The Greatest of These

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love"  -- 1 Corinthians 13:13 / NKJV

The beautiful words of 1st Corinthians 13 remind us that love is God's commandment:  Faith is important, of course.  So, too, is hope.  But, love is more important still.  We are commanded (not advised, not encouraged ... commanded!) to love one another just as Christ loved us (John 13:34).  That's a tall order, but as Christians, we are obligated to follow it.

Christ showed His love for us on the cross, and we are called upon to return Christ's love by sharing it.  Today, let us spread Christ's love to families, friends, and even strangers, so that through us, others might come to know Him.
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"It is important to know that you have to work to keep love alive; you have to protect it and maintain it, just like you would a delicate flower"

-- James Dobson
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Lord, love is Your commandment.  Help us always to remember that the gift of love is a precious gift indeed.  Let us nurture love and treasure it, today and forever.

What Kind of Example?

"In all thing show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified ... " 

-- Titus 2:7 / NASB

What kind of example are you? Are you the kind of person whose life serves as a powerful example of decency and morality? Are you a person whose behavior serves as a positive role model for others? Are you the kind of person whose actions, day in and day out, are based upon integrity, fidelity and a love for the Lord?  If so, you are not only blessed by God, you are also a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs positive influences such as yours.

Phillips Brooks once said, "Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise."  And that's sound advice because our families and friends are watching us . . . and so, for that matter, is God.
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"A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine"  -- D. L. Moody
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Lord, make us a worthy example to our family and friends.  And let our words and our actions show people how our lives have been changed by You.  We will praise You, Father, by following in the footsteps of Your Son.  Let others see Him through us.

The Miracle Worker

Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father" -- John 10:32 / HCSB

God is a miracle worker.  Throughout history He has intervened in the course of human events in ways that cannot be explained by science or human rationale. And He is still doing it today.

God's miracles are not limited to special occasions, nor are they witnessed by a select few. God is crafting His wonders all around us:  the miracle of the birth of a new baby; the miracle of a world renewing itself with every sunrise; the miracle of lives transformed by God's love and grace.  Each day, God's handiwork is evident for all to see and experience.

Today, seize the opportunity to inspect God's hand at work. His miracles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so keep your eyes and your hearts open.  Be watchful, and you will soon be amazed.
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"Throughout history, when God's people found themselves facing impossible odds, they reminded themselves of God's limitless power" -- Bill Hybels
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Lord, absolutely nothing is impossible for You.  Let us trust in Your power and in Your miracles. When we lose hope, give us faith; when others lose hope, let us tell them of your glorious works.  Today, Lord, keep us mindful that You are a God of infinite possibilities and infinite love.

Love Is A Choice

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" 
-- 1 John 4:11 / NKJV

Love is always a choice. Sometimes, of course, we may "fall in love," but it takes work to stay there.  Sometimes, we may be "swept off our feet," but the "sweeping" is only temporary; sooner or later if love is to endure, one must plant one's feet firmly on the ground.  The decision to love another person for a lifetime is much more than the simple process of "falling in" or being "swept up." It requires "reaching out," "holding firm," and "lifting up."  Love, then, becomes a decision to honor and care for the other person, come what may.

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"How do you spell love?  When you reach the point where the happiness, security, and development of another person is as much of a driving force to you as your own happiness, security and development, then you have a mature love. True love is spelled G-I-V-E"  -- Josh McDowell

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Lord, You have given us the gift of love; let us share that gift with others. And, keep us mindful that the essence of love is not to receive it, but to give it, today and forever. 

Taking Time to Ask

"He granted their request because they trusted in Him" -- 1 Chronicles 5:20/ HCSB

Sometimes, amid the demands and frustrations of everyday life, we forget to slow ourselves down long enough to talk with God.  Instead of turning our thoughts and prayers to Him, we rely upon our own resources.  Instead of praying for strength and courage, we seek to manufacture it within ourselves.  Instead of asking God for guidance, we depend only on our own limited wisdom.  The results of such behaviors are unfortunate and, on occasion, tragic.

Are you in need?  Ask God to sustain you.  Are you troubled? Take your worries to Him in prayer.  Are you weary?  Seek God's strength.  In all things great and small, seek God's wisdom and His grace.  He hears your prayers, and He will answer. All you must do is ask!

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"God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it" -- Max Lucado

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Lord, when we have questions or fears, let us turn to you. When we are weak, let us seek Your strength. When we are discouraged, keep us mindful of Your love and Your grace.  In all things, let us seek Your will and Your way, today and forever. 

Problems in Perspective

"It's important to look at things from God's point of view" -- 1 Corinthians 4:6 / MSG

If a temporary loss of perspective has left you worried, exhausted, or both, it is time to readjust your thought patterns. Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones. With practice, you can form the habit of focusing on God's priorities and your possibilities. When you do, you will soon discover that you will spend less time fretting about your challenges and more time praising God for His gifts.

When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears.  So today and every day hereafter, pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: no problems are too big for God - and that includes yours!

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"Earthly fears are no fears at all.  Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective" -- Max Lucado

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Lord, sometimes, the world's perspective can lead us astray. Help us, Lord, to see the world through Your eyes.  Give us guidance and wisdom. And keep us every mindful, Father, that Your realty is the ultimate reality, and that Your truth is the ultimate truth, now and forever

Never-Ending Love

"And we have this command from Him; the one that loves God must also love his brother"  -- 1 John 4:21 / HCSB

C.W. Lewis observed, "A man's spiritual health is exactly the proportional to his love for God."  If we are to enjoy the spiritual health that God intends for us, we must praise Him,  we must love Him, and we must obey Him.

When we worship God faithfully and obediently, we invite His love into our hearts.  When we truly worship God, we allow Him to rule over our days and our lives.  In turn, we grow to love God even more deeply as we sense His love for us.  Today, open your heart to the Father.  And let your obedience be a fitting  response to His never-ending love.

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"I love Him because He first loved me, and He still does love me, and He will love me forever and ever"  -- Bill Bright

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Lord, You have blessed us with a love that is infinite and eternal.  Let us love You, Lord, more and more each day.  Make us a loving servant, Father, today and throughout eternity. And, let us show our love for You by sharing Your message and your love with others.

Nourished by the Word

"You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed"

-- 1 Timothy 4:6 / HCSB

Do you read your Bible a lot . . . or not?  The answer to this simple question will determine, to a surprising extent, the quality of your life and the direction of your faith. 

As you establish priorities for life, you must decide whether God's Word will be a bright spotlight that guides your path every day or a tiny nightlight that occasionally flickers in the dark.  The decision to study the Bible - or not - is yours and yours alone. But make no mistake - how you choose to study the Bible will have a profound impact on you and your loved ones.

The Bible is the ultimate guide for life; make it your guidebook as well.  When you do, you can be comforted in the knowledge that your steps are guided by a Source of wisdom and truth that never fails.

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"Some read the Bible to learn, and some read the Bible to hear from Heaven" -- Andrew Murray

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Lord, You have given us instructions for life here on earth and for life eternal. We will use the Bible as our guide.  We will study it and meditate upon it as we trust You, Lord, to speak to us through your Holy Word.

Cheerfulness 101

"A happy heart is like a continual feast" -- Proverbs 15:15 / NCV

Few things in life are more sad than someone who is consistently grumpy.  Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy, but He does not force His joy upon us.  We must claim His joy for ourselves, and when we do, Jesus, in turn, fills our spirit with His power and His love.

How can we receive from Christ the joy that is rightfully ours?  By giving Him what is rightfully His:  our hearts and our souls.  When we earnestly commit ourselves to the Savior of mankind, when we place Jesus at the center of our lives and trust Him as our personal Savior, He will transform us, not just for today, but for all eternity.  Then we, as God's children, can share Christ's joy and His message with a world that needs both.

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"If His presence does not cheer you, surely Heaven itself would not make you glad; for what is Heaven but the full enjoyment of His love"

-- C. H. Spurgeon

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Lord, You have given us so many reasons to be happy and we want to be a cheerful Christian.  Today and every day, we will do our best to share our happiness with our family and our friends

Strength For The Day

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" -- Philippians 4:13 / KJV

Have you made God the cornerstone of your life, or is he relegated to a few hours on Sunday morning? Have you genuinely allowed God to reign over every corner of your heart, or have you attempted to place Him in a spiritual compartment?  The answers to these questions will determine the direction of your day and your life.

God loves you.  In times of trouble, He will comfort you; in times of sorrow, He will dry your tears. When you are weak or sorrowful, God is as near as your next breath. He stands at the door of your heart and waits. Welcome Him in and allow Him to rule.  And then, accept the peace, and the strength, and the protection, and the abundance that only God can give.

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"The God we seek is a God who is intrinsically righteous and who will be so forever. With His example and His strength, we can share in that righteousness"

-- Bill Hybels

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Lord, sometimes life is difficult.  Sometimes, we are worried, weary or discouraged.  Life can be a struggle, but, when we lift our eyes to You, Lord, You strengthen us.  Today, we will turn to You, for strength, for hope, and for salvation.

With You Always

"You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures"  -- Psalm 16:11 / HCSB

Do you ever wonder if God is really here with us?  If so, you are not the first person to think such a thought.  In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had their doubts - and so, perhaps, will you.  But when questions arise and doubts begin to creep into your mind, remember this:  You can talk with God any time.  In fact, He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.

Sometimes you will allow yourself to become very busy and that is when you may be tempted to ignore God. But, when you quiet yourself long enough to acknowledge His presence, God will touch your heart and restore your spirits. By the way, He's ready to talk right now.  Are you?

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"What a comfort to know that God is present there in your life, available to meet every situation with you, that you are never left to face any problem alone"

-- Vonette Bright

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Lord, You are with us when we are strong and when we are weak.  You never leave our side, even when it seems to us that You are far away.  Today and every day, let us trust Your promises and let us feel Your love.

The Importance of Prayer

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"

-- Philippians 4:6 / NKJV

Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Creator.  It is an opportunity to commune with the Giver of all things good.  Prayer is not a thing to be taken lightly or to be used infrequently.  Prayer should never be reserved for mealtimes or for bedtimes; it should be an ever-present focus in our daily lives.

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks for this is  the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (5:17-18, NKJV).  Paul's words apply to every Christian of every generation. So, let us pray constantly about things great and small.  God is listening, and He wants to hear from us. Now.

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"Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things"  -- Andrew Murray

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Lord, we will open our hearts to You. We will take our concerns, our fears, our plans and our hopes to You in prayer. And, then, we will trust the answers that You give.  You are our loving Father, and we will accept Your will for our lives.

Mid-Course Corrections

"The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble" 

-- Proverbs 27:12 / NCV

In our fast-paced world, everyday life has become an exercise to managing change.  Our circumstances change; our relationships change; our bodies change.  We grow older every day, as does our world.  Thankfully, God does not change. He is eternal, as are the truths that are found in His Holy Word.  Are you facing one of life's inevitable "mid-course corrections"?  If so, you must place your faith, your trust and your life in the hands of the One who does not change:  your Heavenly Father.  He is the unmoving rock upon which you must construct this day and every day. When you do, you are secure.

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"Sometimes your medicine bottle says, 'Shake well before using.' That is what God has to do with some of his people. He has to shake them well before that are usable" -- Vance Havner

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Lord, when the world seems to be spinning out of control, we will turn to You. We will trust Your wisdom.  We will trust Your plans for our lives and we will trust Your Son, this day and everyday.

A Book Unlike Any Other

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes"  -- Romans 1:16 / HCSB

God's Word is unlike any other book.  A.W. Tozer wrote, "The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for Heaven.  In this it is unique among books, and it always fulfills its purpose."  George Mueller observed, "The vigor of our spiritual lives will be in exact proportions to the place held by the Bible in our lives and in our thoughts."  As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word and then to share it with the world.

The Bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to use as they share the Good News of their Savior, Christ Jesus.  Too many, however, keep their spiritual tool kits tightly closed and out of sight.  Jonathan Edwards advised, "Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures.  This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived.  Therefore let not this treasure lie by your neglected."  God's Holy Word is, indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure.  Handle it with care, but, more importantly, handle it every day.

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Lord, the Bible is Your gift to us.  Let us use it, let us trust it, and let us obey it, today and every day that we live.

Behavior That Is Consistent With Your Beliefs

"If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong" -- Romans 14:23 / MSG

In describing our beliefs, our actions are far better descriptions than our words.  Yet far too many of us spend more energy talking about our beliefs than living by them - with predictably poor results.  As believers, we must beware:  Our actions should always give credence to the changes that Christ can make in the lives of those who walk with Him.

Your beliefs shape your values, and your values shape your life.  Is your life a clearly-crafted picture book of your creed?  Are your actions always consistent with your beliefs?  Are you willing to practice the philosophies that you preach?  Hopefully so; otherwise, you'll be tormented by inconsistencies between your beliefs and your behavior.

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"More depends on my walk than my talk"  -- D. L. Moody

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Lord, it is so much easier to speak of the righteous life than it is to live it.  Let us live righteously and let our actions be consistent with our beliefs.  Let every step that we take reflect Your truth, and let us live a life that is worthy of Your Son.

Forgive: It's God's Way

"And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ"  -- Ephesians 4:32 / HCSB

To forgive others is difficult.  Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, we are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget.  Forgiveness, no matter how difficult, is God's way, and it must be our way, too.

God's commandments are not intended to be customized for the particular whims of particular believers.  God's word is not a menu from which each of us may select items a la carte, according to our own desires. Far from it. God's Holy Word is a book that must be taken in its entirety; all of God's commandments are to be taken seriously. And so it is worth forgiveness.  So, if you hold bitterness against even a single person, forgive.  Then, to the best of your abilities, forget. It's God's way for you to live.

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"Looking back over my life, all I can see is mercy and grace written in large letters everywhere. May God help me have the same kind of heart toward those who wound or offend me"  -- Jim Cymbala

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Lord, genuine forgiveness is difficult. Help us to forgive those who have injured us, and deliver us from the traps of anger and bitterness.  Forgiveness is Your way, Lord; let it be ours.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord"  -- 1 Corinthians 1:9 / NKJV

God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him.  God keeps His promises to us even when we stray far from His will.  He continues to love us even when we disobey His commandments.  But God does not force His blessings upon us. If we are to experience His love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves.

Are you tired, discouraged, or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father.  Are you bitter? Talk with God and seek His guidance.  Are you celebrating a great victory? Thank God and praise Him.  He is the Giver of all things good. In whatever condition you find yourself, trust God and be comforted.  The Father is with you now and forever.

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"The God of the galaxies is the God who knows when your heart is broken - and He can heal it" -- Warren Wiersbe

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Your faithfulness, Lord, is everlasting.  You are faithful to us even when we are not faithful to You.  Today, let us serve You with our heart, our soul, and our mind. And, then, let us rest in the knowledge of Your constant love for us.

Lessons to Learn

"Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him"  -- Psalm 11:10 / New Living Translation

Whether you are twenty-one or a hundred and twenty, you still have a lot to learn.  Even if you are very wise, God isn't finished with you yet, and he isn't finished teaching you important lessons about life here on earth and life eternal.

God does not intend for you to remain stuck in one place, far from it!  God wants you to continue growing as a person and as a Christian every day that you live  And make no mistake:  Both spiritual and intellectual growth are possible during every stage of life, during the happiest days or the hardest ones.

Your Bible contains powerful prescriptions for overcoming tough times.  When you study God's Word and live according to His scriptures, adversity becomes a practical instruction.  While you are enduring difficult days, you learn lessons you simply could not have leaned any other way.  And when you learn these lessons, you will serve as a shining example to  your friends, to your family and to the world.

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Lord, let us listen carefully to You.  When we listen we learn.  Let us become a better listener today that we were yesterday, and let us become an even better listener tomorrow

A Passion for Life

"But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint"

-- Isaiah 40:31 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

Are you enthusiastic about your faith? Hopefully so.  But if your zest for life has waned, it is now time to redirect your efforts and recharge your spiritual batteries. And that means refocusing your priorities (by putting God first) and counting your blessings (instead of your troubles).

Nothing is more important than your wholehearted commitment to your Creator and to His only-begotten Son. Your faith must never be an afterthought; it must be your ultimate priority, your ultimate possession, and your ultimate passion.  When you become passionate about your faith, you will become passionate about your life, too.  And God will smile.

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"If your heart has grown cold, it is because you have moved away from the fire of His presence" -- Beth Moore

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Lord, if the obligations of the day leave us exhausted or discouraged, we will turn to You for strength and for renewal.  When we follow Your will for our lives, You will renew our enthusiasm.  Let Your will be our will, Lord, and let us find strength and courage in You.

A Self-fulfilling Prophecy

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose"  -- Psalm 20:4 / New King James Version

The self-fulfilling prophecy is alive, well, and living at your house.  If you trust God and have faith for the future, your optimistic beliefs will give you direction and motivation.  That is one reason that you should never lose hope, but certainly not the only reason.  The primary reason that you should never lose hope, is because of God's unfailing promises.

Make no mistake about it - thoughts are powerful things; your thoughts have the power to lift you up or to hold you down.  When you acquire the habit of hopeful thinking, you will have acquired a powerful tool for improving your life.  So if you fall into the habit of negative thinking, think again.  After all, God's Word teaches us that Christ can overcome every difficulty (John 16:35). And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.
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"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope" -- Martin Luther
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Lord, make us hope-filled.  If we become discouraged, let us turn to You.  If we grow weary, let us seek strength in You.  In every aspect of our lives, we will trust You, today and forever.

Infinite Possibilities

"Is anything too hard for the LORD?"  --  Genesis 18:14 / King James Version

Sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong.  Are you afraid to ask God to do big things in your life? Is your faith threadbare and worn? If so, it is time to abandon your doubts and reclaim your faith in God's promises.

God's Word makes it clear:  absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord.  And since the Bible means what it says, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones.  Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His Word, and to expect the miraculous. 

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"So God's patience is His power over Himself.  Great is that God who, having all power, yet keeps all power subject to Himself"  - Jim Elliot

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Lord, nothing is impossible for You, keep us always mindful of Your strength.  When we lose hope, give us faith; when others lose hope, let us tell them of Your glory and Your works.  Today, Lord, let us expect the miraculous, and let us trust in You.