Gregory E. Lang's Blog, page 8

Smile at Everyone

A smile is an easy yet powerful way to show Christ at work in you. Christian living is more than adhering to moral standards of conduct; it is also the demonstration of several graces, including love, joy, and peace. A smile is a one-second chance to extend God’s grace and love on someone who otherwise might never see Him. So when you get dressed for the day, put on your smile. Reach into someone’s day and make it better. Smile at everyone.

Greet each other with a holy kiss. 2 Corinthians 13:12

But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.  Galatians 5:22-23

Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Philippians 4:4

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

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Lead Serve Love: Introduction (published 2011)

A few years ago it seemed everywhere I looked people were wearing bracelets bearing the letters WWJD. Of course, we know this is the acronym for the question, “What would Jesus do?” I observed then that surprisingly few owners of those bracelets could answer that very question when confronted with any number and manner of dicey dilemmas or moral conflicts, let alone everyday awkward encounters with other people. Further, reluctantly, I have to admit that then I too had only vague ideas about what Jesus would really do in a given situation. I was not yet a student of the Bible, especially the New Testament, in those days.

Since then I have taken up the Bible not only as an incredibly interesting read but also as a guide for living. I spent a full year in extensive daily Bible reading and doing my best to live by the example of Jesus Christ himself and as taught by his apostles. One day, I came across this verse: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). Those eleven words have since become a driving force in my life; they helped me to answer the question: What would Jesus do? Reading through the New Testament a second time, now intentionally seeking to learn how to walk as Jesus did, my life began to change.

I was finally discovering how to walk the Christian talk, so to speak. And with every step, I grew closer to God, and the closer I grew to him, the more I wanted to share what I was learning. This book was written for those who also want to walk in the Spirit, to do what Jesus would do, and who need a simple, loving nudge to take those first life-changing steps of Gospel living.

This is a rather simple book really, one meant to be understood quickly, thumbed through randomly if you wish, yet resonate deeply. To that end I’ve written one hundred brief, three word sentences (a friend of mine calls it the threeology theology), each followed by an expository paragraph and a few Bible verse references which encourage the recommended behaviors and traits posited in the three word sentences. You may begin and end your study of Jesus with this book alone, or, and I hope you will, you may go to your Bible and read the verses I’ve cited in their full context. The latter process will take more time but leave you more blessed with greater knowledge of the teachings of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Either way, it is my hope that with the help of this book you will discover walking with Jesus means putting into action what Jesus has commissioned us to do, and that is to make the Gospel known to all people by demonstrating the love of God through our words, deeds and motives. Jesus charges us to take up his mission in our generation to bring glory to God so that his kingdom may continue to come through the work of his people – including you.

We cannot adequately demonstrate the love of Christ in the privacy of our homes, among only our closest friends or within the walls of our church. Instead, just as Jesus walked from city to city imparting mercy and grace to all he came in contact with, we are to be similarly intentional about imparting mercy and grace to others. We should do this as every opportunity arises, even if in unlikely places. As in when standing next to someone on a street corner, while in line in a grocery store, in the break room at work, during rush hour traffic jams, and even more far reaching places and occasions.

Being a disciple, an ambassador to Christ and a willing minister to others, is a dynamic life process. Yet for some, putting his or her theology into action may at first be an awkward, even uncomfortable, process.

Many of us go through life looking away from unfamiliar people and those whom are different from us, missing an opportunity to speak to or literally touch someone who may be in great need or agonizing pain. But imagine a world where you demonstrate one loving, selfless deed every day, and your deed inspires good deeds in others, which in turn inspires even more good deeds in still others. Your one act of Christian loving-kindness may ripple across the workplace, your neighborhood, even your entire community, resulting in immeasurable Kingdom impact, all for the glory of God! Oh, for such a world!

Turn the page and begin your walk with Jesus today. And along the way, may you lead others to Christ through your faithful, righteous example, may you serve all with a humble, true and compassionate heart, and may God’s love shine through in everything you do.

Available for Kindle here.

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Heaven

Friend, all my letters have been leading up to this, the subject of Heaven. I have led you in this direction along this meandering and occasionally redundant path because I hoped to build excitement in you about what is in store for you as a believer in Christ. And I do not mean only for you, but for me too, because as I said in the beginning, my hope and longing is that we will be together in fellowship in eternity. I care far too much about you to be satisfied having enjoyed your company for only a little while.

So, on to it. What is Heaven? If you imagine Heaven is a place where the streets are paved with gold, the gates are made of pearl, and the walls adorned with precious jewels, you would be right but preoccupied with the wrong things. Focus on this: Heaven is the divine dwelling place of God, an actual realm where everything operates according to his flawless will. Heaven is a place of peace, love, community, and worship, where God is surrounded by a heavenly court and other heavenly beings. It is the very embodiment of God’s perfection, where life will be free from death, pain, sickness, disappointment, cruelty, and anything that isn’t perfectly lovely. Your future life in Heaven will include the best of the life you now live, plus additional joys far beyond your imagination.

The Lord Jesus is in Heaven, at the right hand of the Father, making intersession for you and me just now as you read this letter. Myriads of angels are in Heaven, too, serving the Lord in various ways. And the saints of God who died on Earth are in Heaven. Everyone who has genuinely trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior will be there, including those we dearly love and who have given themselves to Jesus. What wonderful company we shall have! And in Heaven, God will know us as we truly are, inside and out, past and present, with nothing hidden but everything known. When we awake in Heaven, we will know each other as God knows us because all the secrets and flaws of this life will have been removed. In this life, sin has caused us to deceive others and ourselves in a vain effort to hide our misdeeds. But when we are finally freed from the influence of sin, then we can be as we were created to be, without sin,  shame, and embarrassment. No one will begrudge us for any reason because everyone will love each other in the same unconditional loving way that Jesus loves you today. I am so eager to present myself to you in this cleansed and redeemed state, for as good a friend as I have tried to be, I know I have offended or disappointed you from time to time.

Best of all, let’s not overlook this: in Heaven, we will see Jesus himself face to face. We will worship the Son of God and praise his great victory over sin and death in his very presence! The best worship you have experienced on Earth will pale in comparison to the celebration you will enjoy at the feet of your Savior. How wonderful it will be to walk with him literally!

Do I know all there is to know about Heaven? No, but I am sure of this one truth. No one will go to Heaven except by the grace of God and through the merits of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, you have no hope of seeing Heaven. Friend, if you know Jesus, you have nothing to fear. So put your trust in Jesus. Stand with your full weight on the merit of the author and finisher of your salvation. May God help you to trust in Jesus Christ and him alone for your salvation. May God grant that we will meet again in Heaven one day. Amen!

I hope you have enjoyed these posts from my book, Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living. You may purchase an autographed copy here, or order a Kindle or paperback edition from Amazon.

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Gratitude

God has many thoughts of love, grace, and mercy concerning you, a sinner such as you are. He has thoughts about your spiritual blessings, your redemption and salvation by Christ, and your eternal life in fellowship with him. God hears your prayers; he listens to your requests and answers them in his own time and according to his judgment of what is best for you. He is a God who bestows favors on you, granting you his presence, indulging you in communion with him, and favoring you with endless supplies of his grace and innumerable mercies. For these and all other things, you should be overflowing with gratitude.

I know that you, a child of God, are grateful, and I pray this characteristic will stay with you all the days of your life. We should always be grateful because the Lord is always with us. Be thankful in all that you do and say, even if you must wait for your heart’s desire, for in Christ, you have already received the most precious gift – everlasting life!

Friend, in Christ, you are renewed; by his grace, you were restored. Realize your dependence on him and your complete inability to restore yourself. Do not forget your cleansing. With gratitude, proclaim the work that Christ has performed in and for you. Expressing gratitude honors God and gives him the glory for all that he has done. Gratitude is the realization that all you have and all that you are is a gift from God. Again, you should always be grateful, no matter what your circumstances may be. In practicing constant, conscious gratitude, you will cultivate a heart of thankfulness that will only bring more joy to your life. I want this for you.

My dear friend, give thanks to God in all things with strong affection, sincerity, and a true heart. Be grateful that God is God and that he loves you so much. And please remember that I am so grateful for you and love you so much. Now, please pray for me. That will be a most appreciated reward for the effort I have put into teaching you these things.

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Forgiveness

My friend, do not let the fact that you have been treated wrongly cause you to commit another wrong. Be gentle with those who have wronged you. If you are hard and unforgiving toward others, you are not well-positioned to seek forgiveness for yourself. Having contempt for anyone ultimately only harms you. Remember, you cannot be forgiven if you are one who cannot forgive. Not one of us deserves God’s compassion, yet we are forgiven. Christ on the cross prayed for his enemies; remember his example. Just as God forgives you, you should forgive your offenders. When you do, you give glory to God by multiplying his forgiveness. Please do not make it your business to judge and avenge, for as you judge, you too shall be judged. Instead, free yourself from a wrathful mind and strive to live peacefully with everyone. Admit that you, too, have been an offender and ask for forgiveness. Confess your faults as a demonstration of sincere sorrow and accept apologies offered to you with a merciful spirit so that God may be glorified.

Be assured that you are not forgiven only once, but each and every time you repent your sins. So be honest about your imperfections, and you will genuinely find reason to repent each and every day. And remember, mercy begets mercy, and the lack of mercy earns you nothing. Just as you are imperfect, so are those around you. Forgive your neighbors as Jesus forgives you, as often as he forgives you. You are called to be a peacemaker. If you are filled with the love of peace, it must reign in your heart and then rule in your deeds. There must be no disagreement, separation, or rebellion between you and your neighbors, for without peace, no one will see that the love of the Lord dwells in you. Live in peace so that others may see God at work through you. Be gentle to those who have wronged you, and give your family, friends, and neighbors many opportunities to redeem themselves, just as God has forgiven you so many times.  

I should point out that forgiving and forgetting are two different things; one is not dependent on the other. Do not confuse forgiving with forgetting. The wrong done to you may be so traumatic that it leaves a scar, an ugly reminder of what has happened. Believe me, the longer you delay forgiving your transgressor, the more painful the scar. But the sooner you genuinely forgive, the quicker the healing and the sooner the trauma becomes a historical fact rather than a present pain. If this seems impossible to you, I urge you to ask a fellow believer to join you in the work that is required to help you wholly and gracefully forgive. As for you, you may think yourself unworthy of forgiveness. Do not be burdened with shame; you must also be forgiving of yourself. The weight of guilt about your regrettable past is an unholy burden because the ghosts of your transgressions can haunt you into abandoning your renewal. You must let these matters go, or you will not fully enjoy the freedom you have in forgiveness. Your old self, the one from your past and before the time of your renewal, was corrupted by your imperfect judgment and unjust desires. Your new self, guided by righteous obedience, should turn away from all your former sins. Rather than feel shame, rejoice in your redemption! Look ahead, seek the will of God, and have cheer in gratitude for your salvation. Think of yourself with sober judgment but in a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, one unafraid to be who you have become, one forgiven and saved by grace. Amen!

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Unbelieving Loved Ones

Friend, I’m sure you remember the days when you did not believe. But for the love and concern of a believer who gently introduced you to Christ, you might be lost and doomed to this very day. My heart is filled with joy that you are a believer and we are members of this great community, the Christian church. Let us not forget this is not a secret community but one meant for the world. As believers, we are charged with the role of spreading the Gospel to those who are unbelievers. Jesus instructed us to bring others to him so they may know him.

The blunt truth is not everyone you have ever encountered is in Heaven now or guaranteed to get there. Unbelievers are not there, nor will they ever be. Man without Christ cannot please God because, in unbelief, he cannot do what is pleasing to God. The Scriptures make it clear there are people who are saved and others who are lost. The saved are those who trust Jesus Christ as their eternal Savior. The lost are those who do not trust Christ as Savior. This is most difficult to accept readily, for we both know and love unbelievers. For unbelievers to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, they must understand the Gospel’s primary message. They need to understand how they are born as sinners, and it is only through Christ that they can be saved. And here is the point of this letter – if we genuinely and deeply love them, we will tell them about Jesus.

You must remember that Jesus came to your rescue when you were lost. So now, out of gratitude and love, you are called to find opportunities to do what you can to help others who do not know God, especially among those who are dearest to you. The example Jesus gave you is to build relationships with people who do not know him. When you meet a person who has not yet embraced the truth, you are to have the compassion of Jesus and extend your friendship and grace. Isolating yourself from unbelievers, including strong opposers, misses the point of sharing the good news of Jesus. You were once against God in your unbelief, yet God was gracious to you. Be motivated, then, to share the good news of Christ. And do not just wait for an opportunity to present itself to you; instead, create those opportunities in all you do. Sharing the Gospel is not a hobby or a season but a full-time occupation. For the benefit of those unbelievers you love, this is worthy work to which you must commit yourself.

How do you engage with the unbeliever? Gently and wisely because the reputation of the Gospel depends on you. The world judges Christianity by what it sees in you. Represent it well with kindness, holiness, and reverence to the Lord. Your conduct before an unbeliever should be steeped in grace, your speech overflowing with wisdom. Be humble, loving, caring, kind, and gentle. Your outreach to every person should be fitting to the occasion. Do not hijack a conversation or situation, especially when your audience is not in the mood to listen to you. It is essential to know when not to speak. It is often best to simply listen to someone and wait for a better time. Trust the Holy Spirit; he will guide you in this matter.

I should tell you to prepare yourself for rejection. Christians are called narrow-minded because they believe there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. You will be ridiculed, if not outright persecuted, for speaking this truth, perhaps even by members of your own family. Yet, despite these attacks, you are to love and have forbearance. You are not required to convert people; your only requirement is to tell the truth. When you are rejected, insulted, or persecuted, the proper response is to pray for your opposer. In his abundant grace and mercy, God can and will intervene in the lives of unbelievers in response to your prayers. Walk piously among unbelievers so that they may judge you with favor and may themselves be converted to Christ. 

Friend, I am not writing only about the unbeliever; I include the lukewarm in my message. Some do not oppose Christ but do not have a passion for him either. Many come from Christian backgrounds and have an idea of who Jesus is but may have never seen the need for him to assure their salvation. They must know that their works and religious practices do not lead to salvation. It is not a thing to be earned. They have to come to know and believe in Jesus. This is where you come in. Remind them that salvation is a gift from God and only by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Before I go, let me remind you that if you truly love anyone, you will tell them about Jesus. Beloved, I urge you to face the people and tell them something worth hearing: how to have an eternal life. People in every corner of the world are looking for a truth that inspires hope. Let them hear it and praise God if anyone is led to Christ. Amen.

Want to learn more? Purchase your copy of Letters to a Friend here.

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Evangelism

Beloved, on these matters, I have much to tell you. It is written, “I believed; therefore, I have spoken,” (Psalm 116:10, 2 Corinthians 4:13). Let these words remind you that your faith is not only to be enjoyed silently in your daily thoughts but is to be shared with others in publicly spoken words. God’s plan for man’s salvation and reconciliation to himself was never meant to be a secret. Jesus preached to thousands in the name of the Father, warning, teaching, and healing them. He instructed his disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations, and they, in turn, instructed us to share and teach the Scriptures. This instruction is given to you as well. At some point in your life, you will encounter an opportunity to tell someone about the Christian faith, and you must be prepared to do so in a way they can understand and accept as truth. The Holy Spirit will work within you as you share the good news; therefore, have faith, speak publicly, and good words will come forth from your mouth. Faith in the Gospel, nourished in the heart and openly confessed, will secure your salvation. Your belief must be more than a mental exercise; it should bring all your fiber into a loving trust and willing obedience to Christ. As often as you can, share the good news of the Gospel.

All around us are people who have never heard that God loves them and desires an abundant life for them. Most people you know do their best to live decent lives while searching for meaning and purpose. When they see that you have found meaning and purpose in Jesus, they will likely want to know how they can have the same joy you have. They need to hear the good news. The Lord asks you to tell others about him so that you can spread his message to the world. At all times, conduct yourself as though you belong to the Lord, and when asked why you behave as you do, eagerly explain his influence in your life. Use encouraging, motivating words; let Christ be honored and praised in your answer, claiming him as the reason for your hope. Don’t be embarrassed or shy; seek to please God instead of men with what you say. Sure, some will disagree with you but do not be discouraged. Your job is to spread the Word, not accomplish the conversion yourself. Love and be at peace with everyone, including dissenters, and leave the changing of hearts to Jesus.

The work of evangelism is hard, but to shy away from it is to leave room for lies and chaos to fill the spaces where the truth should be. Therefore, boast of the Word and its teachings about Christ. Fear no evil and defend the truth. Embrace your responsibility as one who is saved. Sharing your joy with others and loving others as Jesus loves you is not only a form of thanksgiving and praise but also a way to cause others to wonder what you are so happy about. If you are moved by the power of faith and the constant comfort found in the presence of Christ, you should eagerly tell others about him. The Gospel message is not meant for a few favored ones but for everyone, so share it! May you always be alert and wise about seizing good opportunities to share the Gospel. Amen. 

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Worship and Discipleship

God is majestic, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. He is all-knowing. He is present everywhere. He is powerful in every way. He is worthy of glory and honor and praise. This is the reason for worship, to give the Father his due. Beloved friend, I encourage you to keep company with fellow believers, especially in the church. Christian worship is a community where believers share in the common experience of praising God and expressing their love, gratitude, and devotion to him. You were not created to be alone; you are meant to live in community. Worship is a holy activity, and the church is the place where you will experience blessings not to be found elsewhere, for there are some graces and blessings that God gives only in the meeting together with other believers. Worshipping God means you are ascribing worthiness to God for who he is and for what he has done for you. Make worship a priority in your life. Worship also serves as a reminder of God’s love, grace, and power, and it helps to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with him. Through worship, you will experience encouragement and support from others, and you will be reminded that you are not alone in your faith journey.

Worship takes many forms, including singing, prayer, reading Scripture, preaching, and participating in the sacraments. It is an act of humility and surrender as you acknowledge your dependence on God and your gratitude for all he has done for you. Thus, worship helps realign your focus on God and his purposes and puts your worries, doubts, and fears into perspective. It will also help you prepare for another responsibility: to disciple those new to or weak in the faith.

Your spiritual health and well-being will eventually motivate you to the worthy work of making disciples. Discipleship involves serving and reaching out to others as a representative of Christ. As you grow in your faith, you are called to share it with others to help them grow in their faith as well. Simply put, you are to put your faith into action and be an example of Jesus to the world. This is accomplished through the joint study of the Bible and offering guidance as a spiritual mentor. As you mentor others in the faith, helping to interpret and apply the teachings of Jesus in your lives and circumstances, you become more like Jesus in your thoughts, words, and actions, and better able to reflect his love and grace to everyone. If you establish a regular practice of discipleship, you will help raise up the next generation of believers to follow Jesus earnestly. 

New Christians often know little about the faith they profess to believe. Your challenge is teaching and training them and investing your heartfelt best interest in them. Your concern for them will help deepen and grow their faith in Christ as the newer believer follows your example of a seasoned Christian who has already walked through many of life’s everyday challenges. Through discipleship, you will introduce accountability into the new believer’s life, beginning with the basics and urging them toward a deeper understanding of Christian theology. This is a lot of responsibility, but you are up to it. And the Holy Spirit will help you. Fear not!

Friend, as more believers understand and live out Jesus’ teachings, our churches will become more vital and faithful to our Lord. Worship and discipleship should be ongoing activities throughout your life. I pray that you will delight in them always. May it be so!

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Faithfulness and Fidelity

Friend, this letter is of great importance. I must warn you that in the matter of faith, divided loyalties of any kind will lead you astray. Turn quickly from the temptation to cherry-pick attractive morsels from the various religions and philosophies of the world and instead submit yourself wholly and willfully only to God. You are to rid yourself of your former ways of life and put on a new self, one created to be like God in righteousness and holiness devoted to the only truth, his Word. Do not complicate your life with unholy philosophies and alliances; rather, commit yourself exclusively to the one and only true God. Anything less than this is most unfaithful and counterproductive for the Christian. You should be willing and able to defend your religion in the righteous fear of God. Never give in to the urge to cast God aside in favor of worldly allures and popular but unholy convictions. Let there be no room for other fears, especially rejection, to result in your disloyalty to God, your Creator.

This faithfulness, I mean to impress upon you, is a hallmark of the Christian life. It is the quality of being loyal, devoted, and committed to God, his teachings only, and his purpose only for the entirety of your life. Faithfulness is not only about being loyal to God but also being loyal to your commitments, whether they are to your family, friends, or community. Faithfulness is the forerunner of trust; thus, it is an important ingredient in our relationship with God. It confirms that you believe in him alone, that you rely on him alone, and that you are confident enough with his promises that you have no need for a safety net.

The evidence that you have a saving knowledge of Christ is loyal obedience to his commandments, including loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. You see, there is no part of you to be left for anything else. Although saved, we remain imperfect people who continue to be tempted by our sinful nature. Do not take salvation for granted and act as though you are unchanged. Train yourself to be godly, obey the Word, and rise above your nature, demonstrating your renewal so that others may wish to follow your example of faithfulness. Your singular loyalty to God is the sign of your sheer delight and joyful thankfulness for your salvation.

Let me remind you now that a Christian marriage is a relationship of mutual obligations entered into in the presence of God. Each spouse must offer to the other what is necessary to honor the vows entered into before God. Indeed, one of the most evident ways a Christian displays faithfulness is in the care and attention given to nurturing and protecting the marriage. Your spouse is a great blessing given to you so that you may more fully enjoy your life. Honor and treasure that blessing. You are called to love your spouse just as Christ loved the church, with loving devotion and lifelong fidelity. Love and give yourself to your spouse in absolute faithfulness, as it pleases the Lord. Finally, my friend, rejoice in the Lord and celebrate the power of the Gospel to comfort one who has turned to Christ. Thanks be to God for the victory over sin and death through Christ! Amen.

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Rest

Along with living in simplicity, you must make time to rest. I do not mean naps or brief periods of mindless pause. I mean intentionally planning for and setting aside time to number your blessings, to study and meditate on the teachings of Christ, and to give thanks for your salvation. Jesus does want you to work but does not want you to be forever weary and burdened; he wants you to enjoy rest. He gave himself as an example for finding rest not only for your body, but also your soul. Even God rested from his glorious works of creation. God gives the weekly Sabbath to remind you of his never-ending faithful provision. Honor the Sabbath and rest.

Believe me, to truly hear and understand God’s voice, you need to be still and quiet your mind. True rest is a source of refreshment, a time for rejuvenation, and a means to a better relationship with God and other people. Rest affords you the time to recognize current difficulties as momentary afflictions compared to the eternal rest that awaits you in Heaven. Rest is an opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness and deepen your relationship with him. To rest restoratively is to focus your mind on Jesus and the perfect, painless, and joyful future that awaits all who follow him.

Friend, it can be particularly difficult to rest when the circumstances of life lead to conflict with others, fears of all the things that could go wrong, or anxiety about what others may expect of you. God desires rest for you because deep, relaxing rest in the face of these difficulties will not come naturally to you. To rest, you must trust that he will take care of critical things for you. You must trust that if you take a day off, the world will not break down and spin into chaos. To experience deep rest, you must be attentive and intentional about what thoughts fill your mind. You should think about things that are good and true and beautiful, and imagine the glorious future that awaits all those who rest in Christ. 

If you lack rest, you will suffer physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Physical and mental exhaustion often lead to emotional turmoil, including anger, bitterness, and impatience. The lack of rest will certainly cause tension in your most important relationships, including your relationship with God. You must establish a rhythm of work and rest to live up to your potential. Work gives you the opportunity to partner with God in his goals for creation, while rest lets you enter communion with God in the enjoyment of his creation. Too much work and all becomes drudgery. Not enough rest, and you will not be as thankful as you should be. 

A last word — rest is essential for your spiritual well-being. It allows you to have a clear mind, to renew your heart and spirit, and to boldly face the challenges of your coming days and weeks. May you rest often in the deep well of peace and assurance that God is all that you need. Amen.

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