Weekly Guide：Week 38
October 14, 2018
Forward
We now start the reading on the Book of First Corinthians this week.
The principles we saw in the Book of Romans from past week’s reading would be seen in real world applications in the church of Corinth. Is there a large gap from what our identities are and how we should live to the real world? It is our new relationship with Jesus Christ that gives us salvation to enable us to serve God and to live a life full of the light of the Christ. But it does not automatically purify us. We still need to rely on God’s grace and power in Christ to work in us to support every moment of our lives. Holiness is a gift and being holy requires work. We need to take the initiation to clothe ourselves in Jesus, to co-work with God, and by faith, to live out that life filled with Christ’s light. We need to set our focus on Christ, to let the Holy Spirit lead us on God’s way, and to prevent us from doing things not pleasing to God.
May you all be renewed each day in God’s word!
Question
What is wisdom and where does it come from?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Paul reminded the church of Corinth there should be no division and quarrel.
- God wants the church to unite in mind and thought.
- God uses the foolish things of the world instead of the wisdom of human to save those who believe.
- God does not like those who proclaim to be wise.
- God’s people are taught His wisdom through the Holy Spirit for the wisdom of human does not understand the mystery of God.
Meditation: My Story
- Community - Have I had caused or even thoughts of division and quarrel? Let me ask God to help me unify with other Christians.
- Integrity - I am a follower of Christ but am I still living in the infancy of my spiritual life? Pray and ask God to help me have a God centered life instead of focusing on the world.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Are leaders of church custodians or servants?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Paul reminded the Corinthians to not judge but wait for the second coming of Christ.
- Paul warned those who puff up themselves and belittle of others.
- Paul taught and disciplined the church as a father to his children to unite and look up to Christ.
Meditation: My Story
- Community - Have I ever judged others? Ask the Lord to help me not to judge and wait for Jesus’ second coming.
- Integrity - Am I able to withstand the test of fire in building on top of the foundation?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What to do with brothers and sisters who are doing obvious wrongs?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Paul warned the church about sexual immorality for the wrongdoers would not inherit the kingdom of God.
- Our past sins have been cleansed in the name of Jesus Christ. By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Do I realize that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? Can I remind myself often that I need to live out a holy life?
- Community - What to do when there’s a dispute between Christians?
- Integrity - How should I be associated with the unbelieved? What should I watch out for?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is God’s purpose for marriage?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- God established marriage to keep us faithful to our spouses.
- We may faithfully serve God whether married or not.
- Circumcise or not is nothing. Keeping God’s command is what counts.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - What is God’s calling for me in marriage? How do I follow God’s will to have a holy married life?
- Fidelity - For whether I’m married or unmarried, how do I use my situation to serve the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is freedom in Christ?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- For those with knowledge shall be careful not be stumbling blocks of those with weak conscience.
- The sacrificial food to idols is nothing to God. We don’t’ gain nor lose anything by eating or not.
- If eating sacrificial food to idols causes others to stumble, then don’t eat it.
- Paul put up his rights so he can preach and not hinder the gospel of Christ.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Paul has all the legal rights but would rather put up with them for the gospel. Does my life in Christ obey the higher authority to live out a life with sacrificial love?
- Community - Do I often mind about my conduct so I don’t stumble those who are weak in faith?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How to win over temptations?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Israelites failure in front of temptation shall serve as a warning to us.
- God is faithful that He always provides a way out of temptation.
- Not to seek our own good but for the good of many others.
- Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Do I have any idol in my life? Do I put it higher than God? How can I get rid of the idol?
- Community - How should I build up my fellow Christians through my freedom in Christ?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What faith did Ruth display?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ During the age when everyone did as they fit, Elimelek fled famine with wife Naomi and two sons for he had little faith. They left Bethlehem in "full" to Moab, a land God despised. God brought suffering to them and Elimelek and his two sons died in Moab. One of the daughter-in-law left Naomi and went back to her home and the Moabite god. The other determined to stay with Naomi and God.
+ The famous quote of Ruth, a true display of faith: "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth became the ancestor of David, an important member in Jesus' lineage.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Elimelek's weak faith caused him to leave the promised land into the seemingly plenty of Moab because he loved the world more than God's promise. Naomi was saddened but never complained about her suffering. She displayed great faith with her life right in front of her two Gentile daughters-in-law. Orpah could not uphold what she had started, left God and went back to the world of idols where she had come from. Ruth, envy of Naomi's God, was determined to follow Naomi and became a great testimony of faith. What do these people remind me of? Where do I stand in the journey of my life right now?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What life testimony did the Gentile Ruth live out?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ruth gleaned in the field for mother-in-law Naomi and herself and was protected by the gracious Boaz.
+ Ruth was richly rewarded just as Boaz's blessing for her: "May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Ruth, a Gentile woman, her love for Naomi and faith for God became a great testimony to the Israelites. God's grace covered the Moabite woman Ruth aplenty even though the law dictates that the Moabites are not chosen as His. It is by God's election that changes our identity. What is my identity before and after I have come to know God? How do I identify myself and my value now?
+ **Integrity** - What Boaz saw in Ruth was not lust but her faith in God. From what can I see Boaz's tenderness and respect toward Ruth? How should I view those who are in need?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Boaz fulfill his responsibility as a guardian-redeemer?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ When one dies, according to the law, a close relative is obligated to redeem his family, marry his wife, and buy his land to maintain the inheritance. Naomi followed this law to find a home for Ruth. Ruth obeyed Naomi's will and Boaz obeyed the law to fulfill his obligation.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - God's grace was realized through Naomi's love, Ruth's obedience, and Boaz's faithfulness. Through me, God's grace may also come to others. What can I learn from Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz's integrity in love, obedience, and faith and apply that to my service to the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was Ruth's role in God's plan?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ According to Israelite's law and in the presence of the elders, Boaz and another relative decided on Ruth's marriage. Boaz married Ruth by faith just as Ruth followed Naomi by faith.
+ Naomi gained an heir who eventually became the ancestor of King David of Israel. Her bitterness turned into sweetness.
+ God's promises to His people never change. Even a Moabite woman had become an important part of His salvation plan.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - The relative who was closer to Naomi than Boaz was not willing to marry Ruth because "I might endanger my own estate." This was because Ruth's future son would not be under his name and yet inherit the land he would redeem. So, he would rather not take on the responsibility of redeeming and gave it to Boaz in order to protect his own interest. Although Ruth's child became Naomi's son and named under Elimelek, Boaz's name was the one recorded in Jesus' genealogy: "Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth" (Ruth 4:21, Matthew 1:5). Contrasting to the relative who held on to his own estate, Boaz was willing to give up his but was rewarded the greatest blessing. How does Boaz's selfless and faithful service remind me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is gospel?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The source of gospel is God.
+ The main character of gospel is Jesus.
+ Gospel is spread through disciples and Paul is the example for all messengers of gospel.
+ The righteousness of God is shown through gospel so that all may be saved by faith alone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Paul is not ashamed of gospel. His attitude toward came from the grace and the calling from God. Have I ever been ashamed of gospel? Recall the events that happened to Paul in the Book of Acts. Would I stumble if any of those happen to me? Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith in walking with Him.
+ **Fidelity** - Paul's hope and love to the Roman Christians are shown between the lines. He prayed continuously for them and wished to share with them his spiritual gifts. Think about the people around me, my children, my family, my siblings, my friends, my co-workers, and all those whom I serve. How should I pray for them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is the righteous judge?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Humanity is sinful because they know God but do not glorify nor give thanks to Him. Although they know they would be judged for their evil conducts but still do those things and approve of others who practice them.
+ No one is righteous but only God can be the judge of that.
+ Religious ceremonies cannot save us.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is circumcision? Who is the true Jew? Although we don't have the custom of circumcision, do we have other customs that might make us feel superior subconsciously to others?
+ **Community** - Humanity is sinful and filled with corruptions. But we have no authority to judge anyone. What does He mean when our Lord says whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself? What are the differences between committing sin and judging?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul testify for the truth under the persecution?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Sadducees' inability to see resurrection proves limitation of human wisdom.
+ The sign of Lord's protection came again. Paul was transferred to Caesarea while the plot to kill him was being planned.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - For God's truth reveals all fallacies that Paul pointed out the heresy of his accusers even under the great political pressure against him. How should I do more to understand God's way, the only truth?
+ **Identity** - Even people in high positions such as Felix would be afraid when they hear about righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. World's definition of success and status won't help us in anyway in God's eternity. The fruit of eternal value comes only from relationship with God.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul testify for the truth in front of King Agrippa?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul was granted appeal to Caesar.
+ King Agrippa acknowledged Paul's innocence.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Paul explained with the truth, not seeking excuses, whether in front of King Agrippa or Festus. When rebuked while I'm preaching, can I stick to the truth?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul would have been released by King Agrippa if he hadn't repealed to Caesar. However, Paul's intention was to proclaim gospel in Rome, not his personal freedom. What is my priority when I weigh the pros and cons, my personal benefit or God's commission?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Paul encounter on the way to Rome?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Angel told Paul that all on the ship would be saved.
+ Protected by God, Paul was not harmed b snake's bite.
+ Arrived in Rome.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Seeing what God has revealed to Paul, we often moan in not hearing from God. However, we frequently forget that we rarely walk in God's presence and we seldom put our faith completely in Him. I shall examine myself regularly to ensure that I'm walking on His path and making His commission as my mission.
+ **Integrity** - Paul relied on God when surrounded by troubles as he said in Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Am I still trying to overcome difficulties by my own strength? Do I have faith in God alone and am willing to let Him take control and follow Him whole heartedly?
+ **Integrity** - Julius is a Roman centurion responsible to transfer Paul to Rome. His treatment to Paul was unusual as he was lenient to Paul (27:3) and later saved Paul's live (27:43). What caused Julius to do these to Paul? Does my life's integrity show through that others may see?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul continue to proclaim gospel after he had arrived in Rome?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Roman Jews were willing to hear the gospel knowing the Christian faith was slandered everywhere.
+ Salvation went to the Gentiles as some Jews believed while some were blinded and did not believe.
+ Paul proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Long time believers may become laxed, slackened, and satisfied for merely being saved. In drilling down to the root cause, we might find blinded hearts. Have I laxed on my way to sanctification? Has the world deceived me from God's truth?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul did not give up on those who were blinded. Rather, he welcomed all who came to see him and proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Have I ever given up testifying for God because few ever believed me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is gospel?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The source of gospel is God.
+ The main character of gospel is Jesus.
+ Gospel is spread through disciples and Paul is the example for all messengers of gospel.
+ The righteousness of God is shown through gospel so that all may be saved by faith alone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Paul is not ashamed of gospel. His attitude toward came from the grace and the calling from God. Have I ever been ashamed of gospel? Recall the events that happened to Paul in the Book of Acts. Would I stumble if any of those happen to me? Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith in walking with Him.
+ **Fidelity** - Paul's hope and love to the Roman Christians are shown between the lines. He prayed continuously for them and wished to share with them his spiritual gifts. Think about the people around me, my children, my family, my siblings, my friends, my co-workers, and all those whom I serve. How should I pray for them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is the righteous judge?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Humanity is sinful because they know God but do not glorify nor give thanks to Him. Although they know they would be judged for their evil conducts but still do those things and approve of others who practice them.
+ No one is righteous but only God can be the judge of that.
+ Religious ceremonies cannot save us.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is circumcision? Who is the true Jew? Although we don't have the custom of circumcision, do we have other customs that might make us feel superior subconsciously to others?
+ **Community** - Humanity is sinful and filled with corruptions. But we have no authority to judge anyone. What does He mean when our Lord says whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself? What are the differences between committing sin and judging?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Jehoshaphat do in the third year of his reign?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel.
+ In the third year of his reign he sent his officials taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord to teach people in the towns of Judah.
+ The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat but paid tributes.
+ Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab king of Israel by marriage.
+ Ahab urged Jehoshaphat to attack Ramoth Gilead together. Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel to first seek the counsel of the Lord through the prophets.
+ The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah asked him to speak favorably. But Micaiah spoke only the word of the Lord to warn Ahab.
+ Ahab put Micaiah in prison and made him suffer.
+ The king of Israel entered the battle in disguise but was shot dead by a random arrow.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - In what stage of Jehoshaphat's life did he ally with Ahab? What can I learn from that? How should I treat the wealth God has given me?
+ **Fidelity** - Jehoshaphat prepared himself against Israel and obeyed God, followed His law. What can I learn from Jehoshaphat of the relationship between my own responsibilities and God's work?
+ **Fidelity** - Jehoshaphat motivated many of his officials to teach people with the Book of the Law of the Lord. How may I co-work by my fellow Christians to encourage all people to read Bible and to grow spiritually?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What new policies did Jehoshaphat put in place in Judah?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem. Jehu the seer son of Hanani exhorted Jehoshaphat that he should not have helped the wicked.
+ Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.
+ In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes.
+ The Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. Jehoshaphat stood up at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and prayed.
+ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah and told them "not to be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours but God's.
+ Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
+ The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
+ Jehoshaphat reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their ancestors.
+ Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. The Lord would destroy their ships.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Read again Jehoshaphat's prayer when he faced the enemies. What can I learn from that?
+ **Fidelity** - Jehoshaphat's reform of his governance was to follow God's standard. How does this inspire me? What attitude and knowledge should I have on the politics and laws of the world?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What disasters did Jehoram bring to Judah during the eight years of his reign?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jehoram succeeded Jehoshaphat as king. When Jehoram established himself firmly over his father's kingdom, he put all his brothers to the sword along with some of the officials of Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem eight years and did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
+ In the time of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against Judah. Libnah revolted at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the Lord, the God of his ancestors.
+ He had also built high places on the hills of Judah and had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and had led Judah astray.
+ Jehoram received a letter from Elijah the prophet to warn him of the Lord's judgment.
+ The Philistines and of the Arabs who lived near the Cushites became hostile against Jehoram. His bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain.
+ Ahaziah, Jehoram's youngest son, succeeded him as king and reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother encouraged him to act wickedly.
+ Ahaziah went visit Jehoram and was killed by Jehu.
+ When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of the house of Judah. Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, hid Joash son of Ahaziah at the temple of God for six years.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Although Jehoram's grew up in the house of Jehoshaphat, his father, who did right in the eyes of the Lord but Jehoram did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Do our children who grew up in Christian families truly know and seek God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why did Joash behave differently before and after Jehoiada's death?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jehoiada showed his strength. He made a covenant with the heads of Israelite families from all the towns and made Joash king.
+ Athaliah was slain at the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds.
+ Jehoiada then made a covenant that he, the people and the king would be the Lord's people.
+ Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest.
+ Joash decided to restore the temple of the Lord.
+ After the death of Jehoiada, Joash abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols.
+ Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest warned the people but was stoned to death by Joash's order.
+ The army of Aram marched against Joash, killed all the leaders of the people. Joash was severely wounded and his officials conspired against and killed him in his bed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - Why did Joash become a different person after Jehoiada's death? Has God sent someone faithful to mentor or guide me?
+ **Fidelity** - Jehoiada believed firmly in the Lord's promises which gave him the strength to bring up Joash as king. How does this inspire me of my faith and servitude?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What transpired as result of Amaziah's not being wholehearted?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Amaziah reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.
+ Amaziah hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel but was stopped by a man of God.
+ Amaziah led his army to the Valley of Salt, where he killed ten thousand men of Seir. He brought back the gods of the people of Seir and set them up as his own gods.
+ Amaziah sent challenge to Jehoash king of Israel. Judah was routed by Israel.
+ Some conspired against him in Jerusalem and he fled to Lachish, but they sent men after him to Lachish and killed him there.
+ Uzziah reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
+ But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God. He had leprosy on his forehead until the day he died. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What was Amaziah's downfall? Where was he not wholehearted? What warning do I see in his failure?
+ **Integrity** - Uzziah's pride came about from his successes. How may I not fall by my successes?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What similarities and differences are there between king Jotham and Ahaz?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jotham reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices.
+ Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
+ The Lord his God delivered Ahaz into the hands of the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties on him.
+ King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help. Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help.
+ In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jotham's strength grew because he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. What attitude should I hold toward the blessings and riches of my life? Let me count my blessings.
+ **Identity** - In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him. Why is it that we call on God when facing difficulties, but stray away from Him in other times?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses