By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: Why do people prefer to go everywhere else other than to Jesus?
- Having to leave our comfort zone
- Encounter difficulties along the way
- Fear of what might happen
However there were others who with faith and trust in God, 'obeyed, set out, and arrived' at the Promised Land, just like Abraham. They did this even though they did not understand God's plan fully. They preferred to go to Jesus because they knew that it was better to travel with God in apparently dangerous circumstances than to sit comfortably at home, living an illusion that would bring them nowhere. With faith, their hopes in Jesus are:
- Presence and promise of God (Genesis 12:1)
- Looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10)
- Longing for a better country - a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16)
Good intention must be translated into actions, and these actions must persevere. If we are to go to Jesus, we must go all the way. As a result, we will be greatly blessed.
What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?
- To seek the things of God (especially salvation) as a priority over the things of the world
- Spend energies in the services of God
- God's idea of what we need is often different from ours
- Focus not on things of this world but upon the things of God's kingdom
"I See the Son of Man Standing on the Right Hand of God"
Picture posted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
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stoning-of-stephen-360158-wallpaper.jpg
https://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/new-testament/stoning-of-stephen-360158-gallery-notice.jpg
https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/stoning-of-stephen-360158
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/03/reflection-gods-presence-purpose-and.html
Why do people prefer to go everywhere else other than to Jesus? What does it say about their hopes and fears? What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?
Why do people prefer to go everywhere else other than to Jesus? [1]
The story of how Abraham, the patriarch of the Jews, left the familiarity and comforts of the Mesopotamian city of Ur holds many lessons for us. When God called him to go to Canaan, it was as if He was saying to Abraham, "Come to Me to the promised land, where I will bless you beyond your expectations."
PHOTO: The story of Abraham is told in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. According to the Bible, Abraham came from Ur in Mesopotamia (now Iraq). When God called him to go to Canaan, it was as if He was saying to Abraham, "Come to Me to the promised land, where I will bless you beyond your expectations."
Painting by Jozsef Molnar (1821-1899), Hungary, Budapest, 19th century - Abraham's Journey from Ur to Canaan, 1850
Picture posted by QuotesCosmos on 15 September 2017 at 12:27 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOGEtxc-Mnj109v37Fe_5SurV3wGKbGyZ0Ki5ngROYSaWCwHXAB7k7w4kDcC05nz3xqbobMU4AREQNZ8MGAbvX3EAhB3DZl6nQB_OYGkPv0uuLCnQP7yMimpd5latpL65Mbqqhpx2bAI/s1600/Genesis-11-27-32-Genesis-12-Genesis-13-Genesis-14-Genesis-15-1-21-The_March_of_Abraham.jpg
https://www.quotescosmos.com/img/bible/books/Genesis-11-27-32-Genesis-12-Genesis-13-Genesis-14-Genesis-15-1-21-The_March_of_Abraham.jpg
https://www.quotescosmos.com/bible/holy-bible/Genesis-13.html
Abraham was then living with his father Terah in a pagan city that worshiped the moon god Sin. How God spoke to Abraham is not clear, though there are Jewish legends suggesting that Abraham had become increasingly aware of the true God who created all things - including the sun and the moon - and had discovered that it was far more meaningful to worship this Creator rather than the things He had created.
God told Abraham, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). Perhaps Abraham shared this with his father and his family, because Terah himself took Abraham and his family "to go to Canaan" (Genesis 11:31). Did God akso speak to Terah? We cannot be sure. In those days, however, society was patriarchal, and it was unlikely that Terah would simply follow his son without making his own decision to move.
PHOTO: God told Abraham, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1).
Picture posted by Knowing-Jesus.com
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https://images.knowing-jesus.com/w/900/01-GENESIS/Genesis%2012-1%20Leave%20Your%20Country%20And%20God%20cream.jpg
https://images.knowing-jesus.com/i/genesis-12-1-leave-your-country-and-god-cream
But the group stopped at a place called Haran. They had travelled along the Euphrates River and arrived at the edge of the fertile green lands that surrounded it. Beyond Haran lay the desert, which they would have to cross to arrive at Canaan. It would seem that they had arrived at the edge of their comfort zone.
PHOTO: Abraham with his father, Terah, and his family travelled along the Euphrates River and arrived and stopped at the edge of the fertile green lands that surrounded it, Haran. Beyond Haran lay the desert, which they would have to cross to arrive at Canaan.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
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https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102016018/univ/art/1102016018_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-stories-lessons/3/abraham-and-sarah/
Leaving but Never Arriving: Terah's Half-Journey [1]
Terah's story ends at Haran. Perhaps he wanted to stay within his comfort zone. He died there and never reached the Promised Land.
PHOTO: Terah's story ends at Haran. Perhaps he wanted to stay within his comfort zone. He died there and never reached the Promised Land.
Picture posted by Amy Willshire, Leytonstone United Free Church on 14 September 2014 - Map of Abram's Journey from Ur to Haranhttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxOhj9avu6bHrUiofIxTHmOcD6as_zk-OieXbKQZ-gHM4ww5Gn7R-TLXMwEMZPnLZ6ca8VQWA4OK2aoQV-iVeQUyp9sruhuKx9GUu9m1zyTHN_3CFOhnWndb-h_Iv4aX0Z02Uizj2NKo/s1600/abram.jpg
http://www.leytonstoneunitedfree.co.uk/userfiles/image/abram.jpg
http://www.leytonstoneunitedfree.co.uk/what-goes-on-here/blog/post/abram-setting-out-on-a-dark-and-stormy-night
Unable or unwilling to leave comfort zone
If had indeed been responding to God's call to Abraham, then he would be an example of those who hear the call and begin moving towards Jesus, but stop along the way, unwilling to leave familiar territory. They never quite arrive at where Jesus is, because they remain tethered (tied) to their favourite thing and are unable or unwilling to cut the ropes and free themselves. The call of Jesus is promising, and they want to take it seriously. But they are held back by other voices, fears, or insecurities. Or perhaps they feel an initial attraction to Jesus' words, but over time, they return to their daily routines, held back by inertia. Like Terah, a person may go halfway but fail to reach Jesus. He attends church a couple of times and then quits, never moving beyond. Or perhaps he tries reading the Bible, but gets lost in the details of the Israelites' genealogy or the laws on temple rituals.
PHOTO: Unable or unwilling to leave comfort zone
Terah journeyed through the land of Haran. A land having the same name as his dead son. And, it was too much for him to get over. It brought back all the pain and grief and he couldn’t leave. He settled in the land of Haran – he settled in his grief – in the memories of his dead son – and he died there. He couldn’t get over the grief inside and because of that he never reached the land of Canaan, the Promised Land.
And tragedy and grief will find each of us at some time in our journey through life – and it’s a guarantee that somewhere – somehow – sometime – we’ll find ourselves in the land of Haran and forced to face it again.
Will we give up and die there?
Or will we gather ourselves together, face it and move on – and reach our vision – our land of Canaan?
Just remember – when you’re in the land of Haran – there is a land of Canaan. It’s waiting for us. We can reach it. [3]
Posted by D.K. LeVick's "Writing in the Woods" on 17 September 2013
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https://dklevick.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/bible-online-logo.jpg
https://dklevick.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/dont-let-a-tragedy-keep-you-from-the-land-of-promise/
Encounter difficulties along the way
Many people give up their search for God because they encounter difficulties along the way. They often realise that persisting in their search requires substantial commitments that they are not quite prepared to make.
PHOTO: Encounter difficulties along the way
Many people give up their search for God because they encounter difficulties along the way. They often realise that persisting in their search requires substantial commitments that they are not quite prepared to make.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania - God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their lawlessness. Lot and his daughters had faith enough to not look back. Imitate their faith! (Lot and his two daughters escape to Zoar but latter settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. At this place the two daughters drunk him and impregnated themselves by their father to preserve their family line.)
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https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102002035/univ/art/1102002035_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/tr/yayinlar/kitaplar/yehovaya-yakla%C5%9F%C4%B1n/adalet/tanr%C4%B1-adaletsizlik-yapar-m%C4%B1/
Encounter distractions along the way
Many complications can arise when we begin answering the invitation of Jesus. We may get distracted and abandon our well intended journey, or we can become paralysed by uncertainty.
PHOTO: Encounter distractions along the way
Many complications can arise when we begin answering the invitation of Jesus. We may get distracted and abandon our well intended journey, or we can become paralysed by uncertainty.
Picture posted by Vida MMM Messiah of Christ Maitreya Wave Majestic on Friday, 28 August 2015 at 13:20
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http://velicastnarazodetja.blogspot.sg/2015/08/
Stagnant due to Fear of what might happen
It is like waiting at a bus stop when the bus arrives, but not getting on because you're afraid of what might happen: the metaphorical bus stop then becomes your home, where you settle and try to make yourself comfortable. Something deep within you, however, tells you that you are not really happy, that your present life is quite meaningless. To drown out this troubling voice, you occupy yourself with amusements or resort to drink and passing fancies. But the thoughts keep on coming, like waves hitting the shore. Realising that you cannot get out of your rut (habit or pattern of behaviour) without some sort of commitment, you then get onto the bus. But as the vehicle travels on, you are plagued by uncertainty and the fear of losing what you had been comfortable with. As your familiar bus stop recedes into the distance, your doubts increase. You look around at your fellow travellers. Some sit calmly, others happily discuss the destination. But you also see those who are still thinking about what they have left behind. Some of these travellers are grumbling and openly expressing doubts over their decisions; some get off the bus at the next stop. You are tempted to do the same.
PHOTO: Stagnant due to Fear of what might happen
It is like waiting at a bus stop when the bus arrives, but not getting on because we're afraid of what might happen: the metaphorical bus stop then becomes our home, where we settle and try to make ourself comfortable. We have the tendency to cling on to the known and familiar.
Try saying "I love you" with real meaning. We will begin to find a very different world opening to use, one where fear took a back seat. And any fear diminished in importance. As long as we keep the body open and stay in a place of complete acceptance, it will be very hard for fear to establish itself. [4]
Picture saved by GerardandChris Hall to Inspirational Sayings
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To go to Jesus, we must go all the way
Terah was like this - he got off God's bus to the Promised Land. He died in what seemed to be comfortable, safe, and familiar place, and never reached the destination God had promised him. He took the first few steps in response to God's invitation, but did not continue on that life-changing journey. Good intention must be translated into actions, and these actions must persevere. If we are to go to Jesus, we must go all the way.
PHOTO: To go to Jesus, we must go all the way
Terah stopped half-way to the Promised Land at Haran and did not continue on that life-changing journey. He died in what seemed to be comfortable, safe, and familiar place, and never reached the destination God had promised him. Good intention must be translated into actions, and these actions must persevere. If we are to go to Jesus, we must go all the way.
Picture posted by Bible History Online - Map of Abram's Journey from Ur to Haran to Egypt
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http://www.bible-history.com/maps/4-Abraham-journey-2l.jpg
http://www.bible-history.com/maps/6-abrahams-journeys.html
Leaving and Arriving: Abraham's Journey of Faith [1]
Have Faith and Trust in God
In contrast, Abraham proceeded with his journey. He "set out" from Haran and "arrived" in Canaan (Genesis 12:4-5). And he did this even though he did not understand God's plan fully. God had said that He would bring Abraham to the Promised Land, but provided no further details. Hebrews 11:8 notes that Abraham "obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going". In responding to God's call faithfully, the patriarch exemplified what Hebrews 11:6 says about faith: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Abraham trusted God that his journey, though risky, would not be in vain. He knew that it was better to travel with God in apparently dangerous circumstances than to sit comfortably at home, living an illusion that would bring him nowhere. As a result, he was greatly blessed.
PHOTO: Have Faith and Trust in God
Abraham "set out" from Haran and "arrived" in Canaan (Genesis 12:4-5). And he "obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going". Abraham trusted God that his journey, though risky, would not be in vain. As a result, he was greatly blessed.
Picture from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
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God seldom discloses all the details of our journey with Him. He may tell us our destination, but not about what lies along the way. Perhaps the details might even frighten us and cause us to abandon the journey.
The presence and promise of God
Abraham also never gave up as he crossed the wilderness into the unknown. When the journey got difficult, what kept him going was the presence and promise of God. This enabled him to finally arrive in Canaan, the land promised to him by God. Abraham must also have known that his journey from Ur to Canaan was not just a physical one, but also a far more important spiritual one. He must have sensed that he was being called to go not only to the Promised Land of God, but also to the God of the Promised Land.
PHOTO: The presence and promise of God
Abraham also never gave up as he crossed the wilderness into the unknown. When the journey got difficult, what kept him going was the presence and promise of God. This enabled him to finally arrive in Canaan, the land promised to him by God.
Three promises:
1. Great nation promise
2. Land promise
3. Seed promise
All Fulfilled!
Picture posted by BIBLE.CA
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http://www.bible.ca/premillennialism-three-promises-abraham-land-promise-fulfilled-3000-years-ago.jpg
http://www.bible.ca/d-3-promises-to-abraham.htm
Longing for a better country - a heavenly one
Abraham "was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). He and others who responded to God's call "were longing for a better country - a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16); they knew that their final destination was not on earth, but in heaven.
PHOTO: Longing for a better country - a heavenly one
Abraham "was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). He and others who responded to God's call "were longing for a better country - a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16); they knew that their final destination was not on earth, but in heaven.
Picture saved by Art-Margaret Berard to BIBLE STORIES & THEMES from ce85d19d27bcd4580648-f08455577a10cebd8677ed53887ae045.r1.cf2.rackcdn.com
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https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/4644405849136576/
What does it say about their hopes and fears?
Hopes to go to Jesus
- Presence and promise of God (Genesis 12:1)
- Looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10)
- Longing for a better country - a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16)
Fears to go to Jesus
- Leave our comfort zone
- Encounter difficulties along the way
- Fear of what might happen
Picture posted by dreamstime.com
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https://nl.dreamstime.com/royalty-vrije-stock-afbeeldingen-hemel-image13547389
What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? [2]
To seek the things of God (especially salvation) as a priority over the things of the world
Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:33). The verse's meaning is as direct as it sounds. We are to seek the things of God as a priority over the things of the world. Primarily, it means we are to seek the salvation that is inherent in the kingdom of God because it is of greater value than all the world's riches. Does this mean that we should neglect the reasonable and daily duties that help sustain our lives? Certainly not. But for the Christian, there should be a difference in attitude toward them. If we are taking care of God's business as a priority - seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others - then He will take care of our business as He promised - and if that’s the arrangement, where is worrying?
PHOTO: To seek the things of God (especially salvation) as a priority over the things of the world
Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:33). We are to seek the things of God as a priority over the things of the world. Primarily, it means we are to seek the salvation that is inherent in the kingdom of God because it is of greater value than all the world's riches.
Picture posted by Odette Baudouin, WpNature.com on 24 November 2016 - Phuket Islands, Thailand
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http://wpnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ocean-paradise-emerald-summer-vacation-island-mountain-sea-rocks-beach-hd-photo-1920x1080.jpg
http://wpnature.com/paradise-emerald-ocean-summer-vacation-island-mountain-sea-rocks-beach-reef-desktop-background/
Spend energies in the services of God
But how do we know if we're truly seeking God’s kingdom first? There are questions we can ask ourselves. "Where do I primarily spend my energies? Is all my time and money spent on goods and activities that will certainly perish, or in the services of God - the results of which live on for eternity?" Believers who have learned to truly put God first may then rest in this holy dynamic: "…and all these things will be given to you as well."
PHOTO: Spend energies in the services of God
"Where do I primarily spend my energies? Is all my time and money spent on goods and activities that will certainly perish, or in the services of God - the results of which live on for eternity?" Believers who have learned to truly put God first may then rest in this holy dynamic: "…and all these things will be given to you as well."
"Therefore do not concern yourself about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:24-34)
"For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land." (1 Kings 17:14)
Picture posted by Branden Wilkerson over 2 years ago (2015)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B5xtVCZv8LsRtwZD2itvx4D7w9GDUYZUAyAy_K4VL-chvVcsCBqTptmDAwKWk_J1bpfxPZbsDGe1u5JwVRFBIOk2C0Og-kgzT8_yQATswtuLhMIdB-kS9EXqaV_3kAAA2TfzebgmEdk/s1600/slide_21.jpg
http://images.slideplayer.com/24/7554502/slides/slide_21.jpg
http://slideplayer.com/slide/7554502/
God has promised to provide for His own, supplying every need
God has promised to provide for His own, supplying every need (Philippians 4:19), but His idea of what we need is often different from ours, and His timing will only occasionally meet our expectations. For example, we may see our need as riches or advancement, but perhaps God knows that what truly we need is a time of poverty, loss or solitude. When this happens, we are in good company. God loved both Job and Elijah, but He allowed Satan to absolutely pound Job (all under His watchful eye), and He let that evil woman, Jezebel, break the spirit of His own prophet Elijah (Job 1-2; 1 Kings 18-19). In both cases, God followed these trials with restoration and sustenance.
PHOTO: God has promised to provide for His own, supplying every need (Philippians 4:19)
God has promised to provide for His own, supplying every need (Philippians 4:19), but His idea of what we need is often different from ours, and His timing will only occasionally meet our expectations. For example, we may see our need as riches or advancement, but perhaps God knows that what truly we need is a time of poverty, loss or solitude. When this happens, we are in good company.
Picture posted by Courtney, Free Printable Christian Message Cards on 03 January 2015
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https://freechristianmessagecards.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/and-my-god-will-supply-all-your-needs-free-christian-message-card.jpg
https://freechristianmessagecards.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/free-printable-christian-message-cards-and-my-god-will-supply-all-your-needs/
Focus not on things of this world but upon the things of God's kingdom
These "negative" aspects of the kingdom run counter to a heresy which is gaining ground around the world, the so-called "prosperity" gospel. A growing number of false teachers are gathering followers under the message - "God wants you to be rich!" But that philosophy is not the counsel of the Bible - and it is certainly not the counsel of Matthew 6:33, which is not a formula for gaining wealth. It is a description of how God works. Jesus taught that our focus should be away from this world - its status and its lying allurements - and placed upon the things of God's kingdom.
PHOTO: Focus not on things of this world but upon the things of God's kingdom
A growing number of false teachers are gathering followers under the message - "God wants you to be rich!" But that philosophy is not the counsel of the Bible - and it is certainly not the counsel of Matthew 6:33, which is not a formula for gaining wealth. Jesus taught that our focus should be away from this world - its status and its lying allurements - and placed upon the things of God's kingdom
Picture saved by Sayira to Bible Education/ Educasion Biblica from jw.org - Jesus Christ refusing the Devil’s attempt to bribe him with the kingdoms of the world
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6hiCPlmrdUGiqOvelvDGxGvzET7U-JL43VjYaZ1rSSCR0kEOAszOu7tHYJFmkMHNAP89pbSFYVLZRw1QPeEEaTvCA-fhBZrjZqqXRQBgjkoS7GWGWF7PWNU2KGWx9NfASwE1ZviEVFo/s1600/53633f6756d6309aa78af83c805c2094.jpg
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PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Help us to go all the way to Jesus. Help us to translate our good intentions into actions, and persevere all the way. Please help us to overcome our obstacles and fears to accept the invitation of Jesus to go to the Promised Land. Fulfill our hopes base on Your presence and promise to reach 'the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God' which is a better country - a heavenly one. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by AStacyMC
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From the book "Finding rest for the soul", by Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
[2] Got Questions Ministries, What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?, https://www.gotquestions.org/seek-first-kingdom-God.html
[3] D.K. LeVick's "Writing in the Woods", Don’t let a Tragedy – keep you from the ‘Land of Promise’, posted on 17 September 2013, https://dklevick.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/dont-let-a-tragedy-keep-you-from-the-land-of-promise/
[4] Ed and Deb Shapiro, F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appearing Real, https://journal.thriveglobal.com/f-e-a-r-false-evidence-appearing-real-bc34691b5294
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1 Kings 18-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%E2%80%9319&version=NIV
Genesis 11:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+11%3A31&version=NIV
Genesis 12:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+12%3A1&version=NIV
Genesis 12:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+12%3A4-5&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A6&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A8&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A10&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A16&version=NIV
Job 1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+1%E2%80%932&version=NIV
Matthew 6:24-34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A24-34&version=NIV
Matthew 6:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A33&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A19&version=NIV
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