Church Connection Media

08/28/2024

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Enrique Martinez, Michelle Llewellyn, Judith McKillop Davis

05/04/2024

Confidence in His power

04/22/2024

The grandeur of spiritual ways and material things you see being pushed today, in the world, is showing many the wisdom of the age. However, the boasting of man, or mankind, is contrast by their limitations. Mankind’s complaints and fears are evident of their limitations that frustrates many who desire to not serve God. Why would any one resist love, mercy, grace, truth, long life, and power to destroy the works of the evil one and cause, and teach, others to do the same? It’s because, as it’s written, “their deeds are evil”. God does not change, so, one can accept His way or not however, like every true thing His way will prosper for those who follow.
Scripture.
“Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!” Hebrews 12:25

There are technologies, sciences, new religion where everything goes, control systems, wealth creation technology, governments (whether one world, first world or third world). But it is written in the Scriptures.
“When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.
This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.” Hebrews 12:26-27

When you hold fast to what is true, it may seem like everything is going in another direction, for example, you see the violent person and sinners prosper in abundance, you see every s*xual alluring person gets the husband or the wife. You see the one who is willing to destroy others for control take the head. “But, if you have tasted of the heavenly calling,” you know the truth, and this truth is not from mankind, but, from God. They may ignore the evidence of God’s divine will but, God does not ignore His word, and they will be without excuse, that is, those who reject His way. Creation is yearning and will not be disappointed because, there is deliverance and the deliverer.

04/21/2024

“who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32

The above scripture is why everyone who preach God’s word should take what they preach seriously and understand that the good results in a believer’s life is important.
The testimony is not about what man did but what God did, and therefore, we are indeed understanding that God Himself allowed His Son not to be spared because of His covenant promises that were to be fulfilled.

Now the devils, demons, the unfaithful, would like you to take these words simple, but, consider the ramifications if you said this about a man, government, or president, that they would not save their own children from their enemies because they wanted better for the nation, but, when they got all the riches, power and might they did not do what was promised. What would the nations around the world think about those leaders and what would the local people think about their leadership and unfulfilled promises? These words are scriptures, and hence, they are given as the testimony of the Lord. Sometimes we may say things, but we should always look at the depth of the writer’s persuasion. God will not make His word go void because He invested His best and heaven and earth look to see the harvest.

There is no greater evidence that God will complete what He has promised for His name's sake. The testimony of God is sure”, therefore, take His word seriously. The depth He went through for our sake, and the testimony He was willing to release to the world, in the scriptures, proves that the Lord God will not overlook His words, they are truth and will be fulfilled.

04/01/2024

03/09/2024

It’s easy for someone of hate to hate you. It’s easy for someone that’s a thief to steal from someone they see tying to make it. It’s easy for Satan to kill, steal and destroy, but thank the Lord, it was easy for God to give us His love. Christ gave us His life so that we could live and live the abundant life. Someone may have hated you as a child and spoke words to alter your destiny, someone may have been trying to destroy the very works of your hand so that everything you do not prosper. You increase only to come back to the same financial situation years later. You may have property and even a house you’re not able to live in and enjoy. You work hard like a slave would and cannot seem to rest, enjoy yourself and prosper. Your life was not meant to be one of a slave, not if you’re a Christian. Satan enslaves but, Jesus Christ gives freedom (liberty), Joy and Peace. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of liberty, and He is here to prepare you, teach you, and manifest the heavenly way on earth. If you’re not seeing the heavenly way, you’re not seeking for it. There is no sickness in heaven, hence, Christ power heals. There is no fear in heavenly (perfect love cast out all fear) etc... Being born again is a different world and should give every believer a mindset and a vision that’s way beyond what they can accomplish by themselves. Much of the world does not pray, who would they pray to? But You pray fervently so don’t expect mediocrity but expect the best for your life.
Scripture:
“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” Proverbs 10:22 (NIV)

02/24/2024

01/15/2024

In recognition of Dr Martin Luther King day. Have a blessed day.

01/01/2024

Jesus is the same today, as His words tells us, and He does not change and will not change. Trust is built on what is truth, we believe and have accepted His words as truth and God has confirmed His acceptance of Christ sacrifice by giving us His Spirit. The words of Jesus is spirit and life, and if you understand what is written for your life you will understand why the Church was first called the people of the way.
Scripture;
“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”Habakkuk 2:3

The vision will come to pass, that’s the vision for your family, the vision for your business, the vision for your ministry etc.., but, deep foundations are needed for higher growth. Wisdom is the teacher and at the appointed time you will see what you’re believing for. As the new year begins, I hope this is a continued building on a good foundation ( path, way) and not a changing around of furnitures, and the writing of new resolutions that you’re not committed to keep, expecting a drastic change for the new year. But, If you continue on a good path the good will come, that’s the way God made it, “ faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”. Without the word there is no faith in God because, there would be no testimony of the works of God, and hence, no points of reference and no promise fulfilled and therefore, no reason to trust. But, His testimony is written and as you grow in His way, your life will reflect His truth. Happy New year to all the winners.

10/31/2023

Feeling hated?
persecuted?
mistreated?
wronged?

‭‭John‬ ‭15:18‬ ‭[NIV‬‬] says:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

08/22/2023

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
1 Corinthians 1:10

Holiness unto the Lord, that's where the flesh ( carnal mind) have issues, perfecting through holiness unto the Lord. The blood of the Lamb has testified to our cleansing and as we continue to renew our minds through the study of the word of God and the continued leading and teaching from the Anointing, we become mature children, grown up in confidence in God’s Word. We have great promises from the Lord, but, there are still fears; the fear of death, fear of financial loss, fear of the devil, fear of the anti-Christ, fear of cancer, fear of other illnesses, fears of having fears, fears of not having enough, fears of having too much, fears of speaking the word, fears of not speaking the word, and where there are fears it is not an indication of knowledge, in other words, the knowledge that's complete
and true to give one total confidence to trust completely.
Scripture:
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”John 10:10 (AB)

When we come to the understanding and develop the faith to grasp what God has done for us through His Christ, there will be joy and celebration, and true worship from the heart. Truly it is pure love and love abundantly that God chose us in Himself to make known His love and power.

08/21/2023

“14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy..”Hebrews 10:14

I have heard some believers say I am far from perfect and think this is acceptable because of the Lord Jesus being made perfect, and although I understand their feelings and could relate, that is, if I thought perfection was based on my own works and efforts, I see that Scripture shows who made perfect and why we can live a life perfect, or perfected in Christ. God said; Be Holy as I am Holy”
Scripture:” because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY (set apart), FOR I AM HOLY.”
If you address as Father, the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in [reverent] fear [of Him] and with profound respect for Him throughout the time of your stay on earth.”1 Peter 1:17 (AB)

The Spirit of Christ is the perfecter and His covering makes perfect, and so, as our lives are conformed to His ways we are living pleasing to Him, it is written;
“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.”Psalm 19:13

When sin has become distasteful to one's appetite, it's the work of the Lord. As Jesus Christ is of God’s perfect Spirit, so, God’s perfect Spirit works in us to make us perfect in Him ( a pleasing aroma to the Lord). It's the Spirit of the Lord that gives us the power to overcome all things, hence, there is no excuse to live in sin and have pleasure sinning when God's Spirit dwells in you.

08/14/2023

“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”1 Corinthians 6:7

Topic: “Seek God’s favor”

I have had to struggle with the noted scripture, that the Lord inspired through the Apostle Paul, because, I live in an environment where lawsuits are everywhere and to walk away from thousands of $$ takes courage, especially, when a professional is suggesting that something is wrong, or suggesting that it’s easy money.

A recent car accident taught me how easy it is to lie. I was evaluating what happened in the minor accident and saw on the dash board of the other person’s vehicle a cap with the name of Jesus, it made me think to myself this question, what would Jesus do? As a Christian, sometimes, the flesh you thought had died come to defend you and give you advise on how to be a capitalist. How quick we are to think or say something to defend themselves, sometimes, even when there is no reason.

The car accident made me ponder why many claim personal injuries when there is nothing physically wrong with them, an insurance professional said to me when I was thinking out loud, this is America, she said; “it’s the American way”, I believe she was saying we can pursue claims of injuries knowing that nothing physical is wrong. Hence, if one suggest to the claimer nothing is wrong because the accident could not possibly cause an inquiry, they could be liable for assuming that.

Thank God, Christ as call us who follow Him to a higher reality ( a higher moral standard) that sometimes the world will not understand, because, sometimes what He ask us to do the natural mind (flesh ) wars against, but, His ways are perfect and have been perfected. I may have the right but, I don’t have to use my right, especially among brothers and sisters in Christ, but, also I should extend this generously of love to all.

Trusting God is challenging if you don’t know Him personally and don't have the understanding of His bigger picture, because, while Job, in the scriptures, saw his situation as grossly unfair, God showed him the bigger picture. Trust Jesus in all things, trust Him, He has all power over all things. We may say we trust, but, our actions may show others something else, however, to walk in the Love of God takes trusting in Him and trusting His leadership style.

We can take the wrong, even when right, and still win, and we can exercise our right and still lose. We can decide to not pursue a personal accident lawsuit and receive riches and live the abundant life, and we can have several cases pending and a few wins already and still struggle financially. The blessing of God destroys curses and when curses are destroyed there is abundance, but, if they are still worldly yokes that leads to bo***ge, our wins will be short lived, so wisdom is saying; go after the favor of God, because, His favor is better than money.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father blessed be your name, you are the great and mighty God and your thoughts are higher than all thoughts or thinkers, your ways can puzzle even the wise of the wisest. Teach me Lord and I will follow, please show me your faithfulness so I can increase in faith, I desire Lord to live your way and to trust you with all my heart but, I cannot do it of my own, help me please Lord, in Jesus name I ask. Amen

07/01/2023

You can have all power in Christ and still live as if you have very little power, that's if, you do not exercise your faith and endure with patience. If you're equipped with God’s Holy Spirit, you have all power in you.
Having God’s Spirit, does not mean you won't face trials, weaknesses and disappointments at times, but, in your spirit, you will know you have great strength because of Christ to overcome whatever the trials and live in victory.

The universe is one of wisdom, it's written; “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;” Proverbs 3:19

The world's highest learning institutions are called universities. These universities teach known wisdom brought to an applicable or a functioning form, that we identify as knowledge and understanding. But, there are many things that are not being solved because many have forgotten God’s wisdom and the knowledge that’s being applied doesn't say depart from evil.
Scripture: “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”Job 28:28 (KJV)

1 Do you desire long life?
Proverbs 15:24�“The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.” (NIV)

2 Do you desire happiness?�“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. “Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIV)

The only time a people, or a nation, should be worried about being overcome by evil, or losing wealth, is when they stop seeking God’s wisdom and when their knowledge is not saying depart from sin. Just as there are droughts when the rain holds back and the results are distressed places, so is it when Wisdom no longer speaks, and the truth learned is not teaching us to “depart from evil and do good”. There is no way of getting around it, as it is written; “17 But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others. It is always fair and honest. “James 3:17 (NCV)

06/19/2023

Scripture and testimony of why I like this scripture; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

05/05/2023

“Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.
No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you.
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:14-16 (ASV)

God’s Friend;
If you keep His word then you’re Christ friend. Today there are many spirits in the world, and they have always been, but, because, it’s the last days, seducing spirits are busy working to get as many into hell and away from God as possible. I believe if you talk to many about life, and the things they believe about the word, there wold be conflicting answers.
For example; s*x before marriage, there would be conflicting answers.
Same s*x marriage; there would be conflicting answers.
Abortion: there would be conflicting answers.
Homos*xuality: there would be conflicting answers.
Extra marital relationships: there would be conflicting answers.
Witchcraft: there would be conflicting answers.
Who is God: there would be conflicting answers.
Idolatry: there would be conflicting answers.
Lying; there would be conflicting answers etc…

But, you’re Christ friend if His word abide in you. When His word abide in you, you are abiding in Him, and the works He do you will do also. The life He lives you will live also, and the testimony He testifies, you will testify also. When the things of the Father is revealed to you there is a sacred trust, because, you’re entrusted with all His truth.

When a person is given something sacred and most valuable to uphold, they uphold it, protect it, and preserve it. When a king disclosed secrets that only he knows to another in confidence, he considers that person trust worthy and a friend. Jesus gave us His words and gave us His Spirit to reveal His way, therefore, there is no conflicting reports when you have the truth, because, what results from the truth is the truth. To be the truth it has to be complete and without question therefore, what results when truth is revealed; there is fellowship, complete trust and liberty. Let’s all abide in His Truth and be a friend of God.

04/30/2023

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10 (NIV)

He teaches us to be a blessing
We all have heard people say, they just want your money. Or all they talk about is money and the Pastors are driving luxury cars and living large. While in a prosperous kingdom a friend of God that leads His people prospers, you have those in nations that mislead God’s people. A friend of God knows Christ desires because, he or she has His Spirit and desires to see His people live a free and blessed life.

But, to get to that place of prosperity there have to be the words spoken and declared and directions on how to achieve what's promised. If the prophetic word of God’s favor is not in abundance then hardship is coming, or there is already hard toil in the land. What we received as favor from the Lord is way more than what we can give to Him. The Lord promises blessings, that means; God’s favor, His presence, good ideas, protections, riches, honor, life. In return Christ asked us to be faithful, hence, when we honor the King of Kings He will entrust us with more. His house is blessed and our homes are blessed.
Scripture:
“When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the LORD and blessed his people Israel.
Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps;
and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the LORD has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.”
2 Chronicles 31:8-10

04/28/2023

Who are they choosing?
We don't want to lose sight of the spirit at work in and around Barabbas. Also the Spirit that was at work in and through Jesus the Messiah. Many are easy to choose the way of the Barabbas because, it is easy to express oneself with violence and believe that if I don't do it this way it will not be done, and choose self-interest and or protectionism instead of godly living. Jesus Christ came into the world to do our Father’s will, so that (all) mankind would live free and be blessed of the Lord and live the abundant life.

The Spirit of God desires that all mankind be blessed, but, a world minded government comes mainly with their people's interest, especially those who support them, and many times not God’s interest. And most of the wealth is for those in their connected associations, God testified that this would happen when His people chose a king like the other nations.

Scripture: “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle[c] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”1 Samuel 11-18

The word of God is true, because, what is all the demonstration and anxiety about today? It’s people feeling like they don't have much compare to the riches. that flows in their nation. Many feel they just work and work to pay taxes, bills and more bills. They support leaders hoping for big change, only to see many things remain the same. Many feel they do not really own anything, because, it can easily be taken away and so, the spirit of Barrabas is released in the land. But, if only they would choose a new King, that is, the King of righteousness.

04/27/2023

“Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.
At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.”
For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.”
Matthew 27:15-18

Who are they choosing?
The Testimony of the Christ is very deep, and if you see it spiritually, and see the literally results that has manifested today you will have a rich revelation. In the scriptures each detail has meaning and in debt insight, names many times highlight who that person is and tells the story.
There was two Jesus at the time on display for the nation's people, one was Jesus Barabbas and the other Jesus King of the Jews. Those who were leaders, religious and political, and those attending the open trial were asked about who to release, in other words, what spirits or Spirit will you choose for the nation.
Jesus Barabbas; according to what's written and other historical writings was a different kind of leader
Scripture; “A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.”Mark 15:7

The word: insurrectionists, “violent uprising against an authority or govenment”

Jesus king of the Jews: “And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”Luke 23:2

Jesus the Messiah was innocent of all crimes, but, was accused because of the heart of the people that did not like His message of peace and the kingdom of God living. Many of the leaders at the time were not looking to please God above all things but please the ruling powers in the nation.
( this good news insight will continue with the next post, coming soon)

04/22/2023

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”Hebrews 9:22 KJV

The Blood;
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”Revelation 1:5

There is wrestling going on in the world today, but, it has been going on for thousands of year's and it's affecting everyone, and it is the wrestle for power and dominion. If we look at the wars and rumors of wars between nations, if we look at some businesses and their strategic positioning, and if we look at people and their preferences of their societies, favored groups, races or classes, it's mostly about power and dominion. From the first scripture we see the instructions for mankind;
Scripture:
“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”Genesis 1:28

God gave mankind dominion, they were given the rulership over the works of God, but, mankind was to be under God's rulership. When the serpent deceived Eve and Adam followed the wrestling began, and mankind instead of trusting in God as the head starting trusting in their own analogies and knowledge and hence, the first murder of the innocent. Abel, was willing to obey God’s instructions but, his brother Cain was not, and God’s favor for obedience caused jealousy because, one was willing to obey His instructions and be blessed, but, one was not.

It happens everyday in the world, the innocent blood cries out to God, because, many are not willing to obey God’s instructions. Each war and violence causes those who have nothing to do with the power struggle to perish. One strategic move after another and one calculative step after another, one victory after another and one loss after another, but, instead of fighting the real enemy mankind continues to fight each other and hence, all die and will die, unless mankind realizes the truth. One man or woman may live several more years more than another but, it's still futile, “they will die like mere men”.
Scripture:
“I said, ‘You are “gods”;� you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mere mortals;� you will fall like every other ruler.”
8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,� for all the nations are your inheritance.”
Psalm 82:6-8

It does not matter what many call themselves, and how powerful and decorated the ceremonies are, at the end, it's the fall of mankind on display and the evil one blinds the eyes of many so many glorify themselves in defeat. Because, self-gratified victory over others with flesh and blood does not give victory over death, hell and over the grave. God is the true and righteous judge and He is the One that is good. The Lord will inherit the nations so mankind’s boasts are futile outside of truth, because, the end result is the same they lose without God.

If history have taught us how the fall of nations works, we would see that many that were sought to be greats in the defeated nations are seldom remembered, or found, or celebrated, when the new comes, now, just think what will happen when it's all new.
There is power in the blood of Jesus Christ, it puts mankind ( each individual) in right standing with God and causes our warfare to change so we fight the real enemies. Who is willing to live forever? Who is willing to see death conquered? And who is willing to see sickness destroyed? Who wants to wear a crown of glory? There is power in the Blood of Jesus Christ.

04/18/2023

We all have choices to make and I believe many people try to make the best choices based on their understand, whether it’s about life, health, and their family etc...

There is something about doing good, it gives us a good feeling, and one does not have to be a believer to know when something bad or evil is happening or has
happened.
For example: if a wife goes outside of her marriage and sleep with another man, every one knows it's cheating, because, there is a consciousness of what’s right from wrong. We have courts and a court system because, mankind is aware of evil and weaknesses.

A sinner can always point to something in someone's life that's reaching out to them, but, the sinner knows he or she is sinning because, they have a inner consciousness of God rules that comes to their thoughts especially when they are approached with truth. Everyone knows that thou shall not steal, but, it’s a deeper matter when some people are working for evil and to spread wickedness and intentionally fighting against the truth.
Scripture:
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,”
Romans 1:18

If you have ever been cheated on by someone you loved, you know that cheaters will have an excuse and some will actually blame you for pushing them to cheat, or blame others. That’s the ways of the adversary and those that follow his plans, his children, work to suppress the truth. Some work to change what is true to make it seem like a lie.

But, the adversary, the serpent’s children, they work to get his kingdom established and dominant in every area. Hence, if you say something about what is sinful they place you as intolerant, negative or a danger. But, sometimes the ways will be crafty and deceptive, for example; they will say;this is a different times, those words from God does not have the same meaning, but, it’s all about getting you to not believe and hence, trust in the Lord.
Scripture:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”Genesis 3:15

if you’re preaching holiness, they will try to prove you’re not holy. Hence, they don’t want to hear the truth because, they don't want to change their ways and do right, it’s hard when someone is in bo***ge to evil, but, even worst when they are from the serpent offspring.
Scripture:
“And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.”John 3:19

The light is Jesus, the Word of God, but, instead of many endeavoring to learn of the light they would rather put out the light bearers, and ridicule the truth of their message. But, through Jesus Christ there is a choice, become righteous or stay in unrighteous. The righteous will behave righteously and reverence the righteous God. If God said it is evil it is, and if He says it’s an abomination it is.

No matter what your situation, affliction or ailment, doing good is doing good, and godly living is good. No matter how rich and the square feet of your house, if you go against God and His word, you’re doing evil. Love is good but, but, we have to know who is love, therefore, strive to know Christ and be transformed by God’s love.