Debbie Kitterman’s class comprised a delightful balance of both brown and white faces, and when she overheard the symphony of Spanish and English conversations, her curiosity was piqued. At the first opportunity, she approached the pastor of the Hispanic congregation that was hosting her class.
“How come half of my class doesn’t speak Spanish?” she queried. “Do they attend your congregation?”
“No,” he replied. “During our joint staff meeting, I mentioned to the pastoral staff I was going to have you come teach my congregation on how to hear from God, so word got out.”
The desire to hear God’s Truth and to encourage others through His Word was strong enough to bridge the gap between two cultures, and if we were honest, this is a bridge upon which we all need to place the soles of our feet. Finding that Christians everywhere need a bit of help getting outside our comfort zones, Debbie Kitterman has shared her own journey along with the good news that God intends for us to build one another up as we speak words of Truth. In The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others, we find Kitterman’s confidence and fervor flow from years of learning alongside biblical characters like little Samuel that the voice of God in our ears and in our hearts requires action on our part.
God the Holy Spirit is Living and Active
Debbie’s ministry trumpets the “freelance nature of the Holy Spirit.” The third Person of the Trinity is living and active, through His Word and in His people. Those who put Him in a box miss out on the full display of His power at work in ordinary people. Furthermore, we are built for connection, for relationship with God and with each other. Living in harmony with the example of Jesus means embracing a lifestyle of encouragement. “Jesus had radical encounters with ordinary people every day. By listening to the Father’s voice and doing what the Father said, Jesus was able to release heaven into the situations and lives of those He encountered.” (21)
When we take the risk of sharing God’s truth with others for the purpose of encouraging them in their walk with God, that movement into obedience may have the domino effect of moving them into obedience as well. As we align our words and our actions with the plumb line of Scripture, we will find ourselves swept up into the bridge-building ministry of a God whose invitation is open and full of hope:
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18, 19)
Many thanks to Chosen Books for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
Rejoicing in God’s Redemptive Work,
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you should decide to purchase The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others simply click on the title (or the image) within the text, and you’ll be taken directly to Amazon. If you decide to buy, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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I love the idea of God’s ‘bridge building ministry,’ Michele. So many see Christians as people who create barriers to relationships. It’s not accurate, but it is sometimes the perception.
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Yes, and unfortunately it may be well-earned, particularly in circles where Christian in-fighting occurs.
And of course, here in Maine, we have SO MUCH work to do . . .
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Molly, I too loved how Michele drew out this particular story from my book. It’s so true, that many perceive believers as crating barriers instead we need to build bridges and as we all work together, I think we can change the perspective.
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Michele,
I love the idea of the “freelance nature of the Holy Spirit”. We never know when we will be called upon to speak into the lives of others so we need to be prepared and listening. People hunger for the Truth….may we be vigilant in how we bring it to them.
Blessings,
Bev xx
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Isn’t that just the best phrase??!!
Especially for those of us who have a tendency to try to put Him in a box.
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Bev, I agree, people are so very hungry for the truth and we as followers of Christ can bring them the truth of Jesus and the Holy Spirit can give us the words to speak into their lives. Blessings
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I love “When we take the risk of sharing God’s truth with others for the purpose of encouraging them in their walk with God, that movement into obedience may have the domino effect of moving them into obedience as well.” So good! Thank you for sharing! ~Sandra from “He Gently Leads You”.
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Isn’t it just an amazing and humbling thing to think that we can become part of God’s plan for someone else’s faithful walk?
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Sandra – thank you for taking the time to read Michele’s review of my book. It is so true that when we risk sharing God’s truth with others to encourage them, we can create a domino, or ripple effect that resounds throughout eternity – much farther than we may ever know. Blessings
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Just the other day I was reading in Luke regarding the “blind guides” we are to avoid and not be like, Michele. And the emphasis in Debbie’s book reminds me of the need to be a clear-sighted guide and influencer in other people’s lives. There is so much good we can do for others when we make efforts to spiritually encourage! Thanks for this review and reminder! I’ll be pinning!
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How frightening — Really frightening to have that label turned in one’s direction. Thanks for making the connection with your reading, Beth. I do appreciate your input and your encouragement.
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Beth, thank you so much for pinning this post and also for sharing how God connected the pieces between what you were reading and Michele’s review of my book. It is so very true, we need to be clear-sighted and intentional about what we do and what we say – just like Jesus was. Blessings.
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Michele, I so appreciate your always bringing things back to the “plumbline of Scripture” with which all our encouragement must be aligned. This vein of ‘prophetic’ encouragement can go so, so wrong with damaging effect when we insist on our own words being inspired and thus shared. Thank-you for reminding us to anchor them in the Word.
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Thank you, Linda, for standing with me there. It’s a fearsome and an awesome (in the traditional sense, I mean) thing to speak for God, and we err when we claim to put words in His mouth that are not directly from Him.
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Linda, I so agree of the importance of Scripture being our foundation and plumb line. Any time God speaks it will always line up with His word and His character. In fact, the reason I started writing the book is because of the misuse of this particular gift (I share the story in the book). Thank you for taking the time to read Michele’s review and leave a comment.
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Interesting! I love hearing that people want to hear from God so much, they will attend a class taught in a different language!
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I hadn’t thought of it from that perspective!
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Jerralea – you are so right – people do hunger to hear from God that much. Thank goodness that they were able to not just come, but that there was translation so they could understand too. 🙂
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That bridge-building, and bridge-walking sometimes takes us to places so unexpected! I am reminded of our friend Jayber, that we were following so closely last year at this time. Standing on that bridge with him, watching the sea of people trying to escape the river’s flooding offered us a unique perspective of how many people were longing for safety. Oh, may I open my eyes and ears to be able to share the encouragement that God brings! Thanks for this great review, and the great memories that were stirred up too!
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Thank you for good memories of our friend Jayber. I’ve been reading about his fellow Port William native Hannah Coulter, and she’s blessing my heart with her thankfulness.
Thanks for exercising your giftedness so sweetly as you encourage!
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BettieG – You are so right – bridge building and bridge walking does indeed take us to unexpected places. I don’t know your and Michele’s mutual friend Jayber, but it sounds like a powerful experience to have been a part of.
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Michele,
Sharing God’s love through example is the best teacher for those who do not understand. It’s with the blind eye lost souls see there is something bigger and better just waiting for them. This causes them to question that difference and to yearn for it to be a part of their lives. I like that you basically said we must do more than pray, but to allow our prayers to grow feet and allow God to use us to fulfill these prayers. One has to keep her/his ear to God’s lips 24/7 to know the direction that we should walk. Thanks for sharing such a lovely book review.
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Wow, what a picturesque way of communicating our close listening to the voice of God. Thanks, Cathy, for chiming in with your good thoughts.
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Cathy – I love the picture you painted here with your words and I can so relate to what you said too. I am a show me how to do it persona, meaning – I learn through example. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reading the review of my book
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Thank you for the book review. Debbie is one of the best encouragers! Love the concept of a bridge-building ministry. We need more bridges and fewer walls! 🙂
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Yes, Debbie is a natural, and that tempts me to say, therefore, that since I am NOT a natural I get a pass. Unfortunately, Debbie’s book does not give me any room here. (Good for her!)
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Michele, thanks for sharing this, I always would say I am not called to be an evangelist so I could get a pass and let others do it, but then God spoke to my heart and said I was wrong, I didn’t get a pass. I have a responsibility to share the “Good News” of the Gospel with others and also tell them of what Jesus has done for me. I may not ever be a Billy Graham, but I can share my story with those in my circle. 🙂 thanks for this response.
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It’s so great to have your thoughts here in the comments! Thanks for being responsive to readers who are loving on your book!
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Oh Thank You so much Laurie! I do strive to be an encourager of others at all times. Blessings
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I read and was blessed by Debbie’s book as well. Encouragement is a gift to give and to also receive. I’ve been spending days on the very same portion of Isaiah (34:18-19) and so this review blessed me in seeing it again. I love when God speaks to my heart by repetition and in the sweetest of ways. Thank you for speaking to my heart this morning!
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So glad to join the choir of Isaiah singers in your life, Joanne! Thanks for reading and encouraging!
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Joanne – I am so blessed by you being a part of my launch team and sharing how my book has blessed you! It was great to read Michele’s review and also having her use Isaiah 34:18-19 – this is in fact the verse for our church this year and the word that goes with it, is Walking In Newness. As I am re-reading it this morning and your comment, He is speaking to my heart again about it and I needed that reminder. Thank you both 🙂 Blessings
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Good morning, Michele … your post made me smile as I find myself speaking Spanish (quite poorly!) this week with my daughter’s foster children.
Adios, mi amiga …
😉
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Oh, good for you! One of my big regrets is that I’ve never taken the time to learn another language really well.
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Linda – I too speak Spanish poorly, I know just enough to get into trouble – meaning I sound like I know what I am doing, until someone begins speaking rapid Spanish and then expects me to respond. LOL But, I think God honors that we attempt to speak Spanish and connect with others. All I have to say is Thank you Jesus for good interpreters. LOL
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It is so easy to feel alone in ministry, but God intends for us to come together as a community. I definitely have to keep this on the forefront. Thanks for this today Michele!
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That’s been one of my favorite features of the blogging life–so much mutual encouragement and support!
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I have been there too, feeling alone in ministry and in the blogging world at times too. We so need the love and support of each other. 🙂
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Thanks for showcasing one of our own bloggers.
And thanks for the encouragement.
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She truly is one of our own, isn’t she?
Love that!
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Karen – thanks for taking the time to read Michele’s review and I agree – Thank you Michele for show casing and writing a beautiful review of my book.
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Wow…what an interesting story! Blessed to be your neighbor at Tell His Story this week.
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Thanks, Tara!
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Tara – thanks for coming over from Mary’s #TellHisStory – I hope you will get a chance to check out my book, it’s filled with stories just like the one Michele shared. Blessings
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Thanks for sharing this… I love those two verses from Isaiah. They def. calm me!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
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Oh, that’s so good to hear. They made a real impression on me as well.
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Carrie – The verses from Isaiah are power packed with a lot of things for us to hold on to and learn. Thanks for taking the time to comment and read the review of my book. Blessings
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Michele,
This sounds like an amazing book! We need more encouragement. This is such a necessary spiritual gift. Thanks for sharing. Stopping by via the Worth Beyond Rubies Linkup. Praying you have a blessed week! Always great to linkup with you 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
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Good to hear from you, Sherry.
Thankful for your voice!
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Sherry – thank you for your comment. I so agree with you – we do need more encouragement in today and the gift of prophetic encouragement is much needed and is a necessity in the world today! Blessings and again thank you for taking the time to read about my book. I hope you will get an opportunity to check it out.
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This sounds like wonderful encouragement. Thanks for linking up at #PorchStories today and faithfully so many other weeks. xo
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It’s a joy to share Debbie’s good work with others.
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Kristin – thanks for stopping in to read the review Michele linked up with you. I hope you get a chance to check out my book. Blessings
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Bridges are key to our walk with God. I am so grateful the Holy Spirit will meet us there. What a beautiful response from people who want to know the Truth, for it will set us free.
Thanks for sharing, Michelle.
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Yes, so much of Debbie’s story is wrapped up in the space between people where God builds a bridge. And I think we all have a lot to learn about putting our feet on that bridge.
Thanks, Linda, for reading!
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Hi Linda! It’s so good to see you here and thank you for reading the review on my book. Bridge building is so important in our walk with God and with others. We have to figure out how to bridge the gap so we can all come together. Blessings
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I keep hearing many good things about Debbie’s book. I haven’t had a chance to read it myself, so the next best thing is reading all the reviews about it. 🙂 Thanks, Michele.
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Hi Lisa, aren’t Michele’s reviews the best? I love reading her perspective on a book and I feel incredibly blessed to have had her review my book as well. I hope that you will get the opportunity to read my book for yourself sometime soon, and when you do get a chance to read it. I would love to hear what you have to say. Blessings 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this review, Michele. Debbie’s book is timely in these days where people just rush, trying to get by. Blessings to you.
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I agree with you Boma – this gift is timely for the season we are living and is such a needed and necessary gift today. Blessings
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I really struggle with the idea of sharing the gospel with others. I’m shy and find it hard to bring up religion. Sounds like a good book.
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I’m a cautious introvert as well. And I’m not eager to share my personal details with people I don’t know well. I often wonder if I would ever have come to faith if God had not found me when I was still young.
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I understand the struggle, I truly do….but then I realized that it doesn’t have to be blatant, and outright of bringing up religion – I am not good at that part, but when I see it as more of an overflow out of casual conversation then I can share with others about what God is doing in my daily life and how it helps me. I do hope you will get the opportunity to read my book. Blessings
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“The freelance nature of the Holy Spirit.” LOVE that!! I am so excited to read this book! It’s already on my Christmas list!! 🙂
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You’re going to really enjoy it! Great planning to put it on your list!
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Rachel – YAY!!! I am so excited my book is on your Christmas list 🙂 I am beyond blessed to read this. Thank you – I can’t wait to hear what you think once you get a chance to read it. Blessings
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I loved Debbie’s book and I couldn’t wait to read your thoughts. You do a beautiful job of reviewing books and bless so many with your words.
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Oh, thank you, Mary. I do appreciate your encouragement!
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Thanks Mary, not sure how I missed your comment a few weeks ago – sorry about that, but I just wanted you to know that I completely agree with you Michele does a fabulous job or reviewing books! I love to read her reviews and it often has me adding books to my must read list. LOL
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Open and full of hope – a message that needs to be conveyed to everyone who will hear it! #GlobalBlogging
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Yes! We get so engrossed in our own lives. God offers us a bridge into the lives of others.
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Heather – I agree wholeheartedly – a message that indeed needs to be conveyed. Blessings
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Michele, what a wonderful review of Debbie’s powerful new book! I love this quote from your review, “When we take the risk of sharing God’s truth with others for the purpose of encouraging them in their walk with God, that movement into obedience may have the domino effect of moving them into obedience as well. ” Love how God uses His “domino effect” to connect the dots to His plan, His hope, and His future for each of us. Many blessings to you!
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I was taken with that myself, because Debbie’s book reminded me of the important ways in which we serve one another. Amy Carmichael called it “holding one another to the highest.”
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Beth, thank you for taking the time to comment and read Michele’s review. I loved this quote too. Michele has such a way with words that she paints a beautiful word picture. Blessings
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Michele –
I am sorry that I am late to reply to everyone’s comments here from your review last week. I thought I had already commented saying thank you for your review, but for some reason, it must not have posted. So here I am today and I want to say thank you for your beautiful review and for taking so much care to draw out pieces from the book that ministered to you. You book reviews always bless me and I am beyond honored that you were able to read and review my book as well. Thank you so much! Blessings
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Debbie, I was blown away by your generosity of spirit in taking time to respond to and honor each and every person who commented on this post. I know you are a busy ministry professional and time is scarce, so thank you for humbly making yourself available here.
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Michele, you are most welcome. I wanted to honor you and those who took time to read your review and make sure if they had any question, I wanted to answer them. Blessings.
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“and if we were honest, this is a bridge upon which we all need to place the soles of our feet”, amazing! Need we say more? #Ablogginggoodtime thank you for joining us again lovely lady xx
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Oh, yes, my feet don’t find that bridge nearly often enough, I fear . . .
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Thanks Mackenzie for taking the time to read my review and I love the charge/challenge Michelle gave int he quote you mentioned. , not sure how I missed your comment a few weeks ago – sorry about that, life has been a little crazy 🙂
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I’m so impressed at how the author was so gracious to answer so many questions on this review! Thanks for sharing at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina
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I was impressed, too, Tina.
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Tina, thank you for taking the time to read my review at Michele’s place. I am a little behind on comments, but I always like to try to interact with the people who take the time to read a review of my book and then leave comments. Thank you for doing so.
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[…] The Bridge-Building Ministry of Encouragement :|: Michele […]
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I think Jesus was the original bridge builder. If we follow his word truly we cannot help but be connected to all of our brothers and sisters in love.
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Yes, Kara, He has made the directions clear and lived a perfect example. It’s our job now to follow the directions.
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Kara, you are so right! Jesus was the ultimate and original bridge builder. I even have a chapter where I talk about following the example of Jesus. Thanks for leaving a comment. 🙂 Blessings
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