It Is Finished

What a great Thanksgiving weekend!  A wonderful dinner and delicious left overs. Time with family and friends. Overflowing with gratitude.

The words it is finished may make you think of an empty pie plate or the last bite of the dressing. It may also remind you that the long weekend is over and  today you are back to work and life’s normal routine.

Sitting here this morning those three words have totally engulfed me. I am reflecting on what Jesus has done and continues to do in our daily lives.

“It is finished.”

What do those words mean to you? It could mean the end of a bad relationship. Possibly, it’s  the completion of a special project, something you’ve been working on for a long time, it’s done and you can be proud of the result.  You may be moving to a new place or a new job and your life is filled with uncertainty. Whatever those words mean to you,  Jesus has chosen to be with you in each situation.

If it’s the end of a bad relationship, Jesus knows what it was like to be heart-broken. He was filled with great sorrow as He looked at Jerusalem and saw how they had walked away from the Lord. One of the reasons He came was to heal the broken-hearted and  bring us into right relationship, a relationship with the Father.

Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.”  Luke 4:17-19 NLV

Jesus worked on His earthly project for 33 years. It had been in the planning stage in heaven thousands of years before that. The project of restoring mankind to his original place, a place of right relationship was finished. He had paid the price, redemption was complete. God, the Father, was very pleased with what Jesus had done.

The work on earth was finished. The power of sin was destroyed. It was time to celebrate in heaven.  Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us and then He will come again and take us there. Once we get there, to heaven, a wonderful banquet will be prepared for us to enjoy. Talk about thanksgiving, we will have a wonderful time with family and friends.

There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. ” John 14:2-3 CEV

Now, if it’s time for you to make a move, to transition, to another location or another office, He is there. We have God’s promise that He will never leave us or abandon us. King David said even if I go to hell, He is there.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10 NKJV

Whatever you are saying it is finished to, know that it is time to look ahead with a hopeful heart. God will direct our steps and lead you to a good place.

The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.
He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water.
He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

Thankful for Hope

Have you ever been in a tough place for an extended period of time and wondered if things were ever going to change? I have.

On those days, I am so thankful for the Scriptures verses that I have hidden away in the heart of my memory so that I can remind myself that God is here and my hope is in Him.

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep. ” Psalm 121:1-3 NLV

Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NLV

Circumstances come. They would like to destroy our hope and rob us of the inner peace that God gives but  no circumstance  is bigger than our God!

We have His promises that we don’t face the problems of life on our own. No, He is there with us and He is the one who brings us through victorious!

God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 CEV

The Lord  is faithful!

He provides for us as a good shepherd who looks after His sheep. I have studied Psalm 23 on several occasions. The verses of that Psalm touch me in different ways because of what  may be going on in my life at that particular time. The verse that I relate to most when I am in the midst of a particular struggle is verse 4.

Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 ERV

I will fear no evil for you are with me! Yes, hope brings peace when we keep our eyes on the One who never leaves or abandons us. He walks with us through every situation.

Everything that was written in the Holy Writings long ago was written to teach us. By not giving up, God’s Word gives us strength and hope.” Romans 15:4 NLV

We are not without hope. We have the Lord!

Thank you Lord that your Word gives us strength and it gives us hope.

Thankful for Comfort

Those ten days we were gone brought cooler weather to our southwestern Arizona home.

Our community is higher in elevation than the bigger cities of Tucson and Phoenix so we don’t get the severe heat but we’re not as high as places like Flagstaff and Show Low so we don’t get as cold either.

However, the days are  getting chilly enough that we need to wear a polar fleece or a sweatshirt to be comfortable. It’s a chilly morning. Fall is here and winter is coming. Don’t you appreciate warmth? The coziness of a soft blanket; being able to cuddle into a fuzzy robe; a hot cup of coffee; sitting in front of a fire; a bowl of steaming soup or a soak in the hot tub. Awwww.

Comfort!

Comfort means different things to different people. To some it has to do with the weather; to others comfort is consolation because of a loss; and for still others it can have a financial connotation.

What does comfort mean to you? Where do you go to find it?

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady.
19 And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

“When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life. Conceited people sneer at me, but I obey your Law. I find true comfort, Lord, because your laws have stood the test of time.” Psalm 119:50-52 CEV

Our true comfort doesn’t come from the external things in our lives but from the eternal – from God’s Word and His love. The externals – a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, a glass of wine, a piece of chocolate, financial stability, a shoulder to cry on – are nice but they only bring temporary comfort.

The promises we find in God’s word are eternal, they last forever. They stand the test of time. Jesus spoke plainly with His disciples the night he was arrested.

If you love me, you will do what I command. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper (Comforter) to be with you forever. 17 The Helper is the Spirit of truth.(Holy Spirit) The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you, and he will be in you.” John 14:15-17 ERV

Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would bring help and comfort to all of us who believe in Christ.  This is true and eternal comfort.  The Apostle Paul also wrote of this love and comfort we receive.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.” Philippians 2:1 CEV

I am so thankful that the comfort I receive isn’t based on circumstances, situations, or locations. It is a heart peace that God desires to give to all of us.

My prayer is that you will be “Comfort-abled” today!

Thankful for the Sparrows

I woke up this morning thanking God for His goodness and telling Him of my love.

Yesterday started out to be nothing special. Since we had been gone almost two weeks there were no groceries in the house and Dave had a couple of projects he needed to get to now that we were home. He made a list of things he needed and I made a list of groceries and out the door we went.

As we drove down the interstate we found ourselves counting our blessings. Did you do that too? Simple things – a good, dependable truck; no real traffic; our kids and grandkids; money to buy the groceries that we needed and our home.

Yes, it was a good day. At one of our stops we were able to help a couple buy their groceries. They were so embarrassed when they learned that they didn’t have enough money for the few groceries they were buying. The Lord put it on my heart to help so I told the clerk to add it to our bill and we would pay for it. They were so grateful and God got the glory. They walked out saying “thank God”!

What has all this got to do with being thankful for sparrows? Glad you asked.

Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 CEV

The sparrows that sing each morning from our trees remind me that God is ever-present watching over me so there is no need to be afraid. Just like that couple in the grocery store; the Lord knew their need and provided for them. I love being used.

Those of you who remember watching the Billy Graham Crusades on television may remember George Beverly Shea. He was a soloist who sang many of the special music numbers at the services. There was one song I can still hear him singing, His Eye is on the Sparrow.  If you’re a bit younger than me, you may recall  that Lauryn Hill sang the same song in Sister Act.

  1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
    Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
    When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

    • Refrain:
      I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
      For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
  2. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
    And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
    Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

His eye is on the sparrow. I know He watches me! Oh…so much to be thankful for! He watches me. He cares for me, He provides for me, He loves me!!

I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Has something got you worried – really worried? Take a look at the sparrows; they wake up each morning singing. No worries there, they know God has more than enough bugs to keep them fed.

Aren’t you worth more than birds? Yes,  yes you are and My Father cares for you! Now sing, sing because you know He watches over you.

Precious Moments – Precious Memories

This past week has been so much fun! Dave and I have been taking care of our two youngest grandchildren.

Their folks will be coming home tomorrow evening and our time here will come to an end. What a joy it has been!

I know you think I am going to start bragging about how cute, smart, talented and obedient they are. I would love too but there just isn’t enough time. Suffice it to say, they are sweet and we love them.

These days have been precious…Yes, that’s the word.

Precious is used to describe something with monetary value like precious stones or to describe something emotionally valuable. Our days have been rich with memory making moments.

Looking at these two each day I can see God’s hand of blessing on my family. I can see God’s design in our marriage, our having children and them choosing mates and having children. Yes, it has been a continual pattern of blessing.  God’s provision for us is indeed precious.

How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36: 7 AMPC

We can place our love and trust in Him knowing that He will protect and provide.

Sam and Kristine depended on Dave and I to feed and protect them. They knew we would help them and do what’s right because they were confident of our love.

In the same way, our heavenly Father wants us to trust in His love. He reassures us by telling us how much time He spends thinking about us.

“O Lord my God, many are the great works You have done, and Your thoughts toward us. No one can compare with You! If I were to speak and tell of them, there would be too many to number.” Psalm 40:5 NLV

We have spent the last seven days creating memories, precious memories. Recalling them, at some time in the future, will bring us right back  to this place and the joy we feel now.

That’s the way it is with God. He remembers the good times we’ve had with Him and all the while, He chooses to forget our sins.

 I will show loving-kindness to them and forgive their sins. I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 NLV

The Lord has so many good thoughts and plans for us. He wants our lives full and complete. Each day we spent with Him is a memory-maker.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Lord, thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for the good plans you have for me. Thank you that  you consider me precious. I love you.

Thankful for Help

In the 70’s there was a commercial on television with this slogan; “It’s Shake n Bake, and I helped”.

Do any of you remember that one?

There are so many things we are thankful for and in that list should be those people who are especially near and dear to us. The ones who have helped.

I was talking with Mom yesterday about Thanksgiving and what we were going to be doing and what plans she has. For the last four or five years Mom, my niece and a couple, who are close friends, have gotten together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone works on different aspects of the meal; they share the cooking, enjoy their dinner and then the clean up.

It’s one of those things Mom looks forward too; she loves to cook for people. She really doesn’t do it anymore because of her age. So it makes those times when she can even more special.

When I was a girl we always had families over to share the holidays. We lived in AZ and most of our relatives lived in Iowa so, we didn’t have big family gatherings. Our friends were our family and they were around our table as often as possible.

Mom had a way of making everyone feel at home. She has a true gift of hospitality. This year, at 95, she is still wanting to help and said she really hoped there would be something she could do in the kitchen to be part of the preparation. She’s spent her life giving and doing for others and she’s not ready to quit yet.

I thank God every time I remember you. And I always pray for all of you with joy. I thank God for the help you gave me while I told people the Good News. You helped from the first day you believed until now.” Philippians 1:3-5 ERV

People with a helpful heart are a gift! They come in and without being asked, lighten the load. That unselfish attitude is a gift from God!

Yesterday had another example of helpfulness. Shortly after I hung up from talking with Mom, I was getting things ready for our evening meal. I asked our three-year old grandson, Sam, if he would like to help me set the table. His eyes lit up, a big grin spread across his face and he came running.

The very young and the elderly both with hearts to help! It’s their calling.

In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others.

We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us. Whoever has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in a way that fits the kind of faith they have. Whoever has the gift of serving should serve. Whoever has the gift of teaching should teach. Whoever has the gift of comforting others should do that. Whoever has the gift of giving to help others should give generously. Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it. Whoever has the gift of showing kindness to others should do it gladly.” Romans 12:5-8 ERV

There in verse seven, serving is called a gift. None of us are capable of doing everything on our own. We need those “helping” people by our side. It’s not only for our benefit but its the fulfillment of who they are. I am so thankful for the assistance I receive from others and I desire to be more helpful.

It might not be a “Shake n Bake” kind of moment but whatever it is, I’m certainly thankful for those who help!

 

Wait for It

Ever have one of those days when it seems like all you do is wait?

The other day I made this pumpkin coffee cake. It was a new recipe and looked delicious. I got it all mixed up and in the oven, set the timer and walked away. The timer beeped and I opened the oven door to a wonderful smell but as I pulled it from the oven it jiggled in the middle; it wasn’t done. I had set the oven to the wrong temperature.

So, I turned the oven up to the correct temp and let it cook a little longer. Not quite done, 5 more minutes…Wait for it! It was delicious.

This summer when temperatures were high I heard the weather forecasters say, “things will be cooling off soon, just wait for it.” We tell little children that it will soon be a special event like their birthday, vacation or Christmas “just wait for it”.

In a microwave, insta-pot,  google search generation it’s hard to wait for anything.

Good things are worth waiting for.

When we need strength…     “ I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

Things not going right …      “Rest in the Lord and be willing to wait for Him. Do not trouble yourself when all goes well with the one who carries out his sinful plans. Stop being angry. Turn away from fighting. Do not trouble yourself. It leads only to wrong-doing. ” Psalm 37:6-8 NLV

Need answer to prayer…   “I wait for the Lord. My soul waits and I hope in His Word. My soul waits for the Lord more than one who watches for the morning; yes, more than one who watches for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6 NLV

Waiting is not something we do well. However, if we rush too quickly the result will not be good, just like my coffee cake. No one wants to eat a half-baked cake.

He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength. 30 Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NLV

Whatever it is you need, give it to the Lord and then…wait for it! Provision is on the way.

 

 

 

Has Life Left You Frayed?

Do you know what tensile strength is? And why it’s important?

This is the definition from the Simple English Wikipedia. “Tensile strength is a measurement of the force required to pull something such as rope, wire, or a structural beam to the point where it breaks. The tensile strength of a material is the maximum amount of tensile stress that it can take before failure, for example breaking.

It’s important to know the tensile strength of wire cable when it’s being used to lift or suspend extremely heavy objects. I’ve seen pictures, disastrous pictures, at high-rise construction sites when a cable breaks and objects come falling to the ground. The strength of the cable was overestimated.

Equally important is knowing the tensile strength of a rope, chain or tie down strap that is used  for towing. If someone is stuck in snow or mud and you’re going to try to pull them out, it’s essential that to know how much weight the tow rope can handle.  If it’s not strong enough it will snap before the vehicle is freed from its plight.

But what does all this have to do with us? Glad you asked.

If we try to lift a load emotionally that is too heavy or we try to carry it for too long, we can come dangerously close to reaching our maximum strength and we can snap.  Ever been to that point? Perhaps you’ve end said that’s the straw that broke the camel’s back – I’m done with you, I’m done with this. It’s over. I can’t take anymore!

What a horrible place to be? We weren’t made to carry those types of burdens or handle that kind of stress. That’s why God instructs us all through His word that He is our strength.

Moses and the Israelites sang this song in praise of the LordI sing praises to the Lord  for his great victory! He has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.

The Lord is my strength, the reason for my song, because he has saved me. I praise and honor the Lordhe is my God and the God of my ancestors. The Lord is his name, and he is a warrior!” Exodus 15:1-3 CEV

This is part of the song that Moses and the Israelites sang on the other side of the Red Sea. They had fled Egypt in the middle of the night and pharaoh was pursuing them with the armies of Egypt. They came to the Red Sea and the Lord displayed his strength by holding back the waters so the people of Israel could cross on dry ground. When the Egyptians started to follow after them the Lord released the waters and all the Egyptians drown.  They were celebrating God’s strength and saving power.

I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. I call to the Lord, Who has the right to be praised. And I am saved from those who hate me.” Psalm 18:1-3 NLV

King David wrote this praise to the Lord after he was delivered from the hand of King Saul. Saul hated David and hunted him like a wild animal. Saul was ruthless but David would not do anything to harm Saul because he was the king God had anointed. David knew he was to be the new king of Israel but he had integrity and trust in God which kept him from harming Saul.

I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers. 7 You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song. You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones.” Psalm 28:6-8 CEV

God gives us strength not of our own ability but by His ability.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. 29 He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength. 30 Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NLV

When we feel like the rope or the cable that is holding our world together is beginning to fray, God is there! He gives strength to us when we become weary. When we come to our end, He is just beginning.

Tensile strength. How much can we take without breaking?  God wants us to lay down our rope or cable and let Him use his.

I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLV

Angie’s List

This morning I would like to tell you about a lady named Angie.

She had a wonderful smile and a heart for God. She would get up each day and ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do today and whose life do you want me to touch?”

Then she’d get her husband off to work, her kids out the door to school and she would go about her day listening to the Lord and being obedient to what she felt he was leading her to do.

When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”

37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? 38 When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear 39 or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”

40 The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV

I remember one story in particular that she told me. She had gone to run an errand and on her way home she “just felt” like she needed to turn down a particular street, so she did. Down that street a ways  she felt she should stop, so she did. As she looked at all the houses that were on both sides of the street one of the houses drew her attention. She walked up to the front door, knocked and told the young mother who answered that she was there to help. And she did.

She helped with dishes, cleaning and told the young mother before she left that the Lord had brought her there because He loved her and wanted her to know she wasn’t alone.

Now that’s following the Lord’s leading and meeting the needs of others.

I must say that I have never been that “led”. Maybe I don’t listen as well but I have been able to help pay for someone’s groceries and taken a neighbor cinnamon rolls just after they found out a relative died. I have held a crying woman in my arms and prayed for her in the pharmacy.

I’m not bragging on Angie and I’m certainly not bragging on myself but what I am saying is there are times that God is giving us opportunity to follow His lead and reach out to help.

 God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. ” II Corinthians 9:8 CEV

Don’t think that “I can’t do something like that because I don’t have what it takes”. God is always faithful to supply what we need for every situation – the right words, the right talents, the right love.

God has used others to help when I was in need. Some of that help was financial, some was bags full of groceries. Others helped with the laundry and house cleaning, some provided meals. And still others provided a shoulder to lean  on and a prayer for comfort and direction. Each and everyone was used by the Lord to meet a need. I am so grateful.

Let these words burn into our hearts, Lord. “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

 

 

Push the Refresh Button

So much of our verbiage has changed since computer technology has become common place.

Download, hard drive, upload, Google search, the cloud, USB, thumb drives, memory, gigs…

Refresh.

Refresh the screen, refresh the document, refresh the file. When we do this, we find that some information may have been removed and in other cases, we find that information has been added. Just that simple.

I remember when I first started using email consistently. I would refresh the mailbox several times a day, wondering if anyone had sent something new . I loved finding emails from the kids or from friends. There were also responses to business dealings that I waited for. Refreshing became what I did.

But it wasn’t always so refreshing – sometimes it was just down right frustrating. Things I had been wanting to save would be gone and news I was waiting for hadn’t come.

And now things are so much faster. We live in a world of instant gratification, instant message, instant soup and waiting is not something we do well.

Is it any wonder  the Lord calls us aside to rest and be refreshed?

With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverbs 3:6-8 ERV

Hitting the refresh button spiritually is like wiping the slate clean. Deleting those things that cause worry, stress, undo concern. They are removed from the document of our lives and we can rest and regain health (emotional, physical & spiritual).

“Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. 29 Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls. 30 For My way of carrying a load is easy and My load is not heavy.”  Matthew 11:28-30 NLV

When we come to Jesus with the loads that are weighing us down He gives us rest. He shoulders the burden and makes the load lighter.

Refreshing the screen not only deletes things are harmful and worrisome; it can bring the addition of new and helpful information.

You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

Words of encouragement from the Lord are like peaceful streams and cool pastures. It’s refreshing to know that the Lord will lead us along a good path.

What’s on the screen of life’s computer? Are there things that need to be deleted? Any comments or directions that need to be added?

Refresh the screen and let the Lord bring you to a place of rest.