Refine Prayer – Colossians 2 – Maranatha Vision Project

Refine Prayer – Colossians 2

Refine means the ongoing process of purification: to remove unwanted, wretched elements from a person’s life; making small, subtle changes over time, transforming us from sinners to saints; the Holy Spirit conforming us evermore to the ways and wisdom of Jesus Christ; to empty us of depravity and fill us with dignity; to clarify and cleanse, to filter and temper, to tune and prune.

Abba Father, I love you. We praise and worship you today in the Holy Spirit and in Jesus’ Truth. Wherever your Spirit dwells, we will find freedom. We are free citizens in a holy dominion of perfect, perpetual, eternal life. Father, this world is crazy busy, filled with myriad deceptive delights that distract us from listening to your voice, to participate in and practice rest in your refreshing presence. Oh my soul, find rest alone in Yahweh, for my salvation comes from you, Jesus. You are my Rock and Redeemer, my Fortress and Friend, my Savior and Shepherd, and in your presence I stand strong, unshaken.

Thank you for this new week brimming over with fresh mercy and beautiful grace. Thank you for the breath in my lungs, the beats of my heart, and the strength in my bones. Thank you for rescuing me from death. Thank you for restoring me to abundant life. Thank you for my relationships and resources, gifts and skills, past and future, dreams and destiny. Refiner’s Fire, shape me on the forge of your mysterious will. Have your way in me, Ancient Master of All My Days, have your way in my heart, thoughts, and desires. Not my will, Sovereign Salvation King, but yours alone be done in me and through me for your greater glory. Light of the Nations, I want heaven to fill the earth, capturing the devotion and worship of my generation today. True Light of Zion City, let the nations discover you; Radiance of Yahweh’s Glory, flood the peoples with surefire shalom.

Father, we grieve together today over the fall of Lucifer all those many millennia ago…

Outcast Dragon > “Son of dust, weep for the king of Tyre. Tell him, ‘The Lord God says: You were the perfection of wisdom and beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; your clothing was bejeweled with every precious stone—ruby, topaz, diamond, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, carbuncle, and emerald—all in beautiful settings of finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. I appointed you to be the anointed Guardian Angel. You had access to the holy mountain of God. You walked among the stones of fire. You were perfect in all you did from the day you were created until that time when wrong was found in you. Your great wealth filled you with internal turmoil, and you sinned. Therefore, I cast you out of the mountain of God like a common sinner. I destroyed you, O Guardian Angel, from the midst of the stones of fire.Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. Therefore, I have cast you down to the ground and exposed you helpless before the curious gaze of kings. You defiled your holiness with lust for gain; therefore, I brought forth fire from your own actions and let it burn you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all those watching you. All who know you are appalled at your fate; you are an example of horror; you are destroyed forever.’” (Ezekiel 28:12-19 TLB)

What was it like Father to create someone so beautiful, anointed, powerful, sacred, and set apart? Someone designed to worship and protect, only to watch him turn away and revolt? It wasn’t just him, the Dragon had great influence in heaven. He courted the hearts of countless of your fiery servants away from your love, poisoning their praise, and they fell far, far away from you, as far away as someone can travel between realms.

Honestly, Lord, what was he thinking? How veiled and terrible is the slow burn of pride. Did the devil think he could win? Did he think he could defeat you Father? Oh my soul, how pride makes us blind, deaf, and mute. How pride and lust sink in and find a seat at the table of my life, masquerading as light only to corrupt me into a shade of my intended design, stumbling into a head first fall, when on the contrary, I am wired to arise with hands raised, symphonies of worship overflowing from my mind, heart, and tongue.

The dragon fell, the Lake of Fire & Brimstone was created so the devil had somewhere to go. Even in that place of utter catastrophe was your mercy at work, creating a space where he could still live, while instead, you could have annihilated him from existence with a single command. Here did the fury begin, here did the anointed one sell his birthright for chains and flames. And out of these ashes of rejection did your Son, the Living Word of God, shine the brightest, set the nations ablaze with a story so far beyond our comprehension that you have captured many hearts for eternity in every generation.

The moon and stars they wept, the morning sun was dead. The Savior of the World was fallen. Jesus’ body crucified on Calvary’s cross, his precious blood poured out for us, the weight of every curse piled upon his shoulders. One final breath he gave, as Heaven looked away, the Son of God was laid in darkness. A battle in the grave, the war on death was waged, the power of hell forever broken. The ground began to shake, the stone was rolled away, his perfect love could not be overcome. Now, Death, where is your sting? Our Resurrection King has rendered you defeated! Forever Jesus is glorified! Jesus is lifted high! Jesus has risen, and he is alive forever! And so we sing, “Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah to our King, for the Lamb has overcome the grave!” (“Forever” by Kari Jobe)

Father, we rejoice today at your perfect love and triumphant victory. Through your power, we have deep, immovable roots in Christ, we have become vessels of your glory’s fullness, and we are filled with a courageous confidence in our permanent deliverance. We are no longer slaves to fear, for by the blood of the Lamb of God, we are beloved, adopted, anointed sons and daughters walking in the freedom of your Holy Spirit.

Deep Roots > In the same way you received Jesus our Lord and Messiah by faith, continue your journey of faith, progressing further into your union with him! Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him! Beware that no one distracts you or intimidates you in their attempt to lead you away from Christ’s fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom, when in reality, they are filled with endless arguments of human logic. For they operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One. (Colossians 2:6-8 TPT)

Glory Fullness > Jesus Messiah is the complete fullness of deity living in human form. And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. He is the Head of every kingdom and authority in the universe! Through our union with him we have experienced circumcision of heart. All of the guilt and power of sin has been cut away and is now extinct because of what Christ, the Anointed One, has accomplished for us. For we have been buried with him into his death. Our “baptism into death” also means we were raised with him when we believed in God’s resurrection power, the power that raised him from death’s realm. This “realm of death” describes our former state, for we were held in sin’s grasp. But now, we have been resurrected out of that “realm of death” never to return, for we are forever alive and forgiven of all our sins! (Colossians 2:9-13 TPT)

Permanent Deliverance > King Jesus canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all—our sins, our stained souls — he deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved! Everything we once were in Adam has been placed onto his cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of cancellation. Then Jesus made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual authority and power to accuse us. And by the power of the cross, Jesus led them around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they were his!(Colossians 2:14-15 TPT)

Father, build your kingdom here, let the darkness fear. Show your mighty hand, heal our streets and lands. Set your church on fire, win all nations back. Change the atmosphere, build your kingdom here we pray. Come set your rule and reign in our hearts again. Increase in us we pray, unveil why we are made. Come set our hearts ablaze with hope, like wildfire in our souls. Holy Spirit come invade us now. We are your Church, and we need your power in us. We seek your kingdom first, we hunger and we thirst. Refuse to waste our lives, for you are our joy and prize. To see the captive hearts released, the hurt, the sick, and the poor at peace. We lay down our lives for Heaven’s cause. We are your Church, and we are praying for revival. Unleash your kingdom’s power, reaching the near and far. No force of hell can stop your beauty changing hearts. You made us for so much more than this, awake your kingdom power in us. Fill us with Christ’s strength and love, for we are your Church, and we are ambassadors for your hope here on earth. (“Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective)

Father, we pause now, we interlude, we selah in your presence. Whatever is going on, whatever battles we face, whatever we wrestle, wherever we wander, however we struggle, your hope is an anchor for our souls, your presence is the confirmation of our faith, and your voice is the shepherd of our decisions. You are here, we are not alone, never forsaken. We are set free by the blood of the Lamb. Your kingdom is coming today, and your will is being accomplished all over the world. I am a drop in the ocean, just a star in the sky, a grain of sand on the beach of what you are up to worldwide in this generation. We want to reflect you, be refined by you, be filled with your Spirit, and let go of whatever does not belong in our hearts, values, relationships, calendars, and plans.

Because one day soon, whether that be tonight or in a thousand years, your triumph will be final and your victory complete.

Triumphant Liberation >I saw an Angel descending out of Heaven. He carried the key to the Abyss and a chain—a huge chain. He grabbed the Dragon, that old Snake—the very Devil, Satan himself!—chained him up for a thousand years, dumped him into the Abyss, slammed it shut and sealed it tight. No more trouble out of him, deceiving the nations—until the thousand years are up. After that he has to be let loose briefly. I saw thrones. Those put in charge of judgment sat on the thrones. I also saw the souls of those beheaded because of their witness to Jesus and the Word of God, who refused to worship either the Beast or his image, refused to take his mark on forehead or hand—they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years! The rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years were up. This is the first resurrection—and those involved most blessed, most holy. No second death for them! They are priests of God and Christ; they will reign with him a thousand years. When they are over, Satan will be let loose from his cell, and will launch again his old work of deceiving the nations, searching out victims in every nook and cranny of earth, even Gog and Magog! He’ll talk them into going to war and will gather a huge army, millions strong. They’ll stream across the earth, surround and lay siege to the camp of God’s holy people, the Beloved City. They’ll no sooner get there than fire will pour out of Heaven and burn them up. The Devil who deceived them will be hurled into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, joining the Beast and False Prophet, the three in torment around the clock for ages without end. (Revelation 20:1-10 MSG)

So now, Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and with the wind at our backs, and in your strength alone, we will rise on the wings of the dawn. Together, we will take back all the enemy has stolen. This victory is only found in the blood of the One Who Is Worthy. I know you have not forgotten all that is lost and broken. So come, brothers and sisters, come nations and peoples, come one and come all, and see the turning of the tides. Come, and see Yahweh’s sons and daughters arise. For how could he who did not spare his own Son not freely give us victory against the darkest of nights? By the blood of the One Who Is Worthy, we will take back all the enemy has stolen. We will plunder the deepest pits of hell, and we will rise on the wings of the dawn. You are worthy, Jesus, you are worthy. (“Take Back” by Will Reagan & United Pursuit)

Glory, glory, hallelujah! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is Jesus who comes in the name of Yahweh. With all angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, we praise the Lamb of God, we praise the Lion of Judah who was slain for the sins of the world. And we sing together, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty who was, and who is, and who is to come, world and age without end.” And we say, “Maranatha!” Jesus has come, Christ will return, come quickly, Shalom Messiah!

Amen. So be it. Grace & peace.

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Maranatha Vision Project > teaching disciples how to journey in Jesus’ freedom.

+> James Harvey, Blazing Trees CEO/Founder

Book James for an online team training or virtual prayer gathering > info@blazingtrees.org

We are about freedom in the Holy Spirit. Freedom is never free, freedom is always fragile, and freedom is worth the fight. So, handle freedom with care.

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Reflect Prayer – Exodus 34 – Maranatha Vision Project

Reflect Prayer >> Exodus 34

Heavenly Father, your name is worthy to be praised. Let all the nations praise you. Sun, moon, and stars, highest heavens and deepest depths, praise Yahweh’s holy name. Let all seafarers & land dwellers, stargazers & cybernauts, soldiers & athletes, entrepreneurs & priests praise our Lord Jesus. Praise the Lord, you mountains & valleys, fruit trees & forests, wild predators & domestic herds, small creatures in dens & birds soaring upon the winds. Destitute beggars & enthroned princes, single working mothers & wealthy celebrities, great grandparents & newborn infants, slaves & saints, let us all praise the Holy Spirit. Let all our voices join in with this melodious symphony of praise, for the name of the LORD is the only one we raise. We behold your extraordinary splendor; we delight in your infinite wonder. We lift you up Jesus, we wave your banner and sing, “Hosanna in the highest!” that all the nations will worship you. (Psalm 148 paraphrase)

Radiant Glory > When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he returned they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord. (Exodus 34 NIV)

Father, like the rising sun that shines, from the darkness comes a light, I hear your voice say, “This is my awakening!” This story grieves our hearts, because Israel did not want to share in the glory you poured out over Moses. But today is a new day! And our hearts worship with gladness because an even greater glory has been poured out in this Age of the Holy Spirit, Immanuel, God With Us.

Spirit of Peace, you never leave us, you never forsake us. We are free of all condemnation, because we are baptized in the blood of the Lamb and hidden within the folds of your righteous robes, King Jesus Messiah. No more veils are needed, no more holding back, no more longing for something greater, for the greater has come: you are here with us Holy Spirit. We cherish your presence, we treasure your faithfulness, and we rest in your embrace as you shepherd our every step, decision, desire, and dream.

Beholding Jesus > When the living beings moved, the wheels moved with them. The spirit of the living beings was in the wheels. When the beings moved, the wheels moved. When the beings stopped, the wheels stopped. Spread out above them was a surface like the sky, glittering like crystal. As they flew, their wings sounded like waves crashing against the shore or like the voice of the Almighty or like the shouting of a mighty army. Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man.From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor.All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw him, I fell face down on the ground, and he began to speak to me. (Ezekiel 1 NLT)

Father, we see that Jesus is greater and more glorious than we can imagine or understand. Thank your for unveiling to your prophets of old these dreams & visions of the Son of Man’s majesty. Because your Spirit dwells in these living beings, they are aligned with you, bound within perfect, divine harmony. They go wherever you go, turn wherever you say turn, rise when you rise, dive when you dive, and rest whenever you call for sabbath. Father, restore our wonder at your glory, refresh our awe at your story.

Father, forgive us when we embrace you, confessing our love for you, and then quench your Spirit, silence your voice, and behave as if you dwell in some faraway temple. You’re here with us, so awaken my soul to the promised presence of the Spirit. Awaken my soul to Jesus’ revelation river flowing through my spirit, mind, and body. Awaken my soul to the living overflow of the One who sent our Master of Sorrows to be crushed beneath the weight of all mankind’s collective rebellion spanning an entire age, to be fastened to creation, a tree dying so that the King could die, so that I can die and be reborn in the life and liberty of Jesus Messiah. My Redeemer lives, and now I am alive forever. Hallelujah!

Transformation Spectacle > Jesus took his disciples Peter, Jacob, and John, and hiked up a high mountain to be alone. Then Jesus’ appearance was dramatically altered. A radiant light as bright as the sun poured from his face. And his clothing became luminescent—dazzling like lightning. He was transfigured before their very eyes. Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, and they spoke with Jesus. Peter blurted out, “Lord, it’s so wonderful that we are all here together! If you want, I’ll construct three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But while Peter was still speaking, a radiant cloud composed of light spread over them, enveloping them all. And God’s voice suddenly spoke from the cloud, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, the constant focus of my delight. Listen to him!” The three disciples were dazed and terrified by this phenomenon, and they fell facedown to the ground. But Jesus walked over and touched them, saying, “Get up and stop being afraid.” When they finally opened their eyes and looked around, they saw no one else there but Jesus. (Matthew 17 TPT)

Father, thank you for the reflections of your glory. Thank you Jesus for reflecting our Father’s limitless love. Thank you Holy Spirit for reflecting our Father’s peacemaking mission. When we behold Jesus, we see glimpses of you. When we hear the Spirit and receive your gifts and blessings, we perceive reflections of your bewildering grace and exceptional mercy. And our heart’s cry today is for the nations, for those who have not heard, for those who do not know, and for those who have heard, tasted, and seen, and yet still refuse to believe. “Awake, brothers and sisters around the world, awaken to the King of Glory! Hear the sound of his voice, and cast your idols into the sea. Open up the door that the King of Glory may come in!” Like the rising sun that shines, from the darkness comes a light, only you can raise a life. Awake my soul, sing praises to my King.

Brothers & sisters, right now is the best time to worship. Come, let’s praise Jesus together. Now is the time for us to give our hearts fully to the Living One. Let us worship just as we are: no more games, no more masks, no holding back. Let us put delay to death today. Gladly we choose to surrender our lives early and often; quickly we fall to our knees and bow in humility.

With all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, I choose to worship you every day Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Ancient of Days. Soon, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. One day, every soul will stand before the Creator and testify of their greatest treasure here on earth. As for me? I declare today that Jesus is my soul’s treasure, my everlasting reward, and my glorious inheritance. You, Lord Jesus, are the Only Source that will ever satisfy me, so I lay down and let go by faith.

Father, as I journey through my lifetime, as I daily fulfill my destiny, I consider the unique pathway you have laid out for my future and rest in your sovereign providence. Restore me to your design, that I may reflect your glory to the nations: reflecting your love to all tribes, reflecting your salvation to all wandering lives, reflecting your compassion to all who carry immense burdens, reflecting your power to all who despair under draining oppression, reflecting your grace to all who forsake forgiveness, reflecting courageous faith for all who are drowning in deafening defeat, reflecting hope that no matter how bad it gets, no matter who intense the storms, no matter how overwhelming the odds, greater is the Beautiful Holy Spirit within us than the bloodthirsty dragon raging about the nations seeking to deceive, distract, and destroy. Where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom. Whom the Son sets free, is truly free. Jesus’ perfect love drives away all fear.

Glory, glory, hallelujah! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is Jesus who comes in the name of Yahweh. With all angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, we praise the Lamb of God, we praise the Lion of Judah who was slain for the sins of the world. And we sing together, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty who was, and who is, and who is to come, world and age without end.” And we say, “Maranatha!” Jesus has come, Christ will return, come quickly, Shalom Messiah!

Amen. So be it. Grace & peace.

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These song lyrics are scattered throughout this prayer > “Awakening” by Reuben Morgan & Chris Tomlin, and “Come, Now Is The Time To Worship,” by Brian Doerksen

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Maranatha Vision Project > teaching disciples how to journey in Jesus’ freedom.

+> James Harvey, Blazing Trees CEO/Founder, Twitter > @praytellstories

Book James for an online team training or virtual prayer gathering > info@blazingtrees.org

Discover more prayers @ MARANATHA

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Worship Letter – Psalm 63 – Maranatha Vision Project

Maranatha Vision Project

Worship Letter (Psalm 63)

Over the last few months, I have seen a lot of convergence in my conversations with leaders across the planet around the word WORSHIP. I believe many leaders, who have previously been creating their own empires, are converging around worship, ready to return to building Jesus’ kingdom.

One of my favorite worship songs from when I was a missionary kid living in the Philippines was “Heart of Worship” by Matt Redman. This songwriter experienced a drifting away from his walk with Jesus and wrote this beautiful restoration anthem >

I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about you, it’s all about you, Jesus. I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it, for it’s all about you, it’s all about you, Jesus.

Worship is the response of love and affection we express to God because of who he is and what he has done for us. Worship is a culture of our hearts, a spiritual environment whereby we rest in God’s presence, delight in his righteousness, and listen to his voice.

If I clearly understand the story in Ezekiel 28, worship was the reason Lucifer became prideful in his heart, led a rebellion of angels against God, and transformed from a beautiful cherubim into a wicked dragon. He grew weary of guiding the angelic host to worship the Creator, and instead desired to receive worship from angels and humans. The Devil decided in his mind that God was not the only one worthy to receive worship.

Authentic worship means I agree that God should be in control and lead me. I surrender my authority and choose daily to trust and follow him as he guides my decisions. I lay down my “rights” to do whatever feels good to me. I let go of the illusion that I am Master of my destiny, and I posture myself as a sheep to be led; a son trusting his Father’s will.

The Devil now has a stronghold in the Church and missions. He has diluted the vital role worship plays in every person’s lifetime. Our culture has embraced an environment where worship must compete with family, career, entertainment, recreation, vacation, and all the other ways we choose to use time. Worship is now a list line item, a discretionary variable on a strategic priorities inventory rather than an essential, indispensable lifestyle.

Something terrible has happened without us noticing, my brothers & sisters! Worship has lost her place at the core of our souls. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, we find ourselves amidst a generation that praises God only when it is convenient. Let us listen together to a few stories where our Lord Jesus emphasizes worship’s centrality.

Deep Roots > As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live in him. Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful. (Colossians 2:6-7 NCV)

Focus Above > Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above – where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. (Colossians 3:1-4 NOG)

Glory Sanctuary > O God, you are my God; early will I seek you. My soul thirsts for you, and my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for you in the sanctuary, to see your power and glory. Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you. Thus, I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name. My soul will be satisfied. (Psalm 63:1-5 NKJV)

Truth Guardian > When the Holy Spirit who is Truth comes, he shall guide you into all Truth, for he will not be presenting his own ideas, but will be passing on to you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He shall praise me and bring me great honor by showing you my glory. (John 16:13-14 TLB)

What will it take to restore worship as a way of life in our generation?

Step One: Let us dig our roots deeply once again into the rich soils of Jesus’ majesty.

Step Two: Let us recapture our heavenly sight, gazing always and only at Jesus and viewing everyone and all desires & decisions through the lens of his love & presence.

Step Three: Let us be satisfied only in Christ. Let us lay down all our idols at his feet.

Step Four: Let us renew our friendship with the Holy Spirit: our All Seasons Navigator, Destiny Revealer, Generous Advocate, Loyal Helper, and Wonderful Counselor.

Maranatha Prayer > Abba Father, we love you with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. You are the Ancient of Days, the Creator of All Creation. We are here because you breathed us into existence. Our hearts beat, our lungs breathe because you hold all things together. Father, restore us once again to a way of living where we worship and praise your name with every breath, step, desire, decision, and dream. Lord Jesus, fill us every day with your Truth & Wisdom. Holy Spirit, lead, guide, and shepherd us as we delight in your presence, listen to your voice, and discern your revelations. We pray, trust, and believe in Jesus’ name, amen. Hosanna! Maranatha!

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Maranatha Vision Project > teaching disciples how to walk in Jesus’ freedom.

+> James Harvey, Blazing Trees CEO/Founder, Twitter > @praytellstories

Book James for an online team training or virtual prayer gathering > info@blazingtrees.org

Discover more letters @ MARANATHA

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