MIGHTY
Today's reading: Psalm 58-61

"With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes." Psalm 60:12 NLT

Mighty-possessing power; great or imposing in size or extent.

With God we will accomplish more than we ever could on our own.

With Him we will do greater things than humanly possible.

Without Him?

Well, without Him, we are left to our own devices, our own strengths and our own power.

RESCUE
Today's reading: Psalm 54-57

"But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me." Psalm 55:16 NLT

Rescue-to free from confinement, danger or evil; to recover by force.

The theme of this week's Vacation Bible School is Jesus Rescues!

I've taught the lessons, I've presented the Word of God, I've shared personal experiences, I've made the kids laugh, I've cried, I've prayed with the kids and I've watched them interact with each other as they learn the important truths of the week.

But until today, I hadn't looked up the word 'rescue'.

Jesus has set us free!

Jesus has delivered us from harm!

Jesus has become our Life Preserver!

Jesus has defeated death, hell and the grave--for us!

Jesus has taken the parts of our lives the enemy had stolen and given them back to us, desiring that we use those parts to worship Him wholly!

Because of His life, death and resurrection we are no longer bound, sentenced or hopeless!

Jesus has rescued us!

BROKEN
Today's reading: Psalm 50-53

"The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17 NLT

Broken-violently separated into parts; subdued completely; reduced in rank.

I'm reading here that God doesn't want the 'put-together' me.

He doesn't want the me that has been taped back into place, plastered back together, mended to the best of my abilities.

He wants me in pieces.

Exposed.

All the parts visible, ready for Him to re-assemble.

He desires that I know just where I stand in comparison to Him, which is not standing at all.

I don't have to have it all together, for He knows how I might do it is not the way He would!

STILL
Today's reading: Psalm 46-49

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 NKJV

Still-devoid of or abstaining from motion; uttering no sound; free from noise or turbulence.

How many of us are truly 'still'?

We think we need to shout His name from the rooftops at all times--and we're asked to be still and allow the world to see Him at work in us.

We think we need to be splashing in the waters of life--and we're asked to be still and let His Living Water change us and the people around us.

We think we need to be quoting the verses, repeating the sermons and pointing out the sins of the world--and we're asked to be still and let Him do the work.

When we're still, He gets more of the honor.

When we're still, He gets all of the glory.

When we're still, He gets our attention.

VICTORIES
Today's reading: Psalm 44-45

"You are my King and God. You command victories for your people." Psalm 44:4 NLT

Victories-the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist; achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.

Imagine walking through life knowing God has said, My kids win!

Think about how much higher that will allow us to hold our heads!

How much more confidence we will have as we approach our enemies!

How many more things we can accomplish in His name for His Kingdom!

How little doubt we would struggle with!

How powerful the Christ in us would appear to others!

He has commanded victories for us, what will we do with that knowledge?

INTIMIDATED
Today's reading: Philippians 1-4

"Don't be intimidated by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself." Philippians 1:28 NLT

Intimidated-to be made fearful or timid; to be made afraid; to have been frightened.

When the shadows of your long night grow.

When the enemy prowling around you growls in a low, guttural way.

When the storm rages longer and the waves go higher.

When the giants loom above you.

Don't be afraid.

That's what Paul tells us--don't be afraid.

Don't allow our enemies, our tough times, our long nights, our giants, to intimidate us.

When we don't allow it, their power is taken.

Beat the bully by realizing who he is and not allowing him to scare you any longer.

Then watch him begin to crumble. To cower. To fade. To slink away into the shadows from which he came.

Friend, don't be intimidated by them!

TURNED
Today's reading: 2 Kings 22-25

"Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since." 2 Kings 23:25 NLT

Turned-to change position so as to face another way; to become changed, altered or transformed.

Here lies the problem: we want it both ways.

We want to serve the Lord and reap all the benefits that bequeaths to us AND we want to keep our hairy, little toe stuck in the world's business, so as not to appear too religious, too zealous or too intolerant.

But we cannot have it both ways.

To turn means to face one thing and have your back to another.

Which will be put our backs to?

The world and it's chaos, it's darkness, it's lies, it's false hope?

Or to Jesus and what He did for us on the cross? Our only hope? Our promise? Our security?

With every choice we make a turn--it's up to us as to Who we turn to!

REMNANT
Today's reading: 2 Kings 18-21

"For a remnant of my people will spread out from Jerusalem, a group of survivors from Mount Zion. The passion of the Lord Almighty will make this happen!" 2 Kings 19:31 NLT

Remnant-a usually small part, member or trace remaining; an unused end piece of goods; a part still remaining.

I am a Christian today because that small remnant kept their faith and carried it from Jerusalem.

I am a Christian today because a small remnant broke free from a religious system and settled the Americas.

I am a Christian today because I had ancestors who remained true to God and kept their families close to Him.

I am a Christian today, not because I want to be like the 'in crowd', but because I want to be that small part still remaining who spreads out in my family, my church, my community, my part of the world and shares my Jesus!

DESPITE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 15-17

"Yes, they worshiped idols, despite the Lord's specific and repeated warnings." 2 Kings 17:12 NLT

Despite-in defiance of; knowing it will cause annoyance, upset or hurt; in spite of.

Oh Lord,

I'm guilty of the same sins Israel committed.

Idolatry. Mis-placed trust. Divided heart. Rejection of You.

Yes, rejection--isn't that what spite is?

Isn't that what happens each and every time You ask and I refuse?

Isn't that what occurs when I hear You speak to my heart, I see the path/choice/opportunity You have provided and I say, 'No, thanks.'

I take it upon myself to know better than You.

I see myself as having a clearer, better picture of the situation than You.

I push You to the side and do things my way.

And that hurts You.

It breaks Your heart.

It separates us from each other.

It distracts me from all You desire me to have.

Hurting You hurts me--only I don't see it when it happens.

I'm so sorry, God.

HIDDEN
Today's reading: 2 Kings 11-14

"Joash and his nurse remained hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled over the land." 2 Kings 11:3 NLT

Hidden-being out of sight or not readily apparent; concealed; not seen or known.

Some of us are remaining hidden in our churches.

No, not in the janitor's closets, in the baptistery changing rooms or under one of the pews...but hidden none the less.

We believe that if we are busy enough, on enough committees and/or attend enough Bible studies we won't be noticed by God.

We won't be asked to go any farther than the church doors.

We won't be called to 'take God out of the church'.

It's too late.

He called us when He saved us!

The Great Commission became our Great Commission when we accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

Sure, things need done in and around the church. Yes, it's important that we are fueled by corporate worship and studying with fellow believers. You're right, there are hurting lambs inside the sheepfold of our church.

But God has called us to be in the world. To rub elbows with the sinners. To take Him into our workplaces, our homes and our local supermarkets. To speak of Him from our street corners or our cubicles. To tell the Good News to the wanting-to-hear-it world.

Little Joash had to be hidden in the church for his own safety and for the future hope of Judah but if we remain hidden in the church, lots of souls may spend eternity in hell.

BECAUSE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 8-10

"Ahaziah followed the evil example of King Ahab's family, doing what was evil in the Lord's sight, because he was related by marriage to the family of Ahab." 2 Kings 8:27 NLT

Because-for the reason that; the fact that.

I have been given many, many, excuses as to why people sin.

I'm telling you, many excuses.

I've heard that old phrase, 'The devil made me do it.'

I've heard, 'I just couldn't help myself.'

I've heard, 'I knew it was wrong--but I was just going to do it once.'

I've even heard, 'I wouldn't have done it if I thought it would hurt someone else.'

I've heard sin referred to as a disease, as a diagnosis, as a result of society.

I've been told it's expected if one's been raised by a single parent, had trauma or experienced hard lives.

But Ahaziah's excuse was a new one...I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't married into it.

The heart of the matter is, and it's a conversation I had just yesterday, it's a heart matter.

Our hearts make us sin.

Not our neighbors, not our lack of sound parental guidance, not our body's chemical make-up, not our communities, not our society, not even our in-laws.

Our hearts.

Our own hearts.

EXPECTED
Today's reading: 2 Kings 4-7

"But Naaman became angry and stalked away. I thought he would surely come out to meet me! he said. I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me!" 2 Kings 5:11 NLT

Expected-having considered a probably or certain outcome; having considered what's reasonable, due or necessary; having considered bound in duty or obligation.

Oh, I've heard sermons preached on Naaman's predicament!

I've heard pastors speak of the handmaiden's faith, Elisha's flippancy and Naaman's 'easy way out' to a healing.

But this morning I'm caught by what Naaman did that I had never seen before--he expected.

He expected things to go differently. Ever been there?

He expected things to look differently. Done that?

He expected God to respond differently than He did. In the middle of that now?

Who are we, and who was Naaman, to have any formal grasp on what and how God will go about doing anything He pleases?

Would you ever have expected in God's glorious creation a mixture or parts and pieces that would produce a hippopotamus? A giraffe? A frog?

Would you have ever expected two cells to meet and 'marry' to form a person? A live human being?

Would you ever have expected in the dead of winter that the beauty and freshness of spring would awaken in every corner of the landscape?

God's not living up to our expectations--He is surpassing them with every passing moment!

AFRAID
Today's reading: 2 Kings 1-3

"Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah; Don't be afraid. Go with them. So Elijah got up and went with the king." 2 Kings 1:15 NLT

Afraid-filled with fear or apprehension.

Maybe, just maybe, you're being asked to go somewhere you are afraid to go.

A meeting with a boss?

A doctor's appointment?

A committee meeting?

An intervention?

Elijah wasn't being invited to a king's throne room for dignitary privileges. Elijah had given the king bad news and now the king wanted to confront him about it.

It was a life or death matter.

Yours, too, right?

You need to do what Elijah did--do it afraid. That's courage.

Go where God has asked you to go.

Do what God has asked you to do.

Believe God has bigger plans than the butterflies in your stomach are allowing you to believe!

Trust that God will walk right in there with you, stand right there beside you, be in your very soul while you endure what ever it is you are called to endure.

Don't be afraid. Go with Him.

THOUGHTLESSLY
Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6

"Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do." Ephesians 5:17 NLT

Thoughtlessly-lacking concern for others; insufficiently alert; done without thinking.

Do I take this verse to heart when I'm faced with a bit of bad news or an unlovely reaction from someone?

Do I pause long enough, within all opportunities to respond, to get God's direction?

Am I responding to another's hurt or pain, or am I reacting to my own?

Am I attempting to look at the 'big picture', seeing where God is in each and every circumstance, how He is at work around me, what He wants me to say--if anything at all?

Am I rushing to worry when I am not, on any single page of Scripture, called to do that?

Am I acting thoughtlessly in any area of my Christian walk?

BELONG
Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3

"But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you were once far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13 NLT

Belong-to be attached by birth, allegiance or dependency.

Birth-I am a child of God!

Allegiance-He is my Savior and is owed every ounce of my service and loyalty.

Dependency-He provides the air I breathe; He causes my heart to beat within my chest; He allows blood to course through my veins; He spins the very earth I reside on; He has provided me with the blessings He has for the life He has ordained me to live; His ways are the best ways for me and I trust Him entirely for those plans to play out; He has forgiven my past, holds tightly these present days and has secured my future.

Yes, I belong to Christ!

INFLUENCED
Today's reading: 1 Kings 19-22

"No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord's sight as did Ahab, for his wife, Jezebel, influenced him." 1 Kings 21:25 NLT

Influenced-to have affected or altered by indirect or intangible means; to have had an effect on the condition or development of.

Sure, one can argue that they are no more and no less than a product of their raising and their environments--until we see those who stand and rise against insurmountable odds.

Influence is very real.

Influence clouds our view.

Influence could very easily become an excuse...and yet, we are all still to be held personally accountable for each and every action, or inaction, we take.

We determine what influences us.

We allow it the leash it needs to touch our lives--or not.

PROVE
Today's reading: 1 Kings 16-18

"At the customary time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command." 1 Kings 18:36 NLT

Prove-to learn or find out by experience; to test the truth, validity or genuineness of; to test the worth or quality of; to turn our especially after trial or test.

When I think of all I believe God has me involved in...

When I ponder the things in life I've accomplished by His strength...

When I look at the tasks I think He has laid before me to be part of...

When I stand before others and speak of my God...

I'm really asking Him to prove Himself in them and to prove that I have done them with the proper attitude and motivation.

That's asking a lot.

Of God? Well, sometimes--because I sure leave Him a huge mess to shine through!

Of me? Yes, to the nth degree! Because when I stand back and ask Him to 'grade' my work, He takes everything into consideration.

Everything.

How quickly I was to obey.

How sure I was in His being able to provide.

How deeply I wanted to please Him.

How full of faith I was when I stepped up to the challenge.

To stand before God, and men, and ask Him to prove Himself in something I have 'built' with my own hands--that's scary...and exciting...and hope-filled...and humbling...and faith!

RIGHT
Today's reading: 1 Kings 13-15

"He committed the same sins as his father before him, and his heart was not right with the Lord his God, as the heart of his ancestor David had been." 1 Kings 15:3 NLT

Right-being in accordance with what is just, good or proper.

Abijam began his new reign with a large red mark against him.

Were his policies well liked? Maybe.

Did he pull up to each meeting the newest and shiniest chariot? Possibly.

Did he kiss the cheeks of all the babies in the crowd? He very well could have.

But his heart wasn't right with the Lord--and that makes everything else done, well, spoiled.

It touches everything.

One's choices. One's decisions. One's character. One's relationships. One's legacy.

Abijam may have made the greatest policy changes ever in the history of Judah--but he's recorded in the Bible as not having his heart right with God.

What a sad obituary.

LED
Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-12

"He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. And sure enough, they led his heart away from the Lord. In Solomon's old age, they turned his heart to worship their gods instead of trusting only in the Lord his God, as his father, David, had done." 1 Kings 11:3- NLT

Led- having been guided or directed along a way.

I don't know if our wise, sage Solomon even saw it coming.

It was, no doubt, subtle.

It was, I'm sure, slow in happening.

It was, I'm guessing here, in an effort to appease.

He was led away from the Lord. His heart was turned from Him. His ways were bent, slowly and methodically.

Even as smart as he was.

You and I have to watch out for the same things!

Slowly and quietly our enemy places things in our lives that divert our attention, cause our eyes to wander and capture the affections of our hearts.

Small things.

Minor dances with things that are less that holy.

Things that we rub up against and they stick to us.

What's leading your heart today? What has detoured you? What might be slowly taking God's place in your life? Look closely--it probably won't be big!

CARRIED
Today's reading: 1 Kings 7-9

"Then the priests and the Levites took the Ark of the Lord, along with the Tabernacle and all its sacred utensils, and carried them up to the Temple." 1 Kings 8:4 NLT

Carried-to have moved while supporting.

Did you know Merriam-Webster lists twenty-three definitions for the word 'carry'?

TWENTY-THREE!

This first definition, the one written above, grabbed my attention out of all of them.

The servants of the Most High God had to bear the weight of the Ark as they re-located it.

The whole weight.

On their shoulders. In the grip of their hands. With the strength of their backs. Using their legs to lift. Utilizing their core. Straining their muscles.

Just to get the Ark to where it needed to be.

And we cannot share the Gospel?

We cannot be depended upon to speak of God's love to at least one person each day?

We don't make the effort to tell another what God has done for us?

Our charge is to carry the Good News to the lost and dying world--so let's pick it up and get it out there!

KEEP
Today's reading: 1 Kings 4-6

"Then the Lord gave this message to Solomon: Concerning the Temple you are building, if you keep all my laws and regulations and obey all my commands, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the people of Israel and never forsake my people." 1 Kings 6:11-13 NLT

Keep-to take notice of by appropriate conduct; to be faithful to; to act fittingly in relation to; to conform to in habits or conduct; to stay in accord with.

As I approach my carefully constructed house of God this morning I want to make sure I'm not just attending, but I am keeping. Keeping His commands, obeying His requests, serving in a way that honors God.

I don't want my time in worship to be simply something I check off my list, but something that my heart draws me to because of Him.

I don't want to just sit in a pew, be doused with the Word and leave unchanged.

I don't want to be an attender, but a worshiper.

The grandest building, God told Solomon, means nothing without a right heart.

UNDERSTANDING
Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-3

"Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself if able to govern this great nation of yours?" 1 Kings 3:9 NLT

Understanding-to hear with attention and interest with a desire to obey.

I'll confess here and now that although I ask God to speak to me, I seldom ask that when He speaks He also gives me an understanding mind.

Maybe because sometimes I want to hear Him, but I don't necessarily want to hear what He needs to say.

Or that what I'm afraid He will say will require a little more of myself than I really want to give.

Or will ask of me things I'm not ready to do.

Or He will ask me to give up a few things I'm quite comfortable continuing to hold on to.

And when I hear Him speak...and don't have that understanding mind...and my heart isn't in tune with what He says...I miss out.

I miss out on blessings.

I miss out on having the opportunity to obey my Creator.

I miss out on living the life He desires me to live.

So as of today, I want to ask that He speaks and that He gives me an understanding heart.

FREE
Today's reading: Galatians 4-6

"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1 NLT

Free-relieved from or lacking something and especially something unpleasant or burdensome; not bound, confined or detained by force.

Don't walk back into your jail cell today.

Don't step up to your enemy with your hands out, ready for the shackles to be placed back on your wrists.

Don't allow yourself to go into the places where your temptations are the strongest.

Don't sit there while Satan binds your thoughts with his rusty, heavy chains.

Our prison door has been torn from its hinges!

Shackles no longer belong on our wrists!

We are no longer subjects of anyone but Christ!

Our hearts and minds are off limits to our enemy!

Freedom has been given to us, the choice to stay free is ours!

MEANINGLESS
Today's reading: Galatians 1-3

"I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die." Galatians 2:21 NLT

Meaningless-having no significant quality; lacking any significance; having no real importance or value.

Treating the grace of God as meaningless? You and I both gasp at the very thought!

Not a day goes by that we shouldn't be reminded and humbled by the depths of His love for us, the lengths to which He went to rescue us and the heights to which He will one day take us.

When we pause to think of the sins He has forgiven us of, we are humbled and in awe of His mercy. We are embarrassed of what He knows about us and that He can love us despite what He knows.

It's only when we refuse that love, fail to respond to His convicting urges and keep this Good News to ourselves that we treat His grace as meaningless.

It happens when we look shallowly into the lives of people and not into their eyes and hearts.

It occurs when accept His forgiveness but fail to forgive ourselves and move forward.

It is when we allow what He's done to become stagnant in our souls and not bubble up and out into our lives.

Is that any way to treat such a glorious gift?

SUREFOOTED
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 22-24

"He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights." 2 Samuel 22:34 NLT

Surefooted-not liable to stumble, fall or err.



You've watched the National Geographic documentaries about mountain goats.

Amazing creatures who spend their lives scaling the steepest heights, jumping from craggy outcrop to craggy outcrop, teetering on the edge of the world.

Know what?

They don't wake up each morning wondering if they can do what they've been made to do.

They don't worry about whether or not their kids will fall off the cliffs.

They don't fret over the height of the mountain before them.

They know what they have been made to do--and they do it.

David tells us God has created His children to do what He asks of them.

He tells us in this portion of Scripture that He has enabled us, He has empowered us, He has equipped us, He has created us to be as surefooted as the mountain goat as we maneuver this life He has called us to live.

So, go climb your mountain! Get all the way to the top! Shout for victory and then plant a flag their for the Lord!

RIGHT
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 19-21

"But there are ten tribes in Israel, the others replied. So we have ten times as much right to the king as you do. Why do you treat us with such contempt? Remember, we were the first to speak of bringing him back to be our king again. The argument continued back and forth, and the men of Judah were very harsh in their replies." 2 Samuel 19:43 NLT

Right-something that one may claim as properly due.

Interesting to note: rights are things that when positive, we are more than willing to fight for in order to receive, when painful or disciplinary in nature, we are more than eager to dismiss.

As a Christian, I'm constantly reminded by His goodness that my rights should, in all reality, keep me from the foot of the Cross.

I am due more pain, suffering and chastisement than blessing.

SEEMED
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 16-18

"Absalom followed Ahithophel's advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God." 2 Samuel 16:23 NLT

Seemed-to have appeared to the observation or understanding; to have given the impression of being.

Things are not always what they seem.

The smoothest, most eloquent talker can lie to you in the most grammatically correct words.

The prettiest smile doesn't make what's said true.

The largest backing doesn't make a wrong right, no matter how many people support it.

We must be so solidly grounded in the Word of God that we can spot a lie a mile off!

That means we have to spend time in it.

That means we have to do the hard stuff, like put aside hobbies in order to study more.

It may mean digging deeper than necessary just to understand.

It might entail following up on what the pastor said, just to make sure.

We cannot believe it just because it seems right, sounds pretty or is presented well!

PRESENCE
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 13-15

"But the king gave this order: Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence. So Absalom did not see the king." 2 Samuel 14:24 NLT

Presence-the part of space within one's immediate vicinity; company.

God,

As I think of the strained relationship David and Absalom had, I'm ever so grateful for your grace, mercy and love!

You could have easily forgiven me of my sins, promised me a home in heaven--but refused me Your presence because of my filth.

But You didn't!

You could have easily have wiped my slate of sins clean, removed from me all desire to turn from Your way and wired me to follow You and You alone--but choose to never allow me to spend one on one time with You.

But You didn't!

You could have easily looked into my future and see the times I would stumble, fall and refuse to get up and still love me--but choose to keep me at a distance because of my unholy mess.

But You didn't!

You have invited me into Your presence. You have urged me to come. You have drawn me and woo-ed me into Your company.

Thank You, Lord and Savior and Friend!

DESPISE
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10-12

"Then David confessed to Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. Nathan replied, Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise and blaspheme him, so your child will die." 2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT

Despise-to look down on with contempt or aversion; to regard as negligible, worthless or distasteful.

Oh, my heart breaks for David in this portion of Scripture.

So many emotions.

So many lives touched by his one, seemingly, private moment of poor judgement.

God.

David.

Nathan.

The enemies of the Lord.

The child.

Bathsheba.

The servants of David.

Us.

Yes, we're touched by it--all these hundreds of years later.

Sin impacts.

But, so does forgiveness!

VICTORIOUS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 7-9

"He placed army garrisons throughout Edom and all the Edomites became David's subjects. This was another example of how the Lord made David victorious wherever he went." 2 Samuel 8:14 NLT

Victorious-having overcome an enemy or antagonist; having achieved mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.

I don't know about you, but I really think I would have liked hanging out with David.

He seemed real.

Royal, but real.

Down to earth. Like he never forgot what it was like to be a shepherd...or the youngest child...or on the run from his enemy.

I believe the victory God gave him made him that way.

Victorious in all areas of his life.

Secure in who he was.

Sure of what he needed to do.

Forgiven for what he had done wrong.

Safe in God's protection.

Confident in the promises of God.

Unwavering in his faith.

Clear in his future.

Oh, to be a person like that! To live a live that shown that brightly of godliness. To be that victorious!