NO KING

Today's reading: Judges 17-21

"In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." Judges 17:6 NLT

As much as we chafe under the laws of the land...

-pay taxes

-obey the speed limit

-no right on red--even when there is no one coming

There are reasons for the rules. There are benefits of obeying them. And there are consequences when we don't.

Doing whatever seems right in our own eyes can lead to chaos and problems.

While doing what you want might be a minor thing--what if every one did it?

Imagine everyone driving the speed they wanted, on any street?

Imagine no one paying taxes?

Imagine serving only ourselves and not attempting to honor God in any way, form or fashion?

Friends, we do have a King--He has asked us to follow some simple commands and following those commands brings honor to Him, blessings to us and draws others to His kingdom.

 

UNDESERVED

Today's reading: Genesis 32-35

"Well, Esau said, at least let me leave some of my men to guide and protect you. There is no reason for you to be so kind to me, Jacob insisted." Genesis 33:15 NLT

Ever been in the position Jacob found himself in that day as he reunited with the brother he had wronged so many years earlier?

Being accepted...

Being received...

Being forgiven...

And you, knowing full well, you don't deserve it at all.

Even the smallest kindnesses are too much to accept.

The simplest gestures are hard to receive.

And yet, they persist in their kindness, their generosity, their love and their forgiveness.

This morning as I read about Jacob and Esau, I'm humbled as I relate their interaction to the bond between God and me.

I don't deserve one iota of His love.

My utter worthlessness makes it hard to accept His blessings.

I am unsuitable to receive the forgiveness He pours into my heart and life.

I get how Jacob felt. I know his story, he didn't deserve Esau's kindness.

I know my own story too well, and knowing what I know--I don't deserve God's either!

THE GRANDEST PRAYERS
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT

Friends, the grandest...

...the most heartfelt...

...the best said...

...the 'tipping the scale' in grammatical accuracy...

...the most King James Version English including...

...the longest...

...the loudest...

...the most emotional...

...of our requests to God don't hold a candle to all He has prepared for us!

His answers surpass our asks.

His ways exceed what we could begin to request.

His timing will always be better than our own.

We cannot imagine, fathom, dream up or think of the things God has prepared for us!

 

DIFFERENT

Today's reading: Matthew 20-22

"But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave." Matthew 20:26-27 NLT

I'm asking myself this morning, How different am I from the unsaved crowd?

God tells me to be unlike those who don't know Him.

He asks me to contrast with the world around me.

I have been commanded to 'stick out' in a dark world like a light.

But how am I doing?

How are you doing?

Our differences can point them to Jesus.

Our separateness can draw them into the church.

Our opposing way of life can intrigue them enough to ask about why we live the way we do.

Our obedience in being mismatched in this world is noticeable when we desire to give God all the glory for it.

So? How are we doing? Is there any marked difference at all?

 

DAILY REMINDER

Today's reading: Isaiah 40-44

"I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will guard and support you, for I have given you to my people as the personal confirmation of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide all nations to me." Isaiah 42:6 NLT

Just so you know, you have been created, birthed, saved, sanctified and set apart to represent God well in this world.

You are a walking, talking billboard of His grace.

You exhibit, in earthly form, His creativity, His compassion and His love.

Your relationship with Him is as much for the world around you as it is for you.

So as you head out in to this great, big world, remember who you are--and more importantly, Whose you are.

Advertise well for our Father.

Announce His greatness with each choice you make.

Proclaim the blessings of being His.

Broadcast His love to everyone you meet.

Put a plug in for His goodness with every word you say.

Be a light for God!

 CAPTURED OUR REASON

Today's reading: Job 15-16

"What has captured your reason? What has weakened your vision, that you turn against God and say all these evil things?" Job 15:12 NLT

Job sits attempting to defend himself against his so-called friends.

The friends who have come to help in his grief.

The friends who will be as bold as to launch attacks against his character while he sits sorrowfully on his pile of ashes.

He asks them what has 'captured' their reason, what has 'weakened' their vision.

What wrong thoughts have made them assume...

What mirage has caused them to believe something that isn't true...

Before I publicly condemn Job's friends, I must admit--it happens to me. All too often.

I base opinions on less than reliable sources.

I make assumptions based upon a restricted view.

I tend to believe I would do differently in the same situations.

I think I know, when I don't know at all.

I jump to conclusions before I hear the entire account--facts and all.

I must be more careful as to what I let capture my reason and weaken my vision, lest I go down in history in the same lot as Job's friends.

MOOD SWINGS

Today's reading: Psalm 21-23

While I cannot pick out a single verse from these three chapters, I have noticed David's mood as he walks us through his three songs...

Psalm 21 are celebratory words written by David after huge victories.

Psalm 22 was penned as David sat in great despair-unloved and rejected.

Psalm 23 was David's reminder of God's care and compassion for us as His lambs.

Celebration. Defeat. Hope.

Mood swings we all experience and endure.

But where David might differ from us...he kept talking to the Lord.

He held no emotion, thought or fear back.

He spoke to God through each and every season of his life--and believed God heard him.

What a lesson for us!

Happy? Talk to God.

Sad? Talk to God.

Mad? Talk to God.

Uncaring? Talk to God. 

WHEN

Today's reading: Judges 12-16

"So Manoah asked him, When your words come true, what kind of rules should govern the boy's life and work?" Judges 13:15 NLT

 Allow me to set the stage...

Aged Manoah and his wife have just been visited by an angel and told they will soon have a son.

A son that will rescue the Israelites from the hard fist of the Philistines.

For most of us, the response to such news would be ignored, laughed at or disregarded.

But as Manoah looked past the number of birthdays he and his wife had been given and the ruthless military records of the Philistines, he believed.

He believed the angel.

He believed God could.

He believed God would.

So he uses, in his response to the angel, one of the most powerful words in the English language...When.

When it happens...

When we hold this boy in our arms...

When we are parenting him...

When we watch as he begins a campaign against the enemy...

When Your promise comes true...

Manoah didn't say, but. Or well. Or provide a long list of excuses. I don't think Manoah even rolled his eyes.

He responded with, When.

I pray that's our response today when God places a promise of His before us.

When, Lord...when.

 WHAT'S MORE

Today's reading: Genesis 28-31

"What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised." Genesis 28:15 NLT

God's words to Jacob should bring us comfort--and joy--and hope!

Not only has God created us...

Sent His Son to die for us...

Knows us, down to the number of hairs on our heads...

Sees us...

What's more-- oh, don't you love those words, He will be with us.

He will protect us.

He will one day bring us safely home.

He will be with us until He has given to us all He has promised!

PLEASING OTHERS

Today's reading: Romans 15-16

"We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord." Romans 15:2 NLT

I challenge you today to put yourself on the back burner--for just a little while.

To put another's needs before yours.

To give someone your place in line.

To pass on a blessing.

Does this mean you aren't worthy of being recognized, blessed or acknowledged? Heavens, no!

Does this mean you are to be a doormat, deny yourself to the point of physical and mental exhaustion, or never ever receive a blessing for yourself? No, emphatically, NO!

It's merely a challenge to watch the circumstances God places you in, and take full advantage of the opportunities presented to build up another in the Lord.

It's like being assigned a 'special agent' badge and awarded the dare, 'Make someone's day!'

Are you up to the challenge? 

Are you willing to take on the charge?

Are you excited to see how and where God will choose to use you?

 

NOT ENOUGH FAITH

Today's reading: Matthew 17-19

"You didn't have enough faith, Jesus told them. I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20 NLT

I don't know about you, but there are more calendar days than not when I lack the faith needed to move mountains.

While I don't audibly hear the Lord speak this verse over me, I know, full well, that it was written all those years ago just for me.

Why don't I have enough faith?

It's not because God hasn't given me opportunity to grow it.

It's not because it isn't fully available to me.

It's not because I, and those in my sphere of influence, don't need it.

It's not because I don't want it--or is it?

Am I the only one who is a little scared of great faith?

The responsibility of having it...

The discernment of when and where to use it...

The enormity of the change occurring with it...

The maintaining of it...Oh, wait--that's the hold-up!

I have little faith because part of me still believes it has anything at all to do with me and my abilities!

I merely need to believe enough, God does the rest.

It's not muscling my way to changing circumstances, or strong-arming my way into enemy territory, or even having the mental fortitude that would change another's mind.

This great faith is wrapped entirely and completely in God.

Do I believe Him or not? 

 GOD'S ENEMIES
Today's reading: Isaiah 34-39

"But I know you well--your comings and goings and all you do. I know the way you have raged against me. And because of your arrogance against me, which I have heard for myself, I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your mouth. I will make you return by the road on which you came." Isaiah 37:28-29 NLT

Do the news reports make you wonder who is really and truly in charge?

Do the happenings around the world, and in your own home, make you question God's sovereignty and control?

Are you beginning to wonder if our enemy doesn't have the upper hand?

Stop wondering--God is in control!

In today's reading, Isaiah prophesies against King Sennacherib as he attempted to overtake Jerusalem.

God's words to Isaiah offered hope to the Jewish people and a warning to the enemy...

I know all about you.

I know all you are attempting to do.

I know the hatred you have against Me.

I know what your record says you have done.

But, little fella, you'll be heading home on the road upon which you arrived!

Now, while I took a few liberties in translating God's words to this enemy, I think we can all agree--the word picture sticks in our mind!

God remains in control. God rules and God reigns. God will send the enemy packing--on the horse he rode in on--the enemy facing the inhabitants of Jerusalem that day, and the enemy who stands against us today.

TELL ME, SHOW ME

Today's reading: Job 13-14

"Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin." Job 13:23 NLT

As Job sat in the ashes of grief, he sought the Lord.

He begged to know what it was that had brought about such calamity in his life, such heartbreak, such discipline from God's hands.

He wanted to know so he might correct his path.

I pray none of us are in a 'Job season;--facing loss, dealing with sorrow, having the rug pulled out from beneath us.

I hope we are all enjoying times of refreshment, growth and sweet fellowship with the Lord.

Whichever season we might be in, it would benefit us greatly to ask the same questions Job asked of God...

 -What have I done wrong?

-Would You show me my rebellion and sin?

It helps to keep a short account with the Lord. To keep our relationship free from any obstacles or issues of separation. 

Maybe, just maybe, the Holy Spirit won't reveal a single thing you need to correct or right--maybe.

CALLING ON THE LORD

Today's reading: Psalm 18-20

"I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies." Psalm 18:3 NLT

If I were to choose a life verse, it might be this one.

A cheer.

A constant reminder.

A mantra of sorts.

To call on the Lord is an act of wisdom. A gesture of faith. A feat of godliness.

But it will also be a complete 180 from my usual decision-making practices...

-When I attempt to muster my resources.

-When I strive to pull myself up by my bootstraps.

-When I try to gather my strengths and muscle my way through the situations at hand.

I will call on the Lord.

This single choice, to call on the Lord, will bless, benefit and favor me all the days of my life.

 

LISTENING TO THE ENEMY

Today's reading: Judges 7-11

"But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack." Judges 7:10-11 NLT

If I were a betting kind of gal, I would wager that a large percentage of tomorrow's sermons will have included in them the phrase, Don't listen to our enemy.

We're told to believe the Word of God. To steer clear of lies. To recognize half-truths as what they truly are--untruths.

But might I say, it wouldn't hurt us to take God's advice to Gideon on occasion...

You see, Gideon was afraid to attack the enemy army. 

He wasn't just nervous. Or antsy. Or a little apprehensive. He was scared to death.

God's advice?

Sneak down to the enemy camp and listen to what they were saying.

Listen to the enemy?

The thing is, God knew what the Midianites were thinking and saying--they were more scared of Gideon's God that Gideon could ever be afraid of them, and even their dreams proved it.

That had to perk up our godly warrior's ears! Imagine the pep it put in his stride! Picture the smile that crept to the corners of Gideon's mouth as he high-tailed it back to his tent and grabbed his ram's horn, clay pot and fellow soldiers!

You see, his enemy, our enemy, is scared of our Lord.

We can't forget that. Ever.

And if some days you need to be reminded of it, just read about Gideon! 

A DAILY PRAYER

Today's reading: Genesis 24-27

"O Lord, God of my master, he prayed, Give me success and show kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey." Genesis 24:12 NLT

Abraham's servant was on a vitally important mission.

He grasped how crucial his journey would be and asked for God's blessing upon it.

But if you will notice, he didn't ask for himself...

He asked for success in order to bless Abraham, his master. He asked for help in completing the task that would please the one he worked for.

What a prayer for us!

Lord God, give me success. Success that brings you glory and honor and praise. Help me do everything you have purposed I do while on this earth. No matter how long my journey lasts, let each and every day of it point others to You. Amen

 NO OBSTACLES

Today's reading: Romans 13-14

"...Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian's path." Romans 14:13 NLT

Mr. Fred Rogers has been quoted as saying...

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Isn't that what our Scripture passage says...Look for those who are building Christ up, and come alongside them.

Are you working with, or against, your brother and sister in Christ? This mission field we're on is not a place for competition.

Are you both on the same team when it comes to preaching the Good News to the world? Denomination shouldn't matter when it comes to proclaiming that, Jesus saves!

Are you in agreement with them that we should all do what it takes to save as many as we can from an eternal hell? We, as His, have one goal--save those who are lost.

My suggestion...

Look for the Christians. You will always find them. Anywhere you go, they will be there.

Watch for opportunities to come alongside another child of God in loving the world, proclaiming His name and being like Jesus! 

 DON'T YOU REMEMBER

Today's reading: Matthew 14-16

"...Don't you remember the five thousand I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of food that were left over? Don't you remember the four thousand fed with seven loaves, with baskets of food left over?" Matthew 16:9-10 NLT

Maybe your prayer time is spent pleading with God about a need you have. A heartfelt request you're making of Him. An area of your life, or in the life of a loved one, where you really need to see Him step in and do a great work.

Could it be, these same requests are teetering on the edge of being frantic?

Might these needs be making you a little anxious, a whole lot impatient and becoming burdensome as you wrangle them under the neat title of 'prayer request' and not the huge worries they are becoming?

Let me quote Jesus...

Don't you remember?

Recall all the answers He has provided in the past!

Remember the many times He came through for you!

Don't forget how good He has been to you all your life!

And if you are struggling to concentrate on what He has done in your life, open the pages of your Bible. There are page after page of examples of His greatness, sovereignty and provision provided for us to read over and learn from.

Don't forget the miracles He has done as you wait for Him to do another!

WHAT'S YOUR WORSHIP AMOUNTING TO?

Today's reading: Isaiah 29-33

"And so the Lord says, These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote." Isaiah 29:13 NLT

What's your worship say about you?

That's the question the Lord asked me as I sat with this verse this morning in my quiet time.

To be honest, there are days that my worship amounts to merely checking a box.

Other times, my worship amounts to doing it because it's Sunday.

Still other opportunities find my worship amounting to nothing--nothing, at all.

Singing songs I don't like. Reading verses I don't understand. Praying prayers that are more grocery list than an appeal to the Most High God. Attending services to be seen as holy, not to appear before the Holy One.

Too often my worship is nothing more than ritual ingrained into my routine.

That's not how God desires we worship Him...

That's not the kind of worship He deserves...

That's not what He ever intended our worship to look like...

Worship is personally moving. Worship is intended to utilize each of our senses. Worship is designed to fill us to overflowing. Worship is the response of awe, love, excitement and trust we have in God.

Our private worship impacts our corporate worship.

What's your worship saying about you?

WHEN HE CLOSES IN

Today's reading: Job 11-12

"...When he closes in on someone, there is no escape." Job 12:14 NLT

I can't begin to guess who might be on your prayer list.

Sons. Daughters. Parents. Grandchildren. Friends. Co-workers. Neighbors.

Some have 'made the list' because of health issues, financial needs or maybe huge decisions they are being forced to make.

I hope some are on your list who need the Lord.

Someone who needs salvation for the first time...

Another who might need strengthening in their Christian walk...

One who has turned their back on the Lord...

Prodigals who are in the far country...

Job's words should be an encouragement to us as we speak each and every name on those lists.

You see, when we ask God to step into the circumstances, situations and lives of loved ones--He will!

He wants them saved even more than we do...

He desires that they come back to Him even more than we do...

He desires that they see Him in their situations and bring Him glory, even more than we do...

He wants them to seek Him, even in the far country, even more than we do...

So keep speaking their names to Him. Continue to ask that He be 'all up in their business'. Request that He close in on them in a way only He can.

Because when He does, they cannot escape!

FILLED WITH SORROW

Today's reading: Psalm 15-17

"Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow..." Psalm 16:4 NLT

I know a gal, rather personally to be honest, that has chased after other gods--and it didn't end well for her.

She, metaphorically speaking, laced up her running shoes, and pursued these idols with all she had.

Time.

Effort.

Blood.

Sweat.

Tears.

Money.

Dedication.

And she caught up with them. Had them in her possession. Was known by her association with them. Allowed them to label her, consume her--suck the life out of her.

Because you see, gods, even the littlest of them, are life-stealers, not life-givers!

 

 IRON CHARIOTS

Today's reading: Judges 1-6

"The Lord was with the people of Judah, and they took possession of the hill country. But they failed to drive out the people living in the plains because the people there had iron chariots." Judges 1:19 NLT

Do you know what an 'excuse' is? 

In Christian terms, an excuse is an attempt to justify, defend or lessen blame for a fault, sinful action, or inaction, often serving as a deceptive cover-up to avoid accountability before God.

An example of an excuse, taken directly from the pages of our Scripture reading for today...Judah not taking possession of ALL the land God had given them based on the fact that the people living there had iron chariots.

Can we agree, that in that day and time, iron chariots would have been literal war machines? 

The fact that these Judah inhabitants had horses, metal and skill would have certainly been fear inducing against wandering slaves-turned-nomads.

So where's the excuse?

The excuse is that the Israelites had God--and didn't use Him against the chariots, the charioteers or their fears!

The excuse was they believed their enemy to be more powerful than their Lord!

The excuse was that, on their own, they couldn't defeat the enemy--so they didn't even try!

They crossed their arms, sat down in the sand, lowered their heads and pointed at the chariots.

Defeated. Disobedient to the Lord's commands. Discouraged. Destined for constant turmoil from their 'neighbors'. 

What about you?

Have excuses you're presenting to the Lord? Does your enemy have 'iron chariots' he is flaunting? Are you forgetting what He has said, what He has done, what He has promised and what He has asked of you?

Maybe, just maybe your enemy has 'iron chariots', but friend--You have God!

 HOW DOES GOD KNOW?

Today's reading: Genesis 20-23

"Lay down the knife, the angel said. Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me." Genesis 22:12 NLT

We can say the Lord is our God.

We can sing the hymns and praise songs to the tops of our lungs.

We can serve in each and every ministry opportunity presented to us.

We can attend church faithfully.

We can know the Bible from Genesis to the maps.

We can own all the Christian t-shirts.

But what's been our 'Abraham moment'?

What is that 'thing' we have given to the Lord that let's Him know we truly and wholeheartedly fear and love Him?

What have we turned over to Him for safe keeping?

What are we trusting Him with--even and especially when we don't see any hope?

Which of our most loved ones have we entrusted on to His altar for His will to be done in their lives, and in ours?

WANTING WHAT I HAVE

Today's reading: Romans 11-12

"I am saying all of this especially for you Gentiles, God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I lay great stress on this, for I want to find a way to make the Jews want what you Gentiles have, and in that way I might save some of them." Romans 11:13-14 NLT

I'm not a Bible scholar, by a long shot--but could it be...

These two verses sum up our goal/purpose/challenge/charge in regards to evangelism?

To live lives that make others want what we have--

To want the Jesus who has saved us.

To desire the Holy Spirit who guides us.

To seek out the God of our hearts, minds and souls.

Friends, if we aren't living in such a way that on occasion we're hearing, I want what you have, are we living as God ordained?

Is our hope evident? Is our peace obvious? Is our love noticeable? Is our servant heart apparent? Is godliness seen? Is humility observed? Is meekness visible? Is forgiveness conspicuous in our relationships?

Are we living godly lives in a way that make others want what we have?

 

FOR OR AGAINST

Today's reading: Matthew 11-13

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." Matthew 12:30 NLT

Maybe you've grown weary of your pastor asking for volunteers. 

Maybe you're tired of your church bulletin being stuffed with forms requesting you sign up to help with the children's programs or upcoming ministry opportunities.

Maybe you're fed up with the constant stream of well-meaning folks in your church asking if you would consider participating in this outreach or that.

Maybe, if that's you, maybe this very verse is for you.

Now before you write me off as just another one of the 'church folk' wanting you to donate time and energy, let me put the verse before you in a different light--or color...

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."

My Bible, and there's a good likelihood yours, too, has this verse printed in red. That color change indicates words spoken by Jesus.

By Jesus.

Not the volunteer committee.

Not the children's church director.

Not the head of the community outreach team.

Those words are spoken by Jesus.

So, read them again...and ask yourself this question--Are you for Him or against Him?

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."-Jesus

 

THE EARTH SUFFERS

Today's reading: Isaiah 23-28

"The earth suffers for the sins of the people, for they have twisted the instructions of God, violated his laws, and broken his everlasting covenant." Isaiah 24:5 NLT

Have you seen the earth suffering?

Maybe you've caught a glimpse of, read an article about, or heard spouted on the news one, or many, of these 'earth struggles'...

Forest fires.

Acid rain.

Melting glaciers.

Animal species becoming endangered, then extinct.

Global warming.

Increased tornadoes.

Droughts.

Flooding.

Whether you believe these occurrences, or not...

Whether these things are happening where you live, or not... 

Whether we can trust the scientific elite, or not...

I think we'll all agree that the earth is groaning with the weight of our sins. 

How can it not? 

When the Creator of all, including us, is disregarded, demeaned, discounted and dismissed--all earth, including us, will suffer for it. 

MONDAY REMINDER

Today's reading: Job 9-10

"You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together. You have me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care." Job 10:10-12 NLT

It seems to me that a Monday morning is the perfect time for a mental reset. A personal inventory. A spiritual about-face.

Monday is a good day to live out what I've heard on Sunday and attempt to do-over what I messed up last week.

Job's words are perfectly placed in my eyesight this morning for such a mission.

His words are a great reminder of just who I am because of God.

These three verses, though spoken in pain and anguish, advise me of my role as created. Merely, but lovingly, created.

Job's words prompt me to place the appropriate praise at God's feet.

His statement suggests that who I am pales in comparison to who He is.

His emotion emphasizes to me the honor, glory and awe I owe Him--today and every day.

Did you need that Monday reminder? Did you need a prompting as to how big our God is?

 

BUT 

Today's reading: Psalm 12-14

"Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, We have defeated him! Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me." Psalm 13:5 NLT

The word, 'but', is pivotal.

The word, 'but', changes the course of ideas and thoughts. 

The word, 'but', proves our level of faith.

How, you ask?

I don't understand the things going on in this world...but I trust in Your unfailing love.

I don't know how things will work out...but I trust in Your unfailing love.

I don't know what You're going to do with this mess I've made...but I trust in Your unfailing love.

Do you see where the word, 'but', links the truth of how you might feel with the dependence upon His sovereignty? That's faith!

The word, 'but', says I'm choosing to stay close to God because I want to see His majesty at work. That's faith!

Where do you need to insert 'but' into your vocabulary?