Busy Monday. I actually didn’t attend any meetings or even go to the fitness center. But it seemed like I got a lot of “functional” exercise in tilling the garden, trimming a tree, mowing the grass and getting the sprinkler system turned on and making several trips up and down stairs. I think last fall was the latest I turned my sprinkler system off and this spring this is latest in the season I turned it on. (picture of our friends Rod and Jenni Carlson of Living Logos Ministries)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.”  Psalm 138:8 HCSB

Many years ago Rick Warren wrote, “The Purpose Driven Life.” The has sold millions of copies and has encouraged people all over the world, that they are born for a purpose. That this world is not all about “you” but about God accomplishing His purpose through you.

The verse above is the last verse of this psalm of David. The verse just before this affirmation declares, “If I walk into the thick of danger, You will preserve my life from the anger of my enemies. You will extend Your hand; Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7 HCSB)

The fulfillment of God’s purpose may not be “smooth sailing.” Often stepping into God’s purpose and seeing His work in our life is a journey; sometimes a journey of “trial and error.” There can be frustration and questioning along the way. But we can be confident in God’s faithfulness to guide our life.

I think of my friend Rod Carlson, who with his wife Jenni for the last fourteen years have been challenging people to memorize God’s Word through dramatic presentations of memorized scripture. (http://livinglogos.org/Welcome.html) Rod had a career that involved radio broadcasting and serving as a pastor. When they accepted God’s call into a new phase of ministry, it launched them into a direction that they never would have anticipated.

I even think of how Jenni found herself, “pushed” into the presentation of reciting scripture while on a missions trip. She shares how the scripture presentations were “Rod’s thing” and she saw herself in a supporting role. Now Jenni has memorized several passages of scripture including the Book of Ruth and Esther. It is great to see God’s purpose being fulfilled in the lives of our long time friends in a powerful and effective way.

I am thankful for what I have observed in my own life. I started out as a high business teacher and coach, served almost 28 years on pastoral ministry and then served in the Colorado Legislature, while filling the role of executive director of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains. Now through a health crisis, I have found doors of opportunity and influence in ways that I would never have imagined.

I am conducting Sunday chapel services at some local assisted living facilities. One of those services takes place in a memory care unit. There is a lady resident who is always sharply dressed, very pleasant and alert. The last time I was there I had a copy of my book, so I took time to just show some of the pictures to her and tell my story in that way. He comment to me was, “it looks like you have a lot to live for!” I thought, “wow, I didn’t expect that kind of response!” But it challenged me about the importance of living for God’s purpose.

David declares his confidence in God’s purpose being fulfilled because, “God’s love is eternal.” God doesn’t give up on us and He will not “abandon the work of His hands.” God has made us and created us for a purpose….”His purpose.” There is no greater joy or satisfaction that can be found than to sense God is fulfilling His purpose in your life.

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank you for the assurance that you will fulfill your purpose for me. Even when challenges arise and frustrations clouds the light of your presence, allow me to know that you are working through your love, grace and presence in my life. Allow me to see change and new opportunities as a way for you to fulfill your on-going purpose in my life. Thank you for Your love and faithfulness to me.”

Today was a day I have looked forward to for several weeks. Debbie and I spoke to the Day by Day Sunday School class at Southern Gables Church. It was great to share our story and my book with many who were so supportive in many ways during my health crisis. We ended up coming home earlier than anticipated and missed some planned connections. I have noticed the last two days of early mornings and trips resulted in more fatigue that what I seemed to have experienced recently. I’m thankful for the refreshing I get through some rest.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.“ Proverbs 4:23 NIV  “Watch your life and doctrine closely…” 1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

We are in graduation season once again. It is a time for young adults to be planning for their future and establishing a vision and direction for their life. Solomon and Paul address some important aspects of life. Solomon says, “guard your heart…” That has to do with your affections and what drives your passion in life. Paul says to Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine.” In doing so, he points to the importance of how we live and what we believe as being critical for our future.

Robert Hunt (the father of our friend Cyndy Luzinski) passed away three years ago in 2013. In Wisconsin, he was known as “Mr. Trout” and “Mr. Gideon.” Those two nicknames reveal his two passions. Fishing and a commitment to Christ. It is interesting how those two find their connection to Jesus’ first disciples.

Robert spent a career working for the Department of Natural Resources. Among his duties was developing and enhancing the fish population in Wisconsin’s streams and rivers. When he retired he enjoyed spending time catching the fish he spent a career ensuring were in plentiful supply.

His other nickname points to his passion for God’s Word and work. His life motto flowed from this commitment. It is reflected in six words. “Walk Worthy. Press On. Finish Well.” When I heard those words they made an impact on my life.

Walk Worthy. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.“ (Ephesians 4:1 NIV) Paul’s prayer for believers was that “God would fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9,10 NIV)

It is natural to seek and desire to fulfill “God’s will for your life.” But as one mentor of mine reminded me, “God’s will is not so much a place as it is you as a person.” We should seek to know Christ and know Him better. To obey and to seek His wisdom and guidance for all that concerns us and all that will confront us in life.

Press On. The familiar words of Paul are, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.“ (Philippians 3:14 NIV) Perseverance and focus are indispensable qualities for life. Tests do not stop with formal education. Life is a test! It presents continual challenges that “test our mettle.” Will we get back up when knocked down? Will we settle for just “getting by” in life?

Pressing on, I believe involves the “and then some” attitude in life. Show up for work, fulfill your duties, and “then some.” Do the best you believe you can, “and then some.” Seek to do your best for Christ and His cause, “and then some.”

We can always be grateful for a God who is the “ever-present help in time of need.” (Psa. 46:1) His the “God of all encouragement….” (2 Corinthians 1:3 CJV) I recall the words of a song my wife Debbie sang years ago that contained the words, “In Jesus name, I press on!”

Finish Well. Often when you are later in a career or viewing your home stretch in life, you think of “finishing well.” But finishing well, needs to be what motivates us throughout life and each day of our life. Life is about today, the present. Just today Debbie made the comment that she realizes that, “My reputation is just as good as I conduct myself today.”

I’m thankful that God redeems and helps us to overcome failures. Perfection is not required, but faithfulness is. Faithfulness to God, ourselves and others. May we all seek to hear those words of Jesus, “…well done good and faithful servant….enter in the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

Prayer for today… “Lord, I seek your help in living life well. I realize this doesn’t happen by accident. Give me the focus and determination to “walk” worthy, to press on and to finish well. Guard my heart and mind in you and enable me to always put you first in my life and to seek to bring you glory. In every way, do your work in me each day of my life.”

This morning we traveled to Lakewood for grandson Caed’s flag football game. His team won and Caed threw a touchdown pass. He was very excited and so were his seven-year old teammates. We went by to see my mother and drop off some books for her. We then returned to Fort Collins for a graduation reception for Anna Luzinski (youngest daughter of our friends Craig and Cyndy). We brought granddaughter, Eliana home with us for the night. We return to Lakewood tomorrow to speak at a Sunday School class at Southern Gables Church.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:8,9 HCSB

The words of the well-known hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” contains that words, “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow…” I don’t know if the hymn writer took those words from Paul’s opening words to the Church at Corinth but they certainly fit that theme.

Corinth was a tough Roman city in which to be a follower of Christ. Paul recognizes God’s “amazing grace” in this city and among this people that he lived with for eighteen months. He said, “I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus…” (1 Corinthians 1:4 HCSB) Those who seem to struggle the most and seem self-sufficient and see no need of God in their life are good candidates for God’s grace extended through Christ. Knowledge and intellect and cultural advancement don’t earn relationship with God, it is all because of God’s grace.

Paul goes on and observes that this church displayed the evidence of Christ’s work in them and through them. They had the knowledge and ability to declare Christ’s message and spiritual gifts that demonstrated a power beyond human ability. “You were enriched in everything—in all speech and all knowledge…you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ (1 Corinthians 1:5,7 HCSB)

This church was well aware of the promised return of Christ. As a matter of fact at the end of this letter, (Chapter 15) Paul will address how the resurrection of Christ guarantees our own resurrection into Christ’s presence. What we see of importance is the continuing work of  Christ’s grace from the time of “spiritual birth” to the time when Christ returns.

Paul says with confidence, “He will strengthen you to the end…” We can be assured that the Lord allows us to go from “strength to strength.” The psalmist asserts that those whose “….hearts are set on pilgrimage…go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.“ (Psalm 84:7 NIV) We are to view ourselves as “pilgrims” headed for a spiritual City of God, our own promised land, that will be our permanent home.

As God provides on-going strength for the journey, He works in us and through us to accomplish His purposes. Even as Paul addresses important issues that needed attention and correction in the Corinthian church, so the Lord “admonishes and corrects” us for our good. God uses the context of His church to those ends as well. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”  (Colossians 3:16 NIV)

In all of this we see the Lord’s commitment reflected in Philippians 1:6 (NIV), “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” What the Lord begins by His grace and strength, He completes. When He returns our “work on earth is done.” Our confidence and hope is, “…we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2 NIV)

We have this confidence, because God is faithful. Even when we are not, He is.

Prayer for today…. “Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and grace. Grace that calls us into fellowship with you and Your faithfulness that demonstrates Your commitment to work in me and through me. Continue to give me the strength I need for each day as I trust in You. Thank you for the hope of an eternity in Your presence and Your work in me until that day comes.”

I think I’m adjusting to spring and the coming summer months. I feel behind on some of my outside work. Today, I was able to get outside and do some work besides mowing the lawn. Still have a lot to do, but am beginning to make progress. I think we will turn on our sprinkler system and uncover our patio furniture by Memorial Day!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King. He will save us.”  Isaiah 33:22 HCSB

In the realm of human government there are three distinct arenas: those who make laws, those who administer laws and those who made judgments based on the law. In our system of government we refer those as the legislative, executive and judicial “branches” of government.

When the United States was founded, it was based on a “separation of powers.” That is why we have three branches of government. Every country has those functions, but they may not be represented by various “branches” of government. Our founders knew that human government is imperfect. As a result, to have a stable government that does not “over step” it bounds and becomes too ruthless due to the power it holds, our founders endeavored to “spread” the power around.

That is a good idea for “human” government. But we see in Isaiah as the Lord exerts His rule and authority, we find comfort and assurance in a God who is lawgiver, King and Judge. What doesn’t work for fallen man, is found in perfect balance in God’s rule as a King of justice and mercy.

The Lord is the perfect Lawgiver, establishing perfect laws. We see King David declares, “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.“ (Psalm 19:7 NIV) God’s “law” is for our good. It is to guide our life and to keep us from harm.

In His role as judge, we see, “…the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.“ (Psalm 19:9 KJV) Jesus chided the religious leaders of His day, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” (John 7:24 ESV) Righteous judgment goes to the heart of the matter. It is not influenced by bribery, human frailties nor does it look just on the surface, but it goes to the heart of the issue. That is why James declared, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.“ (James 2:10 NIV)

In the Lord’s role as King we can be confident of One who is our protector and friend. He is not concerned about Himself and His power. He is secure and makes us secure as a result. Our King is conqueror and the one who ensures our peace and prosperity. We read in Revelation of the coming Christ, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.“ (Revelation 19:16 NIV) We read in Proverbs, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…” (Proverbs 29:2 KJV)

When the perfect “One” comes, He brings salvation and rejoicing. That is why we see the throngs of people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David” or “Lord, save us.”

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank you for being the perfect lawgiver, King and Judge. I rejoice in You! You are the One I seek and need to govern my life and to direct me into the destiny that you have for all those who love You. When you reign I have peace and all my needs are met. Allow my heart today to experience the fullness of all that you are and bring to my life.”

This was one of those days I found myself wondering, “where did my morning go.” Some of what I hoped to accomplish I didn’t, but sometimes that is okay. This afternoon, I attended a final meeting of our National Day of Prayer planning committee. This year’s event was well attended and went very well. We are already anticipating next year’s event.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”  Hosea 14:9 HCSB

The final verses of Old Testament books are designed for emphasis. Throughout Hosea, we read words of judgment and condemnation for God’s people over run by idolatry and disobedience. But we see God’s righteousness and mercy always go hand in hand. Where there is judgment there is a promise of mercy, if correction is made.

So we see words of promised redemption at the end of this prophecy, “I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger will have turned from him.” (Hosea 14:4 HCSB) The offer is made, now who will respond. The response reveal whether a person is wise or foolish.

I recently visited with my friend Snow Peabody, the Director of Arizona Teen Challenge and a national leader in drug and alcohol recovery. I am reminded that many of those who came into our Teen Challenge program were those who had backgrounds in a Christian family. Many of them struggle with not only their own addiction, but the guilt of disappointing and betraying parents and God.

A key to their recovery is to see that there is hope. That God is able to bring a change in them they don’t believe is possible or believe that they are worthy to receive. If they are able to act not based on the shame and condemnation of their past and embrace hope in the “ways of the Lord” it is the beginning of a new adventure, a road to recovery and transformation.

That is where  God’s people were as Hosea spoke the words of the Lord. So the call goes out, “whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them.” When hope seems to be gone, there is hope in God’s mercy. It is not found in the power of human will or ability, but in simply following in the “ways of the Lord.” It is recognizing, “I can’t, but He can.”

But the ways of the Lord are not always easy, they don’t always make sense to the human mind. That is why Paul declared, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT) Peter described Christ as, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message…” (1 Peter 2:8)

Remember, Hosea was written to God’s people. People that “should have know better.” But whether responding to Christ out of living for self or returning to Christ after “leaving the path”  the truly wise recognize, “the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them.”

A prayer for today….

“Lord, thank you that Your ways are right and that the righteous walk in them. Keep me focused on You and keep me from stumbling. Help me to live with insight and understanding, as I recognize You as the way to follow through the maze of life.”

Thanks to those who have already requested a copy of my book. I spent a good portion of my day getting ready to fill orders and to ship off copies of my book. I had a workout this morning with my trainer, who purchased one of my books. This is a time for me to reconnect with those who were such a great source of support during my health crisis.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When they had pasture, they became satisfied; they were satisfied, and their hearts became proud. Therefore they forgot Me.” Hosea 13:6 HCSB

One of the greatest tests is when life is “good.” If the old saying is true, “there are no atheists in foxholes” the opposite may be true as well. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “…how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24 KJV) You will find, that you can’t trust in yourself, what you have or any other source of security and trust in God.

The prophet Ezekiel reveals the sins of Sodom, “Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.“ (Ezekiel 16:49 NLT) They had what they needed and became proud and self-centered. This lead to even the worst kind of violence and sin.

Ernest Henley wrote a poem that concludes, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” (http://invictuspoem.com/?gclid=CKfAqsXb5MwCFQwxaQodZcMB2w) Those words stand in contrast to the words of the Lord to His people, “I have been Yahweh your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, and no Savior exists besides Me.” (Hosea 13:4 HCSB)

The Lord had been with His people during the most difficult times of their life and He had been with them in every aspect of their development of a nation. He established them in a land that had been promised to Abraham generations before. Even in that process, God warned His people through Moses,

“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”  (Deuteronomy 8:11-14 NIV)

It seems that the Lord knows our hearts and our actions better than we do. How often do we find ourselves guilty of what we at one time would declare we would never do. We can see the downward spiral. In our need we seek God. In response to our cry to the Lord, He hears and provides. He brings us to a place of security and provision. We become satisfied. Our satisfaction turns into pride. Our pride creates as focus on self and we forget God.

How is this downward trend avoided? It is better to learn how to be faithful to the Lord when things are going well, than to face constant struggles, that force us to stay close to the Lord. The simple solution is to, “remember the Lord.” “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV)

This is accomplished by guarding our hearts. It is accomplished through spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, prayer and fellowship with God’s people. It is accomplished through the spiritual practice of tithing and generosity to those in need. When we tithe our income, it is a constant reminder that, what we are doing, we are doing to honor the Lord. We are doing it out of obedience to Him.

We need to remember the God who is there when we need Him the most, is the God who is there when we feel the most blessed and secure. Paul reminds us of the key in “plenty and in want.” All that we are, all that we do, we are to do, “through Christ who gives us the strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

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My day seemed to go fast. I began with my Tuesday prayer time, had a morning connection with a contractor and then my Rotary meeting, a trip back to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital a nap and then off to a Rotary board meeting. I found myself behind on some of my intended duties, but often discover that fatigue requires a nap that can be so characteristic with Myasthenia Gravis. Today, it was good to share my book with some of our County officials and with Dr. Asadi, Medical Director at Northern Colorado Acute Hospital. He wrote a nice endorsement for my book. I also gave copy to the CEO of the Rehab Hospital.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way.…the redeemed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”  Isaiah 35:8,10 HCSB

There is something about “returning home.” Perhaps it is returning home after a trip. Perhaps it is returning to a family home. I can’t imagine all the feelings and emotions, but I recall when we lived in Colby, KS being at the local armory to welcome home local troops returning from “Operation Desert Storm.” There was celebration, tears and sense of relief.

Even before God’s people are taken into exile, the prophet speaks words of hope. One day the faithful will return to the “city forgotten.” It may not be all the generation taken into exile, but it will include some of those who were children at the time of captivity that are now in their golden years who will have the opportunity to once again walk through the gates of Jerusalem. They will be “home at last.” I’m sure that during those days in Babylon some of the faithful encouraged children and grandchildren that “there is coming a day when you will go to Jerusalem. You will return to Mount Zion.”

As Isaiah describes the road or the “way” that will lead God’s people home, we see a spiritual description. This road is like a spiritual HOV lane. It is not for just for anyone and everyone, it is for God’s Holy people, the redeemed. “The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path.” (Isaiah 35:8 HCSB)

When God brings His people home we see described a people who are made whole, “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy…” (Isaiah 35:5,6 HCSB)

We see described life and refreshing were there was desolation, “…for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool of water, and the thirsty land springs of water.“ (Isaiah 35:6,7 HCSB)

We see security and all that would harm is removed, “There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there.“ (Isaiah 35:9 HCSB) My favorite promise is, “Even the fool will not go astray.“ (Isaiah 35:8 HCSB)

Coming “home” to Zion will be marked with celebration, “…come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy.
Joy and gladness will overtake them…” (Isaiah 35:10 HCSB)

We see in the New Testament Paul speaks of  “the heavenly Jerusalem.” (Galatians 4:26 NLT) The writer of Hebrews declares, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly…” (Hebrews 12:22 NIV)

All that we see in Isaiah and the promised return to Jerusalem or Zion, speaks to our hearts about being away from a promised heavenly Jerusalem and eternal home. The path to that destination is for the “one who walks the path” – the path of faith in Jesus Christ.

In that heavenly city all sickness and infirmity is removed, there is no sorrow, “for He will wipes every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:4 NIV) All that would harm and cause uncertainty and insecurity can not be found. It is a day of rejoicing and celebration. We are, “home at last!” As the song of old declares, “What a day that will be….!”

Today ended up being a full day. I attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast and listen to the end of session report from some of our Northern Colorado legislators. I than joined a group from the Larimer Energy Action project for a site tour, had brief break before my scheduled massage and a doctor’s appointment. The good news at the end of the day is no skin cancers to be concerned about.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You have turned things around, as if the potter were the same as the clay. How can what is made say about its maker, “He didn’t make me”? How can what is formed say about the one who formed it, “He doesn’t understand what he’s doing”? Isaiah 29:16 HCSB

I am reminded of the words of Paul to the Corinthians, “Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.“ (1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT) We also read, “God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.” (1 Corinthians 1:20 NLT)

There are all kinds of experts and there are some very smart people in our world, but they are not God. God is not known or understood by human wisdom. Paul says, that is just part of the “wisdom of God.” What man views as foolishness is what  God uses to draw people to Himself.

As we look at the words of Isaiah of old, his statement, “you have turned things around…” is fitting for our culture today. Human reasoning is not only foolishness to God, it can make fools out of people. How many are those today who say to God, “you didn’t make me! I was a cosmic accident, a creation by chance.” How many are those who look at God and pass judgment on the Almighty. “God, you don’t know what you are doing!”

I am thankful for God-given and diligently developed intellect. Today, I took a tour of an oil and gas “fracking” operation. It is hard to comprehend the ability to draw important resources out of solid rock over one mile beneath the earth’s surface. We look at other technological innovations and stand in awe. But how foolish even in the arenas that have been developed by human intellect, for their to be a denial of a God who has given people intellect and who is there and above all.

There are those who look at all the has been developed and created, and instead of viewing it as an extension of a Creator, use it deny the Creator. In the midst of it all God looks at it and calls it, “foolishness.” Instead we should be in awe of God and His ways.

I am reminded of the words of the song by Casting Crowns,

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?

Not because of who I am
But because of what you’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who you are