Patience (aka: Waiting Sucks)

August 25th, 2009

I keep reading verses about being patient.

Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth.
- Ps 46:10

Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
-Isa 40:31

So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
-Is 55:11

So when we dragged our sorry butts to church this week it was refreshing to hear one of my favourite parables – the wheat and the weeds (Matt 13). Basically, Jesus explains that he’ll take care of the evil stuff when the time comes. But he’s allowing the evil weeds to continue to grow alongside the wheat for now for the sake of protecting the fragile wheat. We’re the wheat, by the way.
I always find this message comforting – it reminds me that God is in control even in the midst of evil and suffering, and that His justice is worth the wait.
But there it is again – the patience message. We have been frustrated and disappointed, tired and hurt, sad, angry and thoroughly impatient with the church. Don’t get me wrong – we are thankful to be part of a body of believers who are led by Christ. Who seek Him and believe in Him. Who encourage, help and confide in one another. Yet we are disappointed with a church that all too often comes together to sit in neat little rows, sip a cup of coffee and quietly drift off to disconnected lives that are too jam packed with social commitments and comfy routines to be of much use to anyone.

We find ourselves drifting around the edges, intense, frustrated, desparately wanting more and wavering between angry frustration and gentle disappointment.
And here it is again. The wait message. The wheat and the weeds is, through and through, a reminder to be patient. A reminder that He is working out His plan for good in His own good time. He sees the weeds. He knows they’re there. He sees us play acting and He is not fooled.
He is merely waiting until the wheat is ripe. Until we have reached that stage of golden wheaty golden goodness – when we hold up heads on strong stalks, laden with ripe seed. When we have been well watered and our roots go deep. Then He shall separate the wheat from the weeds and we shall shine like bright stars in the darkness! (Matt 13:43)
So I guess I still have to wait. Patiently.

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Building a House for the Lord

March 18th, 2009

The book of Haggai fascinates me.  It begins with the Lord challenging His people to lay aside their own priorities and get back to worshiping  Him.  I find it interesting that the day that He gave the message was actually a day of public worship on the Jewish calendar.  What better time to point out the fact that they were worshiping their own selves, their own needs, not the One whose holiness was looking for a place to rest.  In Haggai’s first chapter, the Lord challenges His people twice, to “give careful thought to their ways.”  He tells them that their lives will continue to be empty and futile as long as they are concerned only with looking to themselves.

The Lord pointed out to the nation that they were busy spinning their wheels–activity was happening, but there was no fruit to show for it.    Although the captive  Jewish people had dreamed of being back in Jerusalem and worshiping in a restored temple, when Babylon actually allowed them to go back home, they quickly became involved in building their own homes.  They were distracted by materialism and comfort, and while they still wanted God’s blessing, they weren’t interested in seeking His will or His glory!

It is encouraging, though, that the people had not completely lost respect for God.  When the message came from the prophet, to the governor and the son of the high priest, they listened.  They shared the message with the people and together, they obeyed.  Ch. 1, verse 12 says the people “feared the presence of the Lord.”  The Lord stirred their spirits and assured them of His presence, and the work of rebuilding His temple began.

This was a time for faith:  a time for individuals, families and an entire nation to trust that the Lord would not abandon them, and that He would strengthen them to do His work.   They needed to trust that if they were busy building Him a temple, they would not lack shelter, food, or security.  They had to take Him at His word, that when they obeyed, He would bless them.

Today God is calling us to the same place of trust.  As He said to the Jews, He is saying to us now, “I am with you.  Be strong and work.  Do not be afraid.” (Ch. 2:4,5)  We don’t need to be afraid that we will run out of time, resources or energy if we are committed to building a home for Him–a place for His glory to rest.  This is our calling.  In Exodus 29:46 God said that He brought the people out of Egypt so that He could dwell among them.  He has delivered us, too,  from our “Egypt” of sin, so that He can dwell in us.

So, what is this work?  I am not talking about working to gain acceptance or salvation from the Lord.  Rather,  I am talking about giving thought to our ways–what are we devoted to?  What are we investing our time and resources in?  Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to change us and cleanse us from sin, so that God’s holiness finds a glad welcome in our hearts?  Do we spend as much time praising and worshiping Him as we do worrying about the future, or complaining about our circumstances?  Are we as concerned about our spiritual health as we are about our physical well-being?  Are we aware and thankful that we have been set free from darkness and delivered into His marvelous light for the purpose of drawing attention to His glory!  “You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” Isaiah 62:3

I believe the Spirit of God is moving on His people much as He did in the days of Haggai’s prophecy.  But while their task was to build a physical place for His presence, ours is to come together, as living stones,  and be built into a spiritual house. “…You also, like living stones, are being build into a temple, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 2:5

As the Jews needed faith to build the temple, so we need faith today:  faith in the finished work of the cross.  Because of Jesus, and His eternal sacrifice, our hearts can be the dwelling place of God!

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The Alabaster Jar

November 24th, 2008

This week I have been hanging out in the gospels.  For the past few days I have primarily been meditating on Luke 7:36-50.  Jesus was eating at the home of Simon, a Pharisee.  He had most likely been invited as an object of curiousity, or even for political reasons.  We know it was not as an honored guest, as we see that his host did not greet him with the kiss customary for a guest, nor have a servant wash and dry his feet, nor anoint his head with the perfumed oil that was used to honor dinner guests.  However, whatever Simon’s motivations for inviting Jesus, we find him reclining at the dinner table in humility.

Now, this scripture tells us that a woman who was a notorious sinner heard where Jesus was eating, and brought a jar of perfume.  Most likely she had some prior experience with Jesus, whether having heard him speak, or seeing him pass by, or hearing what others were saying about him.  She knew enough about him that she wanted to honor him.  So much so, that she brought perfume that was likely to have been worth a year’s wages.

She must have noticed right away that Jesus had not been properly served.  His feet were still cloaked with the grime from walking dusty streets in sandaled feet.  We aren’t told why she cried, only that she wept so hard that his feet became wet as she stood behind him.  I don’t know if it was her intent to wipe them with her hair.  More likely she noticed muddy rivulets where the tears fell on him, and decided to clean up the mess.  As she wiped them and Jesus did not reject her or accuse her, she was moved to kiss the feet of someone so kind and gracious.  And then came the oil.  Maybe she originally had meant it for his head, but it ended up being poured on his feet.

The Bible says that Simon said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him, and what kind of woman she is–that she is a sinner.”   This might have been muttered, or just Simon’s private thoughts. Obviously Simon and others were questioning who Jesus was, and found this an excellent time to point out that a prophet or a holy one sent from God would reject a display of affection from a sinful woman.  At that moment, the woman and Jesus shared something in common–the self-righteous judgment of the people around that table.

But Jesus heard and responded with a story of forgiveness and love.  He turned toward the woman and acknowledged her and said, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Amid the murmuring of the guests, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”, Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you.  Go in peace.”

I have asked myself several times, “What is my alabaster jar?  What is precious and costly that I can pour on Jesus’ feet.”  After much meditation, I am beginning to see that others don’t have to understand what I am doing or why.  I need to lavish my love on Christ–through music, through tears, through obedience, through humility.  I can serve and worship him through my relationships.  When I refuse to champion my own cause and hold on to my “rights,” and when I remember that He first loved me, I am pouring oil on Him. What is your alabaster jar?

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Prayer for India

October 17th, 2008

Last night I got an e-mail about Christians in India who are being severely persecuted because of their faith.  As I prayed, I wanted to know more, so I began looking at some websites about persecution.  Tears streamed down as I saw pictures and read reports of violence I can’t even fathom.

God’s chosen ones have faced so many assaults on their faith throughout the years.  Satan has craved the glory that Jesus gets, and he has tried so many ways to exalt himself.  Yet he cannot win.  Ever!  Romans 8 says it best: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble, or hardship, or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’  No, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all Creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I pray that those verses are a comfort to our brothers and sisters around the world who face beatings, imprisonments, homelessness and death because of their faith.  I also pray that each of us will carry that truth with us throughout all of our circumstances.  The love of God has won out.

Angela said in her Oct. 10 post, Just Do It, ” Things we would define as “bad” and sometimes define as “evil” are part of His beautiful will.  Sickness?  Unjust imprisonment?  Suffering?  We have no way of knowing if these are consequence of evil or opportunities to participate in the working out of God’s plan.  We must not worry, and may rejoice that our God is good! “   Today I would like to speak out on behalf of our hurting brothers and sisters around the world, and declare “Lord, You are good.  You are merciful and just.  Your authority is above all authorities and powers on this earth, and You have the final say!

Several years ago I wrote this song for the persecuted church.  I would like to offer it here as a way of expressing solidarity with those who have truly counted the cost:

Keepers of the Truth, some have called you foolish, but in the eyes of God you shine.  For in obedience you’ve carried your cross, knowing there’s no sacrifice too great, and that much is gained with every loss.  And it’s all for the glory, the glory of Jesus.

Keep carrying the Light, though the way is often dangerous.  Knowing every tear you’ve cried will bring a harvest of great joy.  Having nothing on this earth, yet owning heaven’s treasures, you’ve counted the cost.  All for the glory, the glory of Jesus.

You are His desire, you are His delight.  You are His crown, His lovely bride.  On the day of His return, He’ll make all things right.  So please keep carrying the light.

All for the glory, the glory of Jesus

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Just Do It

October 10th, 2008

Last night, at Bible study, we read Phil 1:12-18. This is when Paul talks about his experience in prison. Because of his chains, the Christians gain confidence, and speak boldly. Some preach out of jealousy, others have a pure heart. Paul rejoices that the gospel is preached, regardless of motive.

We took some time to meditate on this, and I felt God ‘whispering’ “Don’t Worry, Don’t Worry, Don’t Worry.” It took a while to really understand it, but this passage tells me exactly that.

We had a time when our son was very sick – life and death sick. During that time, I met with other parents and we discussed issues, like God allowing suffering, His plan, His goodness, His mercy, His power. Christians, Jews, Moslems, and atheists all struggled with these issues, and were ready to discuss and work through these things, that were awkward or unimportant pre-crisis. In many ways, it was a blessed time, and I rejoiced that God was making himself known, in the midst of unspeakable suffering.

There was a Moslem family that had a son whose circumstances matched ours. Their son faced the same complications as ours, and was born in similar circumstances. This mother was a tremendous encouragement to me, and I believe that she felt the same about me. We prayed together regularly. I have often wondered if it is “right” to pray with someone who doesn’t acknowledge Christ.

Last night, I read this verse and felt a great peace. Regardless of motivation, regardless of point of view, it is worthy of rejoicing when the word is preached.

I came across ?Prov 17:3? which says,

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

Again, comfort. I am not qualified to judge another’s motivations. More importantly, I’m not really even qualified to judge my own motivations. But God sees our heart, and it is His privilege, and His alone, to judge. So I have no reason to worry.

Furthermore, Paul was imprisoned because His preaching was a threat to the establishment. They put him there to stop him. Yet, in jail, his ministry grew. It was perfected and completed by his imprisonment.

How astonishing, that when we obey and follow God, we are unstoppable, undefeatable. Apparantly, we are also not qualified to judge the quality of our circumstances. His plan is unfathomable, and is for good. Things we would define as “bad” and sometimes define as “evil” are part of His beautiful will. Sickness? Unjust imprisonment? Suffering? We have no way of knowing if these are consequence of evil or opportunities to participate in the working out of God’s plan. We must not worry, and may rejoice that our God is good!

What does this have to do with worship? Well, as I waited on the Lord, a song rose up inside me. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” So I sang out. And I felt indescribably free. And His Spirit moved.

I am reminding myself: Don’t worry. He is so on top of it. Don’t worry. Just Do it.

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What is Authentic Worship?

October 7th, 2008

The question of the week for me has been “What is authentic worship?”  After years of “doing worship” traditionally, I have grown weary of the seeming lack of fruit it has borne in my life and the lives of those I have desired to lead in worship.  I have also observed powerful, emotional worship services, where passionate people experienced the “presence of God,” but which left us unchanged at the end.  I have ridden on a spiritual high after attending a conference or retreat, but later found that I had great memories, but no greater awareness of Christ in my daily life.  My quest lately has been to peel back another layer of the mystery surrounding worship, and find out what brings God pleasure, rather than what feeds my emotions.

For the past week I have been praying about worship a lot.  Rick had asked me to lead worship as we began a new endeavour, meeting with a small group on Sunday mornings to pursue relationship with God and others.  Having agreed to do this, I immediately discerned that the Lord was not interested in how well I could assemble a group of songs, nor in how well I could sing and play them in front of others.  So I began to ask, “Okay, Lord, what would please you?”

My method of preparing to lead a worship service has always been to spend some time praying, looking for Scriptures, choosing some songs, practicing those songs, playing a little spontaneous worship and singing to the Lord from Scripture.  Sometimes I would fast and wait silently before God, other times I would just spend time praising Him for His attributes.  Then I would show up at the service and try to be very “spiritual,” attempting to quiet my heart and hear direction from the Holy Spirit, then acting on what He said.  More often than not, I have not even used half of the songs I prepared, because they wouldn’t seem right at the time.  I would always leave half-satisfied.  I would wonder why after all my effort, God had led things in a direction that He hadn’t let me in on ahead of time.  To be honest, I was largely concerned with failing or succeeding in my task.  My measure of success, was the level of emotion achieved during the time set aside for worship, and the enjoyment level I could see in the congregation.  The expectations of others and of myself, set me up for a lot of disappointment, and I did not understand why God would have chosen me for the holy task of guiding others into His presence.  There were times when I felt that He had let me down, as I had agreed to do something uncomfortable, trusting that He would use me in His power, only to find that the whole thing sort of fizzled and I was left feeling humiliated.

Because of some amazing encounters I have had with the Lord, both during private and public worship times, I knew that something was lacking in my life, and that I wanted to live with an awareness of God’s power and presence that would overflow into the lives of others as well.  It was to this end that I prayed throughout the past week.  I did not assemble a set of songs or scriptures, but took a lot of notes as I studied what the Bible had to say about worship; from the lives of David, Moses and the New Testament church, I hoped to find out what they did right and wrong in bringing their sacrifice of praise to God.  By Friday morning I felt close to a breakthrough in my own life, but no closer to knowing what I should bring to our Sunday service.  Friday evening, however, we had a visit with some friends, where God just made Himself known to us as we visited.  As our friend shared some revelation God has been giving him through some very tough circumstances, we heard several themes: God is good, whether it feels like it or not; and we approach God with a “give me” attitude, rather than a heart that seeks Him alone.  Conviction swept over me, as I realized that my attempts to bring Him “worthy” worship are selfish.  I wanted to manipulate the Holy Spirit to come and give of Himself to me and to others, while I was unwilling to come to Him on His terms.

Sunday morning we didn’t sing a set of worship songs.  We got to know one another.  We prayed for each other.  We talked about God’s goodness and faithfulness as we have experienced it personally in our lives.  We shared struggles and hopes and we invited God to work in our lives.  We discussed Scripture and it’s meaning to us.  We sang a song and when we had finished we fellowshipped some more.  I was asked to share a couple songs I’ve written, and Rick sung them with me.  The presence of God was there throughout the morning and we felt it.  We didn’t conjure it with a certain order of service, but we did invite Him through hearts that were open to a new move of God.  It was easy, fun and relaxing!  I went home and couldn’t stop singing praise to the Lord.  I think that is real worship, and I like it!

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Love, Knowledge, Praise

October 3rd, 2008

Philippians 1

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

This passage led some of us through a surprising little biblical tour this week. Knowledge (and/or discernment) and love are connected. I can’t define the nature of the relationship – a correlation, a directly proportional relationship – I don’t know. But they go together. This runs counter to our natural, worldly way of thinking, and I feel moved, convicted, convinced, and motivated by this.

Perhaps more importantly (OK, not more importantly, but more relevantly) is that last verse. Be filled with fruit which is produced by Christ in order to bring glory and praise to God. That’s a receiving and a being, not a doing. And it follows growing in understanding and love…

I always knew that fruit pleased God, but I haven’t known (at least on a heart level) that being fruitful, that allowing Him to produce righteous character, was sufficient for or equated with praise.

In the conviction  that praise and worship must become central in my life, I have struggled to do the right thing – to lift my voice, to be unashamed, to forget my worries, to change my focus, to faithfully and obediently practise… it had never ocurred to me that developing these qualities, or allowing these qualities to be developed in my life and in my heart, is – all by itself, regardless of the outcome – an act of praise.

I guess it makes sense. Because without spiritual fruit, all the stuff we do in the name of worship, is nothing more than singing. The choice to live praise-full-y develops that character of righteousness which comes from Christ Jesus. And while I have clearly accepted that His sacrifice was enough to make me acceptable to God, it is mind-blowing to think that simply allowing the fruit of that acceptance to grow can be described as praising God. So I am astounded. I am gaining a new understanding of things I thought I knew.

Perhaps this is where I am expected to wrap up and summarize… But I am not your teacher, and I am not giving you a sermon. Rather, I am pointing out a passage that has taught me something, in the hopes that it will be interesting or informative to you.  I feel like this is a new beginning. Like I am an infant,  just realizing that I am about to change and expand. So I will be silent and leave it to the Holy Spirit to grow your understanding, knowledge, discernment and love, trusting that you, too will share what you learn with us.

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Better than Esspresso!

September 27th, 2008

I’m not an official coffee drinker.  I like herbal tea, chai, green tea, rooibos and coffee substitutes.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love coffee, but limit myself to the occasional specialty coffee, as a treat when Rick and I go on dates.  However, I do know many people who depend on their morning “joe” to get them going.  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “I’m fine, now that I have my coffee.”  I’ve watched as friends and family members have gone to great lengths to get coffee–brewing it on a hiking trail, or walking a mile to their favourite coffee shop and even going without breakfast because there was only time to prepare one thing and the oatmeal lost!  I enjoy this little drama.  I love watching people walking down the street on a cold day, warming their hands on the styrofoam cups that hold the liquid gold, or heading into the gas station with their travel mugs.  I like making coffee for Rick in the morning, because I love the satisfied “aahh” that follows his first sip.  And finally, I must admit, that when I get my occasional organic soy latte or mocha, or that tiny little esspresso, I revel in being a part of the dance.

Today I was thinking about God, about knowing Him, about who He really is.  It struck me as I opened my Bible to the following passage, that He longs to satisfy us.   Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” He longs for us to drink in His love and “esspresso” our enjoyment.  As we pass by someone who carries His fragrance, He wants us to enjoy the “fresh ground” aroma of His presence.  And as we get our cup filled from His word each day, He wants us to go forth with renewed energy and excitement.   Seeking the Lord in prayer, reading His word and waiting on Him to speak can all be part of finding satisfaction in Him.  And when I have allowed Him to fill me, my “aahh” could perhaps be a song of praise or thanksgiving sung to Him who loved me so much He gave Himself for me!

There is a verse in Psalm 116, that talks about lifting up the “cup of salvation” as an offering to the Lord for all He has done.  I am proposing we do this when we enjoy a cup of coffee, or whatever it is you drink!  Let’s pause for a moment and let it symbolize the Lord’s salvation and great grace towards us.  We were thirsty for mercy and He lavished mercy’s rain upon us!  We craved comfort and He sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter!

I love the following scriptures, and I will end my little meditation with them: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5; and “Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him.” Psalm 34:8

“O God, you are my God.  Earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you in a dry and weary land where there’s no water.  I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you…” Psalm 67

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Lifestyle Worship

September 21st, 2008

I have had the opportunity, several times in the past, to lead worship in small groups and churches, either alone, or as part of a worship team.  At times I really enjoyed it, and at times I wondered why God had picked me.  After all, there were others around with better skills and more outgoing personalities, not to mention, voices that could actually carry further than three feet from where I stood.

When I thought about my role, I often considered choice of songs, corresponding Scripture, applicability and the desired heart response of the congregation, as the important things I could bring to the table.  I would pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit and for His working in the hearts and minds of His people.  I asked the Father to glorify Himself and to use me in spite of my weakness.  I would look at each service as a chance to lead others into worship, through which they could meet with God on a new level.

The Lord’s grace is abundant and He is so patient with us as we learn His ways and His heart.  I am thankful for the many opportunities He has given me to express praise to Him publicly, and for His gracious acceptance of the worship I have given.  However, it is becoming clear to me now, that the focus and intent I have had, has not always been pure.

First, there has been the issue of pride.  Every time I have compared or contrasted myself and my abilities to another, and wished to be as vocally and musically sharp as them, I have rejected my own essence–that with which God has blessed me.  A humble person can be who God has made them, knowing that dependence on Him is their only hope.  A proud person seeks those things which will affirm their worth in the presence of others.  I have discovered, that as opposed  to what I used to think, many wonderfully talented and skilled people are beautiful examples of humility.  It doesn’t matter what we can or cannot do.  What truly matters, is whether we have been able to accept what God has placed within us, and offer it back to Him with a spirit of thanksgiving.

Second, I think back on some of the stressful times I have had “preparing for worship.”  Can we, in fact, prepare to worship?  Of course, if that includes asking God to “create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me.”  But preparing song lists, Scriptures and “themes” for our corporate times of worship would actually be considered “preparing for a worship time.”  Nothing wrong with that–just that it will not leave us any more prepared for worship.  Only the Holy Spirit can do that, and only when He has been invited to do so.  Then, under His guidance, we can lead others to worship in spirit and in truth.

So, this week I begin preparing to lead others in worship at a brand new church gathering.  I pray that as I seek the Lord, He will reveal to me what it is to live a life of worship.  I am excited about different forms of worship–songs, scripture readings, meditation, art, poetry, spoken praise, banners, dance, etc…  Yet, somehow, I know that there is more.

This morning I can’t shake the phrase, “It’s not how you worship, it’s who.”  If I desire to lead others to worship Christ, I need to know Him intimately.  I need to be able to demonstrate what He means to me.  I need to know His names and their meanings.  How desperately I long for Him to reveal more of His plan and power to me!  How greatly I need His peace to flood over me so that others see it and want to know where it comes from!  His greatness is so vast, His character so immense that I run out of words.   Yet, as part of living a life of worship, I need to use the words I do know, to describe Him to others.

All of this being said, my greatest need is perhaps to rest in my Father’s love for me and stop striving to be a “good worshipper.”  If I change that to “God worshipper,” I have transferred my focus to where it ought to be.

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Welcome

September 18th, 2008

Welcome to New Song.

We hope to use this space to write, encourage, create, inspire. We take that “sing a new song unto the Lord” pretty seriously, and are stumbling through, trying to actually do it.

I believe that He really does have new words, new ways, new hope for us to praise Him, regardless of our circumstances, and we are trying to do that here. To speak the truth He reveals to us – that He is good, kind, compassionate, sovereign. To use the voices He gave to us to express each revelation in our own unique way. Without shame, because we are acting on the belief that we are not here accidentally.

Please look around, and make yourself at home. Perhaps the Lord is giving you a new song, too?

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