Category Archives: Church

Thursday’s Prayers for America (3/26/2015)

dolly 13

 

We Americans love superstars, big names, and flashy heroes who model their greatness at all times because the rest of us feel so common and live such ordinary lives.

But the truth is that if we have given our lives to Christ, we are royal sons and daughters of an awesome King who created the world and owns everything. We are more than conquerors, are living stones, members of a chosen generation, part of a royal priesthood, members of His holy nation, and heirs of all things through Jesus Christ. And besides that, we have open access to the Father and His throne at all times.

In God’s eyes, we are the superstars on earth because we said “yes” to Jesus and His grace.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You open our American eyes to who You are in us so that we do the works You did and greater works because You went to the Father. (Based in part on John 14:12)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

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Filed under Christianity, Church, Fasting, Gifts of the Spirit, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare, Uncategorized

Tuesday’s Prayers for Prisoners (3/24/2015)

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Each Tuesday, I pray and fast for the nations of Asia, where 4.4 billion people live. 

Why Asia?

1. 85.4% of world’s unevangelized people live in Asia. (Unevangelized means they may have heard the gospel but have no understanding on how to respond.)

2. The world’s three largest non-Christian religions – Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhists – are based in Asia.

3. Of the 37 countries of the world that are less than 10% Christian, 32 are in Asia. Of the 14 countries, that are less than 2% Christian, 12 are in Asia.

4. 85-90% of unreached people live in Asia. (Unreached means that they have never heard the name of Jesus.) (Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation)

Numerous books have been written on why we Christians are unsuccessful in praying for the sick. Unforgiveness, lack of faith, sin, rebellion, and other excuses are offered, but the number one reason is seldom mentioned. You see, we read books on healing, attend seminars on healing, listen to healing tapes, but we seldom pray for the sick. Period.

“So what if you pray for a hundred sick people, with ninety-eight dying and only two people having healing miracules. Thank God for the two. Keep on laying your hands on the sick until heaven realizes how determined you are to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” (John Wimber)

Remember: Maybe only 2% of your prayers will end up with healing miracles at first, but I guarantee that 100% of your non prayers will result in zero miracles.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You raise up believers in India, Nepal, and all of Asia who actually believe signs of healing, deliverance, raising the dead, and casting out demons will accompany them just because You said so…and that’s good enough for them to obey Your word. (Based on Mark 16:17-18)

Join with me on Tusdays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

 

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Inside Israel

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Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

Greetings, dear Brothers and Sisters, faithful and hopeful, trusting in The Blood of The risen Lamb of God, May He be glorified and blessed and may you be blesse.

I doubt that there is one of you who has not heard about our election results, although the final outcome won’t be known until a government is formed.  (Thanks to our incredibly complicated political system.

Polling stations were open across the country from 7a.m. until 10 p.m. At 7 a.m., my husband and I walked out of our apartment and crossed the street to our assigned polling place.  I thought of you as we were immediately greeted by neat, kind faced, strong-bodied security men who blocked the way to the station.  One glance up the block reminded me that our leaders set an example to the country by being at the polls first.  It turned out that our President (Reuven Rivlin) and his wife were voting at our station. All waited patiently for them to finish.

There was a sense of excitement in the air, and indeed this was reflected in a high voter turnout – nearly73%, much higher then in past years.  People were friendly one with another, yet not asking, “Who are you voting for?”

Most people seemed to assume that EVERYONE was voting for change because that’s what the polls had consistently reflected.  What they DIDN’T count on was that the virulent intimidation and aggressive arrogance DEMANDING change, and accusing those who did not believe as they did of being stupid and racist, did not SILENCE their VOTE. We became the “silent majority,” not wanting to be exposed to the violence of words.

It was an upset.  One that made MANY of us smile.

I was thankful to go for an emergency doctor’s appointment and also thankful that my doctor was willing to see me in spite of the incredible winter that we have had here, which has stretched the medical workers to the max.  I saw a Doctor walk into the nurses’ station and in a couple of minutes heard angry yelling from one of the nurses.  As I listened I heard: “Don’t you tell ME why I voted for him!  I’m sick of the liberal media telling me that I was duped or it was fear mongering, or that I am uneducated or racist!  I know EXACTLY what I am voting for and why!”

Hum…sounds like some backlash.

When I went for my blood test, Svetlana was smiling like a Cheshire cat and humming.  “Shalom Svetlana, why so happy?”

Her eyes literally twinkled.  “The election,” she said simply.  “I would rather fear God then Obama and count on His help then America’s.”  A

And THAT was exactly what I had seen as the decision maker here. Will we disobey the world or The Lord?  The chips are finally down on the table.

I was happy but surprised to get the same reaction from a co-worker the following day, a young woman in her early twenties. She told me that she got into an argument at university about her vote and was shocked at the ugly words thrown at her.  “I let them roll off,” she said.  “So if it’s war now…at least we don’t wait till the West makes deals with our so-called neighbors and arms them further.  If we look to God, He promises to be with us, doesn’t He?”

On the other side, there is angry disbelief that so many people can be so stupid.

But generally, on the bus and train, I feel that people are much calmer, more secure and less discouraged.

As I said, because of our incredibly complicated political system, we still don’t know who the government will be or even who will be at the helm, but in my spirit I sense that there IS a renewed strength.  By the way, when the soldiers votes were counted, they raised our Prime Minister’s party by a full seat, showing that even the young soldiers are backing him, unexpected and encouraging.

I have no doubt that it WON’T be easy, but I would rather be in His will and cast upon Him.

I think you are hearing enough of world reaction…and you know, I am neither an expert nor a political analyst, just a witness. Hopefully, a faithful one.

 

Exodus 12:1-3  “ And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:” (at sundown on Friday the 20th of March began the first month according to scripture…the month of Nissan leading up to Passover, (Pesach), the celebration of the liberation through the blood deliverance of God by the blood of the pascal lamb…AND…THE FULLFILLMENT…still not fully embraced here in the land.)

And now Passover preparations are entering full gear and that includes A LOT of work. Funny how we can make His gracious gifts so heavy at times.

Most of our larger food stores have already been scrubbed from top to bottom. The hometz of food with leaven, not kosher for Pesach, moved to a far corner. It will either disappear altogether or be shrink-wrapped and sealed by a rabbi with a label that can not be broken by law until after Pesach.  On the shelves, matzo appears along with special cookies and cakes, flours, gefilte fish, grape juice and all sorts of foods peculiar to this holiday.

GARLIC APPEARS IN THE SHUK.  That might sound funny, but the highly fragrant fresh huge bulbs of garlic, still caked with earth and bulky with long leaves seems to hail the oncoming Pesach.  The garlic, woven into braids or wreaths are a much-enjoyed gift to receive at Pesach.  The shuk also opens new stalls filled with inexpensive dishes and cutlery, pots, single use items, all fresh for Passover, never having been in touch with leaven of any sort.

Homes are being scrubbed from top to bottom and hometz being removed there as well. Many people will replace all kitchen items. Some throw out couches and all sorts of household items that might have crumbs inside them.

In the midst of these preparations, the synagogues are also full with heart-preparation taking place.

Yes, the mad dash has begun!

But in the midst, the reason is not forgotten…and I think particularly this year, so soon after the elections, people will be looking for comfort in the scriptures and their meaning.

May the Lord bless you,

your sister J

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Thursday’s Prayers for America (3/19/2015)

dolly 13

 

Do I like fasting? 

Heavens no!

I like eating Oreo cookies, pizzas, French fries, ketchup, lemon meringue pie, spaghetti, sweet and sour pork, burritos, potato chips, donuts, and so on and so forth.

Why do I fast?

I know fasting works. Because of fasting, I have seen people healed of diseases and delivered from demons. I have seen oppressive attitudes removed from organizations. I have seen breakthroughs in my life and in others. Over and over again, I have seen the benefits of fasting.

Not only that, the Bible agrees with me:

“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6)

Why do I fast for America?

I absolutely have no hope in America’s political leaders, in our government, in the direction the traditional church is heading, in our economic system, in our national defense, and in the readiness of believers for the days that await us in the future. We are in a free-fall with no parachute to cushion our landing.

Do I really believe I can make a difference for America with my fasting?

Jesus fasted, and thus, must have thought that He could make a difference for Israel with His fasting. I’m hoping to do the same for America.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, raise up believers in America who are willing to be Repairers of the Breach and Restorers of Streets to Dwell In so that the foundations of our nation are restored and the waste places rebuilt. (Based on Isaiah 58:12)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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The Rumors of Larry’s Death Were Not Greatly Exaggerated (Part 8)

(Click on photo to enlarge)

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Ten thousand and seventy-four days ago, a female minister named Linda Sutter (Olson) pointed to me as I sat in a pew of a small church and asked me to stand up. She then began prophesying to me: “God is doing a quick work in you…”

Even today when I look at her prophetic words, which I wrote down in the back of my Bible, I laugh at God’s idea of a “quick work” versus mine. I thought it would be months, certainly not 10,074 days or nearly thirty years.

But let me tell you a little bit about Linda Sutter Olson.

During the early 1970’s, the Lord told her to go into full-time ministry as a teacher and a prophetess, but she had at least three  problems. First, she was a woman. Second, her pastor would not endorse her ministry. Third, she did not have any contacts.

What could she do?

She sent out a few flyers to area churches, but had no responses. No one seemed to need her ministry.

One day, Linda was driving through rural Iowa and stopped at a diner in a small town. She sat down at a table and ordered her lunch. Linda noticed the couple sitting at the table next to her had received their meals and were praying before they ate.

She leaned over and said, “It’s nice to see a couple pray together in a restaurant.”

“Oh, you’re a Christian,” replied the husband. “Why don’t you join us for lunch? We would enjoy fellowshipping with you.”

The couple turned out to be a pastor and his wife. The pastor ended up inviting Linda to minister at his church that evening.

Linda eventually ministered in numerous large churches and then traveled to Russia, Albania, India, Eastern Europe, China, and the Philippines. But every door that opened to her calling could be traced back to that chance encounter at a diner in a small town in Iowa.

So, when I look at the boxes of books in our closets, I like to think that I’m just one divine encounter away from publishing success.

(Continued in Part 9)

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Tuesday’s Prayers for Prisoners (3/17/2015)

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Each Tuesday, I pray and fast for the nations of Asia, where 4.4 billion people live. 

Why Asia?

1. 85.4% of world’s unevangelized people live in Asia. (Unevangelized means they may have heard the gospel but have no understanding on how to respond.)

2. The world’s three largest non-Christian religions – Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhists – are based in Asia.

3. Of the 37 countries of the world that are less than 10% Christian, 32 are in Asia. Of the 14 countries, that are less than 2% Christian, 12 are in Asia.

4. 85-90% of unreached people live in Asia. (Unreached means that they have never heard the name of Jesus.) (Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation)

My prayer emphasis was on the leaders of India and North Korea.

India is the second most populated nation in the world with 1.2 billion people and is the largest democracy in the world. North Korea has 24.9 million people and is a single-party Socialist republic. Both nations have corrupt governments where bribes and influence peddling are common practices.

India is ranked 85th on the Transparency Index out of 175 nations as  compared to its neighbors  Bhutan (30th), Bangladesh (145th), Myanmar (156th), China (100th), Nepal (126th), Pakistan (126th) and Sri Lanka (85th).

North Korea is tied with Somalia at 174th.

Just for your own information: USA is ranked 17th, tied with Ireland, Hong Kong, and Barbados.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray for the political leaders and those in high government positions in India and North Korea to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth so that the people in these two nations may lead peaceful and quiet lives. (Based on 1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Join with me on Tusdays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

 

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Filed under 10/40 Window, Christianity, Church, Fasting, India, Kingdom of God, Poverty, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Inside Israel

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Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

Greetings in The Name of The Lord, Whose path is set so that we might just keep walking toward the goal of knowing Him, serving Him faithfully, filled with HIS Spirit Alone, for His glory Alone, by His grace and in His strength.  Only HE could do that with the likes of us, eh?  May He be blessed and glorified and may you be blessed.

With so much happening, His plans swirl around us here at an ever-increasing rate.  I’m sure that most of you know how different segments around the world received our Prime Minister’s speech before the US congress.  You also probably know that our elections are scheduled to take place on the 17th of March.

In my opinion, there is often a fine line between our own observations and opinions and then finding His Heart and will, particularly in political matters.  But in deed, we are CALLED to Know Him AND His will, so, we know that He does not contradict His Word and the WHOLE counsel of His Word.

This means that I do know that Israel is part of His end-time plan and it means for Israel to be part of His plan, it must be in existence.  I ALSO know that HE says that Israel WILL stand alone and must look to HIM Alone.  This is also in His end-time plan.  I also know from His Word that all of the world will come against us.

These things help me to not vote according to the panic that many Israelis feel as they see the political echelons of America and Europe turning against us.  Although the speech given by Netanyahu in the US congress received a huge number of standing ovations and at the same time, scornful responses of those opposed to his words.  The idea that the speech was an election ploy was surely proved wrong when the polls showed that the speech did NOT influence votes here at all. He is still running increasingly behind the left wing (as far as the polls show, which means little in my opinion.)

From the many talks that I had with patients at the doctor’s office where I work, my understanding is that the MAIN LINE OF DIVISION is between those who believe that we MUST trust God Alone as a nation…and those who believe that we must trust the nations, particularly America.  You would be amazed at the number of conversations that I have had with people who say, “But we KNOW that we will stand alone and must finally trust God completely…”

Yes.  They know, many of them.  And I hear it on the bus and train as well.  Most people do NOT enjoy being scoffed at, so you do not hear it loudly because those in the media and the universities have such devastatingly sharp tongues and pens.  But I do share it with you for prayer.

We MUST be a nation that depends on our God Alone.  THAT is the will of God to which I have no doubt.  It means not being afraid BECAUSE of looking away unto Him.  It is easy for me to say that I know Yeshua, Jesus.  But to my brothers and sisters after the flesh that do not yet know His Face and His Name, I look forward to the fulfillment of Romans 9, 10 and 11, Ezekiel 36, Zechariah 12, Mat 23:37-39, Luke 13:34-35, just to name a very few.

So, yes, I ask for prayer for our elections, that God will turn the hearts of the people to vote according to His will.

 

As the media stands excitedly poised to welcome a Netanyahu defeat, I remember clearly a few events that were exclamation points along my observations.  Perhaps you remember, too:

The US President ran his campaign with a motto: “Change!’ (“yes we can”).  At the time I recall quoting the verse Proverbs 24:21-22 –

21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

I had red flags in my heart back then because change was the goal. I am old enough to have seen rebellion and how it works: “The present is uncomfortable…we want out…anything seems better then this.”

When the US President was elected, I closely watched his visit to Egypt where he so warmly greeted then President Hosni Mubarak and pledged in his speech to loyally back him.  But his agenda of change was already working and with barely the blink of an eye he was supporting the Moslem Brotherhood and the stunned Mubarak was toppled overnight.  This was the beginning of the Arab Spring.

I also remember clearly the President’s trip here where with the support of Shimon Peres, our “man of peace”, the main author of the chaotic Oslo peace accords. Obama gathered a large number of handpicked left-wing Israeli university students, WITHOUT consulting our Prime Minister, and had a heart to heart chat with our young people, encouraging them to “rise up and bring CHANGE.”  These were seeds, or tares, well planted into fertile, intellectual, energetic minds, political science majors, who know how to organize.

I also remember why these nasty, early elections were called. There was a rebellion in the government and our Prime Minister said that he needed a mandate to run the country and that he could not do it with the bickering and mockery instigated mainly by the left. (I am NOT saying that none of it was legitimate! I am saying though that it was organized and he was correct.)

It is interesting that attrition (“the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.”) appears to produce a response of CHANGE, unless we are standing firm in HIM with our eyes fixed steadfastly on His Face, which NEVER CHANGES.

And so our elections – WHICH WILL INDEED AFFECT THE ENTIRE WORLD – pose a clear choice to a very, very weary people: left wing choosing to stand with the world and please them in a run toward peace at any price or right wing with a decision to stand in our understanding of God’s purposes…that He has given us this land and we are not to give it away… even at the expense of relentless struggles.

At times like this, Daniel 9:27 comes up for discussion among many:

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.” 

And yet I prefer to focus on different verses: 1 Corin 10:13 “…but God is faithful…” and Eph. 2:4 “But God, Who is rich in mercy…” 1 Thes 4:8 “…but God, Who has also given unto us His Holy Sprit…”

Oh, there are others. NO,  I am NOT more spiritual…not by a long shot.  But I really cannot figure it all out…AND YET, I KNOW THE ONE WHO CAN AND WHO HAS AND WHO IS ALREADY THERE.  What does it all mean?  We get to look more unto The Lord, to draw nearer and to learn more of His mercy.  I know what I HOPE happens on this coming Tuesday, and I pray toward that end, but I pray looking away toward Him.

Thank you for praying along with us for His glory!

Lovingly,

your sister J

Click on to see MyGFA site.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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Yes, We Had An Outhouse…So What?

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I grew up on a farm in Northern Illinois. Our old house had a manual pump with a handle for pumping water from a cistern, two kerosene gas stoves, and an outside toilet. Yes, we had an outhouse…so what?

Our drinking water had to be carried in a pail from an outside well house. The water was pumped up from a deep underground well. The depth of the well caused the water to always be cold and refreshing.

As you can imagine, the day I came home from school to see our new fan-dangled bathroom with a toilet and running hot and cold water was a glorious day for us. We had finally joined the Twentieth Century…in 1960.

All of this seems extremely primitive to me now.

But to 750 million people in the world, they would be happy to have what we had before the new fan-dangled bathroom arrived at our farm. You see, these people do not have access to fresh water at all. And half of these live in South Asia, mainly India.

Mothers give their children dirty water to drink which results in one child dying every minute from a water-related disease. Open defecation and lack of sanitation only worsen the crisis.

To combat this water crisis in nations throughout South Asia, Gospel for Asia digs Jesus Wells and provides BioSand Water Filters to families and communities thirsty for clean, fresh water. GFA also provides safe, reliable sanitation by building outdoor toilets, preventing an epidemic of water-related diseases. Through the provision of clean water, many communities are becoming more open to hearing about the God who loves them and provides for their needs. Learn more about Gospel for Asia’s clean water ministry by clicking here.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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Thursday’s Prayers for America (3/12/2015

Dolly 77

Those who planned ahead of time for a hurricane did not plan for a disaster; they planned for minor inconveniences…Plans must be based on worst-case scenarios… (Lt. General Russell Honore)

Have you ever gone through a terrible circumstance and wished you would have listened to those who warned you ahead of time? You felt terrible and wanted to smack yourself for being so hardheaded and not paying attention. Yet, it was too late and you suffered for your irresponsibility.

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (James 2:13 NLT)

Memorize this scripture and then live it. Give to the poor and the helpless now. Be merciful to your neighbors and everyone now. Don’t wait! Begin now.

Why?

Because terrible tragedies and calamities may soon be common occurrences in America. Many lives may be wrecked and destroyed. And who knows? Maybe you and your family will be in the path of one of the disasters. So, plan for the worst-case scenarios by being merciful now.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that we Americans hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches by focusing our attention on giving to the poor and the helpless. So that, in the day of trouble, You will honor our acts of mercy by delivering us and protecting us and keeping us alive and even blessing us. (Based on Revelation 2:7 and Psalm 41:1-3)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

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To Listen or Not to Listen to Prophecy…That’s The Question (Part 8)

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If the Apostle Paul walked into most of today’s churches, he wouldn’t wait for the service to start, he would rush to the pastors, elders, and deacons and ask, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” 

The leaders might hem and haw, explaining their beliefs and theological insights on the Holy Spirit.

Paul would shake his head at their words. “Do you prophesy? Do you speak in tongues?” he would ask, with his dark eyes blazing.

Maybe you disagree.

Okay, did you know Paul spent one to five months planting each church in such cities as Pisidian Antioch, Iconic, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea? Then he left them alone without pastors or leaders for a long time, as much as two years.

Now remember:

Fifty percent of Paul’s converts were slaves.

There were no Bibles and few had even one Old Testament scroll.

90% of the converts were illiterate.

95% could not write.

Average life expectancy for a male was 45 years of age and for a female 38. (The Untold Story of the New Testament Church by Frank Viola.

Yet, the gospel that Paul and Barnabas preached to these new converts that were once heathen and miserable Gentiles, was enough for them to love each other and evangelize their neighbors without any outside help.

How did Paul accomplish this feat?

Pursue love, and desire earnestly the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

The Apostle Paul made sure the spiritual gifts were working in the believers for each church. It was through the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, that Christ came to life in their midst.

So, do we really want to turn our cities upside down for Jesus?

If so, maybe we should rethink prophecy and the spiritual gifts. It worked for the Apostle Paul in Pisidian Antioch, Iconic, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.

And I believe it will work today in our cities, too.

(Conclusion)

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