A Father's Wise Advice

“My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions.” Proverbs 4:1-2 NLT (http://bible.com/116/pro.4.1-2.nlt)

I'm a father of three wonderful daughters. I pray for them every night that the Lord will give them good judgment. In my 35 years as a father I've given my share of advice. I have given advice on jobs, raising kids, faith, potential moves, and fashion. Yep, they really listen to me on that one! I get frustrated when my daughters don't listen to me. I have 55 years of life experiences and I hate to see my girls repeat mistakes I have made. But, they are adults and sometimes they need to learn for themselves by making mistakes. It still frustrates me and causes me pain when I see them struggling through life's challenges. If they would just listen to me and my experiences, their lives would be so much better!

It's about this time in my thoughts that I realize I have a Heavenly Father thinking the exact same thing about me! My daughters don't always listen to my 55 years of experience, but I have no excuse for not listening to the creator of the universe. Many times I won't even go to him for advice and when I do, I often ignore it. I turn away from his instruction. Busting out on my own without Gods guidance nearly always ends in disaster. Then I sheepishly return asking for forgiveness and a way to make things right. I've never been abandoned. My God is a great father. 

Thank you Lord for not leaving me when I ignore your wonderful guidance. Please be with my girls. Give them guidance, be with them, help them when they fail, and protect them from the enemy. I love you Lord and your grace is amazing. Thank you Lord for your patience and love!

God! Let people thank and enjoy you!

God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile! The whole country will see how you work, all the godless nations see how you save. God! Let people thank and enjoy you. Let all people thank and enjoy you. Let all far-flung people become happy and shout their happiness because You judge them fair and square, you tend the far-flung peoples. God! Let people thank and enjoy you. Let all people thank and enjoy you. Earth, display your exuberance! You mark us with blessing, O God, our God. You mark us with blessing, O God. Earth’s four corners—honor him! (Psalm 67:1-7 MSG)

Do you enjoy God. The writer of the message chose those very interesting words. As a matter of fact the statement, "Let people thank and enjoy you" is repeated often. Can you argue with its purpose? Should you NOT thank and enjoy God? My life, all that I am, all that I have, and all I'm going to be is specific to the grace of my loving God! My God has yielded a magnificent harvest of grace in my life. I can not repeat enough the simple saying, Thank you Lord! He has not judged me fairly. I have recieved a judgement immensely less severe than I deserve. Praise God for that wonderful majesty! Praise God for his saving grace! I truly enjoy your presence. I enjoy you through your word, your intervention on my behalf, and your amazing love. To say I enjoy you is not enough. I can not imagine a day without you. I praise you Lord!

Devotion!

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10 NIV)

How devoted are we to each other? Commitment used to be such a "final" concept. Marriage was the ultimate love commitment, "until death do the part". But with the crumbling of the family we have also seen the weakening of commitment throughout our lives. Employers are not nearly as dedicated to their workers as in the past. In our leisure we see people abandon teams to cheer for the "hottest" team of the moment. We certainly don't honor others more than ourselves. I've written before about our me society. I am amazed how many social media posts are so self serving, arrogant, and dangerously proud. 

We need to humble our selves before the Lord. We need to see ourselves as sinners only saved through grace. One of the best ways to do that is exalt him. Yes, start by praising God for his power, mercy, and grace. If we focus on him, we can't focus on ourselves. Another option is to focus on others. Prayers should not be a Christmas list of wants. Prayer should be focused on the needy and the lost. When I can drop down on my knees in humility with complete concentration on the needs of others, I can no longer be devoted only to me. 

Lord, thank you for helping me realize the value of humility. I praise you for my wonderful life. I praise you that even though I forget and drift back to "ME" you remind me of my sin and helplessness. Thank you Lord, I can not live this life without you directing my purpose.

Abandoned!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23 NIV)

There are so many terms and stories we christians use that the lost just can't believe. This idea that God, the creator of the universe is Immanuel, is unbelievable. Christmas itself is unbelievable. A baby is born, of a virgin, grows up, dies a cruel death so he can save us 2000 years later. It just doesn't make sense. To someone who could care less what happened then, most people care only about what's going on in their lives right now. 

Most people I meet that don't know Jesus have been abandon at some point in their lives. The orphan was abandon by both his parents or maybe just one left and now each day brings no hope. To others they have been abandon by their husband or wife. Still others may have been abandon by a company or job. The reality of abandonment is too prevalent in the world today. Is it a wonder that we can not reach the lost? Doesn't it make sense they are skeptical of the truth that God will not leave or foresaken them? That's the reason it takes time to win hearts for Jesus. People need to see that God will be with them, even when things get hard. 

People will come into our lives every day that just can't believe our message. As christians we need to be steadfast in our faith, but even more so in our loyalty to those that don't know Jesus. They don't need our criticism. They don't need our judgement and they don't need our shunning. They need our loyalty, they need our love and they need to know we are going to be there through sin, pain, trial, and storm. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. Once we've committed to help, there is no turning back. We need to make sure the abandon know what grace is. Their first and only experience may come from us. We have to make sure they see grace and love in action. Until they do, they will remain lost, skeptical that they will never have peace and joy in their lives.

Exploding Joy!

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness. (Psalm 96:11-13 NIV)

That's a pretty amazing list. I guess you could just say everything and everyone should rejoice because God is good. His creation rejoices and so should we. 

I hope it doesn't sound shallow because of my repitition. I hope I don't sound pompous and arrogant. But, I am the most blessed man in the world and I can't rejoice any more or I would explode. Why is that? I'm no one special. I am a sinner, just like everyone else and probably less worthy than most. But, I rejoice, just the same! I rejoice at the wonderful grace God has granted. I rejoice at the earthly stuff, but more importantly I have been granted a life with love, laughter, purpose, meaning, and excitement. So beyond the things I have, which are also wonderful and undeserving, I have been given a gift which dwarfs the "things" of my life like the ocean dwarfs the puddle from yesterday's  rain shower. I can never explain his grace. It's a mystery and wonderfully free for the asking. Just being in the presence of such amazing grace is enough to make you shout from the mountain tops your love of God!

Praise God for all creation! Praise God for the true gift of life and the forgiveness we receive via his son's sacrifice on the cross! We rejoice in all things, in all ways and we could never begin to express our joy enough for your love! May I share that joy, that peace, that love with all I see! You are wonderful and mighty! Amen!

I'm back!

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV)

Vacation is not officially over for another 9 days. However, vacation is over. Stephanie and I are home and will be back at school starting Monday to prepare for the arrival of students a week from Tuesday. We have a back to school night  this week and a lot to do! 

I am so thankful for who I am, what I do, and I praise God for his countless blessings. He has made me who I am. His grace has changed me. Although, I'm not who I want to be. I am so much more than I would be without him. I will make a bold statement, 

"You are NOT a follower of Christ if you can not see the change in your life."

God's power is amazing and has a very noticeable change in your life. It gives you a desire to do more. It gives you the desire to serve and draw even closer to the wonderful savior that died for us. It gives you a heart filled with love and forgiveness. If you can't sense those gifts and the many blessings God has granted, if you can't feel his presence in your life right now, you need to get on your knees and pray that he enter your life. Pray that he will become real in you and change you. If you are sincere, those changes will happen and the results will be amazing. Do it now!

 

We all need something more than vanilla ice cream!

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Ephesians 4:7 NIV)

I had a great day today. I got to spend it with my CMA brothers and sisters first at our monthly meeting and second at an open house for our local Harley dealership. I got to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while and met some new biker friends. I am so intrigued by the diversity of my friends and aquaintences. I am truly excited that we are so different. It's the same with my daughters and grandkids. They all grew up in the same environment, yet they are all so wonderfully unique. I have a daughter who is just like me. I have one just like my wife and one that is a pretty good mix. They all have different aspirations and their lives grow in different directions, just like the branches of a tree.

 It's all through Gods plan.

God developed our inner most being. Every molecule of our existence is not by chance. The diversity is built into us by our creator and I enjoy it. It seemes,  though, the world continues to try to destroy our differences. We all need to conform. All extremes are discouraged. If the world had its way everything would be vanilla. Not that I hate vanilla ice cream, but ice cream would be pretty boring if it were all vanilla. We all need the variety and uniqueness of churches, jobs, motorcycles, weather, and spiritual gifts. I want everyone to become a follower of Christ, but that doesn't mean I want everyone to be the same. Christ gave us a portion of grace to fit perfectly In our lives. Our portion, our gifts, were uniquely designed so we each could fit into a perfect place in eternity. Don't wish to be like someone else. Don't envy the gifts of others. God has given us each the gift he NEEDS us to have. Celebrate that special gift. If you don't know your gifts, don't worry, you have them. Pray for them to be revealed to you. Pray his wisdom for how to use those gifts.Then go out and use your portion of grace to serve the kingdom.

Praise God for his wonderful gift of grace, molded just for me!

Grace to you!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16 KJV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you in an elaborate, generous, and plentiful way. That's what "richly"  means. We need to let Christ dwell within us in a very powerful way. The best way to do that is relinquish all control to our Savior. If we remove our sinful thoughts, words, and actions, to leave room for Christ, a great work will begin to grow from within. 

I am so thankful I have people to encourage me when I'm down. I hope I reciprocate when they need the same thing. I often talk about the wonderful grace of God. We need to share that same grace to each other. We need to love each other and bring joy to our family, friends, and coworkers. We need to offer a pass to those not having a good day, the grumpy, the depressed, and those that just don't feel loved. Our presence I their lives should offer extreme grace and love that only comes from Christ living within us.

Praise God for my grace filled family, friends, and fellow teachers. I am forever thankful for your support and kindness when I am less than the person I want to be. May I be there for you in the same situation! Amen!

Exhaustion is the tool of Satan!

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:20 KJV)

While I was working out tonight I listened to one of my favorite pastors -- Chuck Swindoll. I listened for nearly an hour as he gave advice from the Bible on prayer. Toward the end he mentioned something that got my attention. "Exhaustion is the tool of Satan". I know some people get uncomfortable talking about Satan. Many would choose to believe he does not exist. The Bible is clear, he exists. I can certainly verify exhaustion is evil. Tired people do not make good Christians. I know personally because right now I'm tired and not being a good Christian. I know if I just make it until the end of the week I get a short break. God will provide rest and relieve my tiredness. I just hope I don't offend too many people along the way. 

Here is another post, it fits my mood: 

                                 

So, even though I'm tired, grumpy, and not necessarily the best Christian, God loves me. He's not giving up on me. He will continue to do his work in me. He will give me rest and peace so I can continue to do his work. It will be in his time and in his way.

I praise you Lord that I do not have to be perfect for you to love me. I thank you Lord that even though I am far from the person you would have me to be, you will never leave me. I devote my broken life to you and praise you for your mercy and grace! Amen!

I just don't understand!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)

There are many things in this world I do not understand. I can't figure out how people hate other people. There are people I disagree with that live life with different goals and purpose. I don't hate them. I don't understand how families don't love each other. You are connected by blood and life, yet this world is filled with so many dysfunctional families. Along the same lines, I don't understand how you can marry someone and the next minute not love them. The love from a relationship is a growing breathing thing, it only dies when you mistreat it.  I don't understand drug use. How you could possibly torture your body with relentless regularity is a complete mystery to me. AND I don't understand why the CUBS can't win a World Series Title! (Ok, that was just for fun!)

There is one world mystery that I don't understand, but accept with joy and praise. GRACE from God is a wonderful, unexplainable event. The idea that the creator of the universe would care enough about ME to send his son that I might have eternal life, is beyond all understanding. You can't receive any other gift even close to this magintude with no cost! We just have to accept it, we don't have to explain it.

Praise God for this gift and the other blessings he freely gives. That includes one of my greatest gifts, my wonderful wife, Stephanie, who has a birthday today. I praise God for bringing her into my life. The joy, love, and grace she has given me over our nearly 36 years is second only to the joy, love, and grace I get from Jesus! Praise God  for this wonderful Lady!

Declared Flawless!

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romans 5:1 NIV)

This idea of justification through faith is foreign to most people, even some long term Christians. Simply put, God declares we are righteous with only one condition, we must have faith. I've heard it said he DECLAREs us righteous, it's not something he does to us. Hedoesn't  magically make us perfect and from then on we do not sin. No, he just speaks the declaration and regardless of our flaws, we are declared righteous. It's like he's blinded by his own choice to our sins. We can't do anything to be perfect, it's impossible. When you strip off all the works, or good deeds we try to do to earn Gods favor, you simply have faith. It's that wonderful, pure faith that gives us peace. We no longer have to struggle to DO something to earn God's acceptance. We just need faith. 

Can you imagine having peace with God? Here is the creator of the universe. He could end our life at any moment. He creates life and builds the heavens. Why is he so worried about us living a life at peace? 

He loves us. 

He adores us. 

He longs for our unimpaired faith. It's such a high priority for him. It pains him to see our stressed out, crazy, dysfunctional lives. 

It is so simple to receive peace in our lives even through turmoil. It is done simply by faith in Jesus Christ. Praise God he is blinded to my sin and declares me perfect. I know I'm not perfect but because I believe in him, he says it's so. Thank you Lord for your amazing grace and perfect righteousness. I want to serve you and love you every day for the rest of my life!

24 hours!

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10 NIV)

To say that God is amazing is an enormous understatement. I can share 53 years of his "amazingness". The plan to send his son, have him live a human life, suffer the humiliation of crucifixion, rise in three days, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, is truly amazing.

These verses spark more thoughts of amazement. Now that I am a follower of Christ I live with him 24 hours a day, even while I sleep.

Sleeping is so important to our healthy lives. Nearly 1/3 of our lives is spent there. How we live our waking life greatly affects how we sleep. I sleep like a baby. I read my devotions, write the first draft of this blog, pray, and sleep. I'm not anyone special except to say that I'm a child of God. I have restful nights because of my Lord. I have busy days just like everyone else. This weekend has been filled with a Football game, CMA meeting, family, church, and more. I was so tired yesterday. This morning I am rested and ready to go again. I don't stress about the next day, anymore. I don't worry about the sins of my life. I don't stress about schedules, conflicts, deadlines, or other lifetime trials. I rest easy in the arms of a savior that loves me with an infinite grace. I rest easy that my entire family is under the watchful eye and powerful hand of God.  I am together with Christ my entire life, even when I am resting from a busy day. Praise God for his 24 hour love!

My Rights!

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12 NKJV)

Rejoicing in in Heaven is not a right earned in this life. You and I can't do enough good to earn heavens eternal reward. It's really is even easier than that. We just have to receive Jesus as our savior and God gives us the right to join him. HE GIVES us the right. He gives us the rights of joining the family. 

My family is getting together this weekend. All except my youngest daughter, Kelley. I so wish she could be with us. Being together as a family is so much fun. Staying involved with each other, watching them grow and mature, laughing, and playing are what family is all about. God's family is the same thing. Once you have received him, you enjoy the the activities of the family. God's family loves to share with each other, helping each other grow and mature, laughing, and playing together. I love doing that through Church and my CMA family. It's not true to say I've earned the right. I haven't earned it. It was given to me by the Grace of my Heavenly Father. I am blessed to be a part of my Church and CMA. It's a gift. Praise God for his mercy and grace.

An Honorary Award!

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:9 NIV)

I've done some pretty good things in my life. It sounds weird to say that. I gave my life to Christ as an early teenager. My dedication to Christ has been up and down over the years. During the up times, I have done some good things. I have served people, worshipped, brought people to know Christ and done other Good Works. Yet, through all that I have done, I am not righteous in any way, shape, or form. I am still the same sinner. I have come to know I can't attain righteousness. It's not something within my grasp. It is only through my faith in Jesus that I can wear a label of righteousness. It is not my earned label. It was earned by Jesus on the cross. It would be like me receiving an honorary doctorate. I wouldn't deserve it, I would only have it through a gift. 

I accept the gift and because I am so unworthy, I will serve the giver of this marvelous gift. I can't do enough, but want to try.

What are your weaknesses?

2 Corinthians 11
 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.

I am an emotional guy, not like a crying emotional guy. (although I can get choked up at a powerful movie!) I don't always keep my emotions "in check". I get angry pretty easy and have had problems with a temper in my past. I have gotten better but it is still a weakness. I am, in many ways, a perfectionist and I'm not always open to other peoples opinions. I don't tolerate vicious, vindictive, hateful people.

Through all my weaknesses, God has been able to use EVEN me. He has guided me through my weakness to become a better person. I am not the person I want to be, but I am more today than I was yesterday. It is not through my own power, it's through my weaknesses that God has spoken to me. I trust him and love his grace.

I know there are people out there like me. They know there weaknesses. They know they need to get better, treat people better, become more loving and caring. The only real way to do that is through Jesus Christ. Please forgive my weaknesses, I am a sinner who is relying on the grace of Christ to become a better man.

Dream On!

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

 ¹ When the LORD restored the fortunes of^[a] Zion,
   we were like those who dreamed.^[b]
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
   our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
   “The LORD has done great things for them.”
³ The LORD has done great things for us,
   and we are filled with joy.

Have you ever been so excited and filled with joy that you felt like you were dreaming? I was just watching ESPN and they were showing a young man who had testicular cancer. He had a wish to manage with Ron Gardenhire of the Minnesota Twins. He got his wish. It was  pretty touching and the young man looked like he was in a Dream. 

The Lord has done great things for me and my life is like a wonderful dream. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and 3 fantastic daughters. He has blessed me with a family that loves the Lord and always has. Starting with my own Grandparents, my parents, my wife, my kids, and now my Grandkids. The dedication to the Lord has continued from generation to generation. I could not dream to be a part of such a great family.

The Lord has done great things. If you look back at your life, can you see the great things he has done? He deserves the praise. He deserves all the glory. It is only by his grace that I have been blessed as if in a dream Thank You Lord for your love and sacrifice that we might get to live with you forever! Amen!

Look... Up in sky...It's a Bird...It's a plane.. No....It's Superman!

Psalm 45 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹ My heart is stirred by a noble theme
   as I recite my verses for the king;
   my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
 ² You are the most excellent of men
   and your lips have been anointed with grace,
   since God has blessed you forever.
 ³ Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
   clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
⁴ In your majesty ride forth victoriously
   in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
   let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. 
⁵ Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
   let the nations fall beneath your feet.
⁶ Your throne, O God,^[c] will last for ever and ever;
   a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 

I'm sure some of you remember the 1950's version of Superman. I loved that show. These verses from Psalm 45 give me the same feeling I got at the beginning of that show. Here is the opening:




Actually, these verses are about Jesus. Jesus is our Super Hero. He is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Why don't I treat him more like the Super Hero he is? Many of us have more reverence for this fictional super hero than the Creator of the universe or his Son that was sent to save us from ourselves and the evil around us. We also hold in reverence other "Famous people" of this world and completely ignore our Savior. How can you be more famous than the Son of God. Who can match the honor and Grace of our Lord and Savior!

Lord, you are awesome. I have seen so many times where you have rescued me from evil. I am an example of the grace that comes straight from your lips. I have been protected by you piercing arrows. You ARE Truth, Humility, and Justice in this world. Please forgive me for not honoring you like I should. You are worthy of all our praise. You are worthy of all our worship. We Praise You Lord! Amen!

God's Bucket List!

Psalm 15 (New International Version, ©2010)

A psalm of David. ¹ LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
   Who may live on your holy mountain?
 ² The one whose walk is blameless,
   who does what is righteous,
   who speaks the truth from their heart;
³ whose tongue utters no slander,
   who does no wrong to a neighbor,
   and casts no slur on others;
⁴ who despises a vile person
   but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
   and does not change their mind;
⁵ who lends money to the poor without interest;
   who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
   Whoever does these things
   will never be shaken.

What a list! I can just see the list of people who meet these criteria getting smaller and smaller with each line. All I can say if it weren't for the grace of our Lord Jesus, no one would be able to dwell on the mountain of the Lord. Even though none of us measures up, God has provided a place for us in eternity. Still, we should not give up on studying this great list and striving to complete it. Kind of like a Bucket list, These are the things we should aspire to before we leave our Earthly home. We should work to treat our neighbors with dignity, honor the Lord, keep oaths of value, be generous, and so forth! We may not attain it, but we should try!

I'm not an Atheist, am I?

Psalm 14 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ The fool^[a] says in his heart,
   “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
   there is no one who does good.
 ² The LORD looks down from heaven
   on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
   any who seek God. ³ All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
   there is no one who does good,
   not even one.


When I read the first verse, I was pumping my fist and saying, "Yeah stick it to them, (atheists). " I can't believe anyone who says there is no God could be anything less than corrupt and vile. David knew just what he was talking about. But, Hold the Boat! Verse 2 brings me back down to Earth.

We are so quick to criticize, berate, and ridicule the non-believer. But, how far are we from them? Not Far! As a matter of fact God puts us all in the same boat. None of us is sinless. All of us have turned away, become corrupt, and are not as good as we think we are. NO ONE! You would think the knowledge of this would make us more compassionate. You would think we would be more understanding of those who do not acknowledge God. But, instead of understanding, instead of trying to reach these "fools", we isolate ourselves. We set ourselves apart. We put ourselves at the top and these non-believers at the bottom.  We are all sinners. We have all fallen short of the Glory of our God. We are not the judge. We are the vessels to share God's love. We are to do everything within our power to be examples of God's grace and love. We are not different, we have just received the grace given to us by our savior! 

When my praises are weak........

Psalm 8 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ LORD, our Lord,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!
   You have set your glory
   in the heavens.
² Through the praise of children and infants
   you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
   to silence the foe and the avenger. 
³ When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?<sup>[c]


When things aren't going well in our lives, we don't have to praise God at the top of our lungs. If God can use the praise of the weakest, children and infants, he can certainly use our weak praises. He doesn't rely on those praises, but he uses them regardless how powerful they are. He loves us and cares for us through all times. He doesn't just care for us when we praise him with the voice of a chorus.  He has built this universe with his owns hands. He knows us and has created the world around us with that care in mind. He knows are weaknesses. He knows our faililngs, he knows our sin. He still loves us. GRACE!


I must admit that my Praises have been weak lately. But, I have praised him even though life goes against me. My praises are weak. My voice is meek. But, God hears me. Even with my own "still small voice" he can thwart those who persecute me and can silence my foes. 


How majestic is your name Lord. How majestic is your name in all the Earth. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen!</sup>