We had a meeting of our church's Leadership Team last night. We reviewed the church's work; the good things that the Spirit is doing, and there are plenty of good things for which we are thankful. God continues to provide for the church's financial needs through the faithfulness of His people. We are experiencing answered prayers, some real breakthrough moments, for which I praise God! This Summer, two new team members joined us bringing their skills and dedication to our ministries. As we practice good management of our Kingdom resources we are able to take care of the buildings that house the ministries. And then, we faced our challenges - ministries that are not living up to their mission, people needs that we are not yet addressing with effective ministry, and the ongoing requirements of staffing the work we do. In 6 years that I've been a part of this Assembly, we have seen many advances, but there is much left to do. I suppose that there will always be much yet to do! I have said it before and will say it again - "When one set of problems is addressed with solutions, new ones appear making new demands of us." That is true of us as individuals, too.
When I was a young Pastor, just starting out, I would occasionally look at the 'older' Pastors with a couple of decades of experience and think, "When I am as old as they are, I will finally know everything I need to know to really be effective!" Now I am as old as they were then and I realize that while I have accumulated experience and knowledge along the way, there are new challenges rising up in my life for which I must dig up new resources and learn new skills so that I can meet them head on. And, that is as it should be! If a person stops growing, he's dead! A church or ministry without challenges and/or problems is almost assuredly not doing anything measurable for the Kingdom of God.
So, what's challenging you, Believer?
Is it some personal sin and/or habit that is resistant to every attempt you make to overcome it?
Is it a relational challenge - a child you can't reach, a spouse that is growing distant, a old grudge that has festered into something like hatred?
Is it a spiritual thing, where your will and God's will have collided and you're unwilling to yield to His ways?
Is it a physical need that makes you fearful of the future?
Is it anticipating a new stage in life, a looming 'empty nest,' or retirement, or heading off to college, or beginning a new career?
Yes, the list could go on and on. Know this, that list is autobiographical, as those are challenges that I've had to meet and overcome by God's help. Through it all I have come to accept this fact - This kind of stuff happens, 'cause I'm not home yet. I'm still in transit to my Heavenly home where I'll lay these burdens down and enter into the Rest that God has prepared for me. This is the stuff of life with which we wrestle. For some of these challenges there is no understanding 'why,' at least for now. But I know Who does understand it all and He's promised me that I don't have to face these things alone or with my puny resources. There are a couple of promises that I keep in my mind and heart - and I pray those promises when the challenges pile up!
One is that God is coaching me and He knows my limits better than I do. The Bible says it like this- "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, The Message) The spiritual Foe who seeks to neutralize me wants me to feel alone, forsaken, and overwhelmed. "Jerry, you're the only guy who's ever been in this situation. There is no answer, no way through it, over it, around it, or under it." - is his persistent lie! But, God reminds me, "This is the stuff of human experience, the kind of challenges every child of mine faces. I'm in charge and if you will trust me, I show you the way to stand up to the pressure." What a glorious promise.
Another promise that I hold on to is that Jesus Christ is my Priest and Advocate who is, at this very moment, praying for me! "Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." (Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message) My Perfect Priest knows fatigue, disappointment, rejection - every temptation and test - and He's now presenting my needs to the Father, praying for me to be an overcomer!
And, then there is this insight coupled with a great offer - "For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking." (James 1:3-5, NLT) These challenges have a purpose - to grow me deep in faith and strong in character. If I'm having trouble understanding that, I just have to ask God - "give me wisdom!" and He will.
When I accept God's rule and provision, trust my Priest Advocate, and let my character and faith be developed by life's challenges without complaining, I experience REST even in the middle of the mess! No not the kind of rest like a summer nap in the sun, but the rest of the spirit that keeps my heart and mind from descending into fear, confusion, and panic when challenges are multiplying. And when my final moment of transformation comes, I fully expect to step over the threshold of eternity and hear my Heavenly Dad holler - "Welcome home, son. Pull up a chair and enjoy my provisions. You're at rest forever." My eyes are on that prize.
Endure the challenges, Believer. Embrace them as God's work. Wrestle with them, praying for wisdom and strength - and see what God can do with you in His world.
_____________________________
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things tho't impossible.
He does the things others cannot do.
"Be of good courage"-God spake unto Joshua.
When o'er the river God pointed the way;
Jordan uncrossable! Things seemed impossible,W
aters divide as they march and obey.
Battles to win! They would meet with their obstacles.
Jericho's walls, too, must fall to the ground;
God never failed He stood back of His promises.
Walls had to crumble as they marched around.
God is the same and His Word is dependable.
He'll make a way thru the waters for you;
Life's situations by Him are amendable.
Mountains and hills, He will part for you too.
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things tho't impossible.
He does the things others cannot do.
© 1945, 1973 Oscar C. Eliason. Assigned Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067) CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, October 13, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Remembering... again and again.
How quickly we 'backslide,' forgetting God's goodness to us in our need, becoming casual in our commitment to His ways, neglecting our devotion. I see this pattern repeated again and again:
crisis comes into a person's life; they fervently seek God and discover the goodness of His love; the crisis passes; life normalizes; the prayers and devotion wane. Mostly likely all of us, if we're honest, will see that we got a lot more devout when the heat was turned up! Sometimes it is a conscious act, a kind of "Let's Make A Deal" with God where we think that if we are really 'good,' that God will reward us with the answer we seek. More often, I believe increased devotion is simply the result of increased awareness of our weaknesses that drives to our knees and into the church house to pursue God's Presence. How sad He must be when we forget Him when all is well.
Moses prepared the Israeli people to enter the Promised Land near the end of their 40 year wilderness trek. From the time of the exodus, through many tests and trials, they had enjoyed the visible Presence of the Lord. He fed them every morning with manna. The glory of His Presence hovered over the Tabernacle. Now, they were about to enter into a good land where they would become more self-sufficient. Moses warned them of the spiritual hazards of increased wealth. He said, "Make sure you don’t forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up— make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery;" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, The Message)
That word still applies to our lives, Believer. My heart is broken, time and again, by the waning devotion of those who are blessed by God. As they have 'more,' they often serve less in ministry, join in worship less frequently, and develop a lukewarm heart towards the things of God. Let me lay it out plainly with a generalized example. When a young couple is scratching out a living, they find time to teach Sunday School, visit the sick, do nursery service, and such things. They do these things faithfully and without complaint. Their greatest joy is found in their love for God, His people, and the church. Then, the Lord blesses their diligence. As their income increases, they have more choices about leisure time, more resources to use in a discretionary way. Do they increase their service? Too often, no! Instead, they start to travel on weekends, missing worship frequently. They quit the ministries in which they have served for years, because now they claim to have 'no time' when, in reality, they have more leisure time, which they choose to use for themselves. And, then they wonder - "why don't my kids love God like I did when I was younger?" Well, they have a model of Christianity as 'hobby' not as passion! Get the point here?
Moses told the Israelis - "Remember where you came from, Who brought you here, and what He desires from you!" He told them to talk about the Lord constantly, to keep His laws fresh in their minds and hearts, to keep their children. He was direct with them. "I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. " (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, The Message)
Believer, use the power of CHOICE. Choose God's ways today. It is true that our right relationship with God, our salvation is fully provided by Jesus Christ. We are justified by His grace fully and freely. However, living in fellowship with Him, enjoying His blessings - that is the result of our choices. Love Him and let it show.
Here's a word from the Word -
"You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’
And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich.
And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love.
Be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:17-20, NLT)
crisis comes into a person's life; they fervently seek God and discover the goodness of His love; the crisis passes; life normalizes; the prayers and devotion wane. Mostly likely all of us, if we're honest, will see that we got a lot more devout when the heat was turned up! Sometimes it is a conscious act, a kind of "Let's Make A Deal" with God where we think that if we are really 'good,' that God will reward us with the answer we seek. More often, I believe increased devotion is simply the result of increased awareness of our weaknesses that drives to our knees and into the church house to pursue God's Presence. How sad He must be when we forget Him when all is well.
Moses prepared the Israeli people to enter the Promised Land near the end of their 40 year wilderness trek. From the time of the exodus, through many tests and trials, they had enjoyed the visible Presence of the Lord. He fed them every morning with manna. The glory of His Presence hovered over the Tabernacle. Now, they were about to enter into a good land where they would become more self-sufficient. Moses warned them of the spiritual hazards of increased wealth. He said, "Make sure you don’t forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up— make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery;" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, The Message)
That word still applies to our lives, Believer. My heart is broken, time and again, by the waning devotion of those who are blessed by God. As they have 'more,' they often serve less in ministry, join in worship less frequently, and develop a lukewarm heart towards the things of God. Let me lay it out plainly with a generalized example. When a young couple is scratching out a living, they find time to teach Sunday School, visit the sick, do nursery service, and such things. They do these things faithfully and without complaint. Their greatest joy is found in their love for God, His people, and the church. Then, the Lord blesses their diligence. As their income increases, they have more choices about leisure time, more resources to use in a discretionary way. Do they increase their service? Too often, no! Instead, they start to travel on weekends, missing worship frequently. They quit the ministries in which they have served for years, because now they claim to have 'no time' when, in reality, they have more leisure time, which they choose to use for themselves. And, then they wonder - "why don't my kids love God like I did when I was younger?" Well, they have a model of Christianity as 'hobby' not as passion! Get the point here?
Moses told the Israelis - "Remember where you came from, Who brought you here, and what He desires from you!" He told them to talk about the Lord constantly, to keep His laws fresh in their minds and hearts, to keep their children. He was direct with them. "I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. " (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, The Message)
Believer, use the power of CHOICE. Choose God's ways today. It is true that our right relationship with God, our salvation is fully provided by Jesus Christ. We are justified by His grace fully and freely. However, living in fellowship with Him, enjoying His blessings - that is the result of our choices. Love Him and let it show.
Here's a word from the Word -
"You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’
And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich.
And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love.
Be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:17-20, NLT)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
"Because you're worth it!"
Yesterday's mail brought a gift from my daughter. She sent me a book she had read, wanting to share her discovery of Gordon Fee's scholarship with her Dad. She also enclosed a card that expressed her affection. I loved it! And you know why, right? Because it was a genuine expression of love that made me feel valued and appreciated. We all want that. Last Sunday I went to conduct a worship service at a home for aged people. My son and his wife went along. Yes, the residents there appreciated the songs and the Scripture lesson, but as Jay observed, "Dad, when I just asked them their name and talked with with them for a minute, it was like I gave them an expensive gift!" Jay and Lindsay, by taking time to visit with people they didn't even know, were communicating, "We care about you, you're valuable."
Believer, our calling in this world is to be like Christ. One of the primary ways we do that is to love others. The Bible says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NKJV) Believer, this is God's commission to us! We don't have to literally die for others, but in learning to love, we will have to set aside our schedules and our convenience, becoming aware of the needs of those with whom we interact. The true needs of the people with whom we interact isn't always obvious from their words. We have to learn to listen for the sub-text, for the message revealed by their face, their sigh- the clues are many!
Many people really just want us to acknowledge that they exist and that we care for them. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it is not! All kinds of things conspire to keep us from loving others: the busy pace of life, concern for our own needs, fatigue, selfishness, fear ... to name a few. For example - as you hurried in the coffee shop today, did you take time to make eye contact with the server, to say, "Thank you," and mean it? If you didn't, most likely it isn't because you have malice towards that person. You were in a hurry, thinking about beating traffic and getting to work, right? As you left your home, did you take time to seek out your spouse or your kids and bless their day, give a hug or a kiss? If you did, you said, "I care about you." Once again, if you didn't, it probably wasn't because of any real lack of concern, but rather your focus elsewhere.
If we would become people who add value to the lives of others, we will have to train ourselves to listen, to empathize, to care. God will help us, for that kind of love pleases Him. We only have to pray, "Lord, teach me to love as you love. Open my eyes and ears to the needs of people around me." He will, and as He does, prepare to learn to ache. It is costly to care. When we begin to really take note of the people around us, we start to see the pain in so many lives. We will not brush past people protected by the blinders of self-interest.
Here's a word from the Word. It's a familiar story, but read it prayerfully, carefully - and invite the Spirit to stir up a new concern for others in you.
“A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits.
They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “
By chance a Jewish priest came along; but when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. ‘If his bill runs higher than that,’ he said, ‘I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:30-37, NLT)
Let's do God work in the world- loving others. Should they ask why, let's just simply say, "Because you're worth it!"
________________________
"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,
for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8, NLT)
Believer, our calling in this world is to be like Christ. One of the primary ways we do that is to love others. The Bible says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NKJV) Believer, this is God's commission to us! We don't have to literally die for others, but in learning to love, we will have to set aside our schedules and our convenience, becoming aware of the needs of those with whom we interact. The true needs of the people with whom we interact isn't always obvious from their words. We have to learn to listen for the sub-text, for the message revealed by their face, their sigh- the clues are many!
Many people really just want us to acknowledge that they exist and that we care for them. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it is not! All kinds of things conspire to keep us from loving others: the busy pace of life, concern for our own needs, fatigue, selfishness, fear ... to name a few. For example - as you hurried in the coffee shop today, did you take time to make eye contact with the server, to say, "Thank you," and mean it? If you didn't, most likely it isn't because you have malice towards that person. You were in a hurry, thinking about beating traffic and getting to work, right? As you left your home, did you take time to seek out your spouse or your kids and bless their day, give a hug or a kiss? If you did, you said, "I care about you." Once again, if you didn't, it probably wasn't because of any real lack of concern, but rather your focus elsewhere.
If we would become people who add value to the lives of others, we will have to train ourselves to listen, to empathize, to care. God will help us, for that kind of love pleases Him. We only have to pray, "Lord, teach me to love as you love. Open my eyes and ears to the needs of people around me." He will, and as He does, prepare to learn to ache. It is costly to care. When we begin to really take note of the people around us, we start to see the pain in so many lives. We will not brush past people protected by the blinders of self-interest.
Here's a word from the Word. It's a familiar story, but read it prayerfully, carefully - and invite the Spirit to stir up a new concern for others in you.
“A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits.
They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “
By chance a Jewish priest came along; but when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. ‘If his bill runs higher than that,’ he said, ‘I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:30-37, NLT)
Let's do God work in the world- loving others. Should they ask why, let's just simply say, "Because you're worth it!"
________________________
"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,
for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8, NLT)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
As you sail on by
"You can tell a lot about a ship as you look at its wake. If it is in a straight line, you get the feeling that the boat is steadily on course and that the captain is not dozing at the wheel.... if it is smooth and flat you know something about the speed of the boat. ... With people the same thing is true. As a person goes through life, he leaves behind a wake." Dr. Henry Cloud, Integrity, 2005 That analogy caught a hold in my mind and made me think about the wake that I'm leaving as I sail through life. Cloud observes that we leave a two-sided wake, relationships and tasks. We should remember that it isn't just how we accomplish those jobs we are assigned, but who we effect in in the process.
As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like -
- am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- is my work well done, worthy of review?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- do I create hope and encourage, or build barriers and discourage?
- are people glad that I have passed through their lives, or relieved when I leave?
- do I leave people enriched or exploited?
Sometimes the answers are obvious, easy to find. In other situations, discerning how we have performed, how we have interacted, is not so quickly discerned.
Why? Because we encounter situations and people over which and over whom we have little control. They bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we want to create by our passing is broken up by theirs. As their wake flows into ours, if we are at cross-purposes, the chop that is created can stir up a real tempest! I've been on a small boat and experienced being bounced around when a couple of speed boats passed by on crossing courses, leaving the waters roiled and rough. Then, too, there are days when we run into winds of opposition and/or difficulty that blow us off course and purpose. No matter how diligent we are at the wheel of life, trying to steer a straight course, those gusts that blow over us, can cause us to sail a wavy line for a time!
We must determine the course that God wants us to sail. We must work to know and understand His ways, and then - go forward - steady on.
In my lifetime, I've come to understand that I cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection! I must spend time alone with God and understand what He wants from me then sail on. I must commit myself to principled living and pray for His Spirit to keep me true to those principles, set the course, and keep going. Then, over time, the wake left in my life will be a good one. Yes, there will be moments of wavering, times of rough water, but overall the results and relationships will be positive.
Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea.
Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?
Here's a word about living well, for God's glory. Take Paul's benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today.
We are... "praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ... As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message)
Amen
As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like -
- am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- is my work well done, worthy of review?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- do I create hope and encourage, or build barriers and discourage?
- are people glad that I have passed through their lives, or relieved when I leave?
- do I leave people enriched or exploited?
Sometimes the answers are obvious, easy to find. In other situations, discerning how we have performed, how we have interacted, is not so quickly discerned.
Why? Because we encounter situations and people over which and over whom we have little control. They bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we want to create by our passing is broken up by theirs. As their wake flows into ours, if we are at cross-purposes, the chop that is created can stir up a real tempest! I've been on a small boat and experienced being bounced around when a couple of speed boats passed by on crossing courses, leaving the waters roiled and rough. Then, too, there are days when we run into winds of opposition and/or difficulty that blow us off course and purpose. No matter how diligent we are at the wheel of life, trying to steer a straight course, those gusts that blow over us, can cause us to sail a wavy line for a time!
We must determine the course that God wants us to sail. We must work to know and understand His ways, and then - go forward - steady on.
In my lifetime, I've come to understand that I cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection! I must spend time alone with God and understand what He wants from me then sail on. I must commit myself to principled living and pray for His Spirit to keep me true to those principles, set the course, and keep going. Then, over time, the wake left in my life will be a good one. Yes, there will be moments of wavering, times of rough water, but overall the results and relationships will be positive.
Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea.
Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?
Here's a word about living well, for God's glory. Take Paul's benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today.
We are... "praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ... As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message)
Amen
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