Olly Olly Oxen Free

Right now, there are three littles up in the loft, still sleeping. We had a great day yesterday. They had so much fun and are loving our new home and it will be a place they can enjoy for years to come.

It’s hard for me to follow my normal morning routine without waking them so this morning I’d like to share something I wrote some years back. A few days back I wrote about “Hide and Seek”, which was really more about seeking than hiding. Today I will share on how and when we need to hide.

As a kid, we used to have great games of hide n seek on our block on a summer evenings. Most of the time I would be one of the first caught because I was one of the youngest and didn’t hide too well.

Occasionally there would be that time when no one could find me and I dreaded hearing them call out “Olly, Olly, Oxen Free”. (Side note: I have since learned that really had been “All ye, all ye, outs in free”.) I didn’t want to reveal my hiding place because I could use it again. I was safe and well hidden.

In life there have been times that I have stood in the face of trouble and defiantly said give me your best shot – I can take it. Sometimes this was a foolish confidence in my own strength and at other times it was a secure declaration of my victory in Christ.

But there have also been those times that my desire was to be securely hidden; not wanting to be seen or found because I needed a time to rest.

God is so good that way! Giving us time to hide under the shadow of His wings; time to regain our strength, time to build spiritual muscle, time to grow in Him.

“You are a hiding place for me. You protect me from my troubles. You surround me and protect me, so I sing about the way you saved me. Selah 8 The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide.” Psalm 32:7-8 ERV

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.
I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” Psalm 91:1-2 ERV

“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 40:30-31 CEV

Whether you’re on the front lines of battle today or in a secure place of hiding I want you to know that the Father is there to give you rest when you’re weary, strength for the battle and victory over the enemy.

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

It’s ok to hide when He is our hiding place!

Make Today Count

Dave and I were sitting on the deck last night and talking about what is to come in the future. The end of next week we have two different families whose children are getting married. These are kids we saw growing up – now they are starting families of their own.

Dave said it will be a long time before we have another wedding in our family. The older grandkids have started their lives and homes, but the littles are still years removed from that. We wonder, will we be here to be a part of it. Only God knows that answer.

This week some of those close to us have lost loved ones to death.

It makes us ever more aware that we should be living each day with purpose and making the most of the days we have.

When we read the book of Romans it’s almost as if the Apostle Paul was reading the headlines in yesterday’s paper. His instructions are so direct and timely to the world we are living in. There is nothing “old fashioned” about his teaching.

“You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. 12 Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. 13 So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. 14 Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.” Romans 13:11-14 CEV

It’s time to wake up! Making each day count.

Time to live the life that Jesus has called us to live. The Lord’s coming back soon. Yes, that’s been said since the time that Paul was on the earth but look how much sooner it is now than it was then. Look how much sooner it is than just 5-10 years ago.

Why the delay? I know but one answer to that question.

“Dear friends, don’t forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. 9 The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 10 The day of the Lord’s return will surprise us like a thief…” II Peter 3:8-10a CEV

God, the Father, is being patient and loving as He waits for everyone to respond to His love.

We have been given the opportunity to be light in this world, let’s make today count and fill it with His goodness.

Don’t Be Discouraged!

I realized yesterday when I talked about hardships that some of those reading this blog may be discouraged by that thought. So, let’s continue on.

As I pointed out the Apostle Paul had many opportunities to become discouraged because his hardships were many. However, he never accepted defeat. Instead of going from battle to battle, he went from victory to victory. He had his mind set, like concrete, in the truth of God’s word.

“Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLV

When we come to Christ and begin to study God’s word there is a transformation that begins to take place in our minds. Instead of seeing limitations we see God’s intervention and His power.

 It is true, we live in a body of flesh. But we do not fight like people of the world. We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 NLV

The people Paul was writing to were used to seeing soldiers invading their lands; fighting men ready to conquer a weaker or diminished force. He pointed out that ours was a different kind of battle. Ours is a battle of faith – trusting and believing God to do what He has promised. Breaking down every thought that tries to diminish the power of God in our lives.

“This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength11 Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12 Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13 Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:10-13 NLV

Still standing! Going from victory to victory.

Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victoryNo one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” I Corinthians 15:57 ERV

Hardships, yes. Victory? Absolutely, through Christ we always triumph!

Just Call

How many times each day do we wonder about something? We try to figure out the best way of doing things. We need answers and although friends and colleagues may try to help their assistance is often limited.

That’s why my morning quiet times are so important to me. I talk to the Father about things I know will occur throughout the day, plans I am making for the future and the daily unseen events that interrupt and cause me to make course corrections.

When I’m needing answers to some questions that are past my knowledge I don’t want to be held back because of my ignorance. I get up seeking the Father and His wisdom.

One thing that has been proven over the years, not just in my lifetime but of time itself, is God is faithful and His word is true. He tells us to ask for wisdom and He will give it liberally. When He says ask and it will be given, seek and we will find, knock and the door will open, we can be confident that He will be true to His word!

When we call – He answers!

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 2 Thus says the Lord Who made [the earth], the Lord Who formed it to establish it—the Lord is His name: 3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).’” Jeremiah 33:1-3 AMP

When it seems like we are in prison, the prison of our circumstances or the one caused by our limited knowledge or even an actual physical prison, He reminds us of who He is, His power and His willingness to help.

Call on Me and I WILL answer and I will show you the things that were hidden, the things that you don’t recognize or understand. CALL!

And after we call “Be still and know that I am God.”

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

The wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 NKJV

The by-product of God’s wisdom is peace. The Old Testament tells us that we should be led by peace. If we ask for wisdom and it appears we get an answer, but it comes with turmoil and worry that isn’t an answer from God.

“Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do…17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:13,17-18 CEV

You have walked with me as I have asked for wisdom this morning but now, I must take my leave and be still and listen. I encourage you to call – He will answer!

Flip the Coin

I often hear folks say, “I wish I had more faith, or I wish my faith was bigger or stronger”. This morning, I would like to share a couple of thoughts on “Faith” and “Unbelief”.

Imagine you are holding a coin in your hand right now. One side of the coin is faith, and one side is unbelief. The outcome in the situations of our life is directly affected by the side of the coin that we are looking at.

There are many Scriptures when Jesus addressed “Unbelief” in the hearts and minds of those that he was ministering too.

In Matthew 13 it says that Jesus couldn’t do any mighty works in his own hometown because of their unbelief. In Mark 9 the man who had a demon possessed son brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus answered if you can believe all things are possible to him and the father responded Lord, I believe – help my unbelief. After Jesus set the boy free, his disciples came and ask:

Then the followers came to Jesus alone. They said, “We tried to force the demon out of the boy, but we could not. Why were we not able to make the demon go out?”

“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:19-20 NKJV

Jesus didn’t say that it was because of their “little” faith or even lack of faith but because of unbelief. He then goes on to say that with faith as little as a grain of mustard seed, nothing would be impossible to them. And as a side note when Jesus said “this kind” goes not out but by prayer and fasting, He was talking about the unbelief.

Faith, simply put, is our belief that God not only can do, but will do, those things that He has promised. Abraham is our walking example of this. He had a lifetime of evidence to support his unbelief in being able to have a child. Barrenness for both he and Sarah. If they had gone to the fertility clinic, everyone would have laughed at them and sent them home. But thank God, Abraham didn’t listen to all the unbelief (his own or that of others) he was strong in faith.

“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:19-21

When we give our life to Christ and are born again, we are given faith as a part of our new nature. Romans 12 says that God has given all of us “the” measure of faith and then in Galatians 5, Paul tells us again that faith is a fruit of the Spirit.

We can all agree it takes faith to get saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith”. Faith, believing that God will do what He says He will do, and grace, God giving us what we don’t deserve and can’t earn on our own. This was the time in our life that our faith in God was the smallest and yet it was enough to create the greatest miracle – salvation.

So now, what situation has you focused on unbelief. Go to God’s word, find His answer, feed your faith (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God) and it will cause your unbelief to shrink.

It’s like putting weights on a scale – when the scale is balanced you simply decrease the unbelief because you know that “mustard seed” faith is more than enough to move mountains.

Flip the coin. Faith, we win. Unbelief, we lose. In God we trust!

Hard to Believe

Yesterday I shared with you some of the reasons I get up each morning and praise God!

I’m sure that at least a few of you read some of those verses and said in your heart “That’s hard to believe”, because at one time, I felt just like that. I would hear sermons and read verses and go “that’s really good, I wish it worked for me like that”.

I was thinking on that very line when I picked up my Bible this morning and began to read. Here’s the first verse in my reading: “All you say can be trusted; your teachings are true and will last forever.” Psalm 119:60 CEV

Then a few verses down there was this: “You give peace of mind to all who love your Law. Nothing can make them fall. 166 You are my only hope for being saved, Lord, and I do all you command. 167 I love and obey your laws with all my heart.” Psalm 119:165-167 CEV

Now wait, “Our Lord, you keep your word  and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.” Psalm 135:13-15 CEV

The more I went on in my reading, the more I realized that God was confirming the strength and power of His word in the lives of each of us who call ourselves Christians, those of us who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God; the One who saves us from our sins.

If you are in the group, and hope and pray that you are I have a couple more verses to share with you that were in my morning reading.

“I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 CEV

But that wasn’t the last verse that I read, there are still a couple more.

“The demon has often tried to kill him by throwing him into a fire or into water. Please have pity and help us if you can!” 23 Jesus replied, ‘Why do you say ‘if you can’? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!” 24 At once the boy’s father shouted, “I do have faith! Please help me to have even more.” Mark 9:22-24 CEV

This man’s son was demon possessed. He came to Jesus asking for help. The father said, “help if you can”. So many times, we are like that father asking Lord, if you can. He can and He will; we need to believe that He not only has the ability but the willingness. He is God and He keeps His word.

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

Now, just one more for good measure. “34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not even married!” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37  Nothing is impossible for God!” 38 Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her.” Luke 1:35-38 CEV

I know it’s hard to believe BUT God’s word does not fail – never has, never will!

There are so many more verses that I could direct you to that point to God’s faithfulness in keeping His word. He’s given all of them to us, so it won’t be hard to believe.

Just as the sun comes up every morning, the waves come to the shore, the earth spins on its axis, God’s word is infallible and is always true. The more we draw into relationship with Him, the more convinced (faith) we become that it’s “Hard to Believe” anything other than the Word of God.

Way Too Early

My watch said it was 1:30 a.m. That’s just too early to get up, so I laid there for another thirty minutes, hoping to go back to sleep but that didn’t happen. My mind was racing, so much to do in the next few days; I needed to write things down so I didn’t forget the little things.

Have you ever been there? I grabbed my robe and slippers, turned on the coffee, sat down with my notepad in hand and made my list. Honestly, I was surprised at what happened next.

After listing a few things that I knew had to be done, I sat quietly waiting for my next thoughts. These I will share with you. This list, that came to mind, is so much better than the chore list I had just written.

“Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:17-19 ERV

Be thankful! So, I made a list of things I am thankful for at 2 a.m.

  1. New Life when I was spiritually dead – Romans 3:23-24 “God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. He does this for all who believe in Christ. Everyone is the same. 23 All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. 24 They are made right with God by his grace. This is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ.”
  2. Joy that replaces sorrow – Isaiah 61:3 “…I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope.”
  3. Peace in the middle of the storm – Mark 4:37 “Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm.”
  4. Strength when I feel too weak to go on – II Corinthians 12:9 “But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.’ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.”
  5. Hope when all seems lost – Romans 15:13 “ 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.”
  6. Guidance when I’m not sure of what to do – Psalm 119:105 “Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.”
  7. Victory in Battle – I John 5:4-5 “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.”
  8. Forgiveness when I fall and healing from dis-ease – Psalm 103:3-4 “ He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity.”
  9. Never being left alone – Hebrews 13:5 “…for He has said, ‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

God is ALWAYS faithful to His word and because He is, it is always way too early to worry!

Promise Keeper Miracle Worker

Somebody needs this, this morning. I know I do!

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEB

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet?

Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Young Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3 ERV

Another man with a promise was Abraham. He had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had to wait 25 years to see it come to pass and during that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful. He wasn’t without hope; he was with God.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain, and he needed to build an ark and collect two of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching for his neighbors to repent. He told them that God was going to send rain even though it had never rained before. A promise made; a promise kept.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgives all my iniquities; who heals all my diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t, add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes in Christ; He’s the promise keeper!

There’s A Void

…without Him

My thoughts this morning focused on one thing – I found it in the first few verses of Genesis.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said…” Genesis 1:1-3 KJV

No form – there was darkness and a void until God spoke. Those few words can describe everyone who is reading this. There’s a darkness and a void but God isn’t content to leave us that way. He desires to fill the void.

God spoke and there was light. God separated the light from the dark so we would have time to rest and time to flourish. He spoke and land separated from the waters; the earth teamed with life of every sort and the things God created He called good. When He created humanity, He called it very good.

He speaks and worlds change. He speaks and lives are transformed. It’s the power of God’s word that creates.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NKJV

John, the Apostle, called Jesus the Word. His very existence here on earth was the Word of God being accomplished. Our lives prosper because of Him.

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 NKJV

We were without strength but God stepped in to fill the void with His love. When God speaks things change. Power and life replace the weakness.

“Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him…For Christ is not only God-like, He is God in human flesh. 10 When you have Christ, you are complete. He is the head over all leaders and powers.” Colossians 2:7-10 NLV

“The church is Christ’s body. It is filled with him. He makes everything complete in every way.” Ephesians 1:23 ERV

Because of Christ the void is filled, and we are complete in Him.

Are You Hungry?

Last night we were invited to a neighbor’s for dinner. She is an excellent cook, and I ate more than I normally do but you know what? This morning, I will be hungry again. That’s how it is with these physical bodies – we need nourishment daily.

That’s also how it is with our spiritual bodies. We need to eat regularly, or we become weak, diseased and malnourished.

“The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11 NKJV

There are so many references throughout the Bible of food and how God provides.

When the children of Israel were in the desert after leaving Egypt the Lord provided manna for them, and He gave them water from a rock. This was a sign of God’s power and also of His love.

Jesus used these miracles as teaching tools in His ministry. Let’s look at His teaching on bread.

“They replied, ‘What miracle will you work, so that we can have faith in you? What will you do? 31  For example, when our ancestors were in the desert, they were given manna to eat. It happened just as the Scriptures say, ‘God gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Jesus then told them, ‘I tell you for certain that Moses wasn’t the one who gave you bread from heaven. My Father is the one who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 And the bread that God gives is the one who came down from heaven to give life to the world.”

34 The people said, ‘Sir, give us this bread and don’t ever stop!’

35 Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty. 36 I have told you already that you have seen me and still do not have faith in me. 37 Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won’t turn any of them away…48 I am the bread that gives life! 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, and later they died. 50 But the bread from heaven has come down, so that no one who eats it will ever die. 51 I am that bread from heaven! Everyone who eats it will live forever. My flesh is the life-giving bread I give to the people of this world.” John 6:30-51 CEV

Jesus is our bread, the living bread who gives life.

Do you remember what Jesus did when He ate the Passover dinner with His disciples the night He was arrested?

“…And it came from the Lord himself. He took some bread in his hands. 24 Then after he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this and remember me.'” I Corinthians 11:23-24 CEV

He broke the bread and distributed to it all who were sitting at the table. His sacrifice is for all of us!

We are able to be nourished by living bread when we read and study God’s word.

 Because of what Jesus said, many of his disciples turned their backs on him and stopped following him. 67 Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.” John 6:66-69 CEV

So, I will ask you again, are you hungry? Read the Word, it gives us life!