Category: Strength

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Wait – What For?

Sometimes I get up and know immediately what I’m supposed to share. Sometimes it comes while I’m sipping my coffee and just enjoying the quiet time the Lord and I share together. Then there are times like this morning when I wait.

I’m not good at waiting. I often get impatient in long lines, on hold, in crowds and I have a real problem with those pedestrian crossing lights. That was the example the Lord reminded me of this morning.

I’ve been known to push that button on the light pole several times just to make sure the timer was activated and knew I was waiting. I’ve also been known to cross the street while the little figure in red was still illuminated. Those lights were installed for my safety, to protect me from oncoming traffic.

So, this morning when I heard the Lord say wait, I should have realized that He was asking me to trust Him and waiting was for my benefit.

“ Lift up your eyes and see. Who has made these stars? It is the One Who leads them out by number. He calls them all by name. Because of the greatness of His strength, and because He is strong in power, not one of them is missing.

27 O Jacob and Israel, why do you say, “My way is hidden from the Lord. My God does not think about my cause”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. 29 He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength. 30 Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak. ” Isaiah 40:26-31 NLV

Why do I think that I need to rush ahead? Why do I feel the need to hurry? Why do I think I can accomplish anything in my own strength and power? Even those much younger than me get tired.

If I wait for the Lord, He will give me the strength I need. Waiting for Him and His timing keeps me safe.

“I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened 2 and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, 3 and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God.” Psalm 40:1-3 CEV

Is the Lord telling you to wait? Then I encourage you to wait patiently; He will renew your strength and put you safely on a firm foundation.

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Stand Guard

This is the end of our walk through Ephesians. I hope you have found some wonderful nuggets of instruction and encouragement.

“This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength. 11 Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12 Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13 Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. ” Ephesians 6:10-13 NLV

The first thing that came to mind when I read this this morning was young David as he was about to face Goliath. David knew that he wasn’t going out to fight in his own strength. He knew God was with him. King Saul tried to get David to wear his royal armor – it didn’t fit, David chose to use what God had given him. A sling, some rocks and the supernatural presence of God.

Paul tells us that our fight isn’t with people. It’s a fight of a spiritual nature so it requires a specialized armor, the armor of God. The promise we have is that if we stand, stand strong, we will still be standing victoriously when the battle is over.

“14 So stand up and do not be moved. Wear a belt of truth around your body. Wear a piece of iron over your chest which is being right with God. 15 Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace. 16 Most important of all, you need a covering of faith in front of you. This is to put out the fire-arrows of the devil. 17 The covering for your head is that you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:14-17

Every piece of our armor comes from God’s word.

a belt of truth – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. John 14:6

a breastplate of righteousness – we know that “He became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” II Corinthians 5:21

our shoes are the gospel of peace – “we have peace with God” Romans 5:1

our shield is faith – “faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God” Romans 10:17

a helmet of salvation – “by grace are we saved through faith” Ephesians 2:8

our sword – is the word of God Ephesians 6:18

Without God’s word we have no armor; without our armor we cannot stand.

“You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians. ” Ephesians 6:19 NLV

Now, more than ever it’s important for us to pray. Pray for ourselves, our families, for each other. Our victory comes by faith.

“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.” I John 5:4 CEV

So let’s do as Paul has instructed us to do. Stand Guard and Keep On Standing!

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Power Working In Us

Christ lived in a time of political occupation and suppression. His message: be reconciled to God and live a life that reflects His love. That’s the message I seek to deliver each day.

Today, we pick up in the 3rd chapter of Ephesians. Paul is about to pray another prayer for all of us.

I first became familiar with this prayer in 1980. Back then I read it every day as part of my daily meditation in God’s word. I didn’t continue reading it daily but I’ve probably read it over 14000 times and each time I come away with a greater understanding of God’s love for each of us.

I personalize it using my name and first person pronouns. I encourage you to do the same.

“12 In Christ we come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this because of our faith in Christ. 13 So I ask you not to be discouraged…14 So I bow in prayer before the Father. 15 Every family in heaven and on earth gets its true name from him. 16 I ask the Father with his great glory to give you the power to be strong in your spirits. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. 17 I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.

20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 12-21 ERV

It’s vitality important that we realize we have been invited to come into God’s presence in freedom and without fear. His message to us is to come boldly to His throne and find help in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

When we come… we will receive power to strengthen our spirit. Christ came boldly in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of His betrayal. How much more important is it for us to come and find strength in our times of need.

When we come… Christ lives in our hearts and He fills us with His love.

To understand the depth, width and breadth of the love of God is almost incomprehensible. But, when we look at the life of Christ we see how God’s love was manifest on a daily basis. To the leper, the harlot, the tax collector, the hypocrites, the accusers and the murderers.

His love is unconditional; it is given freely to everyone who comes to receive. It is greater than we can know intellectually however, we can know it by experience.

Why does God want us to know this great love?

Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.”

And then, God receives glory for His loving kindness and more are drawn into relationship with Him.

His love produces a mighty power within us!

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A Spoonful of Sugar

Now I realize that isn’t good medical advice. In fact, quite the opposite. Too much sugar can be detrimental to our health but what Mary Poppins was teaching is that life needs more sweetness – and it does.

We had friends over for dinner on Saturday night and we were all so blessed with the food, the visit and the laughter. Everyone remarked on the laughter and the joy. One of the men made the comment that laughter is one of life’s greatest healers – and it is!

I think people need a good spoonful of medicine today, but good old fashioned Bible medicine.

” Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

“If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.” Proverbs 17:22 CEV

If we allow ourselves to stay focused on the things in our world, or in our lives that are wrong, evil or contrary, we will be overtaken by the dis-ease of sorrow.

Dis-ease. Now there’s an interesting word. The lack of being at ease. When disease strikes our body, our whole system is ill-at-ease.

But a good dose of the medicine of a merry heart will strengthen us and bring us peace.

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.’” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

Jeremiah said: “I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Look today not at the circumstances but at our God who changes circumstances and be filled with good medicine.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

I pray that God will fill your heart with joy and that you will be healed of dis-ease.

On a side note: Dave and I will be on vacation this week in an area that has very weak cell and internet service so I might not be able to post each day. I am praying that your week will be filled with love and laughter! I love you all.

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Source of Power

Dave and I recently went on a train ride through the Red Rock area of Arizona. It was truly a pleasant and relaxing experience. This morning, I was reminded of the logistics of the ride and how it ties in with the last few days’ teaching on following the leader.

Our train had two engines that pull the quarter-mile length of train down the tracks. When we reached our end point the engines decoupled from the rest of the cars. They pulled onto a siding and once on another set of tracks, came alongside the cars we were sitting in and coupled themselves to what had been the caboose.

The caboose had no power to pull this train, it needed the strength, the horse-power of the engines.

In our walk with Christ, we need to determine our source of power and strength and let HIM lead. Just like the rich young ruler, we won’t be really following unless we are willing to give up everything and go for it!

“Jesus replied, ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower.’ 22 When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus said to his disciples, ‘It’s terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! 24 In fact, it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God’s kingdom.’

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, ‘How can anyone ever be saved?’ 26 Jesus looked straight at them and said, ‘There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything.’

27 Peter replied, ‘Remember, we have left everything to be your followers! What will we get?’ 28 Jesus answered: “Yes, all of you have become my followers. And so in the future world, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, I promise that you will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 All who have given up home or brothers and sisters or father and mother or children or land for me will be given a hundred times as much. They will also have eternal life. 30 But many who are now first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’” Matthew 19:21-30 ERV

Jesus wasn’t saying that you can’t have money or riches and be a dedicated Christian. These were successful businessmen who Jesus was talking too. Peter and Andrew had a fleet of fishing boats; James and John were the CEO and COO of their father’s fishing business and Matthew had been a director at the regional IRS office. They were shocked when Jesus made comment that it is hard for rich men to enter the kingdom.

Jesus quickly responded to their question and said that with God all things are possible. If a man is trusting in his riches, his trust is misplaced but when a rich man trusts God – all things are possible.

Peter reminds the Lord – we left everything to follow you. They weren’t seeking their own advancement any longer, they were following Jesus. They weren’t seeking their own success, but they were advancing God’s kingdom. The difference between the disciples and the rich young ruler who had just left was an attitude of the heart.

Jesus went on to point out that although they had given up everything they had to follow him, they had gained eternal life and that they also would receive 100x as much as they had given. Didn’t Jesus promise that He came to give us life and life more abundantly?

Following Jesus never results in a lost of power. Just the opposite. We become connected to the source of life and power comes from Him.

We operate best when we are coupled to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

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Be Alert

A couple of days ago I made mention of the game we played, Follow the Leader. As a follower we needed to be alert to the actions of the leader, if they went right so did we. If they jumped, we did too. We were watchful.

In Psalm 23 a different type of alertness is described. It’s the leader who is alert. Using His rod and staff to direct our progress so we don’t fall into dangerous situations.

In my prayer time today, those are the two words that rose up in my heart, be alert. Immediately I remembered the story of Gideon and his army of 300 mighty men. In case you aren’t familiar with Gideon I will give you a brief backstory.

Gideon was the seventh son, last man in line for any inheritance or blessing. The Israelites were being attacked by Midianites every harvest time. They would rob the grain that the Israelites had grown. It got so bad that Gideon was threshing the family crop in a pit to avoid detection.

This is where the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon. He needed Gideon to lead an assault. He came to a cowering nobody and this is what He said and Gideon’s response:

“ The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, ‘The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.‘ 13 Gideon answered, ‘Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened?…'” Judges 6:12-13 CEV

Through a series of events (I encourage you to read the whole story in Judges 6-8), the Lord showed Gideon if he would follow God’s leading, Gideon and his army could defeat the Midianites and the Amalekites who had been warring against them.

Gideon had 32,000 men enlist in the fight. The Lord said that was too many so Gideon sent home everyone who admitted they were afraid; 22,000 left.

“‘Gideon’, the Lord said, ‘you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I’ll test them. I’ll tell you which ones can go along with you and which ones must go back home.’5 When Gideon led his army down to the spring, the Lord told him, ‘Watch how each man gets a drink of water. Then divide them into two groups—those who lap the water like a dog and those who kneel down to drink.’ 6 Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink. 7 The Lord said, ‘Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I’m going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of 300 defeat the Midianites.’” Judges 7:4-6 CEV

300 men – men who were alert, always checking their surroundings for the enemy. With these 300 men at the ready, God led Gideon to victory!

“…Everyone shouted, ‘Fight with your swords for the Lord and for Gideon!’ 21 The enemy soldiers started yelling and tried to run away. Gideon’s troops stayed in their positions surrounding the camp 22 and blew their trumpets again. As they did, the Lord made the enemy soldiers pull out their swords and start fighting each other.” Judges 7:20-22 CEV

After the battle was over Gideon had gone from being the least respected man in town to hero. They wanted him to be there king.

“ ‘No,’ Gideon replied, ‘I won’t be your king, and my son won’t be king either. Only the Lord is your ruler.” Judges 8:23 CEV

God found in Gideon someone who was willing to be used. Gideon, with God’s leading found men who were alert and ready for battle.

“The eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the earth for people who are faithful to him so that he can make them strong.” II Chronicles 16:9 ERV

God is looking for those who will follow His lead.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. 8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and eat.” I Peter 5:7-8 ERV

“So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil, and he will run away from you.” James 4:7  ERV

Just like the enemy ran from Gideon’s army, our enemy will run when we stand in God’s strength and follow His lead. Be Alert!

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When We Stumble

We’ve all seen it happen. A little child gets excited; they start to run and then they stumble and fall. Oh my! What’s our first reaction? As a loving adult – parent, grandparent, close friend – we rush to their rescue. We are there to pick them up.

As adults, we often stumble and fall but we don’t want anyone to see it. We are embarrassed or ashamed of ourselves for not having better control or being more observant. But it’s not something to be ashamed of; we all need help.

This morning I was reading in Psalm 20. This is the verse that caught my attention.

“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. 8 Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 CEV

and then this verse, which I read every morning

“Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.” Psalm 145:13-15 CEV

At first those verses appear to be contradicting but they aren’t. The key to not stumbling, to standing firm, is our trust in God and not in our own efforts.

Peter is our perfect example. Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and he impetuously wanted to join Him. Jesus told him to come. Peter stepped out of the boat, starting walking…

“But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. 31 At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, ‘You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?'” Matthew 14:30-31 CEV

When we take our eyes off of the Lord, circumstances can be overwhelming. We lose our balance, our center, and we stumble and fall. But here’s the good news.

“Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:30-31 CEV

Do you feel like you have stumbled and fallen? Are the words running through your mind, “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up”? Good news!

“The Lord gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains.” Habakkuk 3:19 CEV

When we stumble the key is to look up. Reach for the Father’s hand, He is there to pick us up when we fall.

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Olly Olly Oxen Free

Right now, there are three littles up in the loft, still sleeping. We had a great day yesterday. They had so much fun and are loving our new home and it will be a place they can enjoy for years to come.

It’s hard for me to follow my normal morning routine without waking them so this morning I’d like to share something I wrote some years back. A few days back I wrote about “Hide and Seek”, which was really more about seeking than hiding. Today I will share on how and when we need to hide.

As a kid, we used to have great games of hide n seek on our block on a summer evenings. Most of the time I would be one of the first caught because I was one of the youngest and didn’t hide too well.

Occasionally there would be that time when no one could find me and I dreaded hearing them call out “Olly, Olly, Oxen Free”. (Side note: I have since learned that really had been “All ye, all ye, outs in free”.) I didn’t want to reveal my hiding place because I could use it again. I was safe and well hidden.

In life there have been times that I have stood in the face of trouble and defiantly said give me your best shot – I can take it. Sometimes this was a foolish confidence in my own strength and at other times it was a secure declaration of my victory in Christ.

But there have also been those times that my desire was to be securely hidden; not wanting to be seen or found because I needed a time to rest.

God is so good that way! Giving us time to hide under the shadow of His wings; time to regain our strength, time to build spiritual muscle, time to grow in Him.

“You are a hiding place for me. You protect me from my troubles. You surround me and protect me, so I sing about the way you saved me. Selah 8 The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide.” Psalm 32:7-8 ERV

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” Psalm 91:1-2 ERV

“Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:30-31 CEV

Whether you’re on the front lines of battle today or in a secure place of hiding I want you to know that the Father is there to give you rest when you’re weary, strength for the battle and victory over the enemy.

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

It’s ok to hide when He is our hiding place!

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What About Hardship?

Everyone that is alive has faced struggles; some are physical while others are emotional or financial or relational. That is part of living in a fallen world and it is also in part to the spiritual enemies we face.

I think we would all like a lot less hardship and more ease but frankly, that’s unrealistic.

Before you stop reading and think that this morning’s words are too depressing to read, read this.

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. 9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed…16 That is why we never give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. 17 We have small troubles for a while now, but these troubles are helping us gain an eternal glory. That eternal glory is much greater than our troubles. 18 So we think about what we cannot see, not what we see. What we see lasts only a short time, and what we cannot see will last forever.” II Corinthians 4:8-18 ERV

These words were written by the Apostle Paul. Other than Christ, I don’t think there was anyone in the Bible who experienced more hardship than him. He was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, stoned and left for dead. He was maligned in nearly every town he preached in. And he calls all of that “small troubles”.

How can that be? His answer: God does not leave us, we look at the eternal, ever present Spirit of God who will never leave us our abandon us.

“But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.‘ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. 10 Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-11 ERV

When Daniel faced the lions, his strength was no match for theirs. David faced a Goliath of a giant, he was outmatched. The Hebrew children should have been toast in the fiery furnace. Joseph, who was accused of rape and spent years in an Egyptian prison, rose to be second in command.

Not one of them was abandoned or deserted by God. They were aware of the unseen power of God and they trusted Him.

“The Lord can be trusted in all that he says.  He is loyal in all that he does. 14 The Lord lifts up people who have fallen. He helps those who are in trouble.” Psalm 145:13-14 ERV

So, when we face hardship, and we will, we can trust God to give us the strength we need. He will be our deliverer.

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Faithfulness & Hope

I hope you found yourself praising God yesterday with boldness – lifting your hands and feeling Him lifting your spirits and your joy.

If you listened while you were singing you may have heard another voice joining in.

“The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.” Zephaniah 3:17 CEV

Before I read those words this morning my heart was already singing. “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside”. Those are words from a wonderful old hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, but more of that in a minute.

King David a psalm that is often quoted because it talks about the miracle of intra womb development. “You formed me in my mother’s womb”. That’s where I normally go when I read this Psalm but this morning I stopped after having read only the first few verses.

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say,
5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.” Psalm 139:1-6 CEV

Our heavenly Father knows all about us! Everything we say, everywhere we go, and He loves us! His thoughts toward us are innumerable.

“I will never give up hope or stop praising you. 15 All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know.” Psalm 71:14-15 CEV

God’s faithfulness toward us hard to imagine. He never leaves us alone or abandons us!

“ I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 CEV

Now back to the song. Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Chisolm

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed Thy hand hath provided:
great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!…

3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow:
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]”

Every morning the Lord blesses us with new mercy – we have been pardoned from our sins, His peace fills our hearts and gives us strength. Yes, His faithfulness gives us hope!

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