Spiritual Blessings

Ephesians 1:3-4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
3 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
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Blessing = Made alive in Christ through the cross
=> forgiveness of sin

• Colossians 2:13-14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  13 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.
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  Ephesians 2:4-5 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  4 But God—so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
  5 Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).
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  1 Peter 2:24 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  24 He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.
  

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Blessing = [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him]

• Ephesians 6:10-11 Amplified Bible (AMP)
  The Armor of God
  10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

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Blessing = righteousness, heart peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

• Romans 14:17 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  17 [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

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Blessing = Peace which surpasses all understanding
=> Not of this world!

• Philippians 4:6-7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 
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  John 14:27 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] 
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  Ephesians 2:14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  14 For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us

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Blessing = the fruit of the Holy Spirit

• Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
  23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

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Blessing = being in the Good Shepherd’s flock!

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  Psalm 23 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
  2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
  3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
  4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
  5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
  6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
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  John 10:4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  4 When He{Good Shepherd} has brought His own sheep outside, He walks on before them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice.

Notes Perfect Fit 1 Overview

From Perfect Fit 1 Video
Notes Perfect Fit 1 Overview
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Paul the author of Ephesians was Eph 1:1;Eph 3:1,7,13;Eph 4:1; Eph 6:19-20
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• An apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God –Ephesians 1:1
  • not from men, nor by human agency, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead –Galatians 1:1
    Paul’s authority as an apostle comes from God – notice the trinity?
• Prisoner of Christ
  The prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles– –Ephesians 3:1
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  Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called –Ephesians 4:1
  • Ephesians is grouped with Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 2 Timothy, as an Epistle written from prison{in Rome}.
  • Not only a prisoner in Rome but of Christ=>under all aspects of life Paul belongs to Christ. Whatever he is, does, or suffers, it is as Christ’s property. There is also an obvious reference to the fact that his imprisonment was for Christ’s cause=>the sake of the Gentiles
  • –Ephesians 3:1;Ephesians 4:1;Philemon 1:1; Philemon 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:8
• A servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me{Paul} through the working of His power. –Ephesians 3:7
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• Ephesians 3:13 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
  13 So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you. –Ephesians 3:13
  • *Paul’s suffering has brought about their salvation, =>his suffering/tribulation must be viewed as more than his present imprisonment in Rome; it would be a general description of his ministry overall
  • *Philippians 1:27-28 offers an interesting parallel: The believers’ courage in the face of adversity is a sign of their salvation.
• Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. –Ephesians 6:19-20
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We are building a foundation on which to stand, dressed in the full armor of God.
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1. Ephesians 1:3-4 – Blessing– because of Jesus
2. Ephesians 2:4-7 – Alive in Christ
   

   John 10:10-11 – Thief comes to kill & destroy; The good shepherd gives abundant life!

3. Ephesians 3:5-6 – Mystery – part of mystery
4. Ephesians 4:11-14 – Gifts – According to God’s goodness
5. Ephesians 5:8-11 – Out with the old{sin}
6. Ephesians 6:6,10-12 – Relationships – trust the Holy Spirit in relationships

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Worship = the Fruit of Thankfulness

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Hebrews 13:15 Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 Through Him[Jesus], therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
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Psalm 69:30 Amplified Bible (AMP)
30 I will praise the name of God with song
And magnify Him with thanksgiving.
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The fruit of thankfulness to the Lord

• Of thankfully acknowledging and confessing and glorifying His name
• Of magnifying Him with thanksgiving(a sacrifice of praise)

=> Is worship!
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1 Chronicles 16:29
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor due His name; Bring an offering [of thanksgiving], and come before Him; Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
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Word Study . From NetBible Ps 69:30 magnify[01431] = to boast, make great, honor thanksgiving[08426] = confession, thank-offering, sacrifice of praise, sacrifice of thanksgiving . From NetBible Heb 13:15 sacrifice of praise[133] = a thank offering *From [134] = to praise, extol, to sing praises in honour to God fruit of lips[2590] = praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering *the soul is compared to a plant that is to bring forth fruit give thanks[3670] = to confess, declare to one another, to praise, celebrate with one another *From [3674] = persons assembled together Hosea 14:2 … Take words with you and return to the LORD{repent}; say to Him, “Take away all guilt; accept that which is good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips{sacrifice of praise} as sacrificial bulls”.

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Related:

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Tho He Slay Me – Yet Will I Trust

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Job 13:15 NKJV … Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
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Affliction is not necessarily due to sin
Affliction is not necessarily the Lord’s judgement
It may be a refining or testing of faith –Job 1:8-12
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Tested faith is more precious
Than much refined gold! –1Pe 1:6-8;Rev 3:18
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Will you still trust the Lord and bless His name in unfavorable circumstances?
… when you can’t see evidence of Him?
… when no miracles appear?
… when the Lord doesn’t answer as you expect? –Job 1:21-22
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Choose to trust in the Lord
Walk by faith not sight –2Cor 5:7
=>Your faith will be refined –1Pe 1:6-8;Rev 3:18
=>Your intimacy with the Lord will grow –Job 42:5
By the hand of the Lord –Isa 41:10
=>You will come forth as gold! –Job 23:10
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Job 23:11-12, 10 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
11 My foot has held fast to His steps; His ways have I kept and not turned aside.
12 I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. …
… 10 But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].
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2 Corinthians 5:7,9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—
… 9 Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.
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Job 42:5 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
5 I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You.
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Related:
Trust-Wait-Hope in the Lord!{prayer}

Living Mustard Seed Faith

Matthew 17:20 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
20 He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
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A small amount of faith that is living
Can move mountains –Mt 17:20
Nothing is ever impossible with God –Lk 1:37
God is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think –Eph 3:20
Walk by faith, not by sight! –2Cor 5:7
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Luke 1:37 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
37 For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
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2 Corinthians 5:7,9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—
… 9 Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.
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Firmly Planted

Psalm 1:1-3 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].
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Firmly Planted
Tended by the streams –Psalms 1:1-3
Deeply rooted and nourished in Christ Jesus
Growing strong in Faith
Strong in the Truth
Blessed with Living Water –John 7:38
Washed in the word –Ephesians 5:26
Overflowing with thanksgiving –Colossians 2:6-7
Walking by faith not sight! –2Corinthians 5:7
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Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to{walk in} Him.
7 Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
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Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMPC
7 [Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.
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Stand Strong

Ephesians 6:10-11 … Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
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Stand Firm
Stand Strong
Be strong in the Lord
In the power of His might –Eph 6:10
Put on the full armor of God –Eph 6:11
Be of good cheer – have courage –Mt 14:27
Able to do all things through Christ
Who gives strength –Phil 4:13
The Lord your God is with you
He will not fail you or forsake you
To fight this battle alone! –Dt 31:6
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Ephesians 6:10-11 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Armor of God
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
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Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
6 Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. …
… 8 It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].
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When I am Afraid

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Psalm 56:3-4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
3 What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You.
4 By [the help of] God I will praise{with} His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?
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A Song:
When I am afraid
Jesus I will trust in You –Ps 56:3
When I am dismayed –Dt 31:8
Jesus I will look to You –Ps 123:1
You’re my help and shield –Ps 33:20-21
With my song I will praise –Ps 28:7

Jesus You’re where my help comes from –Ps 121:1-2
I will be still and know –Ps 46:10
I will trust in You –Ps 56:3
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Psalm 121:1-2 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
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Deuteronomy 31:8 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
8 It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].
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Psalm 33:20-21 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
20 Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
21 For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.
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Psalm 28:7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
7 The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.
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Word Study . From NetBible Ps 56:4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? * praise His word = boast in His promise * God’s “word” is here understood as an assuring promise of protection. Another option (2) is to translate, “in God I will boast [with] a word.” In this case, the “word” is a song of praise. The present translation reflects yet another option (3): In this case “I praise his word” is a parenthetical statement, with “his word” being the object of the verb. . From NetBible Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Be still and know = cease/stop striving and recognize, be at peace in the knowledge * To the nations who rage against God and His people, this is a rebuke to stop fighting/ striving against the Sovereign Lord * To God’s children this is a call to trust and rest secure in the Sovereign Lord’s protection exalted means recognized as Sovereign King => The Lord of Hosts, King of Glory(Ps 24:10) who fights and delivers on behalf of His children(Ps 46:11)

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Related:
Simply Trust

 

Be Alert-Stand Firm-The Lord IS Near!

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. 14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].
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Psalm 145:18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him,
To all who call on Him in truth (without guile).
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Keep alert – on guard
Stand firm in your faith
Be courageous – be strong –1 Corinthians 16:13
Let all that you do be done in love –1 Corinthians 16:14
Because the Lord is near! –Psalms 145:18
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Related:
Be Alert-Stand Firm-The Lord IS Near!{prayer}
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Hope = A Work of Faith & Labor of Love

1Thessalonians 1:2-3 … We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before{in the sight of} our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Romans 15:4 … For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance/perseverance/patience and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
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1Corinthians 13:13 … There are three things that will endure{abide[3306]}––faith, hope, and love––and the greatest of these is love.
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What do you do when the “odds” seem stacked against you? When you are tempted to give up hope in the face of a seemingly impossible situation?

• Come in prayer before the sight of our God and Father
• Ask the Lord to encourage you through the Holy Spirit and Scripture
• Remember the three things that endure
  • Faith, Love and Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
    =>He is able to do what no other can, no matter how impossible it looks!

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=> Enduring patient Hope is a work of Faith and labor of Love in the Lord Jesus Christ!
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Nothing is ever too hard or impossible WITH God. –Matthew 17:20 The power of His love makes all things possible! He is able to do far more than all we can ask Or imagine! –Ephesians 3:14-21 . Surrender all to the Lord – He cares for you. –1Peter 5:7 Trust Him!

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1Peter 5:5-7 NET … God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
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Prayer:
Ephesians 3:19-21 New Living Translation (NLT)
19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
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Romans 15:5-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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