God Insists - No Rivals!

'God Insists - No Rivals.'
Exodus 20:23. 
a)  You are not to make any gods to rival Me. 
b)  You are not to make for yourselves
c)  Gods of silver or gold. 
(This QT reminds me ... God Insists - No Rivals)
PRAY: To keep free from any "gods" which may rival the True and Living God.
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'Fruit Trees.'
Genesis 1:11. 
a)  Then God said:
b)  "Let vegetation sprout all over the Earth,
c)  "Including seed-bearing plants and fruit trees,
d)  "Each kind containing its own seed."
e)  And that is what happened.
(This Second one reminds me the Fruit Trees are mentioned in the Bible)
PRAY: For the fruit farmers to have a good harvest.
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Chris. 
God said: "Let vegetation sprout all over the Earth." We should always be grateful to God for multiple reasons for the vegetation that He gives permission to sprout, whichever land it may be in. This planet needs sustained vegetation, not only for consumption as food, but for multiple other reasons also!

The Power Of Gospel Preaching!

'The Power Of Gospel Preaching.'
1 Corinthians 1:21.
a)  For since, in the Wisdom of God,
b)  The World, by its wisdom did not know God,
c)  God was pleased to Save those who Believe
d)  By the foolishness of preaching. 
(This QT reminds me of The Power Of Gospel Preaching)
PRAY: For the clear preaching of the Gospel in your Church.
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'Amazing God.'
Romans 11:33. 
a)  Oh, the depths of the Riches and Wisdom 
b)  And Knowledge of God!
c)  How unsearchable are His Judgments
d)  And how fathomless His Ways!
(This QT reminds me about Amazing God)
PRAYER: To encounter Amazing God. 
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Chris.
of God 
God is manifested in the depths! These positive Depths are the Riches of God, the Wisdom of God, the Knowledge of God, the Judgments of God and the Ways of God. We should pray to encounter God in these specific manifestations of Himself, mostly through His Word. If we do, we will most certainly grow in our Faith and have a closer walk with God.

Three Religious Groups Ready To Accuse Jesus!

'Three Religious Groups Ready To Accuse Jesus.'
Mark 11:27. 
Ready to accuse Jesus were:
a)  Chief priests.
b)  Scribes. 
c)  Elders. 
(This QT reminds me that there are always Religious Groups and people who are ready to accuse Jesus)
PRAY: For religious people to repent and experience the reality of Jesus Christ.
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'It Was Already Late.'
Mark 11:11. 
a)  Jesus entered Jerusalem
b)  He entered the Temple courts.
c)  Jesus looked around at everything,
d)  But since it was already late, 
e)  He went out to Bethany with the twelve. 
(This Second one teaches me that Jesus was time sensitive: It Was Already Late)
PRAY: For our Spiritual Leaders to be time sensitive.
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Chris.
Jesus looked around at everything in the temple and its courts but He did not take any action because it was already late. This teaches me that Jesus Christ was always considerate. He did not want to make a fuss at the night-time. He waited until the following day to take the needed corrective action. 

God Spoke From Heaven!

⟱⟱
'God Spoke From Heaven.'
Exodus 20:22. 
a)  The Lord said to Moses:
b)  "Thus you shall say to the people of Israel:
c)  " 'You have seen for yourselves
d)  " 'That I have talked with you
e)  " 'From Heaven.'"
(This QT tells me that God Spoke From Heaven)
PRAY: That we would be sensitive to God's speaking to us, however He does it.
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'The Lord Is A Teacher.'
Psalm 119:102.
a)  I have not departed 
b)  From Your Laws,
c)  For You Yourself  
d)  Have taught me.
(This Second one shows me that The Lord Is A Teacher)
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Chris. 
King David made a decision that he would not depart from God's Laws. He made some mistakes and sometimes failed. (All people have sinned and come short of God's Glory.) Despite these few failures, David followed God's Will in the best way that he could. It is a lesson for us ... We should follow God's Will in the best way that we can. 

Jesus Was Used To The Crowds!

'Jesus Was Used To The Crowds.'
Matthew 8:1.
a)  When Jesus came down from the mountain (after His Teaching time).
b)  Large Crowds followed Him.
c)  Matthew 4:25. These crowds came from various places. (They already had heard news about Him)
(This QT reminds me that Jesus Was Used To The Crowds)
PRAY: For crowds again to come to Jesus.
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'An Amazing Dinner Time.'
Matthew 9:10. 
a)  While Jesus was having dinner
b)  At Matthew's house,
c)  Many tax collectors and sinners
d)  Came and ate
e)  With Him and His Disciples. 
(This Second one shows me An Amazing Dinner Time)
THANK GOD: For the Presence of the Lord at our meal times.
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Chris.
Jesus in the house! He was always happy to visit homes and I am sure today that He loves to be present in our homes by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes Believers have a picture in their homes which says: 'Jesus is the Head of this home.' That is a very clear Message to all who may visit the home. It is also a good testimony. 

Forgive!

'Forgive.'
Mark 11:26. 
a)  But if you do not forgive,
b)  Neither will your Father Who is in Heaven.
c)  Forgive your trespasses. 
(This QT reminds me of the importance to Forgive when necessary.)
PRAY: To forgive others in Prayer where necessary. 
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'Aaron, Please Do This.'
Leviticus 22:1-2. 
a)  The Lord spoke to Moses:
b)  "Tell Aaron and his sons to deal respectfully with the Holy Offerings of the Israelites
c)  "That they have consecrated to Me,
d)  "So that they do not profane My Holy Name;
e)  "I am the Lord."
(This Second one reveals to me the Lord's heart: Aaron, Please Do This)
PRAY: For an obedient heart to the Lord. 
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Chris.
The Churches and Ministries should deal respectfully with the Offerings of God's People. Primarily these offerings are made to God and we should not forget that. When tithes and offerings are put to questionable and unscriptural use havoc may be caused within the Church. The financial department of the Church needs to be pure and well cared for. It is not for Ministers or others to interfere,

Not So Simple!

Not So Simple!

a)  Mark 11:29. Jesus said to them: "I will ask you one question and you answer Me, then I will tell you by what Authority I do these things. 

b)  1 Samuel 17:29. It was just a harmless question.

c)  2 Chronicles 31:9. Hezekiah questioned the Priests and Levites about the heaps.

d)  Job 40:10. You question the Almighty.

e)  Jeremiah 38:27. They stopped questioning Jeremiah. 

f)  Matthew 21:24. Jesus asked a question.

g)  Matthew 22:23. The Sadducees asked Jesus a question. 

h)  Matthew 22:41. Jesus asked the Pharisees a question.

i)  Matthew 22:46; Luke 20:40. No one was able to say a word to Him in answer, nor from that day on did anyone dare to question Him again.

j)  Luke 23:9. And he questioned Him at some length, but Jesus made no reply. 

k)  John 8:7. They persisted in questioning Him. 

l)  John 18:21. Why question Me?

m)  1 Timothy 6:4. Avoid people that have a morbid interest in controversial questions. 

(This QT teaches me what is Not So Simple)

PRAY: For wisdom when to answer questions and when not to answer them.

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'It Is God Who Causes The Growth.'

1 Corinthians 3:7. 

a)  So neither he who plants is anything

b)  Nor he who waters,

c)  But only God

d)  Who makes it grow and become greater. 

(This Second one reminds me that It Is God Who Causes The Growth)

PRAY: For our Churches to grow healthily.

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Chris. 

Pride is the recipe for the downfall of any Servant of God. God tells us in His Word that He hates pride. When pride is manifested in the Church it will either break the Church or cause the Church to decrease in numbers. Pride surely negates the Promises of God, causing emptiness in lives and in Churches. We need to repent of and reject all pride. 

The People Remained At A Distance!

'The People Remained At A Distance.'
Exodus 20:21. 
a)  The people remained at a distance
b)  While Moses approached
c)  The thick darkness
d)  Where God was. 
(This QT reminds me that The People Remained At A Distance)
PRAY: That we will come close to God and not remain at a distance. 
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'An Appropriate Final Word.'
Ephesians 6:10.
a)  Finally,
b)  Be strong in the Lord
c)  And in the strength 
d)  Of His Might. 
(This Second one is An Appropriate Final Word)
PRAY: To be strong in the Lord. 
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Chris. 
Whenever Apostle Paul begins his summary with the word: 'Finally' that was going to be an important comment. It was the comment that he wanted to sink deep into the hearts of the people that he was writing to. So, whenever we come across this word in Paul's letters, we need to pay attention to what he is writing about. 

When We Are Praying!

'When We Are Praying.'
Mark 11:25.
a)  But when you are praying,
b)  First forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against,
c)  So that your Father in Heaven
d)  Will forgive your sins too. 
(This QT reminds me of something important When I Am Praying)
PRAY: To forgive anyone we are holding a grudge against. 
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'The Proud And Religious Pharisee's Prayer.'
Luke 18:11. 
a)  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer:
b)  "I thank you, God,
c)  "That I am not a sinner like everyone else.
d)  "For I don't cheat, I don't sin and I don't commit adultery.
e)  "I am certainly not like that tax collector."
(This Second one reminds me about The Proud And Religious Pharisee's Prayer)
PRAY: Not to be like The Proud And Religious Pharisee.
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Chris.
It is always good to begin our regular Prayers with Thanksgiving. This is a pattern that we find in the Psalms and in the Prayer life of the Lord Jesus. Thanksgiving helps us to focus correctly to the Lord in our devotional Prayers. The Bible also enjoins us to Pray with Thanksgiving in both the Old and New Testaments. 

The Authority Of Jesus Christ!

'The Authority Of Jesus Christ.'
a)  Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22. He taught with Authority.
b)  Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24. He has Authority to forgive sins.
c)  Matthew 9:8. Caused people to Glorify God.
d)  Matthew 21:23; Luke 20:2 & 8. Was questioned.
e)  Matthew 28:18. Was total Authority.
f)  Mark 1:27; Luke 4:36. Commanded evil spirits.
g)  Mark 11:28. Was evident.
h)  John 17:2. Is over all flesh.
i)  2 Corinthians 13:10; Revelation 2:26. He shared it with His Servants.
(This QT shows me The Authority Of Jesus Christ)
PRAY: That we will always submit to The Authority Of Jesus Christ.
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'Apostle's Heart.'
2 Corinthians 13:10.
a)  Apostle Paul wrote these things being absent,
b)  Lest, being present, he should use sharpness,
c)  According to the Authority which the Lord had given to him
d)  For edification and not for destruction.
(Through this Second one we find the Apostle's Heart)
PRAY: For the Servants of the Lord to have the right condition of heart before Him.
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Chris.
The influence of a good leader in the Body of Christ is felt, not only when this leader is present, but also when they are absent. We should pray for our leaders in our Churches and ministries to be effective and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The World-wide Church needs leaders that are going to  pilot the Church through the daily 'waters of life'.

The Purpose Of Our Test From God!

'The Purpose Of Our Test From God.'
Exodus 20:20.
a)  Moses said to the people:
b)  "Do not be afraid.
c)  "God has come to test you,
d)  "So that the Fear of God will be with you
e)  "To keep you from sinning."
(This QT reveals The Purpose Of Our Test From God)
PRAY: To accept the tests that God gives to us.
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'Have Discretion And Understanding.'
Proverbs 2:11. 
a)  Discretion
b)  Will protect you,
c)  And Understanding
d)  Will guard you. 
(Through this Second one I want to Have Discretion And Understanding)
PRAY: To Have Discretion And Understanding.
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Chris. 
There are several different ways, mentioned in the Bible, through which God protects us. This is a very wonderful aspect of being a Believer in Him! We are made aware, many times, either during the time of God's Special Protection, that He is protecting us, or it may be after the time. But we can thank God that He protects us in, and according to, His Will. 

The Word - The Creator!

'The Word - The Creator.'
John 1:3. 
a)  Psalm 33:6. All things were made by the Word,
b)  Without the Word,
c)  Nothing was made. 
(This QT reminds me that Christ is The Word - The Creator)
PRAY: Giving Thanks to God for His Creation.
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'John Was Very Happy!' 
(What Made John Very Happy?)
1 John 1:3. 
a)  I was very happy
b)  When some Believers came
c)  And told us
d)  That you are living according to the Truth. 
(Through this Second one I realise that when True Believers live according to the Truth, that should make their genuine Leaders very happy!)
PRAY: That our Church and Fellowship members will Live According To The Truth.
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Chris.
Believers have Joy when they can bring Good News. This 'Good News' may be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or other Biblical subjects. This Good News always is a Blessing and has Power to bring freedom into people's lives! Other 'good news' may be current news of known Servants of the Lord who are serving on the Mission field in some capacity. 

Authority Problem!

'Authority Problem.'
Mark 11:27-28. 
a)  Jesus and His Disciples arrived again in Jerusalem.
b)  As Jesus was walking in the Temple courts
c)  There came to Him:
1-The Chief Priests.
2-The Teachers of the Law. 
3-The Elders.
d)  They asked Him: "By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you authority to do this?
(This QT reveals to me an Authority Problem among the religious leaders)
PRAY: For your spiritual leaders to please God with their ministry. 
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'Healed And Saved.'
Jeremiah 17:14. 
a)  Heal me, O Lord,
b)  And I will be healed. 
c)  Save me,
d)  And I will be Saved.
e)  For You are the One I praise. 
(This Second one reveals the joy of being Healed And Saved)
PRAY: For your family and friends to be Healed And Saved - where appropriate!
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Chris.
May the major focus of our giving Praise and Thanksgiving be to the Lord! Of course we should give praise and thanks to people where and when that is necessary, and we should do that sincerely and joyfully. Our major focus of Praise and Thanksgiving, however, needs to be to the Lord!

The Fear Of God - Not The Fear Of Man!

'The Fear Of God - Not The Fear Of Man.'
Exodus 20:20.
a)  Moses said to the people:
b)  "Do not fear,
c)  "For God has come to test you,
d)  " That the Fear of Him may be before you
e)  "So that you do not sin."
(This QT urges me to have The Fear Of God - Not The Fear nf Man)
PRAY: To have the Fear of God.
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'Christ's Words Keep Us Right!'
John 16:1. 
a)  "I have told you all these things
b)  "So that
c)  "You will not fall away."
(This Second one reminds me that Christ's Words Keep Me Right)
PRAY: For an obedient will to follow Christ's Words.
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Chris.
The Words that Jesus Christ spoke to His Disciples whilst He was with them on the Earth were always so helpful for them. The same Words are also very helpful for us! (We, as Believers, cannot do without them!) We should not neglect our Bible Reading, it is the major way in which God speaks to us.

Speak To Us Yourself!

'Speak To Us Yourself.'
Exodus 20:19. 
a)  The people said to Moses:
b)  "Speak to us yourself
c)  "And we will listen.
d)  "But do not have God speak to us
e)  "Or we will die."
(This QT reveal the Fear of God in the hearts of His People: Speak To Us Yourself.)
PRAYER: To have the Fear of God in our heart. 
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'Peniel.'
Genesis 32:30. 
a)  Jacob called the name of the place Peniel:
b)  "For", he said,
c)  "I have seen God Face-to-face,
d)  "and my life is preserved."
(Through this Second one I understand the meaning of the place-name Peniel)
PRAY: To experience our own "Peniel" in some way.
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Chris.
"Peniel" is indeed a meaningful name. It is the name of the Church where I received the Lord as my personal Savior. Far more important than that, Peniel is the name of the place where Jacob encountered God in a special way. When God grants us a "Peniel" experience our life will surely be changed for the better. This experience purely and uniquely comes by the Grace of God. 

Fasting!

'Fasting.'
a)  2 Chronicles 20:3. At a time of alarm. 
b)  Ezra 8:21. To humble one's self before the Lord. 
c)  Esther 4:16. Can be mutual. 
d)  Isaiah 58:4. Should be done peacefully if our voice is to be heard by the Lord. 
e)  Jonah 3:5. Is for True Believers. 
f)  Matthew 6:16-17. Secretly. 
g)  Mark 2:19. There are certain times that it is not correct to fast. 
h)  Luke 5:33. Is not compulsory. 
i)  Luke 18:12. Has nothing to do with self righteousness. 
j)  Revelation 3:3. May be associated with repentance. 
(This QT reminds me that Fasting is sometimes necessary)
PRAY: To be led by the Lord as to our Prayer and Fasting. 
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'Return To The Lord And Be Delivered.'
1 Samuel 7:3. 
a)  And Samuel said to all the House of Israel:
b)  "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart,
c)  "Then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you
d)  "And direct your heart to the Lord and serve Him only,
e)  "And He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 
(This Second one holds a Promise: Return To The Lord And Be Delivered)
PRAY: About returning to the Lord if necessary. 
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Chris.
When we return to the Lord it should be with all our heart. There is no such thing as a half-hearted relationship with God! There should not have to be any persuading people to come to God. Whether coming to God, or coming back to Him, it should a whole-hearted decision on our part. 

The Necessity Of Forgiving Others!

'The Necessity Of Forgiving Others!'
Mark 11:26. 
a)  But if you do not forgive,
b)  Neither will your Father Who is in Heaven
c)  Forgive your transgressions. 
(This QT reminds me of The Necessity Of Forgiving Others)
PRAY: To forgive any people whom we need to forgive. 
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'The One Who Grieves The Church.'
2 Corinthians 2:5-8.
a)  2 Corinthians 2:5. They cause pain to all the Church. 
b)  2 Corinthians 2:6. They should not have to continually suffer because of what they have done. 
c)  2 Corinthians 2:7. Forgive the person and comfort them, lest they be overcome with much sorrow. 
d)  2 Corinthians 2:8. The Church should reaffirm their love for this person. 
(Through this Second one I see how to handle The One Who Grieves The Church)
PRAY: For a good solution to those people who are causing pain to the Church.
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Chris. 
What has been done to harm the Church by someone of the Church, is something that needs to be resolved within the Church itself, if that is at all possible. In such incidences, to go outside the Church reveals the weakness and inability of the Church to solve its own problems. If it is a legal matter, the first thing that needs to be done is to seek reconciliation before entering a Court case. 

The Actual Fear Of God!

'The Actual Fear Of God.'
Exodus 20:18. 
a)  When the people:
1-Saw the thunder and lightning. 
2-Heard the trumpet.
3-Saw the mountain in smoke. 
b)  They trembled with fear.
c)  They stayed at a distance. 
(This QT reveals to me The Actual Fear Of God)
PRAY: That your heart will be sensitive to God. 
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'God Is Always With His People.'
Psalm 139:7-8. 
a)  Where can I go from Your Spirit?
b)  Where can I flee from Your Presence?
c)  If I go up to the heavens, You are there. 
d)  If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. 
(This Second one reminds me that God Is Always With His People)
THANK GOD: That He is always with us. 
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Chris.
God is always with us through the Presence of His Holy Spirit. God dwells within the True Believer by His Holy Spirit. When Jesus said that He would never leave us or forsake us that Promise is now fulfilled by the Holy Spirit. This has nothing to do with our feelings, it is a Biblical fact. We should trust Immanuel (God with us).

Come Close To God!

'Come Close To God.'
Psalm 16:11. 
a)  You make known to me the path of life. 
b)  In Your Presence there is fullness of Joy. 
c)  At Your Right Hand there are pleasures for evermore. 
(This QT encourages me to Come Close To God)
PRAY: For your personal relationship with God. 
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'From Presence To Presence.'
a)  Leviticus 22:3. The Presence of the Lord is uniquely Holy. 
b)  Numbers 20:6. From the presence of the people to the Presence of the Lord. 
c)  Deuteronomy 4:27. The Presence of the Lord delivered God's people from Egypt. 
d)  2 Chronicles 20:9. Prayer in God's Presence brings deliverance. 
e)  Jonah 1:10. The men knew that Jonah had fled from the Presence of the Lord. 
f)  Luke 1:19. Angel Gabriel came from the Presence of the Lord to the presence of the people. 
(This Second one encourages me to move from presence to Presence)
Take time to Pray in the Presence of the Lord.
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Chris.
How shameful for Jonah, he had fled from the Presence of the Lord. This also became public knowledge! Here is another powerful lesson to learn from the Word of God! We should not flee from the Presence of the Lord because the Truth is that He is with His People as they follow Him. 

Forgive Others Then Pray Effectively!

'Forgive Others Then Pray Effectively.'
Mark 11:25. 
a)  Whenever you stand Praying,
b)  If you have anything against anyone,
c)  Forgive that person, (Matthew 6:14; Luke 6:37; Ephesians 4:32)
d)  That your Father in Heaven
e)  May also forgive your trespasses. 
(This QT reminds me to Forgive Others Then Pray Effectively)
PRAY: To forgive others when we need to.
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'Careful Dr. Luke Makes Us Certain.'
Luke 1:1-4. 
a)  Luke 1:1. Many people set out to write about Christ in His Time. 
b)  Luke 1:2. The source of these writings were eyewitness reports from the early Disciples. 
c)  Luke 1:3. Dr. Luke also carefully investigated these matters. 
d)  Luke 1:4. Dr. Luke's account makes us certain of the Truth. 
(Through this Second one I see that Careful Dr. Luke Makes Us Certain)
PRAY: To read the Gospels carefully and Pray through them.
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Chris. 
It is so wonderful to ponder of the fact that, when we read the Gospels and the Book of Acts, we can totally trust them. They were written 'hands on' by the Apostles. Of course, we can trust the entire Bible - both Old and New Testaments - as God's Word. Let us never lose our thoughts to other things when we are reading God's Word.