As I was exploring my blog, I accidentally came across an AI assistant that gives you blog post ideas you can edit or use as your own post and publish to your blog. It creates the blog based on your blog theme, or what AI thinks is your blog theme. I read through one idea about spending time with God and was not impressed by its robotic content and tone. Besides, who would want information about spending time with God from a computer? Only real people can hear from the Holy Spirit; anything else is like getting advice or encouragement from a rock; it is an “idol,” and it means nothing. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. Psalms 115:4-8 NIV Heartfelt, no AI version of "Spending Time with God." Do I make time for God? Nowadays, I ask myself two questions. How do I not make space and time for God? And what is my life like without knowing Him, hearing Him, and being in His presence? I have not spent my life just knowing how to spend time with God. As I have grown older, I know by experience that I cannot get through this life on my own efforts or merits, apart from God. I have tried. I accomplished so little that is worthy of giving my King Glory. As a believer in Jesus Christ, to follow, seek, and worship Him is simply life. Some of you who know me may say, "I didn't know that about you." Well, neither did I. It is just something I learned about myself being in the presence of the Almighty. What is "Quiet Time" with God? It is a “secret place” where we, as His children, go to talk with Him, sit with Him, get to know Him, and are hidden or covered by Him. Scripture tells us about the secret place. Psalm 91:1 '1He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Matthew 6:6 ''But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy chamber, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who sees in secret shall reward thee openly. Without my secret times, my life quickly turns topsy-turvy. I give myself two to three days max before the enemy has fully blown my thinking, my prayers, and my direction all to hell. I become in my mind’s eye what the enemy tells me I am: unlovable, unworthy, selfish, useless, etc. He is the accuser of the brethren, and he is good at it. Satan knows the old me very well and is positioned, waiting and ready for me to turn away from Jesus, and he pounces. He not only waits for me, but he also entices me through my own thought life. Don't get it twisted, there are times when I allow myself to be led astray, or "distracted". And there are times when the Lord will allow the enemy to trouble me, to reveal some hidden sin. But when I do get distracted and stray from my home base, I know that the only way out and back home is on my knees. On my knees, seeking my Father’s face, my Abba Father in that secret place where He can be found. And that takes time, intention, and effort. Which I struggled to accomplish for many years. Even though I am beyond the age of an earthly child, I fall as a child into Abba’s arms of comfort, peace, and reassurance. I have grown to know that He is working and developing in me all that He has created me to be by His grace and love through His Son, Jesus. No matter how old or young you are, we will always have our Father in Heaven who is eternal...the Ancient of Days. Why and How I Made Time for God I do not have a formula for you, or a ten-point bullet point with steps to follow; I just have my journey, my own testimony. I only have what God has done for me and how he has led me and walked me down this faith walk to where I am today. I was saved at the age of 18 (another story), and it has taken decades for God to build a solid relationship with me. In the past, I thought an hour a day was impossible to set aside for time with God. Oh, I read all the how-to books and step-by-step devotionals, and I scheduled it into my day. I was never very good at staying committed or truly realizing the extreme importance of spending time with God. I just knew I should do it because I needed God, and He loved me. Most of my time talking with God was on the go, or when I needed something, or felt sad or worried. Or when at church in a prayer group, you know, church stuff. Quiet time with God seemed mostly about me. Me telling God what I wanted, what I needed, who He needed to change, and help make my life better. I would “prayer journal” for a while, then stop for long periods. I occasionally had a prayer list of others that I prayed for, but nothing I committed to or stayed with for any real amount of time. I was immature, carnal, and self-focused. I had many bad habits and strongholds in my mind and life that needed removing before I understood how important time with God would be for me. God knew this about me, and even if I was not faithful, He was. So, let me fast-forward to today. The timing of prayer moved from sporadic prayer and Church stuff to an hour a day, then to hours a day. And into learning how to fast and pray involving days and weeks. I now love being in the presence of Abba. I love hearing his Word and listening to what he has to say. Know that this did not happen overnight; it has taken decades of struggle and many sporadic, failed attempts along the way. I just kept talking to God, and eventually I understood and believed what he said about me, and who He was, and we reasoned together. I had a lot of growing to do, and he was faithful in correction, discipline, instruction, and wisdom, as a good Father should be. As a lost and broken young woman, I had a great need for the washing of the blood and the Holy Spirit's transforming power. Looking back, I know God had me then as He does now. He has never, ever, ever let go of me. He found me in the midst of my mess and patiently and graciously walked me out of my darkest places. Looking back, I remember feeding my spirit on secondhand knowledge of God, which was good for renewing the mind. I listened to a lot of preaching and teachings from others. From many different sources and places. I read the Bible as much as I could, and I attended churches, a lot of churches. One of my favorite teachers of the word at the time was Joyce Meyers. I was a young mother of three and had much difficulty navigating marriage, career, and parenting. I had her books, tapes, cassettes, etc. I also adjusted my music preferences and had a mixture of worship music; CeCe Winans was my favorite, mixed with some of my favorite jazz and secular artists. I was seeking God through many different sources, people, and places. But one thing I did not have was a consistent personal revelatory relationship with my Creator, my God. Oh, I knew God, knew of God, worshiped God, studied God’s Word, talked to God, talked about God, knew Scripture, etc. However, I was not a good hearer or listener of God. Until I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Sick and tired of me, my life, my work, and always running into dead ends with people, places, and things. Little did I know that all those obstacles, dead ends, tried-and-failed people, places, and things were all God trying to get my attention. I know this now, but as I went through all these trials and tribulations, I had no idea that God was nudging me, setting up barriers to break down my spiritual strongholds and set me free from the bondage I was in. I had a lot of mental strongholds in my life due to my childhood and family dynamics, as many of us do. And the only way to break down these strongholds is through spiritual warfare, through a real relationship with our Heavenly Father. Why? Because the battle is His, saith the Lord. And guess what? Jesus gave us access to the throne room with His death on the cross and His resurrection. I spent a large portion of my walk with God believing lies about myself and others that the enemy of God fed me for the first 18+ years of my life. Sometimes, I still struggle not to believe those lies. My mind had to be renewed and washed by the Word of God. And this, my dear ones, is a process. Oh, I was saved, but I was yet to be freed. My belief systems and my heart posture had to change. God had to help me put off the old woman; all things had to be made new. I can now say I am not the woman I used to be, not because of what I did, not because of the habits I formed, but because of what Christ did in me, for me, and through me by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is still more God must accomplish in my life; He ain’t done with me yet. God Produced Habits That Counted and Made a Difference My personal habit of seeking God regularly eventually developed. But the habits were born and established out of my sheer desperation. My desperate need for peace, guidance, and comfort. I was being ruled by my thoughts, feelings, and emotions; my carnal self was controlling and leading my life, not God. I remember Joyce Meyers saying, "We take counsel with ourselves, 'me, myself, and I, not with God." I was miserable, lost, broken, and in need of everything. I was self-condemning, with shame-based actions and feelings, tormented with mental tornadoes in my thinking and mind processes, with control issues based in fear. The package may have looked good, but the inner woman was a mess. Although I was a spirit-filled, born-again Christian, the devil had me at the precipice of hell contemplating ending it all, and not just a few times. Throughout this journey, the enemy has desired my life. So, believe me when I say, I understand this is a spiritual battle for our souls. Occasionally, I would hear from God, and sometimes God would use me to speak words of encouragement to others. I would have visions of encouragement and discernment for loved ones and friends. However, I was still in a lot of bondage mentally and spiritually. And at times, it would come out in very unpleasant ways. The quiet-time habits that stuck, really stuck, were not formed by what I should be doing as a good Christian. And not from knowing the right thing to do, like following a plan or step-by-step program to get to know God. My personal habits were formed out of a very raw, unfiltered, desperate need for real help, real change, real peace. I truly was tired of being sick and tired and sick and tired of trying to find answers when Jesus was supposed to be all that. And what I was doing up until about 2012 was feeding my spirit milk, and not meat. I needed to hear from God for myself, not through others, not from how-to programs, but clearly in my heart and in my spirit, just Him and me. From my desperate need to hear from God, and knowing I could not continue to walk this walk alone. Knowing the devil roamed about seeking to devour me at every turn, step, and byway. I got up before my Father daily, every morning. When I started, I had lost a job and was home for a few months, and there was another disappointment. I had one purpose on my mind. I wanted to hear from God. I set my heart, mind, and soul toward seeking His face until I heard Him speak to me. I desperately needed Him, and He alone was my only true and real answer. I was so desperate that I did not start my day until I sat before God and released my thoughts and mind to Him. I got up, went to my daughter’s old room, and sat at a small desk with an iPad to type on. I started by reading Sara Young’s book, “Jesus Calling,” each day, then reflecting on what God said to her, and reading and rereading Scripture. I poured out my heart, writing each thought and word that came to my mind and spirit. And then I waited. Just sat and waited, anticipating and believing I would hear God's voice. I believe it took me about a month to get out of God's way. My writing was simple: some praise and worship, some lamenting, some complaining, and repenting. Just whatever I wanted to talk about. I eventually had to stop talking and listen to that still small voice inside, and that is when God showed up in a very powerful, loving, and comforting way. I wrote and meditated on His Word through that daily commitment. Being in God’s presence brought me back for more of Him every day. Once you taste and know that the Lord is good, you desire nothing else. Many times, I would write down my thoughts, wait for the Lord to speak, and record His words. Most of what has come out of my quiet time with God, I have compiled in a book, “Wild Weed to Flower”, specifically for my children. Since then, with the Lord's leading, I have shared some excerpts of that content on this blog for your edification. My secret place habits were formed from my great and desperate need for the presence of my Holy Abba Father. Nowadays, I still very much yearn for God's presence. But unlike in the past, I know where my help comes from. I am still a very desperate woman; the closer I get to God, the more I know I need Him, and the more I discover how much I don’t know. I will only be perfect as Christ who lives in me is perfect. I am only whole because of Christ who lives in me. As I reflect on this journey, the scripture that the Lord brings to my remembrance is found in John chapter 15. Each pruning along my walk with the Lord produced more fruit to the Glory of the Father, vs 8. Amen. I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he shall take away; and every one that bears fruit, he shall purge that they may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abides in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I AM the vine, ye are the branches: he that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. He who does not abide in me shall be cast forth as an unsound branch and shall wither, and they are gathered and cast into the fire and are burned. If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8In this is my Father clarified, in that ye bear much fruit; and in this manner ye shall be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. ' John 15:1-9 JUB. See John 15, the full chapter Conclusion My desperation preceded my prayer habits, my habits established my relationship with God, and my relationship with God has guaranteed my freedom. Did I really make time for God? Or did he give me reason to sit at His feet? I don't think you will find an AI-generated post that captures the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. No AI Here! Through Jesus Christ. King Yeshua Ha Mashiach, All Glory and Honor Belong to the Lord!! King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Soon To Come. The Lord has taken me from Wild Weed to Flower! Amen! ~~~~~~~ 'In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ' John 14:2 KJV 'until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. ' Daniel 7:22 NIV 'Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. ' Revelation 12:10 NIV 'And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ' Matthew 18:3 NIV 'Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ' Hebrews 12:7 NIV 'Do not fear for I am with thee; do not be dismayed, for I am thy God, who strengthens thee; I will help thee always; I will always uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ' Isaiah 41:10 JUB 'The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. ' Psalms 34:17 NIV 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ' ames 1:2-4 NIV 'So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ' Galatians 5:16-17 NIV 'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ' Exodus 14:14 NIV 'Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. ' Zechariah 4: KJV 'But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ' 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV 'And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” ' Romans 8:11,14-15 NIV “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 NIV Disclaimer: Please understand that this was my journey; yours may be very different. You may have established a quiet time in your secret place via how-to books, pastor-directed devotionals, etc. Every believer has their own unique journey. I encourage you all to get to know your God! In our Father’s House are Many Mansions, and Jesus has prepared a place for all that are His.

In recent days, I have missed your touch and gentle ways. What was I thinking, staying so far away? I became fearful, worried, anxious, and lost A broken potsherd amidst the pots. So, life can sometimes seem meaningless and dim. But with God, it is filled to the brim. Lungs breathe in the Holy Spirit of Life; Don't take a breath or step without His light. O Lord, how I love you; my peace, my portion, my place. I find hope and strength in you to finish this race. The enemy of fear, worry, and strife. My rock, my hope, my entire life. My heart is jubilant; I am excited for the day. Where will my Lord lead me, for in his presence I long to stay. As I open my eyes, you bring a song to my heart. My enemy flees, with each note and tone, breaking him apart I praise my King all this day long, This is my new beginning… and I may not walk the wide road again. For my Lord has made me new. My confidant and friend. ~~~~~~~ From now on I do not call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his lord does; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15 JUB Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Toil, toil and trouble, Worry whirling twirling around in my head. All before I leave my bed What to do now, what to do when What have I gotten myself in Pressure on pressure off, I want it all to stop Trouble here, trouble there, It seems as if it’s everywhere I turn to the left, to the right I just don’t have the might Help me take one step at a time Focused only on what I can unwind Help me walk the way of peace doing what I can Help me rely on your steady and stable hand So much to do, so much to say, Someone to be...But just not today Why is today so different than most What seems to be the trouble? I holler and boast. Today so troublesome, so worrisome, so blue Why is it so difficult to know what to do? Open my eyes my heart, my soul Help me see the path I must inevitably go Take my hand, lead me the way I am overwhelmed, but why today? Yesterday was better by far, a normal day I started my day listening to what you had to say This morning is much harder; I cannot explain Someone, or something, is causing me pain I am not sure what it is, but I know you have the fix I am asking you, Lord, please, come get in the mix I need you to order and structure my day I need You to assure me it’s ok along the way ~~~~~~~ Seeking me is what is needed; you're correct, it is what to do Calling on me is what will get you through. Linger here, sit with me for a while Your distress and anxiety will be absorbed in God-Like style Whisper my name Jesus, Jesus, Jesus And all fear will be absorbed Whisper my name knowing you are adored My name is above all names, here on Earth and in Heaven above Under my wings you are fully protected, cherished, and loved. Your enemy runs in fear when hearing my name Giving you trouble is his whole game Rest, take on my yoke, I have dominion over the day Because you belong to me, there is no need to stand at bay Embrace this morning with Me by your side I am with you always and forever, your Eternal-Guide. Peace be with you, even as I am with you ~~~~~~~ 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ' John 14:27 NIV and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NIV “The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”” Job 1:7 NIV “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:8 NIV

As the sun is made for the day, and the moon is made for the night So, I am created to see You; even without light As the wind is made to blow, and the clouds are made to rain So, I am created to serve You; sometimes enduring pain As birds are made to sing, and the wolf is made to howl So, I am created to praise You; loving You out loud As the eagle mates for life, and the dove does the same So, I am created to love You; forever with You I remain As dry grass needs the morning dew, and the deer thirst for water So, I am created to need You; hour after hour As the ant follows an invisible path, and the mole, blind, knows where to go So, I am created to walk with You; trusting to just follow As the flower parades its beauty and splendor, and the jewel sparkles with glee So, I am created to be clothed by You; not with pride but humility As the cricket chirps when the sun goes down, and the robin tweets in the morn So, I am created to commune with You; all-the-day long As the lion despises the hyena, and a buzzard a living soul So, I am created to disdain my sin; willing to let it go As each creature is made to have its own unique device I am created to make a choice; recognizing God’s plan is precise As the Son of man laid down his life, to take it again So, I am created to die with Him; crucifying the flesh, again, and again As You loved the world and gave Your only Son; truly a sacrifice So, I am created to love in return; the Son You call the Christ. I love you, Lord ~~~~~~~ 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 NIV He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15 NIV So, God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. So, God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:25,27 NIV Surely, he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4 NIV Before being broken, the heart of man is haughty, and before coming into honour, comes being brought to humility. Proverbs 18:12 JUB For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 JUB

Peace a precious gift from God, the sustainer of life, bringing rest, wholeness, and joy. It is a robe of royalty, a garment of fine jewels, an invisible blanket of love. Peace is harmony in chaos, a comfort in hopelessness, and tranquility during the storm. Peace quiets the confusion, silences the calamity, revealing stillness and calming rest. Displaying assurance, security, confidence, and strength, worn with royal splendor. Peace is a garrison, a strong tower, a forcefield of protection, holding my enemy at bay. Peace blankets my entire being, shielding my vital organs, extinguishing each arrow launched from my enemy’s bow. Breathe in, breathe in the peace that God's Spirit brings. Settling the troubled heart, quenching the body's thirst, renewing, and restoring the mind, body, and soul. Reach for the gold and silver of peace, ask for and find this treasure. The balm of our hearts, the salve of the soul. Know the glorious peace that only God can bestow. Oh where, oh where can I find this treasure? Who can tell me where to find Peace? What must I do to be clothed in such splendor? Oh, little one, don't you know it is found in the presence of the Most High God. Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, Yeshua Ha Mashiach. Come, call upon the Name of the Lord your God, let Him know the love you have for Him, and Peace will surely be yours. Be clothed in His Peace for it is free to all who seek it. ~~~~~~~ Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 NKJV And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NIV I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

Cries at Heaven’s Door Father, help those in need. Open the floodgates of Your Grace for the fatherless. Give peace to the broken-hearted. Help those who suffer under the enemy’s hands. Set the captives free. Strengthen the weak. Give guidance to the lost. Open the eyes of the blind, resurrect the spiritually dead. Comfort the hurting, heal the sick. Provide for the needy. Give hope to the hopeless. Embrace the fearful. Be there for the lonely. Hear my cries, Lord; hear our cries. The world is in need. There is no sin that has not been committed. There is no unrighteous deed you have not seen. Woe to those who cause others to suffer. Is there no justice in the land? Woe to you who have no heart, no compassion, no care for your brother. Woe to you who have taken up with the enemy. Your punishment is everlasting. And Our Cries are Heard at Heaven’s Door Where are you, saints? Where is your mercy? Show yourselves children of God. Give us your wounded; you say, give us your broken-hearted. Where are you who turn away? And Their Cries are heard at Heaven’s door ~~~~~~~ A father of the fatherless and a defender of the widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalms 68:5 JUB 'he executes the rights of the fatherless and the widow and also loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. ' Deuteronomy 10:18 JUB 'Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore that desires to be a friend of the world, makes himself the enemy of God. ' James 4:4JUB 'because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. ' James 2:13 NIV

The state of being free from danger or threat. The state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety. Security is not found in possessions or in things going my way It is depending upon the Lord my God, day after day. Being satisfied with much or a little... knowing each is God’s perfect will. Positioning myself to receive… worship, prayer, and stillness, you know the drill l Move from grasping and controlling to releasing and receiving. By trusting Jesus in every situation, by just believing Security is Jesus. In him I move and breathe and have my being. In his presence there is hope, fearlessness, and love; all are freeing. In the presence of the Lord is the source of all my needing. Rest and retreat into the arms of your beloved, just being. Find safety, healing, and comfort. Jesus (Yeshua) is my life's portion, my gift, you see He provides and prepares me to make it through this life here, until I reach eternity, Because of His sacrifice, I am gifted a new birth. Within Him I am secure and have my self-worth. ~~~~~~~ Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6 NIV One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 NIV He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 JUB for in him we live and move and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also of his lineage. Acts 17:28 JUB

Lord my God, I am overwhelmed by your greatness I am in awe of your strength Your song of love penetrates my heart I am defenseless I think of you, and I pause What I have learned of you fills my thoughts Rest and peace are the gifts of the day Your Spirit fills my being, as the battles rage Woe to my enemy, Woe to my foe Father has protected me from your every blow I rest under the wings of my almighty God I am shielded, and my feet are shod. As life storms brew, and the gales grow strong My trust-belt is tightened, and my faith hangs on I don the breastplate of righteousness, His bloodshed for me In my battle stance of quiet rest, and on bended knee Salvation, the helmet I wear Rescued me from judgment and death’s snare The Word of my Father penetrates and divides my soul This double-edged sword reveals the truth; I have no real control. Surrender is the option, for the battle is already won Surrender is the secret to living close to the Holy One. Give up your life, to gain it again Thus says the Lord Jesus, my companion and friend. ~~~~~~~ The Battle is Mine says the Lord of Hosts Stand and be still, and watch the mighty hand of the one true and living God Watch and see what I will do. ~~~~~~~~~ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 JUB The Armor of God Ephesians 6: 10 – 12 JUB Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

Please read Marriage Trouble- I Do Not Know You Part 1 before starting to read Part 2 God and Our Marriage View: God’s questions regarding the Israelites (the bride) may be a lot like my own questions to my husband. Why can’t you follow through (keep your commitment)? Why have you dropped the ball (turned your heart away)? Why do you not engage (seeking my face, desiring emotional, spiritual intimacy)? Only Jesus can answer the why! Take it to Jesus. Do you have an intimate emotional relationship with the Lord? Do a heart check. Have you truly surrendered your heart to Him, or are you just playing church on the surface, where life is comfortable for you? Have you asked Him to reveal your heart to you? Possible Strongholds: fear, apathy, hypocrisy, trauma? Our Marriage View: We, as a couple, determined that a marital separation would be best to allow us to truly recognize the core issues of our lack of emotional intimacy and communication. But God… One day Lewis set off to town to run some errands, which gave him the time he needed to reflect. Interestingly, both he and I realized that he needed to make this trip alone, which we would discuss later when we came together post-trip. This next part is Lewis writing in first person. “I left to drive to Hudson, Colorado, to look at a travel trailer we were interested in. Upon leaving, I attempted to listen to scripture in my Bible app, which I normally do while driving. I developed this habit because we live in the country, and all our drive-time activities are long and make for a great time to absorb God’s word. What was different this time is that I could not get the app to work. It would play for a few seconds and then cut off. This happened repeatedly until I gave up on the app and decided to drive in silence. That quiet, I came to understand, was necessary so that I could hear God clearly without distraction. As I traveled, I had multiple conversations with the Lord, principally about the struggles in our marriage. I did that all the way to Hudson. It was on the return trip (the Bible app still would not work) that God truly began to work something in me. I experienced an agitation that I can only describe as unique and profound in its intensity. It was so visceral that I got hot (like a woman having a hot flash hot) and began to talk to God out loud, asking him what this was I was feeling. What I felt then was something being purged in me (stronghold, unclean spirit?). I didn’t know what it was or even understand, but that was because I wasn’t capable. When I started to question the Lord, I heard an emphatic “BE QUIET!” in my spirit. What that means in my personal faith walk is for me to be still and let whatever God is seeking to teach me sit with me until He gives me understanding. Obediently, I tried to kick Lewis out of the way, be patient, and wait. It wasn’t long before He impressed upon me what was happening. God revealed that ‘hidden fear’ existed in me and that my upbringing and past experiences were the reasons I had built such ramparts around my emotions. In my own reasoning, I immediately questioned the idea that I was fearful. I tried to justify that it was a lack of fear in me that allowed me to function in this harsh world. I reasoned with God that I worked, persevered, plotted, and accomplished because I refused to allow doubt/fear to restrict me. This dialogue in my spirit continued until I got home and discussed my experience with my wife, who, to her emotive, spiritually sensitive credit, understood that something was being awakened in me. However, because I am someone with little understanding of my deeper emotions at times (which God swiftly pointed out with the same abrupt action) I was given a glaring example that my childlike emotive self would understand. God brought to my remembrance the previous evening when I went to our basement to stretch. I had been negligent about this for several days, and, of course, I felt it all. I was stiff and sore in places I didn’t even know about until I got in the floor. The Lord used that analogy with me because I have always been an athlete and He knew I would get it instantly. What was present in my body was hidden away, unseen, and silent until I acknowledged it and was intentional about working through it. Our Marriage View: Fear, hidden or otherwise, creates a barrier that prevents us from being whole or from giving ourselves fully in a relationship. In essence, we believe the lie(s) that keep us bound or separated from God and one another. Precisely what was happening with me (Lewis) in our marriage. I functioned a certain way without being cognizant of my emotional stagnation. My lack of emotional competency prevented me from connecting with and nurturing my wife’s emotional needs. Starving her and my children of true emotional connection with me. God's View: Jesus gave everything to set us free from these lies and strongholds we build altars to. He laid his life down to redeem and restore us to the Father. We protect the lies we believe about ourselves and others by justification. We justify by creating a narrative we tell ourselves to fit the lie. The narrative is the wall we build to guard the lie we believe about ourselves and others. We are not set free until we know the truth. (The Lie, Justify, Narrative (Wall), Repeat… The Lie, Justify, Narrative (Wall), Repeat) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 KJV Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ' Ephesians 5:25-26 KJV Ephesians 5:25-26 Instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for it. If I, the wife, am a type and shadow of the church, then my husband, my man, should give himself up for me, not part, not some, not only what he thinks, but ALL, which means die to self. Self-preservation, self-protection, protecting his heart and emotions. Jesus gave to all of us (the bride), all of Himself, unto death. Why? … 'to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.' Ephesians 5:26-33 NIV A Wife’s View: My husband is to present me to himself as a radiant bride, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless…loving me as his own body, feeding, and caring for me as his own body. If this is so, protecting me and guarding me as he would his own heart. And there's one thing I must do: respect my husband. Respect: honor, reverence, hold someone in high esteem. active admiration (Ep 5:33) Submit: to voluntarily place oneself under the loving leadership and order of another (1Peter 3:1) A Heart Posture: Take everything to God. Seek His face regarding all things. Allow Him to reveal in you the visible and hidden sins and lies of the heart so that you may have victory over His enemy, and the lies that we believe about ourselves and others. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. ' Psalm 51:10 .KJV 'The LORD is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; My father's God, and I will exalt him. ' Exodus 15:2 KJV 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. ' Philippians 4:13 KJV Song by Acappella Create in me a clean heart, oh God Let me be like you in all my ways Give me your strength, teach me your song Shelter me in the shadow of your wings For we are your righteousness If we die to ourselves and live through your death Then we shall be born again to be blessed in your love! Also see more of what the Lord taught us: "Aspire to the Knowledge of God for a Victorious Life", and "The Writing on the Wall" Take everything to the Lord for confirmation and more insight. Prayers and Blessings

The Vision: This morning, out of nowhere, I (Lewis) received a clear vision from the Lord (not a dream) of a stone wall being very slowly etched, as if someone were writing on it with an ancient stone tool. The wall was a vivid, tarnished beige and gray color. The etching began slowly, and the first letter that began to form appeared to be an S. I asked the Lord what this vision meant and what was being written. As I contemplated what the word would ultimately be, other letters began to be carved vertically, from the top down. I was unable to make them out because each time the letters began to take form, they would be wiped away, and the letter S would be the only one remaining. This happened several times. During the vision, I was running possible words through my mind, but I never got a complete word and was left marveling at what the meaning of what I was seeing might be. The Scripture: Upon awakening, I (Anita) had a strong impression of a scripture come to my mind, which has rarely happened the scripture was, Proverbs 3: 3 ‘Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the tablet of thine heart: So shalt thou find grace and good favour in the sight of God and man. ‘Proverbs 3:3-4 JUB The Discussion: When Lewis and I began discussing what the Lord had given each of us this morning, I started writing it all down. This document is the outcome. In reference to Proverbs 3:3-4 Let mercy and truth hang on your neck like a necklace and write them on the tablet of thine heart. What is the meaning of the tablet of thine heart? ~ Google searched The "Tablet": An allusion to ancient, etched stone or clay tablets (like the Ten Commandments) used for permanent records. The "Heart": In ancient Hebrew, it was believed that the heart is not just the seat of emotion, but the control center of the mind, will, and intellect. The Concept: To "write" on the tablet means to be deliberate, memorize, and deeply etch values—such as love, mercy, and truth—into your very core. Also, to internalize and permanently memorize teachings or values so they shape your character and actions. The Lord’s Message or Teaching: The word in the vision was not important. This is why a word was not written or completed. The Lord wants us to allow Him to etch His character upon our hearts. We are not the ones that do the etching; He does. God etches the truth on our innermost being. Meaning our spirits, our hearts, and our souls. He teaches us truth and mercy, and we must be willing to put it on daily- hang it on our necks We must choose to put it on; intentionally! The opposite of that is to choose to take it off as well. When we are devoted to God, we put on the things of God When we aspire to become what God wants us to be, we aspire to be like Yeshua (Jesus). We choose to put on His character through the power of the Holy Spirit by surrendering our hearts to the God of the Universe. We don’t have to create the answer for ourselves. We must trust God… Be still and know that He is God. Don’t grasp at things that are not of me (God). Surrender = Victory Marriage Insights: When the Lord gave Lewis the vision and me the scripture to go with it, he was teaching us that without each other, we are not complete. We are two whole individuals, but together we are complete with God. (3 are better than one) We, husband and wife, are two parts of a whole For the last two days, the Lord has been providing healing in our marriage. Helping us understand that two parts are two whole separate parts that come together to make another whole, We are one with the other. Three strands make a braid: strength and completeness, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. In a marriage, God, Husband, and Bride. What does the number 3 represent or mean in the Bible? For further understanding, research Biblical Numerology for the number 3 Three (3) Biblically: symbolizes divine completeness, perfection, and harmony. It signifies a spiritual stamp of fulfillment denoting that something is entirely whole. (heart, mind and soul; Father, Son, Holy Spirit) The number 3 is recorded 485 times in the Bible ~~~~~~~ 'And the man said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. ' Genesis 2:23-24 JUB 'For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. Ephesians 5:31 JUB 'And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. Therefore they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away? He said unto them, Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. ' Matthew 19:5-8 JUB 'And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorce and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this commandment. But at the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall join to his wife; and they that were two shall be made one flesh, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. ' Mark 10:4-9 JUB 'Lie

' “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. ' Matthew 25:12-13 Marriage: On the Precipice of Divorce (posted by permission from my spouse) This spiritual insight from the Lord is very personal. Similarly, the Lord has communicated with me in the past through much of my writings, dreams, and poetry such as the Maturity Dream and Raggedy Rag Doll. Sometimes we need things to be personal for us to understand what God is trying to tell us or the body of Christ. Keep in mind, as you read this, that God uses marriage throughout the scriptures, in both the Old and New Testaments, to describe His relationship with us. Jesus is the husband, and we, His people, are the bride. Understand that God uses words like adultery, harlotry, unfaithfulness, and idolatry to describe how the people’s hearts are turned away from Him. The Trouble: My husband Lewis and I have had some marital problems for some time now. I would say they probably were apparent from the beginning of our marriage. We met in 1982, and we were married in August 1983. However, over the years, with raising children, careers, and life in general, we have only recently addressed some of the glaring issues we have ignored or were unaware of until now. Recently, my husband and I had been discussing issues around our communication. To avoid getting into the weeds, I will just say my husband’s communication is much like that of many men in a marriage: he communicates with very few words, yes-or-no answers, and head shakes of agreement. On the other hand, I am more vocal, expressive, emoting, and emotionally present than He is. When talking, explaining, or expressing myself, I use about 4 times as many words as he does. I am quick to respond and can easily out-verbalize him. We have tried to address these issues by taking the traditional route: Christian Couples Counseling, books on marriage, devotionals for couples, etc. I am pleased to say when we allowed Jesus to really reveal to us the issues in our marriage, real change and personal growth took place. I will share with you here one revelation God taught us in His Holy Scripture about our relationship as husband and wife, as a type and shadow of His relationship with us personally and as His relates to His children (His Church, His Bride) The Situation: My husband said he would work on specific issues covered during our marriage counseling. He said he would take the lead but never did. When reminded, he responded, “I dropped the ball.” Another response was, “I see the light (understand) now; I get why it is important”. But he never followed through. If I did not say anything, or remind him, I heard nothing, just the sound of crickets. This process was repeated many times, over a period of years. This interaction and process was probably a part of our marriage from the beginning. Finally, it was enough for me to stop believing his justifications and do something different for a change. I became weary of hearing the same excuses, the same reasons. Repentance, turn away, a reminder, repeat, repentance, turn away, reminder, repeat, God’s View: Just like Gods people failed to follow what they had committed to do, and God gave them chance upon chance, and they repented, turned away from God, and then repeated the same rebellion and sin…eventually God turned away from them and issued them a bill of divorce. And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorce; …. Jeremiah 3:8 KJV Our Marriage View: So it is in a marriage; eventually the wife or (husband) will turn away, their heart grows weary, grieved and impatient, and they issue a bill of divorce to her/his spouse. I am the pursuer in the relationship. I initiated all counseling, all books, all discussion on how to help our marriage. My husband followed along but never really sought a true intimate relationship with me. He chose to be around me, claim me as his, sought my body, my presence, but not a relationship. Making a comfortable life together but not giving up his emotional self. Not permitting access to who He was emotionally. God’s View: God through Jesus Christ pursues us like he did the Israelites and chose them out of all other people. He seeks an intimate personal relationship with us. But many of us seek what God can give us and what he can do for us. We don’t really seek to know Him; we are just seeking a ticket to “get out of hell.” Or better yet to be “raptured” so we won’t face persecution or tribulation. We want to live life as it pleases us and never really seek a true, authentic relationship with our Savior. Our Marriage View: I could share myself emotionally, but he could not. The conversations were superficial, never truly revealing his heart. My husband is a great provider, gentle, kind, polite, respectful, but his heart always seems to be at a distance, just beyond reach. When I would press for more emotionally, and knock down a few bricks, getting a glimpse, he would quickly rebuild the wall via justification. “ God’s View: In the same way we can respond to God, praying, giving, all the niceties of religion, the Israelites’ hearts were distracted by the things of the world; their hearts committed adultery. The apostate bride’s heart is far from her God, Jesus (her husband), and becomes like the rebellious Israelites, turning their hearts away from Him. Erecting altars upon the high places of their hearts. Thinking they are protecting themselves, not trusting in the sufficiency of Christ. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. 'Matthew 15:8 KJV Our Marriage View: My husband was incapable of recognizing or acknowledging me emotionally, being fully present, or responding to my efforts to draw us closer. Rarely, if ever, was he fully present when needed, resulting in my taking on the emotional responsibility in the family, leaving me feeling abandoned and alone. God's View: As the Israelites took God for granted and became complacent, their attention and affection for God shifted to the high places in their hearts. They began to build idols for themselves. Committing adultery with the images and idols of the world and within their own hearts, leaving no place for God, nor letting the Lord in, nor getting to know Him. Their ears became deaf and their eyes blind. (We never really take intentional time to get to know God, His thoughts, His ways, and receive His love) 'The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. … And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorce; … 'Jeremiah 3:6-8 KJV 'How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness And grieve him in the desert! 'Psalm 78:40 KJV Our Marriage View: Many times, I asked my husband who he was and if he even knew himself. He had set such a guard around his heart that he did not know or understand his own emotions. Resulting in his inability to respond emotionally to his wife and family. He built walls so high and strong that whenever anyone tried to push past them, he quickly rebuilt them, a kind of altar or shrine to his own heart. He believed the lies that told him to protect this part of himself from his loved ones and others. God’s View: A type and shadow of the church that professes Jesus but never really knows Jesus. Saying I am a follower of Jesus Christ and belong to Him, but never really surrendering my heart to Him. Going through all the right motions, saying all the right things, etc. And never really having victory in their life. Holding on to lies, strongholds, and ways of thinking that are contrary to the word of God. Hindering their intimacy and relationship with Father God. Building walls, altars, and shrines that protect their hearts based on the lies we believe about ourselves and others. And then your wife (or husband) tells you, "Depart from me…” I don’t know you. And Jesus says, Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” Matt 25:12 'And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 'Matthew 7:23 KJV 'Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: ' Matthew 25:41 KJV 'Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, everyone according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD . Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. ' Ezekiel 18:30 KJV Continued, See: Marriage Trouble~ I Do Not Know You Part 2

Fear takes root with a seed of deception Spinning lies upon its inception Unbeknownst to you, the lie becomes true You create a false narrative so that you do what you do You live your false-truth surrounded by walls Based on lies which you believe all and all Your false-towers are built to justify the lie Keeping you in a bandage, so, in no victory you die The truth of who you are and all you should be Found only in Jesus, in Him, you are freed Jesus, the way, truth, and life. No one gains victory unless He wins the fight The weapons of warfare are a surrendered heart, you see Without that, you will never have victory Understand your struggle is not with flesh and blood But with rulers, authorities, powers of darkness, against an evil thug Your Christ died to give you life But you hold on to lies, with all your might Die to yourself, crucify the flesh-lie on the cross You have much more to gain than what you think a loss. Have faith in your creator, the one who knows you best Let go and let God; He is waiting for you to put Him to the test FEAR If you have something in your life that you think is keeping you from living the way God would have you to live. Ask yourself why you do what you do. And then ask the Lord. And then wait for His answer. Keep asking until you get to the deep root. It is probably based on a lie you believe about yourself, or someone else. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 JUB “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of strength and of love and of temperance.” 2 Timothy 1:7 JUB “Do not fear for I am with thee; do not be dismayed, for I am thy God, who strengthens thee; I will help thee always; I will always uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 JUB “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me.” Psalms 23:4 JUB “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be medicine to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 JUB “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For the Lord chastens whom he loves and delights in, even as a father to his son.” Proverbs 3:11-12 JUB “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:15-17 KJV “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18 KJV “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 KJV “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34 KJV “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJV FLESH appears 140-145 times in New Testament “But the fruit of the Spirit is this: Charity, joy, peace, tolerance, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. For those that are of the Christ have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 JUB “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¶ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 JUB “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the destruction of strong holds), casting down reasonings and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ and having a readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 JUB 'Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, according to the elements of the world, and not after Christ. ' Colossians 2:8 JUB FAITH “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJV “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:3, 6, 39-40 KJV “since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:40 NIV “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Matthew 21:21 NIV “know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16 NIV “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”” Matthew 21:21-22 NIV “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 JUB “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16 JUB “Then the disciples came to Jesus apart and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unfaithfulness; for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove from here to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:19-20 JUB