Bruised Reed

15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope."
Matthew 12:15-21


A commentary on the book The Bruised Reed by Puritan author Richard Sibbes says this concerning these words of Jesus: “A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench; he shall bring forth judgment into truth". It speaks of Jesus' ministry being one of gentleness and mercy to sinners. "...by misery he is brought to see sin as the cause of it, so that together these, a bruised reed and a smoking flax, make up the state of a poor, distressed man. This is such an one as our Savior Christ terms 'poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3), who sees his wants, and also sees himself indebted to divine justice, [with] no means of supply from himself". But this bruising is itself a gift of grace, as it is "required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by leveling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what we indeed are by nature". Hopefully this passage gives you as much hope this morning as it does me. Don’t ever forget that you, by your very nature are a “bruised reed”, you are not perfected yet and you will fail at times and this is exactly why you need God’s Spirit to heal your brokenness, to comfort you with His love and to somehow intercept your feeble attempts to live for Him in this fallen, sinful world in order that the truth of His Spirit could be reflected through your life onto others. All of your hope should be put solely in Him today and not in your own abilities. Let the Master Healer comfort you today as you journey to know and love Him more.

Pride - Power - Jealousy

9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
11 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

Matthew 12:9-13


Jesus was a fly in the ointment for the Pharisees as He did not let their man made laws stop Him from loving and healing the people of this world. The Pharisees were jealous since Jesus was directly opposing their man made authority and as a result their power and influence was being threatened. Does any of this at all sound familiar, as some of the obstacles that you and I deal with on a daily basis in business or with family or in other relationships that we encounter in our lives? Pride and power and jealousy seem to be rampant these days as talented and gifted men and women begin to crumble as a result of putting their pride and self ahead of others, even if other people’s ideas and work are good and superior to their own. Today, step outside of yourself with a fresh set of eyes that are filtered through your relationship with Jesus Christ as you approach whatever situation or circumstance that you are faced with, look for the good in others and be open to new ideas as you journey to know and love God and others more.

Mercy Replaces Judgement

1 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
3 He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven't you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that one [a] greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' [b] you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Matthew 12:1-8


Jesus had come, not to judge, but to show mercy on the lost world. He had come to heal and to forgive and finally to pay the ultimate price which would take God’s judgment for sin upon Himself in order that all who believed in Him could somehow live in the midst of His grace and be forgiven and free for the rest of eternity! I heard a story the other day of a business executive who boarded a private plane with a potential vendor on a journey to this company’s headquarters where hopefully a business deal would take place. Halfway through the trip, the business executives were taking God’s name in vain and serving drinks on the plane not knowing that the potential customer was a committed Christian. The customer upon hearing and seeing the brokenness of these lost men ordered the plane to be turned around as he was not interested in doing business with them because of their actions. As I heard this story my heart broke because this man did not represent who Jesus was and what He stood for. If Jesus were in that plane, He would have seen through the harsh behavior to the emptiness and broken hearts of these lost men who were in desperate need of a Savior. He would have continued on with the trip so they could see His love and experience His grace and eventually turn to Him for forgiveness and freedom and healing. As you represent Jesus to the world today, be sure to show His mercy and grace in order that the lost world around you would see Jesus in you and believe!

Take His Yoke and Find Rest

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30


A “yoke” is defined by dictionary.com as: a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, esp. oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bow-shaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal. God’s yoke combines together the people of God in order that He can direct us by His Spirit into a life that is full of His peace and love and gentleness. Well, I don’t know about you, but I have had one of those weeks where I have tried to resist the yoke by moving in another direction, by running when I should have been walking and moving when I should have been still. What a refreshing word this is from our Lord this morning! His way really is the best way that brings with it harmony and peace, gentleness and rest. How are you doing as a child of God under the yoke of His Spirit who is trying to guide you into a life of love and fulfillment? Are you moving in the direction that God would want you to or are you trying to resist, thus causing unnecessary grief and heartache? Is the harness even on you at all, have you fully surrendered your life to the direction and control of Jesus Christ? Let me encourage you this morning to “come to him” as the peace and rest that He offers is very real and His way is undoubtedly the very best way for you. Rest in the magnificent love and direction of your Creator today as you journey to know and love Him more!

Are you Ready to Listen

25 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. 26 Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work." 27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
Matthew 11:25-27(The Message)


This morning, Jesus wants to share the mysteries of this incredible relationship that you can have with the One who created you all as a result of the sacrifice that He made for you on the cross – are you ready to listen? God takes the ordinary people of this world, the most unexpected and He uses them to touch the lives and hearts of other people in this world in miraculous ways – are you ready? You have a job to do today, there is a plan and purpose for your life, the time is short and God wants to use you today to help reflect His love to the world around you – are you up for the challenge? Are you listening? Have you spent some time with the Father in prayer, preparing your heart and mind for battle? Get ready as the battle is about to take place and you are on the front lines with God’s Spirit leading the way and His angels clearing a path. Let your light shine today as you let His love flow through you today to a world in need.

Unrepentant Heart

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. [e] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Matthew 11:20-24

Don’t you know today that Jesus is wooing you, just as He wooed the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre and Sidon so many years ago. Jesus is performing small miracles in your life in order that you would notice Him and repent and turn from living for yourself to living for God. I was traveling with a colleague a few weeks ago who said that he felt like God was allowing him to experience certain things in his life in order to get his attention, small things and chance meetings with God’s people throughout the day seemed to be happening more often than not in his life. God may also be wooing you through the touch of His comforting Spirit or through the sweet sound of a bird song in the morning or through the beauty of a sunset. I remember vividly as a young man struggling with the brokenness of a dysfunctional family and hurting badly on the inside when the Lord spoke to me through the most beautiful sunset that I have ever seen. As I sat on the empty bleachers and watched in amazement, I could feel God’s peace in the innermost parts of my soul and I felt the touch of His comforting Spirit that let me know that everything was going to be okay and that He loved me more than I could ever imagine. Is God wooing you? How are you going to respond? Are you going to respond like the people of Chorazin or Bethsaida, or are you going to accept this most awesome gift of Jesus Christ into your heart and life in order that you would start living your life for His purposes and not your own? I would suggest the latter as you will encounter a life and a love like no other, that will last forever! Respond to Jesus today, surrender your heart and life to Him.

Riches beyond Material Things

7 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? 8 Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. 9 What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. 10 He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.' 11 "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. 12 For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. 13 But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. 14 Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah. 15 "Are you listening to me? Really listening?
Matthew 11:7-15(The Message)



Jesus, referring to John the Baptist as “the best prophet you’ll ever hear” encourages me this morning as I contemplate my job and rewards that are realized as a result of my work. John the Baptist played an integral part in paving the way for the redemption of the world; God used his life in a major way and yet John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, ate off of the land and clothed himself with the skins of animals. John the Baptist had a rich, fulfilling life that did not include material things at all. No, John’s worth and fulfillment and joy came from serving the God that he loved and from knowing that his life was making an impact on the world around him. And Jesus says here in verse 11 that if you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart of hearts and thus have entered into the Kingdom of God, then your life is even more valuable and more important for the advancement of Christ than John the Baptist’s was. God has a plan for all of us today to be used by Him in incredible ways and we have all been masterfully designed with talents and gifts and abilities to play out our part, and joy and fulfillment in this life come only from doing just that and not from any monetary reward that we may or may not receive in this fallen world. So, be encouraged today through the example of John the Baptist, know that you are deeply loved that you have been masterfully created to do the work of the King today as you let His love flow through you onto a fallen world. Be filled today with the joy that comes from knowing God and keep your focus on Him as it is only in acting out your purpose for the kingdom that abundant life can be found. Keep looking up today as you live your life for the King!

Most Blessed

When Jesus finished placing this charge before his twelve disciples, he went on to teach and preach in their villages. 2 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples 3 to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4 Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: 5 The blind see, The lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. 6 "Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"

Matthew 11:1-6(The Message)



At the end of his rope, imprisoned as a result of his ministry which was to prepare the way for Jesus, John asks for confirmation that Jesus was the Messiah, that the One he had been waiting for and had spent his life preparing other people for had finally arrived. John’s life work was completed, his work was finished as Jesus the Messiah, the One for whom he had been paving the way was finally here. I can only imagine the joy that he felt, even in the midst of his circumstances as a result of the faithfulness and trust that he had put in God Almighty. Sometimes I feel like I can relate to how John the Baptist must have felt in that cold dark cell prior to this confirmation as he wondered if his life had even mattered, if the Messiah had indeed finally come. Sometimes I wonder if the work that I do every day even matters in light of eternity as the worldly rewards seem to be few and far between. In addition, at times I wonder if my ministry is making a difference, if the simple words that I write most every morning are directed by God’s Spirit to a heart that needs to be encouraged or challenged to know and love God and people more. This fallen world has a way of beating you down at times and it will try to snuff out your joy and your enthusiasm for the work that you are doing for the Lord. What Jesus would tell you this morning is that you are “most blessed!” He would tell you that He is alive, that He is using your life in ways that you might not ever know until that day when you meet Him face to face. What Jesus would tell you this morning is to hold you head up high and let His love flow through your life onto others in the midst of whatever circumstance that you are facing as He is in control and He is carrying you through to the end of this race called life. Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine today and His love is all that you need.

Rewarded through Giving

40 "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes someone known to be a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes someone known to be righteous will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is known to be my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly be rewarded."

Matthew 10:40-42



One of the coolest things that Paula and I had the privilege to do a couple of years ago was to give some money that we had set aside over and above our monthly tithe to some dear friends who are in full time ministry and were in a bit of a financial jam. I can’t even describe the joy that resulted from such a simple act of obedience. In fact, some of the best times in our marriage have been realized when we have had the opportunity to give to someone else in need. The apostle Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35 when he says: “,,,'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " We have experienced this first hand as a couple and both of us look forward to many more opportunities to give to God’s people in support of advancing the Kingdom of Christ. What about you? Have you experienced the indescribable joy and satisfaction that comes from giving? Give it a try today as I can promise you that your gift will not go unnoticed by God and that you too will be blessed beyond belief!

The Battle Rages On

34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 your enemies will be the members of your own household.'
37 "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10:34-39



Jesus has risen! New life can now be found in Him that is fulfilling and full of love and grace but is that the end of the story? Is life now lived happily ever after like some sort of religious utopia where there is only peace and love and joy? Of course not! We still live in a fallen world and the evil one is still fighting for control of your soul and mind; your enemy will continue to try to distract you from living out your purpose for God up until that day when all things will be new and when the brokenness of this world will be healed, once and for all. The battle rages on and that battle most likely will take place with the people who are closest to you in your life. Do not be discouraged when your loved ones do not respond in a positive way to your new found faith in Christ. Don’t be discouraged when there are arguments in your family concerning religious traditions and religious preferences as Jesus has come to break these walls that cause us all at times to take our eyes off of the one thing that really matters – Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him. Take up your cross today; show forgiveness and grace and patience to your loved ones as you draw on the power of the One who lives inside of your heart of hearts. The key to winning the battle is surrender and sacrifice as you journey today to know and love Him more.

Public Acknowledgement of Christ

32 "Whoever publicly acknowledges me I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever publicly disowns me I will disown before my Father in heaven.

Matthew 10:24-31



A very bold statement here from Jesus should cause you to reflect this morning on how you publicly acknowledge all that Jesus Christ has done for you in your awesome relationship that you have with the Son of God. Do you speak of Him throughout the day with others that you meet through example in acts of kindness and genuine love for others and maybe even sometimes using words? When His Spirit and grace in your life bring success, do you give Him the glory? Do others know without a doubt why you live your life that way that you do? Do they see Jesus in you? Don’t be afraid today to shout with your voice and even more so with your actions the reason for your joy and peace; tell others today about the One who has set you free and you will begin to know God and experience God in a brand new way as you begin to see Him with the eyes of your heart through your relationship with others. You have a job to do and God wants to use you in a big way today as you proclaim His name to the nations.

Sparrow Song

24 "Students are not above their teacher, nor servants above their master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teacher, and servants like their master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!
26 "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:24-31



One of my favorite things is to listen to the birds sing in the quietness of a spring morning during sunrise. I find that sound calming and full of peace in the midst of the busy world in which we live. I never really connected the dots until this morning on why hearing the sound of birds brings so much peace and hope as I start a new day on my journey of loving God and loving others. The birds sing as a result of being in God’s care, He protects them and feeds them and loves them, just as He loves you and I, as Jesus describes here to the first 12 disciples. So today, why do you worry about the trivial things of life when God has so much else for you to see and experience with Jesus by your side leading the way. When you hear the sparrows this morning, remember, that God loves you so amazingly much this morning that He knows every hair on your head and He knows everything that you are going to experience today and He will be right where you are to love and care for you even more as you stumble through this life under the providence and direction of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Keep looking up today as you live your life for Him!

Stand Firm

"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 10:18-22



Don’t ever forget that we live in a world at war. There is a spiritual battle raging all around you in the 3rd realm. There are demons trying to sidetrack the work that you are doing for the Lord through quiet whispers of suggestion enticing you to live for yourself and tempting you to make bad choices in this life. There are angels, just the same, fighting them off and celebrating the small victories that you make through the power of Jesus Christ who lives inside of your heart of hearts. Don’t ever forget that you have an enemy who will try to discourage you in your journey of knowing and loving God and others and that is why it is of the utmost importance to stay connected in prayer and submission to your Father in heaven. The enemy is trying to disqualify you from having an impact on this fallen world for Christ but Jesus has overcome the enemy and His love will prevail as long as you continue to walk in His grace and forgiveness and power. Spend some time with your Father this morning and recharge your batteries as you will need His strength today to overcome and stand firm in the midst of this fallen world. He loves you right where you are and His Grace is big enough to cover anything that you have done. Let His Holy Spirit work through you today as you rest in His power and are comforted by His awesome love.

Shrewd and Innocent

16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves

Matthew 10:16



Dictionary.com defines the word “shrewd” as: “Characterized by keen awareness, sharp intelligence, and often a sense of the practical. Disposed to artful and cunning practices; tricky; sharp; penetrating.” There is really only one way to answer this call from Jesus since believers today are just as vulnerable to the wolves of this world, and I would add that the wolves today can be even worse in that more times than not they are camouflaged in sheep’s clothing. The way to be sure that your actions are as “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves”, is to stay tuned-in and connected to the guidance, direction and all-consuming love and power of God’s Spirit who lives inside of all who have put their faith in Him. So, how does that look in real life? It looks like this, prior to doing anything or going anywhere or saying anything or even dwelling on any thought you filter whatever action or thought that you are about to entertain through the Holy Spirit by saying a quiet prayer and staying connected to the God who loves you. You see, this is what the Christian life is all about, a minute by minute, intimate relationship with your Father in heaven. Our God longs to know you in this way and to love you and protect you as you journey through this life and navigate through the wolves of this fallen world in order that His love can be seen and known. Tap into the power source today and every day; spend your time in prayerful surrender to our Lord and Savior and your life will be protected as you live in a beautiful relationship with the One who gave His life for you!

Peace will Prevail

12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.Matthew 10:12-15



We can learn much about peace from Jesus’ words here to the first 12 disciples prior to sending them out to minister on His behalf. No matter what happens in this life, good or bad, and no matter what others may think or say or do to you, you as God’s son or daughter have the peace that passes all understanding in your heart of hearts. Listen, if your focus is on God and your focus is on living your life in accordance with His will, if this is true for you then nothing can ever take away the peace of God that is miraculously a part of who you are today. Let the peace of God return to you today in the midst of whatever circumstance or relationship issue or financial problem that you are facing today. Spend some time with your Heavenly Father, pour your heart out to Him and let Him worry about the hurdles in this life that seem way too big from your tiny perspective – give them over to God, shake the dust off your feet and let the peace that passes all understanding overflow from your heart once again in order that others will see and believe.

God will Provide

9 "Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for workers are worth their keep.
Matthew 10:9-10



I love the instructions of Jesus here to the first 12 disciples as He sends them out on their journey to tell the Good News of Jesus. He tells them not to bring anything for the journey; no money, no extra clothes, no extra shoes, not even a bag to carry any additional items. I think that Jesus gives us this example as a model for how we should live our lives today. He wants us not to be as concerned about the external things of this world as we are about the inner workings of our heart. He wants us to trust in Him to provide all that we need in order that you and I could have the freedom to focus on the things that really matter in this life; things like being there for other people who are broken and lonely and in desperate need of the miracle of Jesus that you and I have been so incredibly blessed with in this life. My first few hours this morning have been consumed with a business issue concerning money that is completely out of my control, the issue began to eat away at my heart and consume the joy that I so long for today. I am going to leave this issue with my Father to handle as there is much more important business to attend to as I get back on the journey of reflecting His love to a world in need – I pray that you would do the same today as you seek Jesus with all of your heart and live your life for Him!

Freely Recieved - Freely Give

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, [b] drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:5-8



God has blessed Paula and I with so much in this life! I am so humbled by his goodness and Grace this morning. First and foremost he has blessed us with His presence through a restored relationship which He made possible through His Son Jesus Christ, I am still learning every day what this means and I am still discovering in my own journey how incredible and wonderful this free gift of Jesus in me is! Secondly, he has blessed us with each other, He has given me an amazing, caring, loving and beautiful wife with whom I have the pleasure of spending the rest of eternity as well as with Him. Thirdly, He has given me talents and abilities to do what I love to do, every day, in order that other people could see and know that He is real and living inside of my heart of hearts. Last, but not least, He covers all of my inadequacies and failed attempts to live up to such a high calling as one trying to reflect the love of our Savior with His incredible love, grace and forgiveness all of which I will never understand or fully comprehend but it is for these things that I am most grateful and in awe. I stand in awe of our God today and I freely give whatever He asks of me to give today with a joyful heart as I have freely received the amazing gift of His love, forever.