by Joan C. Benson

Think of someone you love with your whole heart– someone you want to spend time with, someone who loves you too. This is a relationship where you are known, even with your foibles and imperfections, yet loved deeply. That’s how God, the Creator of all the Universes, feels about you. Yes, you. And, yes, me. How do I know? “The Bible tells me so.”

In the book of Genesis, Jacob, the twin brother of Esau, was a guy with a troubling track record. He was a self-absorbed schemer and swindler. He stole his brother’s inheritance by tricking his father as he was dying. Jacob knew there was a Jehovah God, Yahweh. Yet, there was a distance between Jacob and God. No wonder with Jacob’s deceitful heart. He always referred to God as the father of Abraham and Isaac (Jacob’s father). We could describe his view of God as formal, not intimate. I would go further to say I doubt in his early years, he “knew” God at all.

One night Jacob had a vivid dream (Genesis 28). As a child, you may have sung “Jacob’s Ladder” retelling this biblical account. He dreamed of a ladder with angels climbing up and down from Heaven. Then, during the dream, the Lord spoke to Jacob and made a promise to him about his future inheritance and the blessings to be poured out on his descendants. Jacob awakened, knowing the Lord had visited him. Yet, even after this encounter, he had the audacity to say he wasn’t sure whether or not to make Yahweh his God. He leveraged this tenuous relationship by vowing he would make God his God, IF God blessed him. That sounds a little like what we call “foxhole prayers,” those prayers of desperation. “If you let me live, God, I’ll become a Christian.” Jacob obviously did not have a connection to his father’s God. I would add, it’s also good that God Almighty is a patient God with much mercy for his petulant children.

Two decades later, Jacob had a second encounter with God, which changed the dynamics of their relationship. This time God was so personal and powerful that Jacob referred to the place as Penuel, which means “face of God.” Now instead of seeing God as an impersonal ruler, Jacob saw an affectionate Father. The Hebrew word for face is paneh —  presence. We don’t see God’s face in a physical way, but the Scripture tells us again and again that we can live in His presence. Later Jacob finds himself alone with God, and God takes him on — they wrestle! I can’t even imagine. There is much more to the story here, but I will add that God wanted Jacob to acknowledge his selfish heart. God had some big plans for Jacob, but first Jacob had to yield. God wanted Jacob to stop being a selfish conniver, and become transformed by God’s love, wisdom, and grace.

If you have ever had a loving, transparent relationship with another human being, whether it was a spouse, parent, or maybe even a child, you know it is a treasure. I remember fondly how I enjoyed sitting across the small kitchen table with my dad when I was an “adult child.” We had a connection. I understood how much he loved me, and he knew how much I loved him. I wanted to spend time with him, face to face. I enjoyed the pleasure of his company. I yearned to be with him whenever I could, and I miss him now.

The Bible shows us how God made you for a “face-to-face” relationship with Him. Wouldn’t you rather know the pleasure of spending time in the presence of God instead of just knowing about Him? Yield your dreams to the One who made you, and understands you best. Seek Him. Take time to listen and talk to the One who loves you beyond measure and is waiting for you to turn your face to His. He awaits the pleasure of YOUR company.

The post Oh, to Know Him … appeared first on In His Image.

by Sandra Barker
 
I love to write about God’s Grace (sola gratia - Latin for grace alone).  Grace is such an inexhaustible subject - we can never fully capture the wonder of it.  The grace of God surrounds us on every hand.  He tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
 
In her Bible study, Entrusted, Beth Moore writes, "Grace is the divine means by which God makes Himself everything we need to utterly abound."  Ponder that truth for a moment.
 
When I read the section Beth wrote on grace and all its wonders in our lives, I was so overwhelmed with it all, I started weeping.  As I continued thinking about it, I imagined grace like a gentle rain on the thirsty ground of my heart.  I soak in its refreshing, healing touch and I'm surrounded by the warm, secure feeling of a heavenly hug.  I smile through my drying tears and rest in a joyful feeling of peace (:

​The God of all creation works in such mysterious and wonderful ways to help us see/find that needed grace for whatever it is that we're going through.  We tend to try and take care of our needs in our own strength - it's human nature to do so.  That's why Paul reminded his protege Timothy, "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" 2 Timothy 2:2.  Strength and grace come from God, not from our selves.  That's something we have to remind ourselves of and to deal with on a daily basis - but, God has grace for that too.
 
I'm using a picture I took of stained glass from Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern, NC.  What greater evidence of grace is there than the cross of Christ.  Everything about Jesus life and death and sacrifice, and God's pursuit of mankind is permeated in grace.  We can't even comprehend the depth and width of such grace.  We can, however, fall on our knees in praise and thanksgiving to the One who offers this free and generous gift of grace to all who believe.
 
Just a few thoughts this morning on the wonder, sufficiency, and joy of the grace of God.  Amazing Grace, O how sweet the sound!

by Joan C Benson
Have you noticed how life sometimes runs on parallel tracks? Good things can take place in the midst of not-so-pleasant circumstances. When I saw this image, it reminded me of this facet of life on planet earth. In this photo, we see the beauty of two seasons, complementing each other in color and form. The delicate flowers of a redbud tree are accentuated with the flakes of a late spring snow, enhancing both snow and flowers.

If I imagined myself to be a redbud flower, I might not feel the positive vibes of a blast of cold invading my springtime. Imagine bursting forth in your best show of first blooms, to find yourself shivering under a pile of freezing fluff. Sort of sets you back.
​

In our daily humanity, we may recognize layers of goodness while being struck with a serious loss or disabling event. Laying in a hospital bed recovering from a painful surgery, I heard a simple praise song in my room. I was miserable, and only half-asleep, but the sweet voice sounded like an angel. A nurse had begun singing along with music I had playing on my cell phone. Her kindness and love deeply touched my heart.

When my dog experienced multiple health crises within a short out-of-state "vacation," a kind veterinarian (our 5th appointment) spent thirty minutes reading all the health reports and deciding on a course of treatment. We were to leave for home the next morning. When we checked out, he had not charged me for anything except the medication. I felt tears well up in my eyes. It was not the money saved, though that was a blessing. It was his compassion. It felt like a hug from God.

I have found that people who are most successful in navigating pain, loss, and devastation don't immediately jump up and down to embrace their dark trial. They will say, "It was hard." However, they pass from grief to gratefulness when they recognize God's provision along the journey. Yes, we may find a freezing jolt to our once-comfortable life, but in recognizing God's mercy and grace to get us through, we find hope for the sorrows.

God's peace is promised to us in Philippians 4:6-9. However, with every promise comes an expectation. True? We are told to not be anxious. How does that work, you ask? "I just lost ... (fill in the blank), and I'm not supposed to feel the sad and awful reality?" Your husband (or wife) left you after years of marriage. You husband (or wife) died suddenly without any advance warning. You or a loved one receives a diagnosis of a fatal illness, or a health dysfunction without a remedy. Your child breaks off relationship. You know the list of tragedies goes on and on.

However, if you are one who has stepped over that line of faith as a believer in the Creator God of the Universe, He asks us to pray, to tell him what's on our heart. He says in Philippians 4:6-7 to pray/petition WITH THANKSGIVING. Then comes the answer: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
​
What a joy to let go of the spirit of heaviness, and release it to Father God, the One who loves you most. Not every woe in this life will have a "happy ever after" ending. In John 16:33, Jesus tells his disciples, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Yield, and receive your peace. We know in Heaven there will be no more sorrow, no more tears. Everlasting joy!

By Sandra Julian Barker
I recently took my grandson to a local art museum.  When I saw the oil painting pictured above, I was struck by the turbulence of the raging sea the artist had captured and the imminent peril of the two sailing ships as they plunged toward the rocks.  It's a powerful scene by Dutch painter Willem van de Velde the Younger (ca 1690).

The scene reminds me of Isaiah 43:2 where God says, "When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm."  I love that no matter how fierce the storm is in our life, God is right there beside us, ready to calm the sea at just the right time.

In Mark 4, there's a story about Jesus -- in a boat on a raging sea.  His disciples were frantic, but Jesus merely looked out at the thrashing waves and howling wind, and said, "Peace, be still!"  Scripture tells us, "And the wind ceased and there was a great calm" 4:39.  Sometimes, Jesus calms the raging storm within you as soon as you ask Him to do so.
Other times, God keeps you safe as your ship runs aground and breaks into pieces, as He did for Paul near the Island of Malta.  "...they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast...but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves...and so it was that they all escaped safely to land" Acts 27:41, 44.  No doubt there was considerable discomfort for Paul in the experience, but even as he battled the waves and choked on seawater, God was by his side and brought him safely to land.
Stormy seas are no surprise to the Lord.  We live in a sinful world where storms are an inevitable part of life.  Wonder and beauty are found when we make God the Captain of our little ship and trust Him to keep us afloat until we sail into our eternal port of call -- heaven.
"Those who go down to the sea in ships...they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.  For He commands and raises the stormy wind...He calms the storm, so that its waves are still...So He guides them to their desired haven.  Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107.


(published October 11, 2020 on my blog)

by Marjorie Wingert
     After a week of absolute gluttony, laziness, and self-indulgence, I found myself pounding the treadmill. Arms pumping and muscles straining, my thoughts wandered over the past week. Spring Break came as a welcome diversion from the usual hustle and bustle. Yet with all its fun and leisure, I came away feeling empty and unfulfilled. This is not to say we hadn’t enjoy our time together. We had fun! Biking, swimming, movies, trips to parks, and eating out characterized our week of play. We slept-in, went to bed when we liked, and were the masters of our own time. Why then, did I feel so distant and empty? Why then did it feel like I was dangling from a precarious perch?
      The answer came amidst the streaming sweat and labored breathing. Why, Lord? Is it something I’ve done? Have I wronged you? The fervency of my cries kept pace with the intensity of my workout. Speak to me, Lord, I begged. My thoughts bounced between my pleas to earnest reflection of the past week. As memories surfaced in my mind, a pattern emerged. Although filled with fun, how much time had I spent seeking after God? How often did I take time to consult Him regarding decisions? When had I invited Him into take part in the day, activities, or projects? When had I asked Him to help me make the best use of this time?

​     Then, it hit me like a steamroller. The light bulb suddenly clicked on. During this Spring Break, I had made myself god over my own life rather than God, Himself. I had not sought Him in the dark or the quiet. Nor had I paused to ask for His wisdom when faced with decisions. I had chosen gluttony over self-control and spending over self-restraint. I even took His favor and blessings for granted without stopping to ask or pray. I had chosen my ways over God’s ways.
     Forgive me, oh Lord, I inwardly cried, prostrate in spirit though not in form. Lord, I am so sorry. And then, as my breath gasped out and air rushed in, a new prayer took up the mantra. Not of me, I breathed in. But of You, I breathed out. Not me, but You. My chest rose and fell to the simple rhythm of this prayer. Each word was as pointed as the thrusts of my fists and the hammering of my feet.
     Then, silent and still it came. Even through the radio blaring, people talking, and the clanking machinery, an outpouring of grace and mercy flooded over me. I have loved you from the beginning, even before you were born, came the still, soft voice to my heart. I have watched over you and am with you. So great was this deluge of undeserved love, it crested over me in beautiful waterfalls. Tears filled my eyes and gratitude washed deep. Memories flashed through my mind of His protection, provision, and blessing.  These past remembrances fueled the thankfulness swelling deep within my heart as God’s undeserved love rained down over me.
     Praise the Lord, our God is a God of grace and mercy. He is not an authoritarian who rushes to scold. He does not condemn. Instead, He is a God who loves us no matter who we are, what we have done, and where we have been. His love never fails and it never gives up. As we are reminded in Psalm 36, God’s love is steadfast. It is so big, it even stretches to the heavens.
     We all make wrong decisions. We all sin. We all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Yet when the eyes of the blind are opened and we see with new eyes, we are faced with a choice. We can either choose to atone for the truth revealed or we can don blinders to ignore.
     For me, the choice was obvious. For when we yield ourselves to God, as Psalm 23 tells us, He leads us beside quiet waters. He restores our souls and guides us in paths of righteousness. Even when we walk through dark valleys, God is with us. With Christ, our heads are anointed with oil and our cup overflows. And when we yield ourselves to the Good Shepherd, goodness and mercy will follow us all our days and we will dwell with Him forever.

by Joan C. Benson

​Americans are familiar with choice. It's second nature to people who have lived in a more or less free society, depending on the period of history. We often glide through our days not giving much thought to all the choices we make. Yet, if we were denied the right to decide, undoubtably, we would squeal. Unless our voices are arbitrarily silenced and we had no recourse, we are not satisfied without this freedom of choice. Yes, we yearn to be the master of our destinies. We love the freedom to decide what, how, and when we do something.

Our Master Designer, God Almighty, gave us that ability to choose ... but with "guidelines," well actually, ONE guideline. If you examine Genesis, you discover God's children were provided with everything they needed in a beautiful place without strife or want. God's nature is to provide. Yet, the "children" chose to do the only thing God asked them not to do. I have to smile because having raised children, I know how natural it is for them to determinedly try to scale all barriers you establish, even if it meant for their good.
​
​
Imague by cottonbro on Pexels.com

While visiting a more tropical region, I experienced an unusual and uninvited houseguest. One morning, we found a little creature I nicknamed "Larry the Lizard," in our kitchen sink. Not being accustomed to wildlife in my work area, I freaked out! I refused to do anything in the kitchen until Larry was free again ... outside. Lacking gloves or anything which would help remove this intruder, my husband resorted to a property management housecall. "HELP! WE HAVE A LIZARD STUCK IN THE SINK."
The more I thought about that little guy sitting at the bottom of the glistening, yet perilous-for-a-lizard bowl, I imagined the surprise when he tumbled down its inescapable slope. Each time he tried to climb out, he slid back to the bottom. What led him to explore in the kitchen, I wondered? What enticed him inside to begin with? I had so many questions.
However, the Lord reminded me how similar we humans are. Wandering about on our own, exploring life and all of its sights and stimulating possibilities, sometimes leads us places the Lord never intended for us, places with emotional, physical, or spiritual risk. Do we always align our choices with God's Word? Are we even aware of the choices we make daily? Do we pray before we accidentally slide into some inescapable trap?
Have your choices ever landed you somewhere you didn't want to be, a place where you couldn't easily climb back into God's will? Here is the good news. Unlike poor "Larry," who did not have a happy end of life, we have a Father God who is waiting for us to come to Him for help. Even in our rebellion, God hears our cries. Yes, there may be unpleasant natural consequences for our wandering choices, but He is faithful to hear. In Isaiah 30:18-19 (TPT), we read, "For this reason the Lord is still waiting to show his favor to you so he can show you his marvelous love. He waits to be gracious to you. He sits on his throne ready to show mercy to you. How compassionate he will be when he hears your cries for help! He will answer you when he hears your voice!"
Your Father God is waiting for you to call to Him, even for rescue, if need be. He sent Jesus, His Son, to Earth who not only taught, but took the penalty for generations of rebellious choices, past, present, and future. He made a way for us to have a personal relationship with the God of the Universe, even though he is holy and we are not. With this amazing gift, we are forgiven. And, we are loved beyond measure.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him," (NIV).

by guest blogger Yvonne Ortega 
​​
Patience must be a four-letter word. Aha, I found it. It’s yuck!
Maybe you feel the same way I do more often than not. I understand.
 
A NEED FOR PATIENCE
 
I faced a mountain of paperwork each day as I worked on my taxes. I wanted to start them early, but the proper forms didn’t arrive until the week before my tax appointment. In a marathon to finish, my neck hurt, and my shoulders ached. My lower back screamed for relief. My neck felt as if someone glued it looking down at the monitor. Talk about a need for patience to continue.
 
What kept me going? A deadline. There’s nothing like a deadline. When snow, rain, or ice appeared, I didn’t mind staying indoors to finish. However, a couple of warm, sunny days in a row came along, and patience became a four-letter word again. Yuck.

Opportunities to Practice Patience
 
A woman rushed to get ready for the arrival of her daughter and son-in-law. She experienced a dizzy spell and passed out. After this happened again, she spent time in the hospital and in rehab because of a heart problem and surgery. She learned not to ignore warning signs and received daily opportunities to practice patience.

​God tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2–3 NKJV).
 
The Result of Endurance
 
The irony of tax season is some of the online days, such as March 22, National Bavarian Crepes Day and National Goof Off Day. How can we go for curbside delivery of Bavarian Crepes or prepare them at home, goof off and meet our deadlines?
 
God also addresses that situation. “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4 NKJV).
 
Another problem day is March 24. It’s National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day, National Cheesecake Day, and the National American Diabetes Association Alert Day on the fourth Tuesday of March. I enjoy almost any fruit or vegetable dipped in dark chocolate. You may delight in the cheesecake. How do we reconcile those sugary items with National Diabetes Association Alert Day or National Triglycerides Day on March 28?
 
The Way to Get Perseverance
 
Since we can’t reconcile the words above, we have to choose. Our first choice is to walk in the flesh. We can deceive ourselves and celebrate National I Am in Control Day. Our second choice is to “Walk in the Spirit, and [we] shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16 NKJV).
 
How do we get what we need to make the right choice on a more consistent basis? For the answer, let’s circle back to the book of James. Through the inspiration of God, James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5–6 NKJV)
 
I will ask God for what I need. What will you do?
 
 
Yvonne Ortega walks with a small footprint but leaves a giant imprint in people’s lives. Multi-published and multi-interviewed, she shares her struggles to empower women to find peace, power, and purpose through God’s Word. Her latest book is Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Grief. See more at https://yvonneortega.com/writing/
 
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega March 17, 2021 

​by Sandra Julian Barker
 
It's time for some joyful thoughts.  Seeing a beautiful butterfly sitting on an equally beautiful flower -- now that's something that brings a smile to my face.  This lovely little guy (or maybe it's a gal, who knows?) was busy around the butterfly bush in my backyard when I managed to snap a pic of him.  He wasn't still for long, constantly flitting from one flower to the next, busy about the work God created him to do.
 
What amazing color and design and delicate detail God fashioned in this unique butterfly.

When God was speaking to Job, He made it plain to him that all of nature is well-aware of who their Creator is and of all His glory -- and they thereby glorify Him with their very being.  Not only that, but they offer messages to us of the Creator, as evidenced by God saying that "they will teach you."  Note God's words to Job and to us: "But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you.  Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?" Job 12:7-10.
 
We have much we can learn from this little butterfly.  Have you ever heard a sound from a butterfly?  Yet, in his silence, he speaks loudly of his Creator.  If we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we will discover God's messages to us through His creation.  As the Psalmist said, "On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works I will meditate," 145:5.  
 
Meditating, being still before our mighty Father, these are usually prerequisites to seeing and hearing His messages to us.  What a delight to discover a personal message from the Almighty Himself!
 
Oh, what an extravagant, generous, loving Father we have!  "He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Also He has put eternity in their hearts..." Ecclesiastes 3:11.  
 
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

by Marjorie Wingert
 
     When Jesus first met his disciple, Simon Peter, Christ called him to obedience. Peter had just returned from an unsuccessful night of fishing. Imagine his surprise when Jesus climbed into his boat and asked him to row into shallow water. There, Jesus taught while the people listened from shore.
     Once Jesus finished speaking, He instructed Peter to go fishing. Peter was faced with a choice. Should he do what he had been asked? Or would he refuse? After all, Peter had just returned from fishing. He had been out all night and was tired with nothing to show for his labors. Peter may not have felt like doing what Jesus asked but Peter chose to trust and obey. 

​     After Peter did as Jesus said, the most amazing thing happened. They caught so many fish that their nets began to break. Can you picture how excited Peter must have been? There were so many fish, Peter needed another boat’s help. What a sight it must have been to see both boats sinking from catching so many fish!
     Although Peter did not want to go out fishing again, he chose to say “yes” to Jesus. Peter would have missed out on a huge blessing if he had not stepped out in faith. His nets would still be empty instead of full of fish. It is the same for you and me. Our nets come up empty when we do not yield to Jesus. When we choose to obey His Will, follow His ways, and trust Him, God fills our net with blessings. Like Peter, God can even give more blessings than we could have fathomed.
     These blessings come in many ways. Often these blessings look different than what we expect. They may come from a smile, hug, or thank you from your child or a friend. They could be your boss giving you more responsibility because they can trust you to do what they ask. The blessing might be a happier house because you are choosing to submit to your husband instead of arguing. It might even be the good feeling you get when you know you have made the right decision. And sometimes, the blessing may even be the very thing your heart desires.
     Like Peter, you are faced with the same choice of obedience. Should I do what God has asked? Will I follow my employer’s instructions? Do I choose to do the right thing even when my friends do not? Will I follow Jesus? But also, like Peter, you will be blessed when you obey. For with obedience comes blessings. Choose to fill your nets with the blessings of obedience.

by Donna Polverari
​
​Luke 5: Now, go out a little deeper and let your nets down to catch some fish.
 
     Do you ever feel like your efforts are failing no matter how hard you try, and it is not looking like there is any fruit or success on the horizon? In this scene, Peter is feeling defeated because he is a skilled fisherman, yet he can’t catch one lousy fish. Jesus tells him to go out deeper.  He listened and the blessing for provision came.  Jesus was showing him how much he needed his Lord and doing things his way in his own strength would not work. When Jesus said go out deeper, he wanted Peter’s full trust in their relationship. He would need to trust completely with his whole heart and be willing to change because the work would be done God’s way—not his. God had bigger, greater plans for Peter as a leader, and he would have to open his eyes to what was not working for him. It was all about complete surrender.
    God also encouraged me with another man’s story that needed to trust God and had the odds against him. Bo Eason, was a former NFL football player that played safety for the Houston Oilers. The eight-year boy had a dream to play in the NFL, and it was a nearly impossible dream. 

​At his first tryout, Bo came up short, literally short. His problem—he was 5 feet tall and 100 pounds. His coach concluded that Bo had no business playing football.  Naturally, he was discouraged until his father gave him a story that changed his mind, his life, and his identity. He asked him a question” did they measure your heart”?  He went on to explain to him that when a ranch dog has puppies the rancher identifies the smallest puppy—the runt of the liter by tying yarn around its neck. The rancher gives all the other puppies away and he keeps the runt.  The runt always has to work harder to survive against his bigger brothers and sisters—always. The runt becomes the smartest, fastest, and the most determined.  Of all the puppies, the runt’s heart is the biggest. The rancher stakes his whole livelihood on that fact. 
     That day Bo took on the challenge. He would indeed get into the NFL and he would reach his goal. How did he do it? He kept the dream in his head and got busy and did what he could. He was the first one on the field and the last one off.  He engaged with his teammates any way he could, but most of all he believed God to get him in uniform and in his position as safety.  He did his part and God did the rest. He said “he made that dog story his story and told it to himself day after day. “God didn’t make him taller, bigger, and more skilled. He refined what he had and challenged him to use what was inside of him—what God had already given. God pushed him beyond his comfort zone to get it out of him and to do what he was called to do.  He had to change his routine, his mind, and his ways. The rest is history.
     As I struggled with changing some habits, and mindsets to go after my own dreams, God encouraged my heart.  God is teaching us all we can accomplish our God sized goals through trusting Jesus, changing what isn’t working, and doing things his way. Do you ever feel like the little runt?  God’s message to us is that whether we are fishing or playing football it is possible for our dreams to come true, and we too can be confident our nets will be full! We have an awesome God.
 
Father, thank you for your word that teaches us that nothing is impossible with you. Open our eyes to see that our heart, our faith, and willingness to do things your way will make our dreams come true and provide for our needs. We love you in Jesus name I pray.