Category: Psalms

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Loud & Noisy

When will I learn? Once again it happened; that annoying three beep blast from the smoke detector at 3:30 a.m.! It’s now 4:30 and my heart rate is just now coming back to normal…I can guarantee you that I have now written on my calendar “Change Batteries” on both September 1 and March 1.

A noisy gong and a clanging cymbal! Life has many obtrusive interruptions. The Apostle Paul writes about such things.

“ If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” I Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT

These are the first verses in what is called the love chapter. Paul is telling us that we may have all sorts of talents, abilities and motivations but if they aren’t done with a loving attitude then our good deeds are worthless, annoying and for self-gratification.

Like a clanging cymbal!

However, when done from a heart of love, a servant’s heart, people’s lives are impacted and they are pointed to Jesus.

“But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light.” I Peter 2:9 ERV

A clanging cymbal can be either an annoyance or a sound of joy and comfort. The little toy monkey pictured with this morning’s blog is one of the most annoying toys ever. Clang- Clang- Clang! It can certainly be compared to the blast of the smoke alarm.

But then there is the blast of the horn of a fire truck on it’s way to rescue someone or the siren of an ambulance. Those sounds might annoy drivers in traffic or someone in their home trying to nap but they most definitely bring comfort to the one who made the 9-1-1 call.

The clanging cymbal – it can be like the little toy monkey or it can be like the finale of the 1812 Overture. It can be dreaded or excitedly embraced! The same is true of our actions. We can be annoying because the things we do are void of love or we can be a comfort and source of joy.

“Praise him with a clash of cymbals;  praise him with loud clanging cymbals. 6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:5-6 NLT

Today I choose to be a loud clanging cymbal used to praise God and tell of His greatness!

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Start With a Clap

“If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands. If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands. If you’re happy and you know then your face with surely show it. If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.”

I have to start the morning with a joy filled heart! I choose to be happy; there is a little rain, lightning in the distance and a faint sound of thunder. The morning is starting and I don’t want to miss it.

A joy-filled day – let’s see a show of hands of how many of you experienced a full day of joy. I must admit that yesterday I got distracted a few times – I forgot that I was in the Father’s presence and I discovered that attempting to do things in my own strength and power was tiring at best and frustrating too. But today is a new day, a new opportunity to be joy-filled.

“ My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4 CEV

In the King James version of this verse it says “Count it all joy”.

Really? Count it joy when you fall into temptations – really? Yes, the joy comes from knowing that we’re not in this alone! God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. It means we are in His presence and in His presence there is fullness of joy! Joy in knowing He is able, joy in knowing that we aren’t operating under our own power or our own wisdom, joy in knowing that He has created us to be victorious! When I realize all of this and focus on it, I am growing and maturing, becoming the more Christ-like .

In John 16, Jesus was talking with his disciples the night before His crucifixion. He was giving them last minute instructions. He told them that they would all abandon Him and that He would be alone but He quickly added that the Father would be with Him so He wouldn’t really be alone. (In His presence is fullness of joy)!

He then told the disciples that they would have troubles in this world. Not as big as the crucifixion but troubles all the same. His next words may have seemed strange to them, He said “Be of good cheer (find joy), for I have overcome the world”. Jesus had just told them how he was overcoming the trials in His life – He wasn’t looking for the support of friends and followers but He was simply looking to the One who would never leave or forsake, the Father, and in the Father’s presence is victory and fullness of joy.

“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. 10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:9-11 NLT

So let’s try this again today. I am determined that I will have a joy-filled day. I will keep my mind focused on the Father and in His presence I will have fullness of joy!

If you’re happy and you know it CLAP!

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The Smallest Details

I am amazed every time I am out in nature! God’s handiwork can be overwhelming. When we were in the mountains we took our grandson on a couple of nature hikes. We wanted him to see things that he didn’t experience at home. We found a massive Ponderosa pine tree that had fallen and the roots were exposed. Tangled in the root base were big rocks. Can you imagine the strength it took for those roots to push past them and go deeper into the earth to provide the stability for the tree’s growth?

Then just a few steps later we were looking at mushrooms. All kinds of mushrooms – yellow, pink, orange, red and white mushrooms. Why didn’t God just create one kind? They all appeared to be similar in structure – just different colors. Another opportunity to stop and wonder at the greatest of God.

And then there were the flowers…I’m not sure if they were echinacea or Spanish daisies but I had to stop. Just like I stopped for the young deer playing tag by the road side or the turkeys coming down from their roost in the pines or the herd of elk in the meadow enjoying their morning grazing. All of these sightings caused me to stop and ponder the greatness of my Father.

I understand the words of the Psalmist:

“When I look up and think about Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in their place, 4 what is man, that You think of him, the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor. 6 You made him to rule over the works of Your hands. You put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and cattle, all the wild animals, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and all that pass through the sea. 9 O Lord, our Lord, how great is Your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:3-9 NLV

What is man that You think of him? With all that the Father has made and all He has done I am awed when I think that He desires relationship with me. There is no room for self-loathing and low esteem when we realize that the God, who created the universe, loves us and desires a personal relationship with us.

Recently our daughter posted an ultrasound image of her unborn daughter to Facebook. Less than nine weeks and baby Elizabeth will be here to greet us all. Kaci has studied that image and knows every bump and wiggle – this is her and Stephen’s daughter. They are “mindful” of her existence and her development. They already have two children, Sam and Kristine, but their hearts are full of love for Elizabeth. That’s the amazing thing about a parent’s heart – it’s expandable and will have more than enough love for every child.

That’s how the Father’s heart is toward all of us, loving and expansive!

Jesus wanted us to know the depth of the Father’s love and gave this example to the disciples so that they could gain understanding and know the answer to the Psalmist question, what is man that You think of him.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6:25-30 NLT

If God knows about the birds, the trees, the flowers, the elk, the deer and the mushrooms don’t you think that He knows and cares so much more for us?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33

Take a look around today. Look for the smallest details in nature; God created the minute and the great. But most importantly of all He loves us and He cares for us!

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Making Memories

Yesterday I spent most of my day sorting through pictures and making a photo book for Sam. We want him to remember the fun he had on his first camping trip. He was only in the mountains for forty-eight hours and we have over three hundred photos of his adventure!

Everything was new – some things he eagerly embraced and at other times he had to be coaxed.

It made me think. Our heavenly Father has a photographic memory. He doesn’t forget a thing. How many images of us doing new things does He have? Are we smiling and enjoying the new opportunities He has for us or do we need to be encouraged to try something different? Are there images of us dragging our feet and greatly resisting the opportunities set before us? Or do we ignore instruction and run off into areas of danger?

Kim had the forethought to bring boundary cones. You know those bright orange/pink cones you see in the grocery store to keep you away from a wet floor or on an athletic field to let you know the ball has gone out of bounds. Sam knew he could go anywhere he wanted within the area of the cones. If he wanted to go passed them he had to ask permission or have an adult with him.

“I am the Lord. That is My name. I will not give My shining-greatness to another, or My praise to false gods. 9 See, the things told about in the past have happened. Now I speak about new things. Before they happen I will tell you about them.” 10 Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing His praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands and those who live on them. ” Isaiah 42:8-10 NLV

The Lord has new things to show us. He wants us to experience all of His goodness.

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 NLT

Another translation of this verse says “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” How did the world get the idea that God is wanting to punish and treat them harshly? All through the Bible God tells of His unconditional love and amazing grace. His desire is to bless us with good things.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Jesus came to give us “new” life, completely forgiven, and made right with the Father. It was a new covenant, one that had never been before. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord has put His laws in our hearts and minds. (He put up the boundary cones for our protection) Then He made a promise to forget all that we had done wrong.

“The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:15-17 ERV

So, let me ask you again what pictures did the Father take of you yesterday? Are you enjoying ALL of his goodness? Learn new things, have new experiences and make new and lasting memories with God!

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Encouragement

Encouragement…we all need it from time to time. Maybe you know someone who has been going through a really tough time or maybe you see a stranger and sense that they just need a smile or a kind word. It might be your child or spouse, it could be a waitress or checker at the grocery store.

Keep your eyes open and your heart ready – ask the Lord to use you to bring hope, strength and joy to someone today.

But maybe you’re thinking, I wish someone would do that for me today. I need to be encouraged – I need a kind word! Take heart. I have good news for you!

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 KJV

David’s wife and children had been stolen along with the wives and children of his men. His men were so distraught they were considering killing David because they felt it was “all his fault”. David needed someone to encourage him but there was no one, so he encouraged himself…one version says he strengthened himself.

“All the men in the army were sad and angry because their sons and daughters were taken as prisoners. The men were talking about killing David with stones. This upset David very much, but he found strength in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 ERV

Maybe that’s how you feel today. If you need to encourage yourself today start with this verse. Look in the mirror and read it to yourself.

“You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! 15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb. 16 You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing.” Psalm 139:13-16 ERV

If no one else is there to offer words of encouragement this should put a smile on your face and hope in your heart! God formed you and He saw to it that nothing was missing in your development. He is still with you promising to never leave you or abandon you! You’re not alone!

Now take what the Lord has done for you and give hope to others. It’s wonderful to know that you can be used even in your toughest moments!

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Sweet Peace

Believe it or not there are times when I get up in the morning that I really just want to go back to bed and get a little more rest. It’s true. This morning was one of those. I found myself sitting in my rocker, resting my head on hands, closing my eyes and seeking just a few more moments of peaceful sleep.

I found myself apologizing to the Lord. I had cut my prayer time short however, my heart was still in a place of talking to the Father but it was sleepy talk. I just kept repeating over and over, “Father I love you and I am so glad to be in Your presence”.

“The God Who lives forever is your safe place. His arms are always under you.” Deuteronomy 33:27 NLT

I felt cradled in His arms and there was such peace in those moments. And as I was taking rest in those moments I suddenly felt energized, ready for the day. Joy was filling my heart and giving me strength to replace the weariness.

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

I remember when our son was small, I had left him in the kitchen to finish his lunch while I went to the other room to do something. When I came back his head was on the table and he was sound asleep. That’s how I felt this morning.

“‘For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.’ 26 At this, I woke up and looked around. My sleep had been very sweet.” Jeremiah 31:25-26 NLT

Maybe your Monday is starting a little slower than usual. Maybe you are like me, wishing for a few more moments to rest. Stop now, for just a moment, and let God give you strength and joy for your day.

“Don’t you know?  Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God,  Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured. 29 The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired,  then stumble and fall.
31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles  soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:28-31 CEV

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Good Morning Lord!

Getting up this morning did you give thanks to the Lord or did you complain about what your day has in store? My day started with waking to the sound of a gentle rain. Nice!

Are you able to drive to work instead of walk? Praise the Lord! If you have no car are you able to walk? Praise the Lord! Do you have a job to go to? Praise the Lord.

Do you have people in your life that are abrasive and aggravating? Or folks who are loving, kind and fun to be around? Then Praise the Lord! The aggravating help you appreciate the loving.

Were you able to have a hot cup of coffee and even some breakfast? Praise the Lord.
Ok, so do you see where I’m going with this – there is always something to Praise the Lord for.

“Thank the LORD for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people.
9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:7-8

What is it in your life that you consider good? Health, friends, family, career, cash in your pocket, a nice car, your boat, a new home, a well-trained horse, a shot gun, the right to bear arms – what?

If it’s good, it’s a gift from God so make sure you thank Him today and that you look at all you have to be thankful for instead of wasting precious time being resentful for something “more” you think you should have.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18

Let praise be the start and the end of your conversations today.

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Death’s Valley

Seems the last few days the Lord has me encouraging you to stand strong during the storms. Some of you must be battered and weary or could it be that the Lord is giving us advanced warning of something that is coming so we can take shelter and remain safe?

A couple weeks ago a dear friend of ours died. He and his wife had provided worship music for us when we started Christian Cowboys Association. We met them one night after a “Cowboy Cathedral”, our Friday night cowboy church service, in Scottsdale. It was right about the time of our first year birthday. We found out they sang cowboy gospel music and so we invited them to join us for that celebration and asked them to do some music. That was it! God put us together and for the several years Don and Ann were at every cowboy campmeeting, rodeo service and most of the Cowboy Cathedrals. We were together several times a week – what a sweet couple and wonderful fellowship.

When I became pregnant with our youngest daughter we asked Don and Ann to take the ministry and continue the outreach to working cowboys and the kids in the youth rodeos. They did. And they continued to share God’s love with those special people for many more years.

I tell you that as background for what I’m about to say.

This morning I woke with the words of a song filling my heart and my head. It was one of the songs that I had heard Don and Ann sing at nearly every Cowboy Service. Their harmonizing was what I heard and as I sit here quietly, if I close my eyes I can see them singing and hear their voices. Ann playing stand up bass and Don playing guitar. I knew I had to share the words with you.

I feel the touch of hands so kind and gentle,
They’re leading me in paths that I must trod;
I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me,
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise,
They won’t worry me for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God;
He walks with me and naught of Earth can harm me,
Sheltered safe within the arms of God.

Soon I shall hear the call from Heaven’s portals,
Come home my child, it’s the last mile you must trod;
I’ll fall asleep and wake in God’s new Heaven,
Sheltered safe within the arms of God.

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise,
They won’t worry me for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God;
He walks with me and naught of Earth can harm me,
Sheltered safe within the arms of God.

Sheltered safe within the arms of God! lyrics by Dottie Rambo

I’ve been silently singing along and I thought of Psalm 23 and the particular phrase “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear for You are with me”. Shadows can be scary. If you don’t think so try walking through a dark alley or a cemetery at night. Your mind will play all sorts of tricks on you and you end up seeing so many things that aren’t real, they are just shadows.

The image I used this morning is a picture that was taken in Death Valley. It’s a hot and desolate place. You can see for miles and there is nothing but more desert, more emptiness. To be lost out there is almost certain death, hence the name. Almost nothing grows there and in the summer time it’s as hot as an oven. There in the shadow of its rocky crags you are in the “valley of the shadow of death”.

But…

We’re not alone! We are sheltered safe within the arms of our loving God and heavenly Father.

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. 5 You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. 6 For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23 NLV

Fear of the unknown – fear of the storms – fear of failure – fear of being alone – fear of financial ruin – fear of divorce – fear of death…all of these and more can be devastating. They are daunting shadows, they are the “what if’s” of life. But remember, we are not alone; do not fear!

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

“God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, ‘The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.’” Hebrews 13:5b,6 NLV

Fear not!

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Midst of the Storm

Have you been some place where you watched the storm clouds roll in? You can see them coming across the canyon, above the city or building on the horizon. Does the wind begin to blow, do the birds stop singing or does the air become completely still? You know it’s coming and it’s time to brace for the “big one”.

When we were in Iowa we would receive tornado warnings, the coastal areas get hurricane watches or tsunami warnings, the mountains get blizzard reports. Here in Arizona we get flash flood warnings and thunderstorm alerts. They can be terrifying.

And then there are those storms that come with no warning. You look out the window and there it is.

Have you noticed how there are times when life’s storms come quickly and rob us of our peace and rest? It’s important that we know God’s word and His promises during those times so that we can continue to have peace in the midst of the storm. Maybe you are experiencing something similar to what these sailors went through.

“Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. 28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,  and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30 What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” Psalm 107:26-30 NLT

In this case the Lord calmed the waves, stopped the storm and brought them to safe harbor. The Bible also tells us about a time when Jesus was in the midst of a storm; He was sleeping through it. That is until the disciples woke him during their panic.

“While they were sailing, Jesus slept. A big storm blew across the lake, and the boat began to fill with water. They were in danger. 24 The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, “Master! Master! We will drown! Jesus got up. He gave a command to the wind and the waves. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 25 He said to his followers, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed. They said to each other, “What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, and they obey him.” Matthew 8:23-25 ERV

Our goal is to be like Jesus and to be able to “sleep” in the midst of the storm – knowing that the Father has this handled. Peter was in the boat with Jesus that night and he was scared! However, just a few months later Peter had learned He could trust God no matter the circumstances and when he was beaten and thrown into prison he slept. The angel that came to rescue him had to bump Peter to wake him up. Peter was resting in the Lord in the midst of his storm.

Paul and Silas sang in the midst of their storm. Singing at midnight in prison after having been beaten and during an earthquake showed the confidence that they had in God.

Sometimes I have been like the sailors in the boat who have panicked and cried out to God in the storm. At other times I have been like Peter and even Paul and Silas and have been able to rest and sing during life’s storms. I definitely prefer the rest and singing part.

What’s your storm? It may be cancer or other health issues; possibly it’s financial, marital, rebellious children, or personal attacks. Don’t be overwhelmed by the rough seas or the storm clouds. Storms will come but if we stand on God’s word we can be at peace!

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 ERV

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Travel Carefree Hwy

There is a town in Arizona named Carefree. Stop and think about that for a moment. People don’t think about the meaning in names or words much anymore but words are containers filled with meaning.

Care free. Free from worry, anxiety or care.

I woke up to a beautiful morning. Last night’s rain has left the air clean and fresh. In fact, I slept in. I think it may have been the soothing sound of the rain gently falling on the sky light in the next room. It was and is so refreshing.

However, I do not delude myself; some of you woke this morning weighed down with cares that seem overwhelming. Worries that plagued your sleep. Anxieties that gripped your heart and left you unsure that you even wanted to face the day.

“Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer. I feel hopeless. Don’t turn away and leave me here to die. 8 Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance. 9 Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord! I come to you for safety. 10 You are my God. Show me what you want me to do and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path. 11 Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life safe. Use your saving power to protect me from trouble. 12 I am your servant. Show how much you love me by destroying my enemies.” Psalm 143:7-12 CEV

The best way to live in Carefree is to let the Lord guide you, He will give you hope, safety and peace. He is always there to protect us.

We can trust Him to be our strength and our peace. And when we hear the Lord speak to us from His word we need to be obedient. He will not lead us astray. He is faithful!

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. 7 Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the Lord  and stay away from evil. 8 This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.” Proverbs 3:5-8 CEV

Trust the Lord today; He will direct you down the road to “carefree”.

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