November 30

1 John 1:8-10

Cleansing Begins with Confessing

I remember a second grader who once came to school with something that belonged to his parents. Clearly this child took what was not his and it certainly didn't belong in school.  When one of the other kids saw it they immediately ran over to tell the teacher.  Of course the teacher approached him and asked what he was hiding in his pocket.  You could see the child's color drain from his face, and he started to cry.  When the whole incident was said and done and all was forgiven, the color returned to his face and he was able to move on with his day. Maybe we aren't being confronted with an immediate sin, but John makes it clear that if we think we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves. He also goes on to say that God is faithful to forgive us once we confess.  Psalm 103:3 affirms that God forgives all our iniquities. Repentance clears away the big and small lies with which people sometimes surround themselves.  Sometimes the most dangerous lies that people tell are perhaps not to other people but to ourselves.  In order to move on in our journey with Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, we can't hold on to what no longer belongs to us, including our sins. In verse 6 John talks about God's light dispelling the darkness.  If we claim to have fellowship with Jesus, but we are still holding on to past sins, then we are not practicing the truth. Remember, we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13) and repentance leads us into a deeper truth and understanding about not only God, but of ourselves as well. I think that repentance is a process and I don't think we are ever done with it. Just like the little second grader who felt a whole lot better and was able to get on with his day after he admitted his mistake, I pray we take time and ask Jesus what mistakes we need to leave at the foot of the Cross.   I pray for all of us that we let the cleansing begin!!

Randi

Nov 25

1 Peter 3

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  3:1

The simple instructions from this verse are sometimes very hard to practice. Many times I find myself way to quick in judging people and seriously lacking in compassion. Usually when I am in this condition it is because I don't know the full story. Quick judgments are faster and easier than sympathetic listening.

Writer Kathy Henderson tells a story that makes this point. It is the story of how she and a group of mothers were hanging out at a Y Day Camp one summer day. The whole pool was focused on a girl that was screaming at the deep end of the pool. She was a head taller than everyone in the camp but she was sobbing like a baby.

First, one instructor tried to coax her into the water, then a second and finally a third. All of the attempts failed.  

During this whole process the mothers were remarking to each other.

This is terrible. You can't coddle them.

This is ridiculous why they pamper her.

Yeh, her fears only get worse the longer they delay.

All three of these mothers were experts since their children learned to swim 3 weeks earlier.

Finally all three instructors bodily dragged the girl to the water and gently lowered her into the arms of her teacher. The screams subsided to gasps.

       Well, it's about time.

       They should have done that 15 minutes ago.

Just at that time a young day camp instructor approached Kathy. Her eyes never left the pool area. She spoke softly and nodded toward the drama in the water.

"She went boating with her parents and brother last summer. Only her father could swim. They took no life jackets. The boat capsized ‑ she watched her mother and brother drown. Her father managed to save only her. She's in our day camp program here at the Y and her father insists she learn to swim."

Kathy said, "Her words stung. I looked at the drenched child as she climbed out of the pool, her weak smile wavering through chlorine and tears. I had not witnessed typical childish fear ‑ I'd just witnessed a terrifying mountain crossed. Hot tears blurred my eyes. Forgive me, child.  Forgive me, Lord.

Sometimes we are way to quick in judging people and slack in compassion.  Lord, help us to be sympathetic, loving and compassionate. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, November 24

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016

EZEKIEL 47:1–48:35

1 PETER 2:11–3:7

PSALM 119:49–64

PROVERBS 28:12,13

 

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:19–21)

 

 

In this passage, Peter discusses the believers’ calling to honor God in both public and private settings, starting with our interactions with governing authorities to employers to our families.  He centers this conversation around Jesus’s submittedness to the Father’s will, even in the face of His suffering and crucificixion.  Peter indicates that Jesus’s sacrifice both serves as our example and our enablement to live in similar submittedness to God’s call.  Peter anticipates that the example of Christian duty will open doors for proclaiming the Gospel:  “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…. ” (1 Peter 3:15)

 

With governing authorities and employers, Peter urges believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to honoring God, even if we should face outward persecution.  Like Paul in Romans 6, Peter explains that we should exercise our freedom in Christ to become slaves to righteousness.  As part of this calling, we should “show proper respect to everyone,” including emperors, governors, and employers.  We will give real testimony to the truth of the Gospel:  “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15,16)

 

This passage caused me to consider my own desire to be “proven right” – and quickly!  This desire comes from my natural pride and impatience.  Peter’s words, however, suggest that we should be willing to endure through challenging moments, keeping our eyes on the greater purpose.  Verse 23 pierced me to the heart:  “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

 

How well we “entrust” ourselves to God (“him who judges justly”) will determine our success in sharing the Gospel through our submitted lives.  This high calling does not come easily to us in our natural selves, but God empowers us through sending His Holy Spirit into our lives.

 

Today, we may desire a greater bounty of trusting our great God and Father.  Without this trust, we will miss the mark in staying the course and following Jesus’s example of obedience in the face of physical and spiritual opposition.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus Christ to save us and to exemplify the submitted life that You desire for us to show.  Strengthen us today to live this way, even under opposition.  We give thanks today for You, for our families and friends, and for the fellowship of believers among us.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

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November 23

1 Peter

What's your perspective?  By definition, it means your view point -- If we relate to Peter we can ask the question "what angle are you seeing life through"?  St. Francis of Assisi said we should read the bible with great humility, knowing that it is the only way to receive God's self-revelation which is revealed in the Scriptures. (Through the Years with Francis of Assisi). Peter tells us to set our hope completely on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah.  Peter points our minds in the direction of action and balance (v.13) by staying focused on Jesus.  He shifts our perspective by explaining that we no longer are to be shaped by the same desires that ruled our lives in our ignorance-- meaning before we claimed Jesus as Lord over our lives.  When we see ourselves as being redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (v.19), the "view" of how we recognize our calling  and way that we live our daily life changes.  Peter tells us in v. 17 "If you call on Him as Father -- the One who judges impartially according to each one's deeds -- then live out the time of sojourning in reverent fear."  Clearly, this is not our home.  But, while we are "passing through", our perspective and our eyes should be fixed on Jesus.  I pray for each challenge we face today that our thoughts, actions and decisions are shaped from the perspective of the Mind of Christ, by the power of His Holy Spirit that lives within us.


Randi

November 18

James 2:1-3  (Phillips)  Don't ever attempt, my brothers, to combine snobbery with faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ! Suppose one man comes into your meeting well-dressed and with a gold ring on his finger, and another man, obviously poor, arrives in shabby clothes. If you pay special attention to the well-dressed man by saying, "Please sit here—it's an excellent seat", and say to the poor man, "You stand over there, please, or if you must sit, sit on the floor", doesn't that prove that you are making class-distinctions in your mind, and setting yourselves up to assess a man's quality?—a very bad thing.

 

Have you ever considered that you might be guilty of the sin of snobbery? 

A "snob" is defined as, "a person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth who seeks to associate with social superiors and dislikes people or activities regarded as lower-class."  Snobbery can creep up in the most unexpected places, yes, it can even occur in a church. When we show partiality based on class, politics, or make racial or ethnic distinctions, we are coloring outside the lines of the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ says the church should be a judgment free zone. We are a place where everyone is welcomed with open arms.

 

Years ago Rebecca Pippert in her book, "Out of the Salt Shaker and into the world" told this story. When I first came to Portland, Oregon, I met a student on one of the campuses where I worked. He was brilliant and looked like he was always pondering the esoteric. His hair was always messy, and in the entire time I knew him, I never once saw him wear a pair of shoes. Rain, sleet or snow, Bill was always barefoot. While he was attending college, he had become a Christian.

 

At this time a well-dressed, middle-class church across the street from the campus wanted to develop more of a ministry to the students. They were not sure how to go about it, but they tried to make them feel welcome. One day Bill decided to worship there. He walked into this church, wearing his blue jeans, T-shirt and of course no shoes. People looked a bit uncomfortable, but no one said anything. So Bill began walking down the aisle looking for a seat. The church was quite crowded that Sunday, so as he got down to the front pew and realized that there were no seats, he just squatted on the carpet—perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, but perhaps unnerving for a church congregation. The tension in the air became so thick one could slice it.

 

Suddenly an elderly man began walking down the aisle toward the student. Was he going to scold Bill? My friends who saw him approaching said they thought you can't blame him. He'd never guess Bill is a Christian. And his world is too distant from Bill's to understand. You can't blame him for what he's going to do.

 

As the man kept walking slowly down the aisle, the church became utterly silent, all eyes were focused on him, you could not hear anyone breathe. When the man reached Bill, with some difficulty he lowered himself and sat down next to him on the carpet. He and Bill worshiped together on the floor that Sunday. I was told there was not a dry eye in the congregation.

 

This is our calling, to sit on the floor with whoever comes into our church or our homes regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. We welcome all people into our lives.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, November 17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016

 

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” (James‬ ‭1:9–11‬)

‭‬

In many ways, the Book of James provides an extension of Jesus’s pointed teaching found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Jesus’s earthly brother minces few words in highlighting the essential commitments of true disciples.

This quick snapshot provides a helpful case in point. James discusses the rationale behind avoiding favoritism in Chapter 2, but he introduces the concept through a focus on self-regard. Throughout time, we humans have taken great pains to rank ourselves against others. This tendency towards comparison sometimes leads us to feel more secure – and sometimes less secure. In the end, however, it doesn’t reflect the grace of the Gospel or God’s concern for each person. James emphasizes the foolishness of this endeavor by demonstrating the brevity of life and that death does not discriminate.

Favoritism and comparison ultimately seek to establish our personal superiority above others. The root lies in pride, which leads us to declare to God, “I know better than You.” Such comparisons cause us to forget the God-stamped image in each person. That image gives each person dignity and honor. When we individually or corporately take away that dignity and honor, we fail to reflect God’s character.

Whatever our personal circumstances, we may take joy in celebrating that God-stamped image in each person we meet today. Please listen to their thoughts and attitudes of their hearts. Please find joy in showing each person the love of Christ. And please pray that these God-stamped images would find true fulfillment in submitting themselves fully to Christ. May our light so shine that others may know Him better.

Lord God, thank You for giving us this truth that each person bears Your image and that our station in life doesn’t determine our dignity. Help us to go beyond our natural selves and to love people deeply and from the heart. Help us to demonstrate the love of Christ. Take our fatigue and world-weariness and replace it with a full measure of Your compassion and grace. Use us to bring others closer to You through sharing Your Presence with them. Empower us through the Holy Spirit to live out these commitments today. In Jesus’s Name, amen.

________________________________________

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Nov. 16

Psalm 115

In the Hebrew text, the word that is used for Lord in this passage is ADONAI.  This noun is used 434 times in the Old Testament and parallels with the use of YAWEH, meaning Master, Lord.  Interestingly enough, the noun is a plural, much like Elohim, perhaps opening our eyes to the Trinity.  This Psalm was sung at the Passover meal in which the celebration of deliverance from Egypt is still remembered. So as I was reading this Psalm with all this mind, I couldn't help but feel the desperation of the author to give The King of King and Lord of Lords all of the glory and praise for every victory in life.  It stirred up in my heart a desire to pray with that much desperation. Any glory we take for ourselves in any victory must be renounced, chalked up to pride and repented for. Our God is in the heavens, superior to the limitations of our minds and constraints of this world. It is incomprehensible to us but as we've been reading in our Hebrews passages, we are called, by faith, to know and trust that He is real and will never leave us or forsake us and that He loves us.  This is God, our Father, who sent Jesus, the perfecter of faith, to pay the highest price for our salvation.  So tell me, what can we make with silver or gold that is better than that?  Trust in Adonai, He is our help and our shield. He is mindful of us, and He will bless us. (V. 11-12).  I pray we all see the hand of Adonai in our lives today and to Him be all the glory.

Randi

November 14: Of roads, clay pigeons and focus

Ezekiel 29:1-30:26

Hebrews 11:32-12:13

Psalm 112:1-10

Proverbs 27:17

Do you still remember when you first learned to drive?  I had to learn twice.  The first, in Manila where we drive on the right side of the road; the second time 6 years later, when I moved to Indonesia, where they drive on the left side of the road.  Both times I had to relearn to keep my eyes on the road - when my eyes would drift to the side of the road, inevitably my hands would move, and I would find myself steering in that direction.  There were a few times  I was so distracted I almost crashed.  The same thing is true shooting clay pigeons with a shotgun - the instructor kept telling me to keep my eye on the little round disc flying across my field of vision, even making me just point at the clay as it flew.  He said the key was to look at the target so you could hit it.  If you looked away, you would miss.

In today's NT reading St Paul admonishes the Hebrews to rid themselves of distractions - "of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles".  And he encourages them to fix their eyes on Jesus.  When I read this again today, I realized I'd never really thought of what it meant to fix my eyes on Jesus.  Perhaps that is why I often find myself so distracted - so worried for my children, so troubled by work, so burdened by the day to day.  So I gave it a think, and realized there are a few very clear steps I could take to keep my eyes on the prize - prayer in the morning, first thing, to direct the day; praise for the things I experience, see and hear; gratitude for the bountiful and the challenging both.  

That last - gratitude even when circumstances are challenging - is difficult, but important.  It will help me to "not lose heart when He rebukes [me]", to receive the discipline that confirms I am His child, the discipline that will eventually produce "a harvest of righteousness and peace".

Father, during the distractions of abundance and the discouragement of difficulty, help me keep my focus on You and You alone, that Your discipline might bring about in me the transformation You intend.  

Thursday, November 10

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.  For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:11-14)

In this passage, the author of Hebrews highlights Jesus's once-for-all service as the Great High Priest.  Under the sacrificial system then active under Jewish law -- whose reference here strongly suggests that the Temple in Jerusalem still remained standing, dating this letter at pre-70 AD -- the nation's priests would offer sacrifices continually as atonement for sin.  Still, the passage explains that these offerings "can never take away sins."  Their continual offering underscored that limitation.

Yet, Jesus offered just "one sacrifice" -- His body and blood -- and "has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."  "Made perfect" refers to our justification, the one-time assignment of forgiveness to those who trust in Christ for salvation.  When we come to Jesus in repentance, this turning of our hearts by admitting our sin and declaring our desperation for Him brings us peace with God, our reconciliation with Him.  Christ's sacrifice was indeed that powerful! (Colossians 2:13)  2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that we have now become a new creation in Christ.

How about the second part:  "who are being made holy"?  If our justification occurs immediately, why the need for a continual process towards holiness?  We understand from the Scriptures -- and real-life experience -- that becoming a disciple of Jesus doesn't immediately transform every thought, attitude, and action.  We struggle and strive to become more like Christ.  Yet, we are not alone in this pursuit; rather, the Holy Spirit refreshes, renews, and strengthens us towards progressive sanctification.  This fitting to become more Christ-like defines the Christian's experience.

To paraphrase Hebrews 10:14, reflecting back on the Potter's House, we are "set free and made ready by the death of Christ and are being fashioned into His desired shape for us each day."  We rejoice in what we have already received, but we also find great joy in seeing God's purposes revealed in our lives.  We join with Him in that effort through submitting to Him, trusting in Him, and acknowledging Him.  He will then direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to serve as a once-for-all sacrifice on our behalf, winning our freedom.  Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit so that we may become more and more transformed and conformed into the image of Christ.  Strengthen us today to reflect more of Your character, and bring greater joy into our lives as we submit to Your good purposes.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

November 9

Hebrews 9:27 - Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people, and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him


Writing a blog the day after a presidential election is not easy.  There was a lot of tension and controversy this election season.  After reading this mornings passage, this is my take away.  We are still "ONE NATION UNDER GOD", and even if the winner of this election wasn't your choice, KING JESUS IS STILL ON THE THRONE.  We are precious to Him because He paid a price for us.  I pray our words today reflect the God we serve.  Jesus, take the wheel.


Randi

November 7: There were really 10 dwarfs in the story...why am I Grumpy again?

Ezekiel 16:42-17:24

Hebrews 8:1-13

Psalm 106:13-31

Proverbs 27:7-9

Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Bashful, Dopey and Grumpy.  Those were the seven dwarfs in the story, and in my life, I have been each and every one of them (and a couple of others, come to think of it - Hungry and Thirsty.  And Clueless.  They don't show up in the story because one was in a food coma, the other hung over, and the last one was always missing.)  Yes, I have been all of them - but I have been particularly good at being Grumpy, at grumbling.  I don't do it often, but when I do, I would make the Olympic team.  Maybe even medal.

It isn't something to be proud of.  The psalmist today reminds us that Israelites grumbled - at Moses, at God, as they were being saved from the Egyptians, and being led to a land of milk and honey, as God had promised.  The grumbling - which was really the sinful rejection of God's providence and plans in favor of their own - wasn't just unwarranted, it blinded them to all God had already done for them, and to all God was going to do.  And it led them to put their trust in an idol they thought would be more amenable to their demands - a helpless, powerless idol appealing only because it wasn't capable of ordering them down paths they did not want to go, an idol whose value was really only to be able to justify their choices, their actions.

Grumbling hasn't changed much.  When I grumble at my situation, it takes me a while but I eventually realize that I am grumbling at - and rejecting - what God, in His infinite love, wisdom and power, had determined was best for me at that point in time, however difficult.  And, like the Israelites, I seek other idols - good intentions, hard work, logic, pleasure, money, success - to justify the choices I make apart from God.  

The thing is, just as grumbling hasn't changed much, neither have its consequences.  Apart from God, is there any reason to believe our descendants will not "fall among the nations"?  Thankfully, just as there was Moses and there was Phinehas, just as there was the old covenant, there is the new one, and Jesus is there to save me from the consequences of my being Grumpy.  And when He does, perhaps my heart will reflect still another two dwarfs - Joy and Peace.  

November 4

Hebrews 6 

 

I love the way the Living version records Hebrews 6:10,  ^"For God is not unfair. How can he forget your hard work for him, or forget the way you used to show your love for him—and still do—by helping his children?

There is no better illustration of how people help others than the care and love shown to Debbie Foster. Over the past months so many people showed love to Debbie by visiting, praying, singing, writing notes, bringing food, cheering, and helping care for her. The great thing is that by showing your love for Debbie, you showed your love for God. And God will never forget even the smallest act of kindness. Never!

His children include all people, including a child who has not yet found God. Right now the church is having a particularly difficult time in reaching the 20somethings in our culture. Our reputation with this group is terrible. David Kinnaman, in his book, "Unchristian" points out that our favorability rating with the next generation is at an all time low of 3%. That means 97% of young people have a neutral or bad impression of the church. This is a huge image issue.   So what is our strategy to change this perception?  I suggest we live out the Christian life before them with joy, grace and a willingness to help others. The unbelieving world is not concerned with our creeds but they are watching our deeds.  And when we live lives that are filled with good works it causes them to pause and consider God. The unbelieving world can deny our theology, our creeds, and our gatherings but they can't deny our good deeds. When we reach out with compassionate, loving and unconditional acts of kindness, it opens the doors to deeper conversations about faith.  

Good deeds are one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal to change culture. "Good deeds" lead to "good will" which leads to "good news."

So your homework today is to do one act of kindness where you serve someone without expecting anything in return. And when you do this, picture the face of Jesus on the person you are helping. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, November 3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries a nd tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7–10)

‭

In today’s reading from Hebrews, the author notes the concurrent Sonship and Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. While He enjoyed all the benefits of being God’s only Son, He also willingly served on behalf of people, representing them before God as the great High Priest. In particular, He served as a perfect mediator between God and man “because of his reverent submission” and perfect “obedience.” Indeed, His faithful service to His Father involved suffering, transforming into the “perfect” substitute for sinful man.

The author describes the Lord Jesus as a “high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” This figure appears in Genesis 15, where the patriarch Abraham encounters Melchizedek, who served jointly as king of Salem (Jerusalem) and a great high priest. Later, the writer of Hebrews mentions that we might consider that Abraham had given his offering to this Melchizedek after receiving a blessing from him. As Hebrews 7 notes, the lesser receives the blessings from the greater. Therefore, many commentators perceive that the earthly Melchizedek may have been a prefiguration of the coming Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage suggests that Jesus’s suffering on earth made him fit and ready to become the perfect sacrifice for us: a heavenly Son taking the penalty for our human sin. God’s justice demanded the fullness of this payment, but His mercy caused it to fall to His Son rather than to His children. Given the depth of this sacrifice, giving my life to His calling appears right and relatively small.

Lastly, the verses talk about the effectiveness of Jesus’s prayer because of His “reverent submission.” This tie between righteousness and power emerges again in James 5:16: “… The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” How we need to see this power released on a hurting and broken world!

Lord Jesus, we give thanks for Your perfect obedience and sacrificial humility. You took the Cross that we rightly deserved and freed us from slavery to sin to become Your righteous servants. We give You our hearts today, that we might be transformed more into Your likeness and that the power of the Holy Spirit might overcome our human weaknesses. Grant us the grace to love others as You would love them. Turn our hearts fully back to You so that we will grasp Your beauty and Your goodness in a fresh way today. In Your Name, amen.

November 2

Hebrews 4

What day is Today?  According to verse 7, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts".  So I'm looking at Today as the day we get another opportunity to tune in and listen to hear God's voice. What is He saying?  It's the day He has made, let's rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)  I think everyday we have this wonderful opportunity.  The Israelites also had this opportunity but they chose not to combine the word they read with faith. It's this combination of being in the Word and applying faith that allows us to enter into God's rest.  There's a difference between having a relationship with Jesus and knowing about Him. This is where the people of Israel faced a problem and perhaps to whom the author of the book of Hebrews is addressing.  Resting in God today is a glimpse of what our eternal joy holds.  God didn't rest on the seventh day because he was tired, He had made everything perfect and so when we allow ourselves to "rest", we are freeing ourselves from our own labor and trusting in God's perfection. I believe it was His original design all along.  The Word of God is alive and life changing.  So Today, I pray we quiet our minds, and do not harden our hearts when we hear His voice.  Today, allow God's Word to work in our hearts and by faith, make every effort to rest in what Jesus provided on the Cross.  I pray today for everyone who is reading this, that the Lord bless you and keep you, that He make His face shine upon you, and that He be gracious to you. I pray Today, we rest in Him.  In Jesus Name.

Randi