April 25
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PREACH THE WORD, CORRECT, REBUKE & EXHORT
I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:1-8
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In this letter, Paul charges Timothy to preach the word. He desires God’s word to be declared and explained. Paul’s constant theme in his letter to Timothy is about the importance of Scripture. He mentioned previously how the word of God is beneficial for correction, rebuke and exhortation. Paul repeats these same words this part of his letter. As the pastor of the church, Timothy was urged to preach the word in all season. In other words, he wants it to be declared and taught at all times.
He wants the pastors to correct, rebuke and exhort with much patience and give all the training needed for the believers to grow in righteousness and in their walk with the Spirit. Why is it important to preach the word? Paul explains it in verse 3: for there will come a time when people would not want sound teaching. Instead, they want to hear teaching that will please their ears and satisfy their cravings. They do not want to hear the truth, but listen to lies and myths.
So in verse 5, Paul cautions them to always have self-control in all things, to endure and to evangelize in order for their ministry to be fulfilled. In verse 6, he is telling Timothy that his time is coming and he has finished the race to keep his faith. It is almost a farewell letter to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy. As if he is giving his last will to him. What a selfless person Paul is that even in his last moments, he is still thinking of the believers.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some believers are scared to preach the word of God?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-INSPIRED ILMA’S VLOG
April 24
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ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-INSPIRED
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.
– 2 Timothy 3:10-17
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In this letter, Paul once again commends Timothy and the believers about their journey with him as a believer. He encourages Timothy by affirming him how he had been faithful in emulating him in all his teachings, in his conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance and persecutions and sufferings as well. In verse 12, he reminds them how different the life of a believer is as compared to the world. He reminds them that when they committed their lives to Jesus, they will definitely encounter persecutions. He actually expects them to embrace sufferings and persecution because it is inevitably a part of a Christian’s life. In verse 13, he differentiates the lives of those who choose to live godless lives. The result of this choice is more deceptions and a depraved mind.
In verse 14, Paul lovingly continues to affirm his spiritual son by recalling how godliness was taught to him since he was a child and in verse 15 talks about the Holy Scriptures that were responsible for his growth in wisdom and in his salvation. Earlier in his letter, he mentions the godly influences in Timothy’s life who are his mother and grandmother.
Verse 16 is bringing the purpose of Scripture to Timothy and all the believers. He says that all Scripture is inspired by God. In other words, everything in the Scripture comes from God himself. He explains the purpose of Scripture in a believer’s life: it is for teaching, for scolding, for discipline and correction, and for training in godliness and righteousness. It is necessary so that the believer will be fully able and equipped for every good work.
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REFLECTION
• How has Scripture been influential in your godly living?
PROPHETIC MESSAGE ABOUT THE LAST DAYS ILMA’S VLOG
April 23
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PROPHETIC MESSAGE ABOUT THE LAST DAYS
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful
unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. 6 For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their foolishness will be obvious to all, just as was that also of Jannes and Jambres. -2 Timothy 3:1-9
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In this chapter, Paul gives the believer a glimpse of the coming corruption that is brought about by men who prey on people with weak faith. Despite the fact that Paul is in prison, his thoughts are always about how to ensure that the gospel is preached and followed by those who become believers of Christ. He reminds that Timothy needs to be strong in the Lord in order to lead the family of believers and not be timid or shy as he previously mentioned earlier in this chapter in 2 Timothy 1:7. God didn’t give us timidity or shyness but of power, love and discipline. He clearly rebukes Timothy when he gives in to fear because that doesn’t come from God.
Paul makes his admonition backed up by the prophetic message that will happen in the last days by enumerating to him the signs of such times. He paints a clear picture of how people would be at the final days. He describes them as lovers of self and money, arrogant, slanderers, rebels, unloving, malicious gossips, worldly and hates righteousness and lovers of pleasure.In verse 6, he cautions them of men who victimizes and captivates weak women who are weighed down with sins and are impulsive. He mentions Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses. According to gotquestions.org, long-standing Jewish tradition says that Jannes and Jambres were the two chief magicians who withstood Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7. According to one midrash, the two magicians left Egypt with the Israelites after the first Passover (see Exodus 12:38) and were later instrumental in promoting the worship of the golden calf that Aaron made (Exodus 32).
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REFLECTION
• How must we believers take Paul’s warning on the signs of the final says.
SANCTIFIED TO BE USED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK ILMA’S VLOG
April 22
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SANCTIFIED TO BE USED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. – 2 Timothy 2:20-26
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he explains to him how important it is to know the different vessels around his house that can be used by the Master. Some of them are made of gold, silver, wood or earthenware as materials. Paul probably wants the believers to imagine themselves as the vessels that can be used by the Master who is the Lord Jesus Christ for every good work he wants done.
In verse 21, Paul emphasizes the importance of cleansing each vessel so that it can be used by the Master for honorable purposes. Sanctification only happens when someone becomes a believer because the Holy Spirit lives in them. They won’t have the ability to be cleansed if they haven’t believed in Christ. Without the Holy Spirit, no purification can happen. Without sanctification, we cannot serve the Lord for the good works He wants to use us for.
In verse 22, Paul tells the believers to give up desires and chase after righteousness, faith, love and peace. He also cautions them of the danger of foolish and ignorant speculations because it only results in conflicts and division.Paul describes in this letter how the Lord’s servant must be: they are not quarrelsome, kind to all, a skilled teacher, patient when wronged, gently rebuke others. It is very important that these guidelines be observed by the people of God so that sanctification may continually happen so we call all be vessels of the Master.
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REFLECTION
• How are you keeping yourself pure as a vessel to be used by the Master?
IF WE ENDURE, WE WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 21
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IF WE ENDURE, WE WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us;13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
– 2 Timothy 2:8-12
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In this letter, Paul reminds the believers of Christ’s resurrection. Paul explains why he suffer the hardship of being imprisoned and treated as a criminal even though he was doing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ: to bring the gospel and the word of God to as many people as possible. In verse 9, he proclaims that even though he is imprisoned, the word of God isn’t. It is interesting how he talks about the word as never captured. It is almost like saying that because the truth sets us free, it will never bring us into captivity. What brings slavery in our lives? Isn’t it our human cravings and desires? Isn’t the word of God the one that frees us from all sins and all our bondages?
In verse 10, Paul explains the reason why he endures all things. He does it so that those who are chosen by Christ, may be able to receive the salvation he offers. Endurance is a must in a believer’s life. Without it, he cannot grow. James 1:3 says that the testing of our faith produces endurance. The New Living Translation phrases the same verse as: For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. The ensuing verse says that when endurance is fully developed, one will be perfect in contentment, needing nothing. Without endurance, we won’t be able to mature and grow our faith.
In verse 11, Paul reiterates the resurrection promise. If we died with Christ, we will also live with him. In other words, when believers accepted Jesus, they die to their old selves, and are resurrected and reborn in the new nature in Christ. In verse12, Paul reminds the believers again that if they endure, they will also reign with him, but if we deny Christ, He will also reject us. But in verse 13, it shows us the faithfulness of Christ: if we are faithless, he remains faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for Christians to grow in endurance?
SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
April 20
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SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. – 2 Timothy 2:1-7
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he reminds them to be strong and be able to depend on the grace that the Lord Jesus has granted them. In verse 2, Paul wants them to pass on all the teachings that they have learned from him so that the teachers will propagate and teach the gospel. Nothing will be kept within them, but everything they have learned from Paul will be extended and expanded so that the gospel will be preached everywhere.
In verse 3, he advises them to suffer hardship just like a good soldier would. This concept of embracing suffering is something that is counter intuitive to the world. Humans in general will avoid suffering and chase after the easy life. The cost of being a disciple is high as Luke 14:25-33 indicates. Someone who isn’t willing to give up life’s conveniences and comfort must re-think if they can really afford to be a follower of Christ. Some people think that declaring some words to be a Christian is good enough be a follower. It is interesting how Paul likens a disciple as a soldier, who undergoes rigid training to ensure that he is ready for the battle (suffering or hardships). If he wasn’t trained enough, he could either be killed or be defeated in the battle. In verse 5, Paul also mentions the athletes who competes following certain criteria and rules. In verse 7, he also likens the believers to a hard-working farmer who needs to be rewarded for his share of the crops that he patiently and diligently sowed.
Some people are not willing to suffer any hardship, let alone be a soldier for Christ. Have you trained in righteousness? Have you given up the comforts of life just to be a good follower of Jesus? Are you willing to die and give up your own life for the sake of Jesus or for the sake of someone else? Are you able to let go of all things that hinder your walk with Christ?
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REFLECTION
• What areas of your life still needs training to qualify to be a soldier for Christ?
FAITHFUL TO SOUND TEACHINGS AND THE CAUSE OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 19
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FAITHFUL TO SOUND TEACHINGS AND THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
13 Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus. – 2 Timothy 1:13-18
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he advises them to cling to the word of God, which he calls sound words. Sound words would be synonymous to wise words. It is only the word of the Lord that can bring wisdom. He is the source of all wisdom. If we do not know him, and we do not know his word, we will be unable to have a sound mind. Many people think that intelligence is all we need. Not all intelligent ideas are true. Only truth sets one free. Truth comes only from the source of all things, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sad fate to watch many people cling to false teachings and ungodly beliefs. It only leads to more darkness and confusion. This is why Paul couldn’t help but remind them the importance of sound doctrine and teachings. Many people perish from believing false teachings.
In verse 14, Paul warns the believers to ensure that they protect the truth. They need to walk constantly in the Spirit who gives them these true words from God. Once, they fail to walk in the Spirit, they will be led to walk in the flesh, which will eventually lead to sin. How do we protect the treasure of God’s word and the gospel? We abide in Christ and have fellowship with Him, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. We read, meditate and obey the word of God so we can test the spirits whether they come from God or not.
Paul mentions in verse 15 some of these believers who have failed to protect the treasure of the truth and have walked away from him and from the faith, Phygelus and Hermogenes. In verse 16, he commends Onesiphorus, who faithfully treasured the gospel and was never ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment. Instead, he eagerly supported Paul and looked for him. Paul also mentions how Onesiphorus have continued to serve the church in Ephesus.
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REFLECTION
• Why is faithfulness an important aspect of a Christian’s life? What happens when we aren’t devoted and loyal to the truth and the true gospel?
THE SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND DISCIPLINE ILMA’S VLOG
April 17
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THE SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND DISCIPLINE
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
– 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-7
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The ESV bible’s introduction to this book says that Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death. This imprisonment was after the one recorded in Acts 28. He probably wrote it in A.D. 64–65, though some would place it as late as 67.
In this letter, Paul once again declares his love and longing for his spiritual son, Timothy. He always starts his salutation with the greetings of grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. How often do we write or approach someone with this kind of greeting? We live in a world that doesn’t bring Christ’s grace, peace and mercy wherever they go or whoever they connect with. In verses 3-4, we hear Paul’s love and longing to be with Timothy and how he often thought of him. It must have been difficult to be unable to fellowship with people who have worked with him for years to bring the gospel to the different places they planted churches. Once again, we witness Paul’s selflessness in verses 5-7. Despite the suffering he is going through in prison and the lack of fellowship with his co-workers, we never hear a word of complaint or anything focusing on his circumstances. Instead, he encourages Timothy to focus on his faith that was instilled in him because of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice’s prayers and faith in God. We can definitely benefit listening to verse 7 as Paul reminds Timothy that fear or timidity is something that God has not given us. Instead, he rekindles his faith by telling him that God created us out of love, power and discipline. When we entertain fear and shyness, we are not operating in God’s gift of love, power and discipline.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so easy to be fearful and shy instead of be loving and be disciplined?
BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS AND BE GENEROUS ILMA’S VLOG
April 16
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BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS AND BE GENEROUS
17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.20 Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. – 1 Timothy 6:17-21
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul instructs the rich believers not to be boast about their material riches and rely on these things. He tells them to watch out that they do not make these riches the focus of their lives. He reminds them that they should never forget the supplier of all their riches, the Lord God. He reminds them to be rich in good works and be generous to share them with others. I think Paul is making sure that the believers won’t be longing for earthly riches but more of heavenly things. There is a big tendency for us humans to be obsessed and lust for more possessions. Paul says that the antidote for this is to be lavish in giving. He probably is referring to the same verse that Luke 12:15 says: to take care that they be on guard against covetousness because one’s life is not just about material possessions.
In verse 19, Paul commands them to store heavenly treasures that reiterates Matthew’s instruction in 6:19 saying not to lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. So, Paul reminds them to seek the heavenly treasures instead of things that doesn’t last.
In verse 20, Paul cautions them again on another issue, which is the pursuit of human knowledge which can lead them astray from truth that only comes in God’s word. So many people think that all knowledge is good. On Proverbs 2:6, Solomon says that all wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. How can someone have common sense and understanding when they do not know the Lord and His word?
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to guard ourselves from the love of material things and human knowledge?
ON PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND GODLINESS ILMA’S VLOG
April 15
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ON PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND GODLINESS
11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. – 1 Timothy 6:11-16
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he emphasizes to run from worldly cravings but to pursue righteousness and godliness. Anyone who chases temporal things will not have God’s righteousness in them. God and the world are opposites. James 4:4 says that those who love the world are enemies of God. Those who claim to follow God must live righteous lives. According to Ancient Hebrew researchers, The Hebrew words tsadiyq, translated as yashar, translated as upright, are paralleled many times in the Bible indicating that in the Hebrew mind they were similar in meaning. Upright is another abstract word but it is used in a concrete manner, such as in Jeremiah 31:9, where it means “straight” as in a straight path. A righteous person is not one who lives a religiously pious life, the common interpretation of this word, he is one who follows the correct path, the path (way) of God. So, a follower of God, is someone who doesn’t detour and veers away from the narrow path to righteousness. In verse 12, Paul challenges all believers to fight the good fight. This fight is not a physical argument, but is a pressing on to the confession that God is our Lord and Master and that we will not serve the world, but God alone. In verse 15, Paul declares that Christ is the only Lord of lords and King of kings. In other words, no earthly king or lord will ever be greater than Christ. So, what is the point of serving human lords and kings when their kingdom is only temporary. Why not serve an eternal King and Lord?
The word righteousness and godliness have been corrupted by religion but it only means to make your path straight into the truth that sets you free and gives you eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the word righteous is a favorite word of Satan to twist?