GIGGLE

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22

“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound!” - Psalm 4:7

“He will fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” - Job 8:21

“Then out mouth was filled with laughter, and out tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them’” - Psalm 126:2

“Health Benefits of Laughter: Stress Relief, Immunity, and More” - Elizabeth Scott, M.S., January 10, 2011

Doctor Scott makes the following observations:

“Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol,epinephrine, dopamine and growth hormone.”

REDUCED GROWTH HORMONE? CAN’T WE LEAVE THAT ONE OUT? MAYBE IF WE JUST CHUCKLE A LITTLE AND AVOID A FULL-BELLY LAUGH? - But I digress ...

She goes on to state:

“It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.”

There is so much to be grateful for. And yet the Bible reminds us:

“To everything there is a season and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1

What is this verse saying? Herein is the real, “circle of life.” And through it all God is here. Nothing, absolutely nothing comes as a surprise to God. “Life happens”. Life happens to everyone but no one need pass through it alone. God is wherever you are this very moment. At the moment you may have very little to laugh about. Remember, “GIGGLE”:

God is Good; God loves eternally! God is Great; God’s love empowers!

“Blesses are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh!” - Luke 6:21

And for those of you who are on the “upswing of life” remember that this too comes with a few responsible “GIGGLES”:

Get in gear; God loves excitement. Get it going; give loving encouragement. Get in gear; get laughing enthusiastically!

I’m still bothered by the growth hormone ...

Did I make you giggle?

I Want To Feel Good About ME!

Do you have hopes, dreams, visions or simply a glimpse of what your desired future might be - but not the immediate or logical means of reaching it?

Perhaps you are thinking of a career goal, a relationship, a relocation. Whatever the cause or event, you recognize deep within your core an indescribably relentless need to move forward with some “yet to be determined” activity that will move you closer to an even “less determined” objective you “think” you are destined to accomplish!

You know beyond a shadow of a doubt ... that you “think” there is something to accomplish that is [at the moment] “just out of reach”. You might even possess an anticipatory excitement for which you have no explanation. You don’t know what it is, when it’s coming, how you’ll get there, if you’ll recognize it when it comes or posses the tools to accomplish it when it is revealed.

Or maybe you are one of those individuals who purposed from youth a specific goal. You trained, you studied, you sacrificed, you served, you pushed, sometimes shoved and now life is simply falling into place perfectly. You’ve received recognition for your efforts. Your accomplishments are the quiet envy of every spectator or competitor who has ever observed your personal pursuit and success.

Well, maybe not ...

Odd; isn’t it? Most of us have an urge to be “meaningful specifics” rather than “wandering generalities”. Yet, in spite of our childhood hopes of being a fireman, a nurse, a veterinarian or astronaut, the vast majority have become nondescript, simple employees. If the truth were known, those who have become firemen, nurses, veterinarians and astronauts, quietly wonder if they missed a bit of life while focusing upon achieving their specific goal.

Contentment, happiness, a balanced life and an attitude of purpose provide an individual “peace”. Aren’t these basic elements of the human quest? Certainly there are those who strive for power, money and fame. But, unless they have achieved and are enjoying the basic elements, trivial adornments do not satisfy a lust for more.

So I turn to the Bible hoping to find words of encouragement. I search for a glimpse of that special “something” that will bring purpose to my life. I search and I search; I read and I read; I study and I study; and keep coming back to the same conclusion - the purpose of life is to glorify God.

What?

What about ME? Where are those self-improvement, PMA gems that will make me feel good about myself? I WANT TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT ME!

I jump from passage to passage, from Old Testament to New, from verses spanning thousands of years. As I do, the words begin to take on a chronological order that defines God’s purpose.

“For You did form my inward parts, You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will confess and praise You, for You are fearfully wonderful, and for the awe-ful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and THAT my inner soul knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being formed in secret and intricately and curiously wrought (as is embroidered with various colors) in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days of my life were written, before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I awoke [could I count to the end] I would still be with You.” - Psalms 139:13-18

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.” - Jeremiah 29:11,12

“But when He Who had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born, and had called me by His grace (His undeserved favor and blessing), saw fit and was pleased to reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles [the non-Jewish world] as the glad tidings, immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood - did not consult or counsel with any frail human being nor communicate with any one.” - Galatians 1:15,16

“And the effect of righteousness shall be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness, quietness and confident trust for ever.” - Isaiah 32:17

So today, rather than burden myself into paralysis worrying about my precise purpose, I will endeavor to relax in Him Who knew me before I was ever formed. I will realize that in HIS greater plan He knows those with whom I will meet today, and I will endeavor to allow Him to use me to offer His peace in their lives.

“For life is more than food, and the body than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; and they have no storeroom nor barn; and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of your by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why are you anxious about other matters? Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will Hie cloth you, O men of little faith! And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly SEEK; but your Father knows that you NEED these things. But seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you!” Luke 12:23-31

Let Jesus be seen in me.

God bless!

Do Ask, Do Tell ...

No, this is not going to be provocative. I just wanted to catch your attention for a moment.

Perhaps it is time to come out of the closet. Perhaps it is proper to release the self imposed stigma that stifles true purpose; refute the fear of what people may think and live life outside the shadows. It’s not going to be enough to simply proclaim the truth and then scurry to a new protective environment with individuals who have made the same decision. It is time to live it - perhaps (at times) alone. It is time to live it - not with pride, but with a humble “attitude of servitude”. Perhaps it is time to simply say, “yes; yes I am a Christian.”

Not everyone accepts the Christian belief. Being a Christian is not a cloak of righteousness hung in the closet to be worn when circumstances are “safe” and warrant it’s exposure. It is not the licensed onslaught of condemnation towards others who may have a different belief; or no belief at all. It is not competitive; not an exclusive club of “holier-than-thou achievers” by whom The Almighty Himself proclaims His righteous approval.

Being a Christian is not religious. Being a Christian is not a cause. Being a Christian is not a political positioning. Being a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of - but nothing for which an individual can proudly take credit.

So what is it - really?

True Christianity is an unmerited, unwarranted gift. It is Someone put in not something put on. It is the ultimate “giving forward”. Christianity replaces hopeless wandering with meaningful purpose. It is aimlessly searching until God let’s you know that all along you’ve been guided, guarded, found. It is release and restoration. It is sacrifice and assurance. It is the peace that passes all understanding.

An old children’s chorus exclaims, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Hide it under a bushel? No; I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

True Christianity is personal and private but the fruit of this gift becomes ever so outward and obvious. How can it be contained? True Christianity replaces blindly searching with an acute awareness of other’s needs. It is the sacrificial desire for their best. It is allowing that “little light” to shine through loving actions selflessly poured out with no regard for recognition.

True Christianity is ready to respond to the needs of others, “please ask”. It the outward expression of an inward “rebirth” by way of the sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. It is the missing piece/peace in a heart longing to be whole. It is the desire to share this wonderful gift with others so that in their search they may recognize personally they too have been guided, guarded, found!

Today’s a great day to let your light shine; "do tell!"

God bless

Entering A New Year Refreshed and Ready!

One need not be a Christian to realize that a certain amount of “meditation” is good for the soul. If a state of quiet nothingness is good for the soul, how much greater benefit when the heart and mind are in communication with God Almighty?

But is it really possible?

Have you ever had the feeling that praying to God was like tossing wishes into the air? Maybe you have experienced the “fast food prayer” that simply says, “OH GOD!”

Sad to say, I have been in prayer meetings where the pastor piously gets on his knees, followed by the elders in the church and anyone else wishing to participate, in what too often resembles theatrical blocking. I too have sat in a prayer circle, quietly rehearsing. I have prayed in the King James Version with the words, “Thee and Thou” placed properly within the context of my, “spiritual script” so as to properly impress those with whom I recite. I therefore have a fairly good idea of what prayer - IS NOT.

So what is prayer? Is it real communication? How do you do it effectively? Frankly, if God knows everything ... why does He need to hear about it from me anyway?

Luke 11:1 records the following event:

“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

Without doubt, these men had previously experienced some form of prayer in their lives, but there was something significantly different in the prayer of Jesus. His prayer was compelling! It was magnetic - alive, and the disciples instinctively knew that prayer was of vital importance to Jesus. They wanted that POWER to also be evident in their prayers.

Perhaps the following story will illustrate the mechanics of prayer. High winds caused a weekly prayer meeting to suffer an electrical outage. An electrician in the congregation, realizing that there was nothing he could do locally, called the station hub for information. They advised him that his immediate area had been affected but crews were already taking care of the situation. The service desk advised the electrician that the problem should be resolved in fifteen to twenty minutes. The gentleman quickly scribbled a note to the minister who, with no overhead lighting, was fast slipping into the shadows of sunset. The note simply said, “After prayer the power will return.” How true it is! After prayer the power always returns.

Let me just share a personal experience. As a youngster I had a difficult time understanding prayer. I was actually concerned that I would never find a time when no one else in the world was praying. How could I ever capture the attention of Almighty God with everyone else praying at the same time? I didn’t understand the personal relationship He had already established in my life.

One day I allowed my over-active imagination to get involved in my prayer. I actually imagined leaving my room and being translated through the atmosphere to the pearly gates of heaven. I imagined those pearly doors slowly opening to allow my humble entrance. I saw a heavenly mist and a brilliant light rolling down the stairway that greeted me. On my knees, I slowly climbed those stairs until I envisioned the nail-scared feet of Him Who sat upon the throne. I humbly removed my backpack in which I concealed my trials and tribulations, my anguish, my fears, my humble requests. I laid each and every article in my backpack before the Lord and sincerely acknowledged my weakness and His strength. Sounds spiritual enough so far - right?

As I ended my prayer, I began to clear the cluttered staircase of my failures, my guilt, my broken promises my fears and my needs. I returned each into my backpack just as I had brought them.

AND THEN IT HAPPENED!

In my imagination He who sat upon the throne quietly and lovingly asked: “Why do you so quickly take back that which you have just entrusted to Me?”

In that moment I experienced God personally! I experienced a refreshing new freedom, knowing He was in control. I experienced a new power in my life that would sustain me through the difficult times. Friend, you need only to leave the challenges of life there - with Him.

The Bible records the following:

“Casting the whole of your care - all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all - on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully.” - 1 Peter 5:7

“Cast your burden upon the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved - made to slip, fall or fail.” - Psalms 55:22

A new year is upon us; a time of reflection and anticipation. What will you choose to bring into the new year? Are their things best left on those heavenly stairs? I’ve got good news; His gates are always open!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays?

I know, I know ... it’s politically correct, “Happy holidays”. I promise; I’ve really tried to say it. I certainly don’t want to be offensive.

“Happy ho; happy hol; MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

I just can’t seem to bring myself to (temporarily) separate myself from my faith, and from the greeting that to me means, “May God richly bless you and yours with peace, joy and a love that only He can give! ” No, really; I've TRIED!

“Happy hol ... Happy holi ...” darn!

Why is, “Merry Christmas” tantamount to yelling, “FIRE” in a crowded building? When was this determined? Who determined it?

Okay, I suppose for a non-believer or different believer it might seem hypocritical to extend a greeting for which there is no true meaning. I can understand that. As a matter of fact, I respect the fact that such an individual is so truthful. But, I am a believer. This IS my greeting. Why would I recoil at the opportunity to extend it? Why would any non-believer or different believer be offended when I too am being truthful? I can accept their well wishes for a season of happiness. As a matter of fact, I appreciate it! Who decided that my greeting is not acceptable? When extended in sincerity, what reasonable person, of any faith, or no faith, would be repulsed?

I don’t know. I suppose I’m just biased. I suppose I am hopelessly locked in the past, unwilling to give up the traditions and beliefs upon which my life has been influenced.

“Happy holid... happy holid...”, nope.

I could easily say, “happy holidays” for those events that don’t particularly hold a deeper personal meaning to me. GROUNDHOG DAY - ‘HAPPY HOLIDAY!” I have no problem with that one...

There is just something about Christmas and Easter that (to me), sets it apart from Groundhog Day.

I am so out of touch that I just recently realized there are, “Season’s Greetings Police” among us. Perhaps you’ve met them too. They are the ones who, if extended, “Merry Christmas”, firmly, sternly retort with, “HAPPY - HOLIDAYS!” Ouch!

Well, going on about it won’t change the situation. Someone, somewhere, who knows a lot more about right and wrong than I do, and has far more influence than my little blog, determined that I must, at the very least, be cautious when extending MY greeting or salutation.

So, forgive me if you must. I truly do wish each and every individual, with whom I have been so blessed to know, and from whom I have gained so much, God’s richest blessings now and for the many seasons to come.

Merry Christmas!

Seeing Christmas in a New Light

“And Jesus said, for judgment I am come into this world, that they who see not, might see; and that they who see, might be made blind.” – John 9:39

Jesus spoke of ‘spiritual sight’ not physical. The religious leaders boasted of spirituality but in reality were spiritually blind. They were the paparazzi of Jesus day, following Jesus only to stand witness against Him at His slightest transgression of their law. In chapter 9 of John and verse 14 they seize opportunity; Jesus had healed a man born blind – on the Sabbath! Some of the Pharisees attempt to press Jesus into further self-incrimination by asking, “are we blind also?”

So Jesus decides to present to them the entire plan and purpose of His coming in a most glorious, and yet subtle manner. Let’s look at that purpose in John 10.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” – John 10:1

“But He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep” – John 10:2

“To Him the Porter openeth, and the sheep hear His voice; and He calleth His own sheep by name and leadeth them out.” – John 10:3

“And when He putteth forth His won sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him; for they know His voice.” – John 10:4

“And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.” - John 10:5

Notice that at this point, no one understood what Jesus was saying! And so, Jesus begins to, “flesh-out” his analogy - only to create even more confusion; maybe even to us today!

“Then said Jesus unto them again, ‘verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” – John 10:7

“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them.” – John 10:8

“I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

Simple enough – right? Look again…

Sit, for a moment, as if you were one of His disciples. What did He just say? He is the door? He is the shepherd?

But:

Didn’t He say (vs.1) “he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber”? What is the sheepfold – heaven? IS THERE ANOTHER WAY BESIDES THE DOOR?

Didn’t He say (2) “He that entereth in by the DOOR is the SHEPHERD of the sheep”? Wait a minute - is He the door or the shepherd? How can He be both? Can He enter HIM?

(3) Who is the Porter – I mean, besides being a door-man? And from where is this shepherd leading the sheep?

We now begin to understand their confusion. Going further verse 9 poses additional problems. If Jesus is the door – why would anyone want to go in and out?

Let’s review the passage once again in the spirit of the Christmas Story.

This world in which we live is a vast sheepfold filled with many sheep. Jesus chose to enter this world in a very miraculous way. As you look at verses 1 – 3 we see a striking parallel to Luke 1: 26 – 35 wherein the angel Gabriel visits Mary and announces the coming birth of Jesus. In Luke 1:34 Mary asks a very logical question:

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

Listen to what the angel says; it is important for us to understand his reply so that we can see more clearly what Jesus is saying in John 10.

“And the angel answered, and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

The Holy Spirit is the Porter opening the door of the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus into the sheepfold of the world. Anyone claiming previously to be the shepherd was a thief and a robber. No one had entered the world in this manner before or since. It is a CLOSED DOOR, entered and shut by Jesus.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His sheep by name. His sheep hear Him and He goes before them and leads them out of the confines of this world and its system to a citizenship eternally with Him. He is the OPEN DOOR of the sheep. He remains open today for any who will spiritually hear His voice.

He is the REVOLVING DOOR (9) of fellowship leading to the throne of God in prayer by which we find pleasant pasture (Psalms 23) before Him and in our daily lives.

In John 10:24 a frustrated crowd demands:

“…How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly!”

Jesus responds with comfort to those whose eyes are open and who hear His voice:

“Jesus answered then, I told you, and ye believed not; the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believed not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to Me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and My Father are ONE!” - John 10:30

That is pretty plain talk, isn’t it?

What a wonderful gift Jesus has given! What a wonderful story God has revealed through John. In the hustle and bustle of this Christmas Season, have you heard His voice? Has he touched your spiritual eyes so that you can see Him for Who He really is? Have you received His gift?

Finding balance and living within God’s will begins with becoming part of His family. He calls and offers Himself through His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection!

Merry Christmas!

Spiritual Bargain Basement

Tis the season! Shoppers camp out late at night to be first in line to buy products they don’t need with money they don’t have to impress people who don’t care. Ah, tis the season indeed!

But, if you get in line early enough, are committed enough, sacrifice enough of your time and comfort and are willing to pay enough - you are usually able to get what you want.

So why isn’t the same way with God? Do you ever find yourself bargaining with Him? If you get to church early enough, often enough, are committed enough, sacrifice enough of your time and comfort and are willing to pay enough, read your Bible enough, memorize verses enough, share with people enough, pray enough, serve enough - you should be able to get what you want - right?

Why isn’t He blessing? I’m doing all the right things. Why isn’t He holding up His side of the bargain?

Bargaining with God - but living in the basement of life; God’s, “Spiritual Bargain Basement”.

Here’s the truth, God doesn’t want these things. WHAT? SACRILEGE! Nope; sorry. God doesn’t want them. Don’t get me wrong. All of these things are wonderful - when they are truly the results of a contrite heart, a humble gratitude and irrepressible love. God doesn’t want our actions; GOD DEMANDS OUR ALL. He wants our heart. He wants our will to be uniquely, specifically, totally yielded to His will. He wants our very being, wholly and completely to be yielded to His control. No, He is not bargaining. The answer is no; NO. Once we realize this, once we realize how aimlessly and hopelessly futile OUR very best spirituality is, we are prepared to relax in HIS very best for us!

The Bible says,

“Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS - delight, gladden yourselves in Him; again I say REJOICE! Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness - your considerateness, your forbearing spirit. The Lord is near - He is coming soon. Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition [definite requests] with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there be any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things - fix your minds on them.” - Philippians 4: 4-8

Have you ever noticed? Bargain basements are usually left overs, last season’s and damaged goods. You and I really DO get what WE pay for. But never forget, HE has paid the price!

It is He Who has mapped the plan. He directs the path. He provides everything and more. We need only to relax in Him - trust and THEN obey. The attitude of doing what I must, to get what I can, is not God’s Biblical equation for blessings or balance.

Ah, but there is tremendous comfort! We need not bargain with God because we are joint heirs with Jesus! We already own His inheritance. There are no early bird specials, no blue light, red tag, two-for-one or five cent sale. He owns it all and freely gives, over and above, to His children.

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” - Romans 8:32

“So I say to you, ASK and keep on asking, and it shall be given you; SEEK and keep on seeking, and you shall find; KNOCK and keep on knocking, and the door shall be opened to you. For every one who asks and keeps on asking receives, and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds, and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking the door shall be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg will give him a scorpion? If you then, evil-minded as you are, know how to give good gifts - gifts that are to advantage - to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” - Luke 11:9-13

“For the Lord is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory - honor, splendor and heavenly bliss! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed - happy, fortunate [to be envied] - is the man who trusts in You, (leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving)!” - Psalms 84: 11,12

“Do you not know that your body is the temple - the very sanctuary - of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a gift] from God? You are not your own, you were bought for a price - purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.” - 1 Corinthians 19,20

It’s a new day. Why not take a moment and ask yourself, “have I been bargaining with God or have I faithfully surrendered my all? Have I truly and dependently waited upon Him and served Him - anyway? Am I in a spiritual “bargain basement?”

“I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry. HE DREW ME UP out of a horrible pit - a pit of tumult and of destruction - out of the miry clay (froth and slime) and set my feet upon a rock, steadying (BALANCING) my steps and establishing my goings. And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. many will see and fear - revere, and worship - and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.” - Psalms 40:1-3

God bless!