and unnerving - I shall be praying for you and your walk in the Lord - God bless and thanks so much for your comments!!

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Response Januaire Ross-Jacox
by: Sister Alissa Lynne

One thing I tell sisters who are married to unsaved men is that God has called us to live right before them despite what they do and do not do. The key of all is what is God telling you to do - not what you are telling yourself or what others are telling you to do.

Many women have left men that God never said to leave and end up either alone and miserable, or married again in a failed marriage. It is important to make sure that all your decisions and words said comes from the Lord.

The bible says in I Corinthians 7:13-17 13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

As hard as it is sometimes - we must follow the word of the Lord. Now if you are under some kind of abuse, sometimes that means being separated for a time until the situation comes together - but yet God does not love divorce but reconciliation but the key is to make sure that it is what God wants...always walk according to the word of the Lord - walking in His spirit and not our flesh - working out the fruit of the spirit. If you need to - you can email me at founder@womenliving4jesus.org...God bless and praying for you!!!

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Needing Change
by: Tosha

Thank you for your word. I feel like I have been on an island out in the middle of the ocean by myself for so long. I'm married with one child change has been hard on me since our family has relocated and I have not been able to find a new church home. I feel like I have lost my way. Your comments are what I needed to hear. I feel like you were talking specifically to me. I look forward to reading your next blog entry and seeing where God leads and take me.

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Beautifully Written Sister
by: Januaire Ross-Jacox

Sister that was beautifully written and encouraging to me. I feel and know that Jesus is listening to my prayers and I will continue to pray and seek his ways. I feel my changes and I love how it makes me feel. I am truly blessed to have been put in your path so i can continue to seek God and walk in his paths. I have a question though Im married and my spouse chooses to keep his worldly ways, i feel we going in two directions any advice I do pray for my family and I know that the battle is not his human flesh but spiritual entities but I know he is making that choice because he stated many times when he ready and i feel he just using that as excuse but not here to judge him just want advice please.

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thank you
by: Christy

Thank you, Alissa for serving the Lord by leading this study! I have been married for three years and it has been a roller coaster to say the least. I dont know when I began relying on myself for fulfillment but i know it has to stop. I thank you for your encouraging words, they are very refreshing. I hope im not too late to join in on the fellowship. I desperately need to surround myself with the truth. Thank you again!

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Praise God
by: Rachel

Thanks for helping me to start praying, reading the word of God. Though i would find fasting difficult, i will try. God bless you as i have come close to Jesus by praying and reading HIS word. Rachel

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