Who Is Talking About You?

Joseph needed someone to speak on his behalf as his jealous brothers conspired to kill him, an act which would rob him (and, eventually, a starving generation) of his God-favored destiny.

Reuben was that someone...

Yielding to God

It is necessary, when yielding to God, to yield completely to God.

There's a wonderful illustration of this in the 12th and13th chapters of Genesis.

"Now the LORD had said to Abram:
'Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.'"
(Genesis 12:1)

God's instructions were clear, including the dictate to "Get out...from your family". But Abraham didn't yield completely to this command. He took both his father and Lot, and paid dearly for each offense.

He only got as far as Haran, which is halfway to Canaan. He could go no further until his father died.

How many times do we drag something or someone along on our way to pursuing what God has for us? Only absolute yielding will bring complete fulfillment of the promise.

And, as for Lot, strife arose between Abraham and Lot as they prospered. Abraham yielded to Lot (Genesis 13:7-9) and, after this yielding, God showed Abraham his inheritance:

"And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever."
Genesis 13:14-15

As long as we cling to what we think is ours, we won't realize what we are promised. We think we are prospering because of what we can cling to, when we are lacking because of what we aren't willing to yield.

It is the yielded spirit that gets the inheritance.

Yield to the Spirit of God. Hold, with a light touch, what you claim to be yours.

Discover as Abraham did that, when you yield, what He has for you is far greater.

Defending One's Self - remix

Jerusalem was rife with drama as the Man (Whom many were proclaiming to be King) was brought before the authorities.

False accusations and lies were thrust at Him, "But Jesus kept silent." (Matthew 26:63).

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Defense of one's self, particularly in our culture, has become somewhat of a right. But the higher way is the way that Jesus showed us.

Much of the time our words are used to create, correct, or restore our own public image. It can be difficult to resist the temptation to defend, to explain, or to return a barb.

In our defense of self, our words, unless spoken from absolutely pure motive can only inflame.

In our silence, God will speak.

How much do we trust God? Will we let Him speak in the silence? Or will we fill it with our words? Jesus showed us the way:

^{1 Peter 2:20} "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. ²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
²² “ Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; ²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;"

Sometimes the accusation can even come through a believer. Paul, talking to those "who are loved by God and called to be saints" (Romans 1:7), said:

^{Romans 2:1} "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. ²Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. ³So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? ⁴Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"

Understand that each of us is tragically capable of joining the accuser (Revelation 12:10) in passing judgment on someone else. Even under the most clear circumstances, this is a chancy habit. We're probably best-served by applying the accusation to ourselves to see if there is anything that can be found, first, in us.

Jesus, perfectly fit to "cast the first stone", didn't cast it.

The late Ed Cole, teacher and mentor to men, said, "Knowledge of God's Word is a bulwark against deception, temptation, accusation, even persecution. "

When accused or slandered, know what God says about you and believe it. In this way, He speaks in your silence. To you. And the voice of the accuser is silenced.

Occasionally, you might even find elements of truth in the accusation. The enemy, in his rush to condemn, can bring conviction that can lead to Godly repentance. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). In quiet, allow the Holy Spirit to use the words to speak to your heart about what is true and to nullify what is false. The Holy Spirit is the Great Teacher and Counselor, and will lead you into truth (John 16:13).

What about what others think? God will take care of them. Remember Psalm 62:5-7,

"My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation.
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God."

Christ was accused that we might not be condemned; and if at any time we find ourselves in this same position, we should remember that we cannot expect to manage with our words what He managed with His silence.

A Word on Perfection and Persecution

The Apostle Paul penned a number of scriptures that encourage us in pursuit of perfection (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:12). James had some things to say, too (James 1:4; James 3:2).

I'd like to focus on something that Jesus said about perfection.

"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

As with all scripture, we must look at this in context. What is the "therefore" there for?

This verse is one scripture from Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount", (Matthew 5, 6 and 7). This particular verse ties up 6 verses on the subject (as titled in my Bible), "Love Your Enemies".

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:43-48).

To be perfect as Our Father in Heaven is perfect means that we shine on the just and the unjust. And that we bring refreshment to the just and the unjust.

Jesus is emphasizing that it isn't fit for us, in representing Him, to do anything but bless, do good, and pray for those who hate, curse, or persecute us.

Persecution is a different subject completely. We don't see persecution in the United States in the way that scripture talks about persecution, but we may someday. Believers in the early church or today in China and some Middle East nations would laugh at what we call persecution. We, in our entitlement-culture, just get offended because people don't agree with us - and call that persecution.

Here's the point: Live like the King. He rules over His whole Kingdom. Some people don't serve Him, some may even curse and hate Him, but He shines on and sends rain to them anyway.

And many, as they awaken to His goodness as manifest in His Body, will come to repentance (Romans 2:4).

In this way, according to Jesus, you can be perfect, as He is.

The Value of Submission

In considering fellowship, we understand that there are different types of relationships between members of the Body of Christ. My relationships with younger college-age folks are much different than with elders in the Body of Christ.

A specific level of fellowship is submission.

Peter urges Elders to:

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 1 Peter 5:2-4

Peter goes on to encourage the young to submit to this shepherding oversight.

And to the young, the writer of Hebrews says:

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17

And the community functions as designed - a family atmosphere with loving elders who have experience and wisdom that only comes from time in faithful service to the Lord, and those younger submitting to their care, not out of obligation, but willingly.

It is not a concrete pecking order, but a living expression of life in an ordered Kingdom with God as our King.

In submission we entreat the influence of those who have gone before us who, by reason of experience, are equipped to help us because they've been there.

Mutual submission is the overriding principle (Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3).

Enjoy and value submission. Recognize the worth of this Godly discipline.

Availability

My kids seem to be more interested in my availability than my ability. They don't seem to care that I'm not very good at "freeze tag" (the rules are too fluid for me); they just want me to play. I'm not even all that sure that they respect my fluency in "Pig Latin" but Logan wants to speak it with me most of the time anyway.

I think God values our availability, too. We need to make ourselves available to Him for His purposes and, as often as we can, for simple fellowship with Him. That is when our instructions are sealed.

Sometimes this stuff just can't be scheduled. We must be alert to opportunities to "steal away" with Him - while alone or with others - and just be available. That means we have to shut down our outer and inner dialogue and just be with Him.

When it comes down to it, the skills - and even the language - don't really matter. It's the availability that does.

Ave-hay a-yay ice-nay ay-day.

Confidence

Some say our self-esteem is determined by what we think the most important person in our life thinks about us. That is so critical to our confidence, our witness, and our success in the Kingdom.

If we derive our confidence from what others say about us, we can become anything from prideful to pitiful, depending on their mood and perspective. It's a roller-coaster existence.

The truth is, we are not made greater by man's praise, neither are we made lesser by man's criticism. We are who God says we are, or rather, who we understand God to say we are.

It's an extensive list, but here are some scriptures on which to meditate.

Who am I?

I am born again (John 1:12-13; 3:7; 1 Peter 1:23).

I am saved (Acts 2:21; Eph. 2:8; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5).

I am redeemed (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12; Rev. 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

I am justified (Rom. 5:1, 18; Gal. 3:24).

I have a NEW nature (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15).

Christ lives in me (2 Cor. 6:16; Jn. 14:23; Gal. 2:20; Jn. 17:23; Col. 1:27).

I know He is my Strength, my Provider, my Healer, my Keeper (Ph. 4:13; Ps. 31:19; Ex. 15:26; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Thess. 3:3; Jude 24).

I know He is my Partner, Companion, and Friend in life (Prov. 18:24; Jn. 15:13-16; 17:21-23).

I am healed (Is. 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24; Ex. 15:26).

I am provided for (Phil. 4:19; Ps. 84:11; 2 Cor. 9:8).

I am not afraid (Joshua 1:9; Ps. 27:1,3; 23:4; 56:11; 91:1-7, 9-12; Is. 41:10).

I am no longer condemned (Rom. 8:1; Jn. 5:24).

I am delivered out of satan’s power (Col. 1:12-14; Job 5:19; Dan. 6:27; 2 Cor. 1:10).

I am no longer under satan’s dominion (Col. 1:12-14; Luke 10:19).

I am freed from the curse (Gal. 3:13).

I am freed from captivity (Jn. 8:32-36; Rom. 6:22).

I am connected to and complete in God (Eph. 2:6; Col. 2:9-10).

I am free from my past defeat and failure won’t hold me back (Eph. 2:1-7; 2 Cor. 5:17).

I am a partaker of the new nature (2 Peter 1:4; Col. 1:12; Heb. 3:14).

I am a partaker of Christ’s victory (Eph. 2:5-6; Col. 1:12-14).

I have the righteousness of Jesus (Rom. 5:17; Phil. 3:9; 1 Cor. 1:30).

I am more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37).

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”. (Eph. 2:10)

For Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness

2 Timothy is a beautiful letter from a loving "father-type" to his dear son.

Paul penned this at the end of his life, knowing that his time was short. He wanted to leave his loved and close follower with words that would strengthen his timid nature and establish firmly the function of the Word of God in his life and for future believers.

Paul knew that Timothy would encounter opposition, but prepared him for this opposition, reminding him of the gift of "power and of love and of a sound mind (Greek: sofronismos = self-discipline)" (1:7).

From the start, Paul is stressing the presence of power, the necessity of love, and the importance of a disciplined nature. This is a familiar refrain for Paul, who gave us the beautiful love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13.

He revisits this theme by stressing again, "faith and love" (1:13-14). And encourages Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1). Faith, love, grace, hope - pillars of Paul's gospel.

Paul's concern stretches to the hearers of the Gospel message, urging Timothy "...not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers" and to "shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness" (2:14,16).

His instruction in handling the Word of God is specific and loving:

^2:22 "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. ²⁵Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Even Paul's oft-quoted passage regarding the profitable use of scripture ("...for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 3:16) is directed at Timothy, not at others, ("But YOU...", 3:14) with care that Timothy wouldn't use the scripture to bring offense to others, but maturity to himself.

In the next chapter, Paul does tell Timothy to, "Convince, rebuke, and exhort" others but reinforces this charge by adding the words, "with all long-suffering and teaching" (4:2). A different standard than when applying scripture to self.

In other words, be brutal when applying God's Word to your own life, but exercise love (as in all things), self-control, and sound teaching when applying it to others.

We saw this in Paul's letter to the Romans (2:3-4), too:

"And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

I thank God for His goodness! It brought me to repentance.

What Jesus Said, Jesus Meant - Turn the Other Cheek

^{Matthew 5:38} “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ⁴⁰ If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also."

We must accept the fact that what Jesus said, Jesus meant.

I don't believe there is any deep or esoteric message in this passage.

So many times we are RIGHT. But RIGHT-ness is not always the issue. We may feel like we deserve revenge, or to retrieve something that we have unjustly lost, but there is more at stake than that.

Jesus was calling us to a higher way of living. This translates into a daily discipline that includes disarming conflicts that we are entitled to win.

Consider disabling an argument that you should win - with love.

Proverbs 21:14 "A gift in secret pacifies anger,
And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath."

Team-Building

Jesus built quite a team. These 11 (and later Paul and others) had a variety of strengths.

Many times we see organizations develop based on "like-kindedness", but "like-mindedness" is a better environment for success.

Lead with your strengths. And develop them.

Team up with people who have what you lack in terms of strength, but have what you have in terms of vision.

That way everyone wins at the expense of no one. Every joint supplies.

^{Ephesians 4:11} "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

He's still building His team.

Secrets 3

For 20+ years my wife and I have operated under a marriage strategy that we call "The B.E.S.T. Strategy". As with some of the other strategies that have become second-nature to us, we don't remember from whom or from where this strategy emerged. We just know it works.

Here's the skinny...

"B" stands for "Blessing". We make a point to bless each other, which means to say good things to and about each other. I cringe when I hear husbands refer to their wives as the "old lady" or the "ball-and-chain". She is a gift from God and, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD" (Proverbs 18:22).

"E" stands for "Edifying". Again, our speech plays a role here. We lift each other up with encouraging words. We believe in each other and have confidence that God is working - on many levels - to develop and mature each other and we would rather partner with Him in edifying than partner with the enemy in bringing discouragement.

"S" stands for "Sharing". There is not a part of my life, a conversation, a plan, or a dream that I hold that my wife is not aware of. We share with each other. Everything. Especially communications with the opposite sex. We recognize that our marriage is not either one of us; it is both of us. The two really did become one, and it would be a mistake to keep half of us in the dark and it is such an honor to have someone willing to listen to everything I have to say!

"T" stands for "Touching". We touch. It's good for us. It confirms what we feel for each other and, even when in disagreement over something, we touch to remind each other that we are still one.

This acronym gives us a score card to turn to every once in awhile to make sure that some basics are in place. I am far from perfect. My sarcastic upbringings make the "Blessing" part a particular challenge but my wife has seen me make progress over the years.

I hope this helps.

Secrets

Now more than twenty years into our marriage my wife and I still begin and end many of our days with a question.

In the morning over breakfast or a cup of coffee one of us will ask the other, "What do you want to do with this day God has given us?".

It's our way of acknowledging His rule over our lives, His gift of life to us, and our responsibility to steward the gift. It keeps us from going "auto-pilot" with our lives, recognizing that that would be easy and is the way of far too many.

It's a form of worship for us, as it invites His Presence and establishes His high place in our thoughts and actions for the day.

At the end of the day, usually before praying together and drifting off to sleep, one of us will ask, "What is the most significant thing you (or we) did today?"

This is an evaluation, of sorts, of our effect on and for the Kingdom and our stewardship of the day. The best answers always have to do with people we spoke with or prayed with or played with, or maybe a particular instruction or sincere conversation with one of our boys.

If the most significant thing had to do with buying a new shirt or car or cell phone or a good profit on a business deal, then we know we need to adjust, re-establishing His place in our day and our commitment to partnering with Him. Nothing wrong with these things. We just don't think they should be the most significant.

It keeps us on track. His track.

Jesus, of course, said it best. Our questions just help remind us.

^{Matthew 6:25} “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
²⁸ “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Win-Win

In our hyper-competitive society it seems there is a leaning towards every-day transactions becoming a battle, or at least a contest, that will result in a winner and a loser.

I see it over parking spaces, cash register lines, rights-of-way, government, purchases and, perhaps most tragic of all, discussions between believers.

This most essential community fabric - the family of God - needs to be preserved in one piece.

The concept of win-win must be held high here.

Consensus can be prized, not at the expense of what is right, but at the expense of one's own selfish desires. And consensus can be reached in a God-honored setting that acknowledges the worth of each person in the transaction.

The disciples disputed over their own greatness and were rebuked by the Lord (Mark 9:33-37). Instead of hearing their argument He set a child in their midst, endorsing the least to deflate the notion of the great.

The expression, "When we lift one another up we make progress at the expense of no one", is nowhere more true than in the family of God.

Take the time to lay down your self, your opinion, your preference, in favor of the glorious God-favored family.

A Soft Answer

Every once in awhile I get the opportunity of really putting scripture to the test.

It seems the scripture that has given me ample opportunity is this beautiful verse from Proverbs 15 (today's daily bread).

"A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger" (verse 1).

At some times I've intentionally given "a soft answer" and, at other times I've unintentionally given "a harsh word". And I can state with full confidence that this verse is true.

I like the number of times that we see Jesus respond with a soft answer or, perhaps, with silence. What an example He is for us of the Word Incarnate!

He came to show us God and, in that, showed us who we can be.

Thank God for the example of Christ in showing us that we are more than mere men, and that as James says of the way we err with our tongue, "My brethren, these things ought not to be so" (James 3:10). If they "ought not to be so" it must be possible to speak as Jesus did!

Let's not give up on a soft answer.

I'd love to hear testimony of when this worked for you. Will you share with a comment?

Oxen are Messy. Get one anyway.

Around my house we like to say, "you gotta' break a few eggs to make an omelette".

Solomon says it much better in Proverbs 14, verse 4...

"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox."

The point is this: You can keep things nice and tidy if you want. You can lead a simple life and not make any waves. You can stay home, watch TV and eat bon-bons all day and probably not make any trouble for yourself. But the increase will not be of the desirable type.

Or, you can get an ox. Things are gonna' get a little messy, but you'll get some real work done.

I believe this speaks to our partnership with God in advancing the work of the Kingdom. The only commission we receive in all of scripture is to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). You need to leave the sofa to do that.

That gets a little messy, but do it anyway.

Good Understanding

Proverbs Chapter 13 is the reading for today, and one verse in particular stood out for me.

"Good understanding gains favor,
But the way of the unfaithful is hard" (v. 15).

Good understanding implies not just natural, but spiritual understanding as well. And it gains favor in all aspects of the word - with God and man.

Jesus' wisdom and understanding was acknowledged, as was the link to favor...

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52)

Where does this come from?

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:20).

Also, Psalm 111 gives us some instruction:

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever" (v. 10).

These two verses, in context, show us how important it is to have a relationship with Christ that permits His coming to us with understanding AND the importance of our fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands.

The second part of this Proverb ("But the way of the unfaithful is hard") gains clarity because we know how hard it is to live with bad understanding. It is the root of so many of the issues we have with God and man.

When we truly understand Who God is and what He desires of us, this understanding will increase our favor. When we are not faithful to know Him, fear Him and obey Him, we misunderstand His purposes for and in us, and our way is hard. We lose favor.

Grow in intimacy with the Lord. Fear and obey Him. And watch your favor grow.

A Whole Lava Love

A recent frank discussion with a College friend led me to ponder the whole relationship thing.

Over the years we have seen many relationships flourish and then die, rushed through a process that, had it been taken in God's time, may have produced something fruitful or, at least, life-time friendships. Instead, these rushed relationships leave in their path two people who have a tough time being in the same room together. When they have been physical, the damage is even greater, as one or both feel ashamed and used.

When they are two people from the same circle of friends or church it is even more difficult, as the drama extends beyond them and affects the whole community.

We always encourage young folks to "pursue the friendship" and let God lead. No sense in rushing the second most important decision of your life. It has been said that 90% of your happiness or misery will come from this one decision.

Yesterday, the image came to me of a volcano. And the words, "Relationships and volcanoes are a lot alike. They are easy to get into, but hard to get out of".

My counsel...approach the beginning of a relationship very carefully. If it is right with God, you should be willing to absolutely give your life in the process. If it is not right, it is almost impossible to get out without someone being burned.

Guys:
Job 31:1
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl."

Girls:
Song of Solomon 2:7
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.

Click here for today's daily bread.