"If you are... the Son of God... then prove it: by turning these stones to bread or by jumping off the highest point of the temple and letting your angels catch you." That was the tempter's taunting when Jesus fasted in the wilderness just prior to beginning his public ministry. (Matthew 4)
"If you are... the Messiah, the Son of God..., then tell us!" That was the demand of the high priest before whom Jesus stood trial. (Matthew 26)
"If you are... the Son of God... then come down from the cross!" They chided him, casting insults at him, as he was suspended, humiliated and naked, between two common thieves. (Matthew 27)
"If you are... able... then help us." This was the plea of an anguished father whose mute, convulsive demon-possessed son once again fell victim to the spirits that tortured him. (Mark 9)
People were always demanding that Jesus prove it, tell them, help them... if he was who he claimed to be. Things are not much different today.
Jesus always did. He proved who he was...
sometimes by giving people exactly that for which they asked: plainly answering their questions, provoking even more hatred... healing the one imprisoned in misery...
At other times he did not give what was demanded, but the answer he gave spoke in even more astounding power about his true identity. He answered the tempter, not by giving in to his demands, but by resisting him... he answered his executioners, not by removing himself from the cross, but by rising from the dead!!
If you are...???
Since you are... more than able... The Messiah... the Son of God...
I will trust you...
I will serve you...
I will love you...
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Peace That Comes from Knowing
Last weekend a friend of mine posted a beautiful entry on his blog. In the post he briefly describes his often tumultuous journey to discover God during his nearly 35 year trek on this planet, and how he recently came to a new understanding--experience-- of who God really is. To God he writes...
"Something changed inside me a few days ago when I realized not only that you were there, but I understood for the first time what it feels like to know that I am loved unconditionally. To recognize that you not only love, but that you are love was a powerful discovery. I can feel a wave of peace flow through me just by thinking about it. Peace that comes from knowing I don’t have to question your existence anymore. Peace that comes from knowing you’ll always be there when I need you."
There was one line in his post that I can't get out of my head. He mentioned "peace that comes from knowing". Yes! I love that. The Bible tells us that the peace God offers is not like the peace the world offers; that His peace is beyond our understanding.
We can experience it, although we cannot explain it. When you encounter this God... when you know he is real... when you know his peace... everything changes.
It can't be explained, doesn't need to be defended or debated... you just know that you know that he's real. And there is a peace that comes from knowing. Things settle down. The internal wrestling match subsides. Peace.
I love the scene in the movie Forest Gump where Captain Dan, furious with God for the loss of both legs during the Vietnam war, is riding out a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico strapped atop the mast of a shrimp boat, cursing God and flipping Him off while being pummeled and stung by 120 mph winds and salt-water.
In the next scene the skies are clear and blue, the sea is smooth as glass, and Captain Dan is going for a swim. Peace. The struggle is over. The internal war resolved. I know many Christians who were offended by that scene. I love it. Been there... on both sides of that war.
There is a peace that comes from knowing God. It guards my heart and mind--my emotions and my thoughts. Resting in the experiential knowledge of who He is... there is life there. And joy. And peace.
"Something changed inside me a few days ago when I realized not only that you were there, but I understood for the first time what it feels like to know that I am loved unconditionally. To recognize that you not only love, but that you are love was a powerful discovery. I can feel a wave of peace flow through me just by thinking about it. Peace that comes from knowing I don’t have to question your existence anymore. Peace that comes from knowing you’ll always be there when I need you."
There was one line in his post that I can't get out of my head. He mentioned "peace that comes from knowing". Yes! I love that. The Bible tells us that the peace God offers is not like the peace the world offers; that His peace is beyond our understanding.
We can experience it, although we cannot explain it. When you encounter this God... when you know he is real... when you know his peace... everything changes.
It can't be explained, doesn't need to be defended or debated... you just know that you know that he's real. And there is a peace that comes from knowing. Things settle down. The internal wrestling match subsides. Peace.
I love the scene in the movie Forest Gump where Captain Dan, furious with God for the loss of both legs during the Vietnam war, is riding out a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico strapped atop the mast of a shrimp boat, cursing God and flipping Him off while being pummeled and stung by 120 mph winds and salt-water.
In the next scene the skies are clear and blue, the sea is smooth as glass, and Captain Dan is going for a swim. Peace. The struggle is over. The internal war resolved. I know many Christians who were offended by that scene. I love it. Been there... on both sides of that war.
There is a peace that comes from knowing God. It guards my heart and mind--my emotions and my thoughts. Resting in the experiential knowledge of who He is... there is life there. And joy. And peace.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Hearing Voices
People may think you're weird if you were to say, "I talk to God."
Some people would think you're certifiably insane if you were to say, "God talks to me."Yet, hearing His voice is normal for the believer. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice."
Is it an audible voice? His Spirit speaks to my spirit.
Dan Rather once asked Mother Teresa, "Do you talk to God?"
"Yes", she replied.
"What do you say in your conversations with God?"
"I mostly listen", was her reply.
"What does God say to you, then?"
"He mostly listens, too."
I like that. I get it. My wife and I often communicate with each other without either one of us saying a word. People in close relationships--good friends--find that rather easy to do.
That's the kind of relationship God wants with each one of His children.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
Is it an audible voice? His Spirit speaks to my spirit.
Dan Rather once asked Mother Teresa, "Do you talk to God?"
"Yes", she replied.
"What do you say in your conversations with God?"
"I mostly listen", was her reply.
"What does God say to you, then?"
"He mostly listens, too."
I like that. I get it. My wife and I often communicate with each other without either one of us saying a word. People in close relationships--good friends--find that rather easy to do.
That's the kind of relationship God wants with each one of His children.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Futility of Religion
I'm no fan of religion. Any religion--just doesn't work. It doesn't provide what's promoted. Religion is based on having a god that needs to be appeased... either in an effort to gain his/her/its favor and remain in good standing with said deity, or in an effort to avoid his/her/its wrath.
Many religious people believe God is ticked off, at a distance, and separated because of their inability to perform adequately enough to keep his affection. That is not true. It is a lie. God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you. I love you. There is not condemnation for those who are in Christ." That is the truth.
There is something much better than religion--a real and living relationship, even friendship, with the real and living God. That's exactly what Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) discovered, as recorded in the New Testament:
"My dear brothers and fathers, listen carefully to what I have to say before you jump to conclusions about me." When they heard him speaking Hebrew, they grew even quieter. No one wanted to miss a word of this.
He continued, "I am a good Jew, born in Tarsus in the province of Cilicia, but educated here in Jerusalem under the exacting eye of Rabbi Gamaliel, thoroughly instructed in our religious traditions. And I've always been passionately on God's side, just as you are right now.
"I went after anyone connected with this 'Way,' went at them hammer and tongs, ready to kill for God. I rounded up men and women right and left and had them thrown in prison. You can ask the Chief Priest or anyone in the High Council to verify this; they all knew me well. Then I went off to our brothers in Damascus, armed with official documents authorizing me to hunt down the Christians there, arrest them, and bring them back to Jerusalem for sentencing.
"As I arrived on the outskirts of Damascus about noon, a blinding light blazed out of the skies and I fell to the ground, dazed. I heard a voice: 'Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?'
" 'Who are you, Master?' I asked.
"He said, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, the One you're hunting down.' My companions saw the light, but they didn't hear the conversation.
"Then I said, 'What do I do now, Master?'
"He said, 'Get to your feet and enter Damascus. There you'll be told everything that's been set out for you to do.' And so we entered Damascus, but nothing like the entrance I had planned— I was blind as a bat and my companions had to lead me in by the hand.
"And that's when I met Ananias, a man with a sterling reputation in observing our laws— the Jewish community in Damascus is unanimous on that score. He came and put his arm on my shoulder. 'Look up,' he said. I looked, and found myself looking right into his eyes— I could see again! (Acts 22:1-13, The Message)
Later, when Paul wrote about the difference between religion and a real relationship with the living God, here is what he had to say:
"We Jews know that we have no advantage of birth over "non-Jewish sinners." We know very well that we are not set right with God by rule keeping but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. How do we know? We tried it— and we had the best system of rules the world has ever seen! Convinced that no human being can please God by self-improvement, we believed in Jesus as the Messiah so that we might be set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not by trying to be good.
Have some of you noticed that we are not yet perfect? (No great surprise, right?) And are you ready to make the accusation that since people like me, who go through Christ in order to get things right with God, aren't perfectly virtuous, Christ must therefore be an accessory to sin? The accusation is frivolous. If I was "trying to be good," I would be rebuilding the same old barn that I tore down. I would be acting as a charlatan.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that." (Galatians 2:15-21, The Message)
Many religious people believe God is ticked off, at a distance, and separated because of their inability to perform adequately enough to keep his affection. That is not true. It is a lie. God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you. I love you. There is not condemnation for those who are in Christ." That is the truth.
There is something much better than religion--a real and living relationship, even friendship, with the real and living God. That's exactly what Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) discovered, as recorded in the New Testament:
"My dear brothers and fathers, listen carefully to what I have to say before you jump to conclusions about me." When they heard him speaking Hebrew, they grew even quieter. No one wanted to miss a word of this.
He continued, "I am a good Jew, born in Tarsus in the province of Cilicia, but educated here in Jerusalem under the exacting eye of Rabbi Gamaliel, thoroughly instructed in our religious traditions. And I've always been passionately on God's side, just as you are right now.
"I went after anyone connected with this 'Way,' went at them hammer and tongs, ready to kill for God. I rounded up men and women right and left and had them thrown in prison. You can ask the Chief Priest or anyone in the High Council to verify this; they all knew me well. Then I went off to our brothers in Damascus, armed with official documents authorizing me to hunt down the Christians there, arrest them, and bring them back to Jerusalem for sentencing.
"As I arrived on the outskirts of Damascus about noon, a blinding light blazed out of the skies and I fell to the ground, dazed. I heard a voice: 'Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?'
" 'Who are you, Master?' I asked.
"He said, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, the One you're hunting down.' My companions saw the light, but they didn't hear the conversation.
"Then I said, 'What do I do now, Master?'
"He said, 'Get to your feet and enter Damascus. There you'll be told everything that's been set out for you to do.' And so we entered Damascus, but nothing like the entrance I had planned— I was blind as a bat and my companions had to lead me in by the hand.
"And that's when I met Ananias, a man with a sterling reputation in observing our laws— the Jewish community in Damascus is unanimous on that score. He came and put his arm on my shoulder. 'Look up,' he said. I looked, and found myself looking right into his eyes— I could see again! (Acts 22:1-13, The Message)
Later, when Paul wrote about the difference between religion and a real relationship with the living God, here is what he had to say:
"We Jews know that we have no advantage of birth over "non-Jewish sinners." We know very well that we are not set right with God by rule keeping but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. How do we know? We tried it— and we had the best system of rules the world has ever seen! Convinced that no human being can please God by self-improvement, we believed in Jesus as the Messiah so that we might be set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not by trying to be good.
Have some of you noticed that we are not yet perfect? (No great surprise, right?) And are you ready to make the accusation that since people like me, who go through Christ in order to get things right with God, aren't perfectly virtuous, Christ must therefore be an accessory to sin? The accusation is frivolous. If I was "trying to be good," I would be rebuilding the same old barn that I tore down. I would be acting as a charlatan.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that." (Galatians 2:15-21, The Message)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Screamin' Preachers
I don't get it. I don't understand why some people like screaming preachers. I suspect they see it as an indication of passion. I don't get it.
I've known my wife for over twenty-seven years and we've been married for over twenty-four of those years. I have deep passion for her, but I don't scream at her... or about her.
I'm also passionate about some sports teams and sporting events, but would never relegate a relationship with God to something as trivial as those things.
So when it comes to preachers, unlike any other form of public speaking, why is volume seen as a sign of deeper sincerity and commitment? Volume does not equal passion... or integrity... or proximity to the Almighty.
I love God with all my heart, but I don't have to yell at you to convince you of his reality or worth. As I see it, I'm not angry... nothing is on fire... I'm not trying to sell you a used car; I really see no reason to scream.
I've known my wife for over twenty-seven years and we've been married for over twenty-four of those years. I have deep passion for her, but I don't scream at her... or about her.
I'm also passionate about some sports teams and sporting events, but would never relegate a relationship with God to something as trivial as those things.
So when it comes to preachers, unlike any other form of public speaking, why is volume seen as a sign of deeper sincerity and commitment? Volume does not equal passion... or integrity... or proximity to the Almighty.
I love God with all my heart, but I don't have to yell at you to convince you of his reality or worth. As I see it, I'm not angry... nothing is on fire... I'm not trying to sell you a used car; I really see no reason to scream.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Eternal Life
As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane just hours prior to his execution, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."
(John 17:1-4)
Jesus defines eternal life not as living in "heaven" forever after one dies (streets of gold, halos and harps, wings and clouds), as is often proclaimed. Jesus defines eternal life as knowing Him and God (intimate relationship) right here, right now.
It's not about length of life, but depth of life; not about quantity, but quality.
(John 17:1-4)
Jesus defines eternal life not as living in "heaven" forever after one dies (streets of gold, halos and harps, wings and clouds), as is often proclaimed. Jesus defines eternal life as knowing Him and God (intimate relationship) right here, right now.
It's not about length of life, but depth of life; not about quantity, but quality.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Role Reversal
Much of the tension in our culture today is because the Church has forgotten its role. Evangelical Christians in particular get blasted for being condemning, judgmental and unloving.
It is the job of God's Holy Spirit to convict of sin. Jesus said, "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:7-11)
I don't understand all that that means, but I do get this: It's not my job to convict people of sin. It is my job to love what God loves, and it is His job to convict of sin.
The Church as some point got that twisted; believing it's God's job to love (which He does) and our job to convict people of sin (which it is not). I believe this ungodly role reversal is the cause of so much animosity in our society.
"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. (John 3:16) God loves people and true Christ followers love what God loves.
Some critics may be quick to point to scripture like "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15), but that is not talking about people, but rather the value systems of the world that are contrary to God's value system.
I like the way The Message interprets that passage: "Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father."
If followers of Jesus will simply love the world--simply love the person in front of us at any given moment--and let the Holy Spirit convict the world, we will get a different reaction and see a different response from people. It's time for the Church to do another role reversal.
It is the job of God's Holy Spirit to convict of sin. Jesus said, "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:7-11)
I don't understand all that that means, but I do get this: It's not my job to convict people of sin. It is my job to love what God loves, and it is His job to convict of sin.
The Church as some point got that twisted; believing it's God's job to love (which He does) and our job to convict people of sin (which it is not). I believe this ungodly role reversal is the cause of so much animosity in our society.
"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. (John 3:16) God loves people and true Christ followers love what God loves.
Some critics may be quick to point to scripture like "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15), but that is not talking about people, but rather the value systems of the world that are contrary to God's value system.
I like the way The Message interprets that passage: "Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father."
If followers of Jesus will simply love the world--simply love the person in front of us at any given moment--and let the Holy Spirit convict the world, we will get a different reaction and see a different response from people. It's time for the Church to do another role reversal.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Searching for God
cartoon idea from "Bob", a listener to The God Journey:
panel 1: There is a very tall ladder reaching into and past the clouds, one guy's a few feet up the ladder, another guy is holding the ladder so he won't fall.
Panel 2: A crowd begins to gather and they watch the man climb up higher and higher. A person in the crowd asks the guy holding the ladder, "What is he doing?". The guy answers, "He's trying to get closer to God."
Panel 3: Someone in the crowd shouts out to the guy holding the ladder, "So, who are you?". The guy smiles and answers, "God."
-----------------------
How futile our efforts are. "I'm going to get closer to God..." and God's saying, "Okay, I'll be here when you're done with this. I'll be right here."
God has a long-suffering heart towards us, not excusing a single thing, and not surprised by all the things we try to do to get close to him on our own. He's holding the ladder, "I'm not going to let you fall, but if you've got to go there to find out I'm not there go ahead, that just shortens the time we can actually be friends."
He was there all the time, patiently waiting. Silence is not the same as distance.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Quote of the Day
"I love toe socks... they make great gloves! They fit my fingers and keep my arms warm."
~ Kim Thompson
Belonging to Jesus
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (words of Jesus of Nazareth, recorded in John 10:27-30)
Listening to Jesus' voice; being known by Him and following Him. Enjoying this relationship that truly is life... and life-giving. Being secure in Father. That's what God wants for all of His children.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Relationship Is Everything
I've always been more task-oriented than people-oriented. In fact, people have often gotten in the way of me completing the task at hand. In spite of being married nearly 25 years, the truth is I've never been very good at relationships. Until last weekend I had not seen my brother and sister and their families in seven years.
God is all about relationships. When everything is said and done the only thing that really lasts is relationships. Heaven will be about relationship--face to face with God.
The Apostle John, exiled on the isle of Patmos was separated by the sea from everything and everyone he held dear. In the final chapters of the Book of Revelation he sees heaven as relationship restored, separation annihilated:
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will their God and they will be my sons and daughters."
(Revelation 21:1-7)
It's not about doing more, trying harder, working longer and being more obedient. It's about learning to relate to the living God and people whom He created and loves.
Jesus said, "And this is the real and eternal life: That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent." (John 17:3) Heaven is not reserved for the hereafter, it can begin in the here and now. Relationship is everything.
God is all about relationships. When everything is said and done the only thing that really lasts is relationships. Heaven will be about relationship--face to face with God.
The Apostle John, exiled on the isle of Patmos was separated by the sea from everything and everyone he held dear. In the final chapters of the Book of Revelation he sees heaven as relationship restored, separation annihilated:
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will their God and they will be my sons and daughters."
(Revelation 21:1-7)
It's not about doing more, trying harder, working longer and being more obedient. It's about learning to relate to the living God and people whom He created and loves.
Jesus said, "And this is the real and eternal life: That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent." (John 17:3) Heaven is not reserved for the hereafter, it can begin in the here and now. Relationship is everything.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Obedience ISN'T Everything
For years I've said that if I condensed my relationship with God down to a bumper sticker it would read: "Obedience is Everything". Jesus said, "If you love me, you'll obey my commands." Each action a test of love; every lapse of obedience was spiritual infidelity, demonstration of a lack of love on my part. Obedience is everything.
No it isn't. That's not relationship. Taking on the Avis motto, "We Try Harder", thinking it would get me where I wanted to be, but it just doesn't work. Do more. Try harder. Work longer.
Yet one can still come up feeling like God is distant, wondering if He really exists. Striving, yet never connecting. Futility.
But what if Jesus wasn't giving us a requirement--a prerequisite-- but rather a promise? If you love me, live in relationship with me, abide with me, then I promise that obedience will be the mark of your life.
It's not about obeying in order to earn his love, or even prove your love for God. It's about wanting to obey because I know how much I am loved. Obedience isn't everything. Love is everything.
Many people strive to keep the Law (obey) in order to win God's favor and we never can do it--every one of us falls short. God says if you'll live in my love, you'll be able to do what you strove to do but were unable to do. Sweet spot.
No it isn't. That's not relationship. Taking on the Avis motto, "We Try Harder", thinking it would get me where I wanted to be, but it just doesn't work. Do more. Try harder. Work longer.
Yet one can still come up feeling like God is distant, wondering if He really exists. Striving, yet never connecting. Futility.
But what if Jesus wasn't giving us a requirement--a prerequisite-- but rather a promise? If you love me, live in relationship with me, abide with me, then I promise that obedience will be the mark of your life.
It's not about obeying in order to earn his love, or even prove your love for God. It's about wanting to obey because I know how much I am loved. Obedience isn't everything. Love is everything.
Many people strive to keep the Law (obey) in order to win God's favor and we never can do it--every one of us falls short. God says if you'll live in my love, you'll be able to do what you strove to do but were unable to do. Sweet spot.
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