When the cares of life start to become a priority, it can be easy to let our time with God fall by the wayside. But as Christian women, we need to make sure that we are standing on the word of God every day. When we do, we are building our lives on a firm foundation, experiencing peace, finding direction, and trusting in something that will never change as well as growing spiritually in our relationship with the Lord. So, let's make sure that we are putting God first in our lives, and standing on the word of God no matter what comes our way.
Let me know in the comments one way you prioritize reading God’s word on a daily basis.
]]>The Bible encourages Christians to choose joy every day. Still, many people report finding it difficult to experience any joy in their lives at all. So how do you continue to select and experience joy on a daily basis?
Turn to the Bible. The early Christians had every reason not to feel joyful. They faced persecution from the Roman government, and the Apostle Paul wrote many of his famous epistles while in prison. Yet, they still took joy in their faith.
Below, we'll go into Bible verses that will help you take joy in yours as well. Keep reading to learn more about Bible verses on choosing joy!
The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
This proverb reminds us that when we live lives honoring God, joy becomes our reward.
It indicates that by actively choosing to walk with God, we invest in our own joy. As such, we choose joy by daily choosing God. When we wake up in the morning it should be our posture to thank God for a new day and being able to commune with Him.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
In this verse, Jesus reminds us that if we need anything, we only need to ask in His Name. Then, our joy will become complete.
So, make it an everyday habit to discuss your needs with the Lord. If you do, He will then listen to your prayers and assist you on your way to becoming more joyful. The Lord is so faithful to hear our prayers and wants to give us the desires of our hearts when we make time to delight in Him. He is the primary reason for our joy and when we find time to commune with Him our joy is restored.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Out of these Bible verses, this one contains the most direct encouragement to seek joy. In fact, it commands us to rejoice twice!
But what should happen when you don't feel like rejoicing? Think about the activities that draw you closer to the Lord. Is there an upbeat Christian song you can listen to? Do you always feel better after praying? Do these activities. Sometimes when we are complaining about all the things that are going wrong in our lives it doesn't really make us feel like rejoicing. When we start to give praise and worship to our Lord our attitude and feelings will change very quickly.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Singing does wonders for the soul, and the psalmist in this verse recognizes it. In it, we are instructed to rejoice in the Lord and sing because He has given us upright hearts.
So, if you feel it hard to choose joy, try singing your favorite song. How many times have you listened to your favorite worship song and your mood has instantly changed? Well it works so try it today. What is your favorite worship song, let me know down below?
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary's soliloquy, which she recites after meeting her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, demonstrates the joy of an ordinary woman chosen by God.
These Bible verses also remind us that God chooses ordinary people to carry out His will and become ambassadors of the resulting joy. It is such a amazing feeling that the Lord does use ordinary people to accomplish His plans and purposes.
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
As such, we should focus on continuing to have faith in our Lord Jesus. The joy that comes from having a relationship with Him and being able to commune with Him at any time is the definitely inexpressible.
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
In this verse, Paul talks to Philemon about how much joy and encouragement their friendship has given him. It also reminds us of the joy we find in the company of other Christians.
So, if you start a day and find it difficult to choose joy, contact a Christian friend and ask to meet. Maybe discuss one of the encourage one another verses with them so you may both find joy! It also does the soul good to be able to talk to a fellow sister in Christ and receive encouragement and prayer. Don't forget that sometimes a simple phone call can really brighten up someone day.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This verse chronicles Jesus's journey. It tells us He endured the cross all for the prospect of the joy laid out before Him.
Here, we see even Jesus had to go through hard times to achieve the joy promised to Him. So, we should not grow discouraged when life doesn't seem joyful. Instead, we need to trust what God has promised us. Sometimes we may have circumstances are just plain difficult and we don't see how it's going to change. During these times it is important that we just keep trusting that Jesus has it all figured out and knowing this we can still have joy.
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Here, God promises that our grief and suffering won't last forever.
Instead, He gives us the guarantee He will return, and we will have everlasting joy. Because of this, we can look forward to the day we will have joy that lasts for all eternity and take joy in the fact that day will come. Aren't you glad that the day is coming where we will be with the King and our joy will last forever.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
In this verse, God reminds us the kingdom of heaven contains joy naturally. In it, we will experience the full joy of the Holy Spirit.
Yet, the Holy Spirit also lives in us now, and we have access to the joy of the Lord even while still on earth. It does my heart good to know that even on earth that I can experience that comes from the Holy Spirit. No matter what goes on the fact that Jesus came and dies on the cross and rose again for my sins brings me ultimate joy. I designed a t-shirt that has this reminder of the fruits of the spirit where one of the fruits is joy.
Do you want help remembering these Bible verses?
Recalling the choose joy Bible verses sometimes proves difficult. To help you remember each "I choose joy Bible verse," we've created apparel and products perfect for daily use. I really appreciate that each time I wear one of the items from the store I am constantly reminded of scripture which is so important in living this Christian life. Journaling and writing down scripture each day is also very helpful in remembering bible verses and being able to choose joy everyday. What are some ways that you remember to choose joy everyday?
Check out our products today!
]]>Do you struggle with anxiety? Are you wanting to have more peace in the Lord?
Anxiety impacts many people, with more than 40 million people in the United States having an anxiety disorder. Far more people deal with everyday worries, ranging from concerns about money and food to children and personal safety in the time of COVID-19.
But what Bible verses on faith over fear can you read when you feel worried? We'll share some of the powerful Bible quotes on faith over fear below. If you want to not only remember but boldly wear your decision to choose faith, check out our faith over fear clothing.
Keep reading so you will be encouraged next time you are afraid!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This Scripture verse, written by King David, reminds us that the Lord is our Deliverer Who rescues us from our fears.
David had an extremely difficult life. He was chased by King Saul, who tried to kill him. If the Lord delivered David, whose life was at constant risk, He can deliver us as well.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold[a] of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
This verse refers to our salvation as a stronghold, reminding us it serves as our greatest security.
No matter what happens, God will always hold us through it. Even if we go through troubles, our soul remains secure.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Jesus said this to His disciples right after foretelling His own death. Imagine the fear they must have felt at the thought of losing Him!
Yet, He reassures them that all will be well and that He comes to impart peace. As such, we should choose faith over fear.
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
In this Bible verse about faith overcoming fear, we see God strengthening the Israelites. God chose the Israelites to specifically be His people and then extended the invitation to everyone after Jesus's death.
Because of this, we can have no doubt that God will strengthen all of His children now.
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
This Bible verse reminds us that God always has our best interests in mind and that eventually, the kingdom of heaven will be ours. Throughout the Scriptures, He promises this to those faithful to HIm.
It is short and direct, making it one of the great Bible verses on faith over fear.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Fear might seem natural to us, but it is not something God has implanted in us. This verse reminds us of that. God commands us to fear only Him. All other fear is not from Him.
As such, we must learn to trust that He has a plan for our lives, even when we're afraid.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Here, the psalmist reminds us God is with us, even when we walk through extremely difficult times.
God always sees us and knows our struggles. We never walk alone.
Elevate your journey with our exclusive collection of 7 Instant Download Scripture printable cards, inspired by these powerful seven verses, all for just $3.99. These beautifully designed cards are more than just a read; they're a treasure to cherish. Gift them to friends, incorporate them into your daily meditation, or use them as a tool for memorizing these life-changing words. This is an opportunity to deepen your spiritual experience at a minimal cost. Download your set today and transform your quiet time.
Do you want to remind yourself to have faith over fear? Do you hope that you'll remember to turn to these Bible verses on faith over fear when you go through anxiety again? Sometimes in order to remind yourself to have faith it is better to not only read the word but memorize and write it down so when you are faced with fear this verses of scripture when immediately come to mind.
Fear can be hard to conquer, but in the Lord, "...we are more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37)! By turning to the Word of God, you'll be able to place your faith over your fear and rest in His peace.
If you loved these Bible quotes on faith over fear, instead of just reading a bible quote read the book of Hebrews which talks about some of the heroes of faith in chapter 11. If you feel that you want to to journal more especially when you are wanting to memorize these faith over fear bible verses check out this journal. I hope this post has encouraged you if so please feel free to share it so others can be encouraged and uplifted so they can start living a life full of faith.
In Psalm 1, King David tells us about the type of people who are considered blessed in the Lord. He starts out by describing this person as someone who doesn't keep the company of the wicked, but he follows it up by saying this person takes joy in the words of the Lord and thinks on them continuously (Psalm 1:2).
]]>If so, as we head into 2021, you want to start setting goals for yourself so that you can continue to foster your relationship with God. Often, people's journeys with the Lord are very personal, so you might already have some ideas of how you want to grow closer.
But did you know choosing a word for the year 2021 will also help you? Choosing to focus on a single word will guide you as you navigate throughout the month ahead.
How do you go about choosing a guiding word or phrase for the year, though? We'll help you select one below. Keep reading to learn more!
What is the spiritual importance of choosing a word for the year 2021?
In Psalm 1, King David tells us about the type of people who are considered blessed in the Lord. He starts out by describing this person as someone who doesn't keep the company of the wicked, but he follows it up by saying this person takes joy in the words of the Lord and thinks on them continuously (Psalm 1:2).
Of course, it would be a Herculean feat to meditate on the entire Bible, even if you had a whole year to do it. That's why choosing a single word helps. If you narrow a biblical concept into a single word, such as "prayer," or phrase, you can then choose to study Bible passages pertaining to it and meditate on it throughout the year.
Are there one or two things in your life that you feel keep you from being the best, most Godly version of yourself?
All of us have things we try to work on, whether that's setting aside more time for prayer or remembering that God's love never fails us, even when we fail to be perfect. If there is something in your spiritual life you would like to improve, consider consolidating that concept to a single word and using it as your word of the year.
If you want some suggestions, you can take some inspiration from our quote. It comes from Colossians 2:6-7 and inspires us to concentrate on remaining prayerful, joyful, and faithful, and keeps us seeking to be fruitful servants.
Are you worried you will set out with terrific intentions at the beginning of the year and then forget about your word?
If you often find yourself forgetting about your New Year's intentions as the year progresses, you're not alone. You don't have to worry about forgetting your word this year because we offer faith based t-shirts and mugs with many Christian words and phrases on them that may match the ones you have already chosen for yourself.
So, are you ready to go about choosing a word for the year 2021?
When you go through the process of focusing on a biblical word for an entire year, you have the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. By choosing a word based on a biblical concept that relates to your life and purchasing reminders of that word, you are cementing your commitment to your own spiritual growth.
Want to see how our products can help you remember your word? Check them out today!
What word or phrase have you chosen for the year? Let me know the word or phrase that you choose in the comment section below.
]]>Can’t decide on what are the best Christian gifts to give for Christmas this year?
It’s a bit disheartening to think about the materialistic nature of the annual holiday. Thankfully, there are still people who remember the real meaning of Christmas despite the rampant commercialization.
This is God’s loving gift to humanity that Jesus came down in human flesh and not only dwelled with us but came to save us from our sin.
This is a great opportunity to start giving gifts to honor Him and convey our gratitude to one another. Here are some of the best inspirational Christmas gifts to inspire your loved ones:
You can never go wrong with gifting someone a great book to read while resting for the holidays. There are times your words alone are not enough so let them explore the word of God themselves from various bible teachers, preachers or other Christian authors. It's a subtle yet lovely way to share the experiences and wisdom of Christians all over the globe which makes a perfect gift this year.
Have you read any books in the past that resonates and grows your faith stronger? If you can't recall the book titles right now, you can look up several recommendations of Christian books online.
These are some of the most affordable Christian gifts you can find online. Mugs with inspiring messages of hope and God’s sovereignty are amazing sources of encouragement and comfort and is the absolute perfect gift idea for those on a budget. It’s perfect for those who want to start each day with gratitude and grace. Mugs are versatile and come in a variety of creative and beautiful designs and especially the ones from our shop. These inspirational mugs also make a great addition to your kitchen home décor especially next to your Keurig and your designated coffee station.
Do you know someone who recently began their spiritual journey? A simple as Christian journals can help really strengthens their relationship with God. They can record their daily thoughts, prayer requests, and uplifting encounters to fill the pages. This beautiful inspirational gift will help set them up on a course for success as they continue growing their relationship with the Lord.
There’s nothing better than this to write down favorite Christian verses, songs, sermons, and scriptures. It’s a simple little reminder of everything they’ve learned from quiet time with the Lord and sermons from church.
These are some of the best Christian gifts that inspire others each time they wear it to be bold for the Lord and not be ashamed of the spreading the good news everywhere they go. Anything that can remind people that they encounter about the goodness of our Savior is the best gift, don’t you think? Gifts like these put smiles on not only the face of the person who receives the gift but also on the faces of the people who see them wearing it.
Are you interested? We have a collection of new t-shirt arrivals such as “Growing in Grace” Unisex T-shirts and more! You can always take a look and check them out determine which one you feel fits the person who will receive the gift.
Sweatshirts and hoodies are the best inspirational Christmas gifts for young adults and teens on your Christmas list. Attires with inspiring phrases will not fail to warm their body especially if they are in a colder climate. This is a sincere yet fun way to express their strong faith and share the gospel to everyone they encounter and keep them warm at the same time.
Not only that, but you can also add some new outfits to their wardrobe that will be faith based and trendy at the same time. These Christian sweatshirts and hoodies make the perfect gift for this age group because it helps them realize the importance of being bold for the Lord. You definitely can't go wrong with this "Love One Another" sweatshirt.
Top 5 Inspirational Christmas Gifts Ideas for You
Have you decided what inspirational Christmas gifts you’ll buy this year yet? In these uncertain times, holiday giving gifts while celebrating the birth of Jesus is a great way to share our blessings with others.
You never know if any of these specific special inspirational gifts will be someone’s motivation to keep pushing through and stay strong in the Lord. These gift ideas make perfect stocking stuffers and are perfect to add into gift baskets as well.
Do you have any questions in mind? Would you like more recommendations about choosing Christian gifts? We will gladly help you so please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
Let me know in the comments if there are any inspirational Christmas Gifts that you will be purchasing this year for your friends and loved ones.
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My husband and I started Called to Edify in our home with $300 (despite the many trials and tribulations we were going through at the time- in which we had prayed our way through). Our goal was to furnish our home with home decor that was inspirational and would constantly remind us of God’s Truth. This Idea came to us after visiting a local home décor store. While in the store, we got frustrated on how expensive a simple Christian wall art would cost. We bought a few pieces of art anyway, left the store, then began our journey back home. It was during that ride home that my husband and I realized that we both had the skills to make our own wall art (him being a graphic designer, and myself being a writer of Christian poetry. So, we turned the car around, went back into the home décor store, returned the items we had bought, and then started on the path to create our own inspirational art. We left the home décor store, drove over to a nearby Michael’s Arts and Crafts store and purchased the necessary items to start our wall art building process.
We began our creation by typing Christian poetry over photo paper of random nature photography shots we would capture during vacations and frequent ride-arounds. We would then add 3D sticker decals of flowers, butterflies, birds, trees, etc. that would coincide with the background image. We would pop the photos into its own 8x10 frame, and then hang them up around the house. When family and friends would come by for a visit, they would notice these unusual life-like wall arts that we had hung. I mean, we hung wall art in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room- you name it! The next thing we knew, folks started calling us and asking if we would build wall art for their home.
As we grew over the years (seven website changes, three logo changes, and going through four drop shipping companies later), we transitioned from wall art, into a Christian Apparel Company. We started Called To Edify® Boutique committed to provide the best customer service, affordable pricing, and great quality. We have been blessed to inspire thousands of men and women with the gift of encouragement that embodies biblical messages of Faith, Hope, and Love- and the sovereignty of God.
Today we are proud to continue providing our customers with those standards and more. At Called To Edify® Boutique, we help individuals live out the principals of Christ daily. Now, more than ever, is the time to brighten someone’s day with the never-ending love of Jesus! Each person who receives or gives an inspirational gift will be blessed! We are honored that you have chosen to visit our shop, and we promise to give you an exceptional experience. Remember to continue to have faith, and encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Thank you!
A portion of our profits will be donated to a faith-based organization monthly. Our final goal is to spread His word and love through our products that will allow you to minister to others everywhere you go.
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I thank you for you for your wonderful message of salvation and the signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit that confirmed who you that confirmed who you are. Lord let me not ever take this gift of salvation for granted but let me instead be forever grateful for the price you paid on the cross. I am thankful that you came down full human but still with your deity and tasted death for everyone. I am thankful for you allowing yourself to be obedient unto death for us so that we might be saved. Lord because of what you did on the cross you have brought us into your family. Thank you that through your death and resurrection the enemy is now powerless. Lord let me never forget all of what you have done for me and continue to model you in all I do.
AMEN
Hebrews 2:14-16
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.
]]>Sermon Synopsis
On Sunday I listened to the sermon Jesus The Final Word from our Pastor Matt Erickson at Eastbrook Church. It was a great sermon to start new series coming from Hebrews. In this sermon he talked about 7 main facets of Jesus that were revealed in Hebrews 1:2-4. They are as follows:
Scripture Hebrews 1:1-4
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
My Reflection:
I believe these verses are very timely because it causes me to really look at Jesus and see Him for who He is and all that He has done. He is deserving of all the glory and all the praise. He died for my sins, his power in His word is unmatched, He is the exact character of God. He is heir over all things. I believe that these are the things that I should continue to mediate on each day. The following 3 applications were takeaways from this sermon.
What did you learn from your sermon this week?
]]>For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
If you are interested in reading and memorizing scripture this free printable is just what you've been waiting for. You can laminate and cut them up and read them whenever you want.😊 Click the link below to get yours. Please make sure you leave me a comment below to let me know that you got yours.
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The Lord wants us to be obedient to the calling he has on our life. He wants to be the center of whatever we are placing our energy on. What temple is He specifically asking you to build currently? In order to build the temple, we need to first have a pure heart. We first need to repent of any sin that is in our heart and turn from it and do what God is asking us to do.
Lastly, we need to remember to be obedient to what the Lord calls us to do, some things that he asks may seem small but it still has purpose and meaning, remember God is with us so be strong, and continue to give God pleasure which come through our praise. I hope this mini blog encourages your heart today.
]]>As concerns about the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 increase, I wanted to personally reach out to let you know that I am diligently praying for each and every one of you during this time.
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Our Practices:
Our team consists of myself (Tona) who creates all the design, manages social media, and these wonderful emails that you receive. My husband (Al) oversees website maintenance and assists with any of my various technology needs. We primarily work from the comfort of our own home.
There is another part of our team that we couldn't make all this happen without them and it is Printful. Printful is a print on demand company that basically prints and ships each and every order that come through the Called To Edify website. With everything that is going on with different states being ordered to practice Safer At Home procedures, I feel that it is best to place the store on pause. When the store is back up and running normally for purchasing, I will send out an email to alert everyone.
During this time I will still be posting encouraging blog posts for you to read each week, and I will also be creating some free scripture printable cards soon to keep you in the word and encouraged and a free gift coming soon! If there is any additional information from my provider, I will let you know of any changes as soon as I am informed.
Taking care of one another: During this time please consider supporting these two homeless shelters because they are in desperate need of supplies. One of the organizations is Hebron House and Repairer's of the Breach. I pray that if you cannot donate at this time please pray for all who need food assistance and direct relief during this difficult time.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Thank you for your steadfast support of our business—we are truly grateful.
Be Blesssed,
Love Tona and The Called To Edify Boutique Family
]]>We know that you are Sovereign over us, you love us with an everlasting love, you are in control even when it seems like everything around us is out of control. You are the same God who parted the red sea, calmed the storm, raised Lazarus, and saved our souls. You can do anything and we know there is nothing to hard for You.
Lord we ask for the ability to love in a way that is pleasing to you through these difficult times. We ask for renewed strength and a deep desire to want to share your word. We pray that you would heal those who are sick and destroy this virus that had claimed so many.
I thank you in advance because you are in our midst, a mighty one who will save; you will rejoice over us with gladness; you will quiet us by your love, you will exult over us with loud singing. based off Zephaniah 3:17
Amen
I hope this prayer encouraged you today.
]]>In this sermon the title of the message was Even Through Distressing Times God Is At Work. The book that the Pastor was coming from was Habakkuk. The three takeaways that I received from Sunday's sermon were as follows:
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
As I go through the week I will meditate on these verses and pray, wait on the Lord, and continue to rejoice in who He is His Sovereignty over everything. I hope that you were encouraged by these takeaways from Sunday's service. If you were blessed by these three takeaways let me know in the comments.