Life Journal 05-31-2009

Real Strength

(S) Scripture
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

(O) Observation
We often think of warriors and conquerors as people of strength but here the writer says that patience and a controlled temper are qualities of real strength.

(A) Application
In my younger days I found it easy to fly off the handle and launch a verbal barrage showing my impatience and wanting to coerce my way in things. I have not always been this nice peaceful man that I am today J (tongue firmly planted in my cheek). As I have sought to live out this proverb I have found that it is true. There is real strength in being patient and controlling your temper. That strength is recognized by others. I want to exhibit that strength in my life. I know that when I want patience God puts me in situations where I must choose to be patient. When I want to control my temper I find myself in circumstances where in the past I would lose my temper. Interesting to me is that I never really "lost" my temper it was always right there in front of me, just out of control. Today by God's grace I will demonstrate these qualities in my life and so live in a way that pleases God.

(P) Prayer
Father, You know how easy it is for me to abandon these qualities so let me experience your strength today to live as you would have me to live. Let me be patient and let my temper stay under control. Amen

Life Journal 05-30-2009

The Wonder of Worship

(S) Scripture
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul has been addressing the relationship of the Israelites and Gentiles to God. He explains it using the ideas of faith and obedience. He then comes to this great moment of worship as he thinks about our Great God.

(A) Application
I want to be caught up in this kind of worship; 'nough said.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me worship you in Spirit and Truth today. Let me get caught up in Who You are. Amen

Life Journal 05-29-2009

Generosity

(S) Scripture
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The writer simply states the truth that is also found in the New Testament. "You reap what you sow". Generous people prosper and those who refresh others find themselves being refreshed.

(A) Application
When I think of being generous I immediately think of money and yet there are so many other ways to be generous. Investing my time and abilities in others is a form of generosity. Sharing what I have with others is generosity. When I share what I have I prosper, I gain more and that allows me to give more. It is a sweet and calm spirit that refreshes people and that is what I desire. When I am operating at a hectic, chaotic pace I cannot refresh anyone and will not stop long enough to be refreshed myself. Today I will slow down and make the most of each and every conversation. I will give of myself and whatever I have. I do so not to get more but because it is the way I am to live as a Christian.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me know your presence and power in my life so that I might live the way you describe. Let me invest myself in others so that they too might walk close to you. Amen

Life Journal 05-28-2009

Created with Purpose

(S) Scripture
"I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
Proverbs 8:12 (NIV)

"The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.
When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;
before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
Proverbs 8:22-31 (NIV)

(O) Observation
This proverb places "wisdom" behind all of creation. There was purpose in the creative process. God did not create randomly but rather all that was created was done so in wisdom with purpose and meaning. This proverb reminds me again of the greatness of our God. He is the author and Creator of all that is and it all has purpose and meaning.

(A) Application
I was created with purpose and meaning. It was God's wisdom that decided when and where I would be born, He decided my parents and my life has purpose that was set in it from before the beginning of time. That is an incredible thought. I am not a mistake or a random happening. God knew me and made me in His time for His purpose. It would be a shame to miss all that in life. This fact gives deep meaning to my life and I will not question the Potter about why He made me this way. Today I will rejoice in God's creative work in me and the meaning He gives to my life.

(P) Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your goodness toward me; for creating me and giving meaning to my life. Thank you for sending your Son to pay for my sins in order that by faith in Him I might experience your purpose for me. Amen

Life Journal 05-27-2009

An important Correction

(S) Scripture
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 (KJV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:1 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The conditional phrase at the end of verse one in included in the KJV but is not found in the best manuscript evidence and is therefore omitted in more recent translations. This changes the statement completely. It takes it from a conditional phrase to an imperative statement. That is really good news for followers of Jesus.

(A) Application
As a follower of Jesus I am not condemned in any way. My life is safe and secure in Christ. My security is not dependent on me but rather on God. My response to this is to love the Lord and follow Him. If I understand this I cannot use my freedom and security as a license to sin. I cannot ignore God's leading and direction and command of my life. Because I am not condemned I will live in gratitude and by faith in the One who saved me and set me free. This is such an important correction because it moves the Christian life away from legalism and to relationship. Today I will celebrate my relationship with God and thank Him for securing my relationship with Him.

(P) Prayer
Father thank you for saving me and securing my place with you. Help me to live today as your child in a way that honors you. Amen

Life Journal 05-26-2009

A New Way To Live

(S) Scripture
For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Romans 7:5-6 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is writing about the release that comes to our lives when we die to sin. We die to sin and the law has no more power over us when we receive Christ as Savior. The control the law has over us and the power our sin nature has are released when we become Christians. Our sin natures bring about death, separation from God, but our new natures in Christ bring about service energized by the Holy Spirit. Our focus is no longer on keeping the law but is on living by faith empowered by the Holy Spirit.

(A) Application
Even though my sinful nature died when I became a Christian it seems to come to life when I feed it. I know it can never separate me from the love of God but it does affect my fellowship and closeness to the Father. I am not to focus on the law – that energizes my sin nature. So often I talk with people who think the Christian life is simply keeping the Ten Commandments. Their focus is on the law and they wonder why they keep feeling defeated in their spiritual lives. Their focus is wrong. They are focused on what only energizes the sin nature. I must not live that way, I want a new way of living. I am to focus on being controlled by the Holy Spirit and living by faith. When I live that way my life reflects God's righteousness and there is no law against living that way. Today I will again trust the Holy Spirit to fill me and use me. I will focus on loving God and following Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the reminder from Paul today that I am to focus on you and not on the law. I want to live free with you and by faith in you empowered by the Holy Spirit. Work your work in me today. Amen

Life Journal 05-22-2009

My Utter Sinfulness

(S) Scripture
What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;
there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips."
"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."
"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
ruin and misery mark their ways,
and the way of peace they do not know."
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Romans 3:9-18 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is reminding his readers that no one is righteous in themselves. He builds that case against both Jews and Gentiles. In this passage he reminds us of our utter sinfulness. It is certainly a description of the world in which we live. As I read the verses over again I see a description of the moral condition of our country. "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

(A) Application
Worse though than seeing our nation is when you see yourself. I am reminded of Isaiah when he describes himself as a "man of unclean lips." Is my speech pleasing to God and profitable for the people I speak with. Am I really selfish to the point of ignoring the needs of others or only looking out for myself. This passage reminds me that I an utterly sinful in my nature and that apart from Jesus and the righteousness He brings to my life I am hopeless. Left to myself my life will reflect these verses in Romans 3. Thanks be to God that He has not left me to myself but has sent His Son to die for my sins and through faith in that death He gives me forgiveness and a new nature that is filled with His Holy Spirit that can accomplish through me all He has for me to do. Today I will again renew my commitment to following Jesus and to being filled with the Holy Spirit.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for forgiving my sins through Jesus' death on the cross. Thank you for allowing me through faith to avoid the life described by Paul that is separated from you. Let me live for you today and use me to make a difference in people's lives today. Amen

Life Journal 05-20-2009

From Beginning to End

(S) Scripture
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Romans 1:17 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul declares that the Gospel of Jesus Christ reveals a righteousness that comes from God. This righteousness comes from living by faith in Jesus. This living by faith is from first to last in everything.

(A) Application
Yesterday my friend, Tom Auvenshine, lost his short battle with cancer but received his victors crown in heaven. His cancer was discovered in January. Since that time he had a cancerous gall bladder removed, a ruptured appendix removed, a drainage tube inserted into his abdomen and a feeding line inserted in his chest (this became infected and had to be replaced on the opposite side of his chest). Through these surgeries, chemo and countless days in the hospital Tom taught us all how to live by showing us how to die. Tom was a man of faith and he lived it each day. As I read this passage today I thought of Tom. His death reminded me of my Dad's death. Tom was 59 my Dad was 58. Both were men who lived out their faith day by day and lives were impacted for the Christ. I thank God for sending men like Tom and my Dad into my life to enrich and deepen my faith. Today I want to live by faith so that I can impact others for the sake of the Gospel.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the example Tom set and for allowing me to be his friend and pastor. Give your strength and a sense of your presence to Linda, Amanda and Tom and Adam as they grieve. Let us each learn how to better live for you. Amen

Life Journal 05-18-2009

A Timely Reminder

(S) Scripture
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
Psalm 78:5-7 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The psalmist is recounting God's work in Israel and their rebellion. Over and over the Israelites would sin and turn away from God and He would punish and they would repent and He would forgive. Over and over the psalmist recounts this cycle. In these verses though the psalmist recounts God instruction to teach His statutes to your children so that they will put their trust in the Lord.

(A) Application
As I think about my family we spent a good deal of time teaching our daughters faith lessons. Now as adults they are walking with the Lord and active in their churches. Our oldest is now teaching these same stories and lessons to her little girl. Sarah and her husband have custody and hope to adopt his five year old niece. They have had her for over two years now and the faith development in her has been tremendous. Becky and I are seeing that the lessons we taught were learned and are now being taught to the next generation. Our deepest desire is for Grayce to grow up loving Jesus and living for him. The scripture today is a good reminder of our task as parents and grandparents. This is a task I look forward to but it is one that can be easily set aside for other things. I am thankful for the reminder.

(P) Prayer
Lord thank you for allowing me to know you and to share that with my children and o see them sharing you with others especially their families. Help us to always remain faithful examples for those who follow us. Amen

Life Journal 05-15-2009

To Reminisce

(S) Scripture
For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
1 Thessalonians 3:8-9 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As Paul is writing he begins to think about the believers in Thessalonica and his gratitude just overflows. He got a real kick out of their faith stance and could not thank God enough for the joy these believers gave him.

(A) Application
It is good to think back at times and to remember the people the Lord has brought into your life. As I think back I am reminded of many students (I was a campus minister for 8 years) and where they are today. Some are serving as pastors and on church staffs, others are doctors and lawyers and teachers and engineers and accountants and are using their professions as a witness to their faith in Jesus. My heart overflows with joy when I think of them. They are doing so much more than I am doing and it gives me great joy to know that I had a small part in their spiritual development. Then there are the adults and young people from the churches I have served. Again many are using their chosen careers as venues for sharing their faith. They are leaders in their professions and communities and I had a small part in their spiritual development. My joy is full. When I think of the friends the Lord has brought into my life I am filled with gratitude and joy. I am a better man, husband, father, pastor because of their investment in my life. It is good to reminisce when it draws you to the Father and fills you with joy.

(P) Prayer
Father, I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity I have had to invest my life in the lives of so many who remain strong in their faith and service to you. Thank you for allowing me these moments to reminisce but don't let me remain in the past because there are many more lives I need to invest in today so that their lives will be different in the days and years ahead. Amen

Life Journal 05-12-2009

How I See God

(S) Scripture
"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
2 Samuel 22:26-28 (NIV)

(O) Observation
These verses are part of David's Song of Praise he sung after being delivered from the hand of his enemies. David is quick to give praise and credit to the Lord. In the song he gives us an insight into how we see God or how God shows Himself to us.

(A) Application
I have read this many times before but this morning I saw something quite different than I had seen before. I have often wondered why when I see God as faithful unbelievers do not see God that way. Why is it when I see God as good unbelievers do not see Him that way. In fact most often, it seems, unbelievers see God as arbitrary and hard and cold and uncaring and distant. They see God as shrewd and looking to bring them down. These verses shed light on this issue. God shows himself faithful to the faithful. In order to see God as faithful I must be faithful. If I am not faithful I will see God as shrewd and out to bring me down. I should not be surprised when my unbelieving friends do not see God as I see him. He has not shown himself to them that way. We all see through the eyes of experience and sometimes my experience clouds or blurs the truth. Although God has revealed himself as faithful and blameless and good in many undeniable ways in nature and in his mighty acts still the unbelieving heart has a hard time seeing through the cloud. Today I want to see God as faithful and blameless and pure therefore I will seek to live out my faith that way. The best thing for me to do is to focus on Jesus and do what He instructs me to do. Living my life by faith in the Son of God certainly affects how I see God. How I live opens my eyes to see God as he shows Himself to me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, live through me today and let me see you as faithful, blameless, pure, and encouraging, lifting me up to experience all you have for me today, Amen

 

Life Journal 05-11-2009

A Little FROGgy

(S) Scripture
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

(O) Observation
David is lamenting his circumstances to the Lord. He cries out about his companion who cannot be trusted because he says one thing but means another. David then receives this instruction from the Lord's heart, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." David give your cares to the Lord He will not let you fall. Our strength and protection come from God not from ourselves.

(A) Application
How often do I take these matters into my own hands to settle? When I do I find myself fretting and frustrated. Why is it that I think I can take care of things in my life better or more efficiently than the Lord? It is my pride that gets in the way here. I want to think that I am capable and able to stand on my own, after all isn't that the great American Spirit? I have been taught so much independence that I miss the joy of depending on God. I recall a "T" shirt that said FROG – Fully Relying On God – I think that today I need to be a lot more "FROGgy". I do not want to fall or fail in the work or life the Lord has called me to. I must rely on Him and one way to show that is to cast my cares on Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord continue to teach me to rely fully on You. Take my cares today and make me the person You want me to be. Use me today I pray. Amen

Life Journal 05-08-2009

A Great Truth

(S) Scripture
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

(O) Observation
David gives us a great picture of what confession does in our lives. For those who do not confess their sin there is being under God's thumb. For those who confess there is a renewed experience of forgiveness. There is the opportunity to live guilt free.

(A) Application
One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my Christian life is that of confession of sin. When I confess my sin God forgives the guilt of my sin. The sin was forgiven by Christ's death on the cross and my trust in that sacrifice. I do not need to have the sin forgiven (Jesus already did that) but I do need release from the guilt that sin brings to my life. Not only does the Lord forgive my guilt but this psalm is filled with other benefits that come to me when I confess. God protects, delivers, instructs and counsels me when I confess. Today I will continue to confess my sin and ask the Holy Spirit to control my life and use me.

(P) Prayer
Lord I trust you with my life and will continue to confess my sin. I want to have constant fellowship with you and to experience all you have for me. I want to seek after you with my whole heart. Amen

Life Journal 05-07-2009

Living Rightly

(S) Scripture
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In this chapter of Matthew, Jesus is teaching about the end times and his second coming. He is clear that no one knows the day or hour. He gives some general signs that point to the time of the end. His emphasis is on living each day as if Jesus were coming back that day. We are to live expectantly.

(A) Application
I had the privilege as a college student to attend a retreat where Hal Lindsay spoke a series of messages that became his book, The Late Great Planet Earth. At the end of one message I remember him saying that if Jesus came back before he finished the first one to the pulpit could have his Bible. When he finished we all rushed outside so that if Jesus came we would not have to go through the roof. It was a powerful message. His emphasis was on living each day as if Jesus were coming back that day because He might. Although some accused Hal of claiming to know the day and hour, he never even hinted at that when I heard him. That retreat was 40 years ago and my life was profoundly affected. There certainly are many false prophets today on radio and TV leading people astray in this area and the church needs discernment concerning the truth. Some are well meaning but mistaken. As a pastor/teacher I must continually remind people that we are to live faithfully each day. Whether Jesus comes back or whether he comes to take only me, I had better be ready and be found living faithfully.

(P) Prayer
Lord, teach me how to live fully for you each day. When you come for me I want to be found faithful. Help me to keep my focus on You. Let my life make a difference for you on this earth. Help me to be the witness I should be. And as John said at the close of Revelation, "Come quickly Lord, Jesus." Amen

Life Journal 05-06-2009

A Constant Prayer

(S) Scripture
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)

(O) Observation
David's secret sin has been revealed by Nathan. When confronted David outraged at the story Nathan tells and offers a severe judgment. Nathan then declares that David is the man in the story. David then repents and offers up the prayer found in this Psalm 51. It is a prayer of confession and repentance.

(A) Application
I find myself too often acting like David when he hears the story and passes judgment. Too often I am much tougher on other's sin that on my own. I want to be more compassionate in dealing with others but I most want to respond first with genuine repentance and honest confession. Rather than the last thing I want that to be the first. I want this prayer in Psalm 51:10-12 to be a constant prayer of my heart. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Today I will seek to live out that prayer.

(P) Prayer
Lord you know me and my heart's desire. Let me live constantly by faith. Today, Lord, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Amen

Life Journal 05-05-2009

Cool Under Fire

(S) Scripture
No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Matthew 22:46 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The Pharisees and Sadducees tried their best to trip up Jesus. They peppered him with questions. Jesus knew their intent and yet never lost his cool or temper. But with stories and questions he quieted them. They were so frustrated that they knew not to ask any more questions because it only made them look more foolish.

(A) Application
I have always been impressed with how Jesus would answer a question with a question, how he would never fall into their verbal traps. So often I find myself speaking before I really think things through. I sometimes speak to defend God and His Word when nothing really needs to be said. I get sucked into no win arguments. I leave thinking how foolish I had been to engage in the argument. Today I want to learn this lesson and practice being cool under fire. I will continue to work on responding like Jesus did. He promises to give us words to speak when we need them and when He does not give the words I need to learn to shut up. Arguments tend to accomplish very little and so today I will not argue but will look to respond with the grace and power of Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Lord teach me when to speak and when to remain silent. Let me treat people the way you would. Help me to remain cool under fire. Amen

Life Journal 05-04-2009

Through the Eyes of Children

(S) Scripture
But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant.
"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"
Matthew 21:15-16 (NIV)

(O) Observation
During the week after the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Jesus does many wonderful and some miraculous things. The religious leaders see them and respond with contempt and outrage. The children see them and respond with praise and adoration. The children saw what God was doing and responded in praise. The religious leaders were blinded by their religious traditions and prejudice.

(A) Application
I must not end up like the religious leaders in this passage. I cannot let my religious prejudices and traditions keep me from seeing what God is doing and rejoicing in it. There are time when other ministries are doing things I do not understand but I must not jump to judgment. I must discern if God is at work or not and then decide what to do. I want to trust Jesus and praise him like the children in this passage. It is a simple faith that recognized Who Jesus was and declared it openly. I want to have that kind of transparent and simple faith.

(P) Prayer
Lord you know how easy it is for me to let my prejudices get in the way of what you are doing. Forgive me and let me see you clearly and rejoice in all you do. Keep me from the pride that prejudice and tradition brings. Let me rejoice in you today. Amen

Life Journal 05-03-2009

Persistence

(S) Scripture
As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.
Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
"Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:29-34 (NIV)

(O) Observation
These men knew that Jesus could restore their sight and so as he came by they yelled to him. The crowd tried to silence them but they yelled even louder. They were not going to let this opportunity pass. As blind men they were most likely outcasts in that society and therefore could have been intimidated by the crowd. Not these two, they wanted to get Jesus' attention and be healed and so they yelled over the objections of the crowd. The result of their persistence was that Jesus heard them and healed them.

(A) Application
I wonder if I let the crowd dictate to me how I should act. Do I get quiet when I need to yell because my crying out to the Lord upsets the crowd? Do I let the pressure from them keep me from crying out to the Lord? Am I more concerned with being proper than being persistent? Sometimes I am those things. Today I will be persistent in my prayer. It is not a sign of a lack of faith but rather a sign that I trust you to hear me and act. Some have wrongly said that to pray about something more than once is a sign of not really trusting God but this passage teaches us to be persistent in our prayers. Today I will be persistent in trusting in God's power to act.

(P) Prayer
Lord I trust you. Teach me to pray persistently and to trust in your ability and power and desire to act. Today I pray for Tom's healing. Act on his behalf today, let him and his family sense your presence. Give them comfort and strength for each day. Teach me to trust you completely. Amen