Give it a Rest

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. ” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

I had a weird dream the other night: I was sitting at a round table with two good friends. I was agitated about a certain situation. I was pouring out my concerns to these friends, whipping myself into a frenzy of anxiety. One friend was commiserating with me, while the other friend remained silent for a while.  Suddenly, my quiet friend said in a stern tone: “Give it a rest!”

I woke up from this dream, smiling. The quiet friend in the dream was one of the kindest people I know. It was very uncharacteristic for her to say what she said in my dream. My subconscious mind was reminding me of an important truth: I needed to give my concerns to the Lord, to let them rest in His hands. In order to do this, I would have to lower my ego. I would have to admit that I can’t figure out solutions to every problem just by mulling over it incessantly. This battle in my mind could not be won under my own power. If I wanted to experience peace, I would have to abandon my worries into God’s capable care.

“The LORD will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.” (Psalm 138:8 NLT)

Choosing Friends

“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26 NIV)

Recently I read a book by Kara Tippet in which she describes her criteria for picking friends. This inspired me to create a list of my own. Mind you, this is not how I have picked friends in the past--it’s just how I would like to go about it in the future. These are also the qualities I would like to cultivate in myself:

1. Authenticity--No faking or pretending. Don’t be phony in order to manipulate others. Just be your real self.
2. Transparency--Be open. Be vulnerable. Express what is on your mind.
3. Simplicity--Don’t be pretentious or ostentatious.
4. Care--Take care of yourself, but also care about people and things beyond yourself.
5. Seeking--Desire something more than what this world has to offer.

I am fortunate to have several friends who fit all these criteria. I have learned the value of these qualities from being around them. When choosing new friends, I am careful. I no longer pick people based on how fun they are, or if they have similar interests, or if they make me feel good when I am around them. Instead, I select friends that make me a better person.

Setting the Stage

“The One who established the mountains by his strength is clothed with omnipotence.” (Psalm 65:6 ISV)

A friend of mine needed help.  I immediately did everything I could do to assist her in her time of need. Unfortunately, I had neither the knowledge nor the ability to make much of a difference. I felt frustrated and incompetent. I was disappointed in myself. I took my dejected, droopy heart to God. I asked Him to help her--since I couldn’t.  My friend called me later. She was joyful--things worked out better than expected. I’m leaving out the details of this story on purpose, because they are beside the point. What is significant is that I learned a valuable lesson:

My incompetence sets the stage for GOD’s omnipotence.

This reminds me of the home remodeling shows on TV. They pick homes that are in really bad shape and demolish them even further before transforming them into spectacular living spaces. They do this so that they can highlight the skills of the show’s hosts and crew. Similarly, when we approach God with our incompetence, when we humbly ask His help in unmanageable situations, we are preparing a space for Him to work. All illusions of self-reliance are demolished before the restoration begins. Everything is renovated according to God’s design, not ours. The timeline is determined by Him, not us. The spotlight is set on God’s ability, not on our inability. We have an omnipotent God who has infinite power and resources. We have an omniscient God who has unlimited knowledge and awareness. And we have an omnipresent God who is always present everywhere.

Lord, may my life be a stage for Your Glory.

Dedication

“Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life." And they worshiped the LORD there.” (1 Samuel 1:28 NIV)

I have had the same exercise routine for a while. I run, do pushups, situps, and resistance training. However, I can’t do a single pull up. My shoulder muscles are weak. A few weeks ago, I resolved to modify my workout. In order to strengthen my shoulders and back muscles, I have been doing certain exercises that involve lifting heavy weights up and over my head.  I repeat these movements daily. I don’t know if I am getting any stronger, but I definitely feel sorer.

Similarly, my prayer routine could use some modification. I study scripture, contemplate and listen, write down insights, give thanks, praise, and request God’s help for daily needs. However, I have difficulty handing over my concerns to God.

When we dedicate our lives and the lives of our loved ones to God, we are essentially lifting everything up and over to God. We are relinquishing all illusions of control. This is difficult. It takes a lot of repetitious practice. Certain spiritual muscles that may have atrophied from disuse must be intentionally activated and strengthened.

Dedicating our lives and our concerns to God empowers us with inner strength. We are no longer limited by our inadequacies. Once we acknowledge that everything belongs to the Lord, we are free to delight in His nearness and savor all that He has to offer. Every thought and movement is uplifted by the Spirit. We are no longer operating under our own power, but instead, in the omnipotence of God.

Destructive Worry

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:34 MSG)

Living in Iowa, we have become accustomed to tornadoes. They usually pop up when warm, moist air combines with dry air--creating instability in the atmosphere. We get warnings from weather radios, phone apps, television reports, and sirens. When a tornado warning goes off, we all hurry to our basements. Most of the time, it doesn’t amount to much. However, when a tornado touches down, the resulting damage can be devastating.

Worry is a lot like a tornado. It starts with innocuous ‘what-if’ questions: What-if something bad happens? What-if I don’t have  the resources to handle certain situations? What-if I am a failure in life? Self-doubt, fear, and anxiety, all build up creating an unstable atmosphere in our minds.

“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” (Corrie Ten Boom)

The key is to recognize the inefficient thoughts before they gain momentum and cause destruction. It’s also important to realize that we have the power to dismiss detrimental notions from our minds. As soon as a tiny cloud of anxiety pops up on the radar, we need to evaluate its worthiness. If it is not productive, allow the Holy Spirit to blow it away. Do not allow your emotions to build up around a center of fear; instead, let your life be centered around trust in God.

Lord, help us to choose light over darkness, trust over fear, and hope over despair.

Spirit Dance

“My life is God's prayer." (Psalm 42:8 MSG)

Music, writing, and speech have all been a part of Christian worship for a long time. During the early ages of Christianity, visual art forms, such as paintings and sculpture, were also common forms of spiritual expression. The Old Testament mentions King David “dancing with all his might before the Lord.” Liturgical dancing is gaining popularity as an expression of worship in modern day Christian communities.

Prayer is communion with God.  I am more and more convinced that prayer is the answer to everything; not just praying to Jesus, but allowing Him to pray through us. Could my life be an expression of God’s prayer? What can I do to allow the Spirit to sing, dance, speak, and paint through me? How can I participate? Is my life conducive or hindering to the flow of His power? When people observe my life, do they see me or Jesus?

One Step Behind

"Come, follow me," Jesus said...” (Mark 1:17 NIV)

My husband and I have learned to run together. We have learned to match each other’s pace and cadence. It’s difficult to talk when you we are running, so we usually just listen to music on our headphones. We have developed a few techniques that allow us to stay together without exchanging words. When we run on trails, we usually run side-by-side. However, when we approach a fork in the road, I automatically run one step behind him so that I can see which direction he is going. This allows us to keep moving along without breaking our rhythm.

I have been ‘running’ with Jesus for decades now. Mercifully, He slows down His pace so that I can keep up. I used to try and get ahead of Him when it suited me. It took me a while before I realized this was a bad idea.  These days, I try to stay tuned in to His every move. Every time we approach a fork in the road, I take a step back. I watch to see which way He leads, and then, I follow close behind.

“Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT)

Repair and Restore

“Every ditch will be filled in, every bump smoothed out, the detours straightened out, all the ruts paved over.” (Luke 3:5 MSG)

The roads in our neighborhood are getting repaired. Once the potholes and ruts are filled in, a smooth coat of sealant will be applied. This should improve access to our homes and prevent wear and tear to our personal vehicles.

John the Baptist was a road repairer. He paved the path to Jesus. He urged people to fix the holes and ruts in their lives. He improved access to faith. We are all called to do the same.

Repairing roads may improve external means of entry, but if the home itself is in bad shape, there isn’t much point to all this reconstruction. Similarly, if our soul is dilapidated, there is not much anybody can do from the outside to help us. But, fortunately for us, there is hope:

“The main character in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out.” (Luke 3:16 MSG)

The Spirit of God can ignite change from the inside out, transforming our character, our perspective, and our actions. Prayer allows us to participate in this interior restoration. Thus, let us not grow weary, but instead stay alert and persistent, constantly watching with the Spirit, as He revives and restores those who are held together by Grace.  

Consecrated to Truth

“Make them holy - consecrated - with the truth.”  (John 17:17 MSG)

In my kitchen, I have a stack of versatile and functional dinner plates that I use every day. I also have a large, heavy platter that I use a few times a year on holidays. It takes up a whole shelf in my cupboard. It doesn’t fit it in the dishwasher or sink, so it is cumbersome to clean. Sometimes it seems silly to dedicate so much space and energy for something that is seldom used.

Consecration is defined as dedication or devotion to some purpose. When we are dedicated to something, we carve out space for it; we sacrifice time and energy for it. This prevents us from living like everyone else. A consecrated life can be inconvenient and impractical. Most of us are dedicated to pursuing worldly pleasures and accolades. Like everyday dinner plates, there are stacks of us in every community. And then there are the oddball few who are fully committed to a purpose beyond themselves. They seem weird and impractical to the rest of us. We aren’t sure how to relate to them.

Jesus prays that we will be consecrated with the truth. We are all devoted to something. If we are not dedicated to the truth, it is because we are under the influence of lies. Either we can stay in the valley of falsehood with the masses, or we can be set apart on the mountaintop with God.

Lord, lead me by your light. Guide me to Your mountaintop tent.  Sanctify me with Your Voice of Truth.

Pray it Forward

“Moses' arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.” (Exodus 17:12 NLT)

I often hear people saying that a certain book or movie inspired them. I always wonder if they mean that it merely caused them to think a bit more deeply or if it actually changed their behavior? I would like to mention two movies that transformed both my perspective and my behavior. Both these movies are somewhat sappy, but their core messages have stuck with me.

The first movie  is Pay it Forward. Most of us feel compelled to pay back people who have done us favors. This movie promoted the concept of paying forward to others rather than merely returning favors to our original benefactors. When I was a young immigrant child, I had many teachers, librarians, and mentors who went out of their way to help me. They changed my life with their gifts of time and wisdom. However, I couldn’t do anything to pay them back. Now I am fortunate enough to volunteer as a tutor. Every time students mention how they cannot pay me back, I always tell them: ‘Pay it forward.’

The second movie I want to mention is War Room. It is basically a movie about focused prayer. I have benefited from the committed, fervent prayers of others. Now I  pray it forward. I have the privilege of lifting others up to God. I do not take this role lightly. I try to remain focused and disciplined. But I must confess--sometimes I get tired and discouraged; other times I am distracted or agitated. When I’m weary and my spirit is downcast, I ask God to revive me. He sends reinforcements and refreshments: a friend will send an email or message, or I read a book or hear a song that fills me with fresh energy. My hands and my spirit are strengthened once again.

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

And what a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer

(lyrics by Joseph Scriven 1855)

Drop Off

"God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” (Psalm 121:7-8 MSG)

I have a friend who works mostly on the weekends. Her husband, who  owns his own small business, also works many Saturdays. They have young children that cannot be left alone at home. On the Saturdays that both parents have to work, she packs up the kids and drops them off at their father’s business before she goes to work. I asked her if this arrangement was stressful. Did she worry about her kids while she was at work?

She replied: “There is no one else whom I trust to take care of our kids as well as their father.”

This was a great lesson for me. I, too, have Someone whom I can trust with every concern. The Lord is attentive. He will guard them from evil. He will watch over my loved ones. There is no one else who can care for them as well as their Father.

Lord, this morning, and every morning, I shall drop off all my loved ones and all my concerns with you. I know you can and will take care of everything.

Decision Maker

“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”(Psalm 32:8 NLT)

Do you have one person in your family that makes most of the medical decisions? Since my husband is a physician, my son and I consult him for everything. Each of us has our own primary care doctor. We also see specialists when necessary. However, even if another doctor recommends any new medicines, tests, or procedures--we defer to my husband’s wisdom.

We have a Father who has expertise in everything. He has promised to guide us, advise us, and watch over us. He has a vested interest in our well-being. Let us bring every concern, every choice, every dilemma to Him. Our Lord is trustworthy and caring.  He will direct us in the best pathway for our lives.

Father, You know everything. You are the best Decision Maker. Help us to come to You with all our concerns. May we listen and follow Your advice on every single choice we make.

Developing Grip Strength

“Oh, God, my Lord, step in; work a miracle for me - you can do it! Get me out of here - your love is so great!” ( Psalm 109:21 MSG)

One of my friends is going through a tough patch in her marriage.  She and her husband fight all the time. Every time I talk to her, she seems emotionally beaten down. If it were not for her young children, she would find a way to escape this situation.

We have all experienced times when circumstances seem so overwhelming that we plead with God to step in, work a miracle, or get us out of the pit of despair.  We wait expectantly for Him to throw down a rope. We grasp at anything that looks like a way out--only to find out that none of it can support our weight. The longer we wait, the more dejected we feel. We fail to notice that God has entered the pit with us. He knows that we have neither the strength nor coordination to climb up on our own. Thus, He waits until we get to know Him and learn to trust Him. He has a plan. Once we are ready to hang on to Him tightly and not let go for any reason--He will carry us out of the pit.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,

   “I’ll get you out of any trouble.

I’ll give you the best of care

   if you’ll only get to know and trust me.

Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;”

(Psalm 91:14-16 MSG)

Co-ownership

“Don't agree to guarantee another person's debt or put up security for someone else.” (Proverbs 22:26 NLT)

Let’s say your brother asked you to help him move his couch. It’s much easier for two people to lift a couch than one person, so you agree. But you notice that your brother holds his end much lower, shifting the bulk of the weight to your side. He justifies his behavior by mentioning how you are stronger. This is how codependency gets started. Soon you feel invested in that couch--you start thinking of it as your responsibility.

When we take co-ownership for other people’s feelings, problems, choices, duties, and liabilities--we become cosigners for their lives. This works okay when both persons are equally responsible. However, most of the time, one person will shirk his side of the bargain, while the other person picks up more and more of the slack. This lopsided arrangement is unhealthy for both parties. The slacker gets weaker, while the doer hyperextends his joints beyond normal limits and causes injury to himself.

It is not helpful to take responsibility for other people’s growth. Maturity is a solo endeavor. However, there is something we can do. We can pray intensely--laboring earnestly with God as He delivers each person into His presence.  

We pray that all our loved ones ‘may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” (Colossians 4:12 NIV)

Loose Ends

“Not a belt will be loose, not a sandal strap broken.” (Isaiah 5:27 NLT)

I just recently learned to tie my shoelaces properly. As a child, someone taught me how to tie a granny knot. Unfortunately, this unbalanced knot comes undone easily. I just accepted this as a fact of life until I started running races. Ignoring loose ends can cause you to trip and fall. Stopping to tie your shoelaces in the middle of a race takes up valuable time and blocks the momentum of the other runners around you. Thus, experienced runners use a reef knot and tuck their laces under the crossovers down the middle of the shoe. It took me a while to unlearn old habits and develop this new technique of tying my shoelaces.

Do your strings come undone? Do they trip you up and slow your momentum?  Do they become troublesome for those around you? Do you find yourself being jerked around because of these loose ends?

Learn to gird yourself in God’s strength. Bind up loose ends in a balanced knot and secure anything that may lead you to stumble.  If you find yourself unraveling, do not ignore it. Step away from the crowd, and carefully take care of the issue before moving forward.

Lord, gird me securely. Protect me from bad influences. Train me to run  without stumbling.

How to Live

“With transparent motives, as commissioned by God, in God's presence and in communion with Christ, so we speak.” (2 Corinthians 2:17 WNT)

In the previous post, I wrote about the reasons for living. Once we figure out what we need to do, it’s time to move on to the ‘how’ of living meaningfully. According to the Apostle Paul, we are called to live transparently, in communion with Christ. Henri Nouwen also writes beautifully about this topic:

Jesus has to be and to become evermore the center of my life. It is not enough that Jesus is my teacher, my guide, my source of inspiration. It is not enough that he is my companion on the journey, my friend, and my brother. Jesus must become the heart of my heart, the fire of my life, the lover of my soul, the bridegroom of my spirit. He must become my only thought, my only concern, my only desire. The thousands of people, events, ideas, and plans that occupy my inner life must become all one in the one and only name: Jesus." (Finding Our Sacred Center, Henri Nouwen)

How can we incorporate every thought, activity, and attitude into Jesus?

It’s a lot like baking a cake. First,we gather all the ingredients and mix them all together. Some things can be beaten with an electric mixer, but the fragile ingredients must be folded in gently. Then, we bake it in an oven until it is done. All the ingredients are integrated into one. You can no longer separate the eggs from the flour or sugar.

Similarly, we have to gather all our concerns, desires, and actions and fold  them into the will of God. Once our identity and our intentions are ‘baked in’ with Christ, everything becomes inseparable from the One.

“Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38 NLT)

___

Reason for Living

"I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you...” (Romans 9:17 NLT)

For the first twenty-seven years of my life, I was unaware that my body could run long distances. I have bowed legs, over-supinating feet, and a shuffling stride. My calves are the same size as that of an underfed chicken. Genetically, I come from a long line of unathletic,  nerdy  people who find it demeaning to exert themselves outdoors. The few times I tried to run during high school P.E. class, I felt winded and miserable. I decided I wasn’t meant to run. I spent my young adult years--when I was supposed to be at my physical prime--using my body gingerly, afraid it might break if I pushed it beyond what was familiar and comfortable.

I also had self-limiting beliefs about going the distance, spiritually. I was surrounded by messages of success and ambition. I was consumed by worldly concerns. Even though I admired those who were deeply devoted to God, I wasn’t sure that lifestyle was meant for me. Now, in my late forties, I know I am capable of much more than I imagined. I am not limited by the parochial beliefs of my ancestors. I have discovered there is more to life than accumulation, achievement, and self-indulgence.

When we succumb to fear, conventionality, or complacency, we limit the Spirit. Our days are frittered away on pursuits that are meaningless from an eternal perspective. We end up with a vague sense discontent.

We have access to  abundance and satisfaction with Christ. We are meant to be conduits of God’s love. He displays His power in our lives. His wisdom is revealed through us. This is our reason for living--to fully express the Spirit that has been placed within us.  

You cause me to know the path of life; in your presence is joyful abundance, at your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11 ISV)

God Projects

“Instead of trusting God they took over. They were absorbed in what they themselves were doing. They were so absorbed in their ‘God Projects’ that they didn’t notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road.” ( Romans 9:32 MSG)

Confession: I’m really busy. I have so many projects going on at all times. I feel productive when I cross things off my checklist. I get really absorbed in all that I do and all that I want to do. I relabel my projects as God projects and ask for His assistance. If I don’t get an immediate response, I go ahead and get things started on my own. If God doesn’t work with me, I try to work around Him.

Yes, I see how messed up this is! Sigh.

I need to clear my slate and wait. I need to pay attention to what God is doing. I must trust God and let Him take over.

“For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” (Isaiah 64:4 NLT)

No Room

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7 NASB)

We have a guest room in our house, sort of. This room also  functions as an all-purpose storage room. It holds our extra furniture, the dog crate, cameras, hobby stuff, winter coats, books we never read, and all sorts of other odds and ends. If and when we have guests, we move a few things out of the way--but, to be honest, there isn’t much room.

My mornings have been chaotic lately. I used to spend the first few hours after I woke up studying the Bible, praying, and writing. But lately, that time has been cut short by other activities and interests.  I’m not sure how this happened.

It’s especially difficult to make room for Jesus when life is chaotic. We convince ourselves that it’s just a short-term issue--once the  ____  concern is resolved...then, we will have space in our lives to focus on God.  But it doesn’t work out that way. As soon as one thing is taken care of, a new issue pops up.

We must intentionally vacate space in our lives--carve out uninterrupted time. Figure out when you have the most energy and when your mind is at its best. Do not allow anything else to encroach upon this holy ground. Stay quiet. Listen. Think deeply.  

Lord, I need Your help. I want to keep my time with You uncluttered, but I keep sliding back into old habits. Show me how to rearrange my priorities. May I always make ample room for You in every day.

God's Timing

“While they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.” (Luke 2:6 NLT)

I started planning for my firstborn months before I even got pregnant. I took prenatal vitamins, read up on pregnancy books, gave up caffeine and alcohol, and exercised regularly. After I got pregnant, I became even more systematic. I was careful about everything I ate, what I watched on TV, and what I listened to on the radio. I read aloud to our unborn child regularly. I got the baby room ready. I bought him clothes, diapers, and blankets. I consulted Consumer Reports before buying his car seat and stroller. I saved up my sick leave and vacation time so I could have the maximum amount of maternity leave. I did everything I could do to plan for our baby’s arrival.

I have heard that God’s timing is perfect; perfect for whom, I wonder. Take, for instance, the birth of Jesus. He is born in the time of political unrest, to an unwed, displaced teenager. This doesn’t seem like an ideal situation to me!

God’s timing doesn’t always coincide with our convenience. His plans don’t always align with our agenda either. God’s perspective doesn’t always make sense to us. He sees things that we don’t see.  Conditions that seem horrible to us can be ideal from His viewpoint.

I am learning to trust God’s timing, even though I don’t understand it. I pray for patience and endurance while I wait.

“God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness...He's giving everyone space and time to change.” (2 Peter 3:9 MSG)

Baby Carrots

“Do you understand what you are reading?”  And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:30-31 ESV)

When I was a kid, we didn’t have baby carrots. There was only one option for carrots--the large, dirty, misshapen carrots that came in a bunch. If you wanted to eat a handful of carrots, you had to peel them and cut them yourself. The only time we ate carrots was when my mom added them to some soup. By the time I had a kid of my own, the carrot industry had come up with a new way of marketing carrots: baby-cut carrots. I used to think these were actually young, baby carrots, but they are just regular carrots that have been peeled, cleaned, and cut into bite-sized pieces for the convenience of customers. Baby-cut carrots have changed how often and how much we eat carrots in my family.

My friend Gwen is part of our neighborhood Bible study group. She recently mentioned how daily devotionals help her to understand Scripture verses better. I was immediately struck by what she said.  The Bible can be hard to interpret for many people. Not everyone in every phase of life has the time, energy, or inclination to process the spiritual wisdom. Some guidance and explanation can be helpful. Everyday examples can make Scriptures much more accessible and applicable. Those of us who are able to study, contemplate, and explain can be of great service to those who cannot do so at this time.

Lord, thank you for granting me the time and inclination to study Your Word. Help me to break down the insights You reveal in ways that everyone can understand.

Soul Purpose

“My soul magnifies the Lord.” (Luke 1:46 ESV)

Magnifying lenses have many purposes. They are found in hand-held magnifying glasses, eyeglasses, microscopes, binoculars, telescopes, cameras, jeweler’s loupes, etc.  Most commonly, they allow us to see things more clearly. A magnifying lens can also be used to concentrate the sun’s light to start a fire.

It’s important to care for your lenses and keep them clean. I use my eyeglasses every day. When they get smudgy, I breathe warm condensed air on the lenses and wipe them down with the edge of my shirt. I keep them in a protective case so they don’t get scratched up.

Our souls were made to magnify the Lord. God can use us in many ways to accomplish His purposes. He may hold us up so others can see Him more clearly. He may use us to concentrate the Son’s light on a certain situation-- to spark someone’s dry faith on fire. The Lord cares for our souls. He breathes His Spirit on us. He wipes us clean. He is protective. He points us in directions that glorify Him.  He angles our lives to suit His objectives.

“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3 ESV)